Philippines Field Report Updates: March 2011-April 2011

Overall Summary

Relative ground stability continues to prevail in the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GPH) – Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) conflict-affected areas of Mindanao for the period March-April 2011. Local communities attribute the stability to the anticipation and successful conclusion of the 2nd round of Exploratory Talks held
between the GPH and the MILF Peace Panels in Malaysia on 27-28 April 2011. The positive public perception was also bolstered due to local consultations initiated by the Panels with their constituencies. Based on feedback from local stakeholders, such activities helped increase Panel visibility in the conflict-affected areas, thus increasing local confidence over the peace process. Such consultations serve as a forum in which localities can be apprised on the talks, and as a venue for people to participate by way of sharing their views and sentiments thus instilling a sense of ownership in the peace process.

The renewal of the International Monitoring Team’s (IMT) mandate in January this year was subsequently followed by the changeover in the IMT’s leadership. On 12 March, Malaysian Major General Datuk’ Mahdi bin Yusof formally took over as the new IMT Head of Mission, replacing Major General Dato Baharom bin Hamzah. 

Meanwhile, NP continued to perform its mandate under the Civilian Protection Component (CPC) of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) independently, and along with other CPC members, specifically with respect to the monitoring, verification and reporting of IDP-related concerns and civilian protection-related issues in conflict-affect areas.

Moreover, NP has been holding regular stakeholder meetings and organizing community forums, especially in conflict-prone communities, to inquire on their concerns and gather local perspectives on a range of issues relating to the peace process, their overall security, and protection concerns.

NP GROUND MONITORING

The months of March and April reflect the same degree of relative stability as was observed during the first two months of 2011. Most of the ceasefire-related issues observed during this period cover the usual concerns on uncoordinated troop movements by either Party, preponderantly in the areas of Maguindanao, North Cotabato, and some areas of Lanao del Sur.

The rido that earlier took place in Buluan municipality (Maguindanao), which was reported in the previous NP Mindanao Updates, has taken a positive step forward. A modest breakthrough was achieved in March after a series of dialogues between the contending parties resulted in a mutual agreement to resolve the conflict in the long term.

(Note: figures shown on the chart are under continuous process of validation with the IMT, CCCH and other
concerned authorities)

According to information shared by the IMT, there was only one minor ceasefire-related issue that took place in 18 March in Banisilan municipality (North Cotabato) regarding a reported uncoordinated movement of MILF elements tasked to resolve a rido incident in the area. No other ceasefire-related incidents were recorded in the succeeding month.

In contrast, there was a noted increase in the number of rido incidents, particularly in April. Primarily political and/or land-related triggers that have remained unresolved for years caused the resurgence of local feuds.
NP recorded a total of five rido-related incidents in March. This includes an incident in Barangay Tanuk, Mangudadatu municipality (Maguindanao) involving a local MILF commander who has been involved in a long-standing feud with a rival family. The implementation of a road project in said barangay appeared to have triggered a fresh
wave of armed hostilities wherein each party was vying for the proposed road to pass through their respective area. Another rido that occurred in Sultan Sa Barongis (Maguindanao) stemmed from a dispute between two local MILF commanders over a lease on a coconut plantation. Incidentally, local authorities link both groups to kidnap-for-ransom activities.

 The month of April posted the most number of rido-related incidences and conflict over political dominance and access to resources so far this year, with ten incidents recorded by NP. The conflict over the disputed road project in Barangay Tanuk has remained active during this period, highlighted by an ambush incident on 03 April that claimed eight lives. Similarly, the rido in Sultan Sa Barungis continued well into early April and caused the displacement of residents in the area.

Other rido cases were likewise monitored in the areas
of Carmen (North Cotabato), the border areas of Datu
Piang (Maguindanao) and Midsayap (North Cotabato),
and Picong (Lanao del Sur).

NP also monitored three possible civilian protection3
issues on March. However, the cases only involved
reports of temporary occupation of mosques and
classrooms by security forces, and most have
subsequently been resolved.

The month of April posted a higher number of civilian
protection concerns totaling five issues reported. This
includes an incident in Sitio Ipol, Barangay Dungguan
in M’lang municipality (North Cotabato) where ten
Civilian Volunteer Organization (CVO) members
allegedly destroyed a civilian house on suspicion that
its owners were providing sanctuary for members of a rebel group.

Apart from the abovementioned incidents, NP also noted at least two reports of unexploded ordnance (UXOs).

IDP families returning to Barangay Lapok, Shariff Aguak (Maguindanao) expressed deep concern about the presence of UXOs especially in areas where they conduct farming activities. The matter had been previously verified by the IMT. Residents of Barangay Panggau in the municipality of Munai (Lanao del Norte) aired the same concerns, complaining that some UXOs, remnants of the 2008 hostilities, still pose a constant threat to their safety.

Among the highlights of NP’s field work for this period was the successful conduct of three-day mission undertaken by NP’s Quick Response Team, along with a CPC representative from the Mindanao Human Rights Action Center (MinHRAC), in Barangay Kaliantana, Naga (Zamboanga Sibugay) to verify an incident that transpired on 07 April
concerning law enforcement operations against alleged criminals suspected of murder, extortion and piracy. The comprehensive verification report has been transmitted to the IMT for proper disposition.

OTHER DEVELOPMENTS

Some local communities continue to express apprehension over the issue of former MILF 105th Ground Base Commander Ameril Umra Kato and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). Nonetheless, they are heartened over the positive outcome of discussions between the Parties during the latest round of peace talks, and are hopeful
that the matter will be fully resolved in the long run.

Military-related trainings conducted in coordination with local AFP troops and a Moro National Liberation Front group situated in Ampatuan municipality (Maguindanao) was observed.

NP monitored at least nine kidnapping incidents in the provinces of North Cotabato, Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte. Among the more notable cases include the abduction on 26 March of the son of a defeated mayoralty candidate of Ditsaan-Ramain, as well as the sequestration of a driver contracted by the World Food Program (WFP) in
the municipality of Masiu (Lanao del Sur) reportedly over issues concerning the Food for Work distribution.

At least one extortion activity against the Grand Bus Company was noted for the month of March that resulted in the explosion of an improvised explosive device (IED) underneath a passenger bus traveling on the highway bordering Pandag and Datu Paglas (Maguindanao). Five civilian passengers were slightly injured as a result.

LATEST SITUATIONER ON IDPs

As part of its mandate under the CPC, NP continued to assess the needs of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in various conflict-affected areas and monitor their overall condition by way of regular dialogues with displaced communities and local authorities.

In terms of the overall
status of IDPs, most of the
individuals displaced during the 2008 hostilities have either returned to
their respective areas of origin, or have otherwise moved to nearby locations. Nonetheless, a good number of families still stay in a number of IDP centers, especially in Maguindanao province, while others continue to be house-based, or have transferred completely toless-vulnerable areas.

Rido continued to be the main cause of displacement for the period under review. Of late, several displaced families located in Buluan and Datu Paglas (Maguindanao) who had been affected by rido indicated that they will only return once a more permanent settlement is achieved between the feuding parties. Residents who were likewise
displaced due to the rido in Sultan Sa Barongis have sought temporary shelter in several areas inaccessible by road.

A number of families displaced due to a rido that took place more than a year ago in Reina Regente, Datu Piang (Maguindanao) have not yet gone back to their places of origin. Although no hostilities have been reported in recent months, the evacuees refuse to return permanently until a written agreement between the feuding parties is
signed. Currently, there are no indications that a formal settlement is under consideration.

CONFLICT PREVENTION PROGRAM

Apart from its tasks in the CPC under the GPH-MILF peace process, NP continues to carry out its activities under the Conflict Prevention Program working with local groups to foster communication and dialogue thereby creating space for communities to bridge divides created by years of conflict. NP supports local initiatives through the creation
and consolidation of early warning systems and early response (EWER) structures, and community-based human rights programs.

For the period March-April 2011, NP successfully provided technical support and expertise to various local partners in organizing community-based human rights and International Humanitarian Law (IHL) trainings and orientationprograms at the municipal level. Through such activities, local civil society groups and institutions are capacitated to establish a cadre of effective local human rights (HR) monitors on the ground.

In the past 2 months alone, NP has undertaken collaborative efforts with local NGOs such as the Magungaya Mindanao, Inc. (MMI), the Kaduntaya Foundation, Inc. (KFI), the Bangsamoro Centre for JustPeace (BCJP), the Lanao Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (LAHRA), the Ranao Disaster Response and Rehabilitation Centre (RRDRAC), and the
United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD). Such partnerships also extend to Government institutions such as the Commission on Human Rights for Region X.

Noteworthy, after months of support from NP, several trainings were led by MMI for the first time utilizing a module they created. This is a promising development as it underscores the growing capacity of the organization. At the request of local police, an HR/IHL orientation was also given to the local government and police officials of Datu
Saudi Ampatuan municipality, done in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

The Early Warning-Early Response (EWER) thrust of the program focuses on identified conflict-prone communities and aims to create structures intended to identify escalating situations that will adversely affect civilian communities and mobilize a preventive and proactive response by multiple actors including the peace structures.

On the request of the BCJP and the KFI in Maguindanao, NP accompanied its local partners in spearheading a successful “Walk for Peace” initiative in which hundreds of people participated. Also upon their request, NP bridged them with the Mayor and local religious leaders whose participation was crucial to success. The religious leaders
however agreed to meet only on the condition that the meeting was to be held within NP’s compound. Several meetings were held and subsequently the Mayor, the local imam and the local priest appealed to all citizens to join the activity. This was a promising step towards reconciliation because new paths of communication and dialogue were created.

In addition, the NP team in North Cotabato in partnership with local organizations, Chrislam and the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI), conducted a successful dialogue between Muslim and Christian communities living in Barangay Dualing, Aleosan municipality. The dialogue brought together 6 Muslim and Christian – both Catholic and
Baptist – religious leaders, the army, the police, local leaders, several local organizations, and over 250 Christian and Muslim community members.

MISCELLANEOUS

NP was officially requested by local civil society to establish a field office in Pagadian City (Zamboanga del Sur). The call was made during the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society’s 2nd General Assembly held in Pagadian City on March 19-22 by Chairman, Guiamel Alim. Although the request is still under consideration, NP made a series of
initial courtesy visits to local Government authorities to explore the viability of the proposal. Local response has thus far been positive.

The IMT’s CPC Coordinator recently issued a request to all CPC members, including NP, to hold awareness programs on civilian protection and related peace advocacy activities at the community level. These shall serve to complement the efforts of the Peace Panels in drumming up support for the peace process.