PeaceTech

Statement on the PDI’s caption “SECURITY RISK?” of a photo of a Muslim woman, issued on May 9, 2012

Dave — Tue, 15 May 2012 05:32:14 +0000

By PeaceTech Manila Ambassadors

(This statement is made by the PeaceTech Manila Ambassadors in their own free will and does not constitute an official opinion of PeaceTech Inc. as an organization.)

PeaceTech Manila Ambassadors (young peace advocates), both Muslims andnon-Muslims, are in one with all the individuals and organizations denouncing the bigoted front page photo caption of Philippine Daily Inquirer dated May 9, 2012.

We advocate for the culture of peace, peace education, and peace journalism. We campaign and undertake efforts to bridge understanding through dialogue among Muslims and non-Muslims. Thus, we strongly oppose such incident of publishing a prejudicial statement.

Without any caption, in a glance the photo obviously depicts the President himself in full smile while shaking the hand of a palace guest. The woman’s conservative clothing leaves only her eyes uncovered. Despite being almost fully covered, she is clearly enthusiastic in meeting and having the chance to hold the President. The woman was present at the event as mother to one of the appointed ARMM assemblyman.

But PDI chose to put the caption: *“SECURITY RISK? President Aquino greets a Muslim woman in burka and niqab during the oath-taking of officers in charge of the ARMM Regional Legislative Assembly held in Malacanang on Tuesday. The unidentified woman is reportedly a relative of one of the officers.”*

PDI clearly gave an unconstructive framing to the photo and in effect telling million readers nationwide and online that Muslim women in full covered clothing pose security threat. This incident only showed PDI editorial staff’s lack of knowledge and sensitivity to religious and cultural traditions.

To be in the safe side in media practice, question mark is used in headlines, titles, captions and the like in order to mean that it is not a fact. However, putting a question mark following the capitalized caption lead-in “SECURITY RISK?” does not save its insinuation of stereotyping the Muslim religious group. Certainly, putting that phrase reinforced stigma and negative perception against Muslims that they are linked with “threat against non-Muslims, violence, and terrorism.”

We find the messaging conveyed in the caption as unfair, unreasonable, and biased against Muslims.

Do Muslims have to be linked with “terror” in order to be on the spotlight?

It is unfair that mainstream media of the Philippines play on the prevailing bias against covered Muslim women in western countries. PDI as the number one nationwide daily has more responsibility to bridge understanding and tolerance in this heterogeneous, archipelagic country. It should break away from the wrong practice of international wire news that perpetrate negative image of Muslims.

PDI knew and admitted foul by printing a second version of May 9 edition wherein “SECURITY RISK?” was replaced with “PALACE GUEST”. But it was too late. Damage has been done. Meanwhile, the incident served as an eye-opener that insensitivity [...]

PAMANA steps up development in MNLF communities

peacetech — Mon, 14 May 2012 09:06:30 +0000

Marawi City, May 12 – The government’s PAMANA or Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Peaceful and Resilient Communities) program has been stepping up development in Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) communities through community-driven projects.

PAMANA is the government's framework and program for peace and development for areas affected by armed conflict and communities covered by existing peace pacts. It aims to reduce poverty, improve governance and empower communities.

Recently, three groundbreaking ceremonies were held in Barangays Pagalongan, Ditsaan Ramain and Pindogoan, Bubong in Lanao del Sur for the building of a water system and a multipurpose center, which also represent 16 other projects in the province; and Brgy. Makiang, Siocon in Zamboanga del Norte for the construction of a Farmers Convention Center and improvement of water supply.

Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Director Susan Marcaida and Atty. Aminoden Mcalandap, who represented Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong, Jr., attended the groundbreaking rites in Marawi, while Siocon Mayor Ceasar Soriano led the ceremony with OPAPP Project Development Officer Jal Umngan in Zamboanga del Norte.

Also present were MNLF commanders, and representatives of the Peace and Development Advocates League, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, and Bangsamoro Women Foundation for Peace and Development, Inc.

“What we need here are partnership and relationship. We MNLF should coordinate with the mayor and the barangay captain here in Makiang (Zamboanga del Norte). Our purpose is to achieve peace and development for the benefit of our people,” MNLF Commander Lucky encouraged his comrades.

“We want to emphasize the importance of PAMANA’s multi-stakeholder process – the government, security sector, MNLF, third-party monitors, and communities working together in the operation and maintenance of the projects,” Marcaida said.

Know more about the government's framework and program for peace and development. Visit PAMANA.net.

Deles tells public to “own the peace process”

peacetech — Fri, 11 May 2012 02:47:24 +0000

Manila, May 10 – “The work of nation-building, the work of developing a Philippines that the Filipinos really care for, that’s the job of everyone.”

This was the call of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles as she reiterated the need for the public to have a stake in the on-going peace processes in the country.

The peace adviser spoke before students of the National Defense College of the Philippines in a lecture entitled “Piecing Together the Peace Process: The Status of the Philippine Government Negotiations with the CPP/NPA/NDF, MNLF and MILF” held in Quezon City. Participants were composed of senior military officers, government officials and executives and individuals from private sectors.

Deles called on the public to hone nationalism starting with themselves and within their own homes to help create a community of peace.

“The Philippines even by sheer geography inevitably is going to be a country of different cultures. The one who lives in the central plains of Luzon and the one who lives in a small island in the Visayas is going to have a different perspective,” Deles pointed out.

“Unless there is some appreciation that in fact this rainbow of cultures is going to enrich me instead of scare me the way it is done now – “Matakot ka sa Bumbay, matakot ka sa Moro” – the racism in this country does not make for peace.”

Deles also stressed that the public’s participation is vital in the peace process as “peace agreements are going to need the work of many people” and not just the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) alone.

“For a peace agreement to be lasting and durable there has to be ownership. There has to be broad ownership; it cannot be owned only by those who sit on the table,” she said.

During the lecture, Deles presented the big picture being covered by the current administration’s peace plan including the on-going peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the recently agreed upon 10 Decision Points on Principles signed by the two parties at the 27th Formal Exploratory Talks held in Malaysia last April.

With the document made public, Deles appealed to Filipinos to take part in this process: “Look at it, study it, and if you have questions – ask.”

She said that as part of the President’s mandate, the current peace process always strives to be inclusive and transparent.

“We have our panels going around doing consultations. We have working relationships with both Houses of Congress. We are consulting with former Supreme Court justices, and we are having frequent consultations with civil societies and LGUs (local government units),” she said.

As part of its efforts to extensively reach out to the ground, OPAPP recently opened [...]

Peace talks get more OKs, panel notes various concerns in consultation series

peacetech — Wed, 09 May 2012 09:19:27 +0000

Koronadal City, May 9 – Government officials in South Cotabato gave their nod to ongoing talks in consultation-meetings with Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel member Miriam Coronel Ferrer held last week.

South Cotabato Governor Arthur Pingoy Jr. expressed optimism that “the problem of conflict in southern Mindanao which has long existed” will finally be resolved.

Vice-Governor Elmo Toloso thanked the GPH panel for taking the time to hear the stakeholders’ views on the peace process. “The panel must be doing something right,” he said, because there have been no recent armed encounters with the MILF for several months now.

“The guidelines of President Aquino are very clear. The process must be inclusive and transparent. It must uphold the consent of the governed,” Ferrer emphasized.

During the consultations, she discussed the Decision Points on Principles signed by the two parties during the 27th formal exploratory talks held April 24 in Kuala Lumpur.

Aside from the creation of a new autonomous political entity to replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the points laid out in the signed document include introducing the ministerial system, strengthening of the Shari'ah courts, protection of the people’s basic rights, and power and wealth sharing between the national government and the autonomous body.

No details yet

Ferrer said that the discussions on substantive agenda that will “shape the envisioned new autonomous political entity” are moving forward but this will “take time” owing to the complexity of the issues and the need to consult stakeholders in and outside of government.

Responding to queries from the South Cotabato officials on the geographic coverage of the proposed autonomous political entity, Ferrer underscored that this matter was not included in the signed document because the two parties have not yet agreed on the mode and scope of jurisdiction for the autonomous entity.

“Our proposal is that prospective areas first indicate their interest in joining, after which a plebiscite will be held to get the vote of their constituents,” Ferrer said. “But this has to be deliberated further.”

Other than provincial and municipal officials, Ferrer met with tribal leaders, members of the media, and Mindanao teachers in South Cotabato province and the cities of Cotabato and General Santos to promote public understanding on the peace process between the GPH and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Various concerns noted

While generally positive, issues and concerns were brought up during the consultations.

The provincial officials reported sightings of a possible satellite camp of the MILF in one or two of their barangays. Ferrer advised them to refer the matter to the Local Monitoring Teams in the province and the Joint Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities for verification and proper action.

In Lake Sebu, municipal officials and Muslim and tribal leaders raised concern over land conflicts in the area. A tribal leader handed over a written question, “Will land conflicts disappear when an agreement is signed?”

Ferrer said that land conflicts involve different sets of actors. [...]

Education is important to sustain peace – Iloilo archbishop

peacetech — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 08:18:49 +0000

Iloilo City, Mar. 3 – “You know what can make peace lasting? It’s education,” Most Reverend Angel Lagdameo, D.D. opined during a visit by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) to the seat of the Archdiocese of Jaro in this city.

The Archbishop advised the peace office to put primacy in educating the young, and exerting extra effort in putting the children of former combatants into good schools.

“A good education will ensure that they will have better economic opportunities. They can help their parents who are former combatants rise from the cycle of poverty,” Lagdameo added.

OPAPP Undersecretary Luisito Montalbo agreed that education can open up possibilities. “The Archbishop is correct. I’m not merely talking here of education translating to economic upliftment, but of education that enlightens, and makes one tolerant of other people’s beliefs and ways of life which is the center of a culture of peace,” he said.

OPAPP was in the historic district of Jaro in Iloilo as part of a series of consultations with local stakeholders on the proposed closure agreement between the government and the Tabara-Paduano Group (TPG) of the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas – Revolutionary Proletarian Army – Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB) which is set to be signed this year.

The meetings were in line with OPAPP’s efforts to make the process a genuine convergence of national and local governments, as well as of governments and constituents.

In 2000, the government and the armed group inked a peace agreement which was never fully implemented. The closure agreement aims to complete government's commitment and lead to the transformation of the RPMP-RPA-ABB into a potent, socio-economic, unarmed force that will help in the advancement of their communities.

The Archdiocese of Jaro covers the whole provinces of Iloilo and Guimaras, and the dioceses of Bacolod; San Jose de Antique; and San Carlos and Kabankalan, both in Negros Occidental. These areas cover the hometowns of TPG members who recently underwent socio-economic profiling. #

P-Noy admin determined to complete GPH-MNLF peace process

peacetech — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 08:15:48 +0000

Bandung, Indonesia, Mar. 1 – Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles on Thursday reiterated the current administration’s resolve to complete the peace process with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

In her opening message during the first day of the 2nd Ad Hoc High Level (AHHL) Group Meeting held here, the peace adviser said that the Government of the Philippines (GPH) is serious in its intent with the presence of officials from the national, regional and local levels in the said assembly.

“We come to the table bringing with us the full force of government…to demonstrate the seriousness in government’s intent, under the leadership of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, to bring proper completion and closure to a process that has gone on for far too long,” she stated.

Deles was joined by sub-cabinet level representatives of other members of the GPH-AHHLG, namely Undersecretary Jose Luis Gascon of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs; Justice Undersecretary Leah Armamento; Deputy Director-General Zenonida Brosas of the National Security Council; Commissioner Edilwasif Baddiri of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos; and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Officer-in-Charge Regional Vice Governor Bainon Karon. Agencies accompanying the process in advisory capacity were also represented by Undersecretary Nabil Tan of the Office of the Executive Secretary and Undersecretary Rafael Seguis of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Mindanao political leaders, by invitation of the Government, attended the meeting as observers of the process. These include the governors and congressmen, such as Basilan Gov. Jum Akbar, Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong, Jr., Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangundadatu, Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan, Tawi-Tawi Gov. Sahidula Sahali, Cong. Jesus Sacdalan, attending as chair of the House Special Committee on Peace, Unification and Reconciliation, and Cong. Sandra Sema.

The AHHL Group, which is composed of representatives from the GPH and the MNLF, was created by the parties to move forward the Tripartite Review on the implementation of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement (FPA).

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation – Peace Committee for the Southern Philippines (OIC-PCSP), chaired by Indonesian Ambassador Rezlan I. Jenie, facilitated the AHHL meeting.

Deles said that the purpose of the tripartite meeting is “not to renegotiate the Agreement but rather to review its implementation towards its full compliance by the two parties.”

“We remain committed to this intent. It is why we are here, despite the difficult twists and challenges we have encountered along the way,” she added.

ARMM reform

Deles related that the government will present report on the progress of the reforms being undertaken in ARMM.

Further, she cited some developments in the reform agenda, such as the “housekeeping and re-engineering of the regional government side-by-side with massive financial infusion for social services and infrastructure being poured into ARMM including targeted development assistance to the MNLF Peace and Development Communities, which were constituted [...]

Mindanao execs affirm commitment to peace during EDSA anniversary celebration

peacetech — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:11:29 +0000

Manila, Feb. 29 – Persevere for peace because peace leads to progress.

This was a commitment that Mindanao political leaders swore to uphold in the recent 26th anniversary celebration of the People Power Revolution held at the People Power monument along EDSA.

As this year’s theme challenges the Filipinos with the question “Ano ang Taya Mo Para sa Pilipinas Natin?” (What is your stake in our country?), governors, as well as leaders from different sectors, each made different commitments as to how they can carry on the fight that was started by the People Power Revolution in 1986: the fight for democracy and justice, and the fight against corruption and poverty.

With this, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Mujiv Hataman along with Provincial Governors Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu (Maguindanao) and Adolph Plaza (Agusan del Sur) all vowed to wage peace and good governance to bring progress in their communities.

The three Mindanao executives are staunch supporters of the government’s peace and development agenda, part of which is the PAMANA or Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Peaceful and Resilient Communities) program for conflict areas, as well as communities covered by existing peace agreements.

ARMM including the province of Maguindanao benefited from the PAMANA program which aims to reduce poverty, improve governance and empower communities. The province of Agusan del Sur, on the other hand, recently inaugurated the Bailey Bridge in the municipality of Sibagat and received funding support for the implementation of projects under PAMANA.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles, who was also present in the commemoration, echoed the need to bring peace in conflict areas in order to usher in progress.

"It is not impossible to rise above any conflict situation, and it does not need big and complicated steps to do it,” she said.

“We (in the national government) will always continue to reiterate the call. Let’s all help, join hands, and actively participate and monitor (socio-political and economic issues and programs) so that we can altogether achieve peace and development for all Filipinos including our children and the future generations," Deles added.

Continuing EDSA ideals

Leading the EDSA celebration was President Benigno Aquino III himself, whose commitment was to “do what is right every day to end the fight of EDSA.”

In his speech, the President reminded the Filipinos that everyone has a stake in the country, and challenged everyone to continue the fight of EDSA.

“We must act today, before it’s too late. We must act today, so that we can more quickly leave behind the darkness of the past. We must act today, so that, in the soonest possible time, the light of a brighter future can dawn on our people,” he said.

He added that everyone has an obligation “to nurture the golden seeds of democracy that the millions of Filipinos who [...]

Gov’t committed to completion of MNLF peace process

peacetech — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 07:54:28 +0000

Manila, Feb. 17 – Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles on Wednesday said that the government is committed “to find ways to reach a mutually-acceptable solution on remaining issues” in the full implementation of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement (FPA) with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

“We will take up difficult issues, but we are committed to arrive at a resolution,” stated Deles during a dinner hosted to welcome Indonesian Ambassador Rezlan I. Jenie and members of the Organization of Islamic Conference-Peace Committee for the Southern Philippines (OIC-PCSP), held at a restaurant in Makati.

Also joining them were Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Officer-in-Charge Vice Governor Hadja Bainon Karon, OPAPP Undersecretary Dimasangcay Pundato, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Rafael Seguis, Justice Undersecretary Leah Armamento, National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Undersecretary Djalia Hataman, Office of the Executive Secretary Undersecretary Nabil A. Tan, National Security Council Deputy Director-General Zenonida Brosas, OPAPP Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Rose Romero, Interior and Local Government Assistant Secretary Nariman Ambolodto, Lieutenant General (ret.) Raymundo Ferrer and Commodore Miguel Jose Rodriguez, among others.

Jenie, who chairs the OIC-PCSP, is visiting the country to conduct separate consultations with the government and the MNLF before the 2nd Ad Hoc High Level Group (AHHL) Meeting set in March, 2012, in Bandung, Indonesia.

Composed of 12 members out of the OIC members and secretary general, the OIC-PCSP facilitates the conversations between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the MNLF.

The AHHL, consisting of five representatives from the GPH and five representatives from the MNLF, was created by the parties to find ways to reach mutually-acceptable solutions to the remaining unresolved issues regarding the full implementation of the 1996 FPA.

MNLF as partner

In a message read on his behalf by Deles, ARMM OIC Governor Mujiv S. Hataman said “We recognize the leading role of the MNLF in the Bangsamoro struggle and their contribution to the creation of an expanded ARMM.”

“The MNLF is not only a stakeholder in ARMM but more so a partner in the pursuit for reforms in the region. In fact, the MNLF is represented in the top level of the region through the person of ARMM Officer-in-charge Vice Governor Bainon Karon,” pointed out Hataman in his message.

Meanwhile, Karon conveyed “As a Bangsamoro, I will support the peace process. As a senior leader of the MNLF, I am duty bound to push and ensure that our efforts of reforms in ARMM will complement the implementation of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement.”

“Together with other MNLF leaders and members of government, we must ensure that MNLF communities benefit with the rest of the autonomous region from the development efforts of the current national and regional leadership,” urged Karon, who is also the concurrent secretary of the ARMM-Department of Social Welfare and Development.

She also called on both sides to continue “seeing through [...]

Gov’t optimistic to meet timeline for peace agreement with MILF

peacetech — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 07:57:37 +0000

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb. 15 – “The peace process with the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) has moved forward,” government chief negotiator Marvic Leonen said at the conclusion of the peace negotiations between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the MILF today in the Malaysian capital.

“Now, we have moved at least a few feet,“ Leonen said, as he maintained optimism that government will meet its timeline to ink an agreement with the Moro group this year. “The day will come, I hope very, very soon that we will be able to sign a peace agreement.”

Difficult but satisfied

Both parties reported that the 25th Formal Exploratory Talks have been “difficult.”

MILF peace panel chair Mohager Iqbal said that the talks “have been very emotional because it affects the collective future of our people.”

To this, Leonen emphasized that the challenges are not equal to impossibility. “We always believe that it is always possible to find solutions to a problem, review it, adjust and later on achieve the kind of peace that is permanent, that is founded on justice for all that are concerned on the ground.”

In a joint statement released immediately after the talks, both parties expressed “satisfaction on the progress of their discussions, and recognizing the many challenges that have yet to be resolved in order to find a political solution to the Bangsamoro Question and the armed conflict in Mindanao.”

Malaysian third party facilitator Tengku Dato Ab Ghafar Tengku Mohamed lauded the government and the MILF for the progress in the negotiations. “Both sides agree that there are constraints and both agree to resolve these constraints,” he said.

The next round of formal talks is scheduled in March 2012.

Agreements

Both parties have renewed for another year the mandate of the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), a mechanism of both the government and the MILF that seeks to interdict and isolate lawless elements that take refuge in or near MILF communities.

Likewise, both sides carefully considered reports on the ground of the International Monitoring Team (IMT), which monitors the implementation of the agreement on the cessation of hostilities between the two parties. The IMT is composed of delegations from Malaysia, Brunei, Japan, Libya, EU, Norway.

In the next round of talks, the parties are also expected to invite two consultants to their respective delegations.

Source: OPAPP Press Release

OPAPP RELEASE: Joint Statement on the 25th GPH-MILF Formal Exploratory Talks and AHJAG Implementing Guidelines

peacetech — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 07:49:46 +0000

The 25th round of exploratory talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) ended today with both sides expressing satisfaction on the progress of their discussions, and recognizing the many challenges that have yet to be resolved in order to find a political solution to the Bangsamoro Question and the armed conflict in Mindanao.

The Parties acknowledge the need to explore creative approaches that will address the political, legal and other dimensions of the problems.

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

The Parties also agreed to invite two (2) consultants to their respective delegations.

The Parties agreed to meet again March 2012 for the next round of exploratory talks.

The Parties extend their appreciation to His Excellency President Benigno Simeon Aquino III for his commitment to a just and lasting peace in Mindano and to His Excellency Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd. Najib Bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak for his continued support in the facilitation of the GPH-MILF Peace Talks. The Parties also extend their gratitude to the members of the International Contact Group (ICG).

Done this 15th day of February 2012 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

FOR THE GPH:

MARVIC M.V.F> LEONEN, GPH Panel Chair

FOR THE MILF

MOHAGHER IQBAL, MILF Panel Chair

SIGNED IN THE PRESENCE OF:

TENGKU DATO’ AB GHAFAR BIN TENGKU MOHAMED, Malaysian Facilitator

YOU CAN READ THE AHJAG Implementing Guidelines HERE.