Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Friday, July 27, 2018
Long wait is over, finally President Duterte signs Bangsamoro law
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte raises his fist signature gesture before the audience during a speech at the 69th Araw ng Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay on Thursday July 26, 2018.
The long wait for the signing of Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) which aims to bring peace and development in the Philippines' predominantly Muslim south is finally over.
President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday, July 26, 2018, signed the Bangsamoro Organic Law that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and creating instead a Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BAR) with more powers.
Bangsamoro law is one of the requirements under a 2014 peace agreement between Philippine government and the MILF. It is the result of decades-long peace negotiations between the government and the country's largest Moro rebel group in Mindanao.
"The BBL has been signed, but I’m still going back because I have a ceremony with Jaafar (Moro Islamic Liberation Front vice chairman Ghadzali Jaafar) and Murad (MILF chief Murad Ebrahim). Also, I would like to talk to [MNLF founding chairman] Nur [Misuari] so that we can have it by the end of the year. I can create also an autonomy for him if that’s what he wants, and pending the federal system implementation he can just wait for it if he trusts me," Duterte said in his speech during the celebration of 69th Araw ng Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay.
The President was supposed to sign the BOL during his 3rd State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 23, however, the plan did not happen after the debacle at the House of Representatives, where the session was suspended without ratifying the bicam report on BOL and pushing through with the ouster of Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and installation of former president, now Pampanga 2nd District representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Both Senate and the Lower House had originally planned to ratify the Bangsamoro law during their morning sessions so Duterte can sign it into law before delivering his SONA. The Senate already ratified the measure during its morning session.
A day after the standoff between Alvarez and Macapagal-Arroyo for the House speakership, the lawmakers ratified the BOL with no objections before the afternoon session on Tuesday, July 24, was suspended.
The newly installed house speaker vowed to carry out the legislative agenda of Presiden Duterte.
Commenting on the House ratification of BOL, MILF Vice Chairman for Political Affairs Ghazali Jaafar, who also chairs the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, told reporters in Manila that he is very happy.
"I'm sure our people are very much happy, jubilant. This is an historic event of the Moro peopl. I think our people will approve the ratified Bangsamoro Organic Law and eventually to be signed by our beloved President.
So far this will be our selling point to the youth and after the plebiscite we will reach out to our brothers in the field and convince them to join us and support the Bangsamoro government...the coming in of this Bangsamoro government would mean the coming in of a just and dignified peace in our place," said Jaafar.
Meanwhile, in its editorial posted on luwaran.com, the MILF wrote that in consequence, many people almost lost hope, others were already jittery, especially those in the provinces in Mindanao.
"They waited in baited breadth whether or not the House would ever ratify it. Playing in their mind was the ghost of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) in March 2008 which was abandoned by the government during the presidency of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo," it says.
“We cannot sign it in the present form or in any other form,” the MILF further said referring to the statement of then Solicitor General Agnes Divinadera.
"Be this as it may, what is good is that Congress ratified it under the new House leadership. In one way or the other, setting aside the internal bickering, nay House dynamics, Speaker Arroyo and allies should also deserve our expression of thanks and gratitude. Without any hesitation, they ratified the BOL. This is the main thing.
For now, we feel great relief in our chest; it is indeed an immense fulfillment. No doubt, the road remains bumpy and tortuous."
The MILF pose some questions: "Challenges ahead are still great. Will someone go to the Supreme Court and challenge the constitutionality of the BOL, and similarly during the plebiscite, will the people in the affected provinces, cities, and barangays ratify or reject it?"
These are some of the hard questions. We have no ready answers now. We will cross the bridge, so to speak, once we are there. Our view is to proceed and face every challenge head-on. “There is no rocky hill for an iron will,” runs another cliché.
The Moro rebel groups started their struggle in 1970s and they did not know they will ever reach this point, the editorial statement says. "Our only weapon is that we believed in the correctness of our cause and in pursuit thereof, we believed in the power of struggle or jihad."
"God helps those who help themselves', says the Holy Qur’an. Similarly, when we agreed to engage government in negotiation, dubbed by critics as 'very local negotiations' we did not know whether we reached or achieved what we have now. Faith and perseverance change the world."
For his part, MILF Chairman Al-haj Murad Ebrahim expressed his delight over Congress' action, hoping "that this is key to moving forward, that there are no more hindrances after this (BOL ratification)."
The signed BOL will create a new autonomous region to be called the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BAR), which will comprise six municipalities in Lanao del Norte, 39 barangays in North Cotabato, the cities of Cotabato (Maguindanao), Isabela (Basilan) and it will also include provinces already part of the ARMM like Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi.
It provides that a plebiscite must be held not earlier than 90 days and no later than 150 days after the effectivity of the law for the people to vote if they are for or against it.
Once fully establish, the BAR will receive 75% percent of the taxes that will be collected, an increase from the 70% percent the ARMM currently receives and will also receive a yearly "block grant" of about P60 billion, which is equivalent to 5% percent of the national internal revenue tax collection of the Bureau of Internal Revenue and Bureau of Customs from the third fiscal year immediately preceding the current fiscal year.
Under the BOL, furthermore, the Bangsamoro Parliament is to be headed by a Chief Minister who will govern the BAR. The Chief Minister must be elected by 80 members or representatives, of which at least 40 are party representatives.
The other half must be divided into district representatives and sectoral representatives. Seats will be reserved for members of the non-Muslim indigenous peoples, such as the Teduray, Lambangian, Dulangan Manobo, B'Laan and Higaonon.
Defense and security of the Bangsamoro is the responsibility of the National Government -- Police: Members of the MNLF and MILF shall be admitted to the Philippine National Police. Age, height and educational attainment qualifications may be waived and can be availed of within 5 years after the ratification of the BOL. Recruit from the MNLF and MILF have to 15 years after their entry to fulfill the educational attainment requirement.
Judges in the Shari'ah courts shall be required to be Regular members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. Non- IBP judges in Shari'ah district and appellate courts are granted a period to be qualified.
Other provisions of the BOL include the preservation and management of all inland waters is with the Bangsamoro. However, when the inland waters are utilized for energy in areas outside of the Bangsamoro, there will be cooperation between the Bangdamoro and Department of Energy, as primary agency.
Municipal regional waters: Municipal waters are extend to 15 kms. from the low-water mark while regional waters extend up to 19 kms. from the low-water mark, which is above that of regular municipal waters that extend only up to 15 kms.
The Intergovernmental Mechanism: This consist of various coordinative bodies, as follows: Philippine Congress Bangsamoro Parliament Forum; Fiscal Policy Board; Energy Board; and Sustainable Development Board.
The Interngovernmental Fiscal Policy Board shall provide for the sharing of the National government and the Bangsamoro in the income of GOCCs in Bangsamoro. Revenues from the exploration, development and utilization of natural resources, including mines and minerals shall be granted fully to the Bangsamoro. As fossil fuels and uranium, the revenues shall be shared equally.
Education: Teachers in the Madaris schools are treated as personnel in special technical positions for which the Civil! Service Commission shall set standards for their qualification and appointment. As it strengthens the Mindanao State University system, the Bangsamoro government shall also establish a Tribal University System. Similarly, the Madaris Educational system, Islamic and Arabic Studies will be established, maintained and supervised by the DepEd, CHED, TESDA and the Bangsamoro government.
Social Justice: Measures were provided to ensure every Bangsamoro people and inhabitant access to basic services, and, protection to labor, children, youth, women and settler communities. At least one woman shall be appointed as a Cabinet member.
Rehabilitation and development: The livelihood and other needs of members of the MILF/Bangsamoro Armed Force, the MNKF/Bangsamoro Armed Force, and, their women's auxiliary forces shall be addressed by rehabilutration , reconstruction and development packages as part of the normalization process.
A 10-year Special Development Fund amounting to P50 Billion shall be provided by the National Government, in which P5 Billion shall be released annually, for ten years, starting upon the ratification of the BOL. MGPI News
The long wait for the signing of Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) which aims to bring peace and development in the Philippines' predominantly Muslim south is finally over.
President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday, July 26, 2018, signed the Bangsamoro Organic Law that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and creating instead a Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BAR) with more powers.
Bangsamoro law is one of the requirements under a 2014 peace agreement between Philippine government and the MILF. It is the result of decades-long peace negotiations between the government and the country's largest Moro rebel group in Mindanao.
"The BBL has been signed, but I’m still going back because I have a ceremony with Jaafar (Moro Islamic Liberation Front vice chairman Ghadzali Jaafar) and Murad (MILF chief Murad Ebrahim). Also, I would like to talk to [MNLF founding chairman] Nur [Misuari] so that we can have it by the end of the year. I can create also an autonomy for him if that’s what he wants, and pending the federal system implementation he can just wait for it if he trusts me," Duterte said in his speech during the celebration of 69th Araw ng Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay.
The President was supposed to sign the BOL during his 3rd State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 23, however, the plan did not happen after the debacle at the House of Representatives, where the session was suspended without ratifying the bicam report on BOL and pushing through with the ouster of Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and installation of former president, now Pampanga 2nd District representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Both Senate and the Lower House had originally planned to ratify the Bangsamoro law during their morning sessions so Duterte can sign it into law before delivering his SONA. The Senate already ratified the measure during its morning session.
A day after the standoff between Alvarez and Macapagal-Arroyo for the House speakership, the lawmakers ratified the BOL with no objections before the afternoon session on Tuesday, July 24, was suspended.
The newly installed house speaker vowed to carry out the legislative agenda of Presiden Duterte.
Commenting on the House ratification of BOL, MILF Vice Chairman for Political Affairs Ghazali Jaafar, who also chairs the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, told reporters in Manila that he is very happy.
"I'm sure our people are very much happy, jubilant. This is an historic event of the Moro peopl. I think our people will approve the ratified Bangsamoro Organic Law and eventually to be signed by our beloved President.
So far this will be our selling point to the youth and after the plebiscite we will reach out to our brothers in the field and convince them to join us and support the Bangsamoro government...the coming in of this Bangsamoro government would mean the coming in of a just and dignified peace in our place," said Jaafar.
Meanwhile, in its editorial posted on luwaran.com, the MILF wrote that in consequence, many people almost lost hope, others were already jittery, especially those in the provinces in Mindanao.
"They waited in baited breadth whether or not the House would ever ratify it. Playing in their mind was the ghost of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) in March 2008 which was abandoned by the government during the presidency of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo," it says.
“We cannot sign it in the present form or in any other form,” the MILF further said referring to the statement of then Solicitor General Agnes Divinadera.
"Be this as it may, what is good is that Congress ratified it under the new House leadership. In one way or the other, setting aside the internal bickering, nay House dynamics, Speaker Arroyo and allies should also deserve our expression of thanks and gratitude. Without any hesitation, they ratified the BOL. This is the main thing.
For now, we feel great relief in our chest; it is indeed an immense fulfillment. No doubt, the road remains bumpy and tortuous."
The MILF pose some questions: "Challenges ahead are still great. Will someone go to the Supreme Court and challenge the constitutionality of the BOL, and similarly during the plebiscite, will the people in the affected provinces, cities, and barangays ratify or reject it?"
These are some of the hard questions. We have no ready answers now. We will cross the bridge, so to speak, once we are there. Our view is to proceed and face every challenge head-on. “There is no rocky hill for an iron will,” runs another cliché.
The Moro rebel groups started their struggle in 1970s and they did not know they will ever reach this point, the editorial statement says. "Our only weapon is that we believed in the correctness of our cause and in pursuit thereof, we believed in the power of struggle or jihad."
"God helps those who help themselves', says the Holy Qur’an. Similarly, when we agreed to engage government in negotiation, dubbed by critics as 'very local negotiations' we did not know whether we reached or achieved what we have now. Faith and perseverance change the world."
For his part, MILF Chairman Al-haj Murad Ebrahim expressed his delight over Congress' action, hoping "that this is key to moving forward, that there are no more hindrances after this (BOL ratification)."
The signed BOL will create a new autonomous region to be called the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BAR), which will comprise six municipalities in Lanao del Norte, 39 barangays in North Cotabato, the cities of Cotabato (Maguindanao), Isabela (Basilan) and it will also include provinces already part of the ARMM like Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi.
It provides that a plebiscite must be held not earlier than 90 days and no later than 150 days after the effectivity of the law for the people to vote if they are for or against it.
Once fully establish, the BAR will receive 75% percent of the taxes that will be collected, an increase from the 70% percent the ARMM currently receives and will also receive a yearly "block grant" of about P60 billion, which is equivalent to 5% percent of the national internal revenue tax collection of the Bureau of Internal Revenue and Bureau of Customs from the third fiscal year immediately preceding the current fiscal year.
Under the BOL, furthermore, the Bangsamoro Parliament is to be headed by a Chief Minister who will govern the BAR. The Chief Minister must be elected by 80 members or representatives, of which at least 40 are party representatives.
The other half must be divided into district representatives and sectoral representatives. Seats will be reserved for members of the non-Muslim indigenous peoples, such as the Teduray, Lambangian, Dulangan Manobo, B'Laan and Higaonon.
Defense and security of the Bangsamoro is the responsibility of the National Government -- Police: Members of the MNLF and MILF shall be admitted to the Philippine National Police. Age, height and educational attainment qualifications may be waived and can be availed of within 5 years after the ratification of the BOL. Recruit from the MNLF and MILF have to 15 years after their entry to fulfill the educational attainment requirement.
Judges in the Shari'ah courts shall be required to be Regular members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. Non- IBP judges in Shari'ah district and appellate courts are granted a period to be qualified.
Other provisions of the BOL include the preservation and management of all inland waters is with the Bangsamoro. However, when the inland waters are utilized for energy in areas outside of the Bangsamoro, there will be cooperation between the Bangdamoro and Department of Energy, as primary agency.
Municipal regional waters: Municipal waters are extend to 15 kms. from the low-water mark while regional waters extend up to 19 kms. from the low-water mark, which is above that of regular municipal waters that extend only up to 15 kms.
The Intergovernmental Mechanism: This consist of various coordinative bodies, as follows: Philippine Congress Bangsamoro Parliament Forum; Fiscal Policy Board; Energy Board; and Sustainable Development Board.
The Interngovernmental Fiscal Policy Board shall provide for the sharing of the National government and the Bangsamoro in the income of GOCCs in Bangsamoro. Revenues from the exploration, development and utilization of natural resources, including mines and minerals shall be granted fully to the Bangsamoro. As fossil fuels and uranium, the revenues shall be shared equally.
Education: Teachers in the Madaris schools are treated as personnel in special technical positions for which the Civil! Service Commission shall set standards for their qualification and appointment. As it strengthens the Mindanao State University system, the Bangsamoro government shall also establish a Tribal University System. Similarly, the Madaris Educational system, Islamic and Arabic Studies will be established, maintained and supervised by the DepEd, CHED, TESDA and the Bangsamoro government.
Social Justice: Measures were provided to ensure every Bangsamoro people and inhabitant access to basic services, and, protection to labor, children, youth, women and settler communities. At least one woman shall be appointed as a Cabinet member.
Rehabilitation and development: The livelihood and other needs of members of the MILF/Bangsamoro Armed Force, the MNKF/Bangsamoro Armed Force, and, their women's auxiliary forces shall be addressed by rehabilutration , reconstruction and development packages as part of the normalization process.
A 10-year Special Development Fund amounting to P50 Billion shall be provided by the National Government, in which P5 Billion shall be released annually, for ten years, starting upon the ratification of the BOL. MGPI News
Sunday, July 22, 2018
A fish farm caretaker's tale:
Bouncing back from what was lost
Bouncing back from Typhoon 'Vinta'. The fish farm caretaker throws his crab catch net trap into the water.
Fishpond caretaker Abdulkali Baladji from the Municipality of Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay Province, earns his main income from a small-scale fish farming. However, after typhoon Tropical Storm Vinta swept his town last December 22, 2017, which severely affected local fisheries, there was not enough fish to catch anymore.
Baladji lives in an area where it has a good source of brackish water being embraced along the east and southeast portions by Talinan creek and Baga river respectively; that provide its freshwater supply throughout the year. His place is particularly rich in mangroves and nipa palm (Nypa fruticans).
His wife is working abroad as a domestic helper, so he looks after his six children alone. "I'm not relying on my wife's earning. I work hard rain or shine, day and night even when the weather is very hot and cold, so I can earn money to feed my children and send them to school."
On the day before severe flooding hit Kabasalan town, it was cloudy and raining lightly. Baladji was fixing a leaking dike inside the pond, then all of a sudden a strong wind gusted. The rain also intensified, prompting him to rush home.
At that time, his six children, all minors, were inside their unfinished semi-half concrete half wooden house. "I quickly went home amid strong winds and heavy rains to make sure everything was okay.
Straight away he recited 'Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar. La ilaha illa Allah (God is Great. God is Great. There's no deity but Allah). Then he alerted his children telling them to stay with him inside the house because flood is occurring very soon.
Without any panic, Baladji went outside his house leaving his children to check if the weather was getting worse. He was shocked to see floodwaters that roared like a river through the fishpond. Once the flood had reached his house, he rushed to a mini port and embarked on his multi-purpose motorized outrigger canoe to save his children from rampaging flood waters.
"I thank Allah (God) Almighty for saving me and my children. I thank Allah that my home and neighbors survived the river floods," he said.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported that six bodies were found in Barangay Banker (Good Year) while an 8-year-old was missing after the devastating flood that wiped out houses and displaced more than 2,000 of residents across 13 villages.
Accordingly, the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur were
hardest hit by flash floods, where 42 people died and over a dozen went missing.
Baladji's thousands of bangus (milkfish) fingerlings, juvenile mud crabs (king crabs), and prawns stocked in the pond few weeks before the Vinta had been washed away by flood. His pond material storehouse, nets and other farming tools were all gone.
"If the dam in Good Year had not been damaged, the flood would not have been much more severe," he hinted and saying "It's a poorly-built mitigating dam." There was a sudden rise of flood waters coming from the river. I could have saved some stocks in the farm."
A fisherman his whole life since his youthful days, Baladji had observed that there were more floods now than there used to be. "I often hear in the radio about floods more now than it used to be. Floods today are more severe because I think of manmade climate change. Even relatively small amounts of rain could immediately trigger floods. I don’t really understand it."
The 43-year-old farmer is concerned that with more frequent flooding it could badly impacted his livelihood and many poor families of Kabasalan for whom fishing serves as the main source of income. "We have no other sources of income other than from farming and additional works for the sustenance and education of our children."
One of his big headaches is the theft of crabs and bangus perpetrated by outsiders or intruders. "They steal most of the mud crabs and bangus even not the market-sized stocks when no one is manning the pond. This is really a problem because this can lead to significant losses and reduced profits."
Being a pond overseer, Baladji said he is responsible for the success of farm business. "I don't want to lose the trust of my boss given in me, so I do regular inspection of all dikes and remotest part of the pond with my dog to make sure that no one can steal the stocks."
When asked if he's struggling to make both ends meet, Baladji replied: "Honestly right now I'm struggling. It's hard for me with six children to keep my expenses within my meager income. So I work to the bone."
"But as long as there are mangrove swamps and clean, unpolluted brackish water free from floods in my hometown where we can catch 'sari-sari' fish, mud crabs, prawns and shrimps, we'll live naturally," he quipped with a smile.
Baladji furthered their fortune is tied to the brackish water, which hosts the fish pond entrusted to him. Aside from overseeing the farm, he also works as shellfish picker to feed the crabs.
The Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) in its socio-economic profile of Zamboanga Sibugay data showed Kabasalan town is among the 13 fish landing centers of the province. The major species harvested in brackish water areas are bangus (milkfish), prawn, tilapia, mud crabs and others (W. shrimps).
In recent years, the province which has an area of approximately 8,721 hectares of brackish water fishponds yielded about 268.109 metric tons of fish. There were also several fish pen and fish cage operations with an average cage size of 0.50 hectare that are found in the municipality and its neighboring coastal towns.
Since growing mud crabs is a profitable venture, Baladji said he encourages the fish farm owner to focus on crab fattening because it's turnover is fast, hence, the period between investment and returns is short, thereby increasing their income.
"Considering the increasing demand of mud crab in the markets, I believe crab farming is quite profitable," he said.
For instance, Baladji said: "You purchased P30,000 worth of 1,000 pieces of juvenile crabs for farming at the rate of Ph25 each, and after four months or more, let say six hundred crabs (worst case scenario) survived and grew big (good size) with a weight of at least 2 pieces a kilo. The market rate for 1 kilogram of mud crab is P500 to P800, so with your surviving crabs, you can earn hundreds of thousands, more than double return on your capital."
Baladji, meanwhile, admitted to using organic tobacco dust in the preparation or sterilization of fishpond before the stocking of juvenile mudcrabs and milk fish/prawn fingerlings, but depending on the availability of product. His practice is applying 'apog' to condition the soil and to control the predators in the ponds.
"Unlike some chemical pesticides, which will cause harm to the fingerlings, this (application of apog) is one practical means of caring the ponds from the pests and also serves as organic fertilizer to promote the growth of natural fish food," he added.
As far as Baladji is concerned, mud crab farming can be a rewarding experience to him, being a farmer and fish pond caretaker, as it is providing a profitable and steady source of income.
Even though he was heavily affected by the recent flooding, he is now able to get back slowly what was lost during the calamity. "Insha'Allah (God willing). Through hard work, determination, perseverance and personal sacrifice, we will succeed and bounce back." MGPI News
Bouncing back from what was lost
Fishpond caretaker Abdulkali Baladji from the Municipality of Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay Province, earns his main income from a small-scale fish farming. However, after typhoon Tropical Storm Vinta swept his town last December 22, 2017, which severely affected local fisheries, there was not enough fish to catch anymore.
Baladji lives in an area where it has a good source of brackish water being embraced along the east and southeast portions by Talinan creek and Baga river respectively; that provide its freshwater supply throughout the year. His place is particularly rich in mangroves and nipa palm (Nypa fruticans).
On the day before severe flooding hit Kabasalan town, it was cloudy and raining lightly. Baladji was fixing a leaking dike inside the pond, then all of a sudden a strong wind gusted. The rain also intensified, prompting him to rush home.
At that time, his six children, all minors, were inside their unfinished semi-half concrete half wooden house. "I quickly went home amid strong winds and heavy rains to make sure everything was okay.
Straight away he recited 'Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar. La ilaha illa Allah (God is Great. God is Great. There's no deity but Allah). Then he alerted his children telling them to stay with him inside the house because flood is occurring very soon.
Without any panic, Baladji went outside his house leaving his children to check if the weather was getting worse. He was shocked to see floodwaters that roared like a river through the fishpond. Once the flood had reached his house, he rushed to a mini port and embarked on his multi-purpose motorized outrigger canoe to save his children from rampaging flood waters.
"I thank Allah (God) Almighty for saving me and my children. I thank Allah that my home and neighbors survived the river floods," he said.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported that six bodies were found in Barangay Banker (Good Year) while an 8-year-old was missing after the devastating flood that wiped out houses and displaced more than 2,000 of residents across 13 villages.
Accordingly, the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur were
hardest hit by flash floods, where 42 people died and over a dozen went missing.
Baladji's thousands of bangus (milkfish) fingerlings, juvenile mud crabs (king crabs), and prawns stocked in the pond few weeks before the Vinta had been washed away by flood. His pond material storehouse, nets and other farming tools were all gone.
"If the dam in Good Year had not been damaged, the flood would not have been much more severe," he hinted and saying "It's a poorly-built mitigating dam." There was a sudden rise of flood waters coming from the river. I could have saved some stocks in the farm."
A fisherman his whole life since his youthful days, Baladji had observed that there were more floods now than there used to be. "I often hear in the radio about floods more now than it used to be. Floods today are more severe because I think of manmade climate change. Even relatively small amounts of rain could immediately trigger floods. I don’t really understand it."
The 43-year-old farmer is concerned that with more frequent flooding it could badly impacted his livelihood and many poor families of Kabasalan for whom fishing serves as the main source of income. "We have no other sources of income other than from farming and additional works for the sustenance and education of our children."
One of his big headaches is the theft of crabs and bangus perpetrated by outsiders or intruders. "They steal most of the mud crabs and bangus even not the market-sized stocks when no one is manning the pond. This is really a problem because this can lead to significant losses and reduced profits."
Being a pond overseer, Baladji said he is responsible for the success of farm business. "I don't want to lose the trust of my boss given in me, so I do regular inspection of all dikes and remotest part of the pond with my dog to make sure that no one can steal the stocks."
"But as long as there are mangrove swamps and clean, unpolluted brackish water free from floods in my hometown where we can catch 'sari-sari' fish, mud crabs, prawns and shrimps, we'll live naturally," he quipped with a smile.
Baladji furthered their fortune is tied to the brackish water, which hosts the fish pond entrusted to him. Aside from overseeing the farm, he also works as shellfish picker to feed the crabs.
The Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) in its socio-economic profile of Zamboanga Sibugay data showed Kabasalan town is among the 13 fish landing centers of the province. The major species harvested in brackish water areas are bangus (milkfish), prawn, tilapia, mud crabs and others (W. shrimps).
In recent years, the province which has an area of approximately 8,721 hectares of brackish water fishponds yielded about 268.109 metric tons of fish. There were also several fish pen and fish cage operations with an average cage size of 0.50 hectare that are found in the municipality and its neighboring coastal towns.
Since growing mud crabs is a profitable venture, Baladji said he encourages the fish farm owner to focus on crab fattening because it's turnover is fast, hence, the period between investment and returns is short, thereby increasing their income.
"Considering the increasing demand of mud crab in the markets, I believe crab farming is quite profitable," he said.
"Unlike some chemical pesticides, which will cause harm to the fingerlings, this (application of apog) is one practical means of caring the ponds from the pests and also serves as organic fertilizer to promote the growth of natural fish food," he added.
As far as Baladji is concerned, mud crab farming can be a rewarding experience to him, being a farmer and fish pond caretaker, as it is providing a profitable and steady source of income.
Even though he was heavily affected by the recent flooding, he is now able to get back slowly what was lost during the calamity. "Insha'Allah (God willing). Through hard work, determination, perseverance and personal sacrifice, we will succeed and bounce back." MGPI News
Friday, September 09, 2016
ARMM provides relief and medical
aid to displaced families in Sulu
About 4,000 families affected by intensified military operations against members of the Abu Sayyaf Group in the province of Sulu in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) received relief goods and medical assistance.
ARMM regional Vice-Governor Haroun Alrashid Lucman Jr. led the delivery of the humanitarian assistance with Sulu Governor Abdusakur Totoh Tan II and Director Ramil Masukat of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and ARMM – Humanitarian Emergency Action and Response Team (ARMM-HEART).
As of September 5, close to 4,000 families have been displaced by the military’s offensive against the Abu Sayyaf with most of the evacuees coming from five municipalities namely:
Patikul with 1,122 families;
Maimbung with 1,321 families;
Indanan with 400 families;
Parang with 1,113 families; and
Panamao with 29 families.
Myrna Jo Henry, ARMM-HEART information officer, said the agency’s convergence team validated the number of affected families that received the region’s relief and medical assistance.
“We closely coordinated with the provincial government of Sulu to ensure the safety of our constituents,” regional Vice Governor Lucman said.
ARMM-HEART is a convergence of agencies that oversees disaster preparedness and response in the region. The team includes the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Office of Civil Defense, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Science and Technology, The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Regional Planning and Development Office, among others.
The government has intensified its operations against the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu following orders from President Rodrigo Duterte. The Philippine Navy has also deployed its largest vessel to lead the naval blockade against lawless elements who were reported as planning an escape via the Sulu Sea.
To ensure coordinated efforts between government troops fighting terrorism and illegal drugs, President Duterte placed the entire country on September 3 under a state of lawlessness. BPI Press Release
ARMM regional Vice-Governor Haroun Alrashid Lucman Jr. led the delivery of the humanitarian assistance with Sulu Governor Abdusakur Totoh Tan II and Director Ramil Masukat of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and ARMM – Humanitarian Emergency Action and Response Team (ARMM-HEART).
As of September 5, close to 4,000 families have been displaced by the military’s offensive against the Abu Sayyaf with most of the evacuees coming from five municipalities namely:
Patikul with 1,122 families;
Maimbung with 1,321 families;
Indanan with 400 families;
Parang with 1,113 families; and
Panamao with 29 families.
Myrna Jo Henry, ARMM-HEART information officer, said the agency’s convergence team validated the number of affected families that received the region’s relief and medical assistance.
“We closely coordinated with the provincial government of Sulu to ensure the safety of our constituents,” regional Vice Governor Lucman said.
ARMM-HEART is a convergence of agencies that oversees disaster preparedness and response in the region. The team includes the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Office of Civil Defense, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Science and Technology, The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Regional Planning and Development Office, among others.
The government has intensified its operations against the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu following orders from President Rodrigo Duterte. The Philippine Navy has also deployed its largest vessel to lead the naval blockade against lawless elements who were reported as planning an escape via the Sulu Sea.
To ensure coordinated efforts between government troops fighting terrorism and illegal drugs, President Duterte placed the entire country on September 3 under a state of lawlessness. BPI Press Release
Thursday, September 08, 2016
Duterte formally accepts Philippine
chairmanship of ASEAN in 2017
President Rodrigo Duterte has formally accepted the Philippine chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) in 2017 from Vientiane, Laos.
In his prepared speech at the closing ceremony of the ASEAN Summit at the National Convention Center in Laos' capital Thursday afternoon, Duterte said during the Philippines chairmanship, he will highlight ASEAN as a model of regionalism and a global player with the interest of the people as its core.
"We will pursue initiative and enhance cooperation, a global partners to ensure that the ASEAN citizens live in peace, stability, security and ...we will maintain (solidarity and unity) at all times," the iron-fisted president vowed. .
Duterte assured the Philippines is ready and willing to steer and guide the association, but said crucial to the realization of the goals is a cooperation and support of all ASEAN member states and their dialogue partners.
Towards this end, Duterte invited his fellow ASEAN leaders "to be our dynamic and vibrant partners as we guide ASEAN in 2017. Our theme, 'Partnering for Change, Engaging the World' captures our resolve to consolidate our community for our people's with the sense of togetherness and common identity and able to take our rightful place in the global community of nations."
According to Duterte, the Philippines ASEAN chairmanship coincides with the historic milestone event as it will celebrate the 50th founding anniversary of the association.
"It will be an occasion for us to set the tone for the next 50 years. Join us in making the commemoration of ASEAN's 50 years a success. With great honor and humility, I accept a chairmanship of the ASEAN from our excellent host, the People's Democratic Republic of Laos. I look forward to seeing you all in the Philippines in 2017," Duterte concluded his speech.
Before Duterte’s speech, he congratulated Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith for chairing ASEAN in 2016.
“I have benefited immensely from our discussions and exchanges, providing me with insights on how best to build upon Lao PDR’s efforts in community building,” Duterte said.
Sisoulith was quoted as responding to Duterte's statement: “I trust that under the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship in 2017, in addition to the meaningful celebration of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN, the ASEAN Community will continue to gain new achievements in order to turn the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 into reality with concrete outcomes.”
“The Lao PDR will continue to extend its full support to the Philippines,” Sisoulith added.
He said: “Your Excellency, President Rodrigo Duterte, on this auspicious occasion, I have the honor to hand over the ASEAN chairmanship to the Philippines starting from the 1st of January 2017.” MGPI News
chairmanship of ASEAN in 2017
In his prepared speech at the closing ceremony of the ASEAN Summit at the National Convention Center in Laos' capital Thursday afternoon, Duterte said during the Philippines chairmanship, he will highlight ASEAN as a model of regionalism and a global player with the interest of the people as its core.
"We will pursue initiative and enhance cooperation, a global partners to ensure that the ASEAN citizens live in peace, stability, security and ...we will maintain (solidarity and unity) at all times," the iron-fisted president vowed. .
Duterte assured the Philippines is ready and willing to steer and guide the association, but said crucial to the realization of the goals is a cooperation and support of all ASEAN member states and their dialogue partners.
Towards this end, Duterte invited his fellow ASEAN leaders "to be our dynamic and vibrant partners as we guide ASEAN in 2017. Our theme, 'Partnering for Change, Engaging the World' captures our resolve to consolidate our community for our people's with the sense of togetherness and common identity and able to take our rightful place in the global community of nations."
According to Duterte, the Philippines ASEAN chairmanship coincides with the historic milestone event as it will celebrate the 50th founding anniversary of the association.
"It will be an occasion for us to set the tone for the next 50 years. Join us in making the commemoration of ASEAN's 50 years a success. With great honor and humility, I accept a chairmanship of the ASEAN from our excellent host, the People's Democratic Republic of Laos. I look forward to seeing you all in the Philippines in 2017," Duterte concluded his speech.
Before Duterte’s speech, he congratulated Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith for chairing ASEAN in 2016.
“I have benefited immensely from our discussions and exchanges, providing me with insights on how best to build upon Lao PDR’s efforts in community building,” Duterte said.
Sisoulith was quoted as responding to Duterte's statement: “I trust that under the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship in 2017, in addition to the meaningful celebration of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN, the ASEAN Community will continue to gain new achievements in order to turn the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 into reality with concrete outcomes.”
“The Lao PDR will continue to extend its full support to the Philippines,” Sisoulith added.
He said: “Your Excellency, President Rodrigo Duterte, on this auspicious occasion, I have the honor to hand over the ASEAN chairmanship to the Philippines starting from the 1st of January 2017.” MGPI News
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Death toll in fighting between govt troops and Abu Sayyaf in Sulu rises to 45
Heavy gun battle between government troops and Daesh-linked militants has resumed a day after the military suffered 15 deaths Monday in Sulu in the southern Philippines, according to the military officials.
In a news briefing Tuesday afternoon, Western Mindanao Command spokesman Major Filemon Tan Jr. said since the intensified military offensives were launched from August 26, to date in Sulu, casualties on the Abu Sayyaf group have reached a total of 30 to include their leaders.
"The number of killed Abu Sayyaf bandits is already 30 while 11 others injured. On the government side, we suffered 15 killed in action and 29 others wounded," Tan told defense reporters in a press briefing at Camp Navarro, Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City.
"So the total number of deaths on both sides is 45 and 40 others
including our troops and Abu Sayyaf were injured since Friday
fighting," Tan said
He said during the National Heroes Day on Monday, August 29, fifteen of their Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) comrades were immortalized as heroes.
"Our forces fought gallantly, the firefight was intense and our troops sacrificed their lives to give the next generation the peace and security they truly deserve," Tan said.
"We will mourn the loss of our brothers, but it will not dampen the fighting spirit of our troops. The momentum is in our side and we will continue this fight until we accomplish the mission," he added.
The regional Army spokesman said whoever block the way of troops or help the Abu Sayyaf, will be dealt more severely.
"What you see is just the tip of the iceberg, more troops, more
equipment and more firepower will be committed to destroy the Abu Sayyaf. It is just a matter of time," said Tan.
He said the Armed Forces of the Philippines is appealing to the
Filipino people to pray for their troops.
Meanwhile, the Commander, Joint Task Force Sulu, Brigadier General Arnel de la Vega, said in a statement that intense fighting is on going in Sulu since 1:50pm of 29 August 2016.
He said Army soldiers of the 21st Infantry Battalion led by Lieutenant Colonel Presco Lobos are battling heavily armed terrorist Abu Sayyaf under sub-leader Jamiri Jawong Jauhari in Sitio Kugan, Barangay Bakung, Patikul, Sulu.
"In this fierce on going armed encounter, two ASG members were killed and a number of them severely wounded as they withdrew southeast,"Lobos said.
The security forces meanwhile suffered zero casualty, he added.
Tan said the soldiers grieve for their fallen comrades last Monday, but instead of waning, the soldiers pressed on in the fight. The ultimate sacrifice and acts of gallantry become their driving force to hit back once.
Tan said the total Abu Sayyaf fighters in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi are placed at 481.
The military, however, does not have exact figures on the group's
sympathizers, supporters or operatives recruited through dubious means.
The Abu Sayyaf beheaded two Canadians and a Filipino teenager this year.
Just early this month, two of the seven Indonesian sailors kidnapped from a tugboat off Tawi-Tawi escaped captivity but there was speculation the Abu Sayyaf freed them after their families paid their ransoms.
Aside from remaining Indonesian captives, three Malaysians sailors, a Dutch bird watcher, a Norwegian and some Filipinos are still being held by the Daesh-affiliated group. MGPI News
In a news briefing Tuesday afternoon, Western Mindanao Command spokesman Major Filemon Tan Jr. said since the intensified military offensives were launched from August 26, to date in Sulu, casualties on the Abu Sayyaf group have reached a total of 30 to include their leaders.
"The number of killed Abu Sayyaf bandits is already 30 while 11 others injured. On the government side, we suffered 15 killed in action and 29 others wounded," Tan told defense reporters in a press briefing at Camp Navarro, Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City.
"So the total number of deaths on both sides is 45 and 40 others
including our troops and Abu Sayyaf were injured since Friday
fighting," Tan said
He said during the National Heroes Day on Monday, August 29, fifteen of their Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) comrades were immortalized as heroes.
"Our forces fought gallantly, the firefight was intense and our troops sacrificed their lives to give the next generation the peace and security they truly deserve," Tan said.
"We will mourn the loss of our brothers, but it will not dampen the fighting spirit of our troops. The momentum is in our side and we will continue this fight until we accomplish the mission," he added.
The regional Army spokesman said whoever block the way of troops or help the Abu Sayyaf, will be dealt more severely.
"What you see is just the tip of the iceberg, more troops, more
equipment and more firepower will be committed to destroy the Abu Sayyaf. It is just a matter of time," said Tan.
He said the Armed Forces of the Philippines is appealing to the
Filipino people to pray for their troops.
Meanwhile, the Commander, Joint Task Force Sulu, Brigadier General Arnel de la Vega, said in a statement that intense fighting is on going in Sulu since 1:50pm of 29 August 2016.
He said Army soldiers of the 21st Infantry Battalion led by Lieutenant Colonel Presco Lobos are battling heavily armed terrorist Abu Sayyaf under sub-leader Jamiri Jawong Jauhari in Sitio Kugan, Barangay Bakung, Patikul, Sulu.
"In this fierce on going armed encounter, two ASG members were killed and a number of them severely wounded as they withdrew southeast,"Lobos said.
The security forces meanwhile suffered zero casualty, he added.
Tan said the soldiers grieve for their fallen comrades last Monday, but instead of waning, the soldiers pressed on in the fight. The ultimate sacrifice and acts of gallantry become their driving force to hit back once.
Tan said the total Abu Sayyaf fighters in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi are placed at 481.
The military, however, does not have exact figures on the group's
sympathizers, supporters or operatives recruited through dubious means.
The Abu Sayyaf beheaded two Canadians and a Filipino teenager this year.
Just early this month, two of the seven Indonesian sailors kidnapped from a tugboat off Tawi-Tawi escaped captivity but there was speculation the Abu Sayyaf freed them after their families paid their ransoms.
Aside from remaining Indonesian captives, three Malaysians sailors, a Dutch bird watcher, a Norwegian and some Filipinos are still being held by the Daesh-affiliated group. MGPI News
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Hundreds benefit from medical
outreach in 3 towns in Basilan
More than 500 children and their parents from the municipalities of Ungkaya Pukan, Al- Barka and Tipo-Tipo have benefited from the medical and dental mission sponsored by the Save The Children of War Basilan Association.
The community outreach activity was made possible through the efforts of Dr. Arlyn Jawad-Jumao-as, the association's founding president, together with Dr. Alfonso Bravo, Lamitan District Hospital Administrator, Dr. Rhoda Delgado, and Dr. Christlen Delgado, dentist.
It was conducted at the municipal hall in Tipo-Tipo town on Tuesday, wherein both parents and their children received free medicines after the free consultation made by the four physicians.
"Nakakadurog ng puso habang tinitingnan ko ang mga bata na nangangailangan ng medical attention pero hindi sila nabibigyan ng pagkakataon because of the peace and order problem," Jumao-as said.
It was learned from a health worker (volunteer) who declined to be named that there are still many internally displaced persons at an evacuation center.
"Sad to say din po na hindi natapos ang medical mission at marami pa ang nakapila because of the encounter yesterday (Tuesday) in Tuburan," she said.
The volunteer added a military official who spearheaded the security forces securing the area ordered to immediately stop the said outreach activity for security reason.
Save The Children of War Basilan Association aims to reach out those family from far flung and remote areas of Basilan who are always affected by the conflict between the government troops and Abu Sayyaf militants.
The association's outreach activity Tuesday which was supported by JCI Lamitan, Tipo-tipo Municipal Health workers, 19th Special Forces company (4SFBn) led by Capt. Dexter Dantog, company commander also conducted free haircut, feeding activities and school supplies distribution.
This forthcoming October 4, the association will be having its founding anniversary with the theme: "Festival of Peace," to be celebrated in Basilan. MGPI News
outreach in 3 towns in Basilan
Scene during the Children of War Basilan Association's medical and dental outreach mission at the municipal hall in Tipo-Tipo town in Basilan Province Tuesday, August 23, 2016. Photo courtesy of Mirasol Monteza/RMN
The community outreach activity was made possible through the efforts of Dr. Arlyn Jawad-Jumao-as, the association's founding president, together with Dr. Alfonso Bravo, Lamitan District Hospital Administrator, Dr. Rhoda Delgado, and Dr. Christlen Delgado, dentist.
It was conducted at the municipal hall in Tipo-Tipo town on Tuesday, wherein both parents and their children received free medicines after the free consultation made by the four physicians.
"Nakakadurog ng puso habang tinitingnan ko ang mga bata na nangangailangan ng medical attention pero hindi sila nabibigyan ng pagkakataon because of the peace and order problem," Jumao-as said.
It was learned from a health worker (volunteer) who declined to be named that there are still many internally displaced persons at an evacuation center.
"Sad to say din po na hindi natapos ang medical mission at marami pa ang nakapila because of the encounter yesterday (Tuesday) in Tuburan," she said.
The volunteer added a military official who spearheaded the security forces securing the area ordered to immediately stop the said outreach activity for security reason.
Save The Children of War Basilan Association aims to reach out those family from far flung and remote areas of Basilan who are always affected by the conflict between the government troops and Abu Sayyaf militants.
The association's outreach activity Tuesday which was supported by JCI Lamitan, Tipo-tipo Municipal Health workers, 19th Special Forces company (4SFBn) led by Capt. Dexter Dantog, company commander also conducted free haircut, feeding activities and school supplies distribution.
This forthcoming October 4, the association will be having its founding anniversary with the theme: "Festival of Peace," to be celebrated in Basilan. MGPI News
On issue of involving Misuari in Bangsamoro peace process
Mayor Beng: It is not for me to say
whether it's welcome or unwelcome
whether it's welcome or unwelcome
Mayor Isabelle "Beng" Climaco-Salazar of Zamboanga city with one of his legal officers receives a Philippine Airlines toy token from the Manila-based PAL representatives who announced their cabin crew hiring during a press conference at City Hall Monday, August 22, 2016.
Reacting on the issue welcoming Moro National Liberation Front chairman Nur Misuari in renewed peace efforts for Mindanao, Mayor Isabelle Climaco-Salaza on Monday said it is not for her to say whether it is welcome or unwelcome.
"There has been a case filed by the local government unit and as far as the city government of Zamboanga city is concerned we will continue to appeal for justice especially for all the victims of the siege," the mayor told local reporters.
But Climaco, one of the signatories to the charges of rebellion and crimes against humanity versus Misuari, said they are also bound to the higher authority which is the Department of Justice (DOJ) to institute whatever legal actions that they may have with regards to the case.
The mayor's comments were in reaction to the earlier reports saying that Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim that their group has no problem with Misuari being part of the peace talks with the Philippine government.
Murad was quoted as saying by media that the inclusion of Misuari in the peace talks is part of the process of converging two peace agreements, especially as the MILF and the MNLF have a similar goal “That is self-governance for the Bangsamoro."
Murad made the statement during the start of the two-day meeting between the MILF and the Philippine government in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last week to discuss the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
Meanwhile, Climaco in an interview after her regular press conference at city hall Monday reiterated that "we have to await the Department of Justice on what legal measures they will do to lift the arrest order against Misuari.
"Kita (We), we can only speak on the part of complainants and I am one of those signatories but until the DOJ can provide that legal enactment, the situation remains as is," the mayor said.
"But looking at the situation of where we are now, as what I have said in the past, there has been neglect from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process because they have segregated Nur Misuari, and so claro (clear) that he is recognized by the international bodies," she added.
In fact, Climaco said when she talked with Misuari, "his demand was we must implement the peace process. And I said it is not within me because I am just a local chief executive and from that we must take note of what was stated because he is still the duly recognize representative."
It may be recalled that President Rodrigo Duterte during his visit in Sulu last August 12 said that he is okay with the idea of involving Misuari in an inclusive Bangsamoro peace process. The president also said he does not want the MNLF founder to be detained despite of a pending warrant of arrest.
Duterte said if something happens to Misuari under the government custody, the state could mean deterioration of any peace efforts, specifically with the Tausugs.
Misuari is facing charges of inciting rebellion and crimes against humanity in relation to the Zamboanga siege in 2013, a crisis that ended with some 200 casualties and displaced tens of thousands of families. MGPI News
"There has been a case filed by the local government unit and as far as the city government of Zamboanga city is concerned we will continue to appeal for justice especially for all the victims of the siege," the mayor told local reporters.
But Climaco, one of the signatories to the charges of rebellion and crimes against humanity versus Misuari, said they are also bound to the higher authority which is the Department of Justice (DOJ) to institute whatever legal actions that they may have with regards to the case.
The mayor's comments were in reaction to the earlier reports saying that Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim that their group has no problem with Misuari being part of the peace talks with the Philippine government.
Murad was quoted as saying by media that the inclusion of Misuari in the peace talks is part of the process of converging two peace agreements, especially as the MILF and the MNLF have a similar goal “That is self-governance for the Bangsamoro."
Murad made the statement during the start of the two-day meeting between the MILF and the Philippine government in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last week to discuss the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
Meanwhile, Climaco in an interview after her regular press conference at city hall Monday reiterated that "we have to await the Department of Justice on what legal measures they will do to lift the arrest order against Misuari.
"Kita (We), we can only speak on the part of complainants and I am one of those signatories but until the DOJ can provide that legal enactment, the situation remains as is," the mayor said.
"But looking at the situation of where we are now, as what I have said in the past, there has been neglect from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process because they have segregated Nur Misuari, and so claro (clear) that he is recognized by the international bodies," she added.
In fact, Climaco said when she talked with Misuari, "his demand was we must implement the peace process. And I said it is not within me because I am just a local chief executive and from that we must take note of what was stated because he is still the duly recognize representative."
It may be recalled that President Rodrigo Duterte during his visit in Sulu last August 12 said that he is okay with the idea of involving Misuari in an inclusive Bangsamoro peace process. The president also said he does not want the MNLF founder to be detained despite of a pending warrant of arrest.
Duterte said if something happens to Misuari under the government custody, the state could mean deterioration of any peace efforts, specifically with the Tausugs.
Misuari is facing charges of inciting rebellion and crimes against humanity in relation to the Zamboanga siege in 2013, a crisis that ended with some 200 casualties and displaced tens of thousands of families. MGPI News
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