by anyajulia | Sep 1, 2008 | Headlines, National News
Malacanang said that military operations against rogue members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will continue during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Although Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita explained that the ceasefire in Mindanao remains in effect, the objective of the military pursuit operations, is to account for the renegade MILF members Commanders “Umbra Kato” and “Bravo” who had torched houses in a number of villages and killed several innocent civilians including children, women and the elderly.
Reiterating the government’s crackdown on the forces of Commanders Umbra Kato and Bravo, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said that the rampage of lawless MILF elements calls for resolute military and police action.
The Chief Executive pointed out that the government has never deviated from the objectives of the peace process with the MILF, but that peace must be based on justice.
She said that the Bravo and Kato belonged to lawless groups that had been historically creating trouble before and during the government-MILF peace negotiations.
Under the Islamic lunar calendar, Ramadan starts on Sept. 1 and ends on Sept. 31 this year. (PIA/Bohol)
by anyajulia | Sep 1, 2008 | Headlines, National News
The proposed P1.4 trillion national budget for 2009 would address the funding requirements of the government’s priority programs.
These priority programs include environment, education and economy.
Malacanang disclosed that roads, bridges and other public works, along with the farm sector, schools, social welfare and the government’s health insurance programs would be the major recipients of the 2009 general appropriations.
It will be recalled that President Arroyo set out in her 8th SONA that agriculture, public works and highways, health and education will be among the “major recipients” of additional budget next year.
For his part, Secretary Ralph Recto of the National Economic and Development Authority reiterated that the Palace has adopted the “performance budget” policy.
“Those who perform well-such as departments that were able to implement projects based on the 2008 funding-will naturally get more resources,” Recto said.
The proposed national budget is about 15 percent higher than the P1.227 trillion budget for this year. The budget would also help address the impact of the global food and fuel crises in the country. (PIA/Bohol)
by anyajulia | Sep 1, 2008 | Headlines, National News
Malacanang is eyeing the possibility of enlisting the help of United Kingdom through former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Sweden in the peace negotiations with the seccessionist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo made this announcement saying that that the recent attacks by rogue MILF elements in North Cotabato, Saranggani and Lanao del Norte have highlighted the need to seek the assistance of various sectors, including the international community, in ending the decades-old conflict in Mindanao.
She said both Sweden and the United Kingdom, through Blair, have wide experiences in negotiations with rebel groups.
“Actually Tony Blair is willing to come to help us because he played a very strong part in the negotiations with Northern Ireland, while Sweden on the other hand is helping the Philippines in its disarmament, demobilization, rehabilitation (DDR) efforts ” the President said.
According to the President, the government and the MILF peace panels should have more consultations, and “authentic dialogues with the people in the communities” in the affected areas.
“These dialogues with the communities will be centered on ending all forms of armed rebellion in the country,” Arroyo stressed.
By talking directly to the people, she said, “we aim to generate a national consensus against armed struggle as a means of achieving political and social change.” (PIA/Bohol)
by anyajulia | Sep 1, 2008 | Headlines, National News
A top military official said that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front has grossly disregarded the peace process in the wake of the series of violence committed by the rebels against government troops and civilians.
Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Nelson Allaga said the MILF has openly started hostilities not only against the military but also on civilian communities.
According to Allaga, the peaceful existence of people in Lanao del Norte is now threatened by violence being sown by the MILF. “The Western Mindanao Command sympathizes with the residents who are forcibly driven away from their homes because of the MILF,” he said.
“The AFP had been firm in its resolve with the peace process and hopes that the MILF leadership shall put a stop to these attacks on innocent civilians who are victims of these reckless actions,” Allaga said.
He also disclosed that the WESTMINCOM is currently undertaking military actions against these MILF forces to clear and restore normalcy to these affected communities. (PIA/Bohol)
by anyajulia | Sep 1, 2008 | Headlines, National News
The peace process would still continue even as government troops hunt down the two renegade MILF commanders, said Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita.
According to Ermita, the directive of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to conduct offensive military operation against the MILF hopes to ensure the safety of the civilians and the delivery of necessary social services.
Government will still pursue peace negotiations but only after order and justice is set in the affected areas in Mindanao.
Once this is accomplished, peace negotiations will resume, Ermita added.
