SONA 2015, Remarks of Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. on the Opening of the Third Regular Session, 16th Congress, with ref on Senate Pres Drilon's speech & previous 5 SONAs of Pres Aquino

State of the Nation Address 2015

of His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III

President of the Philippines

To the Congress of the Philippines

[Delivered at the Session Hall of the House of Representatives, Batasang Pambansa Complex, Quezon City, on July 27, 2015

 http://www.gov.ph/2015/07/27/english-president-aquino-sixth-sona/

His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III, President of the Philippines

"Now, I wish to talk about legislation, which I hope will be passed during the term of this Congress.

The most important of these: the Bangsamoro Basic Law. [Applause] To those who oppose this measure: I believe that it is incumbent upon you to suggest more meaningful measures. If you do not present an alternative, you are only making sure that progress will never take root in Mindanao. Let me ask you: How many more of our countrymen will have to perish before everyone realizes that the broken status quo of Muslim Mindanao must change?

I invite you to listen to some of those who can benefit from this law:

Translated transcript of Testimonial of Nor-ashia Binatac, 4Ps beneficiary

Before, because we were poor, we had no food. We only had sweet potatoes. That’s it. That’s all we’d eat for breakfast and dinner.

It’s a hard life when you’re a farmer. You work hard to till the land; and when you sell your produce, you can only sell them for so much.

I felt terrible because I saw how just difficult it was for my family to cope. I used to think and wish that I had the opportunity to finish my studies—so that I could help my family leave this horrible state of poverty.

I was in 6th grade when they rolled out the Conditional Cash Transfer program here. It was a big relief to see my father have money for my studies. I thought, before this program, I didn’t even have a notebook or a pair of shoes. Now, with the support of government, I can really focus on my studies, so that I can help my parents one day.

I’d like to thank the DSWD and the government, because they thought of doing this for the poor. If it weren’t for them, our lives wouldn’t have changed.

[Applause]

____________________

Translated transcript of Testimonial of Nadjieb Sanquila and Hadid Hassan, MILF combatants

Sanquila: The injustice during that period was indescribable. Because it was Martial Law, they saw us Moros as mere animals. We were being killed and massacred with no remorse. My family was among the victims of those massacred by the soldiers. That is what hurts the most; this is why we are here today. We joined the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to fight for our rights.

Hassan: When I joined the MILF, our principles were premised upon nasshur awis-shahada. For example under President Estrada’s administration, the people of Mindanao were under the threat of annihilation. Of course, any Muslim would think to defend those principles.

If you are a Muslim, you are part of the Bangsamoro. You were, therefore, viewed as a terrorist, and would not be given any work—because you might end up destroying the company.

The Sajahatra has now arrived. We were more encouraged by this: we learned and applied what we learned. For me, this may be the path for our brothers and sisters in the Bangsamoro to live peaceful lives, and have the wherewithal to lift themselves out of poverty.

Since 1972, I have never experienced a peaceful Bangsamoro; but today, if the agreement is fulfilled, with Allah’s blessing, we might finally be able to live in peace."

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Remarks of Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. on the Opening of the Third Regular Session, 16th Congress
27 July 2015 10:41:26 AM

 http://www.congress.gov.ph/press/details.php?pressid=8873

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., House of representatives

My distinguished colleagues, good morning.

Our government and Congress began its work under the administration of His Excellency, President Benigno S. Aquino III, with his call five years ago during the 15th Congress, for all government officials to observe a "no wang-wang" policy. This was not only meant to be a symbolic gesture, as it actually highlighted the government's commitment of doing away with the pomp and privilege of power, and high position. It became our collective mission as well, to restore decency to public service, ending long-standing practices of preferences, exemptions and abuse, profoundly guided bythe sense of fairness and decency of the Filipino. 

The House of Representatives has acted in this spirit, compelling even the mightiest and the most powerful in the land to submit themselves before the full majesty of the law, subjecting all those culpable to a complete accounting before our people.

Good governance is the condition precedent for keeping the trust of the people so that Congress may craft the social contract to feed the poor, educate our children, cure the sick, provide decent employment for our workers, empower the social sectors, and defend our national territory.

By this measure and by these standards, we can all proudly and resoundingly say, that"Daang Matuwid" has been, a resounding success.

The 15th Congress was characterized by the passage of several landmark legislation. It passed measures that languished for decades for lack of political will. It granted just compensation to the Marcos human rights victims, approved the Kasambahay Law and the Reproductive Health Law, among others.

Indeed, if there is a single word that can describe the result of the work of the last five years and the work of both the 15th and 16th Congresses, that word is "credibility."

The Aquino administration and the Congress of the Philippines are credible because we ended the abuse of the government-owned and controlled corporations which for years served as the milking cows of the appointed few. "The GOCC Governance Act" established benchmarks to keep the GOCC board and management on their toes. And by limiting their terms to one-year subject to re-appointment based on merit, we held them to the highest standards of accountability and service. It is therefore no small wonder that the previously non-performing GOCCs remitted P28 billion in dividends to the Treasury in 2013, and a further P32.3 billion in dividends in 2014.

We are credible to our people because we passed the Sin Tax Reform Law. From December 2012 to March 2014 alone, smoking prevalence in class e or the very poor dropped from 38% to 25%, and in the youth from 18-24 years old, the prevalence was vastly reduced from 35% to 18%. We leveled the playing field for all industry players, and increased revenues for health care programs. Excise taxes applied to tobacco, more than doubled in 2014 to P70.4 billion, increasing by P41.8 billion from the previous year.

We are credible to our tax-abiding citizens by ensuring that their taxes will not be stolen by government officials. By amending the Sandiganbayan Law, we created an additional two divisions and allowed the transfer of minor cases to the regional trial courts, with the intention to speed up the process of putting the guilty behind bars.

We are credible to our workers because we raised their tax exemption for their 13th month pay from the current P30,000 based on the 1992 price index to P82,000, restoring our workers' lost purchasing power which had been eroded by inflation.

We are credible to our women because notwithstanding the strongest opposition, we passed the "Reproductive Health Law" to ensure that all women, especially the poor, would have universal access to safe, effective, affordable and quality reproductive health services and methods, and that relevant information and education would be made available.

We are credible to the children who now have more access to quality education, from childhood to adulthood. We institutionalized kindergarten as part of the primary education system, and enhanced our basic education system by legislating the K-12 Act, ensuring that all our school children will be provided quality primary and secondary education, with enough time to master concepts and develop life skills. While there has been opposition to the K-12 Program, that is to be expected of any efforts toward genuine reform. We look forward to the gains that will surely be evident as the program enters full implementation.

We are credible to our senior citizens because we have ensured that they will not be forgotten in the sunset of their years. We insisted on mandatory PhilHealth coverage for all senior citizens, that they will have adequate health care and preferred access to government services because they are the keepers of our traditions, customs and our heritage.

We are credible to our taxpayers and our citizens because we finally ended the long-standing practice of previous administrations operating on a re-enacted budget. Once and for all we said "No" to the wholesale treatment of budgeting as an outright spoils system based on political patronage.

Under the Aquino administration the House of Representatives has always passed the budget on time. By so doing we ensured rationality, purpose and direction in the planning of our economy, and raised the confidence level of the multilateral development banks as well as the international and domestic investment communities.

And it is this credibility, earned at home and around the world, which has generated tremendous growth potential for our country.

Good governance and credible laws are the key to continuing and expanding this growth. Through these economic measures we intend to make unstoppable the full economic resurgence of the Philippines. By placing our economic policies in line with the best practices of the world we will make inevitable the achievement of full social inclusiveness, and no dream will be unreachable.

For the last five years, our economy has been growing at an annual average of 6.3 percent -the highest five-year average in the last forty years. Given the domestic problems brought about by natural disasters and economic downturns, this is impressive.

Just last week President Aquino signed into law, The Philippine Competition Act. This is the anti-trust law that took all of 26 years and 8 Congresses to finally enact into law. With this law, we now prohibit and penalize anti-competitive agreements, the abuse of dominant market or supply positions, and anti-competitive mergers, addressing a whole range of sectors from power, to water, to telecommunications, to broadband connectivity and to transportation. It intends, through increased competition, to make more affordable all major goods and services and bring them within the reach of all.

We also now have the Amended Cabotage Law allowing foreign vessels to call on multiple local ports, enabling importers and exporters to co-load containers in foreign ships entering and exiting the Philippines. No longer will corn shipped from California to Manila be cheaper than corn shipped from General Santos to Manila. By allowing the entry of competition, we will fully approximate the true costs of goods, addressing both the need to be competitive under Asean integration and to fully benefit from supply chain linkages.

It is now in that same spirit that I urge you, our dear colleagues, to ensure that we finally pass Resolution of Both Houses Number 1. By amending the restrictive economic provisions of our Constitution, we empower Congress to enact laws that will attract the kind of investments that will reverse the de-industrialization and de-agriculturalization of our economy. Only then can we encourage locators and investors to expand our manufacturing sector, the area where the better paying decent jobs can be created. This is the best strategy to ensure that no Filipino will be left behind.

To the end of achieving peace, we are also committed to passing the Bangsamoro Basic Law. For far too long, the conflicts in the Bangsamoro have taken on different forms, rooted in passions that feed on discrimination and deprivations that are fuelled by poverty. We must address the longstanding grievances of the Bangsamoro people by empowering them to fully provide for their self-expression and development. But this has to be complemented by clear and decisive legislative language to accommodate and empower not just the new majority of the Muslims in the Bangsamoro, but also for all other groups whose lives, family and work are located in these regionally autonomous areas of the Bangsamoro.

There is also a sense of new possibility for our country as a whole after Mamasapano. As we work towards achieving real and lasting peace in Mindanao, we must also have the courage to finally come to peace with one another, and with ourselves, by exploring all avenues for peace, including the possibility of reopening peace negotiations with the CPP-NDF.

We know the lessons of history: that democracy and freedom and inclusive economic development do not instantly happen. The 16th Congress has already passed 40 other laws. We managed to accomplish this because we acted collectively and responsibly, prompted only by public interest. In the deliberation of these measures there was no majority or minority - only one united House.

It is therefore my hope and abiding trust that this Congress shall pass the following additional priority measures before its term ends:

� The 2016 National Budget

� The Creation of the Department of Information and Communications Technology

� Strengthening the Build-Operate-Transfer Law

� The Modernization of PAG-ASA

� The Freedom of Information Act

� The Tax Incentives Management and Transparency Bill

� The Customs Modernization and Tariff Act

� The National Identification System

� The Prepaid SIM Card Registration

� The Barangay Officials Welfare and Incentives Act

� The Philippine Immigration Act of 2015

� The Law Adjusting the Amount Involved, Value of Property or Damage on which a penalty is based and the fines under the Revised Penal Code

� The Healthcare Services Price Disclosure Act

� And the law that will ensure that each school division has a SPED Center for our children with special needs

The House has already passed some of these on Third Reading.

We should also ensure the sustainable and productive use of our natural resources. Our actions determine the survival of the next generations. There is hardly time or room for error in this policy area. Denial will not move reforms. We must work vigorously to ensure that economic growth and sustainability are achieved by giving full attention to the following measures:

� Land Administration Reform

� The Land Use Policy Bill

� The Delineation of Forest Boundaries

I also urge the Senate to immediately pass the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act and the Maritime Zones Act to protect our territorial integrity, even as this Congress, continues to fully, and unequivocally support, the country's claims over our exclusive economic zones in the West Philippine Sea, at the Arbitral Tribunal of the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague.

Your representation in the 16th Congress continues the process of renewal that good governance and economic resurgence seek to bring. This translates into the laws that will bring new possibilities for all Filipinos as individuals, as families, as sectors, and as communities.

This is admittedly the hard path, but let me assure you, that this is the better way. This path may be harder but is more hopeful; it is longer, but is more compelling; it is steeper, but is more worthy of our people.

I would like to end with a personal note. "Those who are members of the same household residing under the same roof" is considered family.

Dear colleagues, all of you, those who served with me in the 15th and 16th Congresses, you are my family.

Together, by listening to each other individually, critically, and understandably, we jointly craft and modulate the component strains of our peoples' dreams and aspirations. Through this process, we will put together the component strains of our national anthem for 2016 and onwards. By your presence and hard work, we have made the House of Representatives, truly the House of the Filipino People.

In less than ten months, the voters will decide, to whom they will pass their mandate. They will decide whether we are on the right track morally or economically.

Next year we will see a transfer of power. But today, we must recognize that there remains a last window of opportunity, to make a greater difference in the lives of our people. Let us therefore get to work as we near the end of our three-year mandate. We are on track to match, if not surpass, the achievements of the 15th Congress, and conclude with a golden harvest of legislation under the Aquino administration. Let us, in the end, earn a righteous and honored place in our country's history and a cherished position in the hearts of our people.

I wish you Godspeed and my solidarity as we work together to pass our legislative agenda and meet the judgment of history in 2016.

Mabuhay ang Republika ng Pilipinas!

Mabuhay ang Sambayanang Pilipino!

SOURCE: Media Relations Service, Public Relations and Information Bureau

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PHILIPPINES

HOR Complex, Constitution Hills 1126

Quezon City, Philippines

Speech of Senate President Franklin M. Drilon

3rd Regular Session, 16th Congress

July 27, 2015

LET US WALK A MILE MORE

http://www.senate.gov.ph/speeches/sp_drilon/sp_speech_2015_3rd_RS_opening.asp


State of the Nation Address 2014
of His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III
President of the Philippines
To the Congress of the Philippines
BATASANG PAMBANSA, QUEZON CITY
JULY 28, 2014
http://www.congress.gov.ph/press/details.php?pressid=8042

State of the Nation Address 2013

of His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III

President of the Philippines

To the Congress of the Philippines

 [This is an English translation of the SONA delivered at the Session Hall of the House of Representatives, Batasang Pambansa Complex, Quezon City, on July 22, 2013]

http://www.gov.ph/2013/07/22/english-benigno-s-aquino-iii-fourth-state-of-the-nation-address-july-22-2013/

State of the Nation Address 2012

of His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III

President of the Philippines

To the Congress of the Philippines

[Delivered at the Session Hall of the House of Representatives, Batasang Pambansa Complex, Quezon City, on July 23, 2012

 http://www.gov.ph/2012/07/23/benigno-s-aquino-iii-third-state-of-the-nation-address-july-23-2012/

STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS 2011

OF HIS EXCELLENCY BENIGNO S. AQUINO III

PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES

TO THE CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES

[English translation of the speech delivered at the Session Hall of the House of Representatives, Batasan Pambansa Complex, Quezon City on July 25, 2011]

http://www.gov.ph/2011/07/25/benigno-s-aquino-iii-second-state-of-the-nation-address-july-25-2011-en/

State of the Nation Address 2010

of His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III

President of the Philippines

To the Congress of the Philippines

Session Hall of the House of Representatives

July 26, 2010

[Batasan Pambansa Complex, Quezon City]

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/197030/news/nation/sona-english-translation-of-pres-benigno-s-aquino-iii-s-state-of-the-nation-address

Coal fired power plants in Northwestern Mindanao storm protest

By Jun Enriquez

Iligan City, July 19, 2015 - There are at least thousand protesters representing the more than 500 communities that will be affected when the three coal fired power plants in Northwestern Mindanao operates. The  climate walk kicked-off  a six (6)-day walk on July 19, 2015, with a distance of 92 kilometers started at Jurassic Park, Maranding, Lala in Lanao del Norte and will end at Iligan City.

Mayor Manegos of Kolambugan, LDN

  supports the Climate Walk

The climate walkers, coming from the two major organizers Coal Resistance Movement (CoRE) and  Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ) together with more than  twenty (20) civil society organizations and communities demand for the cessation of the construction of coal fired power plants in Northwestern Mindanao Region. The past three years, the region has been threatened to host the three coal fired power plant. Lafarge Cement Corporation is applying to build a 20 megawatt (MW) coal-fired power plant in Kiwalan, Iligan City while the Ozamis Power Generation Incorporated (OGPI) is also proposing to build a 300 MW coal plant in Brgy. Pulot, Ozamiz City. The biggest plant among the three is the one being constructed between Brgy. Tacub and Brgy. Libertad in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte which has a generation capacity of about 540 megawatts.

Resistance to coal fired power plant has been known worldwide due to its harmful impacts to people and environment. Ms. Lourdes Anabieza of the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice in Western Mindanao says “The irreparable impacts and destruction caused by coal fired power plants have been well documented and scientifically researched globally. The United States Energy Information Agency (US EIA) in its studies mentioned that the risk of getting cancer is 900 times higher from coal ash exposure compared to cigarette smoking.”  Ms. Anabieza further asserted that “the 35 kilometer death zone from where the coal fired power plant is located is scientifically proven and this will have consequences to small cities and towns like the town of Clarin in Misamis Occidental, town of Kauswagan in Lanao del Norte and the cities of Ozamiz, Tangub and Iligan. Even the neighboring and adjacent towns around these areas like Municipalities of Bonifacio and Tudela in Misamis Occidental, the towns of Lala, Baroy, Maigo, Bacolod, Linamon all in Lanao del Norte will not be spared.”

On the other hand, in a radio interview at Real Radio "kalinaw ug Demokrasya", Roldan Gonzales, Executive Director of Gitib, Inc., one of the organizers of the Climate Walk laments that “Despite these consequences and impacts, the PNOY Government and the concern LGUs are one with the profit hungry private energy companies in pushing for the proliferation of CFPPs. They are putting Mindanaoans at risk and what people should do is to oppose this dangerous scheme. Gonzales said “we don’t need these CFPPs. Aside from coal plants will exacerbates the global climate crisis, the Mindanao energy demand can be answered just by the full operation of Agus Pulangi Hydropower Complexes.” Gonzales said, it has to be noted that based from the National Power Corporation data, the Agus Pulangi Hydro Power Complexes have been supplying more than 50% of the Mindanao energy needs. However, with the looming privatization plan, the complexes have been deteriorating.

The six – day climate walk have whistled the LGU officials to oppose the CFPPs are invited to support and join the event. A major program in Iligan City will culminate the climate walk. with reports by Jong Cadion of Pagadian City

CPMAG sign MOA to step up peace and order, security concerns in Lanao

Video File: Col. Gilbert I. Gapay, Brigade Commander of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry "Magbalantay" Brigade, Philippine Army, delivered a message during the MOA signing of CPMAG. 

  CPMAG sign MOA to step up peace and order, security concerns in Lanao

Iligan City, July 16, 2015 – Peace and order, and Security concerns was the battle-cry in the creation of the Church-Police-Military Advisory Group (CPMAG) in Iligan City and Lanao del Norte. This was conceptualized by the 2^nd Mechanized Infantry “Magbalanatay” Brigade, Philippine Army, as part of the Internal Peace and Security Program (IPSP)-Bayanihan.  Col. Felicisimo C. Budiongan, Deputy commander of the 2^nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, said that the purpose of the CPMAG is to strengthen security by providing public safety in Lanao del Norte including Iligan City. Budiongan said that The CPMAG was created and organized to come up with a group to put actions together, because of the need to have a coordinated effort for peace and development for the best interest of the people. The CPMAG was organized in its first meeting on March 10, 2015 at the function hall of the 2^nd Mechanized Brigade headquarter with the presence of Church leaders, the Philippine national Police (PNP) of Iligan City and Lanao del Norte.

 

At left, Col. Felicisimo C. Budiongan

Budiongan said the CPMAG will set round table discussions to address the current and prevailing issues and problems on security. Conduct joint activities such as medical missions, engineering civic actions, Brigada eskwela, people’s day with the local government units (LGUs), Kalinga sa Bayan and many others. The CPMAG will also network with the media as partner in the information dissemination to the public, and lastly, activities that will enhance camaraderie such as sports and other recreation activities. Budiongan said that CPMAG is the first of its kind in Mindanao and this will expand to partner with other institutions in the future.

 

PSSUPT Madid M. Paitao

PSSUPT Madid M. Paitao, Provincial Director, Lanao del Norte, in his message said that peace and order is everybody’s concern. He said the CPMAG will give more strength in serving the people of Lanao del Norte. The CPMAG is a forward step of fulfilling the Patrol 2013 in close coordination with the Military and other stakeholders to secure and protect the people of Lanao del Norte.

PSSUPT Raul A. Benitez, Officer-in-charge, Iligan City Police, said upon assumption of office of the Iligan City Police Office (ICPO), the crime volume increases and the peace and order situation is very volatile due to the presence of the organized crime groups. Benitez said that most of the crimes happened in Iligan City were drug related. He said the signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the CPMAG is a big help in solving peace and order problems with the participation of other stakeholders, like the church, non-government organizations (NGOs) and others. Benitez said that peace and order can be achieved through consolidated efforts.

 

Rev. Fr. Rosito M. Claro

Rev. Fr. Rosito M. Claro, NPC San Roque Chaplaincy, Ditucalan, Iligan City, represents Bishop Elenito D. Galido, Diocese of Iligan City, said that Bishop Galido was not around for prior schedule, extended his thanks and appreciation that the Diocese of Iligan is part of the CPMAG concerning peace and order, security in Iligan City and Lanao del Norte. Fr. Claro said that the creation of CPMAG is very important because nowadays Iligan City and Lanao del Norte were confronted with problems on criminalities such as kidnapping, carnapping, drugs and other crimes. He was mentioning about the just recently ambush happened victimizing the military. Fr. Claro said he is hoping that the CPMAG will help a lot in answering these problems and work hand-in-hand to achieve its goals. He said more hands will give more powers and delighted actions in solving problems. He said “with the help of the Almighty God, we will be the instruments of peace as we continue to serve our people.” Fr. Claro said that the peace and order situation and security in Iligan City and lanao del Norte already affected the living condition of the people due to the presence of illegal drugs, kidanapping, carnapping and other criminalities. He is hoping that CPMAG can help address the situation. He said that the role of the Church in the CPMAG will ask guidance from the Holy Spirit to unite the stakeholders to address the peace and order and security problems.

 

Col. Gilbert I. Gapay

Col. Gilbert I. Gapay in his message, extend his thanks and appreciation to the newly organized CPMAG led by the effort of Col. Budiongan. He said CPMAG is very important to address security, peace and order situation besetting Iligan City and Lanao del Norte. The existing problems of criminalities in the areas of Iligan City and Lanao del  Norte such kidnapping, lingering anti-insurgency, internal security and peace and order problems. Gapay said in general analysis the problems are rooted on socio-cultural and socio-economic issues, like the unemployment and decaying values among youth and in the civil society as a whole and need on strengthening hands for the spirituality and morality in the society. There is a necessity on this endeavor because this is in line of the IPSP Bayanihan program of the Military. It is envisioned to have a multi-stakeholder and multi-dimensional approach in conflict resolution in addressing the social ills and divides. 

MOA signing on CPMAG

The CPMAG is a very important group as far as advocacy is concern, generating social pressure to address security problems and reiterated a catalyst for social change. The CPMAG will enhance the public information, education and advocacies and in the forefront in the furtherance of socio-cultural and other development efforts in the government. Gapay said that the CPMAG will be expanded to the other institutions an interfaith approach including Muslim brothers to address also the rising extremism and radicalism in Islam trying to pollute the minds of the youth. The CPMAG will play an important factor and prime mover in addressing the emerging dimension. The CPMAG will function as envisioned in the MOA to help the civil authorities not only on the security programs but also in the developmental efforts especially in the areas of strengthening the moral fibers.

 

Wild cat press conference after the CPMAG MOA signing

In another development, Col. Gapay felt dismay over the dismissal of the case of the arrest of a driver implicated in the ambush on July 13 due to lack of probable cause, as to the decision of the prosecutors in Lanao del Norte. He said what kind of probable cause they needed when one of the military was killed and wounded six others. Gapay said that the driver and the vehicle were clearly identified by their men and it was stated in their affidavits. Despite those strong evidences the prosecutors ruled out lack of probable cause and unlawful arrest and he said what kind of grounds to become lawful. Gapay said that the wounded Military cannot go to the prosecutors’ office and instead the prosecutors should go to the hospital to get affidavits. Gapay said that there is no due process on the part of the Military and he said that there is an alleged corruption in handling this case. Affidavits of the witnesses were produced from the wounded Military and submitted to the Prosecutors’ office in few days’ time after the ambush incident, but the suspect driver was already freed.

At left, Capt Doroteo, emcee, & the Battalion Commanders

Gapay said there were two vehicles seen in the crime scene during the ambush, a pick-up and a toyota revo vehicles. The passengers in the pick-up vehicles engaged in a shootout with the Military then transferred to the Toyota revo as exit vehicle. Upon apprehended the vehicle and arrested the driver, the passengers were no longer to be found. Gapay said that the driver is noted suspects in many crimes. Gapay said that the Toyota revo they used was found out to be a carnapped vehicle from Cagayan de Oro City and the owner of that vehicle was also killed. Gapay said they will still pursue of filing the case in court to put perpetrators in the bar of Justice. He is calling the Prosecutors to be fair of their case but still believed on the Justice system in the government. Reports & Photos by Jun Enriquez

STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY FOR THE BANGSAMORO AND COMMITMENT TO CONTINUE ACCOMPANYING THE PEACE PROCESS

STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY FOR THE BANGSAMORO

AND COMMITMENT TO CONTINUE ACCOMPANYING THE PEACE PROCESS

We come together in solidarity with the Bangsamoro people as they push forward with the quest for meaningful self-governance in areas in Mindanao and the archipelago that are part of their homeland in historical and contemporary times.

This quest has been kept alive through the decades by countless sacrifices, including lives. Today, there is a beacon of hope the Moro people’s aspiration can become a reality through peaceful means.

That hope lie in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) that has taken government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) seventeen painstaking years to muster. This landmark peace pact is currently being translated into a law that would become charter of the Bangsamoro government. The proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) now pending in Congress seeks to embody the Moro people’s hopes and dreams to be captains of their own future.

Ryan Rosauro, Journalist/Political analyst

During his recent visit to Bolivia, Pope Francis said: “The world peoples want to be artisan of their own destiny… They do not want forms of tutelage or interference by which those with greater power subordinate those with less. They want their culture, their language, their social processes and their religious traditions to be respected.”

As such, we hereby affirm that the recognition of their identity, respect for their right to self-determination as a people, and the need to address legitimate grievances and historical injustices must be the cornerstones in building a new and meaningful socio-political setup for the Bangsamoro.

It is in this spirit that we are closely following the process of enacting the BBL, starting with that in the House Ad Hoc Committee on the BBL, and the public pronouncements of legislators regarding the measure.

We are saddened that prejudice, bias, and deep-bigotry appears to be the main driver of the debates on the BBL, whether inside and outside the halls of the House of Representatives and the Senate. This is not the type of exercise needed to shape a new reality for a people and region long mired in conflict and underdevelopment. We therefore call on the members of Congress to rise above themselves in the interest of social justice.

At right, Archbishop Antonio Ledesma

We note here highly welcome enhancement to the BBL that were introduced especially those dealing on the empowerment of women, and providing a platform for the participation of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in the transition process, a gesture of expanding its political inclusiveness.

We acknowledge the importance of treating fully the rights of non-Moro indigenous peoples inside the Bangsamoro. While these are already enshrined in the proposed BBL, we recognize the need for continuing the dialogues between the indigenous peoples and the Moros in the spirit of kinship

The road to a peaceful and progressive Mindanao is still long, and probably winding, and thorny. Nevertheless, we commit to continue treading this road as long as it takes.

Mindanao is in the cusp of historic change. Today, we seized that moment. 

Bro. Sammy Maulana of CBCS Cotabato City, articulated the Bangsamoro issue before the Forum participants. 

Lanao ambush killing one Army and wounding 6 others

Iligan City, July 14, 2015 - At around 8:00 O’clock in the morning yesterday, a military truck of the 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion was ambush by an unidentified perpetrators killing one military personnel and wounded six others. The military personnel was said to be on their way for a marketing in Iligan City, but when they approached in Kalanganan, Pantar, Lanao del Norte an ambush ensued. There were four victims confined in Mercy hospital and two others in Sanitarium hospital all of Iligan City. One of the surviving victims, Sgt. Selbano, was the most critical in condition because one of his kidneys was removed hit by bullets but now he is declared medically safe.  

Col Gilbert I. Gapay, Commander of the 2^nd Mechanized Infantry “Magbalantay” Brigade, said that the Military troops still running after the possible route of withdrawal of the perpetrators, with the help of the witnesses pointed to the route of the withdrawing perpetrators. He gathered Information that there were two wounded persons from the perpetrators brought in the nearby vicinity of the Municipality of Balo-i, Lanao del Norte. 

Gapay said that the Military was only conducted peacekeeping works in their area of responsibility. He said the possible motives of the ambush were the repercussions for the arrest of the eight rouge Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) last week in Marawi City. One of them was known to be a notorious criminal. Upon their arrest, they were immediately transported to Manila. Gapay said that there was no solid evidence if this is connected to the ambush. Another angle could probably the organized crime groups, the kidnap for ransom (KFR) or groups connected to drugs trade. 

Gapay said that the 2^nd Mechanized Infantry “Magbalantay” Brigade intensify support to the Philippine National Police (PNP) on law enforcement for the past 2 weeks and gained significant accomplishments lead to the arrest of the members of the big KFR and organized crime groups. The ambush might be an offshoot to the current efforts on law enforcement conducted.

Col Gilbert I. Gapay, an ambush interview with the media

Gapay said, there were two vehicles they apprehended in the crime scene, a pick-up vehicle was seen the riding passengers participated in the ambush firing to the Military personnel. This vehicle was now in the Highway patrol group in Iligan City and as soon as the vehicle will be opened to identify the owners this will be a good lead on the identity of the perpetrators. Another vehicle apprehended including the driver was a Revo served as a gate-away car is now under custody of the 2^nd Mechanized Brigade. The driver was turnover to police custody for investigation. This will also help identify the identity of the suspects of the ambush.

Gapay said a special financial assistance must be given to Military personnel killed in action and wounded in action and voluntary contribution from the ranks. The military financing institutions will also give financial assistance. The President also has a financial assistance too.

Gapay said that the rule of law is applied here. His message to the perpetrators, “the will of justice will come upon you, as soon as we will know your identity of who you are, we will dealt with you accordingly.” Gapay said The 4^th Mechanized infantry Battalion personnel responded immediately after learning about the ambush.  The Military Ambulance from the 2^nd Mechanized Brigade was also responded.    

There were more or less 20 men participated in the ambush using high powered firearms can be learned from big bangs, found empty shells in the crime scene from M16 rifles, M14 rifles, AK 47 rifles and M203 or 40 mm mortar. 

Gapay extended thanks to the PNP for sending SOCO and their help in conducting investigation. PSSUPT Paitao, PNP Provincial Director of Lanao del Norte, created a task force to conduct investigation for  the incident. Gapay issued directives to all his Military units to heighten alert while conducted the continued hot pursuit operation against the perpetrators.

The Municipality of Pantar has an existing political conflict between the elected Mayor Exchan and Vice Mayor Tago (by succession). The Mayor was under suspension allegedly implicated on the killing of the late elected Vice Mayor.  Upon the suspension of the Mayor, Vice Mayor Tago assumed office as Acting Mayor. Allegedly Mayor Exchan acquired a temporary restraining order (TRO). This triggers armed confrontation between the two political factions. Gapay said that they are in the peace zone between the two warring factions in the area.  The presence of the military in Pantar was to maintain the separation of the two political groups and prevent the possible outbreak of the warring factions. Gapay said that these two groups have their own supporters and allegedly with heavy firearms. Gapay said that they did not discount the possibility that these warring factions have allies with the KFR or organized crime groups arrested in Marawi City or sometimes moonlight in engaging illegal activities. 

Gapay said that all these issues and concerns will only be substantiated as soon as the PNP investigation will be finished. He said that the ambush incident has nothing to do with the participation of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Gapay said that after the ambush incident they coordinated with the MILF counterpart in the Ceasefire committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH). The MILF committed to help apprehend the perpetrators once they will be identified. Gapay promised to give updates on any development of the case. 

With regards to the Bangsamoro Basic law (BBL), Gapay said the government is supporting the peaceful resolution of peace with the MILF. He said whatever version the BBL will be, the important is to settle the conflict peacefully. He said armed strategy is not the solution to the problem in Mindanao. The peaceful one is the more effective solution to this conflict. The main concern of the military in the BBL is the security aspect in the normalization process, the demobilization and decommissioning of the MILF. Help them on peace and development during transition process. The joint peace snd security teams will assists the MILF on the road to normalization. Reports and photos by Jun Enriquez