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21 August 2013 Wednesday 21 August 2013

Wednesday

TABLE OF CONTENTS 21 August 2013 Page Nr 1 Title/summary/writer Weather Forecast ONLINE NEWS Army Related Issues Army troops seize roadside bomb in Maguindanao town 2
Maguindanao - Army explosives experts prevented on Monday what could have been another deadly bombing in Central Mindanao by Phil Star (20 Aug 13) promptly defusing a roadside bomb along a stretch of a highway in Sultan Kudarat town.

Newspaper Pagasa.dost.gov.ph

Capitol Lauds Armys Peace Advocacy 3

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Occidental in its Negros Daily Wednesday session, resolved to commend the Armys Advanced Bulletin/Editha Colmo Command Post, 303rd Infantry Brigade, for adopting a peace advocacy as a paradigm shift on political orientation favoring compromise to avoid conflict.

Army reduces NPA strength 4

The Armys 302nd Infantry Brigade is running against time to Visayan Daily Star/By accomplish its mission to clear Negros Oriental of remaining armed Gilbert Bayoran insurgents by yearend.

AFP Related Issues Benigno Aquino assassination: Emotion doesnt wane with each retelling 5-7
It was 1983, past midnight in Boston. He sat before the television, watching CNN. I cant even remember the face of the announcer who mispronounced my fathers name. He said, opposition leader Benigno Akwino was seen lying in a pool of blood, shots were fired. If I dont recall exactly how it was (said) then, it wasnt because nag-blur. Para talagang huminto everything (It was as if everything stopped)I was neither in time nor space. I guess that was shock

By Thelma San Philippine Inquirer

Sioson Juan/ Daily

US defense secretary to visit Philippines 8-9

WASHINGTON US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on Monday said that next week he will visit the Philippines, which is involved in a maritime dispute with China, during the course of a four-nation trip to Southeast Asia.

By Jose Katigbak / The Philippine Star From the Manila

MNLF insists on 1996 pact, bucks OIC mediation 10

The MNLF on Monday vowed not to yield to pressure from the Standard Today (Aug government and rejected a third-party negotiator to step in and resolve the 20) confusion over the 1996 final peace agreement.

Government has not abandoned agreement with MNLF OPAPP 11 the Manila The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process From (OPAPP) says it remains committed to fulfilling its obligations to the 1996 Bulletin (Aug 20) Final Peace Agreement (FPA) with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). Sedition raps readied vs Misuari, says ARMM police chief 12-13
Police are readying sedition charges against founding chairman Nur Daily Misuari of the Moro National Liberation Front for declaring Bangsamoro 20) independence in Mindanao days ago.

From the Philippine Inquirer (Aug

Issued At: Valid Beginning:

5:00 a.m., 21 August 2013 5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow

Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis for 8 a.m., 21 August 2013 Synopsis:

Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis for 8 a.m., 21 August 2013

Satellite Image for 4:32 a.m., 21 August 2013

At 4:00 am today, Tropical Storm "MARING" (TRAMI) was estimated based on all available data at 500 km northeast of Itbayat, Batanes (24.2N,125.9E) with maximum sustained winds of 105 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 135 kph. It is forecast to move west northwest at 15 kph. Southwest monsoon affecting Luzon and Visayas. Forecast: Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon and the province of Benguet, Batanes and Babuyan Group of Islands will experience monsoon rains which may trigger flashfloods and landslides. Visayas, the rest of Luzon and the regions of Caraga and Davao will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rain showers and thunderstorms. The rest of Mindanao will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms. Moderate to strong winds blowing from the southwest will prevail throughout the archipelago and the coastal waters will be moderate to rough.
Metro Manila Moderate to Strong

23C to 28C

Soutwest Manila Bay: Moderate to Rough

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Army troops seize roadside bomb in Maguindanao town From the Philippine Star (Aug 20):

Army explosives experts prevented on Monday what could have been another deadly bombing in Central Mindanao by promptly defusing a roadside bomb along a stretch of a highway in Sultan Kudarat town. Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the Armys 6th Infantry Division, said the improvised explosive device (IED) recovered by responding bomb experts wasfashioned from live 60MM mortar projectiles rigged with a blasting mechanism attached to a Nokia mobile phone. The IED, planted at one side of a secluded stretch of the Cotabato-Davao Highway in Barangay Ladia in Sultan Kudarat, was first discovered by villagers, who, in turn reported what they found to soldiers manning an Army detachment nearby. It was just fortunate that the people who found the bomb were so vi gilant that they promptly informed authorities about the presence of an IED along the highway, Hermoso said. Hermoso said the disassembled IED was identical with the bombs used by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in recent roadside bombings in Maguindanao, including at least four attempts to blow up two adjoining bridges in Datu Piang town in the second district of the province. It was the first ever attempt to pull off a roadside bombing in Sultan Kudarat, located in the first district of the province and host to Camp Darapanan, the largest enclave of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The founder of BIFF, the renegade Saudi-trained cleric Ameril Umbra Kato, started as chief of the MILFs 105th Base Command, but was booted out in 2010 for insubordination and other offenses.

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Capitol Lauds Armys Peace Advocacy Negros Daily Bulletin/Editha Colmo

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Occidental in its Wednesday session, resolved to commend the Armys Advanced Command Post, 303rd Infantry Brigade, for adopting a peace advocacy as a paradigm shift on political orientation favoring compromise to avoid conflict. The Resolution No. 0177 series of 2013 commended the 303rd Infantry (Brown Eagle) Brigade and the 62nd Infantry (Unifier) Battalion of the Philippine Army for initiating the 15-day Humanitarian Medical Civic Action (CIVAC) and sustainable peace crusade dubbed "Marching for Peace, Serving the Countryside" under the command of Col. Jon N. Aying and Lt. Col. Efren Morados. This commendation resulted from the 15-day caravan held in six (6) underprivileged and underdeveloped barangays (namely Brgy. Paitan, Bandila, Pinapugasan, Bug-ang, Malatas and Malasibog) of Escalante City, Toboso and Calatrava were recipients of various humanitarian services spearheaded by the Provincial Peace, Integration and Development Unit (ProPIDU) together with the participation of the provincial government units, local government units, nongovernment units and agencies, the media, individual peace advocates and volunteers. Simultaneous was the walk-through of about 120 kms by the marching group from the Army and PNP personnel with the Army Reservists around the barangays mentioned. Excerpt of the Resolution states... one of the strategies adopted by the 303rd Infantry Brigade and 62nd Infantry battalion of the Philippine Army is the sustainable peace advocacy through an improved police-community relation to encourage citizens maximum participation as key partners for peace-building and conflict prevention. The Philippine Army underscored the importance of multi-stakeholders approach in resolving armed conflict and promoting peace by bringing progress directly to the people and uplifting their quality of living through community immersion activities. Thus, the said project has received positive views from the civilian sectors in and out of Negros Occidental for the "Bayanihan" effort worthy of emulation. The Resolution of Commendation was awarded by SP member Rolando Ponsica, chairman on peace and order committee, to Col. John Aying, commanding officer, 303rd Infantry Brigade, during the first ProPIDU Planning Workshop for the Phase II of the Winning the Peace in the 1st District of Negros Occidental Project, dubbed as "Serving the Countryside, Working with the People" from August to December 2013. Aying said the 15-day caravan was made possible because of the unselfish services rendered by all participants during the course of the project in the 1st District of NOC.

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Army reduces NPA strength

Visayan Daily Star/By Gilbert Bayoran The Armys 302nd Infantry Brigade is running against time to accomplish its mission to clear Negros Oriental of remaining armed insurgents by yearend. With barely four months before 2013 ends, Brig. Gen. Francisco Patrimonio, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, yesterday admitted that it is a tall order for him to accomplish, although not a remote possibility. However, he said their task is now a work in progress. Five hinterland barangays in San Jose, Amlan, Sibulan and Valencia, all in Negros Oriental, were recently declared insurgency-free and development-ready by the Armys 302nd Infantry Brigade. Patrimonio said their combined barangay immersion activities, which aims to deny the New Peoples Army of areas to seek shelter, and combat operations, led to the reduction of NPA from its peak of about 160 armed regulars in previous years to 102 this year. It shows a reduction of their forces by one-third, he added. There are still 79 barangays in southeast Negros Oriental and central Negros, aside from the 20 in the Negros Occidental side, classified either as infiltrated, or under the influence of the NPA, military records show. But the additional forces augmenting the 302nd Infantry Brigade, Patrimonio said, will help a lot in the accomplishment of their tasks. He said they are now focusing their efforts on Negros Oriental, before shifting to the Occidental side. The 302nd Infantry Brigade has been tasked to dismantle the Larangan Gerilya 1 in central Negros and the Komiteng Rehiyonal Sentral Bisayas in southeast Negros.

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Benigno Aquino assassination: Emotion doesnt wane with each retelling By Thelma Sioson San Juan Philippine Daily Inquirer It was 1983, past midnight in Boston. He sat before the television, watching CNN. I cant even remember the face of the announcer who mispronounced my fathers name. He said, opposition leader Benigno Akwino was seen lying in a pool of blood, shots were fired. If I dont recall exactly how it was (said) then, it wasnt because nag-blur. Para talagang huminto everything (It was as if everything stopped)I was neither in time nor space. I guess that was shock Thirty years ago, to this day, President Aquino, then 23 years old, wouldnt have thought that he would be retelling the story of that fateful night in Boston right in Malacaang Palace, inside a room that was only a few steps away from what was the bedroom of the dictator Ferdinand Marcos, under whose watch Aquinos father was assassinated. The ghosts of the past must have been in the room on Monday afternoon during our exclusive interview. But these ghosts proved helpless against the force of destiny. We sat and talked in the room adjoining Aquinos office, behind us a big 1921 Fabian de la Rosa painting of a bucolic scene of farm folk planting rice. A glance away through the window was the Pasig River, incessantly in motion due to the constant downpour.

Ironic turn This setting drove home the ironic turn Philippine contemporary history has taken. The son of Marcos archrival now presides from the seat of power. President Aquino continued: I was brought out of (the shock) because the phone rangI tried to reach the phone right beside my dads bed. But it was Ate [Ballsy] who was with my mom who got the call The Filipinos in LA (Los Angeles) got wind of it earlier than those in the East Coast. These friends broke the news that the older Aquino had been shot upon his arrival at Manila International Airport. The family he left behind in Bostonhis wife Cory, daughters Ballsy, Pinky, Viel, Kris, and only son Noynoywere confused. They said something like huwag muna nating isipin, wala pang confirmed (Lets not think about it yet. Nothing is confirmed). Medyo confusing pa ang reportThey started praying the rosary, Aquino continued his recollection. Promise to dad Ako naman (what crossed my mind was) I promised my dad na pangangalagaan ko (looked after) my mother and my sisters. I was trying to find out what I could do to reinforce their security.

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This must have been the nth time Aquino was recalling his fathers assassination and its afterm ath. And yet, still evident was a stirring of emotion in him. Even now that he is President, theres still that indescribable expression in his eyes that always comes with the recollection of the day his father was killed. That look in his eyes was there in 1984, as he, the only son of Ninoy and Cory, retold the episode to us for the martial law newspaper that I was then working for. It is still there nowa very vulnerable expression that is a mix of sadness and helplessness. Why doesnt the emotion wane with each retelling? Uhhthere was a time I couldnt watch the video of him being taken down from the plane. Up to now I cant even say Im not affected by it anymore. Then he gestured, Yung point na one of the guards touched his back to see if he was wea ring a bulletproof vestna memorize ko na yata yung (Ive memorized) facial expressions ng lahat na sumalubong sa kaniya (of those who came to get him) knowing there was a conspiracy He then turned technicalhis trademark penchant for details evident. Maceda (former Marcos executive secretary-turned-senator Ernesto Maceda) told my dad, huwag kang sasama kung mga enlisted (men) lang pinasusundo sa yo may masamang balak yan (dont go if only enlisted men came to pick you up. That shows a sinister plan)True enoughYung technical kasi dyan may officer, pinaka close-in directly responsible the concept of fidelity in the custody of a prisonerIn this case the officer commanding the detail stayed on the plane, or on top of the stairway, preventing people, or blocked (the way) Why distance yourself from your detail, unless you knew there was a plan that you wanted somehow distanced from. Have you resolved within yourself who had him killed? I may sound like a broken recordwe had a dictator.everything/anything about my dad had to be cleared with Apo (Ilocano term of respect for elders, as Marcos was called by his close circle). He set up a system where such a thing could happen. People involved were connected to him. He then focused on a very crucial, and what to him, was a very telling detail contained in the Sandiganbayan report, which he had his aide brought out from his office. This voluminous sheaf of documents must have been one of his frequent readings; that was obvious in how some lines were highlighted in yellow.

6 a.m. Vers Palace meeting This Sandiganbayan report is very thorough. (It detailed) there were supposed to be two plans whether he would be allowed into the country kung dadaan ba sa tube or sa stairs (if he would be made to take the tube or stairs).(Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Fabian) Ver had (Aviation Security Command Chief Luther) Custodio called here to Malacaang Park that day, Aug. 21, at 6 a.m. (obviously to discuss that.) Ang point nun puwede naman tinawag sa telepono pero pinapunta pa sa Malacaang Park early morning.

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(He could have phoned but he called for him to go the Palace.) It showed that they really were on top of the situation, (that this task was) not assigned to low-level functionary. They discussed something in very minute detailCustodio was actually Marcos pilot, not part of PSG (Presidential Security Group), ordered to report to Malacaang Parkthe lieutenant of the Avsecom van was Vers pilot also. Statute of limitations When he became President, why didnt he pursue those he believed were responsible for his dads assassination? Theres a statute of limitations, 20 years And those convicted were pardoned by GMA. Has he forgiven those responsible for his fathers assassination? People have never even admitted guilt, none of them has asked for forgiveness, and may I add, none of them has said that they suffered financial hardship at the loss of the solitary breadwinner. The rest of our interview: The day your father was killed, was that when you felt you had to step up to the plate, as protector of the family? Earlier than that. I was 13. At Fort Magsaysay, nagpaalam nang daddy nun. (Daddy said goodbye.) Remember he wrote an article that was published I think in Thailand. As punishment for that, he, Senator Diokno were brought to Fort Magsaysay, loaded on separate helicopters, blindfolded, handcuffed to their escorts. Their escorts had .45 pistols pointed at the midsection of both my dad and Senator Dioknomy dad didnt know exactly where they were being brought. He assumed it was Rizal This was in 1973.all visiting privileges had been suspended. They were giving us back his stuff, including toothbrush. My mom asked the WAC (Womens Auxiliary Corps), why? Hindi na ho niya kailangan yan (He wouldnt need that anymore). As a 13-year-old I wondered, paanong hindi na niya kakailanganin (why wouldnt my dad need that anymore) Until we got to visit him at Magsaysay. When we got thereand this is very importantI admire the Dioknos, theyre tougher than us. As tough as us, at the very least But I saw them step out of the building, they were in tears. What induced them to shed tears? Then when we saw our dad. (As you know he was) roly poly.he had no glasses, he was unshaven, no watch, no ring. He was holding on to his pants because they kept falling down. (He lost weight.) He was so pleased to see us, very emotional That was when he first told me, Wala naman akong ibang pagbibilinanikaw na bahala sa mommy mo, sa mga kapatid mo (Theres no one I could entrust. You take care of your mom, your sisters)I was just listening the whole time. Talagang shock na shock Ako nang bahala, Dad (I will take care of them).

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US defense secretary to visit Philippines By Jose Katigbak / The Philippine Star

WASHINGTON US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on Monday said that next week he will visit the Philippines, which is involved in a maritime dispute with China, during the course of a fournation trip to Southeast Asia. Hagel will visit Kuala Lumpur from Aug. 24-26; Jakarta, Aug. 26-27; Brunei Aug. 27-29 and Manila, Aug. 29-30. His visit to the Philippines comes amid ongoing negotiations on the increased rotational presence of American troops in the country. In Brunei, Hagel will meet with his defense counterparts from across the Asia-Pacific region and with ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) defense ministers at their annual retreat. Meanwhile, Chinese Defense Minister Gen. Chang Wanquan warned that no one should underestimate Chinas determination to defend its territory, sovereignty and maritime rights and neither should anyone fantasize that China would barter away its core interests. At a press conference in Washington on Monday after talks that both officials described as productive, Hagel and Chang agreed to improve US-China military-to-military relations to provide security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and the world. Chang said since the US rebalance to Asia, joint military exercises between the US and its allies had increased in frequency and intensity, complicating the situation in the region. It is our hope that this rebalancing strategy is a constructive one that could help the peace and stability in the region, Chang said, adding we hope that this strategy doe s not target a specific country in the region. Chang said the current situation in Asia-Pacific was generally stable, but there were some hot spots and sensitive issues. Some hot issues are heating, while some other sensitive issues are getting even mo re sensitive. Improper handling of these issues could lead to a severe impact on the overall security situation in the region, he said. Tension has risen in the region as China continues to press maritime territorial claims against its neighbors in the East China Sea and the South China Sea. Chang said disputes should be solved through dialogue and negotiation. Nations big or small, strong or weak, should make positive and constructive efforts to promote regional peace and stability, Chang said.

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Any action that leads to trouble or provocation, any action... (that) further complicates or magnifies the situation would be highly irresponsible and will not lead to a favorable result, he added. For his part, Hagel said the United States welcomed and supported the rise of a prosperous and responsible China that helps solve regional and global problems. Establishing better military-to-military relations between the United States and China is important to the overall bilateral relationship, Hagel said. He announced he had accepted Changs invitation to visit China next year, a move that highlights contacts between the two nations at the highest military levels. The Asia-Pacific is a region where the interests of China and United States intertwine the most and where China and the US interact most frequently, Chang said. The Peoples Liberation Army is ready to work with the US military to strengthen communication, coordination, and cooperation to contribute to the regional peace, stability, and prosperity, he added. In their talks, Chang said he and Hagel agreed to actively explore a notification mechanism for major military activities and continue to study the rules of behavior on military air and maritime activities. They also discussed a number of regional security issues, including North Korea, the East China Sea and the South China Sea and I reaffirmed longstanding US policies on these issues, Hagel said.

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MNLF insists on 1996 pact, bucks OIC mediation From the Manila Standard Today (Aug 20): The MNLF on Monday vowed not to yield to pressure from the government and rejected a thirdparty negotiator to step in and resolve the confusion over the 1996 final peace agreement. The MNLFs spokesman Absalom Cerveza issued the hardline stance after Undersecretary Jose Lorena of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process said they (MNLF) need to engage us and articulate their position. It is a very arrogant expression from the government, said Cerveza, also MNLF Peace Panel Head. By putting closure to the 1996 final peace agreement, Cerveza said we are also closing our doors for any renewed peace talks. He reminded the government to review their blunders without blaming other parties. The problem is that theyve overlook the entire situation, Cerveza said. OPAP Secretary Teresita Deles disclosed that the Organization of Islamic Cooperating would be coming in to try to resolve the conflict between the government and the MNLF. Cerveza said the OIC would not have any impact on the MNLFs position with the declaration of Independence by Nur Misuari in Mindanao. If the OIC wants to talk with the MNLF, we will be very courteous to receive them, Cerveza said but we are not going to the negotiating table. It depends on the gesture of the OIC. Cervez rejected the integration of the MNLF agenda in the drafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law. He demanded that the MILF terms should instead be linked to the 1996 peace pact, which is what the OIC strongly recommended. The basic law should instead be incorporated to the FPA of 1996 and not the other way around. Thats what has been said to me by the OIC Secretary General that they are enjoining the government to include the framework which would part of the 1996 peace agreement, Cerveza said.

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Government has not abandoned agreement with MNLF OPAPP From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 20): The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) says it remains committed to fulfilling its obligations to the 1996 Final Peace Agreement (FPA) with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). OPAPP Undersecretary Jose Lorena said the Aquino government has no intention of abrogating or abandoning the FPA, and has been continuing its positive engagements with the MNLF, contrary to recent claims of its leader Nur Misuari. Lorena said Misuari, along with his contingent, is always being invited and present in the Tripartite Implementation Review meetings and other related meetings over the past three years. The government, MNLF, and the OIC have been engaging in a tripartite review of the implementation of the final peace agreement since 2007. The review process is being facilitated by the OIC-PSCP, which is chaired by Indonesia. The Aquino administration has always engaged the MNLF since 2010 and will c ontinue to do so under the existing mechanism as we have conveyed to the OIC-PCSP (Organization of Islamic Conference - Peace Committee for Southern Philippines), Lorena said. As far as the GPH (Government of the Philippines) is concerned, we are not aware of any reason for them to claim that government has abandoned them. Our aim has always been to complete the Tripartite Implementation so that we can move forward with concrete actions towards the development of MNLF communities, which we have already started, he said. Lorena made the statement following reports that Misuari declared a Bangsamoro Republic in some parts of Mindanao. We encourage Mr. Misuari to be a partner in ensuring the welfare of MNLF communities and actively engage with us in the drafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law which will include the agenda of the MNLF, he said. OPAPP Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles earlier clarified that the governments main objective in pushing for the completion of the tripartite review is to start the implementation process for the consensus points and mechanisms that the Parties have agreed on. We have already informed the OIC through the chair and members of the [Peace Committee for Southern Philippines chaired by Indonesia] that we think it is time to draw a conclusion to the review process, she said. Deles likewise cited Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawas firm support for the efforts being undertaken by the GPH to ensure a comprehensive settlement of the armed conflict in Southern Philippines. He was categorical in stating that Indonesia opposes any attempt to jeopardize the territorial integrity of the Philippines and that any such move falls outside the ambit of the agreed upon Tripartite Review Process, Deles said. p. 11

Sedition raps readied vs Misuari, says ARMM police chief From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Aug 20):

Nur Misuari FILE PHOTO Police are readying sedition charges against founding chairman Nur Misuari of the Moro National Liberation Front for declaring Bangsamoro independence in Mindanao days ago. Misuari is seen to be fomenting a Moro uprising in the region by declaring a Bangsamoro independent state contrary to the enhanced set-up of autonomy being worked out by its breakaway group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Aquino government. I have directed my PPO (Provincial police Office) in Sulu to prepare filing a sedition case against the MNLF leader for issuing a seditious statement, said Chief Superinten dent Noel Delos Reyes, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao police director. He said the Sulu police director, Senior Superintendent Abraham Orbita, has been given until Wednesday (August 21) to comply with the directive. Delos Reyes said Orbita should look into Misuaris statement as seditious and unconstitutional at a time when the government and the MILF have started the crucial and final stage of the peace negotiation. If the case was filed in court, the MNLF leader could be arrested and arraigned for the charges, Delos Reyes said. During his reign as elected ARMM governor, Misuari was nabbed by Kuala Lumpur authorities in Malaysia and presented to the Philippine government to face rebellion charges when he reportedly led an MNLF armed assault in Sulu. ARMM Executive Secretary Laisa Masuhud-Alamia has appealed for understanding and sobriety amid Misuaris call for revolt for an independent Moro state, the original cause of the MNLF struggle in the 70s.

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Peace is paramount at this stage of world chaos and violence, said Alamia as she cited the spate of explosions and bomb threats in Mindanao and elsewhere, notwithstanding the frequent occurrence of natural calamities. We are for peace and co-existence, and the best way to settle differences is through peace dialogue, not through violent means that left mostly innocent civilians as collateral damages, said Alamia as the region celebrated Monday the United Nations World Humanitarian Day. Misuaris group opted for autonomy instead of total independence in 1976 when he signed the Tripoli Agreement in Libya with the Philippine government then headed by the dictator president, Ferdinand Marcos. The signing of the accord prompted a faction within the MNLF to break away two years and establishi the Moro Islamic Liberatiuo Front, headed by Maguindanaoan Salamat Hashim. In 1996, the government under President Fidel Ramos convinced the Misuari-led MNLF to ink a `Final Peace Agreement. Misuari would later complain that the Philippine government failed to fulfill its commitments on the establishment of the regional security force and wealth sharing.

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