Aquino assures war veterans of better health services; vows AFP modernization

PILAR, Bataan—President Benigno Aquino III assured Filipino war veterans of subsidized health services and vowed to continue the  modernization of the Armed Forces in Monday’s Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) rites that paid tribute to Filipino and American soldiers who fought the Japanese 70 years ago.

Mr. Aquino, who addressed the elderly soldiers and their relatives gathered at the Dambana ng Kagitingan entirely in Filipino, got thunderous applause when he announced that from March 31, 599 hospitals had been accredited by Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) as regional and provincial extensions, making it easy for the veterans to access medical benefits.

“The state honors our veterans and I believe we should repay their sacrifices by caring for them,” he said.

Colonel Roberto Gacayan, 85, a war veteran from La Union province, urged Mr. Aquino and legislators not to ignore the plight of the war veterans.

“It seems that the government has been slowly forgetting what we did during the war. We hope that our benefits will be increased … We will not live long and we hope that in the remaining years of our lives, we get to feel our true worth,” Gacayan, who heads the Confederation of World War II Veterans’ Sons and Daughters Inc., said.

“If it had not been for our sacrifices, the youth will not experience the freedom they are enjoying today,” he said.

Veterans’ welfare

According to Mr. Aquino, VMMC has been subsidizing services for cataract surgery, coronary angiogram procedure and cardiac bypass operations.

The President again drew applause when he cited the direct remittance servicing system of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), which is done through the banks or automated teller machines. This has enabled war veterans to receive their pensions faster and in correct amounts, he said.

The veterans’ list has also been purged, enabling government to generate savings that are used to support more pensioners, he said.

Ernesto Carolina, the PVAO administrator, said the House committee on veterans affairs had approved an increase in the old-age pension from P5,000 to P10,000, with an increase of P1,000 a year for the next five years.

A bill is also pending in Congress seeking to increase the burial assistance from P10,000 to P20,000.

Carolina said the PVAO had paid P4 billion to eligible pensioners, with the funds coming from the savings made from the purging of illegal claimants.

He said the hospitalization benefits in PVAO-accredited hospitals had been doubled to P800 for a maximum of 45 days. The PVAO also pays for the premium of veterans’ membership in the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.

Pensions for old age, disability and death are paid to nearly 250,000 veterans, their spouses and descendants, he said.

Leslie Bassett, deputy chief of mission of the United States Embassy, said that in the past two years, more than 18,000 Filipino veterans had received a total of over $220 million from the US government’s Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Program.

Modern military

The President told the war veterans that his administration was working to fully upgrade the capacity of the AFP.

“What we want is that should the situation turn into a conflict, we are able to give a fight,” he said in Filipino.

He then enumerated the latest purchases for the AFP: a Hamilton class cutter, renamed as BRP Gregorio del Pilar, and four combat utility helicopters.

At least 138 projects under the defense acquisition system are scheduled for completion within five years, he said.

Good governance

Mr. Aquino said these are being done because of the good governance of his administration, adding that “integrity and honor result in programs that benefit our people.”

“I know that the morale of government troops is high not only because of housing or combat allowance but also because they know that we have removed the culture of corruption in the [AFP] leadership,” he said.

Mr. Aquino began his speech with lengthy quotes from Commonwealth President Manuel Quezon and General Douglas MacArthur, the American general and commander of US forces in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

“I am greatly concerned as well regarding all the soldiers I have called to the colors and who are now manning the firing line. I want to decide in my own mind whether there is justification in allowing all these men to be killed, when for the final outcome of the war the shedding of their blood may be wholly unnecessary,” he said, quoting Quezon.

“It is no joke being responsible for the lives of thousands, millions of your countrymen. 

President Quezon might have asked himself: What is at stake? Is the sacrifice worth it?” Mr. Aquino said.

He said he did not want the loss of lives. “This is the root of our determination to strengthen our armed forces,” he said.

“All that we have been doing now  to lay the groundwork for reforms, improve the economy and lift our brethren from poverty, come from a single thought: We owe it to those who sacrificed before us to make sure that it is worth it, very, very worth it to live free in the Philippines,” he said.

The occasion, he added, should also be a time to celebrate the strength of character of Filipinos “to fight the enemy with bravery, honor and love for country as the sharpest weapon of all.”

Mr. Aquino also praised the Philippines’ strong alliance with the United States, and confirmed the futility of violence and necessity of working with neighboring nations.

Bataan Day in the US

In her speech, Bassett said some 7,000 people in the United States, including war veterans and students in New Mexico, had joined a reenactment of the Death March yesterday to pass what she called “the torch of memory.”

“Some carried heavy packs to make the journey harder but not as hard as the cruel Calvary our heroes endured,” she said.

“Bataan commemoration takes place today across the United States … and in the many homes where veterans and their memories still dwell. On the high seas, the sailors of the USS Bataan will pause to commemorate this day, including Master Chief Noel Vergara, whose grandfather, Romeo Miranda, was a hero of Bataan,” she said.

Bassett stressed  the importance of preserving freedom that Filipino and American soldiers had fought hard to win.

“Filipino and American soldiers relied on one another to survive the Death March and what came after. Today their children and grandchildren … proudly continue that tradition of friendship and mutual support,” she said.

“Today we live in an era of technological marvel. But you cannot download freedom from the Internet or buy liberty off the shelf. The heroes of Bataan remind us not to take what we have for granted but to cherish our freedom,” she said.

Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Toshinao Urabe, who also spoke in Filipino, extended his country’s sincerest apology and deep sense of remorse for the Japanese atrocities during World War II.

He said the Japanese of today are “a far cry” from the Japanese during the war.

Urabe said the United States, the Philippines and Japan had forged stronger ties and were now allies and friends. He stressed the importance of unity among the three countries.

“Sa pagkakaisa, tayo ay lalakas; sa pagkakawatak-watak, tayo ay babagsak (In unity, we will be strong; in   conflict, we will fall),” he said.

Aside from war veterans and their families, former President Fidel Ramos, top military and police officials, Cabinet members, local officials and diplomats attended the Araw ng Kagitingan ceremonies at Mount Samat Shrine.

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Greg Refraccion, Tonette Orejas | Inquirer Northern Luzon | April 10, 2012 | Article Link

Palace awaits AFP recommendation on Christmas truce with NPA rebels

Malacañang is waiting for the recommendation of Armed Forces of the Philippines regarding the traditional declaration of “Christmas ceasefire” with the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels.

“Pinag-aaralan ngayon ‘yung ceasefire nga. Last year, we did that. So, ngayon, we will wait for the recommendation from the AFP,” presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said at a press briefing Monday.

The government has been declaring ceasefire with the communist rebels during the Christmas season for the past eight years. Last year, the AFP recommended to President Benigno Aquino III the suspension of military operations (SOMO) as early as November.

On Monday, Lacierda noted that the ceasefire “is good for both parties.”

“It’s always an opportunity for the rebels to come down from the mountains and be with their families,” he said.

Lacierda said Aquino will study the matter once the military leadership submits its recommendation. “We have not received any recommendation yet. Once we receive it and once the President makes a decision, we will let you know,” he said. — Amita O. Legaspi/KBK, GMA News

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December 5, 2011 2:32pm

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Retiring AFP chief submits list of possible successor to PNoy

Two weeks before his retirement, Retiring Armed Forces chief General Eduardo Oban has already submitted a list of his possible successor to President Benigno Aquino III.

In an interview with reporters Tuesday, Oban said he has submitted the names of all three-star generals of the Armed Forces, almost all of them members of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1978 and 1979.

A member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1979, Oban is due to end his tour of duty on December 13 when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56. He took over the top AFP post from General Ricardo David in March.

David has since been named Immigration commissioner.

“I forwarded all three-star generals….All three-star generals, from the vice (chief), the TDCS (The Deputy chief of Sttaff,t he service commanders (Army, Navy, Air Force chiefs), and then area commanders,” Oban told reporters in an ambush interview.

Included in the list are:

• Lt. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu, AFP vice chief of staff (PMA 1978)
• Lt. Gen. Anthony Alcantara, the deputy chief of staff (PMA 1979)
• Lt. Gen. Oscar Rabena, Air Force chief (PMA 1978)
• Vice Admiral Alexander Pama, Navy chief (PMA 1979)
• Lt. Gen. Roland Detabali, AFP Southern Luzon Command chief (PMA 1978)
• Lt. Gen. Juancho Sabban, AFP Western Command chief (PMA 1978)
• Lt. Gen. Jessie Dellosa, AFP Northern Luzon Command chief (PMA 1979)
• Lt. Gen. Ralph Villanueva, AFP Central Command chief (PMA 1978)
• Lt. Gen. Arthur Tabaquero, AFP Eastern Mindanao Command chief (PMA 1978)
• Lt. Gen. Raymundo Ferrer, AFP Western Mindanaco Command chief (PMA 1977).

Ferrer is due to retire in January.

The current Army chief, Emmanuel Baustista, still carries the rank of major general (two-star). Bautista comes from PMA Class 1981.

Strongest contender?

A number of military sources said Dellosa will most likely be chosen due to his previous stint in the Presidential Security Group during the time of the late President Corazon Aquino, Noynoy's mother.

GMA News Online, however, could not independently confirm from official sources Dellosa's supposed advantage over the other contenders.

“Some of them were with me (in the selection of AFP chief early this year),” Oban said, referring to Dellosa and Bautista.

Both Dellosa and Bautista were interviewed then by President Aquino when David was about to retire.

On Dellosa being a 'strong' contender, Oban quipped: "Yes, because he exercises everyday.” — RSJ, GMA News

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November 30, 2011 5:02pm

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PNoy to Korean president: PHL needs ‘defense articles’

President Benigno Aquino III has expressed to visiting Korean President Lee Myung-Bak the government's interest to improve the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) by obtaining "defense articles."

"On defense cooperation, I expressed to President Lee the interest of the Philippines to gain some specific defense articles such as military grade helicopters, boats, and aircrafts," Aquino said in his speech Monday after the expanded bilateral meeting held in Malacañang.

"This is in consonance with the upgrading and modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines," Aquino added.

The Aquino administration has moved to fast-track the modernization of the AFP following the tensions earlier this year between the Philippines and China due to accusations that China is becoming increasingly aggressive in staking its South China Sea claims.

Aquino, on Monday, also said they updated each other on developments in the Korean peninsula and the West Philippine Sea, and agreed to steadily advance bilateral relationship between the two countries for it to be able to reach greater heights.

"I have full confidence that our meeting this morning has [positioned] our two countries toward a more positive, dynamic, and nurturing friendship that will best serve the mutual interest of the Filipino and Korean peoples," Aquino said.

Limitless potential

For his part, Lee, through an interpreter, said the potential for a much improved cooperation between Korea and the Philippines is “limitless," noting the Philippines’ highly-skilled labor force and abundance of natural resources.

Aquino said the Republic of Korea is the fifth largest trade partner of the Philippines with bilateral trade reaching P6.08 billion in 2010. It was also the third top investor in the Philippines last year with investments that reached $691.3 million.

“The Republic of Korea and its business sector have continued to display confidence in the economic prospects and opportunities found in the Philippines and, for this, I thank them," he said.

Lee said they agreed to continuously improve the business and environment conditions here in the Philippines as this will entice more Korean companies to come to the Philippines to do business, which will lead to increased trade and investments between the two countries.

The Philippines and Korea signed five agreements on trade and agriculture.

Aquino said he and Lee had extensive discussions on bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual interest, which have significant bearing on the Philippines-Republic of Korean relations.

They also recalled the vital role played by the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea, locally known as PEFTOK, in aiding the Republic of Korea during the Korean War—just one year after the two countries formally established bilateral relations.

Aquino said his father, slain Senator Benigno Aquino Jr., was one of those sent to Korea during the war and became the youngest war correspondent at the age of 17.

Forever grateful

Lee said the Koreans will forever be grateful to the Filipinos for the help during the war. “The young soldiers here from the Philippines came all the way to Korea to help us defend against communist aggression and help us defend our freedom and our democracy and for this we will always remain eternally grateful," he said.

Lee and Aquino also held a broad ranging and in-depth exchange of views on how to enhance the bilateral relationship within the context of regional milieu. They noted the productive meetings held during the recently conducted East-Asia Summit in Bali, Indonesia and both reaffirmed their commitment to enhance regional cooperation through the ASEAN framework.

Lee said in their “very constructive and useful talks we discussed not only about the state of the current affairs between our two countries but also talking about the future that we both hope to see."

He also conveyed to Aquino his “deepest admiration for what you are doing for the people of the Philippines."

Lee said despite the economic crisis that all of the countries are going through, the Philippine economy posted remarkable 7.6 percent growth.

“This is an outstanding number as the envy of many countries around the world and also you are on a path towards continuous growth. And I believe that this was possible because President Aquino you have demonstrated tremendous vision and resolve in your inclusive growth of vision which is about providing the Filipino people with a better future and prosperity for all," he said. - Amita O. Legaspi/KBK, GMA News

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11/21/2011 | 02:24 PM

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Murdered general's son named new Army chief

President Benigno Aquino III has picked Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista as the next commander of the Philippine Army, replacing Lt. Gen. Arturo Ortiz who will be retiring on Nov. 13 when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56.

"His (Bautista) record has been exemplary, both in the field and in staff positions," said deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte Tuesday in announcing Aquino's pick for the next Army chief.


For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

Bautista is the son of Brig. General Teodulfo Bautista, who was killed by Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels who pretended to surrender in Sulu in 1977. An Army camp in the province is named after the elder Bautista.

The younger Bautista, a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1981, is currently the commander of the 3rd Infantry Division responsible for peace and security operations in Central Visayas, which is composed of the provinces of Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor. He will assume his new position on Nov. 9.

"With his appointment, the President believes that the Philippine Army will be able to build on the foundation of reforms instituted by Bautista’s predecessors in the Philippine Army, and will continue these reforms while orienting the Army to be a force for the maintenance of peace," Valte said.

Reached by GMA News Online, Bautista said of his new designation: "I am honored and humbled by the designation. I will take it as a challenge and motivation to do good for the Army."

Bautista said he would be focusing on two subject matters soon as he assumes the top Army post: the Internal Peace and Security Plan-Bayanihan and the Army Transformation Road Map.

He said he would be elaborating on these during the Army change-of-command Wednesday at Fort Bonifacio.

In welcoming the President's designation of Bautista, military information chief Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos said: "With the Aquino government committed in shifting the focus of peace and security efforts on the people, MGen. Bautista led the formulation of the AFP medium term plan Bayanihan through the conduct of a series of conferences and workshops involving various stakeholders. The 6-year plan involves innovative approaches and paradigm shifts and is now the blueprint of the AFP in winning the peace."

Second Army chief of PNoy

Bautista, 53, is the second commanding general of the Philippine Army to be appointed by Aquino, who assumed office in June 2010.

Bautista, who has been decorated seven times in combat, is known as the brains behind the military's Internal Peace and Security Plan, also known as “Bayanihan."

"He shepherded the development of the plan from its conceptualization, development, writing, launching and implementation," Valte said. "The plan involves innovative approaches and paradigm shifts and is now the blueprint of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in winning the peace."

Bautista is also a graduate of the Joint & Combined Warfighting Course at the Joint Forces Staff College, Virginia, USA; the Grade II Staff and Tactics Course in New Zealand; as well as a Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of the Philippines, Diliman.— Amita O. Legaspi/KBK/RSJ, GMA News

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Palace: MILF's refusal to yield Asnawi a ceasefire violation

The refusal of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to surrender its deputy commander Dan Laksaw Asnawi is a violation of the ceasefire agreement with the government, Malacañang said on Monday.

“Insofar as the ceasefire agreement is concerned, it is very clear the MILF cannot harbor criminal elements, that is in violation of the ceasefire agreement," presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda told reporters in a phone interview.

Asnawi, deputy commander of the MILF’s 114th base command, has been the subject of manhunt operations since he bolted the Basilan Provincial Jail in December 2009. He was allegedly among the MILF rebels who beheaded 10 Marines following an encounter in Al-Barka town in Basilan in 2007.

The MILF, through its vice chairman for political affairs Ghadzali Jaafar, had rejected calls for them to turn in Asnawi, saying the joint government-MILF investigation showed that the MILF had nothing to do with the beheading of the Marines.

Lacierda said they would ask Marvic Leonen, the government chief negotiator in the talks with the MILF, to enlighten them on the group’s claim that it had been cleared of liability in the 2007 incident.

“We’d like to also get some enlightenment with that regard. Remember, [in] 2007 we were not in government [yet], so that’s something that we’d like to also get clarification on," he said.

Asnawi and his men were reported to be among the forces that attacked a military patrol in Al-Barka, Basilan on October 18, resulting in the deaths of 19 soldiers — an encounter that the MILF said would not have happened if the military honored the agreement on the rebel group’s area of temporary stay (ATS). Several of the soldiers were captured and mutilated before being killed.

The ATS is a place designated by the government and the MILF Coordinating Committees on Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) where forces of the secessionist group can stay to prevent encounters with troops pursuing members of the bandit Abu Sayyaf group.

The 19 soldiers were part of a team that was supposed to serve a warrant on Asnawi and about 10 of his men, including some alleged Abu Sayyaf members, when the fighting ensued last Oct. 18

Lacierda said the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the CCCH are now working out the operational details to pursue lawless elements in areas considered as MILF lairs.

“They are discussing the mechanisms on those things and that’s the reason why the operational needs are left to the AFP and the CCCH to discuss," he said. — KBK, GMA News

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AMITA O. LEGASPI, GMA News

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Despite clashes, Govt, MILF peace panels to meet in Malaysia

MANILA - Philippine government and Muslim rebel negotiators will meet in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday for the first time since a wave of bloody clashes erupted in the troubled south, a rebel official said.

The informal talks in the Malaysian capital will address an on-off peace process and the tensions that surged over two weeks of bloody fighting in October, which left as many as 40 soldiers, police and civilians dead.

"The talks are more important now because there are many issues to discuss such as what happened (in October)," Ghadzali Jaafar, vice-chairman of the 12,000-strong Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), said on Wednesday.

But he said the new talks were scheduled before the outbreak of fighting between government forces and MILF-linked gunmen last month, and dismissed the clashes as a "minor issue".

In two different areas in the Philippines' Muslim-dominated south, a pursuit of wanted outlaws turned into pitched battles with MILF-linked fighters.

The MILF later disowned some of the gunmen involved but also blamed the military for intruding into its territory.

Since then, government officials have warned the MILF that it may come under attack if it continues to shelter the "lawless elements".

"If the military fires at the MILF, the MILF will fire back. We have not done any provocation. We just want everything to pass through the (peace) process," Jaafar told AFP.

Government negotiators could not be reached for comment.

The two sides are ostensibly meant to be observing a ceasefire. Long-running negotiations stalled after the MILF snubbed Manila's "roadmap" for peace in August.

The Muslim rebels, who now want autonomy after long fighting for a separate state in the mainly Christian Philippines, initially said they would not resume talks unless the government changed its proposal.

But Jaafar said that Malaysia's government, which has been facilitating the talks, had persuaded both sides to try to air their differences. — AFP

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Palace denies P31-M grant to communist breakaway group

Malacañang on Monday denied reports that it is giving a P31-million grant to communist breakaway group Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa Pilipinas-Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB).

“There’s no truth to that. We were able to verify with [presidential adviser on peace process Teresita] Ging Deles and there is no such grant to the ABB," deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a phone interview with reporters.

But Valte said that there will be a project under PAMANA or Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Peaceful and Resilient Communities) program for the development of communities and alternative livelihood.

PAMANA is the government’s peace and development program and framework that seeks to reduce poverty, improve governance and empower communities through community-driven projects that address people’s needs and, at the same time, promote peace.

It is being led by Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and joined by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Interior and Local Government, and Department of Agrarian Reform.

Valte said the government does not turnover funds to any groups but identify communities that need development and formulate programs for it.

“Ang main partner ng national government dito ay concerned local government units at national agencies who can implement the programs. So wala pong grant to the ABB, wala pong katotohanan yung umiikot na meron daw na P31 million na ibinigay na grant sa ABB," she stressed.

She did not mention how much assistance will be provided, but said it is the government that will manage the fund.

“Hindi po ito given to a particular entity. ‘Yung pondo po sa gobyerno pa rin po iikot ‘yan, so tayo po ‘yung magde-develop ‘nung communities and magbibigay po ng alternative livelihood," Valte said.

Deles earlier said that the government wants to forge a deal with the ABB to allow the latter to become a socio-economic organization from being an armed group. - Amita O. Legaspi/KBK, GMA News

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http://www.gmanews.tv/story/237089/nation/palace-denies-p31-m-grant-to-communist-breakaway-group

P-Noy vows justice for slain soldiers

MANILA, Philippines - While maintaining that an all-out war with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) would cost too much “in blood,” President Aquino vowed on Friday to give justice to the 19 soldiers who were killed by MILF rebels in Basilan last Tuesday.

Aquino made the commitment as he condoled with the families and relatives of the slain soldiers on Friday.

“For all those who were responsible for the death of these soldiers, I warn you the government will not let this pass, we will hunt you down and give justice to the victims,” Aquino told reporters at the Libingan ng mga Bayani late Friday.

“I am not promising anything, it is not my style to impose deadlines of 24 or 48 hours, but I guarantee that the state will hunt them down to attain justice,” he said.

Aquino visited the wake of the 15 slain soldiers whose bodies were flown in from Mindanao.

The 15 caskets arrived late Friday after the cargo plane brought the remains of some of the slain soldiers to Davao and Cagayan de Oro City. Arriving in Fort Bonifacio, the bodies were given full military honors.

Aquino’s two sisters Ballsy and Viel joined in condoling with the grieving families.

“I expressed my sincerest condolences on behalf of the people. I also expressed to them my deepest appreciation of the heroism and sacrifice they have shown in answering the call of duty. I made a promise to them that I would give them justice,” Aquino said.

Aquino noted the calls of the grieving relatives to launch an all-out war with the MILF.

Aquino virtually rejected such calls, saying the government is only going after the lawless elements.

“Now if we are going to pursue them, we must be clear as to who we are pursuing. We cannot follow what others are suggesting that we attack everyone, what kind of a decision is that when you attack everyone including those who are keeping their peace,” Aquino said.

“So maybe a good headline would be, how much would the price of those proposals (for an all-out war) be in blood? I think we all have the responsibility to think about things properly and make a decision calmly,” he added.

Aquino maintained an all-out war with the MILF would cost too high a price “in blood,” even as he ordered targeted strikes against rebels behind the attacks.

Aquino said an investigation is ongoing and the results are expected next week.

He said the government would not just go after those behind the attack but also sanction erring military officials who will be proven to be negligent.

Aquino also warned that those who would try to help the lawless elements would taste the government’s wrath and no one would be spared.

The MILF had owned up to the attacks in Basilan last Tuesday, claiming the soldiers encroached into their territory in violation of the ceasefire agreement.

The MILF also accused the government of attacking rebel positions in Zamboanga Sibugay that triggered the retaliatory attack on Friday that killed eight soldiers and policemen.

MILF spokesman Von Al-Haq claimed the military launched air and ground offensives on rebel positions at Sitio Taib, Barangay Labatan in Payao town in Zamboanga Sibugay, in total disregard of the ceasefire.

He claimed the military launched howitzer attacks while MILF forces were praying in their shelters.

He said government troops crawled near rebel enclaves after the bombardment and engaged guerillas in a firefight.

“Civilians were forced to evacuate to safer areas,” Al-Haq said.

Al-Haq said yesterday’s artillery and ground offensives were preceded by Friday’s air bombing of the area.

Al-Haq said the MILF is holding on to Malacañang’s announcement that there will be no military retaliations for the deaths of the soldiers in Basilan last week.

“The Armed Forces (of the Philippines) is doing the opposite,” he said.

Al-Haq said members of the International Monitoring Team and the joint ceasefire committee are now investigating the Basilan encounter.

The MILF also urged the military and police to allow law enforcement and peacekeeping mechanisms under the ceasefire agreement to address the issue.

Ghadzali Jaafar, MILF vice chairman for military affairs, said government officials who are not in any way involved in resolving the security problems in Mindanao should stop issuing provocative and inflammatory statements that could inflame the situation.

Jaafar said it would be best to allow the Joint Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities, which is comprised of representatives of the MILF, the military and the Philippine National Police (PNP), to work out measures than can stave off any escalation of hostilities in the area.

“The government and MILF peace panels also have the Ad-Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) which is to look into crimes permeating in areas covered by the ceasefire,” Jaafar said.

The PNP, for its part, said it would conduct a parallel investigation into the killing of the 19 soldiers in Basilan.

The PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) led by Chief Superintendent Samuel Pagdilao will coordinate the investigation with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the government peace panel.

Pagdilao said the CIDG investigation would focus on gathering evidence and building up the case against the suspects.

Demoralized?

On the other hand, troops in Basilan have been ordered to stand down following the pronouncement of President Aquino dismissing calls for the suspension of the ceasefire and an all-out war against the MILF.

Thousands of villagers were forced to leave their homes on fears of military retaliation against the rebels.

Wounded soldiers and some ground military forces, however, expressed dismay on the military leadership for blaming them for supposed “operational lapses” that led to the killing of the 19 soldiers.

“We have offered and sacrificed our lives and this is what we got. They should be blamed because they have been advised of the ground situation,” one soldier lamented.

Other soldiers were also disgusted over the relief of their commanders, taking note of the relief of Army spokesman Col. Antonio Parlade who earlier expressed his opinion that the government should temporarily suspend the ceasefire agreement with the MILF and go after the rebels responsible for the carnage of the soldiers in Basilan.

A group of policemen, the PNP Badge of Honor Foundation, expressed their support for the soldiers.

“Our mutual losses and experience deserve to be acknowledged or remembered with dignity, honor and respect even as we regroup to move forward... Let not our fallen heroes die in vain! Let us support our soldiers!” the group said in a statement.

Asked whether the soldiers were demoralized, Aquino said nobody would be happy over the incident and everyone was saddened.

“We are not going to stop going after lawless elements, not only here but in other areas. There are actually ongoing operations in Zamboanga Sibugay as we talk, these will not stop,” Aquino said.

“I want to convey that the state is ready to defend our countrymen anywhere and everywhere in the Philippines and areas that we are in control of, that are part of our territory,” he said.

Aquino said the ceasefire has been in effect for a long time now but there were other forces, like the Abu Sayyaf bandits, who are being hunted down.

“But I think it would be better if in the next operations, they are more ready and the presence of the government forces would be much felt,” Aquino said.

The better option is peace

The President said he has been doing everything to find peace in Mindanao and that an investigation must be completed first before pursuing those involved, even if the MILF had admitted that its members carried out the attacks.

“We cannot deal with speculations here. If we attack all of the MILF, they will be obliged to fight. When they fight, I believe that even those who are quiet, those who are respecting the ceasefire, will be guaranteed to fight and the battles will be continuous and a lot of civilians will be affected again,” Aquino said.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the “better option is still peace” and “we are not letting the lives, the sacrifices of our soldiers go to waste.”

Valte said there were existing mechanisms under the ceasefire agreement that could be used to resolve the matter.

“The military will be filing charges. Let us repeat, we are seeking justice at the right place, at the right time. We are not putting their sacrifices in vain. That was the farthest thing from the truth. We are seeking justice at the right place and at the right time,” Valte said.

Valte said they could understand the anger of the public, including ordinary citizens, but people must realize that “the human cost of war will be too great.”

“Believe us, we understand your feelings and sentiments. We are also part of the Filipino people, we are not different from you. But like what the President is saying, we need to think calmly so that we can lay down what we need to do. We cannot act haphazardly because if we do that, a lot of lives will be lost,” she said.

“So we need to be calm despite the rush of emotions to decide on our next steps,” Valte said. - Aie Balagtas See, John Unson, Roel Pareño, Perseus Echeminada - By Aurea Calica (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

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PhilStar

http://ph.news.yahoo.com/p-noy-vows-justice-slain-soldiers-184416008.html