Monday, February 1, 2010
Lawyer says there are several ways of adopting “State –Sub-state” relations
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Friday, January 29, 2010
Gov’t, MILF exchange draft peace pacts; IMT returns before end of February
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/28 January) – The Philippine government and Moro Islamic Libreation Front (MILF) peace panels will meet again on February 18 to 19 in Kuala Lumpur after exchanging “very divergent drafts” on the proposed Comprehensive Compact or the negotiated settlement on January 27.
But while discussion on the drafts was postponed to three weeks later, the panels lauded the announcement of Datuk Othman bin Abd Razak, the Malaysian facilitator, that the International Monitoring Team (IMT) will be deployed back in Mindanao before end of February. The IMT left on November 30, 2008 and is returning after an absence of 14 months.
For the first time in the history of the GRP-MILF peace negotiations, government peace panel chair Rafael Seguis in a press statement dated January 28, cited government’s “openness to hear MILF proposals for constitutional change.”
The two panels agreed to meet again on February 18 to 19 “to discuss the draft texts and identify the next steps towards achieving a comprehensive compact and a negotiated solution,” a press statement from Datuk Othman bin Abd Razak dated January 28 said.
The facilitator said the parties also agreed “to preserve previous gains made in the peace process; to review each other’s draft texts with their respective principals; and to consult concerned stakeholders on options of moving forward.”
“Both parties look forward to the deployment of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) including a Civilian Protection Component (CPC) in the coming weeks,” he said.
But Mohagher Iqbal, MILF peace panel said the government’s draft peace agreement “essentially offers the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).”
“This offer was done in April of 2000 (sic) and repeated in February of 2003, just before the attack on the MILF Buliok complex in North Cotabato,” Iqbal said.
Iqbal must have meant late May 2000 when the government peace panel, then under retired general Eduardo Batenga, offered as a political package to the MILF, a “meaningful autonomy” through then House Bill 7883, an autonomy the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) had earlier rejected.
Asked about government’s offer of the ARMM to the MILF, Seguis told MindaNews in a text message, “no substantive talks yet. Not in that context!”
The government peace panel submitted a 17-page document, font 14, double space, while the MILF submitted a 37-page document, font 12 and 1.5 space.
In his January 28 press statement, Seguis clarified “there is no agreement yet.”
“Both sides are still in the early stages of discussing each other’s position papers,” he said.
Seguis explained the government’s draft peace agreement is “compliant with the Constitution and pertinent laws” and is “also guided by the Supreme Court decision on the aborted Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD).”
“It mostly identities executive ‘doables’, proposed legislative actions to strengthen regional autonomy, and openness to hear MILF proposals for constitutional change,” he said.
“The GRP draft is clear that discussions that will concern legislative and other policy actions will still be proposals which would be submitted to Congress,” he said.
“ There is no mention of any ‘Bangsa Moro’ sub-state in our draft,” Seguis added.
The MILF peace panel, Iqbal told MindaNews, has proposed a “State – Sub-state relationship” that would require amending the 1987 Constitution’s Article 10, Section 15-21.
Sections 15 to 21 of Article 10 on Local Government, are the sections on the autonomous regions. In the 1987 Constitution, these sections provided for the creation of autonomous regions in Muslim Mindanao and the Cordilleras but only the autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao has been created. The Cordillera region has remained an administrative region.
The arrangement, Iqbal said, would be “similar to Sarawak” in Malaysia. Malaysia has a federal form of government.
But lawyer and peace advocate Soliman Santos, author of “The Moro Islamic Challenge: Constitutional Rethinking for the Mindanao Peace Process,” a UP Press publication in 2001 which had its second edition last year, told MindaNews , “we can amend the Constitution’s provisions on ARMM only and place in the amendments something like the Sarawak sub-state arrangement.”
Santos said the Constitution “can be changed in any way as long as the process is proper” and that there is no need to shift to a federal system of government “wholesale, across-the-board (nation).”
He said the country just needs “provisions for a special region as was done with ARMM (& CAR) but this time of higher degree of self-determination like the Sarawak sub-state arrangement if that is agreed. This would already place it on the same constitutional level as the rest of the Constitution, and therefore obviates any issues of unconstitutionality.” (see other story)
Iqbal did not elaborate on the government’s ARMM offer.
The term of office of incumbent ARMM officials is until September 30, 2011 although Acting Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales wants the ARMM to hold elections in time with the national and local polls on May 10.
He said an early election for ARMM is needed to firm up the peace and order that martial law had started to establish not only in Maguindanao but also in the entire ARMM.
Iqbal said the government’s draft “deviates from what was agreed during the Agenda Setting Session in the previous GRP-MILF Special Meeting last December 8 and 9, 2009.”
In that Special Meeting, the panels agreed on seven items which government peace panel adviser Camilo Montesa summed up as: identity and citizenship; governance structure; security arrangements; wealth-sharing, natural resources and property rights; restorative justice and reconciliation; implementation arrangements; and independent monitoring.
MILF senior peace panel member Datu Michael Mastura said that the MILF stresses more on “transitional justice and reconciliation.”
Wednesday’s meeting opened with the statements from the Malaysian facilitator, Seguis, Iqbal, and some members of the International Contact Group (ICG), after which the drafts were exchanged.
The MILF peace panel was represented by Iqbal, Mastura, Maulana Bobby Alonto, Atty. Abdul Dataya, and Datu Antonio Kinoc, a B’laan. Jun Mantawil and Mike Pasigan composed the MILF Peace Panel Secretariat.
The government peace panel was represented by Seguis, Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandamen, Dr. Ronald Adamat, a Teduray, laywers Antonio Laviña, and Mariano Sarmiento, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process executive director Ryan Mark Sullivan and Zoilo Velasco.
The ICG members represented were Hitoshi Ozawa and Yoshihisa Ishikawa, Minister and First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan in Manila respectively (Japan); Ambassador Boyd McCleary, British High Commissioner to Malaysia and Mr. Christopher Wright, Second Secretary, British Embassy in Manila (UK); and Yasin Temizkan, Chargé d’ Affaires, Embassy of Turkey in Kuala Lumpur (Turkey).
The INGO (international non-governmental organization) members who were present were David Gorman, Mediation Adviser of the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HDC); Dr. Steven Rood, country director for the Philippines of The Asia Foundation’s(TAF); Herizal Hazri, Program Director in Malaysia; Thomas Parks, Regional Director for Governance and Conflict based in Thailand; Ms Cynthia Petrigh, Advisor on Peace Process, Conciliation Resources (CR, London); and Dr. Din Syamsuddin, President of Muhammadiyah accompanied by an adviser, Surwandono.(Carolyn O. Arguillas/MindaNews)
But while discussion on the drafts was postponed to three weeks later, the panels lauded the announcement of Datuk Othman bin Abd Razak, the Malaysian facilitator, that the International Monitoring Team (IMT) will be deployed back in Mindanao before end of February. The IMT left on November 30, 2008 and is returning after an absence of 14 months.
For the first time in the history of the GRP-MILF peace negotiations, government peace panel chair Rafael Seguis in a press statement dated January 28, cited government’s “openness to hear MILF proposals for constitutional change.”
The two panels agreed to meet again on February 18 to 19 “to discuss the draft texts and identify the next steps towards achieving a comprehensive compact and a negotiated solution,” a press statement from Datuk Othman bin Abd Razak dated January 28 said.
The facilitator said the parties also agreed “to preserve previous gains made in the peace process; to review each other’s draft texts with their respective principals; and to consult concerned stakeholders on options of moving forward.”
“Both parties look forward to the deployment of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) including a Civilian Protection Component (CPC) in the coming weeks,” he said.
But Mohagher Iqbal, MILF peace panel said the government’s draft peace agreement “essentially offers the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).”
“This offer was done in April of 2000 (sic) and repeated in February of 2003, just before the attack on the MILF Buliok complex in North Cotabato,” Iqbal said.
Iqbal must have meant late May 2000 when the government peace panel, then under retired general Eduardo Batenga, offered as a political package to the MILF, a “meaningful autonomy” through then House Bill 7883, an autonomy the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) had earlier rejected.
Asked about government’s offer of the ARMM to the MILF, Seguis told MindaNews in a text message, “no substantive talks yet. Not in that context!”
The government peace panel submitted a 17-page document, font 14, double space, while the MILF submitted a 37-page document, font 12 and 1.5 space.
In his January 28 press statement, Seguis clarified “there is no agreement yet.”
“Both sides are still in the early stages of discussing each other’s position papers,” he said.
Seguis explained the government’s draft peace agreement is “compliant with the Constitution and pertinent laws” and is “also guided by the Supreme Court decision on the aborted Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD).”
“It mostly identities executive ‘doables’, proposed legislative actions to strengthen regional autonomy, and openness to hear MILF proposals for constitutional change,” he said.
“The GRP draft is clear that discussions that will concern legislative and other policy actions will still be proposals which would be submitted to Congress,” he said.
“ There is no mention of any ‘Bangsa Moro’ sub-state in our draft,” Seguis added.
The MILF peace panel, Iqbal told MindaNews, has proposed a “State – Sub-state relationship” that would require amending the 1987 Constitution’s Article 10, Section 15-21.
Sections 15 to 21 of Article 10 on Local Government, are the sections on the autonomous regions. In the 1987 Constitution, these sections provided for the creation of autonomous regions in Muslim Mindanao and the Cordilleras but only the autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao has been created. The Cordillera region has remained an administrative region.
The arrangement, Iqbal said, would be “similar to Sarawak” in Malaysia. Malaysia has a federal form of government.
But lawyer and peace advocate Soliman Santos, author of “The Moro Islamic Challenge: Constitutional Rethinking for the Mindanao Peace Process,” a UP Press publication in 2001 which had its second edition last year, told MindaNews , “we can amend the Constitution’s provisions on ARMM only and place in the amendments something like the Sarawak sub-state arrangement.”
Santos said the Constitution “can be changed in any way as long as the process is proper” and that there is no need to shift to a federal system of government “wholesale, across-the-board (nation).”
He said the country just needs “provisions for a special region as was done with ARMM (& CAR) but this time of higher degree of self-determination like the Sarawak sub-state arrangement if that is agreed. This would already place it on the same constitutional level as the rest of the Constitution, and therefore obviates any issues of unconstitutionality.” (see other story)
Iqbal did not elaborate on the government’s ARMM offer.
The term of office of incumbent ARMM officials is until September 30, 2011 although Acting Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales wants the ARMM to hold elections in time with the national and local polls on May 10.
He said an early election for ARMM is needed to firm up the peace and order that martial law had started to establish not only in Maguindanao but also in the entire ARMM.
Iqbal said the government’s draft “deviates from what was agreed during the Agenda Setting Session in the previous GRP-MILF Special Meeting last December 8 and 9, 2009.”
In that Special Meeting, the panels agreed on seven items which government peace panel adviser Camilo Montesa summed up as: identity and citizenship; governance structure; security arrangements; wealth-sharing, natural resources and property rights; restorative justice and reconciliation; implementation arrangements; and independent monitoring.
MILF senior peace panel member Datu Michael Mastura said that the MILF stresses more on “transitional justice and reconciliation.”
Wednesday’s meeting opened with the statements from the Malaysian facilitator, Seguis, Iqbal, and some members of the International Contact Group (ICG), after which the drafts were exchanged.
The MILF peace panel was represented by Iqbal, Mastura, Maulana Bobby Alonto, Atty. Abdul Dataya, and Datu Antonio Kinoc, a B’laan. Jun Mantawil and Mike Pasigan composed the MILF Peace Panel Secretariat.
The government peace panel was represented by Seguis, Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandamen, Dr. Ronald Adamat, a Teduray, laywers Antonio Laviña, and Mariano Sarmiento, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process executive director Ryan Mark Sullivan and Zoilo Velasco.
The ICG members represented were Hitoshi Ozawa and Yoshihisa Ishikawa, Minister and First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan in Manila respectively (Japan); Ambassador Boyd McCleary, British High Commissioner to Malaysia and Mr. Christopher Wright, Second Secretary, British Embassy in Manila (UK); and Yasin Temizkan, Chargé d’ Affaires, Embassy of Turkey in Kuala Lumpur (Turkey).
The INGO (international non-governmental organization) members who were present were David Gorman, Mediation Adviser of the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HDC); Dr. Steven Rood, country director for the Philippines of The Asia Foundation’s(TAF); Herizal Hazri, Program Director in Malaysia; Thomas Parks, Regional Director for Governance and Conflict based in Thailand; Ms Cynthia Petrigh, Advisor on Peace Process, Conciliation Resources (CR, London); and Dr. Din Syamsuddin, President of Muhammadiyah accompanied by an adviser, Surwandono.(Carolyn O. Arguillas/MindaNews)
Friday, January 22, 2010
IMT deployment in Mindanao comes with progress in talks
January 22, 2010 - While the redeployment of the Malaysian-led International Monitoring Team (IMT) has been discussed and agreed during the resumption of the GRP-MILF Peace Talks in Kuala Lumpur on December 8-9, their actual coming and exact date of touching base still depends on the contributing states and the progress of the peace talks now on the final stretch.
This was the clarification made by a member of the MILF Peace Panel, who requested anonymity, in an interview with www.luwaran.com last night.
He explained that agreement by the Parties to give mandate to the IMT partakes the nature of a recommendation but carries a very strong moral appeal in the spirit of peace-making that the international community now endorses or is fully engaged, but the decision is still in the hands of the contributing country.
“The hard thing is that there is a link between ensuring a peaceful atmosphere on the ground by the IMT and the progress of the peace talks on the negotiating table,” he further clarified, adding that the two are inseparable.
However, he is very optimistic that the IMT will be fielded in Mindanao immediately once a real progress in the peace talks happens during the forthcoming meeting in Kuala Lumpur between the Parties. Both the MILF and government have submitted their respective draft proposals on the comprehensive compact last January 20, which will be exchanged during the next round of talks in the presence of the members of the International Contact Group (ICG).
ICG member states are United Kingdom, Japan, and Turkey, all former world empires, while the international non-government organizations (INGOs) ICG members are Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (European-based), The Asia Foundation (Washington-based), Conciliation Resources (London-based), and Muhammadiyah (Jakarta-based).
The MILF 51-page draft proposal (not 21 as earlier published) has 18 articles and covers every aspect of the proposed interim Bangsamoro governance. It is premised on a state-and-substate relationship.
However, luwaran has no idea of the government draft, although it is expected to contain at least seven articles, which Undersecretary Camilo Montessa presented and proposed during the agenda-setting session of the Parties last December 9.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1169:imt-deployment-in-mindanao-comes-with-progress-in-talks&catid=81:moro-news&Itemid=372
This was the clarification made by a member of the MILF Peace Panel, who requested anonymity, in an interview with www.luwaran.com last night.
He explained that agreement by the Parties to give mandate to the IMT partakes the nature of a recommendation but carries a very strong moral appeal in the spirit of peace-making that the international community now endorses or is fully engaged, but the decision is still in the hands of the contributing country.
“The hard thing is that there is a link between ensuring a peaceful atmosphere on the ground by the IMT and the progress of the peace talks on the negotiating table,” he further clarified, adding that the two are inseparable.
However, he is very optimistic that the IMT will be fielded in Mindanao immediately once a real progress in the peace talks happens during the forthcoming meeting in Kuala Lumpur between the Parties. Both the MILF and government have submitted their respective draft proposals on the comprehensive compact last January 20, which will be exchanged during the next round of talks in the presence of the members of the International Contact Group (ICG).
ICG member states are United Kingdom, Japan, and Turkey, all former world empires, while the international non-government organizations (INGOs) ICG members are Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (European-based), The Asia Foundation (Washington-based), Conciliation Resources (London-based), and Muhammadiyah (Jakarta-based).
The MILF 51-page draft proposal (not 21 as earlier published) has 18 articles and covers every aspect of the proposed interim Bangsamoro governance. It is premised on a state-and-substate relationship.
However, luwaran has no idea of the government draft, although it is expected to contain at least seven articles, which Undersecretary Camilo Montessa presented and proposed during the agenda-setting session of the Parties last December 9.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1169:imt-deployment-in-mindanao-comes-with-progress-in-talks&catid=81:moro-news&Itemid=372
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Media victims’ widows file complaint vs Cayton, Geslani at Ombudsman’s office
by Froilan Gallardo/MindaNews
Wednesday, 20 January 2010 09:58
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/20 January) -- The widows of media victims in the Ampatuan Massacre of November 23 trooped to the Office of the Ombudsman Mindanao Tuesday to file charges against two top officers of the Philippine Army. They were accompanied by lawyer, Harry Roque, who told reporters that the two officers “could have prevented” the massacre had they sent soldiers to escort the convoys led by the wife of Buluan town Vice Mayor Esmael “Toto" Mangudadatu.
Mangudadatu sent his wife, sisters and lawyers, accompanied by 32 media workers, to go tot he provincial office of the Commission on Elections in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao, to file his certificate of candidacy for governor of Maguindanao.
The convoy was stopped along the highway in Ampatuan town by about a hundred men reportedly led by Datu Unsay mayor Datu Andal “Unsay” Ampatuan, Jr.
Named as respondents in the complaints are Maj. Gen. Alfredo Cayton Jr., former commanding general of the Cotabato-based 6th Infantry Division, and Col. Menardo Geslani, former commanding general of the Army 601st Infantry Brigade.
Both officers have been relieved following the massacre in Sitio Masalay, Barangay Salman in Ampatuan town, Maguindanao last Nov. 23 but an investigation conducted by the Philippine Army cleared both of the officers.
Cayton and Geslani reasoned that there was a lack of available soldiers since an Army battalion had been sent home to Samar a day prior to the incident.
But the widows, in their affidavits, did not believe both officers.
“Both Cayton’s and Geslani’s declaration that there were no direct threats from the ground prompted the journalists to proceed with the coverage of the Magundadatu women’s filing of COC,” they said
Joseph Jubelag of the Manila Standard who at the last moment decided not to go with the convoy on November 23, told reporters that several journalists called up Cayton asking for security update but Cayton assured them that it was safe to go to Shariff Aguak town.
“How can they be not guilty? Cayton and Geslani had information that the highway was filled with militiamen loyal to the Ampatuans,” Roque said.
Those who filed cases before the Ombudsman were widows and relatives of 13 of the 32 slain media workers are Reynafe Momay-Castillo for Reynaldo "Bebot" Momay, photographer of Midland Review in Tacurong whose remains have yet to be accounted for; Zenaida Duhay for Jhoy of GoldStar Daily in Tacurong; Juliet Evardo for Jolito Evardo of UNTV General Santos; Ma. Cipriana Gatchalian for Gatchalian Santos of DXGO in Davao City; Glenna Legarta for Bienvenido Legarta Jr., of Prontiera News in Koronadal City; Arlyn Lupogan for Lindo Lupogan of Mindanao Daily Gazette in Davao City; Mary Jean Merisco for Rey Merisco of Periodico Ini in Koronadal City; Catherine Nunez for Victor Nunez of UNTV in General Santos City; Noemi Parcon for Joel Parcon, Prontiera News in Korondal City; Myrna Reblando for Alejandro "Bong" Rebland, Manila Bulletin reporter based in General Santos City; Ramonita Salaysay for Napoleon Salaysay of Mindanao Gazette, Cotabato City; Editha Tiamzon for Daniel Tiamzon of UNTV in General Santos CIty; and Erlyn Umpad, partner of McDelbert Arriola of UNTV. Umpad and Arriola have a baby and were supposed to have gotten married in December.
Complaints against the military are usually filed before the Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for the Military and other Law Enforcement Offices which has no office in Mindanao but in Quezon City. (Froilan Gallardo/MindaNews)
http://mindanews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7521&Itemid=50
Wednesday, 20 January 2010 09:58
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/20 January) -- The widows of media victims in the Ampatuan Massacre of November 23 trooped to the Office of the Ombudsman Mindanao Tuesday to file charges against two top officers of the Philippine Army. They were accompanied by lawyer, Harry Roque, who told reporters that the two officers “could have prevented” the massacre had they sent soldiers to escort the convoys led by the wife of Buluan town Vice Mayor Esmael “Toto" Mangudadatu.
Mangudadatu sent his wife, sisters and lawyers, accompanied by 32 media workers, to go tot he provincial office of the Commission on Elections in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao, to file his certificate of candidacy for governor of Maguindanao.
The convoy was stopped along the highway in Ampatuan town by about a hundred men reportedly led by Datu Unsay mayor Datu Andal “Unsay” Ampatuan, Jr.
Named as respondents in the complaints are Maj. Gen. Alfredo Cayton Jr., former commanding general of the Cotabato-based 6th Infantry Division, and Col. Menardo Geslani, former commanding general of the Army 601st Infantry Brigade.
Both officers have been relieved following the massacre in Sitio Masalay, Barangay Salman in Ampatuan town, Maguindanao last Nov. 23 but an investigation conducted by the Philippine Army cleared both of the officers.
Cayton and Geslani reasoned that there was a lack of available soldiers since an Army battalion had been sent home to Samar a day prior to the incident.
But the widows, in their affidavits, did not believe both officers.
“Both Cayton’s and Geslani’s declaration that there were no direct threats from the ground prompted the journalists to proceed with the coverage of the Magundadatu women’s filing of COC,” they said
Joseph Jubelag of the Manila Standard who at the last moment decided not to go with the convoy on November 23, told reporters that several journalists called up Cayton asking for security update but Cayton assured them that it was safe to go to Shariff Aguak town.
“How can they be not guilty? Cayton and Geslani had information that the highway was filled with militiamen loyal to the Ampatuans,” Roque said.
Those who filed cases before the Ombudsman were widows and relatives of 13 of the 32 slain media workers are Reynafe Momay-Castillo for Reynaldo "Bebot" Momay, photographer of Midland Review in Tacurong whose remains have yet to be accounted for; Zenaida Duhay for Jhoy of GoldStar Daily in Tacurong; Juliet Evardo for Jolito Evardo of UNTV General Santos; Ma. Cipriana Gatchalian for Gatchalian Santos of DXGO in Davao City; Glenna Legarta for Bienvenido Legarta Jr., of Prontiera News in Koronadal City; Arlyn Lupogan for Lindo Lupogan of Mindanao Daily Gazette in Davao City; Mary Jean Merisco for Rey Merisco of Periodico Ini in Koronadal City; Catherine Nunez for Victor Nunez of UNTV in General Santos City; Noemi Parcon for Joel Parcon, Prontiera News in Korondal City; Myrna Reblando for Alejandro "Bong" Rebland, Manila Bulletin reporter based in General Santos City; Ramonita Salaysay for Napoleon Salaysay of Mindanao Gazette, Cotabato City; Editha Tiamzon for Daniel Tiamzon of UNTV in General Santos CIty; and Erlyn Umpad, partner of McDelbert Arriola of UNTV. Umpad and Arriola have a baby and were supposed to have gotten married in December.
Complaints against the military are usually filed before the Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for the Military and other Law Enforcement Offices which has no office in Mindanao but in Quezon City. (Froilan Gallardo/MindaNews)
http://mindanews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7521&Itemid=50
Creation of Mindanao Development Authority approved during bicam meet
by MindaNews
Tuesday, 19 January 2010 21:53
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/19 January) -- Finally, after a long wait of 50 years, the Senate and the House of Representatives approved during a bicameral meeting today the creation of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) that will “focus on the economic development of Mindanao, as well as on the social, political and cultural aspects of development in the island.” A press statement from the Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCo) said both houses of Congress harmonized two versions of the bill – Senate Bill 3496 or MEDA Bill approved on December 15 and House Bill 6958 approved on November 16.
House Bill 6958 seeks to strengthen the existing MEDCo into a more permanent institution “to ensure the continuity and consistency of interregional and Mindanao-wide programs as well as ensure a permanent mechanism that provides a coordinated and rationalized platform for program implementation and monitoring, investment promotion, as well as policy advocacy for Mindanao.”
Mindanao stakeholders have long been lobbying for a permanent mechanism that would ensure a strong voice for Mindanao in the national agenda. Previous advocacies for the creation of the first Mindanao Development Authority (MDA) dates back to 1960, the statement from MEDCo said.
The declaration of policy states that the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) will be established “to address the need for a coordinative and integrative approach for the formulation and implementation of various inter-regional and/or Mindanao-wide development plans, programs and projects.”
The bicameral meeting was chaired by Senator Edgardo Angara and Rep. Felix Alfelor of Bicol, Chairman of the House Committee on Government enterprises. The meeting was also attended by Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri and Representatives Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro, Pedro Romualdo of Camiguin, and Simeon Datumanong of Maguindanao.
As adopted by both houses, MinDA will focus on the economic development of Mindanao, as well as on the social, political and cultural aspects of development in the island. It shall also act as an “implementing agency for Mindanao-specific interregional and Mindanao-wide programs and projects” and shall cover Mindanao’s six regions, including the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
The MinDA shall also serve to promote the active participation of Mindanao and Palawan in the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
It shall also establish “a stronger BIMP-EAGA Advisory Board with the inclusion of Senate and House representatives.” The advisory board shall recommend policies and programs to ensure the widest participation of Mindanao and Palawan in BIMP-EAGA.
Undersecretary Virgilio Leyretana, MEDCo chair, said the enactment of the bill “is seen to enhance the potential role of Mindanao as the bridge to all cultures in this country and in BIMP-EAGA, as well as the lynchpin of our country's security and national interest.”
The first time a Mindanao Development Authority, then referred to as MDA, was proposed was in 1960, the MEDCo press statement said.
In the post-Marcos era, under the Aquino administration, a bill to set up a MEDA was proposed and approved by Congress, but President Aquino vetoed it due to objections by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA). In its stead, she issued EO 512, creating the MEDCo which was operationalized by Ramos, her successor-president.
Ramos created the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Mindanao (Opamin) and named Paul Dominguez as the first PA for Mindanao. He also named Dominguez as chair of MEDCo.
Opamin and MEDCo were both under the Office of the President.
“If there was measurable and palpable success in Mindanao programs for peace and development during the Ramos Administration,” Ramos said in his Nov. 30, 2008 column in Manila Bulletin, “it was mainly because just one official -- and only one -- Paul Dominguez was clothed with sufficient authority to make on-the-spot decisions over Mindanao matters already covered by national or Presidential policy. This efficient set-up quickly disintegrated during the succeeding Estrada administration with the appointment of three PAREs (Presidential Assistants for Regions) in Mindanao -- which resulted in inevitable rivalry for Presidential attention and "goodies" by his three "com-pares." (MindaNews)
http://www.mindanews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7520&Itemid=50
Tuesday, 19 January 2010 21:53
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/19 January) -- Finally, after a long wait of 50 years, the Senate and the House of Representatives approved during a bicameral meeting today the creation of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) that will “focus on the economic development of Mindanao, as well as on the social, political and cultural aspects of development in the island.” A press statement from the Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCo) said both houses of Congress harmonized two versions of the bill – Senate Bill 3496 or MEDA Bill approved on December 15 and House Bill 6958 approved on November 16.
House Bill 6958 seeks to strengthen the existing MEDCo into a more permanent institution “to ensure the continuity and consistency of interregional and Mindanao-wide programs as well as ensure a permanent mechanism that provides a coordinated and rationalized platform for program implementation and monitoring, investment promotion, as well as policy advocacy for Mindanao.”
Mindanao stakeholders have long been lobbying for a permanent mechanism that would ensure a strong voice for Mindanao in the national agenda. Previous advocacies for the creation of the first Mindanao Development Authority (MDA) dates back to 1960, the statement from MEDCo said.
The declaration of policy states that the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) will be established “to address the need for a coordinative and integrative approach for the formulation and implementation of various inter-regional and/or Mindanao-wide development plans, programs and projects.”
The bicameral meeting was chaired by Senator Edgardo Angara and Rep. Felix Alfelor of Bicol, Chairman of the House Committee on Government enterprises. The meeting was also attended by Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri and Representatives Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro, Pedro Romualdo of Camiguin, and Simeon Datumanong of Maguindanao.
As adopted by both houses, MinDA will focus on the economic development of Mindanao, as well as on the social, political and cultural aspects of development in the island. It shall also act as an “implementing agency for Mindanao-specific interregional and Mindanao-wide programs and projects” and shall cover Mindanao’s six regions, including the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
The MinDA shall also serve to promote the active participation of Mindanao and Palawan in the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
It shall also establish “a stronger BIMP-EAGA Advisory Board with the inclusion of Senate and House representatives.” The advisory board shall recommend policies and programs to ensure the widest participation of Mindanao and Palawan in BIMP-EAGA.
Undersecretary Virgilio Leyretana, MEDCo chair, said the enactment of the bill “is seen to enhance the potential role of Mindanao as the bridge to all cultures in this country and in BIMP-EAGA, as well as the lynchpin of our country's security and national interest.”
The first time a Mindanao Development Authority, then referred to as MDA, was proposed was in 1960, the MEDCo press statement said.
In the post-Marcos era, under the Aquino administration, a bill to set up a MEDA was proposed and approved by Congress, but President Aquino vetoed it due to objections by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA). In its stead, she issued EO 512, creating the MEDCo which was operationalized by Ramos, her successor-president.
Ramos created the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Mindanao (Opamin) and named Paul Dominguez as the first PA for Mindanao. He also named Dominguez as chair of MEDCo.
Opamin and MEDCo were both under the Office of the President.
“If there was measurable and palpable success in Mindanao programs for peace and development during the Ramos Administration,” Ramos said in his Nov. 30, 2008 column in Manila Bulletin, “it was mainly because just one official -- and only one -- Paul Dominguez was clothed with sufficient authority to make on-the-spot decisions over Mindanao matters already covered by national or Presidential policy. This efficient set-up quickly disintegrated during the succeeding Estrada administration with the appointment of three PAREs (Presidential Assistants for Regions) in Mindanao -- which resulted in inevitable rivalry for Presidential attention and "goodies" by his three "com-pares." (MindaNews)
http://www.mindanews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7520&Itemid=50
Monday, January 18, 2010
MILF to Civilian Protection Component: come up with ‘internal terms of reference
by Romy B. Elusfa/Contributor
Tuesday, 19 January 2010 10:48
SULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao (MindaNews/18 January) — The Civilian Protection Component (CPC) of the International Monitoring Team should meet to agree on an “internal terms of reference” which will be presented to the peace panels of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal told the Mindanao Peoples Caucus (MPC) in a meeting with the group at Camp Darapanan here over the weekend.
Iqbal’s statement came amid preparations done by both panels for the arrival of the IMT contingents.
Meanwhile, government chief negotiator Ambassador Rafael Seguis briefed other officials of the MPC and Non-Violent Peace Force in Manila about the IMT’s Terms of Reference which he and Iqbal signed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last December 9.
The applications for membership with the IMT’s CPC by five other non-government organizations have yet to be approved by the peace negotiators of both camps.
Among the five applications that were referred to the Advocacy Committees of the government and the MILF are those of the Davao City-based Initiatives for International Dialogue and the Cotabato City-based Consortium of Bangasamoro Civil Society.
Along with the MPC, the International Committee on the Red Cross was also invited by both panels to join the CPC of the IMT. But while MPC has accepted the invitation, the ICRC, which strictly adheres to the principles of neutrality and independence, has yet to respond.
While the IMT's term and mandate is only good for a year, the peace negotiators agreed that the CPC "shall remain and continue to perform its function should the IMT cease to operate."
The IMT, which had been monitoring the implementation of the ceasefire agreement forged by government and the MILF, had to suspend sending its contingents at the height of the controversy on the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain which the Supreme Court declared as unconstitutional.
With the resumption of the peace talks, the government and the MILF agreed that the IMT's role would not only be limited to ceasefire. Its new functions include: 1) security, 2) humanitarian, rehabilitation and development, 3) socio-economic assistance, and, 4) civilian protection.
Major Carlos Sol Jr., chief of the secretariat of the Cotabato City-based Joint Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (JCCCH), said they were already preparing for the coming of a 60-man contingent of the IMT in February.
"A survey team will come earlier to look at our preparations," he said, adding the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Sibugay and del Sur, Maguindanao, North and South Cotabato, Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte and Sur, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley, Davao del Sur and Oriental, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Palawan are the IMT's area of coverage.
Sol said the 60-man contingent will be divided into five Mobile Teams to be stationed in the cities of Cotabato (Mobile Team 1), Iligan (Mobile Team 2), Zamboanga (Mobile Team 3), General Santos (Mobile Team 4), and Davao (Mobile Team 5).
Part of the JCCCH's task is to scout headquarters for each of the Mobile Teams and equip them with logistics for their operation.
MPC secretary-general Mary Ann Arnado pointed out however that while the IMT's TOR specifies that the government should finance its operation, the document was silent on the funding for the CPC.
Iqbal said Arnado's concern was overlooked by the peace negotiators and he suggested that a joint meeting will all parties involved must be called in Malaysia "to answer and settle all questions that are being raised now."
Meanwhile, Ernesto Anarias, executive director of the Manila-based Balay Rehabilitation Center and one of those who represented the MPC in the meeting Sequis called last Thursday, said that "there are a number of things that we have to discuss at MPC regarding this matter. The IMT's TOR needs operational guidelines and framework which are necessary for the CPC to be effective."
Canarias specifically referred to the criteria and process of selecting CPC contingents, its structure, mandate and operational protocols, area of assignments, security guarantees and accountability, and trainings required for the contingents.
Among his suggestions is the "need to look into how the overall CPC mechanism will work and how it will relate with local and national institutions." (Romy Elusfa is a freelance journalist, Bantay Ceasefire volunteer and ComStrat secretary).
http://www.mindanews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7513&Itemid=50
Tuesday, 19 January 2010 10:48
SULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao (MindaNews/18 January) — The Civilian Protection Component (CPC) of the International Monitoring Team should meet to agree on an “internal terms of reference” which will be presented to the peace panels of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal told the Mindanao Peoples Caucus (MPC) in a meeting with the group at Camp Darapanan here over the weekend.
Iqbal’s statement came amid preparations done by both panels for the arrival of the IMT contingents.
Meanwhile, government chief negotiator Ambassador Rafael Seguis briefed other officials of the MPC and Non-Violent Peace Force in Manila about the IMT’s Terms of Reference which he and Iqbal signed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last December 9.
The applications for membership with the IMT’s CPC by five other non-government organizations have yet to be approved by the peace negotiators of both camps.
Among the five applications that were referred to the Advocacy Committees of the government and the MILF are those of the Davao City-based Initiatives for International Dialogue and the Cotabato City-based Consortium of Bangasamoro Civil Society.
Along with the MPC, the International Committee on the Red Cross was also invited by both panels to join the CPC of the IMT. But while MPC has accepted the invitation, the ICRC, which strictly adheres to the principles of neutrality and independence, has yet to respond.
While the IMT's term and mandate is only good for a year, the peace negotiators agreed that the CPC "shall remain and continue to perform its function should the IMT cease to operate."
The IMT, which had been monitoring the implementation of the ceasefire agreement forged by government and the MILF, had to suspend sending its contingents at the height of the controversy on the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain which the Supreme Court declared as unconstitutional.
With the resumption of the peace talks, the government and the MILF agreed that the IMT's role would not only be limited to ceasefire. Its new functions include: 1) security, 2) humanitarian, rehabilitation and development, 3) socio-economic assistance, and, 4) civilian protection.
Major Carlos Sol Jr., chief of the secretariat of the Cotabato City-based Joint Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (JCCCH), said they were already preparing for the coming of a 60-man contingent of the IMT in February.
"A survey team will come earlier to look at our preparations," he said, adding the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Sibugay and del Sur, Maguindanao, North and South Cotabato, Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte and Sur, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley, Davao del Sur and Oriental, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Palawan are the IMT's area of coverage.
Sol said the 60-man contingent will be divided into five Mobile Teams to be stationed in the cities of Cotabato (Mobile Team 1), Iligan (Mobile Team 2), Zamboanga (Mobile Team 3), General Santos (Mobile Team 4), and Davao (Mobile Team 5).
Part of the JCCCH's task is to scout headquarters for each of the Mobile Teams and equip them with logistics for their operation.
MPC secretary-general Mary Ann Arnado pointed out however that while the IMT's TOR specifies that the government should finance its operation, the document was silent on the funding for the CPC.
Iqbal said Arnado's concern was overlooked by the peace negotiators and he suggested that a joint meeting will all parties involved must be called in Malaysia "to answer and settle all questions that are being raised now."
Meanwhile, Ernesto Anarias, executive director of the Manila-based Balay Rehabilitation Center and one of those who represented the MPC in the meeting Sequis called last Thursday, said that "there are a number of things that we have to discuss at MPC regarding this matter. The IMT's TOR needs operational guidelines and framework which are necessary for the CPC to be effective."
Canarias specifically referred to the criteria and process of selecting CPC contingents, its structure, mandate and operational protocols, area of assignments, security guarantees and accountability, and trainings required for the contingents.
Among his suggestions is the "need to look into how the overall CPC mechanism will work and how it will relate with local and national institutions." (Romy Elusfa is a freelance journalist, Bantay Ceasefire volunteer and ComStrat secretary).
http://www.mindanews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7513&Itemid=50
Media in Ampatuan Massacre: 32 of 58
by MindaNews
Tuesday, 19 January 2010 12:00
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/19 January) -- The number of media workers killed in Ampatuan, Maguindanao on November 23, is 32 with the addition of Jepon Cadagdagon, who was not included in the media list before. Rowena Carranza-Paraan, director of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) said Cadagdagon’s mother, Jepon, informed her her son worked with Saksi News in General Santos City.
Jepon’s mother brought to Isla Parilla in Alabel Sarangani, venue of the two-day Psychosocial First Aid for the Media Families, a copy of the weekly newspaper, showing the staffbox with Cadagdagon’s name as photographer.
The NUJP organized the year-long series of psychosocial program for the families which started with the First Aid session on January 16 and 17.
Jepon, 28, was unmarried.
At least 58 persons were killed in the Nov. 23 massacre but only 57 bodies were recovered. Reynaldo “Bebot” Momay, photographer of Midland Review in Tacurong City, has remained unaccounted for but for his set of dentures found at the gravesite.
Momay, the 58th victim, would have turned 62 yesterday, January 18.
A total of 57 bodies were retrieved from the massacre site in Sitio Masalay, Barangay Salman, Ampatuan, Maguindanao, 35 of them buried in three gravesites.
Cadagdagon’s name was not included in the earlier list of 31 media victims. Momay’s name was the 31st because his remains have yet to be accounted for.
The Freedom Fund for Filipino Journalists (FFFJ), organized by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), Center for Community Journalism and Development (CCJD), Philippine Press Institute (PPI), Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) and Philippine News, listed 31 media workers during its fact-finding mission from November 24 to 30.
The mission was in partnership with the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), MindaNews, and the Free Legal Assistance Group and its affiliate, the Union of People’s Lawyers for Mindanao.
Below is the mission’s list of media victims. Cadagdagon’s name has been inserted here:
1. Adolfo, Benjie, Gold Star Daily, Koronadal City
2. Araneta, Henry, dzRH, General Santos City
3. Arriola, Mc Delbert “Mac-Mac,” UNTV, General Santos City
4. Bataluna, Rubello, Gold Star Daily, Koronadal City
5. Betia, Arturo, Periodico Ini, General Santos City
6. Cabillo, Romeo Jimmy, Midland Review, Tacurong City
7. Cablitas, Marites, News Focus / dxDX, General Santos City
8. Cachuela, Hannibal, Punto News, Koronadal City
9. Cadagdagon, Jepon. Saksi News. General Santos City.
10. Caniban, John, Periodico Ini, General Santos City
11. Dalmacio, Lea, Socsargen News, General Santos City
12. Decina, Noel, Periodico Ini, General Santos City
13. Dela Cruz, Gina, Saksi News, General Santos City
14. Duhay, Jhoy, Gold Star Daily, Tacurong City
15. Evardo, Jolito, UNTV General Santos City
16. Gatchalian, Santos, DXGO, Davao City
17. Legarte, Bienvenido, Jr., Prontiera News, Koronadal City
18. Lupogan, Lindo, Mindanao Daily Gazette, Davao City
19. Maravilla, Ernesto “Bart,” Bombo Radyo, Koronadal City
20. Merisco, Rey, Periodico Ini, Koronadal City
21. Montaño, Marife “Neneng,” Saksi News, General Santos City
22. Morales, Rosell, News Focus, General Santos City
23. Nuñez, Victor, UNTV, General Santos City
24. Perante, Ronnie, Gold Star Daily correspondent, Koronadal City
25. Parcon, Joel, Prontiera News, Koronadal City
26. Razon, Fernando “Ranny,” Periodico Ini, General Santos City
27. Reblando, Alejandro “Bong,” Manila Bulletin, General Santos City
28. Salaysay, Napoleon, Mindanao Gazette, Cotabato City
29. Subang, Francisco “Ian”, Socsargen Today, General Santos City
30. Teodoro, Andres “Andy,” Central Mindanao Inquirer, Tacurong Cit
31. Tiamson, Daniel, UNTV, General Santos City
32. Reynaldo “Bebot” Momay. Midland Review. Tacurong City (remains unaccounted for)
The 32 victims joined a convoy of the wife, relatives and lawyers of Vice Mayor Esmael Mangudadatu of Buluan, Maguindanao, to the provincial office of the Commission on Elections in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao, on November 23, to file his certificate of candidacy for governor.
The convoy of six vehicles was stopped by at least a hundred men along the highway of Ampatuan town, the municipality before Shariff Aguak, and brought to Sitio Masalay in Barangay Salman, where they were mowed down, some of them buried, along with three vehicles.
A backhoe was used for the burial and to crush the vehicles.
Also stopped were five passengers of a red Toyota Vios and the lone occupant of a Tamaraw FX who were not with the convoy but happened to pass by at the wrong time.
Witnesses pointed to Datu Andal “Unsay” Ampatuan, Jr., mayor of Datu Unsay town (the municipality after Shariff Aguak), as the leader of the armed men.
Witnesses also said Ampatuan, Jr., phoned his father, Datu Andal Ampatuan, Sr., acting Maguindanao governor, for guidance.
Ampatuan Jr., blamed the Moro Islamic Liberation Front for the massacre. (MindaNews)
http://mindanews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7515&Itemid=50
Tuesday, 19 January 2010 12:00
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/19 January) -- The number of media workers killed in Ampatuan, Maguindanao on November 23, is 32 with the addition of Jepon Cadagdagon, who was not included in the media list before. Rowena Carranza-Paraan, director of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) said Cadagdagon’s mother, Jepon, informed her her son worked with Saksi News in General Santos City.
Jepon’s mother brought to Isla Parilla in Alabel Sarangani, venue of the two-day Psychosocial First Aid for the Media Families, a copy of the weekly newspaper, showing the staffbox with Cadagdagon’s name as photographer.
The NUJP organized the year-long series of psychosocial program for the families which started with the First Aid session on January 16 and 17.
Jepon, 28, was unmarried.
At least 58 persons were killed in the Nov. 23 massacre but only 57 bodies were recovered. Reynaldo “Bebot” Momay, photographer of Midland Review in Tacurong City, has remained unaccounted for but for his set of dentures found at the gravesite.
Momay, the 58th victim, would have turned 62 yesterday, January 18.
A total of 57 bodies were retrieved from the massacre site in Sitio Masalay, Barangay Salman, Ampatuan, Maguindanao, 35 of them buried in three gravesites.
Cadagdagon’s name was not included in the earlier list of 31 media victims. Momay’s name was the 31st because his remains have yet to be accounted for.
The Freedom Fund for Filipino Journalists (FFFJ), organized by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), Center for Community Journalism and Development (CCJD), Philippine Press Institute (PPI), Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) and Philippine News, listed 31 media workers during its fact-finding mission from November 24 to 30.
The mission was in partnership with the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), MindaNews, and the Free Legal Assistance Group and its affiliate, the Union of People’s Lawyers for Mindanao.
Below is the mission’s list of media victims. Cadagdagon’s name has been inserted here:
1. Adolfo, Benjie, Gold Star Daily, Koronadal City
2. Araneta, Henry, dzRH, General Santos City
3. Arriola, Mc Delbert “Mac-Mac,” UNTV, General Santos City
4. Bataluna, Rubello, Gold Star Daily, Koronadal City
5. Betia, Arturo, Periodico Ini, General Santos City
6. Cabillo, Romeo Jimmy, Midland Review, Tacurong City
7. Cablitas, Marites, News Focus / dxDX, General Santos City
8. Cachuela, Hannibal, Punto News, Koronadal City
9. Cadagdagon, Jepon. Saksi News. General Santos City.
10. Caniban, John, Periodico Ini, General Santos City
11. Dalmacio, Lea, Socsargen News, General Santos City
12. Decina, Noel, Periodico Ini, General Santos City
13. Dela Cruz, Gina, Saksi News, General Santos City
14. Duhay, Jhoy, Gold Star Daily, Tacurong City
15. Evardo, Jolito, UNTV General Santos City
16. Gatchalian, Santos, DXGO, Davao City
17. Legarte, Bienvenido, Jr., Prontiera News, Koronadal City
18. Lupogan, Lindo, Mindanao Daily Gazette, Davao City
19. Maravilla, Ernesto “Bart,” Bombo Radyo, Koronadal City
20. Merisco, Rey, Periodico Ini, Koronadal City
21. Montaño, Marife “Neneng,” Saksi News, General Santos City
22. Morales, Rosell, News Focus, General Santos City
23. Nuñez, Victor, UNTV, General Santos City
24. Perante, Ronnie, Gold Star Daily correspondent, Koronadal City
25. Parcon, Joel, Prontiera News, Koronadal City
26. Razon, Fernando “Ranny,” Periodico Ini, General Santos City
27. Reblando, Alejandro “Bong,” Manila Bulletin, General Santos City
28. Salaysay, Napoleon, Mindanao Gazette, Cotabato City
29. Subang, Francisco “Ian”, Socsargen Today, General Santos City
30. Teodoro, Andres “Andy,” Central Mindanao Inquirer, Tacurong Cit
31. Tiamson, Daniel, UNTV, General Santos City
32. Reynaldo “Bebot” Momay. Midland Review. Tacurong City (remains unaccounted for)
The 32 victims joined a convoy of the wife, relatives and lawyers of Vice Mayor Esmael Mangudadatu of Buluan, Maguindanao, to the provincial office of the Commission on Elections in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao, on November 23, to file his certificate of candidacy for governor.
The convoy of six vehicles was stopped by at least a hundred men along the highway of Ampatuan town, the municipality before Shariff Aguak, and brought to Sitio Masalay in Barangay Salman, where they were mowed down, some of them buried, along with three vehicles.
A backhoe was used for the burial and to crush the vehicles.
Also stopped were five passengers of a red Toyota Vios and the lone occupant of a Tamaraw FX who were not with the convoy but happened to pass by at the wrong time.
Witnesses pointed to Datu Andal “Unsay” Ampatuan, Jr., mayor of Datu Unsay town (the municipality after Shariff Aguak), as the leader of the armed men.
Witnesses also said Ampatuan, Jr., phoned his father, Datu Andal Ampatuan, Sr., acting Maguindanao governor, for guidance.
Ampatuan Jr., blamed the Moro Islamic Liberation Front for the massacre. (MindaNews)
http://mindanews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7515&Itemid=50
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