Latest news with #Philippinegovernment
GMA Network
31-07-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
MILF defers decommissioning last 14,000 combatants; PH gov't 'dismayed'
The first batch of 225 former combatants of the MILF's Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) start undergoing a 30-day basic military training on Thursday, August 11, 2019 at the 602nd Brigade in Camp Lucero, Carmen, Cotabato. MARK NAVALES The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has suspended the decommissioning of its remaining combatants and weapons until the national government complies with the provisions of the Annex of Normalization, a component of the peace deal between the two parties in 2014. According to a resolution by its central committee, the MILF will decommission its remaining 14,000 forces and 2,450 weapons "only upon the substantial compliance by the GPH (Government of the Philippines) in other tracks of normalization, including the provision of socio-economic package as agreed by the GPH and MILF Peace Implementing Panels to the 26,145 combatants." The resolution was issued following a meeting on July 19 but was only made public on July 26. It was signed by MILF chairperson Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and MILF Secretary Muhammad Ameen. The Annex of Normalization is integral to the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) between the Philippine government and the MILF. It outlines the processes for ensuring human security and allowing communities in Bangsamoro to achieve their desired quality of life. "Whereas, the track on decommissioning of MILF forces and weapons is very important in the normalization process, but so are the other tracks, i.e., policing, redeployment of troops and units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), disbandment of private armed groups (PAGS), socio-economic development, detection and clearance of unexploded ordinances, transitional justice and reconciliation, and the confidence building measures of camps transformation, and amnesty, pardon and other available processes to persons charged with or convicted of crimes connected to the armed conflict in Mindanao," the resolution read. The MILF noted that while 26,145 MILF combatants have been decommissioned, "not a single one has successfully undergone 'transition to productive civilian life.'" "Whereas, to be true to the letter and spirit of the Annex on Normalization, there should be some showing of substantial compliance of the socio-economic interventions for combatants who have been profiled for decommissioning before other combatants are made to undergo the initial steps towards decommissioning," the resolution read. 'Unfair and unjust' For its part, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity's (OPAPRU) Office for Bangsamoro Transformation expressed dismay over MILF's decision to suspend the decommissioning of its combatants, adding that socioeconomic interventions were put in place. "While the CAB was signed in 2014, the GPH and MILF Peace Implementing Panels only approved the Socioeconomic Package Framework for the MILF decommissioned combatants in February 2024. Despite this, major socioeconomic interventions have been implemented since 2015," said Presidential Assistant David Diciano in a statement. "Aligned with the provision of the Annex on Normalization, socioeconomic interventions are based on the 'needs assessment' process under the DSWD. This means that the services provided are tailored to the specific needs of each of the decommissioned combatants," he added, referring to the Department of Social Welfare and Development. OPAPRU also said that the MILF Central Committee decided to repeatedly delay and eventually defer the final phase of the decommissioning process since 2022. "It is unfair and unjust for those who are willing to undergo the decommissioning process, depriving them of their opportunity and right to be transformed into productive, peaceful citizens as envisioned in the CAB. The decision of the few should not deny the aspirations of the many," Diciano added. President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s administration vowed in 2023 that it would fast-track the Normalization Program for former MILF combatants, their families, and communities. The following year, Marcos reaffirmed his commitment to normalize communities in the Bangsamoro region through the amnesty application of former rebels. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
Zawya
17-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Maynilad Water seeks to raise up to $858mln in Philippines IPO
Hong Kong's First Pacific said on Monday its Philippine affiliate, Maynilad Water Services, aims to raise up to 49.15 billion pesos ($857.75 million) through an initial public offering. Under the terms of the deal, Maynilad is offering up to 2.46 billion shares, with an expected offer price of up to 20 pesos each. The total number of shares being offered represented 30.45% of the company's total outstanding shares. If approved, First Pacific said the listing would take place on July 10, with the offer period running from June 25 to July 2. The company has enlisted banks, including Morgan Stanley and UBS, to assist with a more than $500 million initial public offering in the Philippines, Reuters reported in January. In December 2021, the Philippine government granted Maynilad a 25-year franchise to establish, operate and maintain a waterworks system, as well as sewerage and sanitation services in the west zone service area of Metro Manila and the province of Cavite, according to its website. Maynilad is the largest private water concessionaire in the Philippines in terms of customer base. The planned listing adds to a growing pipeline of IPOs in the Philippines, where IPO proceeds surged sharply to $234.1 million last year, from $72.9 million in 2023, according to data compiled by LSEG. Maynilad is managed by Maynilad Water Holdings Company, a joint venture between infrastructure conglomerate Metro Pacific Investments Corp, construction-to-nickel mining group DMCI Holdings and Japanese trading company Marubeni Corp . ($1 = 57.3010 Philippine pesos) (Reporting by Rishav Chatterjee in Bengaluru; Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips)
Khaleej Times
25-02-2025
- Khaleej Times
Home after 32 years: 70-year-old UAE expat to fly back to Philippines on Thursday
In December, Ernesto Arnel Tawat and his family posed for the Khaleej Times camera at their Sharjah accommodation with uncertainty in their eyes. Stranded in the UAE for over three decades due to an unpaid blood money debt, the 70-year-old Filipino expat wasn't sure if he would ever return home. Today, with flight tickets in hand and a long journey ahead, Ernesto and his wife, Teresa, are finally heading back to the Philippines. As if fate had scripted the moment, Ernesto's T-shirt bore the word 'homecoming' across it. 'It wasn't planned,' Ernesto said with a chuckle about his T-shirt. 'Just a coincidence, but maybe a sign, too. I waited 32 years for this, and now, it's really happening.' Their flight will depart at 8pm this Thursday. After Khaleej Times highlighted his plight in December, generous residents stepped in, and the Philippine government — through the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) — ensured that all his outstanding costs, including travel and medical expenses, were covered. DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac personally assured the family of full support during a meeting in Dubai last fortnight. With just two days to go, the couple has completed their immigration formalities, other paperwork and health checks. 'Every step felt unreal," said Teresa. "For years, we were stuck. Now, everything is happening so fast.' The past few days have been overwhelming in more ways than one. 'While we were going to the Ajman court to get my parents' out pass, Dad was crying, looking at the development of the UAE while we were in the van, accompanied by the consulate staff,' Tina recalled. 'He has never seen the progress because he was always fearful to be out. He spent years indoors or only went to places within walking distance.' Excitement fills the air, but so does nervousness. 'I've spent a huge part of my life in the UAE,' Ernesto admitted. 'I have no idea how much things have changed back home. I heard it's become more crowded.' For Tina, the moment is bittersweet. 'I will miss my parents terribly, but this is what we have been waiting for all our lives. The uncertainty, the struggles — everything we went through has led to this moment.' She also credited the outpouring of kindness from the community. 'The church stood by us. Friends, strangers — even people we never met reached out to help. We are beyond grateful.' Teresa, overwhelmed with emotion, held up their tickets. 'This is a new beginning. We can finally go back, not as helpless, but with dignity.' One thing brings her comfort — her family. 'My brother will come to the airport to receive us. After all these years, we won't be alone when we land,' she said. As the day draws near, Ernesto admits that he still finds it hard to believe. 'I thought I would die here, without ever seeing my homeland again,' he said. 'Now, in just two days, I'll be home.' The Tawats expressed their heartfelt thanks to Khaleej Times, the Philippine Consulate, and every reader who contributed to their return. 'Your support gave us a future,' said Teresa, holding back tears.
