2012 Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro

MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim (second from left) describes the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro as the most important document in this chapter of the MILF's history. He watches the signing of the peace roadmap along with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and President Benigno Aquino III. MILF Peace Panel Chairman Mohagher Iqbal and Government Peace Panel Chairman Marvic Leonen sign the deal in the presence of Malaysian Facilitator Tengku Dato'Abdul Ghafar. Photo by Malacañang Photo Bureau.

Joint Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GPH)-Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Accord Signed October 15, 2012 at Malacanang, Manila

In the Name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT ON THE BANGSAMORO

The Philippine Government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) herein referred to as the Parties to this Agreement,

HAVE AGREED AND ACKNOWLEDGED AS FOLLOWS:

I. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE BANGSAMORO

1. The Parties agree that the status quo is unacceptable and that the Bangsamoro shall be established to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The Bangsamoro is the new autonomous political entity (NPE) referred to in the Decision Points of Principles as of April 2012.

2. The government of the Bangsamoro shall have a ministerial form.

The Parties agree to entrench an electoral system suitable to a ministerial form of government. The electoral system shall allow democratic participation, ensure accountability of public officers primarily to their constituents and encourage formation of genuinely principled political parties. The electoral system shall be contained in the Bangsamoro Basic Law to be implemented through legislation enacted by the Bangsamoro Government and correlated with national laws.

3. The provinces, cities, municipalities, barangays and geographic areas within its territory shall be the constituent units of the Bangsamoro.

The authority to regulate on its own responsibility the affairs of the constituent units is guaranteed within the limit of the Bangsamoro Basic Law. The privileges already enjoyed by the local government units under existing laws shall not be diminished unless otherwise altered, modified or reformed for good governance pursuant to the provisions of the Bangsamoro local government code.

4. The relationship of the Central Government with the Bangsamoro Government shall be asymmetric.

5. The Parties recognize Bangsamoro identity. Those who at the time of conquest and colonization were considered natives or original inhabitants of Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago and its adjacent islands including Palawan, and their descendants whether of mixed or of full blood shall have the right to identify themselves as Bangsamoro by ascription or self-ascription.

Spouses and their descendants are classified as Bangsamoro. The freedom of choice of other Indigenous peoples shall be respected.

II. BASIC LAW

1. The Bangsamoro shall be governed by a Basic Law.

2. The provisions of the Bangsamoro Basic Law shall be consistent with all agreements of the Parties.

3. The Basic Law shall reflect the Bangsamoro system of life and meet internationally accepted standards of governance.

4. It shall be formulated by the Bangsamoro people and ratified by the qualified voters within its territory.

III. POWERS

1. The Central Government will have reserved powers, the Bangsamoro Government shall have its exclusive powers, and there will be concurrent powers shared by the Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government.

The Annex on Power Sharing, which includes the principles on intergovernmental relations, shall form part of this Agreement and guide the drafting of the Basic Law.

2. The Central Government shall have powers on:
a) Defense and external security
b) Foreign policy
c) Common market and global trade, provided that the power to enter into economic agreements already allowed under Republic Act No. 9054 shall be transferred to the Bangsamoro
d) Coinage and monetary policy
e) Citizenship and naturalization

f) Postal service

This list is without prejudice to additional powers that may be agreed upon by the Parties.

3. The Parties recognize the need to strengthen the Shari’ah courts and to expand their jurisdiction over cases. The Bangsamoro shall have competence over the Shari’ah justice system. The supremacy of Shari’ah and its application shall only be to Muslims.

4. The Bangsamoro Basic Law may provide for the power of the Bangsamoro Government to accredit halal-certifying bodies in the Bangsamoro.

5. The Bangsamoro Basic Law shall provide for justice institutions in the Bangsamoro. This includes:

a) The competence over the Shari’ah justice system, as well as the formal institutionalization and operation of its functions, and the expansion of the jurisdiction of the Shari’ah courts;
b) Measures to improve the workings of local civil courts, when necessary; and

c) Alternative dispute resolution systems.

6. The customary rights and traditions of indigenous peoples shall be taken into consideration in the formation of the Bangsamoro’s justice system. This may include the recognition of indigenous processes as alternative modes of dispute resolution.

IV. REVENUE GENERATION AND WEALTH SHARING

1. The parties agree that wealth creation (or revenue generation and sourcing) is important for the operation of the Bangsamoro.

2. Consistent with the Bangsamoro Basic Law, the Bangsamoro will have the power to create its own sources of revenues and to levy taxes, fees, and charges, subject to limitations as may be mutually agreed upon by the Parties. This power shall include the power to determine tax bases and tax rates, guided by the principles of devolution of power, equalization, equity, accountability, administrative simplicity, harmonization, economic efficiency, and fiscal autonomy.

3. The Bangsamoro will have the authority to receive grants and donations from domestic and foreign sources, and block grants and subsidies from the Central Government. Subject to acceptable credit worthiness, it shall also have the authority to contract loans from domestic and foreign lending institutions, except foreign and domestic loans requiring sovereign guaranty, whether explicit or implicit, which would require the approval of the Central Government.

4. The Bangsamoro shall have a just and equitable share in the revenues generated through the exploration, development or utilization of natural resources obtaining in all the areas/territories, land or water, covered by and within the jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro, in accordance with the formula agreed upon by the Parties.

5. The Bangsamoro may create its own auditing body and procedures for accountability over revenues and other funds generated within or by the region from external sources. This shall be without prejudice to the power, authority and duty of the national Commission on Audit to examine, audit and settle all accounts pertaining to the revenues and the use of funds and property owned and held in trust by any government instrumentality, including GOCCs.

6. The details of revenue and wealth sharing arrangements between the Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government shall be agreed upon by the Parties. The Annex on Wealth Sharing shall form part of this Agreement.

7. There shall be an intergovernmental fiscal policy board composed of representatives of the Bangsamoro and the Central Government in order to address revenue imbalances and fluctuations in regional financial needs and revenue-raising capacity. The Board shall meet at least once in six (6) months to determine necessary fiscal policy adjustments, subject to the principles of intergovernmental relations mutually agreed upon by both Parties. Once full fiscal autonomy has been achieved by the Bangsamoro then it may no longer be necessary to have a representative from the Central Government to sit in the Board. Fiscal autonomy shall mean generation and budgeting of the Bangsamoro’s own sources of revenue, its share of the internal revenue taxes and block grants and subsidies remitted to it by the central government or any donor.

8. The Parties agree that sustainable development is crucial in protecting and improving the quality of life of the Bangsamoro people. To this end, the Bangsamoro shall develop a comprehensive framework for sustainable development through the proper conservation, utilization and development of natural resources. For efficient coordination and assistance, the Bangsamoro legislative body shall create, by law, an intergovernmental body composed of representatives of the Bangsamoro and the Central Government, which shall ensure the harmonization of environmental and developmental plans, as well as formulate common environmental objectives.

V. TERRITORY

1. The core territory of the Bangsamoro shall be composed of:

(a) the present geographical area of the ARMM; (b) the Municipalities of Baloi, Munai, Nunungan, Pantar, Tagoloan and Tangkal in the province of Lanao del Norte and all other barangays in the Municipalities of Kabacan, Carmen, Aleosan, Pigkawayan, Pikit, and Midsayap that voted for inclusion in the ARMM during the 2001 plebiscite; (c) the cities of Cotabato and Isabela; and (d) all other contiguous areas where there is a resolution of the local government unit or a petition of at least ten percent (10%) of the qualified voters in the area asking for their inclusion at least two months prior to the conduct of the ratification of the Bangsamoro Basic Law and the process of delimitation of the Bangsamoro as mentioned in the next paragraph.

2. The Parties shall work together in order to ensure the widest acceptability of the Bangsamoro Basic Law as drafted by the Transitory Commission and the core areas mentioned in the previous paragraph, through a process of popular ratification among all the Bangsamoro within the areas for their adoption. An international third party monitoring team shall be present to ensure that the process is free, fair, credible, legitimate and in conformity with international standards.

3. Areas which are contiguous and outside the core territory where there are substantial populations of the Bangsamoro may opt anytime to be part of the territory upon petition of at least ten percent (10%) of the residents and approved by a majority of qualified voters in a plebiscite.

4. The disposition of internal and territorial waters shall be referred to in the Annexes on Wealth and Power Sharing.

5. Territory refers to the land mass as well as the maritime, terrestrial, fluvial and alluvial domains, and the aerial domain and the atmospheric space above it. Governance shall be as agreed upon by the parties in this agreement and in the sections on wealth and power sharing.

6. The Bangsamoro Basic Law shall recognize the collective democratic rights of the constituents in the Bangsamoro.

VI. BASIC RIGHTS

1. In addition to basic rights already enjoyed, the following rights of all citizens residing in the Bangsamoro bind the legislature, executive and judiciary as directly enforceable law and are guaranteed:
a. Right to life and to inviolability of one’s person and dignity;
b. Right to freedom and expression of religion and beliefs;
c. Right to privacy;
d. Right to freedom of speech;
e. Right to express political opinion and pursue democratically political aspiration;
f. Right to seek constitutional change by peaceful and legitimate means;
g. Right of women to meaningful political participation, and protection from all forms of violence;
h. Right to freely choose one’s place of residence and the inviolability of the home;
i. Right to equal opportunity and non-discrimination in social and economic activity and the public service, regardless of class, creed, disability, gender and ethnicity;
j. Right to establish cultural and religious associations;
k. Right to freedom from religious, ethnic and sectarian harassment; and

l. Right to redress of grievances and due process of law.

2. Vested property rights shall be recognized and respected. With respect to the legitimate grievances of the Bangsamoro people arising from any unjust dispossession of their territorial and proprietary rights, customary land tenure or their marginalization shall be acknowledged. Whenever restoration is no longer possible, the Central Government and the Government of the Bangsamoro shall take effective measures for adequate reparation collectively beneficial to the Bangsamoro people in such quality, quantity and status to be determined mutually.

3. Indigenous peoples’ rights shall be respected.

4. The Central Government shall ensure the protection of the rights of the Bangsamoro people residing outside the territory of the Bangsamoro and undertake programs for the rehabilitation and development of their communities. The Bangsamoro Government may provide assistance to their communities to enhance their economic, social and cultural development.

VII. TRANSITION AND IMPLEMENTATION

1. The Parties agree to the need for a transition period and the institution of transitional mechanisms.

2. The Parties agree to adopt and incorporate an Annex on Transitional Arrangements and Modalities, which forms a part of this Framework Agreement.

3. There shall be created a Transition Commission through an Executive Order and supported by Congressional Resolutions.

4. The functions of the Transition Commission are as follows:

a. To work on the drafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law with provisions consistent with all agreements entered and that may be entered into by the Parties;
b. To work on proposals to amend the Philippine Constitution for the purpose of accommodating and entrenching in the constitution the agreements of the Parties whenever necessary without derogating from any prior peace agreements;
c. To coordinate whenever necessary development programs in Bangsamoro communities in conjunction with the MILF Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA), the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) and other agencies.

5. The Transition Commission shall be composed of fifteen (15) members all of whom are Bangsamoro. Seven (7) members shall be selected by the GPH and eight (8) members, including the Chairman, shall be selected by the MILF.

6. The Transition Commission will be independent from the ARMM and other government agencies. The GPH shall allocate funds and provide other resources for its effective operation. All other agencies of government shall support the Transition Commission in the performance of its tasks and responsibilities until it becomes functus oficio and cease to exist.

7. The draft Bangsamoro Basic Law submitted by the Transition Commission shall be certified as an urgent bill by the President.

8. Upon promulgation and ratification of the Basic Law, which provides for the creation of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), the ARMM is deemed abolished.

9. All devolved authorities shall be vested in the Bangsamoro Transition Authority during the interim period. The ministerial form and Cabinet system of government shall commence once the Bangsamoro Transition Authority is in place. The Bangsamoro Transition Authority may reorganize the bureaucracy into institutions of governance appropriate thereto.

10. The Bangsamoro Transition Authority shall ensure that the continued functioning of government in the area of autonomy is exercised pursuant to its mandate under the Basic Law. The Bangsamoro Transition Authority will be immediately replaced in 2016 upon the election and assumption of the members of the Bangsamoro legislative assembly and the formation of the Bangsamoro government.

11. There will be created a third party monitoring team to be composed of international bodies, as well as domestic groups to monitor the implementation of all agreements.

12. At the end of the transition period, the GPH and MILF Peace Negotiating Panels, together with the Malaysian Facilitator and the Third Party Monitoring Team, shall convene a meeting to review, assess or evaluate the implementation of all agreements and the progress of the transition. An ‘Exit Document’ officially terminating the peace negotiation may be crafted and signed by both Parties if and only when all agreements have been fully implemented.

13. The Negotiating Panel of both Parties shall continue the negotiations until all issues are resolved and all agreements implemented.

VIII. NORMALIZATION

1. The Parties agree that normalization is vital to the peace process. It is through normalization that communities can return to conditions where they can achieve their desired quality of life, which includes the pursuit of sustainable livelihoods and political participation within a peaceful deliberative society.

2. The aim of normalization is to ensure human security in the Bangsamoro. Normalization helps build a society that is committed to basic human rights, where individuals are free from fear of violence or crime and where long-held traditions and value continue to be honored. Human insecurity embraces a wide range of issues that would include violation of human and civil rights, social and political injustice and impunity.

3. As a matter of principle, it is essential that policing structure and arrangement are such that the police service is professional and free from partisan political control. The police system shall be civilian in character so that it is effective and efficient in law enforcement, fair and impartial as well as accountable under the law for its action, and responsible both to the Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government, and to the communities it serves.

4. An independent commission shall be organized by the Parties to recommend appropriate policing within the area. The commission shall be composed of representatives from the parties and may invite local and international experts on law enforcement to assist the commission in its work.

5. The MILF shall undertake a graduated program for decommissioning of its forces so that they are put beyond use.

6. In a phased and gradual manner, all law enforcement functions shall be transferred from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to the police force for the Bangsamoro.

The Parties agree to continue negotiations on the form, functions and relationship of the police force of the Bangsamoro taking into consideration the results of the independent review process mentioned in paragraph 4.

7. The Joint Coordinating Committees on Cessation of Hostilities (JCCCH) as well as the Ad hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) with the participation of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) shall continue to monitor the ceasefire agreement until the full decommissioning of the MILF forces. These existing coordinating mechanisms shall be the basis for the creation of a Joint Normalization Committee (JNC) to ensure the coordination between the Government and remaining MILF forces, and through which MILF shall assist in maintaining peace and order in the area of the Bangsamoro until decommissioning shall have been fully completed.

8. Both Parties commit to work in partnership for the reduction and control of firearms in the area and the disbandment of private armies and other armed groups.

9. The details of the normalization process and timetables for decommissioning shall be in an Annex on Normalization and shall form part of this Agreement.

10. The Parties agree to intensify development efforts for rehabilitation, reconstruction and development of the Bangsamoro, and institute programs to address the needs of MILF combatants, internally displaced persons, and poverty-stricken communities.

11. The Parties recognize the need to attract multi-donor country support, assistance and pledges to the normalization process. For this purpose, a Trust Fund shall be established through which urgent support, recurrent and investment budget cost will be released with efficiency, transparency and accountability. The Parties agree to adopt criteria for eligible financing schemes, such as, priority areas of capacity building, institutional strengthening, impact programs to address imbalances in development and infrastructures, and economic facilitation for return to normal life affecting combatant and non-combatant elements of the MILF, indigenous peoples, women, children, and internally displaced persons.

12. The Parties agree to work out a program for transitional justice to address the legitimate grievances of the Bangsamoro people, correct historical injustices, and address human rights violations.

IX. MISCELLANEOUS

1. This Agreement shall not be implemented unilaterally.

2. The Parties commit to work further on the details of the Framework Agreement in the context of this document and complete a comprehensive agreement by the end of the year.

Gov't forces raid terror camp, kill 5 Abus, rescue Chinese

kidnap victim, capture bombing suspect in Zamboanga City

In photos are Western Mindanao police regional director Chief Supt. Napoleon Estilles, Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat, Undersecretary Felizardo Serapio Jr. of the Law Enforcement Security Integrated Office, Brig. Gen. Eugenio Clemen of the Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command, and captured Abu Sayyaf member Sambri Aslon Kamlon alias Abu Zaid, and rescued Chinese kidnapped victim Yuan-Kai Lin. Also the seized a cache of high-powered firearms, bullets and other items from kidnappers.  HADER GLANG

Government security forces raided a terror camp of the Abu Sayyaf group and killed a number of them as well as rescued the last of two remaining kidnapped Chinese national and seized a cache of firearms, ammunitions, explosives, and documents being used for terrorist/dissident training in Barangay Calabasa, Curuan District, east coast of Zamboanga City last Thursday.

The raid including the rescue was initiated by the anti-terrorism task force "Sanglahi" and carried out by elements of the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime, 84th Special Special Action Company of the PNP Special Action Force, Anti-Kidnapping Group, Police Regional Intelligence Unit 9, Zamboanga City Police Office, Naval Intelligence Security Group-Western Mindanao, 3rd Explosive and Ordnance Disposal Unit of the Philippine Army, and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime.

Western Mindanao police regional director Chief Supt. Napoleon Estilles said the raid resulted in the rescue of  Yuan-Kai Lin and the killing of five kidnappers as well as the capture of one of the suspects in the bombing of rural bus transit and wounding of undetermined number of Abu Sayyaf group members.

The rescued Chinese national was kidnapped along with companion Jian Luo alias James Luo by armed men in the towm of Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay Province while trading for mineral ore last June 4, 2012. His companion, Mr. Luo, was freed August 26, 2012 by their kidnappers in Arena Blanco after reportedly paying P5 million ransom.

Estilles identified three of the slain kidnappers as Termije Ajijul and his wife Sitti Raja Salvin, Abu Ulm, Arab-Arab and Banah-Banah who belonged to the group of Abu Sayyaf leader Khair Mundos who, according to the raiding team, was wounded but managed to escape. He also identified the captured bombing suspect as  Sambri Aslon Kamlon alias Abu Zaid, who was caught during the raid.

"Khair Mundos is the number 2 Abu Sayyaf leader based in Basilan, who has a $500,000 bounty put on his head. It's positive that he was wounded during the raid where one of our men, a member of the Special Action Forces, was also wounded," Estilles told local reporters.

Mundos is being pursued now by government forces in the area. He was captured in 2004, but he escaped from a provincial jail in 2007. While in government previous custody, he confessed to arranging fund for terrorist bombings throughout Mindanao.

According to Estilles, the encounter between the state forces and the Abu Sayyaf lasted about 20 minutes. Recovered from the scene were several high powered firearms, 14 bag packs owned by new Abu Sayyaf recruits, training manuals of the Southeast Asian terror group Jemaah Islamiyah, cellular phones and other personal belongings, including hammocks.

"Our raiding team recovered 1 carbine, 1 M16, 1 M14, 1 baby Armalite and bullets, hand grenade, bag packs and other several other items," he aid. "They (Abu Sayyaf men) have not brought their belongings, including firearms, bullets and other possessions because they were surrprised by the raiding team."

Last Thursday morning's raid against the Abu Sayyaf group, Estilles said, at about 9:45 a.m. in a successful operation, government forces freed thge last of the two Chinese nationals abducted by the Abu Sayyaf.

Prior to the raid, authorities received information that the Abu Sayyaf recently established a training camp in a secluded Sitio Porlos in Barangay Calabasa, thi city. Intelligence initial reports revealed that the camp was also being used by the Mundos' group in keeping kidnap victims, training grounds and safe havens of other Abu Sayyaf comrades from Basilan and Sulu provinces.

Undersecretary Felizardo Serapio Jr. of the Law Enforcement Security Integrated Office (LESIO), who was authorized by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., said the latest raid against the terror group exemplief the government's unwavering commitment to crush the Abu Sayyaf and put an end to theior kidnapping and terror activities. Hader Glang

HATAMAN LAUNCHES ARMM RUBBER NURSERY,

DISTRIBUTES AGRI-FISHERY INPUTS IN BASILAN

ARMM OIC Governor Mujiv Hataman delivers a speech during the launching of ARMM Central Rubber Nursery and Turn-Over of Agri Fishery Inputs at DAF - Basilan Provincial Office in Sta. Clara, Lamitan City, Basilan on Saturday, February 11, 2012 as ARMM Cabinet Secretary for the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Prof. Sangkula Tindick and Joint Task Force-Basilan Commander Col. Ricardo Visaya look on.

Regional Governor Hataman launches the ARMM Central Rubber Nursery and distributed various Agri Fishery Inputs in Barangay Sta. Clara, Lamitan City, Basilan.

RG Hataman performs a turnover of gill net fishing inputs together with Basilan Vice Governor Alrasheed Sakkalahul and ARMM Cabinet Secretary for the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Prof. Sangkula Tindick.

The 10-hectare rubber nursery project, the first of its kind in ARMM, located at Sta. Clara Breeding Station in Lamitan City, will enhance rubber seedlings and production with an expected output of 1,220,000 propagated rubber seedlings of 7 different clones.

"Its duration: March 2012 onwards; area; expected output: 1,220,000 propagated rubber Seedlings of 7 different clones; area to be planted: 2,440 hectares; proponent/implementor: DAF-ARMM, Basilan," said ARMM DAF Secretary Prof. Sangkula Tindick.

According to Tindick, the nursery project will benefit rubber farmers or growers in the island province and provide them livelihood "besides could augment the incomes of the rural folks and boosting the province's rubber industry."

DA-Central, DA-RFU IX, Philippine Rubber Board, USM, Office of the Congressman Lone District Basilan Jim Salliman, PLGU, MLGUs, NGOs, and POs of Basilan are the project coordinating agencies.

Budgetary requirement is P9.5 million (project cost - P6,750,000, administrative cost - P2,750,000) that is source from the ARMM Local Fund Office of the Regional Governor Mujiv S. Hataman.

"Expected: First year operation March, 2012 to February 2013 (seedlings produced: 610,000 hills, seedlings distributed: 604,000 hills, and rubbery clones propagated: 7 clones)," Tindick said.

Hataman also launched a 3.5 hectares coconut project as well as a 2 hectares mango-durian project and .5 hectares rambutan project.Likewise, the agro forest area with a total rubber area of 12 hectares and productive area of 6 hectares and the "Binhi Para sa Kapayapaan" nursery (10 hectares) as well as the future area for rubber production and research purposes.

Hataman's undertaking is the ARMM government's response to enhancing peace in the region by increasing agricultural productivity and the agriculture department's goal of opening new agri-business lands.

He stressed the need to transform the many unproductive and idle lands of the province into agri-business lands to help generate more jobs for the locals. The ARMM OIC Governor lauded Secretary Tindick for his sensitivity and responsiveness in improving the welfare of the people of Basilan. -- HG

Hataman meets Basilan LGU, AFP, PNP officials

for peace & development multi-sectoral forum

ARMM OIC Regional Governor Mujiv S. Hataman is escorted by Col. Ricardo Visaya, Joint Task Force-Basilan commander, during the arrival ceremony at the 104th Brigade Headquarters in Barangay Tabiawan, Isabela City, Basilan Province before the Peace and Development Multi-Sectoral Forum on Saturday, February 11, 2012.

ARMM OIC Governor Mujiv Hataman shakes hand with the local police officials of Basilan headed by PNP Provincial Director of Basilan Sr. Supt. Alex Lineses at the Peace and Development Multi-Sectoral Forum

ARMM OIC Governor Mujiv Hataman presides the Peace and Development Multi-Sectoral Forum held at Headquarters of Joint Task Force Basilan, Camp Luis R. Biel II, Barangay Tabiawan, Isabela City in Basilan Province on Saturday, February 11, 2012. With him are Basilan Governor Jum Akbar, Vice Governor Alrasheed Sakkalahul, Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad, Western Mindanao Command Chief Maj. Gen. Noel Coballes, 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division Commander Brig. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, DIPO Commander for Western Mindanao Director Felicisimo Khu Jr., Joint Task Force-Basilan Commander Col. Ricardo Visaya, Police Regional Office 9 Regional Director Chief Supt. Napoleon Estilles and Police Provincial Director of Basilan Sr. Supt. Alex Lineses. All sides vow to further cooperation and strengthen unity for the peace and development in Basilan.

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman met on Saturday with local government leaders of Basilan, Western Mindanao-based top military and police officials in Isabela City for peace and development multi-sectoral forum.

The ARMM OIC Governor discussed to Gov. Jum Akbar, Vice Gov. Alrasheed Sakkalahul, mayors, police and military officials the implementation and importance of reform thrusts for the ARMM bureaucracy, intended for Basilan's socio economic development, good governance, and improving peace and security.

Responding to the presentation of so-called "Comprehensive Development Plan - Executive & Legislative Agenda" by the Provincial Government of Basilan, Hataman stressed to local government leaders the convergence of effort and funding for development as the key to achieving the 3-year plan.

"We must have convergence to put the projects and programs in the proper perspective," Hataman said. "We won't allow anymore projects that have no significant impact in the community."

In terms of peace and security, the ARMM OIC Governor agreed with applying the tactics in counterinsurgency where 80 percent political and only 20 percent military.

"This is true. In our peace and security frame, our concept is human security where the big factor is the local government units," Hataman said.

In fact, he said they had discussions with President Benigno Aquino III and Secretary of Budget and Management Florencio Abad regarding the suspension of Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) of the local government unit in ARMM if it will not properly function.

According to Hataman, he and ARMM's Police Regional Office under Director, Police Superintendent Bienvenido Latag, had organized "Task Force Monitoring" for Lanao and other areas in the autonomous region.

"We have a lot of funding in ARMM but the problem really is the improper and poor implementation of projects where the funds are wasted," said Hataman.

As this developed, Hataman pledged to give strategic basic infrastructures to the mayors who are serving in remote towns in Basilan and who do not have the benefit of Internal Revenue Allocation (IRA) provided they will hold office regularly in their respective municipal seat of government.

"We will establish the quality. We will give you municipal hall, public market, water system, your basic needs, and other basic infrastructures but we have to agree where to put up you government center and not to politicize this...let's think of the future of our place," Hataman said.

Stressing his aim for good governance, the ARMM OIC Governor said he wanted that before his term ends all the local government units will properly function. "You should regularly hold office or else you will be punished, although there is a transitional period to be considered."

Hataman ended with an appeal: "I live here (Basilan) I studied here I want to develop our place I want Basilan to become model in the future and I want all local government units here functional. It's our responsibility that we should bring peace and development into our province. All of the people of Basilan should take part."

Saturday's peace and development multi-sectoral forum saw the presence of Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad, Western Mindanao Command Chief Maj. Gen. Noel Coballes, 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division Commander Brig. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, DIPO Commander for Western Mindanao Director Felicisimo Khu Jr., Joint Task Force-Basilan Commander Col. Ricardo Visaya, Police Regional Office 9 Regional Director Chief Supt. Napoleon Estilles and Police Provincial Director of Basilan Sr. Supt. Alex Lineses. All sides vowed to further, enhance cooperation and strengthen unity for the peace and development in Basilan. -- Hader Glang

Advocacy to President Aquino's reform agenda in Mindanao has grown among different groups in southern Philippines.

Inviting MILF, ASG to harmony, peace
dialogue a big challenge, says Silsilah

Fr. Sebastiano D'Ambra, Silsilah Dialogue Movement founder.

Inviting the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Moro National Liberation Front, Abu Sayyaf, New Peoples Army and other insurgent groups to interfaith harmony and peace dialogue will be a big challenge, the Zamboanga City-based local organizers of the World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIFHW) 2012 celebration said.

"It's an idea, a crazy idea, but this great idea can also to my mind on some other occasion. I think no matter how the things they (rebels) do they probably can tell us us why they are doing this," Silsilah Dialogue Movement founder Fr. Sebastiano D'Ambra said during a press conference with local media on Monday.

But D'Ambra doubts if they can easily achieve a harmony with the said rebel and militant groups "because that will be a miracle, only in the Philippines, this miracle can happen." He said in spite of this a reflection of something can be done together.

"Of course, no promises of any but just a kind of sincere sharing with some. If their real leaders can not come because they're afraid they can send somebody to tell us that this is their (of Abu Sayyaf, MILF and others) voice. We will see what will happen. That's a great challenge to us," he said.

For Professor Ali Yacub, Muslim convener of the Inter-Religious Solidarity Movement for Peace (IRSMP), the challenge to invite the Abu Sayyaf, MILF and other groups can be done but the challenge not to be arrested them especially those wanted and with warrant of arrest is a very impossible thing.

"We can guarantee the invitation but by not arresting, we can't guarantee," said Prof. Yacub, also the president of Golden Crescent Consortium of Peace Builders and Affiliates (GCCPBA).

The United Nation General Assembly encourages all States to support, on a voluntary basis, the spread of the message of interfaith harmony and goodwill in the world's churches, synagogues, temples and other places of worship during the week long celebration.

It is based on love of God and love of one's neighbor or on love of the good and love of one's neighbor, each according to their own religious traditions or convictions.

Former school superintendent Dr. Abdurrahman Keno of the Department Education explained that the purpose of celebrating WIFHW is to create awareness on all people of the world that there is such harmony through interfaith dialogue.

"I can say without any contradictions that if there are hundreds of Abu Sayyaf, there are 10 or 20 more of them who are real Muslims that subscribe to harmony and dialogue through interfaith dialogue," he said.

Prof. Alzad Sattar, another organizer of WIFHW, said the idea of inviting the rebels and others to interfaith harmony and peace is possible but in a different level. "This is a challenge for us. We should not stop until we die insha-Allah (in God's will)."

But a local human rights and peace advocate who specializes international humanitarian law and rules of engagement opposed the idea of inviting Abu Sayyaf and NPA to interfaith dialogue, saying that terrorists will not respond to the invitation and do not want to be recognized as a group.

He instead challenged the media to reaching out to rebels through radio, television and newspapers.

"We can not invite a group purely Abu Sayyaf, NPA or international terrorists under Bin Laden, although we can conduct a forum in a particular barangay, where they will join the masses, the group of people, without identifying themselves," he said. -- Hader Glang

ASFP, DSWD meet in Zambo to review

World Bank funded projects in ARMM

ARMM Social Fund Project (ASFP) Project Manager Nasser Sinarimbo (sitting extreme right) convenes his staff and their DSWD implementing project partners from provinces of Lanao del Sur, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi at Garden Orchid hotel in Zamboanga City. HG

Officials and project staffs of the ARMM Social Fund Project (ASFP)and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DWSD) ARMM gathered here for a three-day catch up-planning workshop on Program Implementation Agreement No. 009-AF.

ASFP Project Manager Nasser Sinarimbo convened their project implementing partners from provinces of Lanao del Sur, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi headed by DSWD Secretary Hja. Pombaen Karon-Kader of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

"We are meeting our main project implementing partners to review the implementation plan of additional financing for ASFP under the Community Development Assistance (CDA) and to also make sure that the projects are implemented as per planned and completed on time," said Sinarimbo.

The ASFP has been carrying out community-based infrastructure projects and services through its two components, the CDA and the Institutional Strengthening and Governance (ISG).

"These are community-based infra like warehouses, dryers, water system, health stations and many others being implemented in partnership with DSWD ARMM Secretary Kader, where those targeted villages based on criteria and through the people's organization, are given the opportunities to implement the projects," he added.

To date, the project manager further said "Right now, ASFP is covering 240 barangays plus the 213 under the Phase 2... we also had project staffs recruitment in Lanao del Sur after the qualifying examination and we have more examinations for Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi."

Over a year ago, the World Bank approved a $30 million additional financing package for peace and development projects aimed at enhancing access to social and economic infrastructure and livelihood opportunities, improve local governance and institutional capacity in ARMM.

In the additional financing, five hundred ninety-six (596) barangays in 108 municipalities of ARMM such as Maguindanao, Lanao Sur, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Basilan shall be provided assistance which will be equitably allocated based on population.

ASFP has been consistently acknowledged by the World Bank for performing well and adopting the policies and guidelines set forth in project implementation. Its project life will be extended to May 31, 2013, with the additional financing. HG

2nd Week - January 11, 2012

AN OPEN LETTER FROM FR. SEBASTIANO D’AMBRA TO MUJIV HATAMAN, THE NEW OIC OF ARMM, AND A SILSILAH ALUMNUS 1997

Dear Mujiv,

Allow me to share my joy to know that you, one of the alumni of the Silsilah Summer Course, has reached this position as head of the ARMM. It is not the first time that a Muslim or Christian alumnus of Silsilah has occupied an important position in Philippine society in one of the institutions or universities. I wish to share with you in this open letter not only my joy but also my hope. Allow me to share as a father or a mentor to one alumnus and friend who is dear to me, and can help to move efforts in the same direction of dialogue and peace.

The last time we met was in Harmony Village few years ago and you reminded me that you are one of the Silsilah alumni. We are proud of this. You are now in one of the most difficult and challenging positions in the country. It is a position that can facilitate the peace process or continue the situation of violence and corruption in Mindanao. You can legitimately take pride in the notable achievements which are part of your “heritage” as a Muslim and a Mindanawon but this same heritage also has negative elements which includes violence that reached its highest level on the occasion of the Maguindanao Massacre.

Observing your first moves in your position as ARMM OIC I sense that you are doing your best. “Padayon!” (Move on!) This is the word of encouragement that you still remember for sure from the Silsilah experience.

Most of the time people believe that if we have more security structures and more money we can solve the problem of peace in Mindanao. This is only partially right. You know how much money has been given to ARMM over the years and how many thousands of soldiers have been assigned in Mindanao. But what have been the results? It is commonly believed that the National Government and the ARMM have to improve the “truth and sincerity” in their relations and make it the real foundation of peace and development.

We will support you in all the wise moves you will make to help the central government realize that only a real and genuine autonomy, or a similar form of governance, can be made as an example in Mindanao and hopefully applied in other regions as an appropriate form of “federalism” or similar system in the Philippines. You have the challenge to convince the people of ARMM to claim what is right, but with a realistic attitude that considers the real development of Mindanao , where the indigenous people and others who have reached Mindanao from other areas have rights too.

Dear Mujiv, you know better than I how complicated is the situation, but I know also that you have courage and determination. Use all your gifts and talents to become a model of a leader who is in the front line for the “common good” and not the “common corruption and violence “ that bring more poverty.

Remember the Silsilah commitment to promote the Culture of Dialogue, Path to Peace based on personal and social transformation. People around you have to learn how to be good Muslims or good Christians, living and promoting love and compassion. How many times we find hypocritical leaders who act as though they are good Muslims or good Christians, but their hearts are still full of hatred, violence and corruption. We need righteous people in society starting with the leaders. I hope and pray that you will be one model in Mindanao.

Dear Mujiv, I need not add more points in this open letter. You know what is best and I am sure you will continue to do the best.

Allow me to end this open letter with a suggestion. From 1977, the year I arrived in Mindanao, up to now I have seen the struggle of many good Muslims and Christians to overcome historical conflicts, new prejudices and forms of mistrust, among the two faith communities, including the lumads in Mindanao. But so far the results have been limited because many of them are part of the “silent majority” who are afraid to share their feelings on anomalies carried out by some leaders of sectors of society; illegal businesses; corruption, etc. Doing it in this way violence allows more violence and fear , which continue to perpetuate the “culture of silence and fear” . We have to overcome this critical situation in all possible ways.

One way to start can be to follow the encouragement coming from the United Nations to celebrate the first week of February every year as the “World Interfaith Harmony Week”. This move of the United Nations was inspired by the open letter of 138 Muslim scholars of the world to Pope Benedict XVI and other Christians leaders of the world to work together for peace, starting from the message of the love of God and the love of neighbor in Islam and Christianity as it is found in the teaching of the Holy Bible and the Holy Qur’an.

We in Zamboanga City and in the ZAMBASULTA sub-region are moving in this direction in partnership with the National Ulama Conference of the Philippines which is the lead group of this special Interfaith Harmony Week Celebration. I hope you will spread this celebration in the ARMM region as a good starting point to celebrate Harmony as the answer to the future peace of Mindanao.

Fr. Sebastiano D’Ambra, PIME (Sgd.)

Hataman to political rivals: 'Forget politics

first and help me fix ARMM problems'

ARMM officer-in-charge-Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman stresses a point at a Thanksgiving or Duwa'a held in Tabiawan, Isabela City, Basilan Province last Saturday. Behind him is Basilan Vice Governor Al Rasheed Sakkalahul. Hader Glang

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman has asked his political rivals to forget politics first and help him to fix the problems hounding in the autonomous region.

Speaking at a Dua’a (Thanksgiving) held in Barangay Tabiawan, Isabela City, Basilan Province on Saturday morning, Hataman told the crowd that ARMM is a broken region because of too much politicking.

"This is the challenge that must be fixed within 17 months, so I plead to you. We will only succeed in our quest for reform in ARMM if you are there and if there is cooperation from all sides," Hataman said.

He stressed that there is no room in his heart and thoughts for revenge on his political rivals because it will only divide the people and does not benefit anyone.

Citing the effect of excessive politicking which operates in DepEd ARMM, Hataman said it had greatly destroyed on the educational system in the region.

“DepEd is broken not because of teachers and educators but due to politics. All the projects are not properly implemented...no justice in our towns because of too much politicking," he added.

For this very reason, the ARMM chief caretaker said until now, he has not appointed regional secretary to the DepEd ARMM. “I do not need a doctor of education, though it’s needed later.

"What I need is a daring person and fearless who has a strong heart to change the system and trends within the DepEd,” he stressed.

Hataman further said he is determined to eliminate corruption prevalent in DepEd within 100 days of his administration and to do significantly to improve the quality in education in 17 months.

He noted that good governance, socio-economic development, and peace and security are the main thrusts of his administration under the “matuwid na daan” or right path campaign of President Benigno Aquino III.

“We will not disarm that is not the solution, but the question is how to regulate the firearms which is the solution,” Hataman said, referring to his proposed general amnesty on loose firearms.

“This is what we will do. I will ask our President to have a general amnesty on firearms within ARMM,” he added.

On the first marching order from President Aquino to stop illegal loggers operating in the region, Hataman said the investigation involving the shutting down of seven sawmills in Kapai town, Lanao de Sur is ongoing.

He said he poured in enough funds to the newly reinforced Task Force Ranao headed by Brig. General Daniel Lucero to engage in an all-out offensive against illegal logging in the province.

He expressed confidence that many positive things will happen in the region. He continued saying that he just wanted to lead by example in ARMM, where a completely peaceful and prosperous region, was his dream.

“But I’m not dreaming this much, simply just wanted to regain the honor and dignity of Muslims," he said. “If we can't change the structure of ARMM, at least, we can change the perception from outside ARMM. I promised you that I am determined to reform ARMM. Join me to achieve this goal,” he concluded. HG

Thanksgiving Day in Basilan

Former Anak Mindanao (AMIN) Partylist Representative Mujiv S. Hataman's appointment as officer-in-charge (OIC) regional governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) gave hope and a feeling of optimism to the people of Basilan Province. On Saturday, thousands of people from all walks of life including religious leaders, local government officials, civil society members and teachers of Basilan and its towns flocked to Tabiawan in Isabela City to hold Thanksgiving or Dua for the newly installed ARMM chief caretaker. Hader Glang