By Bangsamoro Youth Leaders Forum (BMYLF)
Cotabato City
July 10, 2009
The Bangsamoro Youth Leaders Forum (BMYLF), the broadest coalition of Moro youth organizations in Mindanao strongly condemns the recent series of bombings in Datu Piang, Maguindanao, Cotabato City, Iligan City and Jolo, Sulu that killed 12 persons and injured almost hundred of innocent civilians.
The BMYLF expresses its sympathy and condolence to the families of the victims of these atrocities even as we pray for the immediate recovery of the injured civilians. These incidents can only be a handiwork of individuals or groups with evil motives to create chaos that foment further animosities between Muslim and Christians to serve their own selfish agenda.
Indeed, the BMYLF is aghast and abhors these forms of carnage as it is alarmed by the escalation of violence in Mindanao and the growing number of civilian casualties and displaced persons. The BMYLF wonders if these incidents are not part and parcel of the recently disclosed document “Operation August Moon”. The results of these hostilities are more than enough to prove that resorting to violence will never be the solution of the aged-old problem of Mindanao.
It is with these premises that the BMYLF make the following urgent calls to all concerned particularly the Government of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to wit:
1. Stop the war;
2. Immediately resume the peace talks between the MILF and the GRP;
3. Re-activate the Joint Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities, Ceasefire Mechanism and Ad Hoc joint Action Group;
4. For the AFP and MILF-BIAF to respect and adhere to the principles of International Humanitarian Law, Geneva Conventions 1-1V and Protocols 1-ll;
5. Immediately form Independent Fact Finding Committee to conduct an in-depth investigation of the recent bombings and hostilities in Mindanao, and
6. Appeal to the international community particularly the European Union (EU) and Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) to help push through the peace process in Mindanao in order to arrive at a final political settlement.
Finally, the BMYLF further reiterates that the conflict in Mindanao can only be resolved through dialogue and calls upon all parties to act with utmost restraint and jointly work for a lasting solution to the Bangsamoro problem.
SAVE THE INNOCENT CIVILIANS!
Reference:
RAHIB PAYAPAT
Spokesperson
Contact Number: 09161273835
Friday, July 10, 2009
Protect the Civilians, Respect the IDPs
Mindanao Peoples Caucus (MPC)
July 10, 2009
The Mindanao Peoples Caucus calls the attention of the international humanitarian agencies and the United Nations to step up their efforts to protect the civilians and internally displaced persons in Maguindanao and Cotabato in the light of the recent pronouncement by the Spokesperson of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, that these IDPs are the “enemy reserve force.”
This statement is extremely dangerous as it only shows a military mindset which could not fairly distinguish the difference between a combatant and a civilian. That probably explains why despite the calls to stop the indiscriminate bombings and the torching of civilians’ homes, these atrocities remain unabated for the simple reason that to the mind of the military these people are enemies anyway, albeit reserved momentarily.
A curious mind need only go to the evacuation centers to find out who these IDPs are. They could be teachers, barangay officials, students, women, mothers, young children, babies, elderly. These are civilians whose rights are protected under International Humanitarian Law and the UN Guiding Principle on Internal Displacement. These are human beings whose only aspiration is to be able to return home and live in peace. These are the people whom the AFP is bound to protect. For almost 12 months now, these IDPs have been running back and forth, caught in an armed conflict that doesn’t see any resolution in sight.
What is worrisome here is that these civilians have one thing in common, they are Muslims. And as suggested by the AFP statement, they are viewed as “enemy reserve force” by reason of their ethnicity and religion. This kind of statement smacks of bias and prejudice against a particular class of people – which makes it all the more dangerous.
MPC therefore calls on the Secretary of National Defense and the Chief of Staff to correct this perception and categorization of the IDPs as “enemy reserve force” and direct its officers and men on the ground to strictly observe the International Humanitarian Law and the UN Guiding Principle on International Displacement (UNGPID) as part and parcel of their duty to protect the people and to observe civilian supremacy at all times.
MPC calls on the United Nations to immediately intervene into this situation and proactively take on protective measures that will ensure safety and well-being of the IDPs and the larger civilian population. For the Commission on Human Rights to conduct investigation on the reported cases of food blockade, indiscriminate bombings, looting and torching of civilian homes, desecration of mosques and house of worship and other forms of human rights violations.
Finally, we call on all Mindanaoans to unite, preserve the gains of the peace process and show our solidarity as Muslims and Christians in the spirit of genuine dialogue, freedom and justice.
--
RICK R. FLORES
Communications Specialist
Mindanao Peoples Caucus
www.mindanaopeoplescaucus.org
florrick@gmail.com
0910-310-9178
July 10, 2009
The Mindanao Peoples Caucus calls the attention of the international humanitarian agencies and the United Nations to step up their efforts to protect the civilians and internally displaced persons in Maguindanao and Cotabato in the light of the recent pronouncement by the Spokesperson of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, that these IDPs are the “enemy reserve force.”
This statement is extremely dangerous as it only shows a military mindset which could not fairly distinguish the difference between a combatant and a civilian. That probably explains why despite the calls to stop the indiscriminate bombings and the torching of civilians’ homes, these atrocities remain unabated for the simple reason that to the mind of the military these people are enemies anyway, albeit reserved momentarily.
A curious mind need only go to the evacuation centers to find out who these IDPs are. They could be teachers, barangay officials, students, women, mothers, young children, babies, elderly. These are civilians whose rights are protected under International Humanitarian Law and the UN Guiding Principle on Internal Displacement. These are human beings whose only aspiration is to be able to return home and live in peace. These are the people whom the AFP is bound to protect. For almost 12 months now, these IDPs have been running back and forth, caught in an armed conflict that doesn’t see any resolution in sight.
What is worrisome here is that these civilians have one thing in common, they are Muslims. And as suggested by the AFP statement, they are viewed as “enemy reserve force” by reason of their ethnicity and religion. This kind of statement smacks of bias and prejudice against a particular class of people – which makes it all the more dangerous.
MPC therefore calls on the Secretary of National Defense and the Chief of Staff to correct this perception and categorization of the IDPs as “enemy reserve force” and direct its officers and men on the ground to strictly observe the International Humanitarian Law and the UN Guiding Principle on International Displacement (UNGPID) as part and parcel of their duty to protect the people and to observe civilian supremacy at all times.
MPC calls on the United Nations to immediately intervene into this situation and proactively take on protective measures that will ensure safety and well-being of the IDPs and the larger civilian population. For the Commission on Human Rights to conduct investigation on the reported cases of food blockade, indiscriminate bombings, looting and torching of civilian homes, desecration of mosques and house of worship and other forms of human rights violations.
Finally, we call on all Mindanaoans to unite, preserve the gains of the peace process and show our solidarity as Muslims and Christians in the spirit of genuine dialogue, freedom and justice.
--
RICK R. FLORES
Communications Specialist
Mindanao Peoples Caucus
www.mindanaopeoplescaucus.org
florrick@gmail.com
0910-310-9178
CBCS condemns spate of bombings in Mindanao
The Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) condemns in the strongest possible terms the recent spate of bombings in Mindanao and makes the following calls and clarifications:
• That a thorough investigation by a credible independent body be conducted on all incidents of bombing (July 4 in Datu Piang, Maguindanao; July 5 in Cotabato City; July 6 in Lanao del Norte; and July 7 in Jolo and Iligan City) to unmask the truth behind them (who perpetrated/masterminded them, for what motives/reasons, are they related to one another) and bring the culprits to justice;
• That responsible reporting be observed always by the media. The people of Mindanao cannot afford the Christian-Muslim killings of the 1970’s to resurface. After the Cotabato City blast, news reports have spread that gave the impression that it was the cathedral that was bombed. To make it clear, the blast took place in a stall selling lechon across the cathedral compound. It totally wrecked the stall and also damaged a portion of a certain beerhouse. Nevertheless, this makes no excuse to bomb the place;
• That places of worship be spared from any form of violence and/or desecration. The blast in Jolo also happened near a church. We denounce the bombings in the same manner that we condemn acts by men in uniform who occupied mosques, urinated in them and/or desecrated them;
• That the immediate acts of finger-pointing be stopped to prevent further escalation of the conflict and to contain any possible public panic to pave the way for sobriety, as well as thoughts and actions that are reasonable and not solely driven by biases, emotions and preconceived notions that may be wrong;
• That all people should be accorded their human rights, including both victims and suspects. The incremental number of victims of human rights violations has long been alarming. No one should be another victim of human rights violation in pursuit of justice. Due process should always be observed in dealing with suspects to the bombing: one is innocent until proven guilty, not one is guilty until proven innocent;
• That groups of all faiths here in Mindanao be more vigilant and strengthen their unity and solidarity in the face of these bleak incidents. This is NOT a Muslim-Christian conflict. Let us clear our minds and fortify our greatest resolve not to allow these dastardly acts to successfully sow suspicion and animosity that could lead to conflict; and,
• That the peace panels of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front return to the negotiating table to solve the age-old Mindanao conflict. The problem of the Bangsamoro as an indigenous people is highly political that it can only be resolved through genuine political means and not through military operations. Quelling rebellion and bringing peace are two different things. The peace talks are the highest form of dialogue between the two parties. A final agreement between them could spell sustainable peace and development in the Bangsamoro homeland.
We join in consoling and comforting the families of the victims of the blasts, the more than half a million internally displaced persons who have also been further agonized by indiscriminate bombings in the very sites of evacuation, and other people who are victims of injustices.
Our prayers for the attainment of genuine peace and development.
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
• That a thorough investigation by a credible independent body be conducted on all incidents of bombing (July 4 in Datu Piang, Maguindanao; July 5 in Cotabato City; July 6 in Lanao del Norte; and July 7 in Jolo and Iligan City) to unmask the truth behind them (who perpetrated/masterminded them, for what motives/reasons, are they related to one another) and bring the culprits to justice;
• That responsible reporting be observed always by the media. The people of Mindanao cannot afford the Christian-Muslim killings of the 1970’s to resurface. After the Cotabato City blast, news reports have spread that gave the impression that it was the cathedral that was bombed. To make it clear, the blast took place in a stall selling lechon across the cathedral compound. It totally wrecked the stall and also damaged a portion of a certain beerhouse. Nevertheless, this makes no excuse to bomb the place;
• That places of worship be spared from any form of violence and/or desecration. The blast in Jolo also happened near a church. We denounce the bombings in the same manner that we condemn acts by men in uniform who occupied mosques, urinated in them and/or desecrated them;
• That the immediate acts of finger-pointing be stopped to prevent further escalation of the conflict and to contain any possible public panic to pave the way for sobriety, as well as thoughts and actions that are reasonable and not solely driven by biases, emotions and preconceived notions that may be wrong;
• That all people should be accorded their human rights, including both victims and suspects. The incremental number of victims of human rights violations has long been alarming. No one should be another victim of human rights violation in pursuit of justice. Due process should always be observed in dealing with suspects to the bombing: one is innocent until proven guilty, not one is guilty until proven innocent;
• That groups of all faiths here in Mindanao be more vigilant and strengthen their unity and solidarity in the face of these bleak incidents. This is NOT a Muslim-Christian conflict. Let us clear our minds and fortify our greatest resolve not to allow these dastardly acts to successfully sow suspicion and animosity that could lead to conflict; and,
• That the peace panels of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front return to the negotiating table to solve the age-old Mindanao conflict. The problem of the Bangsamoro as an indigenous people is highly political that it can only be resolved through genuine political means and not through military operations. Quelling rebellion and bringing peace are two different things. The peace talks are the highest form of dialogue between the two parties. A final agreement between them could spell sustainable peace and development in the Bangsamoro homeland.
We join in consoling and comforting the families of the victims of the blasts, the more than half a million internally displaced persons who have also been further agonized by indiscriminate bombings in the very sites of evacuation, and other people who are victims of injustices.
Our prayers for the attainment of genuine peace and development.
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
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
STOP THE BOMBINGS, CEASEFIRE NOW!
By Mindanao Peoples Caucus (MPC)
July 7, 2009
The Mindanao Peoples Caucus strongly condemns the recent bombing in Cotabato City last Sunday which again claimed the lives of innocent people, young and old. We grieved with the family of the victims who are still shocked over the death of their loved ones. We sympathize with those who had been injured and pray for their immediate recovery. We are outraged by the spate of violence happening in Cotabato and Maguindanao which only shows our collective failure to resolve this lingering armed conflict.
In a similar fashion, we also condemn the bombings in Datu Piang and its neighboring towns in Maguindanao which displaced thousands upon thousands of civilians and burned hundreds of homes.
Just this morning, another bomb exploded in the town of Jolo which killed 6 people and wounded 40 others. This was succeeded by another bomb explosion a few hours after, this time, in Iligan City, which wounded 7 people including 2 soldiers.
Given this situation, MPC poses these questions, “Who is doing this and what are their motives? Is there a grand design that is spinning a desired political scenario? Are we already witnessing before our eyes and at the expense of our people a build up scenario for 2010?”
This is enough. The bloodshed must stop. We cannot continue to be drawn into this quagmire of war and violence. We cannot continue to watch our children die one by one. We cannot allow the civilians to pay such a high cost for this war which is not going anywhere. We are concerned with the civilians as much as we also mourn the loss of lives of combatants, soldiers and rebels alike.
While we call for justice against those responsible for the bombings, we also appeal to the authorities not to use this tragic event to commit further acts of human right violations.
Since 2003, Mindanao has relatively enjoyed the dividends of peace as a result of a functional ceasefire agreement under the auspices of the Joint Ceasefire Committee of both government and the MILF. From a record of around 700 ceasefire violations in 2002, it has dramatically dropped to less than 10 violations in 2007, due to the cooperation of the government, MILF and the International Monitoring Team. The ceasefire agreement has effectively silenced the guns in Mindanao. We saw it working for five years! We experienced that it was possible.
In the aftermath of the MOA-AD controversy, we have witnessed how the gains of the peace process had been thrown into the dust bin. The ceasefire had collapsed, the IMT had packed up and left for good and the ceasefire committee had been demobilized as the hawks took over the war front. Mindanao has again returned to the theatre of war with hundreds of thousands of people currently displaced in Cotabato, Maguindanao and Lanao.
We, as a people, must put an end to this carnage now. It is time to unite, Muslims and Christians alike. We have to take bolder steps to create a safer and more secure environment for our children and family. A step into that direction is to work out for a ceasefire in the conflict affected areas and allow the internally displaced persons to return home.
Let us act now.
RICK R. FLORES
Communications Specialist
Mindanao Peoples Caucus
www.mindanaopeoplescaucus.org
E-Mail: florrick@gmail.com
July 7, 2009
The Mindanao Peoples Caucus strongly condemns the recent bombing in Cotabato City last Sunday which again claimed the lives of innocent people, young and old. We grieved with the family of the victims who are still shocked over the death of their loved ones. We sympathize with those who had been injured and pray for their immediate recovery. We are outraged by the spate of violence happening in Cotabato and Maguindanao which only shows our collective failure to resolve this lingering armed conflict.
In a similar fashion, we also condemn the bombings in Datu Piang and its neighboring towns in Maguindanao which displaced thousands upon thousands of civilians and burned hundreds of homes.
Just this morning, another bomb exploded in the town of Jolo which killed 6 people and wounded 40 others. This was succeeded by another bomb explosion a few hours after, this time, in Iligan City, which wounded 7 people including 2 soldiers.
Given this situation, MPC poses these questions, “Who is doing this and what are their motives? Is there a grand design that is spinning a desired political scenario? Are we already witnessing before our eyes and at the expense of our people a build up scenario for 2010?”
This is enough. The bloodshed must stop. We cannot continue to be drawn into this quagmire of war and violence. We cannot continue to watch our children die one by one. We cannot allow the civilians to pay such a high cost for this war which is not going anywhere. We are concerned with the civilians as much as we also mourn the loss of lives of combatants, soldiers and rebels alike.
While we call for justice against those responsible for the bombings, we also appeal to the authorities not to use this tragic event to commit further acts of human right violations.
Since 2003, Mindanao has relatively enjoyed the dividends of peace as a result of a functional ceasefire agreement under the auspices of the Joint Ceasefire Committee of both government and the MILF. From a record of around 700 ceasefire violations in 2002, it has dramatically dropped to less than 10 violations in 2007, due to the cooperation of the government, MILF and the International Monitoring Team. The ceasefire agreement has effectively silenced the guns in Mindanao. We saw it working for five years! We experienced that it was possible.
In the aftermath of the MOA-AD controversy, we have witnessed how the gains of the peace process had been thrown into the dust bin. The ceasefire had collapsed, the IMT had packed up and left for good and the ceasefire committee had been demobilized as the hawks took over the war front. Mindanao has again returned to the theatre of war with hundreds of thousands of people currently displaced in Cotabato, Maguindanao and Lanao.
We, as a people, must put an end to this carnage now. It is time to unite, Muslims and Christians alike. We have to take bolder steps to create a safer and more secure environment for our children and family. A step into that direction is to work out for a ceasefire in the conflict affected areas and allow the internally displaced persons to return home.
Let us act now.
RICK R. FLORES
Communications Specialist
Mindanao Peoples Caucus
www.mindanaopeoplescaucus.org
E-Mail: florrick@gmail.com
Saturday, July 4, 2009
A CALL TO DEFEND THE PEOPLES’ RIGHT TO KNOW
The State of the Bakwits (S.O.B.), a joint coverage of Mindanao and Manila journalists held on June 29 to July 1, 2009 was intended to focus public attention on a humanitarian tragedy that we believe has not been given the attention it deserves.
Coming from different media organizations in Mindanao and Manila, we issue this collective statement in view of the disturbing checkpoint incident on June 30 and certain pronouncements of the 6th Infantry Division’s spokesperson about the organizers and participating journalists.
The coverage was prompted by persistent and alarming reports of alleged human rights violations like food blockades, illegal arrests, disappearances and summary executions; and that non-government and humanitarian organizations, even media, were also reportedly being prohibited from going to evacuation centers presumably to protect them from hostilities between government troops and rebel forces.
We came to validate these reports and to get a solid grasp of the actual situation in the evacuation centers so that concerned authorities will be able to appreciate more fully, and respond appropriately to, the complex problem of internal displacement in Maguindanao.
We found some of the answers even before reaching the evacuation centers.
On Tuesday, June 30, as we were proceeding to the evacuation sites in Datu Piang, Maguindanao, soldiers of the Army's 46th Infantry Battalion stopped us along the Cotabato-General Santos highway in Barangay Bagan, Guindulungan.
Those in the lead car of our nine-vehicle convoy were asked if we were from the media. Not one of the soldiers could tell us why we were being held. All they could say was we would be “released” when they receive “clearance” from Colonel Medardo Geslani, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade.
When contacted within the first five minutes of what turned out to be a 46-minute standoff, Geslani’s superior, Maj. Gen. Alfredo Cayton, commanding general of the 6th Infantry Division, said he would check with Geslani. Cayton said he was informed by Geslani that he ordered the journalists stopped because of ongoing "clearing operations" to ensure our safety from roadside bombs.
A day earlier, an improvised explosive device (IED) blew off in Barangay Kitango, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, killing two persons and injuring eight others.
The checkpoint personnel said nothing about “clearing operations.” Curiously, it was just the media vehicles that were stopped at the checkpoint.
If, indeed, there were IEDs on the roadside, why should media be given ‘preferential protection’?
And if, indeed, security was the main consideration, they could have notified us even before we had left Cotabato City for Maguindanao since the organizers had been coordinating with the military panel of resource persons who confirmed participation in the subsequent forum in the afternoon of June 30.
We also would like to correct pronouncements made by the spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division, Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Ponce, who sent out text messages to reporters claiming that the journalists who were participating in the State of the Bakwits coverage were given “pocket money” by one of the organizations involved, which he alleged was connected to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
The invitation clearly states who the organizers are.
Efforts to discredit our coverage by attempting to discredit the organizing groups will not be viewed kindly by the public especially since the case of the bakwits is a matter of national and international interest. For did we not rank first among all countries for having the “biggest new displacement in the world,” contributing 600,000 to the 4.2 million total of newly displaced in 2008, according to the April 2009 report of Geneva-based Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre?
We assert that trying to mask the magnitude of this crisis by stifling the free flow of information and the people's right to know can only worsen the current problem.
We agree with, and appreciate the statements of both the government and MILF peace panels during separate interactions with us, that the peace process should be accompanied by transparency.
We also believe that the achievement of a just and lasting negotiated resolution to the generations- old conflict besetting the Bangsamoro is possible only when all stakeholders are granted adequate access to information about and participation in the peace process.
This is why we are saddened that there remain elements of government who are trying to curtail access to information about the problems plaguing the Bangsamoro and the roots of the age-old conflict that continues to cause so much suffering, as well as vilify those who seek to uncover the truth surrounding the situation and explain these to the people.
This much we have learned from our experience as a people who lived through and eventually overcame 14 years of dictatorship: you can neither hide the truth forever nor allow it to be hidden.
ANY MORE ATTEMPT TO CURTAIL OR CONTROL THE FLOW OF INFORMATION VITAL TO THE PEOPLE’S UNDERSTANDING OF THIS CONFLICT, WILL DEFINITELY NOT SERVE THE CAUSE OF PEACE.
Atty. CHARINA SANZ
Mindanao ComStrat and Policy Alternatives
CAROLYN ARGUILLAS
MindaNews
FR. EDUARDO VASQUEZ, OMI
I-Watch
RED BATARIO
Center for Community Journalism and Development (CCJD)
MA. AURORA FAJARDO
Philippine Human Rights Reporting Project
NONOY ESPINA
National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP)
RYAN ROSAURO
The Peace and Conflict Journalism Network (PECOJON)
Reference:
ROMY ELUSFA
Secretariat, SOB Coverage Mission
Mobile Phone: 09209546793
Coming from different media organizations in Mindanao and Manila, we issue this collective statement in view of the disturbing checkpoint incident on June 30 and certain pronouncements of the 6th Infantry Division’s spokesperson about the organizers and participating journalists.
The coverage was prompted by persistent and alarming reports of alleged human rights violations like food blockades, illegal arrests, disappearances and summary executions; and that non-government and humanitarian organizations, even media, were also reportedly being prohibited from going to evacuation centers presumably to protect them from hostilities between government troops and rebel forces.
We came to validate these reports and to get a solid grasp of the actual situation in the evacuation centers so that concerned authorities will be able to appreciate more fully, and respond appropriately to, the complex problem of internal displacement in Maguindanao.
We found some of the answers even before reaching the evacuation centers.
On Tuesday, June 30, as we were proceeding to the evacuation sites in Datu Piang, Maguindanao, soldiers of the Army's 46th Infantry Battalion stopped us along the Cotabato-General Santos highway in Barangay Bagan, Guindulungan.
Those in the lead car of our nine-vehicle convoy were asked if we were from the media. Not one of the soldiers could tell us why we were being held. All they could say was we would be “released” when they receive “clearance” from Colonel Medardo Geslani, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade.
When contacted within the first five minutes of what turned out to be a 46-minute standoff, Geslani’s superior, Maj. Gen. Alfredo Cayton, commanding general of the 6th Infantry Division, said he would check with Geslani. Cayton said he was informed by Geslani that he ordered the journalists stopped because of ongoing "clearing operations" to ensure our safety from roadside bombs.
A day earlier, an improvised explosive device (IED) blew off in Barangay Kitango, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, killing two persons and injuring eight others.
The checkpoint personnel said nothing about “clearing operations.” Curiously, it was just the media vehicles that were stopped at the checkpoint.
If, indeed, there were IEDs on the roadside, why should media be given ‘preferential protection’?
And if, indeed, security was the main consideration, they could have notified us even before we had left Cotabato City for Maguindanao since the organizers had been coordinating with the military panel of resource persons who confirmed participation in the subsequent forum in the afternoon of June 30.
We also would like to correct pronouncements made by the spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division, Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Ponce, who sent out text messages to reporters claiming that the journalists who were participating in the State of the Bakwits coverage were given “pocket money” by one of the organizations involved, which he alleged was connected to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
The invitation clearly states who the organizers are.
Efforts to discredit our coverage by attempting to discredit the organizing groups will not be viewed kindly by the public especially since the case of the bakwits is a matter of national and international interest. For did we not rank first among all countries for having the “biggest new displacement in the world,” contributing 600,000 to the 4.2 million total of newly displaced in 2008, according to the April 2009 report of Geneva-based Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre?
We assert that trying to mask the magnitude of this crisis by stifling the free flow of information and the people's right to know can only worsen the current problem.
We agree with, and appreciate the statements of both the government and MILF peace panels during separate interactions with us, that the peace process should be accompanied by transparency.
We also believe that the achievement of a just and lasting negotiated resolution to the generations- old conflict besetting the Bangsamoro is possible only when all stakeholders are granted adequate access to information about and participation in the peace process.
This is why we are saddened that there remain elements of government who are trying to curtail access to information about the problems plaguing the Bangsamoro and the roots of the age-old conflict that continues to cause so much suffering, as well as vilify those who seek to uncover the truth surrounding the situation and explain these to the people.
This much we have learned from our experience as a people who lived through and eventually overcame 14 years of dictatorship: you can neither hide the truth forever nor allow it to be hidden.
ANY MORE ATTEMPT TO CURTAIL OR CONTROL THE FLOW OF INFORMATION VITAL TO THE PEOPLE’S UNDERSTANDING OF THIS CONFLICT, WILL DEFINITELY NOT SERVE THE CAUSE OF PEACE.
Atty. CHARINA SANZ
Mindanao ComStrat and Policy Alternatives
CAROLYN ARGUILLAS
MindaNews
FR. EDUARDO VASQUEZ, OMI
I-Watch
RED BATARIO
Center for Community Journalism and Development (CCJD)
MA. AURORA FAJARDO
Philippine Human Rights Reporting Project
NONOY ESPINA
National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP)
RYAN ROSAURO
The Peace and Conflict Journalism Network (PECOJON)
Reference:
ROMY ELUSFA
Secretariat, SOB Coverage Mission
Mobile Phone: 09209546793
Thursday, June 18, 2009
2 gov’t troops slain in Davao del Norte
DAVAO CITY, PHILIPPINES – Government soldiers belonging to the 60th Infantry Battalion led by Army Major Arcadio Posada engaged in a firefight at least 15 guerrillas of the New People’s Army (NPA) at about 9:50 a.m. last June 15 in Talaingod town in Davao del Norte.
The firefight resulted to the killing of an army officer and an enlisted personnel whose identities were not disclosed in a belated report that reached The Pen Pointers On Line.
The soldiers, according to the report, were on their way to Km. 15, Barangay (village) Dagohoy in Talaingod town to inspect a government project being implemented by the Philippine Army in the said barangay when they encountered the NPA guerrillas.
The slain soldiers were brought to the headquarters of the 60th IB in Barangay Doña Asuncion, Alegria town in Davao del Norte, the report further said.
No casualty was reported on the side of the NPA guerrillas in the 15-minute firefight.
The firefight resulted to the killing of an army officer and an enlisted personnel whose identities were not disclosed in a belated report that reached The Pen Pointers On Line.
The soldiers, according to the report, were on their way to Km. 15, Barangay (village) Dagohoy in Talaingod town to inspect a government project being implemented by the Philippine Army in the said barangay when they encountered the NPA guerrillas.
The slain soldiers were brought to the headquarters of the 60th IB in Barangay Doña Asuncion, Alegria town in Davao del Norte, the report further said.
No casualty was reported on the side of the NPA guerrillas in the 15-minute firefight.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Moro leaders laud Obama’s speech
By: TAHER G. SOLAIMAN
US President Barack Hussein Obama has called for “a new beginning” in the relationship between America and the Muslim World.
“I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world,” Obama said in a speech that delivered in the Cairo University in Cairo, Egypt last Thursday.
Obama acknowledged the contributions of the Muslims to human civilization. He said, “As a student of history, I also know civilization's debt to Islam. It was Islam – at places like Al-Azhar University – that carried the light of learning through so many centuries, paving the way for Europe's Renaissance and Enlightenment.”
“It was innovation in Muslim communities that developed the order of algebra; our magnetic compass and tools of navigation; our mastery of pens and printing; our understanding of how disease spreads and how it can be healed. Islamic culture has given us majestic arches and soaring spires; timeless poetry and cherished music; elegant calligraphy and places of peaceful contemplation. And throughout history, Islam has demonstrated through words and deeds the possibilities of religious tolerance and racial equality,” Obama continued.
The US President also acknowledged how colonialism “denied rights and opportunities to many Muslims,” in the speech described by Mohagher Iqbal as “perfectly made.”
Iqbal, himself an author of many books, is the chair of the Peace Panel of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in its peace negotiations with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP).
“What is still lacking is action. That will come later, hope soon,” Iqbal said.
Professor Moner Bajunaid, the executive director of the Mindanao Integrated Development (MIND) Center, Inc., a nongovernment organization (NGO) in Cotabato City lauded Obama’s speech as “well written.”
“It spells out his vision of peace in the Middle East and the world. It is well balanced, something for all parties. It is full of Qur-anic verses. At times the speech sounds like a lecture but somehow he balances it by pointing out Islam’s heritage to civilization,” Bajunaid further said.
On his part, Rahib Kudto, the national president of the United Youth for Peace and Development, Inc. (UNYPAD), another NGO that is based in Cotabato City, said:
“President Barack Obama is the only non-Muslim President I have known that has expressively recognized Islam as a source of knowledge and peace. He is a man of hope and unity.”
“Good but let’s see action,” was the brief reply of Jun Mantawil, the chair of the secretariat of the MILF Peace Panel, when he was asked about his comment on the speech of Obama.
Guinandang Bansilan, a retired government employee, in Kabacan, Cotabato, remarked, thus:
“That is the best speech (of a US president) so far. It urges the unity of the entire world."
Meanwhile, Professor Abhoud Syed Lingga, the executive director of the Institute of Bangsamoro Studies (IBS), in a statement he issued last June 5, described Obama’s speech as “a landmark as far as relations between the Muslim world and the United States is concerned” and that “if followed by concrete actions it will certainly change the landscape of the relationship in the future.”
“Although short of specifics but the speech was the boldest, balanced and frank statement coming from a president of the United States.
“His acknowledgement of the Muslim’s contributions to human civilization and in building the American nation, as well as the suffering of Muslims under colonialism, is a good starter for fruitful dialogue between the U.S. and the Muslim world,” Lingga explained.
Lingga appreciated Obama’s “candidness in discussing the major sources of tension and what he intends to do in addressing them.”
“Specifically,” Lingga said, “what interest me are his proposals on engaging the Muslims through education, science and technology and economic development. These programs will not only benefit Muslims in Muslim-majority countries but also Muslim minorities like the Bangsamoro people.”
“The concept of creating ‘a new corps of business volunteers to partner with counterparts in Muslim-majority countries’ is indeed interesting because it juxtaposes with the idea that I always hold that development of Muslim communities in the Bangsamoro homeland has to be driven by Bangsamoro entrepreneurship to be sustainable, not by programs of government and aid agencies,” further noted Lingga.
Lingga, however, clarified that Obama’s reference to “America and Islam” can be “confusing” since “the two are not the same.”
He stressed that “while America is a nation, Islam is a religion, a way of life. Defining the similarities and differences would have been clear if the term ‘Muslim world’ is used to refer to the collectivity of Muslim nation-states and the Muslim minorities.”
“Although he made the commitment that as president of the United States he will fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear but no mention as to what he will do to change the perception of around 46 percent of the respondents of the latest survey in the United States who held unfavorable view of Muslim countries,” Lingga concluded.
Catrina Malingawa, vice chair of the United Youth of the Philippines, Inc. (UNYPHIL-Women), in its Davao Oriental provincial chapter, appreciated Obama’s emphasis on respecting Muslims’ culture especially “on wearing hijab for Muslim women.”
“Islam,” according to Obama, “is part of America.”
“The Holy Koran tells us: ‘O mankind! We have created you male and a female; and we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another.’
“The Talmud tells us: ‘The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace.’
“The Holy Bible tells us: ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.’
“The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is God's vision. Now that must be our work here on Earth,” thus, Obama concluded his speech.
US President Barack Hussein Obama has called for “a new beginning” in the relationship between America and the Muslim World.
“I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world,” Obama said in a speech that delivered in the Cairo University in Cairo, Egypt last Thursday.
Obama acknowledged the contributions of the Muslims to human civilization. He said, “As a student of history, I also know civilization's debt to Islam. It was Islam – at places like Al-Azhar University – that carried the light of learning through so many centuries, paving the way for Europe's Renaissance and Enlightenment.”
“It was innovation in Muslim communities that developed the order of algebra; our magnetic compass and tools of navigation; our mastery of pens and printing; our understanding of how disease spreads and how it can be healed. Islamic culture has given us majestic arches and soaring spires; timeless poetry and cherished music; elegant calligraphy and places of peaceful contemplation. And throughout history, Islam has demonstrated through words and deeds the possibilities of religious tolerance and racial equality,” Obama continued.
The US President also acknowledged how colonialism “denied rights and opportunities to many Muslims,” in the speech described by Mohagher Iqbal as “perfectly made.”
Iqbal, himself an author of many books, is the chair of the Peace Panel of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in its peace negotiations with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP).
“What is still lacking is action. That will come later, hope soon,” Iqbal said.
Professor Moner Bajunaid, the executive director of the Mindanao Integrated Development (MIND) Center, Inc., a nongovernment organization (NGO) in Cotabato City lauded Obama’s speech as “well written.”
“It spells out his vision of peace in the Middle East and the world. It is well balanced, something for all parties. It is full of Qur-anic verses. At times the speech sounds like a lecture but somehow he balances it by pointing out Islam’s heritage to civilization,” Bajunaid further said.
On his part, Rahib Kudto, the national president of the United Youth for Peace and Development, Inc. (UNYPAD), another NGO that is based in Cotabato City, said:
“President Barack Obama is the only non-Muslim President I have known that has expressively recognized Islam as a source of knowledge and peace. He is a man of hope and unity.”
“Good but let’s see action,” was the brief reply of Jun Mantawil, the chair of the secretariat of the MILF Peace Panel, when he was asked about his comment on the speech of Obama.
Guinandang Bansilan, a retired government employee, in Kabacan, Cotabato, remarked, thus:
“That is the best speech (of a US president) so far. It urges the unity of the entire world."
Meanwhile, Professor Abhoud Syed Lingga, the executive director of the Institute of Bangsamoro Studies (IBS), in a statement he issued last June 5, described Obama’s speech as “a landmark as far as relations between the Muslim world and the United States is concerned” and that “if followed by concrete actions it will certainly change the landscape of the relationship in the future.”
“Although short of specifics but the speech was the boldest, balanced and frank statement coming from a president of the United States.
“His acknowledgement of the Muslim’s contributions to human civilization and in building the American nation, as well as the suffering of Muslims under colonialism, is a good starter for fruitful dialogue between the U.S. and the Muslim world,” Lingga explained.
Lingga appreciated Obama’s “candidness in discussing the major sources of tension and what he intends to do in addressing them.”
“Specifically,” Lingga said, “what interest me are his proposals on engaging the Muslims through education, science and technology and economic development. These programs will not only benefit Muslims in Muslim-majority countries but also Muslim minorities like the Bangsamoro people.”
“The concept of creating ‘a new corps of business volunteers to partner with counterparts in Muslim-majority countries’ is indeed interesting because it juxtaposes with the idea that I always hold that development of Muslim communities in the Bangsamoro homeland has to be driven by Bangsamoro entrepreneurship to be sustainable, not by programs of government and aid agencies,” further noted Lingga.
Lingga, however, clarified that Obama’s reference to “America and Islam” can be “confusing” since “the two are not the same.”
He stressed that “while America is a nation, Islam is a religion, a way of life. Defining the similarities and differences would have been clear if the term ‘Muslim world’ is used to refer to the collectivity of Muslim nation-states and the Muslim minorities.”
“Although he made the commitment that as president of the United States he will fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear but no mention as to what he will do to change the perception of around 46 percent of the respondents of the latest survey in the United States who held unfavorable view of Muslim countries,” Lingga concluded.
Catrina Malingawa, vice chair of the United Youth of the Philippines, Inc. (UNYPHIL-Women), in its Davao Oriental provincial chapter, appreciated Obama’s emphasis on respecting Muslims’ culture especially “on wearing hijab for Muslim women.”
“Islam,” according to Obama, “is part of America.”
“The Holy Koran tells us: ‘O mankind! We have created you male and a female; and we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another.’
“The Talmud tells us: ‘The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace.’
“The Holy Bible tells us: ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.’
“The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is God's vision. Now that must be our work here on Earth,” thus, Obama concluded his speech.
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