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The Oakwood Agreement

The following are the terms of the Oakwood Agreement, which was approved by the so-called Magdalo soldiers and the government represented by Gen. Roy Cimatu (Ret.):

·        Only the five (5) leaders named will suffer the consequences of the actions of the whole group at Oakwood. The five (5) are: Cpt Gary Alejano PN(M), Cpt Gerardo Gambala PA, Cpt Milo Maestrecampo PA, LTSG James Layug PN and LTSG Antonio Trillanes IV. All the rest shall only be admonished under the provisions of AW 105.

·        There will be an independent investigation on the status of RSBS.

·        There will be an independent investigation on the selling of arms and ammunition to the enemies of the state.

·        There will be an independent investigation on the bombings in Davao and other areas in Mindanao.

·        There will be an independent investigation on the extent of corruption in the AFP.

The agreement was witnessed by Mr Max Soliven, VADM Ruben Domingo, COMMO Tirso Danga, BGEN Danilo Lim, CAPT Feliciano Anggue PN, COL Oban PAF, Usec Abraham Purugganan, and Gen Dionisio Santiago (Ret). The above terms were approved by GMA through a phone call made by Gen Cimatu. As further proof of Malacanang’s approval of the Oakwood Agreement, the terms were broadcasted live on national TV by then AFP Chief of Staff Gen Narciso Abaya before the Magdalo soldiers agreed to stand down.

Starting 29 July 2003 all officers and EP who participated in the Oakwood Incident were detained in direct contravention of the agreement.

A few weeks after the incident, the Maniwang and Feliciano Commissions were created by the government to conduct the investigations as stated in the agreement. Both commissions exonerated both the GMA administration and the AFP of any wrongdoing.

In Aug 2003, two (2) Marine officers testified in the Senate regarding the selling of arms and ammunition to lawless elements in Jolo. In fact, a marine company was even directed by Southcom to transport and deliver the said items to a drop-off point at a roadside. This was admitted by then Southcom Chief LTGEN Padiernos. The tragic irony is that these same guns and ammunition may have been the same ones used against the Marines in the recent clashes in Jolo, which killed at least 12 and wounded more than 20 of them.

In Oct 2006, Defense Sec. Avelino Cruz declared that because of its bankruptcy, the RSBS would shut down its operation.

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Esperon uses Court Martial proceedings to demoralize military officers

The last hearing on the alleged Oakwood Mutiny, held on Tuesday, 17 October 2006 dealt with the cases of the officers not in the alleged core group involved in the said incident.

At the said hearing, the three more important administrative matters discussed were:

1. The acquittal on "nolle prosequi" of several enlisted personnel, whose names were read out during the trial;

2. The withdrawal of Atty. Roel Pulido as counsel of a majority of the officers there, mostly from the Army and Navy. Many Air Force officers are represented by the Free Legal Assistance Group; and

3. The denial of the plea bargain proposed by the majority of the accused made in the last hearing.

The public must be made aware of these three important developments because of their effects. First, the reading out of the "acquitted" personnel was made in the trial despite the fact that the hearing for that day DID NOT INCLUDE THESE MEN. Their names were read out for one reason and one reason alone: to demoralize the already severely demoralized officers still on trial.

Second, the withdrawal of Atty. Pulido also had its demoralizing effect. Several officers were left without counsel, since Atty. Pulido did not make any provisions for his replacement. However, it must also be noted that Atty. Pulido and his assisting counsel Atty. Kit Belmonte are both being charged for crimes such as coup d'etat, rebellion and obstruction of justice.

Finally, the prosecution announced that the "top brass" had denied the proposal of the officers for a plea bargain. Informally, the the trial judge advocate (the prosecutors) informed the court that the only plea bargain General Esperon et al would accept is an immediate discharge. Bargaining would be limited to whether or not the discharge would be honorable.

Note: An acquittal on nolle prosequi means that the prosecution has recommended a withdrawal of the charges against the accused, effectively acquitting him.

Perhaps it is time to begin discussions about what happens if or when all these officers are discharged.

Kasaysayan

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Category of AFP Officers

1. The Risk Averse

He is the “for compliance type” officer. He doesn’t care about anything happening around him as long as he’s enjoying. He offers no ideas nor action. He is comfort oriented. He is afraid of responsibility. He prefers the status quo. His interesting trait is that he is simply afraid to think and do something.

Risk averse officers compose about 60% of the officer corps. Its number is growing.

2. The Impressionist

He is the ‘all-knowing type’ officer. He is full of ideas. He talks, writes, lies, speculates and gossips a lot. He often complains, murmurs and gripes about almost everything. He is good at discussions but he will never initiate action. He easily succumbs to corruption. Like the Risk Averse, he is irresponsible. He can’t be trusted.

The impressionists compose about 15% but their number is dwindling because of fear to be branded as “critical”. Some slowly shifted to Risk Averse and some to Expressionist.

3. The Expressionist

He is the “YES” man type. He is a blind-deaf-mute loyal dog. He is dangerous because he defies rationality for blind obedience. His motivation is power and money.

The expressionists compose about 25% but their number is steadily increasing in an alarming rate.

4. The Patriot

He thinks and makes things happen. He is both physically and morally courageous. He believes that service to country is the ultimate moral duty of every soldier. His principles cannot be bought nor can be influenced by his superiors. His word is true. He doesn’t speculate and gossip. He makes decisions based on facts. He doesn’t run away from responsibility. He is incorruptible. He protects the helpless and fights for the truth. He is the REAL OFFICER. He is the Officer of the Filipino people.

They compose about 1% of the officer corps. Their number is quiet undisturbed.

The AFP leadership tolerates the Risk Averse.

The AFP leadership consents the Impressionist.
 

The AFP leadership loves the Expressionist and desires all officers to become one.
 

The AFP leadership disdains the Patriot and campaigns to purge them all.

There is no bad military organization. Only bad commanders and officers.

Vky

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Risk Aversion

(AFP Version CY 2002)

Definition of terms:

Risk aversion

·  reluctance to take risk

·  zero defect mentality

·  protective careerism

Strategic Reserve

·  high ranking contacts (colonels, generals, members of the congress and cabinet secretaries)

·  prospective sponsors for staff and juicy positions in headquarters

Deliverance

·  ability to produce positive results on time.

This paper concentrates on the general impression on the values of the officer corps of the Armed Forces particularly members of the PMAAAI.

The Facts:

·  Assignments in   

      Headquarters are more

      sought than combat duty.

·  Combat duty is viewed as not a requisite for higher positions in the Army.

·  Field grade officers tend to ingratiate senior officers with high potential to occupy commanding or senior staff positions in the future. The 'Alagaan' attitude is common among those who have the capability to give support.

·  Commanders orders and guidance are increasingly lengthy and detailed as nothing can be left to chance and subordinate initiative in order to preclude subordinate decisions that could reflect badly on the commander.

·  Commanders are spending more time in their headquarters and less time out with their troops.

·  Travel abroad is becoming more frequent and well budgeted than troop visitation in the field.

·  Training is focused on selecting doctrinal and predictable solutions to tactical problems with predictable tactical results.

·  Boastful acceptance of unit successes and pass the buck to subordinate commanders when problems occur.

·  Commanders are rushing for media exposure even to the prejudice of the unit's confidential operations and security.

·  The Legacy Syndrome. Commanders are focusing more on short term, easy successes in order to make name for themselves, instead of accepting any degradation in support of the real long-term needs of the units.

·  Official reports are viewed as not so 'believable' because  they're just drafted by sergeants and signed by inattentive commanders.

·  Projects, plans, proposals, staff and special studies remain as draft output and not implemented because of the "due to budgetary constraints" phrase which can always appear in the last paragraph.

·  Official channel is viewed as slow and impractical. Abnormal channel is faster and has deliverance.

·  Social gatherings are well attended than conferences.

·  Major decisions are made during social gatherings  and/or in golf courses.

·  Conferences are becoming longer.

·  Senior leadership is believed to be overly politicized and uncaring about those in the field. It appears that senior leadership is more concerned with forwarding politically correct agenda than meeting the needs of their command and line units.

·  Headquarters is viewed to be doing things not related to its mandate and functions.

·  The phrase 'perform other functions as directed' is more emphasized than specific tasks.

·  Designations are viewed as a reward out from personal relationship and not of individual capability and credibility.

·  Senior officers tend to be traditional. The 'during our time' mentality is still prevalent.

·  Officers are becoming materialistic and individualistic. Some officers tend to affiliate themselves with influential social organizations for personal advancement.

·  Risk takers, innovative and progressive thinkers and critical minds are viewed as none conformists and prospective threats therefore, must be suppressed thru reassignment or non-designation to sensitive positions where they can further effect changes.

·  Values are well spoken during speeches than in deeds.

·  Equipment and materials procured by higher headquarters for use in the field are not the preference of the end users.  Most often, procurement is ‘proponent-pushed’

·  The basic operational requirements of Move, Shoot, Communicate and See, are not addressed up this time.

·  Senior officers are politicking not for the advancement of the organization’s interest but for their personal ends at the expense of the units and troops.

·  Senior officers often bow down to the wishes and requests of politicians.

·  Intelligence efforts are concentrated against members of the AFP rather than against the enemies of the state.

·  Revolving Door Policy or Pagbigyan system is a clear manifestation of a weak, wicked and unprofessional practice in the AFP.

·  Log-in/Log-out Attitude. Commanders are viewed to be performing their jobs for compliance. No deliverance. Risk aversion at its height.

The consequences:

·         Mediocrity in performance

·         Hinders organizational maturity

·         Professional jealousy.

·         Creation of sub-organizations within the organization

·         Learned unit-helplessness.

·         Deterioration of the will to fight

·         Lose the war.

If you think you have the tendencies as enumerated, your future in the present system in the military is very bright.

If you think that something must be done, THY WILL BE DONE.

Be part of the change. Join us.

CPT JASON LY AQUINO

FSRR SOCOM PA

Sources:

Risk aversion in the US Army by William Bell

Unsolicited opinions from junior officers

Own Opinion

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Declaration

We, the Officers and Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, loyal to God and country and to our duty under the Constitution, do hereby make the following declaration:

A crisis of extreme proportions now confronts our people. The economy, the rule of law and the moral order lie in ruins. Political, judicial and economic power, as well as the power of the mass media, has been perverted to inflict and justify high crimes against the Filipino people. More and more among our people no longer eat, while the idle rich and the corrupt live like kings. Minority rule has replaced majority rule. The three branches of government are now in total disarray, the entire system has broken down, thanks to a President whose legitimacy is denied by the vast majority of our people.

Corruption has not only become a way of life among those in power. It has also become the most effective means of destroying our country and people. Mrs. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has played a key role in promoting corruption to its present levels. In her mad desire for power, she has corrupted and destroyed all institutions. She has promoted a policy of loot and plunder while hypocritically announcing a war against corruption.

She has corrupted the justices of the Supreme Court, the entire Commission on Elections, the mass media, some members of the military, the police and the clergy, and countless teachers who took part in counting the votes in the last elections. She is not only the most corrupt official in the country today. She is also its No. 1 corruptor.

We cannot stand idly by while the rule of law, the moral order, the integrity of our institutions, the very future of our country and the people, and our own professional careers are destroyed by this bogus President. We cannot afford to do nothing while she and her cohorts turn our government into a criminal syndicate. We cannot allow ourselves to be used as a tool of injustice and oppression. We must act, and we must act now.

Pursuant, therefore, to our constitutional duty as “protector of the people and the state,” we have today withdrawn our support from Mrs. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, in order to end her unconstitutional and illegal occupation of the Presidency.

This we have done to restore the rule of law and public morality, the legitimacy and accountability of government, the integrity of our public institutions, the sanctity of the democratic process, and the trust and confidence of our people and the rest of the world.

We call on all our comrades-in-arms to discharge their genuine responsibilities to our people with full dedication and fervor. We call on our people to support the men and women at the forefront of this undertaking. We call on Mrs. Arroyo to accept gracefully the formation of a new government.

As soldiers, we do not seek political power for ourselves. But we shall not allow anyone to use political power to commit crimes against our people or to pursue their own personal agenda, at the expense of the national interest. We shall maintain law and order, prevent any group from taking advantage of the situation, and protect the innocent from all possible harm. We shall leave the actual business of governing the nation in the hands of professionally competent, morally upright, patriotic, trustworthy and self-sacrificing Filipinos whom we now invite to form a new government.

This may be our last chance to correct our past mistakes. We cannot afford to fail. We must not fail.

We appeal to everyone to give this effort a chance to succeed. We appeal to all our people to unite and extend all the support and counsel which the new government will need from them. We pray to Almighty God to bless our efforts and keep us pure and strong in this hour of need.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim

Regiment Commander

First Scout Ranger Regiment

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Six years ago...

At 4:30pm on Friday, January 19, 2001, the Military high command, led by Gen. Angelo Reyes, chief of staff of the Armed Forces, walked up the stage of the EDSA shrine, where leaders of the civil uprising were assembled, and declared the withdrawal of their support from President Estrada.*

     “On behalf of the 113,000-strong Armed Forces of the Philippines, we wish to announce that we are withdrawing our support from the incumbent president. We will support his constitutionally mandated successor under Article 2, Section 3, of the Constitution... the AFP must protect the people and the State."

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20 years ago...

     On February 22, 1986, Defense Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile and AFP Deputy Chief of Staff Fidel Ramos joined together in Camp Crame and declared their withdrawal of support from President Ferdinand Marcos.

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Will the opposition settle on Tito?

By Alejandro Lichauco

Daily Tribune, October 26, 2006

As observed repeatedly by this writer, if GMA endures in spite of all the downward ratings she consistently gets from the surveys, the reason lies primarily in the failure of anti-GMA groups, civilian and military, to settle on just who will replace her: The failure, in brief, is in mobilizing around a rallying figure, as the anti-Marcos movement rallied around Corazon Aquino and as the anti-Erap crowd settled on GMA.

Many of those who had hoped that idealistic but disillusioned elements in the military would simply decide to do what the Thai military did recently when it did away with their then prime minister, now feel that the Philippine military just doesn’t have what it takes to function as a “protector of the people and the state,” and that even if GMA takes on her scheduled trip to China this week, she will return and continue to govern because the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) simply doesn’t have what it takes to do away with civilian government, no matter how unfit, faithless or corrupt.

Of course, that school of thought could still be proved wrong and the nation could just wake up one day while GMA is gone and be informed by a military junta that she is gone forever. But this writer doesn’t share that view and still clings to the belief that unless the civilian opposition presents a united front on the matter of GMA’s replacement, the military, young or old, retired or active, simply won’t move because it is much more comfortable to simply stay in place than to do and dare, as the patriotic Thai military did.

And so in the immediate days ahead, the civilian opposition, if it wants GMA to be gone forever, simply would have to mobilize the will to reach a consensus on who the citizens think should replace GMA, even if only on a temporary basis, and make that known loud and clear to the AFP while GMA is having the time of her life in Xiamen and Hong Kong. If they fail to do that, then it simply means that the opposition doesn’t deserve to exist. Either that or the opposition blocs might as well jump on GMA’s bandwagon because that little girl has displayed more guts and cunning than all the opposition heads, civilian and military, put together.

At the moment, there are only two political figures who hold out the potential of being able to unify the opposition. And they, of course, are Erap and Binay. But to date, both have yet to display the kind of courage and audacity required of a genuine opposition leader in these times. Both are immensely popular but neither has dared to call on the AFP to withdraw its loyalty to GMA and do what the Thai military did. Neither has called on his respective masa, to storm the military establishment with cries and shouts demanding that the AFP withdraw its loyalty and allegiance to GMA while she is out of the country. But that remains to be seen. In the meantime, who would dare make the call on the AFP to withdraw its loyalty to Malacañang?

Well, if Erap and Binay can’t mobilize the guts to do it, perhaps Teofisto “Tito” Guingona just might. He seems to be the only political figure who manages to be present in just about every meeting of opposition factions in town. He was certainly the only major opposition figure photographed right beside Binay at the height of that crisis in Makati City when everyone expected GMA’s troopers to storm Binay’s quarters and haul him — and those around him — into a waiting van by the neck.

Scheduled to meet tomorrow at St. Peter’s Church in Quezon City is an assembly of opposition leaders to discuss the national situation, and that will be as good an occasion as any for the assembly to reach a consensus on who should be the supreme leader of the opposition at this time. They do that and perhaps — just perhaps — the military might finally take notice and do a Thaksin in full awareness that a decision to install Guingona, at least as provisional leader, would meet with the approval of the entire opposition.

But Guingona still has to do the ultimate thing — the thing that Erap and Binay haven’t yet dared do, and that is to call on the AFP to withdraw its loyalty and allegiance to the Palace.

And the question is, can and will Guingona do it — call on the AFP to withdraw its loyalty to the Commander-in-Chief? He understands the risk, of course, and it could be a deadly, fatal one and taking that risk by itself doesn’t necessarily assure him that he will land the job as Supreme Leader.

But take the risk he must, if he wants to prove his sincerity in clamoring, as he does, for the head of GMA.

Failing that, then why don’t we just consider integrating with, and being an adjunct of, China? After all, that’s what Cha-cha is about, or didn’t you know?

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Laying the constitutional basis for AFP takeover?

By Alejandro Lichauco, Analysis, Daily Tribune 10/30/2006

If, as reported and cited by media, the Supreme Court (SC) accused the architects and pushers of people’s initiative (PI) of attempting a colossal fraud on the nation through what it described as “deceptively gathered signatures” and “without first showing to the people the full text of the proposed amendments,” then who can prevent reasonable men from reasonably concluding that the highest judicial body of the land has in effect, laid the constitutional basis for a military takeover in the exercise of the constitutional provision that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) shall function as the “protector of the people and the State?”

Here is a far-reaching indictment made by the Court: “This court exists to defend and protect the Constitution. To allow the constitutionally infirm initiative, propelled by deceptively gathered signatures, to alter basic principles in the Constitution is to allow a desecration of it.”      ....  CONTINUE READING

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   "When Recto felt that the Nationalist crusade could not be completed during his lifetime, he looked to the Filipino youth to continue the struggle. He said, " I place in your hands - I can think of no worthier bearers - this message to the Filipino youth... There were those who kept vigil in the night of our forefathers." As bearers of Recto’s messages and ideals, we similarly keep vigil during these nights of our time constantly bannering our cry - "YOU CONDEMN WHAT IS WRONG AND FIGHT FOR WHAT IS RIGHT!"

Capt. Carlos Maglalang

Young Officers Union 1990

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"Sundalo.bravehost.com" — Web site of second nationalist revolution?

By Alejandro Lichauco, Analysis, Daily Tribune, 11/02/2006

If the Web site is indicative of anything significant at all, it is the apparent ideological motivation that inspires it. Judging by the image-portraits spread throughout the center of its eight-page maiden issue, the defining signature of that ideology is nothing less than the spirit of Bonifacio’s nationalist revolution...

No question then that the Web site aims to be, if it isn’t already, the propaganda, information and educational organ of an emerging revolutionary class in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and which aims to inculcate in the nation’s military establishment nothing less than the spirit of revolutionary nationalism which gave birth to the Asian nationalist revolution against Western colonialism.     .... READ FULL ARTICLE / CONTINUE READING

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The GREENBASE Expose

THE OAKWOOD INCIDENT

On the early morning of July 27, 2003, a group of soldiers occupied the Oakwood Hotel in Makati to conduct protest actions against the Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Administration. Among the grievances they voiced out was GMA’s alleged responsibility for the Davao bombing incidents.

In the investigations that followed, the soldiers admitted that the ultimate sources of their information are the so-called Greenbase Documents. How true are these documents? What exactly is OPLAN GREENBASE all about? Indeed, what did these documents contain that were serious enough to drive these soldiers to rise against their very own Commander-in-Chief? Unfortunately, the answers to these questions never came as the investigations focused more on the peripheral issues such as armbands and on whether the soldiers’ actions were spontaneous or not. Eventually, the Greenbase issue was buried and forgotten.

Until now…

 GMA’s PEACE POLICY

Upon assumption to power, GMA adopted an all-out peace policy for all the different rebel and secessionist groups. This was articulated in her own Executive Order #3 signed on 28 Feb 2001 entitled “Defining Policy and Administrative Structure for Government’s Comprehensive Peace Efforts” (see Annex A) where a comprehensive peace process provided a holistic framework in addressing the long-running insurgency and secessionism in the country.

Likewise, in her Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan 2001-2004, she stressed that the vision for sustained peace and development in Mindanao is the peaceful coexistence of all stakeholders. “It outlined the challenges to be addressed such as: preventing the recurrence of armed conflict; addressing cultural inequity as manifested in the loss of ancestral lands and non-consideration of cultural aspects in programs and projects, and in addressing political inequity through the full implementation of autonomy, increased representation in government of Muslims and lumads, and improved conflict resolution and negotiation mechanisms.” (Relief, Rehab efforts intensified in Mindanao, Manila Times, 19 June 01).

As regards peace efforts with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), confidence-building measures complemented these peace policy declarations. On 20 Feb 2001, GMA announced the suspension of offensive military operations (SOMO) with the MILF. A few days later, then Justice Secretary Perez said that the multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder charges against the MILF leaders would be returned to the DOJ for reinvestigation. (Raps vs MILF leaders dropped. Inquirer News Service. 24 Feb 01). Then on March 16, NBI Director Reynaldo Wycoco announced that the Rizal Day bombing was not the handiwork of the MILF. (Rizal Day attacks, NBI clears MILF on bombings. PDI. 17 Mar 01).

On 24 March 2001, the Agreement on the General Framework for the Resumption of Peace Talks is signed by the GRP and MILF panels in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (State of the Nation Address (SONA) 2003 Technical Report). This paved the way for the MILF’s suspension of all offensive military action in their areas of operation on 03 April 2001.

The first round of formal Peace Talks were held in Tripoli, Libya on 22 June 2001 where both panels signed the Agreement on Peace between the GRP and the MILF. The second round was held on 07 August 2001 that resulted to the signing of the Implementing Guidelines on the Security Aspect of the GRP-MILF. Then on 18 October 2001, the third round of Peace Talks was held in Kuala Lumpur where both panels signed the Manual of Instruction for the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities and the local Monitoring Teams. (SONA 2003 Technical Report).

In the ensuing months, while there were still some minor clashes between the AFP and the MILF, the peace talks seemed to be holding. Which led GMA to say that “the sincerity of the MILF top command to join the mainstream and let their people share whatever development there can be is really very, very clear.” (Presidential News Desk News Release No. 7, 27 Feb 02). For a while it seemed that the ever-elusive peace in Mindanao is finally at hand.

But in early February 2003, AFP operations were stepped up in Central Mindanao incurring heavy losses on the side of the MILF. The AFP said that the reason for the attack was to dismantle two new MILF camps. (Abaya: MILF suffers heavy casualties in Mindanao operations. Froilan Gallardo. inq7.net. 05 Feb 03). Then on Feb 11, the Army’s 6^th Infantry (K) Division launched a full-scale attack on the Buliok Complex in the Liguasan Marsh Area in Pikit, North Cotabato. (The Fall of Buliok Complex – 6ID. 03 Mar 03. Downloaded from www.army.mil.ph). Suddenly, the government is again at war with the MILF.

BULIOK OFFENSIVE’S RATIONALE

In justifying the renewed attacks, Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas Ople said “the AFP units entered this area by the Liguasan Marsh for only one purpose: to apprehend the criminal elements of the notorious Pentagon Gang that had fled to the Buliok Complex, seeking sanctuary in the MILF camps.” (Statement of Sec. Blas Ople in a briefing for OIC Ambassador, DFA. 19 Feb 03). Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes meanwhile said that the AFP was “in hot pursuit of certain lawless elements, principally the kidnap-for-ransom groups and people responsible in the bombing last December 24.” (Tension up in North Cotabato ahead of troops-MILF clash. Froilan Gallardo. inq7.net. 10 Feb 03).

Could these be the real reasons for launching a full-scale war with the 10,000-strong MILF and negating all the milestone achievements in the peace talks? Just so that a band of 100 kidnappers could be apprehended? Or, the hot pursuit of lawless elements who committed a crime more than a month before?

But then again, Sec. Reyes himself acknowledged before the Congressional Oversight Committee on the VFA, which was studying the feasibility of holding RP-US war games in Sulu, that “he was uncertain if those killed during the Buliok operations were Pentagon Gang members or Muslim guerrillas.” Asked further if the mission was accomplished? All Sec. Reyes could answer were “I don’t know” or “I cannot recall” responses, which disappointed Senators Biazon, Pimentel and Angara. Sen. Biazon even commented, “I think the Defense Secretary is trying to evade responsibility for the Mindanao problem.” (Reyes comes under fire for ordering the Buliok offensive. Joshua Dancel. Manila Times. 12 Mar 03)

Now, if the official reason for the Buliok operations given by the government is not true, then what is? What could have motivated GMA to turn her back on her own peace initiatives and plunge her country and people into a war that would eventually kill hundreds of people, injuring thousands more and displacing at least 300,000 civilians?

 THE GREENBASE DOCUMENTS

           The Greenbase Documents are actually photocopies of what appeared to be two official Malacañang documents. The first is a Memorandum of Instructions dated 11 Feb 2003 addressed to then Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes and purportedly signed by GMA. (see Annex B). The second is purportedly signed by then Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Eduardo Ermita and is entitled “The President’s Four-Point Policy Framework in Addressing the Southern Philippine Secessionists/MILF Problem (Pursuant to the Presidential Memorandum of Instructions approved on 11 Feb 2003) (see Annex C). Both documents were leaked sometime in February 2003 right after the start of the Buliok Complex offensive.

The Memorandum of Instruction (MOI) authorized the implementation of OPLAN GREENBASE, which is basically an action plan to capture and occupy the Buliok Complex fronting the Liguasan Marsh Area. The reason for the clearing operations is to enable the NEDA to implement the 25-year Liguasan Marsh Development Framework Plan and the revival of the Farm-In Agreement and Joint Operating Agreement between Philippine National Oil Company-Exploration Corporation and Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd. Another objective of the plan according to the MOI is to capture MILF Chairman Salamat Hashim dead or alive. Also, the MOI explicitly stated that all matters pertinent to OPLAN GREENBASE should be coordinated with the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and the Presidential Adviser for Special Concerns.

The Four-Point Policy Framework (FPPF) meanwhile, detailed and expanded OPLAN GREENBASE into an action plan that would operationalize the approved MOI of GMA. The action plan is broken down into a four-point policy framework.

The first point provided the guidelines for the capture and occupation of the Buliok Complex and the capture of MILF Chairman Salamat Hashim.

The second point explicitly stated that the Agreement on the General Cessation of Hostilities has been suspended indefinitely. Moreover, the government will set up a monitoring team to absorb the duties and functions of the yet to be formed, OIC monitoring team.

The third point is about the government’s intention to invoke its right for the MILF to observe the May 6 joint communiqué where the MILF agreed to interdict criminal elements taking refuge in these controlled areas. It also states that once the Liguasan Marsh is cleared of the MILF, the Liguasan Marsh Development Plan, the Farm-In Agreement and Joint Operating Agreement between PNOC-EC and Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd and the Manila-Tripoli-Kuala Lumpur palm oil project could be implemented.

The fourth point, however, is the most controversial part of the whole document. In its entirety it states:

“The MILF must be held responsible for the AFP-backed spate of bombing in urban areas and destruction of several Napocor transmission towers, power sub-stations and barges, the Mt. Apo Geothermal Power Plant, the Pulangi Power Plant, and power plants of electric cooperatives and companies in Mindanao. Appropriate charges of rebellion, sedition, multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder will be filed against MILF leaders in various courts in order to secure warrants of arrest against them and reduce them in estoppel.

“The AFP’s plan to conduct comprehensive psywar operations over print and broadcast media, and destabilizations in urban Christian areas, such as Davao International Airport, Awang Airport, Gen Santos City International Standard Airport, Zamboanga International Airport, Cagayan de Oro Airport, principal ports and wharves, foreign embassies and consulates, hotels and restaurants, shopping malls, hospitals, churches, public markets and terminals, radio and television stations, factories, oil depots and gasoline stations, buses, cinemas, schools, plazas and others must be intensified and thereafter put the blame on the MILF so as to convince the Asean, the European Union, and the United States’ State Department to formally declare the MILF as a FOREIGN TERRORIST ORGANIZATION and Chairman Hashim Salamat as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist because of the gravity and magnitude of threat he and the MILF pose on the national security and territorial integrity of the Philippines and Asean Countries. Hashim’s capture or death, and MILF’s designation as an FTO will ensure the smooth conduct of Balikatan 03-1 in Central Mindanao and the US troops’ planned basing in Sarangani-Gen. Santos City.”

 PROPAGANDA or ACTION PLAN?

            The assertions of the GMA Administration against the Greenbase documents were articulated by Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio Bunye when he said in a press briefing on 27 Feb 2003, “We’d like to state that this document is spurious. It is not true. This document is fake and it has been circulated probably to agitate the Muslim population in Mindanao.” (Downloaded from www.op.gov.ph). On the other hand, the claim of the protesting soldiers in Oakwood was that the OPLAN GREENDBASE contained in the documents was an action plan authorized by GMA herself and executed by different government agencies.

Since a spurious or propaganda material is supposed to contain false information while an action plan is based on true information, instructions or guidelines for action that will be acted upon, then to authenticate the documents, or more specifically the contents thereof, they would have to be subjected to a single evaluation criterion, FACTS. These facts may come in the form of official pronouncements by government officials or by GMA herself or actual events that occurred that would validate or invalidate specific statements contained in the Greenbase Documents.

The following are the findings:

 Memorandum of Instructions (MOI)

1. MOI        -        In para 2 it states that “the AFP must CAPTURE AND OCCUPY simultaneously within one week the Buliok Complex fronting the Liguasan Marsh Area…”

Findings -        On Feb 12, GMA declared: “I order the AFP to capture and occupy the Buliok Complex fronting the Liguasan Marsh Area…” (PND News Release. 12 Feb 03). This statement is not only very similar to what was written in the MOI but it also coincides with the date written on the document, which is February 11, 2003.

              -        On Feb 11, the Philippine Army’s 6^th Infantry (K) Division launched an offensive in the Liguasan Marsh Area, particularly the Buliok Complex (The Fall of Buliok Complex – 6ID. Downloaded from www.army.mil.ph, 03 Mar 03).

2. MOI        -        In para 1 it states, “I order that the OPLAN GREENBASE must be totally implemented without prejudice to the GRP-MILF Tripoli Agreement of Peace.”

     Finding            -        The GRP-MILF Agreement of Peace was signed by both peace panels on 22 June 2001 in Tripoli, Libya. (SONA 2003 Technical Report)

3. MOI        -        In para 2 it states, “the GRP-MILF Agreements on the General Cessation of Hostilities is hereby suspended indefinitely.”

     Finding            -        The GRP-MILF Agreement on the General Cessation of Hostilities was signed on 18 July 1997 with the Manual of Instructions signed on 18 October 2001. (SONA 2003 Technical Report). This was unilaterally suspended when the AFP launched a full-scale attack on the Buliok Complex.

4. MOI        -        In para 2 it states, “the Buliok Complex has been identified by the Southcom as the base of operations and refuge area of the notorious Pentagon kidnap-for-ransom group and other heavily armed criminal groups in Mindanao.”

     Finding            -        On Feb 12, GMA said: “The Buliok Complex has been identified as the base of operations and refuge area of the notorious Pentagon kidnapping gang and other heavily armed criminal groups in Mindanao.” (PND News Release, 12 Feb 03). This statement is almost identical to what is stated in the MOI.

5. MOI        -        In para 2 it states, “…Buliok Complex where Salamat Hashim’s headquarters ‘Islamic Center’ is located.”

     Finding            -        The Islamic Center Mansion of Salamat Hashim is located inside Buliok Complex, which was seized by government troops on 16 Feb 2003. (Gov’t troops take over “Mansion” of TOP MILF leader. PDI. 17 Feb 03)

6.  MOI        -        In para 3 it states, “I have instructed the Department of Energy Secretary to revive the Geophysical Survey and Exploration Contract (Cotabato Basin Exploration Project) between Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd and the Philippine National Oil Company-Exploration Corporation as the draft Farm-In Agreement and Joint Operating Agreement between the PNOC and Petronas are ready for signing.”

     Finding            -        According to PNOC-EC records, the PNOC-EC and the Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd (PCOSB) entered into a joint agreement to explore the 1,044,000-hectare Cotabato Basin on 29 April 1995. The contract was pursuant to the Geophysical Survey and Exploration Contract and the pre-negotiated service contract dated 10 May 1994 between the Department of Energy and PNOC-EC. However, in 1997, this contract was pre-terminated by PCOSB for security reasons since 5 PCOSB project team members were kidnapped.

7.  MOI        -        In para 4 it states, “I have further ordered the NEDA Director-General to implement the much delayed 25-year Liguasan Marsh Development Framework Plan…”

     Finding            -        There is a NEDA project entitled “LIGUASAN MARSH DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN 1999-2025.” As of the present, the project implementation is delayed by 4 years.

8.  MOI        -        In para 5 it states, “serve the warrants of arrest issued against Samier Hashim, Ustaz Salamat Hashim, Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and Eid Kabalu by various courts two years ago.”

     Finding            -        There were warrants of arrest for top MILF leaders for the charges of multiple murder, frustrated multiple murder and these were given back to the DOJ two years ago for reinvestigation. (Raps vs. MILF leaders dropped. Inquirer News Service, 24 Feb 01)

9. MOI        -        In para 6 it states, “In implementation of OPLAN GREENBASE, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), and the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) must ensure that all evacuees in the war-affected barangays of Cotabato, Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat provinces are orderly evacuated…”

     Findings -        On Feb 19, GMA, in a luncheon meeting with members of the Malacañang Press Corps, said: “I order Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman and National Anti-Poverty Commission Secretary Teresita Deles to visit the area and make sure that the needs of the residents of the area, especially the evacuees, are met.” (Downloaded from www.op.gov.ph)

                   -        The NDCC gave P5 million to Cotabato Governor Emmanuel Piñol to fund a development plan for displaced families. (GMA asks Pikit Folk: have faith in gov’t. 02 Jul 03. Downloaded from www.pia.gov.ph)

10. MOI       -        In para 7 it states, “It is desired that all matters pertinent hereto shall be fully coordinated with the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and the Presidential Adviser for Special Concerns.”

     Findings -        On Feb 19, in the State Dining Room in Malacañang, GMA said: “I’ve appointed my Secretary for the Peace Process, Secretary Ed Ermita, to be my action officer for my Administration’s comprehensive peace and development efforts in the Liguasan Marsh Area.” (Downloaded from www.ops.gov.ph)

                   -        On Feb 19, GMA, in a luncheon meeting with members of the Malacañang Press Corps said: “I also sent Presidential Adviser on Special Concerns Norberto Gonzales to initiate talks regarding the peace process with MILF peace panel in Kuala Lumpur.” (Downloaded from www.op.gov.ph)

The Four-Point Policy Framework (FPPF)

1.  FPPF      -        In para 1 it states, “the AFP must capture and occupy Buliok Complex and environs within a week of continuous, massive aerial and infantry attacks…”

     Finding            -        On Feb 28, GMA, in an interview with Malacañang reporters in Camp General Mateo Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal, said: “I strongly believe in the capability of the military to follow deadlines that I have been giving them. When I told them to capture Buliok Complex in three days, the Armed Forces completed their mission before my deadline.” (Downloaded from www.op.gov.ph)

                   -        The AFP captured the whole Buliok Complex on 15 Feb 03. (Pikit fighting subsides: Military captures MILF stronghold in Cotabato. Inquirer News Service. 10 Feb 03)

2.  FPPF      -        In para 1 it states, “The government’s high-value target in the implementation of OPLAN Greenbase is to CAPTURE MILF HASHIM SALAMAT DEAD OR ALIVE.”

     Finding            -        On August 5, MILF Chairman Hashim Salamat was pronounced dead* by MILF Spokesperson Eid Kabalu. He said that Salamat died of cardiac arrest last 13 July 2003. (OFFICIAL: DEATH of MILF chair won’t stall peace talks. PDI. 06 Aug 03)

                   *        It was not explained by Eid Kabalu why the MILF delayed the announcement of Chairman Salamat’s death. Maybe they were only forced to announce his death since the peace talks were about to resume and they had earlier announced that Chairman Salamat was willing to act as Chief Negotiator. Whether he actually died during the Buliok operations but was kept secret at that time to avoid a breakdown in the MILF command structure as well as the morale of their fighters, or he truly died of cardiac arrest as officially pronounced, would never be known.

3.  FPPF      -        In para 1 it states “With the capture of all MILF camps, the Government, with the active participation of the Local government units in the area, must establish an Area of Temporary Stay (ATS) where the MILF rebels and their surviving leaders can be concentrated to avoid “mis-encounters” while negotiations for their total capitulation are going on.”

     Finding            -        One of the talking points during the March 01 meeting of the Cabinet Oversight Committee on Internal Security (COCIS) was to “establish an Area of Temporary Stay (ATS) for MILF rebels to avoid ‘mis-encounters’ while negotiations are going on.” (Gov’t unveils 4-pt plan for peace with MILF. Donna Pazzibugan. Inquirer News Service. 02 Mar 03)

4.  FPPF      -        In para 2 it states, “the Government will set up an acceptable monitoring team composed of PNP and AFP officials to monitor effectively any ceasefire mechanism that could be devised by the Defense Department.”

     Finding            -        One of the talking points during the March 01 meeting of the COCIS was “setting up an acceptable monitoring team to monitor ceasefire mechanism on the ground.” (Gov’t unveils 4-pt plan for peace with MILF. Donna Pazzibugan. Inquirer News Service. 02 Mar 03)

5.  FPPF      -        In para 3 it states, “The Government invokes its right for the MILF to fully observe the May 6, 2002 joint communiqué where the MILF agreed to interdict criminal elements taking refuge in their remaining controlled areas…”

     Finding            -        One of the talking points during the March 01 meeting of the COCIS was “for both sides to observe their May 6, 2002 joint communiqué where the MILF agreed to interdict criminal elements taking refuge in their controlled areas.” (Gov’t unveils 4-pt plan for peace with MILF. Donna Pazzibugan. Inquirer News Service. 02 Mar 03)

6. FPPF      -        In para 3 it states, “the LGU’s of Cotabato province and Pikit can now start implementing the Special Economic Enhancement and Development Program for Pikit (Seed Pikit).”

     Finding -        On Feb 26, GMA, in a NAPC meeting in Malacañang, said: “North Cotabato Governor Emmanuel Piñol has already drawn a development program for Pikit. I already released P5 million from the National Government to assist in the development plan.” (Downloaded from www.op.gov.ph)

7. FPPF      -        In para 3 it states, “the Government through the National Development Co. will be in a better position to fully implement the US $100 million joint venture Manila-Tripoli-Kuala Lumpur palm oil and sugarcane plantations confidential deal being hammered out by the President as a promissory concession once the two countries agreed to meddle in a peace talk with the MILF.”

     Findings -        On Feb 19, GMA, in a luncheon meeting with members of the Malacañang Press Corps said: “The establishment of a palm oil plantation in Buliok is in order, to be bankrolled by the Khaddafi Foundation. They have been looking for a consolidated area. The foundation’s local partner is the National Development Corporation. Very soon, an investment decision might be concluded.” (Downloaded from www.op.gov.ph)

                   -        The Buliok offensive was implemented to prepare the Liguasan Marsh for the Libyan Palm Oil Plantation Project. GMA allegedly had a personal interest in the $100-million worth project. It was proposed to her by Presidential Adviser for Special Concerns Norberto Gonzales in 2001 upon her assumption to power. The joint Libyan-Malaysian deal involved the Al Ghaddafi Foundation headed by the Libyan leader’s son, Sayf Al Islam. (GMA under fire for Libya Palm Oil Deal. Philippine Headline News Online. 05 March 03)

                   -        On Feb 26, GMA, in a NAPC meeting in Malacañang said: “Part of the development fund will be used for planting corn and part of it will be for planting palm oil. Malaysia, after my talks with Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed in my last visit to Kuala Lumpur, will be providing the planting materials for palm oil.” (Downloaded from www.op.gov.ph)

                   -        On March 28, both GRP and MILF peace panels agreed to involve Libya in the Peace Talks. (Gov’t, MILF agree to resume peace talks. PDI. 31 Mar 03)

                   -        On March 26, GMA said: “I am confident that Malaysia’s support as third party facilitator in the peace talks between the Philippine Government and the MILF will succeed.” (PND News Release, 26 Mar 03)

8.  FPPF      -        In para 4 it states, “the MILF must be held responsible for the AFP-backed spate of bombings in urban areas and destruction of several Napocor transmission towers, power sub-stations and barges…”

     Findings -        One of the talking points during the March 01 meeting of the COCIS was “pinpointing responsibility for the spate of bombings in urban areas and destruction of several Napocor transmission towers…” (Gov’t unveils 4-pt plan for peace with MILF. Donna Pazzibugan. Inquirer News Service. 02 Mar 03)

                   -        On Feb 15, two Napocor transmission towers in Carmen and Pikit towns were bombed. The MILF was blamed by the AFP for the incident but MILF spokesperson Eid Kabalu denied MILF involvement. (2 more Napocor transmission towers bombed. Froilan Gallardo. Mindanews. 15 Feb 03)

                   -        On Feb 26, seven Napocor transmission towers were bombed. (Power outages loom after Mindanao blackout. sunstar.com. 28 Feb 03)

                   -        On Feb 27, AFP Southern Command Spokesman Lt. Col Daniel Lucero said: “The MILF has earlier threatened to attack power stations and steel towers, and we are blaming them for these attacks.” (MILF sabotage blamed for Mindanao blackout. Edith Regalado, Roel Pareño, et.al. Philippine Star. 28 Feb 03.). But Eid Kabalu denied involvement of the MILF in those bombings. (Power outages loom after Mindanao blackout. sunstar.com. 28 Feb 03)

9.  FPPF      -        In para 4 it states, “Appropriate charges of rebellion, sedition, multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder will be filed against MILF leaders in various courts in order to secure warrants of arrest against them and reduce them in estoppel.”

     Finding            -        On March 07, multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder charges were filed against MILF leaders Salamat Hashim, Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, Ghazali Jaafar and Eid Kabalu in connection with the Davao Airport bombings. (Gov’t files bombing charges vs MILF head, 148 others. Inquirer News Service. 07 Mar 03)

10. FPPF     -        In para 4 it states, “The AFP’s plan to conduct comprehensive psywar operations over print and broadcast media, and destabilizations in urban Christian areas, such as Davao International Airport, Awang Airport, Gen Santos City International Standard Airport, Zamboanga International Airport, Cagayan de Oro Airport, principal ports and wharves, foreign embassies and consulates, hotels and restaurants, shopping malls, hospitals, churches, public markets and terminals, radio and television stations, factories, oil depots and gasoline stations, buses, cinemas, schools, plazas and others must be intensified and thereafter put the blame on the MILF…”

     Findings -        On Feb 20, a car bomb exploded at the Awang Airport killing one person and injuring six others. While another bomb exploded at a public market in Kabacan, Cotabato killing one person and injuring ten others. The AFP put blame on the MILF as Lt. Col. Michael Manquiquis said: “One of the possibilities that we could consider is that it could be the MILF.” MILF Spokesman Eid Kabalu denied the charges. (16 dead as fresh violence sweeps Mindanao. Agence France-Presse. 20 Feb 03)

                   -        On Feb 21, car bombs exploded simultaneously outside a shopping mall in Koronadal, South Cotabato. (3 hurt in bomb blast at South Cotabato mall. Inq7.net with Agence France-Presse. 21 Feb 03.

                   -        On March 04, a bomb exploded at the arrival area of the Davao International Airport killing 19 persons. Minutes later, another bomb exploded inside a health office in nearby Tagum City, Davao, which left two people injured. (19 killed in Davao Blasts. Philippine Star. 05 Mar 03). The AFP points the blame to the MILF despite admissions by the Abu Sayyaf Group. (Malacañang, police junk Abu claim on Davao blast. Inq7.net. 05 Mar 03). The next day March 05, the MILF issued a statement condemning the Davao Airport bombing. (see Annex D)

                   *        In an article of the Philippine Graphic, Datu Lacs Dalidig of the Muslim Multisectoral Movement for Peace and Development claimed that GMA admitted to him that the MILF was not responsible for the Davao Airport bombing. This admission, according to Dalidig, was made in the presence of former Exec. Sec. Renato de Villa, Sec. Norberto Gonzales, DSWD Sec. Corazon Soliman, and NAPC Sec. Ging Deles. The Graphic also got in touch with Sec. Gonzales during the Oakwood Incident and he admitted,  “there were leads that indicated the MILF did not do it.” (GMA acknowledged Davao blast was work of ‘3^rd Force’. Inday Espina-Varona. Graphic Special Issue Vol. 14 No. 9. 28 July 03)

                   -        On April 02, a bomb exploded through a row of crowded food stalls outside the Sasa Wharf killing 16 persons and injuring 55 others. (Sasa port blast suspect arrested. Rex C. Otero. Sunstar.com. 05 Apr 03)

                   *        Then ISAFP chief Gen. Victor Corpuz was seen in the morning of April 02 in Davao city by a key witness of the protesting soldiers in Oakwood. His presence in Davao city on the same day of the Sasa wharf bombing could only mean two things according to the protesting soldiers, either he was there to personally supervise a major “special operation”, or he was so incompetent that as head of the AFP’s Intelligence Service he never had a clue that a major terrorist activity was about to take place under his very nose.

                   -        On April 03, three Davao City Mosques were bombed. (3 Davao Mosques Bombed. Philippine Star. 04 Apr 03)

                   -        On May 10, a bomb (made out of 81 mm mortar cartridge) exploded in front of a public market in Koronadal, South Cotabato. (Over a dozen dead in bomb blast in S. Mindanao. Agence France-Presse, 10 May 03)

                   -        On July 10, a bomb exploded at a crowded market in Koronadal, South Cotabato killing at least 6 people and injuring 20 others. (AFP: 6 killed, 20 hurt in Koronadal blast. Reuters/abs-cbnNEWS.com. 10 July 03)

11. FPPF     -        In para 4 it states, “