Mindanao Businessmen Welcome Peace

Leaders of the business community and civil society in Mindanao on Sunday expressed their support behind the forging of a draft framework peace agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), predicting that peace would inevitably impact not only on the business climate but also the quality of life of all the people in Mindanao.

Bronx Hebrona, regional governor for Southwestern Mindanao of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), said Mindanao traders were optimistic that the forging of a GPH-MILF framework agreement in Malaysia would eventually lead to a permanent peace agreement.

"It is very heartening that prospects for a final peace agreement are getting brighter. An agreement finally looks closer at hand. I am very confident that the MILF and the GPH will earnestly and sincerely rise above the current realities and challenges to finally attain lasting peace in Mindanao," Hebrona said.

"The peace dividend that will ensue will undoubtedly positively impact not only the business climate but eventually the quality of life of all Mindanaons," Hebrona said.

"We, in the business sector in Mindanao, trust that our brothers in the MILF and the administration of PNoy will pursue peace relentlessly until a final agreement is signed."

PCCI vice president for Mindanao Ricardo Juliano echoed Hebrona's observation, saying that a successful peace agreement would benefit "not only Mindanao but the entire country as well."

"We are fully supporting the peace process," Juliano said. "We have high hopes for this administration."

Mindanao civil society leaders, on the other hand, commended those responsible for ushering a "favorable" atmosphere that led to the forging of a framework agreement.

"The signing of a GPH-MILF peace accord is an act of humility and should usher in graciousness and agreements among people on the ground," said EJ Matela, executive director of the Mindanao Land Foundation, Inc. (MinLand), a non-governmental organization (NGO) based in Kidapawan City.

"Thoughts of real peace, justice and prosperity thus become more real and attainable," Matela added. "Our prayers and thanks to our leaders and all the people who are working hard to make this magnanimous act possible." Matela is a Minland Foundation past director for post conflict and rural services.

Aveen Acuna-Gulo, an official of the Cotabato-based Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG) that is handling an European Union-funded project for Indigenous Peoples in the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), said the time was ripe for the signing of a peace agreement between the government and the MILF.

"I see that there has been no environment such as this current one that favors a signing; everything is positive," said Acuna-Gulo.

"To keep my support attuned to my current work, let me say that 'I am confident that the issues affecting the Indigenous Peoples in the ARMM are very much in the radar screens of both panels, and there has to be a first step -- which is the signing of a peace agreement," Acuna-Gulo said. "The work of empowering the Indigenous Peoples in the ARMM continues."

Earlier, President Benigno Aquino III announced the forging of the framework agreement that "paves the way for a final, enduring peace in Mindanao."

Armed Forces of the Philippines Welcomes Mindanao Peace

By Priam F. Nepomuceno

The Armed Forces of the Philippines welcomed on Sunday the decision of the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to ink a framework peace agreement to end the decades of conflict in Mindanao and spur economic development in the region.

"The AFP welcomes this significant milestone in our pursuit of a just and lasting peace for our nation as the peace talks bring to a conclusion and a framework for peace is already at hand," AFP spokesperson Col. Arnulfo M. Burgos Jr. said.

He added that the military is fully committed to the primacy of the peace process as it continues to support all the peace programs and endeavors of the government.

"All operations and activities being undertaken by the AFP in the implementation of Internal Peace and Security Program 'Bayanihan' are consistent with the goals of the government's peace framework and with our people's aspiration to finally end the armed violence between government forces and the MILF. We look forward to the sealing of the final peace agreement very soon, which will eventually bring renewed peace in Mindanao. We remain optimistic that with the forging of the peace agreement, the AFP would be able to gradually shift from internal security operations to territorial defense," Burgos said.

President Benigno S. Aquino III announced in Malacanang on Sunday the forging of a framework agreement between the Philippine government and the MILF to attain lasting peace in Mindanao.

"We have counted two generations since conflict began in Mindanao, a cycle of violence that has claimed the lives of more than a hundred thousand Filipinos. Many solutions have been proposed and tried. We have had peace agreements in the past, but still our hopes for the region remained unfulfilled," President Aquino said.

"The ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) is a failed experiment. Many of the people continue to feel alienated by the system, and those who feel that there is no way out will continue to articulate their grievances through the barrel of a gun. We cannot change this without structural reform. This is the context that informed our negotiations throughout the peace process. And now, we have forged an agreement that seeks to correct these problems. It defines our parameters and our objectives, while upholding the integrity and sovereignty of our nation," he stressed.

Peace in Mindanao

By Ben Cal

An enduring peace in Mindanao is seen at last with the forging of a framework of peace agreement between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) set to be signed next week following the successful 32nd exploratory peace talks between the GPH and MILF in Kuala Lumpur Saturday.

This was after 15 long years of tough negotiations, marked by a series of bloody fights between government forces and Muslim rebels, including the 2000 all-out war that collapsed the peace process, followed by the 2008 heavy fighting when the controversial Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

Despite the barriers, the government and the MILF continued their backdoor negotiations to revive the peace process in both instances.

In the late 1970s, the MILF peeled off from Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) due to organizational differences.

Fighting in southern Philippines continued without let-up until 1996 when the government then under the administration of President Fidel V. Ramos signed a peace accord on Sept. 2, 1996.

However, the MILF continued its defiance. The Ramos administration initiated a dialogue with the MILF in 1997 but there was little time to forge a peace agreement as Ramos' six-year term ended on June 30, 1998.

Then President Joseph Estrada took over the helm of government.

During Estrada's time the MILF continued to attack government forces in various parts of Mindanao, forcing Estrada to declare an all-out war against the MILF in the summer of 2000.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) dealt a heavy blow to the MILF rebels by capturing all their 49 camps, including Camp Abubakar, the MILF's main enclave.

Negotiations were at a standstill.

However, the MILF continued to be a force to reckon with. When Estrada was booted out from power during the so-called 2001 EDSA people power revolt, then Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo assumed the presidency.

The Arroyo government pursued peace negotiations with the MILF.

Its aim was to end the armed conflict, address the social, cultural and economic inequities, and arrive at a viable political arrangement that will reconcile the ideals of the Moro self-government, good governance, and national sovereignty.

But in 2008 heavy fighting again erupted in Mindanao following the non-signing of the controversial MOA-AD, which was declared as unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

After nine years of off-and-on negotiations between the Arroyo government and the MILF, no peace agreement was reached.

In 2010, President Benigno S. Aquino III restarted peace negotiations with the MILF to achieve a negotiated political settlement to resolve the armed conflict.

The peace negotiations with the MILF were guided by the flexibilities of the Constitution; the lessons learned and experience of the past administration; the ability of the government to deliver viable political, economic, and social commitments in a peace agreement; and the principles of transparency and inclusivity.

Exploratory talks under the Aquino administration.

It was during the 32 GPH-MILF exploratory talks that the two sides agreed to forge a framework of agreement as a roadmap to a genuine and lasting peace in Mindanao.

However, the other exploratory talks were important as ever as part of the peace-building confidence. The highlights are as follow:

In September 2012 the GPH-MILF held their 31stExploratory Talks

• The Panels reached substantive gains in the negotiations.

• Worked towards the crafting of a framework agreement.

• The respective Technical Working Groups (TWGs) continued their discussions, reached consensus on many issues and submitted preliminary reports which were duly noted by the Panels.

August 2012, GPH-MILF 30th Exploratory Talks

• The Parties organized their respective Technical Working Groups (TWGs) on Power-Sharing and Wealth-Sharing. Both TWGs discussed and reached consensus on some issues on power sharing and revenue generation and wealth sharing arrangements.

• The Parties note the progress in the discussion on aframework agreement.

• The Parties condemned the senseless attacks of the so-called Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFF-BIFM), as well as the violent acts of lawless elements in several areas in Mindanao.

July 2012 GPH-MILF 29th Exploratory Talks

• Both sides expressed confidence in wrapping updiscussions on mechanisms towards the realization of a new political entity that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) as contained in the April 2012 GPH-MILF Decision Points on Principles.

• Continued discussions on power-sharing and other related matters.

May 2012 GPH-MILF 28th Exploratory Talks

• Both sides agreed to go back to their principals and further refine their respective positions on the substantive agenda, which includes wealthsharing, power-sharing, governance, transition roadmap, and normalization for the envisioned new autonomous political entity that will replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

• ARMM provincial governors joined this round of peace talks as observers and consultants. Present were Maguindanao Gov. Esmael "Toto" Mangudadatu, Basilan Gov. Jum Akbar, Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan, Tawi-Tawi Gov. Sadikul Sahali and Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong. Also NorthCotabato 1st district Rep. Jesus Sacdalan was present as consultant.

April 2012 GPH-MILF 27th Exploratory Talks

• The two Parties signed the GPH-MILF Decision Points on Principles as of April 2012. The document contains the preliminary listing of all points agreed so far, but does not preclude further consensus on other key issues.

• As a document which has been evolved by the Parties in an attempt to check what has already been achieved throughout the history of the talks, it should guide current discussions on the substantive agenda of the negotiations.

March 2012 GPH-MILF 26th Exploratory Talks

• Continued discussions on substantive issues, including power sharing on governance and wealth sharing.

• Approved the request of the Office of the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to sit as observer in the GPH-MILF peace talks.

• Both Parties signed the Terms of Reference for the consultants who will be part of their respective delegations.

February 2012 GPH-MILF 25th Exploratory Talks

• Acknowledge the need to explore creative approaches that will address the political, legal and other dimensions of the problems.

• Considered reports from the International Monitoring Team (IMT), and renewed the mandate of the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) for a period of 12 months beginning February 2012.

January 2012 | GPH-MILF 24th Exploratory Talks

• Discussion of substantive issues: concept of governance, listing of reserved powers of the National Government

• Identification of areas of common ground and agreement to consult with principals on outstanding issues

• Consideration to draft roadmaps toward resolution of the Bangsamoro question.

December 2011 GPH-MILF 23rd Exploratory Talks

• Reaffirmation by both Parties of commitment to move the peace process forward; continued discussions on the substantive points in crafting a framework agreement

• Renewal of mandate of the IMT for another year; adoption of the Terms of Reference of its Humanitarian, Rehabilitation and Development Component November 2011

• Informal executive meeting to address pressing issues regarding the negotiations, especially the fighting that erupted in Basilan and Zamboanga in October.

• Agreed on a process that will enable the parties to move forward on the substantive agenda.

• Authorized the International Monitoring Team in coordination with the Joint Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (Joint CCCH) to conduct an investigation of the charges of ceasefire violations in Al Barka and Zamboanga Sibugay.

October 2011

• From January to August 2011, only an armed skirmish between GPH and MILF forces took place; cooperated in addressing other sources of violence such as rido, land-related issues and criminal activities.

• On Oct. 18, a major encounter between the government and MILF forces took place in Al Barka, Basilan. This was immediately followed by two separate ambushes against government security forces in Zamboanga Sibugay and Lanao del Norte. The AFP consequently conducted pursuit operations against the attackers in Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay.

August 2011 GPH-MILF 22nd Exploratory Talks

• President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, as a grand gesture of sincerity in the peace process, met with MILF Chair Murad Ebrahim in Japan on Aug. 4, 2011 prior to the peace talks held this month

• Submission of the government's 3-for-1 proposal to the MILF by the GPH Peace Panel.

April 2011 GPH-MILF 21st Exploratory Talks

• GPH Peace Panel sought clarifications on some points of MILF's Revised Comprehensive Compact

• Introduction of the new Malaysian third partyfacilitator, Tengku Dato AB Ghafar Tengku Mohamed, replacing Malaysian facilitator Datuk Othman bin Abdul Razak, facilitator for the past nine years.

February 2011 GPH-MILF 20th Exploratory Talks

• Resumption of peace negotiations

• MILF submitted their Revised Comprehensive Compact

• Amendment of Terms of Reference and mandate of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) and Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) or 12 months Peace Adviser: Teresita Quintos Deles (2010-present)

GPH Peace Panel: (2010-present)

Chair: Atty. Marvic Leonen,

Members: Prof Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, Sec. Senen Bacani, Bai Yasmin Busran-Lao, Dr. Hamid Barra, and Mayor Ramon Piang Sr. (alternate member)

MILF Peace Panel: Chair: Mohagher Iqbal

Members: Atty. Michael O.

Mastura, Atty. Maulana M. Alonto,

Atty. Abdullah Camlian, Prof.

Abhoud Syid Linga, and Datu

Antonio Kinoc (alternate member)

Other backgrounds of the peace process:

In 2001 when then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo assumed the presidency, she reversed her predecessor's policy and brought the GRP-MILF peace process back on track.

The two parties agreed on three negotiating agenda: security, rehabilitation, and ancestral domain. President Arroyo invited the Government of Malaysia to become the official third-party facilitator of the GRP-MILF peace talks.

However, on Feb. 11, 2003, a military campaign was launched in the area of MILF Central Command Headquarters at Buliok Complex, Maguindanao.

On June 13, 2003, MILF Chair and founder Hashim Salamat died of a heart attack. Al Haj Murad Ebrahim took over while Mohagher Iqbal became the Chairman of the MILF peace panel.

Other milestones:

- Signing of the Agreement of the General Framework for the Resumption of Peace Talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and MILF

- Signing of the Agreement of Peace between the GRP and the MILF, otherwise known as Tripoli Agreement of 2001

- Series of exploratory talks between the parties were held in 2001

- Signing of the Implementing Guidelines on the Security Aspect of the GRP-MILF Tripoli Agreement of Peace of 2001

- Signing of the Manual of Instructions for Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the Local Monitoring Teams (LMT)

- Signing of the "Joint Communique between the GRP and the MILF" for the joint creation of the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG)" which aims at the isolation and interdiction of all criminal syndicates and kidnap-for-ransom groups, including the so-called "lost-commands" operating in Mindanao

- Creation of the International Monitoring Team (IMT), an international peacekeeping team in Mindanao; signing of the Civilian Protection Component (CPC) of the IMT; and agreement on the inclusion of NGOs as the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Mindanao People's Caucus.

- Signing of the "Framework Agreement on the Formation of the International Contact Group (ICG) for the GRP-MILF Peace Process."

- Agreement to set up a Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) in Cotabato City.

Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA -AD)

In December 2004, the peace negotiations transitioned to the third agenda item on ancestral domain.

Under the ancestral domain aspect are four strands: concept, territory, resources, and governance. Negotiations on ancestral domain would complete the requirements in the Tripoli Agreement of 2001 and it will be a critical aspect of discussions for the reaching Final Peace Agreement between the GPH and MILF.

The scheduled signing of the MOA-AD by the parties on Aug. 5 was blocked when the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order on August 4, in response to the injunction filed by a group of Mindanao local government officials questioning the legality of the agreement. On Oct. 14, 2008, the high court declared the MOA-AD unconstitutional.

The decision triggered renewed hostilities between forces of the government and MILF in Central Mindanao.

On June 3, 2010, the Government of the Philippines and the MILF signed a "Declaration of Continuity for Peace Negotiations between GPH and MILF" embodying the parties' commitment to continue engaging with each other in the GPH-MILF Peace Process until they finally conclude and reach a comprehensive compact.

Peace talks under the Estrada administration formally opened in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on Oct. 25, 1999. However, Estrada declared an "all-out war" policy against the MILF on March 21, 2000. This caused the withdrawal of the MILF from the negotiating table.

After the ravages of war, the MILF sought support from the international community. The Organization of Islamic Conference (OICs) urged the GRP and the MILF to end military hostilities and return to the negotiating table.

- Signing of Joint GRP-MILF Acknowledgment and Agreement to Reaffirm the Pursuit of Peace

- Issuance of a Joint Statement on the Cessation of Hostilities; a Statement for Joint Efforts to Pursue Just, Equitable, Lasting Peace; a Second Joint GRP-MILF Agreement

- Opening of Formal Peace Talks on October 25, 1999. However, Estrada gave the MILF a deadline for the conclusion of peace talks with the government on June 2000.

The GPH-MILF peace negotiations started in 1997 during the administration of President Fidel V. Ramos.

The early part of negotiations was characterized as revolving mainly around security issues, confidence-building measures, and AFP-MILF ceasefire matters.

Milestones:

- Setting up of ceasefire mechanisms for the GPH-MILF peace process, namely the creation of Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the Local Monitoring Teams (LMT)

- Signing of the Agreement for General Cessation of Hostilities on July 21, 1997

- Signing of Implementing Administrative Guidelines of the GRPMILF Agreement on the General Cessation of Hostilities on Sept 12, 1997 and the Implementing Operational Guidelines of the GRP-MILF Agreement on the General Cessation of Hostilities on Nov. 14, 1997.

Peace Advisers:

(2001- Oct. 2003) Eduardo Ermita;

(Oct. 2003 -July 2005) Teresita Quintos-Deles;

(July 2005 – 30 Jan. 2006) Rene Sarmiento (OIC);

(Feb. 2006-July 30, 2008) Jesus Dureza;

(2008 – Feb.2009) Hermogenes Esperon, Jr.;

(2009 – 12 Oct. 2009) Avelino I. Razon, Jr.; (Oct. 2010);

Nabil Tan (OIC);

(23 Oct. 2009 – 30 June 2010) Anabelle T. Abaya

Gov't Peace Panel: (2001) Sec. Jesus G. Dureza - Chairman

Members: Vice-Gov Mahid Mutilan, Mayor Muslimin Sema, Dr Emily Marohombsar, Ms Irene Santiago.

(0ct 22, 2003) Sec Silvestre Afable – Chairman

Usec Rodolfo Garcia, Prof Rudy Rodil, Governor Datupax Mangudadatu, Ms Sylvia Okinlay- Paraguya, Mr Saeed Daof

(2003) Sec. Eduardo Ermita – Chairman

Memmbers: Governor Datupax Mangudadatu, Mayor MusliminSema, Dr Emily Marohombsar, Ms Irene Santiago

(2007) Sec. Rodolfo Garcia – Chairman

Members: Sec. Nasser Pangandaman, Prof Rudy Rodil, Ms Sylvia Okinlay-Paraguya

(2008) Amb Rafael Seguis – Chairman

Members: Sec Nasser Pangandaman, Dr Ronald Adamat, AttyAntonio La Viña, Dr Grace Rebollo

Resigned (Panel Members): Mayor Adelbert Antonino, Atty Tomas Cabili

MILF Peace Panel: (2001-2002) Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, Mohagher Iqbal, Atty. Michael O. Mastura, Atty. Musib M. Buat

Peace Adviser: Emmanuel Yan (March 1994 – 2001)

Gov't Peace Panel: Lt. Gen Edgardo Batenga - Chairman (2000)

MILF Peace Panel: Aleem AbdulAzis Mimbantas, Mohagher Iqbal,

Ghazali Jaafar, Omar Hassan, Sammy Al-Mansour(1998-1999)

Peace Adviser: Haydee Yorac (September 1992-Sept. 14 1993), Oscar Santos (Sept. 15, 1993 – February 1994), Emmanuel Yan (March 1994 – 2001)

Gov't Panel Chairman: Gen Fortunato Abat (1996), LtGen Orlando Soriano (1997)

Gov't Panel Members: Rep Anthony Dequina, Dr Emily Marohombsar, Major Gen. Santos Gabison Jr

MILF Peace Panel: GhazalI Jaafar R, Sammy Al-mansour Omar

Hasan, Abdulmanaf MantawiL, Atty. Omar B. Umpar (1997).

Top NPA Leader Captured by Philippine Army

The leadership of New People's Army (NPA) rebels continues to suffer a debacle over the weekend with the capture of another top communist leader, together with his wife in Cebu, the military said Sunday.

This brought to six the number of NPA rebels captured by the military the past three days.

Maj. Gen. Jose Z. Mabanta Jr., commander of 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division of the Philippine Army, confirmed to the Philippines News Agency the arrest of Calixto Vistal, a top regional NPA commander in the Visayas, by military operatives in Mandaue, Cebu last Friday.

Jimmyliza Badayos Vistal, wife of Calixto, was also arrested.

Vistal, alias Cocoy, Fred and Isom, was arrested by virtue of an arrest warrant number 2012-21370 for murder issued by Judge Roderick Maxino, Branch 32 Judicial region in Dumaguete City.

His wife, Jimmyliza, alias Jill, Cecile and Mayet, was arrested for illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

Both are now detained at the Cebu City police office.

"The long arm of the law has finally fallen upon them," Mabanta said in an e-mail to PNA.

Calixto used to command NPA forces in Leyte and Bohol. But Bohol was declared an insurgency-free province.

Mabanta said "Cocoy certainly would not able to go back to the provinces of Leyte and Bohol. Their presence in Cebu was also not for them with insurgency in these provinces a thing of the past."

"Bohol, Cebu and Leyte provinces have been declared insurgency-free," he said.

Military records show that Vistal, formerly led the NPA forces in Bohol, currently heads the regional armed group in southeastern Negros island while Jimmyliza was the former technical committee head of the same Negros group.

Vistal was involved in several NPA violent actions in Bohol, Leyte and Negros islands, including the raid of two police camps in Bohol in 1999.

He was also involved in the encounter with Special Forces of the Philippine Army in 2000, killing 2nd Lt. Socrates Que and some soldiers.

In 2003 Vistal led in the burning of the heavy equipment of then Mayor Boy Jumamoy of Inabanga, Bohol and a certain Memong, a businessman of same town.

He was also involved in the encounter with security forces in Leyte in 2006 and in Bohol in 2007.

Vistal was also the suspect in the killing of a certain Basilio Casido in Siaton, Negros Oriental recently.

Philippine Weather Update: Another Storm/Typhoon Coming

A tropical storm near Northern Luzon and may enter the country on Monday, the state weather bureau said.

Weather Forecaster Jori Loiz said that as of 4 a.m. Monday, tropical storm with international name 'Prapiroon' was estimated based on satellite and surface data at 1,320 km East of Tuguegarao City (17.8°N, 135.8°E) with maximum winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph.

Loiz said the tropical storm is forecast to move west at 15 kph and is expected to enter the Philippine area of Responsibility (PAR) within today (Monday).

He said the tropical storm once inside the PAR, will named "Nina" – the 14th cyclone to enter the country this year, and this will bring rains over some parts of Luzon.

Based on the models, Loiz said the tropical storm is not expected to make landfall in any part of the country but the agency continues to monitor the situation.

He said it will just move near the landmass of Northern Luzon and forecast to exit the country by Thursday towards Japan.

But Loiz said the cyclone is expected to strengthen into a typhoon in the next few days since it is still hovering over the sea.

He said PAGASA expects two to three cyclones to enter the PAR this month.

In the next 24 hours, Loiz said that the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) is expected to bring light to moderate rains in Palawan and Mindanao.These areas will have occasional light to moderate rains or thunderstorms.

The rest of the country including Metro Manila will be partly cloudy with brief rainshowers due to localized thunderstorms.

PAGASA said moderate to strong winds blowing from the Northeast to North will prevail over the Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, Ilocos Region, Central Luzon and Metro Manila and the coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough.

Philippine government welcomes peace with MILF

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Sunday welcomed the announcement of a framework peace agreement between the Philippine government and the country's largest rebel group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

"This agreement is a testament to the commitment of all sides for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the southern Philippines," the top U.S. envoy said in a written statement.

"The next steps will be to ensure that the framework agreement is fully implemented," she added, urging all parties to work together to "build peace, prosperity and greater opportunities for all the people of the Philippines."

The landmark deal, announced by Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III earlier Sunday, was reached after the latest round of peace talks between the government and the MILF in Kuala Lumpur, capital of Malaysia.

Under the deal expected to be signed on Oct. 15, the rebels shall be accorded a larger share of power and wealth in a new autonomous region by 2016.

The new region, named Bangsamoro, shall have its vested property rights protected, the basic rights of its minorities and indigenous groups recognized and the law enforcement transferred gradually from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to a reformed police.

The new autonomous region would replace the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) set up two decades ago, which Aquino referred to as a "failed experiment."

Back to School Essay

Back to School: A Retrospection

"A diller a dollar a ten o'clock scholar what makes you come so late," says a famous Mother Goose nursery rhyme about a lad who was an example of being a model student but later on he became just the opposite. He started coming late to his class and made all excuses he could think of for his absences. Was this lad facing the same misfortunes and predicaments as students here during these times? 

As a parent, sometime I hate to prepare my college student to attend school as I never know what might be the cost at the end of the school year other than the normal tuition, school supplies, and books needed to let her get by with. 

Of course, let's not forget the daily baon (allowances) and the exact change for her ride to school since the tricycle drivers tell her religiously every morning that they do not have enough change to give back to student passengers. 

Then we have a sinking fund which, when paid, was never used the last time we paid for it. I will never forget I had written about it already. Does everybody remember the "Blue Christmas", the one when the principal lost his cool and kicked in the students Christmas tree and tore down their directions while in a rage, shouting at the students that the Christmas party be cancelled because of a few out of line students. ("Bahhumbug" I thought was said only by that of the Grinch!) 

How can my student concentrate when the teacher classroom loads are way over the normal capacity which should really be 27-30 student teacher loads but no instead it is a 50 plus student maximum overload. 

Teachers, I observe that many families here are struggling on a day to day basis and then you dump some expensive project on the student that takes up a good portion of the family's income to survive or get by with. Could you teachers ease back on the number of projects or even cut the cost of a project in half during these times of crisis and economic adjustments? 

I also sympathize for teachers who are handling big classes and I am sure the pharmacies become busier during the school year when teachers line up for headache medicines. 

I would like to call for the abolition of school uniforms. Students should have their choice of wear but guided by some dress code policies. This only helps a student to be able to better identify himself and gives him independence in what his choices are.

Frankly speaking I do not see girls making a choice of wearing a skimpy cut short skirt on a normal day of school. A school needs to adjust to the world budget crisis and allows the student needs and feelings and the teachers along with the counselors should give way to the students at home type situations as well. Students are real people too. Allow them a healthy voice and allow them a good choice. 

Remember a parent overrules any school's decisions on their children, and that should not be held against the student for obeying his parents. The schools need to teach respect by showing it first, to begin with. Good luck to all students heading back to school. 

2012 Bar Exams in UST Manila in Philippines

By Perfecto T. Raymundo Jr.

A total of 5,686 law graduates are set to take the 2012 Bar examinations to be held on four Sundays of this month (Oct. 7, 14, 21, and 28) at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) along Espana Blvd., Sampaloc, Manila.

Supreme Court Associate Justice Martin S. Villarama Jr. is the chairperson of the 2012 Bar examinations committee.

Deputy Clerk of Court and Bar Confidant Atty. Ma. Cristina B. Layusa said that of the total 5,710 petitions to take the Bar exams, five were denied and 19 withdrawn, reducing the number of Bar examinees to 5,686.

Layusa said this year's Bar examinations is back to the original schedule where there will be two exams of the eight Bar examination subjects per Sunday, unlike last year where the coverage of the Bar examinations was drawn up by topics and sub-topics rather than by simply stating the covered subject.

She said each exam would consist of a multiple choice question (MCQ) portion and an essay exam portion.

The MCQ portion would have a weight of 60 percent, while the essay exam part will have a weight of 40 percent.

There will also be a performance test (trial memorandum) in the afternoon of the last Sunday.

Layusa added that Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim issued Executive Order No. 32 prohibiting the sale and distribution of beer and other intoxicating liquor on the four Sundays of October around the perimeter walls of UST.

The said EO provides that "no store, restaurant, eatery, café or any eating places or ambulant vendors shall be allowed to sell, peddle or offer for drink to any person intoxicating beverages, such as: beer, liquors, wines, and the like between the hours of 4 a.m. and 8 p.m. within 200 meters from the perimeter walls of UST along España Blvd., Lacson Ave. (formerly Gov. Forbes), Dapitan St. and P. Noval St."

It also provides that any violation of its provisions shall have the penalty of a "fine not to exceed P200 or by imprisonment for not more than six months or both in the discretion of the court."

The 2012 Bar examinations will be conducted as follows: first day (Oct. 7): Political Law (morning) and Labor and Social Legislation (afternoon); second day (Oct. 14): CivilLaw (morning) and Taxation (afternoon); third day (Oct. 21): Mercantile Law (morning) and Criminal Law (afternoon); fourth day (Oct. 28): Remedial Law (morning) and Legal Ethics and Practical Exercises (afternoon).

The Rules of Court provide that "a candidate may be deemed to have passed his examination successfully if he hasobtained a general average of 75%."

The rule disqualifying applicants having grades in any subject falling below 50 percent has been abolished since 2010, Layusa said.

In determining the average, subjects in the examinations are given the following relative weights: Political and International Law, 15%; Labor and Social Legislation, 10%; Civil Law, 15%; Taxation, 10%; Mercantile Law, 15%; CriminalLaw, 10%; Remedial Law, 20%; and Legal Ethics and Practical Exercises, 5%, for a total of 100%.

Philippine Fleet of Philippine Navy

Rear Adm. Orwen J. Cortez formally assumed command of the 100-ship strong Philippine Fleet last Oct. 4.

The change of command of ceremony transpired at the Philippine Fleet multi-purpose hall at Naval Base Heracleo Alano, Sangley Point, Cavite City.

The event was presided by Philippine Navy chief Vice Adm. Alexander P. Pama.

Cortez replaces Rear Adm. Jose Luis M. Alano who is promoted to head the Central Command based in Cebu effective Sept. 14.

He served as the Commander of the Naval Forces West in Palawan, and Naval Forces Western Mindanao Command from Nov. 10, 2010 to April 5, 2011.

He was later on promoted to Philippine Fleet vice commander.

Cortez has also served as former deputy commander of the Naval Forces West in 2007 before moving to the Philippine Fleet in Sangley Point, Cavite in 2008.

His concept is "fleet marine operations" or operations where marine and naval units combined to carry out specified task.

While still serving as a captain, Cortez was the commander of the Philippine-US Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training Exercise Task Force in 2006.

He was promoted to Commodore on and took his oath as Rear Admiral on April 4, 2011.

Also on the same month, Cortez received the Military Merit Award for meritorious and valuable services rendered in the position of major responsibility as Commander Naval Forces Western Mindanao from Nov. 10, 2010 to April 5, 2011.

South Korea and Armed Forces of the Philippines Relationship

By Priam Nepomuceno

South Korea and the Armed Forces of the Philippines marked the 62nd anniversary of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea which aided the former in parrying the invasion attempt by North Korea and its allies during 1950 to 1953.

Col. Arnulfo M. Burgos, Jr., AFP spokesperson, said the anniversary celebration was conducted at The War Memorial of Korea in Yongsan, South Korea.

It was was graced by guests from the host country, the Philippine Embassy, United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission, Filipino community leaders, and several veterans and war allies associations, according to Philippine sources.

PEFTOK is the Philippine Army contingent of the United Nations forces that fought in the Korean War.

The unit arrived in Korea in August 1950. It was composed of 7,500 troops, and was the fourth largest force under the United Nations Command.

It took part in the Battle of Yultong Bridge and the Battle of Hill Eerie, the sources said.

The unit operated with the United States 1st Cavalry Division, 3rd Infantry Division, 25th Infantry Division, and 45th Infantry Division.

One of the attendees, Col. Eddie Maningding, the Philippine Defense and Armed Forces Attaché to ROK, said "the gallantry and heroism of our PEFTOK warriors which to me has cemented that bond of friendship we are now enjoying with South Korea."

The activity's highlight was the wreath laying ceremony of the attendees led by Ambassador Luis T. Cruz, followed by a message he delivered which focused on the heroism of the Filipino soldiers during the Korean War from 1950-1953.

Burgos said notable PEFTOK veterans are the fathers of the AFP chief-of-staff, Gen. Jessie D. Dellosa, and PA commanding general, Lt.Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista.

As a manifestation of their gratitude, various programs of the South Korean government are being offered and implemented to benefit PEFTOK veterans and their dependents here in the Philippines.

These include the "Korea Revisit Program" where PEFTOK veterans and some of their dependents are invited to revisit Korea for a week with free air fare & hotel accommodation.

The Korean Government also supports PEFTOK scholars studying in the Philippines.

PEFTOK monuments were also erected in South Korea to remember the heroism of the Filipino warriors.

The PEFTOK monument in Goyang City, Gyeonggi-do Province, which is the biggest PEFTOK monument erected was recently visited by Vice President Jejomar Binay.

Binay offered wreath to the dead Filipino soldiers and inaugurated the flag poles of the Philippines, South Korea and the United Nations in the monument.

"We pushed for the erection of the flagpoles in our PEFTOK monument for the Koreans to be more aware of our participation in the Korean War," Maningding said.

South Korea is a major supplier of the Philippines' military equipment especially on troop carrier, vehicle, and ammunition.

In connection with the AFP modernization and capability upgrade program, Maningding said Manila has pending projects with Seoul.

"Currently, we are considering other forms of cooperation with South Korea in the field of Defense. We are planning to tie up with the Korea Institute of Defense Analyses, the security think tank of South Korea's defense establishment with similar institutions in our country," Manigding said.

Dellosa said: "The AFP extends its appreciation to the South Korean Government in remembering the hard-fought battles of our Filipino soldiers.