ICC Dispatch - Monday, December 1, 2008

Region 12 governors urge PGMA to start talks with MILF towards new peace formula

ICC Cotabato City (01 December) – Three governors of region 12 agreed to urge President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to open anew the negotiating table with the MILF towards a new formula for peace.

Sultan Kudarat Governor Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu, chairman of the Regional Peace and Order Council of Region 12; North Cotabato Governor Jesus Sacdalan and Sarangani Governor Miguel Dominguez unanimously supported a move of RPOC 12 to pass a resolution requesting the President to support the start of the talks with the MILF on exploring a new peace formula after the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain was junked by the Supreme Court.

Mangudadatu set the tone for the council to be an instrument of paving peace initiatives for the region during its meeting held on November 26 at the Farm, Koronadal City. Likewise, Governor Dominguez saw this political unity of the leaders as a healthy climate to reviving the peace efforts in Mindanao recommending a peace summit to be spearheaded by region 12.

To formalize the move, Governor Sacdalan proposed for the passage of a resolution urging the President to open anew the negotiating table with the MILF to explore and pursue a new formula for peace.

In attendance during the meeting aside from the aforementioned governors were Chief Superintendent Fidel Cimatu, Jr, PNP 12 regional director, Mayor Ramon Abalos, president of Sultan Kudarat League of Municipalities, regional directors/ heads, private sector representatives, military and police officials.

The Department of Interior and Local Government led by Director Buagas Sulaik serves as the secretariat of RPOC 12.

The RPOC provides a forum for dialogue and deliberation of major issues and problems affecting peace and order, including insurgency and recommends measures which will improve or enhance peace and order and public safety in the areas of the region including anti insurgency measures among others. (PIA12)


RPOC 12 creates working committees to respond to prevailing peace and order situation

ICC Cotabato City (01 December) – To respond to the demands of the peace and order situation obtaining in region 12 and in line with Executive Order No.739, the regional peace and order council organized six (6) working committees during its meeting at The Farm, Koronadal City on November 26.

Presided over by Sultan Kudarat Governor Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu, RPOC 12 chairman, the council approved the adoption of the six (6) working committees and the appointment of the chairmen namely: 1.) Security and Law Enforcement – chaired by North Cotabato Governor Jesus Sacdalan; 2.) Rehabilitation and Interagency Coordinating Committee – Lambayong Mayor Ramon Abalos, president of Sultan Kudarat League of Municipalities; 3.) Relief Operations Committee – Sarangani Governor Miguel Dominguez; 4.) Inter Council Coordinating Committee – DILG 12 Director Buagas Sulaik; 5.) Development Monitoring Committee – Alfredo Bronx Hebrona, Jr., president of the Sarangani Chamber of Commerce and 6.) Peace Monitoring and Consultative Committee.- Cotabato City Mayor Muslimen Sema. The other committee, the Internal Security Operations is organic in the structure.

In the same meeting, the following three (3) private sector representatives were inducted into office by Governor Mangudadatu; Carlito Uy, president of the South Cotabato Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI); Dr Ramon Floresta, DVM, president of the Metro Kidapawan City Chamber and Industry Foundation, Inc.) and Alfredo Bronx Hebrona, Jr, president of the Sarangani Chamber of Commerce.

The regional peace and order council will provide a forum for dialogue and deliberation of major issues and problems affecting peace and order including insurgency in the area. It will recommend measures which will improve or enhance peace and public safety in the region including anti insurgency measures.

The council is also tasked to initiate and/or oversee the convergence and the orchestration of internal security operations efforts of civil authorities and agencies, military and police. It is expected to apply moral suasion to and/or recommend sanctions against local executives who are giving material and political support to the communist rebels.

Through the council, the provision of livelihood and infrastructure development programs and projects will be monitored in the remote rural and indigenous populated areas to isolate them from communist rebels. (PIA12)


OWWA-ARMM acts on 43 OFW cases

ICC Cotabato City (01 December) – Forty- three (43) OFW cases have been lodged with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) office in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao based in Cotabato City for the month of October.

Adulwahab Jaafar, OWWA – ARMM officer-in-charge disclosed during a press conference on November 27 at the Information Command Center, ARMM Compound, here in this city, that the various cases filed in their office include overstaying, runaway/ stranded at the embassy , illegal recruitment, unpaid salaries, non-remittance of salaries, death benefit claims, whereabouts unknown and detention at the immigration. He further disclosed that nine (9) of these have already been solved.

In the same media activity, Jaafar reported that his office has organized 82 OFW family circles with 1,327 members. We have extended livelihood assistance to the OFW members and families and scholarship grants to deserving children.We conduct a continuing program on reintegration to those who have chosen to stay which includes training on capability building, leadership and entrepreneurship to prepare them for a better future.

Responding to a media practitioner’s comment that many OFWs are not being attended to by the Philippine Embassy in the foreign country where they are based.. Marilou Sumalinog, head of the programs and services, OWWA-ARMM, explained that once they seek the help of the Philippine Embassy, they will be inhibited from leaving while their cases are being looked into. Kaya wala na silang opportunity na makapag-hanap-buhay o hindi na makapag-sideline. Ang reality sa abroad, marami talagang Pilipino na nag-memaintain ng mga apartment o condominium unit para makapag part time sila. Hindi kami naniniwala na hindi sila tinutulungan ng Philippine Embassy, Sumalinog pointed out.

“Binabantayan ng OWWA yong mga OFWs na in distress at yong mga tumatakas. Hindi sila puedeng lumabas hangga’t hindi na resolve ang kaso nila. Sila ay naiinis kung tumatagal ng isang lingo dahil wala silang income but they are being provided with food and accommodation,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration representatives in the press conference warned job seekers to foreign countries to exercise prudence and utmost care to avoid being entrapped into illegal recruitment. Contact and consult POEA, they said, to make sure you are dealing only with recruiters operating legally. (PIA12)


Simple ceremony marks 68th Infantry Battalion’s 21 years

ICC Kidapawan City (01 December) – The celebration of the 68th Infantry (KAAGAPAY) Battalion, 2nd Infantry (JUNGLE FIGHTER) Division, Philippine Army observed its recent 21st foundation anniversary with simple but fitting rites. With the theme “68IB: Ang inyong KAAGAPAY sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran”, in its new Battalion Headquarters at Poblacion 8, Midsayap, North Cotabato the activities included flag raising ceremony followed by the blessing of the headquarters, a program and a sportfest.

The first part of the celebration was the flag raising ceremony attended by the personnel of the unit, next was the thanksgiving mass and blessing of the new battalion headquarters and vehicles, officiated by Fr. Hilario Asilo, the Parish Priest of Midsayap. The program proper was the highlight of the celebration where Major General Roland Detabali AFP, Commander, 2ID, PA awarded medals to the deserving personnel of the unit and certificates of appreciation to those who helped 68IB in the construction of the battaliion Headquarters.

Aside from General Detabali, the other guests were Brigadier General Loreto Rirao, deputy 6th ID commander and North Cotabato Governor Jesus Sacdalan. Likewise the municipal mayors of Midsayap, Libungan and Pigcawayan together with the military commanders in the area of North Cotabato graced the affair.

The unit commemorated the founding anniversary to acknowledge and recall with pride the history which catapulted the battalion to its numerous accomplishments contributed by each and every member. The celebration also fostered a challenge to the KAAGAPAY troopers to show more courage and dedication to the service, as protector and kaagapay of the people and the republic. (68th I(Kaagapay)B/PIA12)


Soldiers not only fight, they also play

ICC Kidapawan City (01 December) - 68th Infantry Battalion “KAAGAPAY” Troopers held a sports fest in connection with the Battalion’s recent 21st founding anniversary, as one of the highlights of the anniversary celebration.

Although the unit is preoccupied with various activities in its area of operation, it still went ahead with the sports fest purposely to let the personnel experience a bit of relaxation, in the height of rigid day to day activities and combat operations and to strengthen the camaraderie among the members of the unit.

The sports competition was participated by the players and representatives of Headquarters (Providers) Company, Alpha (Raiders) Company, Bravo (Peacemakers) Company and Charlie (Cougars) Company.

Despite the minimal participation from Alpha Company due to its status being placed under the operational control of another brigade, the activity was successfully conducted developing sportsmanship among the officers and men. Showcasing the behavior of the personnel as games were witnessed by the civilians in the area, who have become supporters of the unit. The competition ended with Alpha (Raiders) Company bagging 4th place, Charlie (Cougars) Company 3rd place, Bravo (Peacemakers) Company 2nd place and Headquarters (Watchdog) Company the as the 2008 Basketball champion. The “KAAGAPAY” Trooper’s excellent athleticism and friendly attitude displayed in the competition charmed the civilians, who invited the unit to join the community’s future basketball tournament.

The 68IB has always been into team building exercise to continually develop the capacities of the mental and physical jungle fighters who are ready to serve and protect the people in its new area of operation. (68th I(Kaagapay)B/PIA12)


Mindanao-born career diplomat is the new GRP chief peace negotiator

ICC, Cotabato, PNA, Dec1=--Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Rafael Seguis has accepted the post of Chief Negotiator for the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) in peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Seguis, a career diplomat who was called from retirement by President Gloria Macapgal-Arroyo, vowed to do his "best to advance the cause of peace in Mindanao."

He comes from Anao-aon, Surigao del Norte in Eastern Mindanao, and replaces Assistant Secretary Rodolfo Garcia. Garcia's team was dissolved in August just before the Memorandum of Agreement on the Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD0, which he steered through, was declared unconstitutional by the Philippine Supreme Court. Seguis said that in his concurrent positions at the DFA and the GRP peace panel, he would be able to harness his diplomatic experience as a negotiator.

The added appointment by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signals GRP's intent to resume scuttled peace talks with the MILF but Seguis pointed out that "the time line is not set yet, though it's not far behind."

"This is a tremendous challenge and opportunity which I humbly accept knowing fully well the difficult road that lies ahead. We will do our work quietly, but diligently because in any negotiation it is just as important to listen and understand the views of the other side," the newly-appointed Chief Negotiator said.

Seguis told the Philippines News Agency that President Macapagal-Arroyo has begun the first steps for resumption of talks by considering the composition of the panel of negotiators, which he will head. The names of his four-co members are not yet known.

Asked if his being a working diplomat does not go against the grain of the negotiations, Seguis said, "we’re all working for peace, that’s most important."

But he added he will still seek some comments from Malacanang regarding his appointment.

Seguis retired in 2004 but was immediately reappointed DFA Undersecretary for Special Concerns.

Known for his coolness in crisis situations, he led the crisis team to Iraq on two separate occasions to negotiate for the eventual safe release of Filipino workers Angelo dela Cruz of Pampanga and Davao native Roberto Tarongoy. The captives face near-certain death in the hands of an Al-Qaeda-linked group as well as put the very life of Seguis on line as well.

On July 19, 2005, Seguis received a Presidential Citation "for his steadfast and able leadership of Team Iraq" which resulted in the successful release of the Filipino hostages.

He also received the Order of Sikatuna with the Rank of Datu (Gold Distinction) on October 26, 2006 which is the highest presidential award bestowed to government officials and employees.

Inside the DFA, the soft-spoken Seguis is often tapped to represent the country in vital diplomatic missions and conferences in the Middle East-including being a regular member of the guest Philippine delegation to the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (ICFM) of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) and Islamic Summits from 1996 to 2008.

He also represented the Philippines in various United Nations (UN) and Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) high-level meetings. He is the recipient of many awards and citations from DFA, including the "Distinguished Service Award" conferred by then DFA Secretary Domingo L. Siazon Jr.

The low-key Seguis also served as Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia and East Timor ( 2002 – 2003); Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Yemen (1999-2002); Iraq and Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (1992 to 1996); Deputy Chief of Mission in Tripoli (1988-1991) and in various capacities in the Philippine Embassies in Rome, Bangkok, Cairo, Tehran and the United States.

At the DFA, he served as Assistant Minister for Fiscal Management (1986-1987) and Assistant Secretary for Middle East and Africa (1996-1999).

Seguis is also concurrently Chairman of the Overseas Absentee Voting Secretariat of the DFA.

He passed the Foreign Service Officers (FSO) Examinations in December 1973.

He is a graduate of the University of the East and attended post-graduate studies at the American University in Cairo and the Ateneo de Manila Graduate School of Business. (PNA) VVV/GJB