Abu Sayyaf sub-leader killed in Sulu clash

text HADER GLANG

A suspected sub-leader of the al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group was killed in a clash with marines in the southern island of Sulu, ahead of the joint RP-US anti-terrorism training exercise, the military said.

Troops from the 3rd Marine Brigade raided a hideout of suspected Abu Sayyaf men early Tuesday in the town of Patikul, one of the sites in the upcoming Balikatan (shoulder to shoulder), triggering a brief firefight.

Killed was identified as a certain Apay Asakil, an alleged ASG sub-leader, reportedly operating in the area involved in the infamous Sipadan Island hostage-taking in 2000.

Sulu-based Marine Brigade commander Bernie Juancho Savan said military operatives recovered the body of Asakil along with an M-16 rifle. He said no casualties were reported on the government side.

Earlier, unidentified gunmen strafed worshippers inside a mosque in Busbus town, killing one and wounding 19 others. It was not known if the attack was connected to the killing of a military agent last month in the area.

Slain was Marine Sergeant Benjamin Bajao, who was shot at close range by still unidentified gunmen, who fled with his .45 caliber pistol and other personal belongings. Reports said the soldier was part of the outfit tracking down the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu, whose leaders carry huge amount of money as reward.

Abu Sayyaf has been blamed for a wave of bombings in the south and Manila since 2002. The group claimed responsibility for the series of bomb attacks in the Philippines, including the 2004 bombing of a ferry near Manila that killed more than 100 people.

Washington offered as much as $5 million bounty for known top Abu Sayyaf leaders, including Khadaffy Janjalani. Philippine government also put up P100 million rewards for the capture of the group's leaders and their members dead or alive. (ZS)

9 killed as MILF-Cafgu fighting flares in Maguindanao

Eight government militiamen and one Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighter were killed in a clash in the outskirts of Maguindanao in Central Mindanao over the weekend, a delayed report over Luwaran, the MILF rebels' official website, said Monday.

The report said undetermined number of MILF forces and Civilian Army Geographical Armed Forces (CAFGU) engaged in an intense firefight in the villages of Tapikan and Lepok, Datu Unsay town late Sunday afternoon.

It said the firefight ceased after the attackers, who were aided actively by Army soldiers, sustained heavy casualties forcing them to withdraw at nightfall.

According to the source, the MILF hierarchy is encountering great difficulty in disengaging the two-armed groups due to the recalcitrance of some politicians in Maguindanao.

A joint team of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) and the MILF and Government ceasefire committees rushed to the encounter site to defuse the situation and effect an immediate disengagement, another report said.

But renewed fighting between the same groups has flared up again shortly before noon Monday and extended late afternoon. There were no reports of casualties on both sides, according to the source.

Also early last week, similar incident took place in Mamasapano town, Maguindanao, where two MILF fighters were reportedly killed.

Presidential adviser on the peace process Jesus Dureza said he already sent Undersecretary Mon Santos to investigate the Maguindanao skirmishes. “The incident would not affect the peace process.”

Col. Gerry Jalandoni, chief of the Army's 604th Brigade, denied reports that the clash is between Army troopers and the MILF. He said the conflict is involving two MILF factions led by commanders Abdulsalam Wahid and Datu Item Ampatuan.

”The conflict stemmed from a land dispute worsened by a long-standing family feud,” he said.

Peace talks between the government and the MILF is set to resume on Feb. 6-7 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to thresh out remaining issues on ancestral domain before both parties proceed to discuss the final agenda of the talks. (ZS)

'City of Vinta' attracts more tourists

One of the many festivals of Zamboanga City, the

Regatta de Zamboanga is a festival of colorful

sailboats. It is usually held within the month-long

activities of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival in

October every year. The City Government of

Zamboanga conducts the Regatta in the form of a

race of colorful vintas, and fabulous prizes are given

to winners. (HADER GLANG)

TOURIST inflow to this city is expected to double this year from last year’s figure of 293,446, as it has drawn a lot of visitors since January 1, according to the Department of Tourism (DoT) regional office 9.

Ric San Juan, DoT regional director for Western Mindanao, said "this maybe partly due to our much improve peace and order condition which has gained visitor’s confidence of their safety while in this city vacationing."

Meanwhile, Mayor Celso Lobregat said through the active participation of the private sector and members of the Fourth Estate, the impression that the city’s abnormal peace and order condition is bad has been disproved.

"Tourists, both domestic and foreign, are starting to come to Zamboanga to see the reality, the beauty and peaceful conditions of the city," he told reporters in a press conference at City Hall.

"We are now promoting Zamboanga City as a convention center as it had played host to more than 20 national conventions like those of Philippine Nurses Association, the Seaweeds Congress and the Mango Congress," he added.

Late last year, some diplomats visited the city along with Zamboangueños living in United States and Canada. (Press Release)

20 people wounded in Jolo mosque attack
text HADER GLANG

UNIDENTIFIED gunmen strafed a mosque in Jolo, Sulu last Saturday night, wounding at least 20 people, a report reaching the Armed Forces’ Southern Command headquarters in Camp Navarro said Sunday.

The report said two motorcycle-riding suspects armed with assault rifle and pistol indiscriminately opened fire villagers who had just finished prayers in the mosque in Barangay (village) Busbus.

Brig. Gen. Alexander Aleo, chief of anti-terror “Task Force Comet,” said the attack occurred just a kilometer away from military camp and wounded at least 10 people. But the Suara Bangsamoro, said it counted up to 20 victims.

“The 10 wounded were rushed to the Sulu District Hospital for bullet wounds,” Aleo said. “Manhunt for the perpetrators had been launched. We are still investigating the motive for the attack.”

The latest attack in Sulu happened as US troops participating in an anti-terror training with Filipino counterparts next month are starting to arrive in the province. (ZS)

OPINION

DURIAN

text AMINA RASUL, Former Presidential Adviser on Youth Affairs

Rule of law? Rule of the lawless

WITH the coming of Balikatan (shoulder to shoulder) and the controversies surrounding the rape case filed against four American soldiers, the Visiting Forces Agreement is once more at the heart of debates. Q: Why is the Philippine government so keen on having American forces in the country, especially in the conflict areas of Mindanao? A: To help professionalize and strengthen the military in the war against terror. Q: Is Mindanao hostaged by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and by the Jemaah Islamiya (JI)? A: Is it?

During the 1979-89 Soviet-Afghan War, ASG founder Khadaffy Janjalani linked up with fellow mujahideen (warrior for the faith) Osama bin Laden. Janjalani came back and organized what is now known as the Abu Sayyaf, supported by the al-Qaeda. A small and violent group, it earned international notoriety from its kidnapping operations and gruesome beheading of captives. The Sipadan hostage taking landed the ASG in the international headlines. (Did the ASG have the capacity to mastermind that operation?) Philippine military operations, trained and equipped by Balikatan, have decimated the ranks and leadership of the ASG. Captured leaders were killed during an attempted jailbreak last year. Still, the ASG is prominently cited as the cause of major military encounters in Sulu and responsible for bombings nationwide. Military reports have linked the JI with terrorism in the country. With its diminished capacities, how big a threat does the ASG really pose? There is no satisfactory answer to this question. The answer becomes even more complicated as some officials and experts link the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) troops with terrorism.

Last month, General Adan and Mayor Celso Lobregat Jr. of Zamboanga City accused the MILF of recruiting new soldiers, concluding that this is a step to resumption of hostilities, linked to the JI. Interestingly, Davao City Mayor Duterte does not share this fear. In his welcome address during the Asean Tourism Conference, he said, “The negative travel advisory against us is canted and self-serving. ... If we look at the countries that are fond of labeling us as having ‘security problems,’ these are actually the very same countries that invade and conquer other countries, wage unjust wars, and incidentally, control the global tourism industry. So we should not accept that as a matter of fact, but view it as part of a larger political context.”

Muslim leaders today are concerned about the further radicalization of Muslim groups. Last year three major MNLF encounters with Philippine troops, displacing thousands, have been attributed to pursuit of the ASG. Next month Balikatan will bring more US troops to help train RP soldiers and to implement civic action programs in Mindanao. The main concern of Mindanao’s civil society and Muslim leaders is to prevent the US involvement in a local insurgency, as they did during the Vietnam War.

Seems to me the more malignant threats come not from the ASG/JI but from corruption, narcopolitics, kidnapping and other criminal activities. These prevent Mindanaoans from enjoying the benefits of the simple life they hope to lead, mired as they are in poverty and hopelessness. In the absence of the rule of law, the rule of the lawless prevails. “Rido” or “blood feud” has become more entrenched as a way to serve up justice, in the absence of the rule of law.

Law and order has broken down in Muslim Mindanao. Rule of law requires democracy and a political system that promotes social justice. It depends on an economic system that advances the development of every member of the society. It requires an independent judiciary. A well-functioning justice system should include prison administration, police reform and human-rights protection. The rule of law also includes the peaceful resolution of disputes. Democracy? Development? Justice? Peace? These have become alien terms to conflict-affected communities.

All these factors contribute to the radicalization of the Muslims. How do we move forward, beyond armed conflict and stagnation? What is the government’s real game plan? Bring our hero Pacquiao all over Mindanao to unite the people with his song? As MNLF Chairman Misuari enjoys his brief furlough for medical treatment, does he have flashbacks to 30 years ago, when Muslim insurgency was used to justify martial rule? Now that was some game plan! (AR)

Zamboanga City helps Philippines
become an outsourcing champion
text TMCnet

The Philippines is a choice location for outsourcing contact center services, followed closely by India, China, and Malaysia. Presently there are more than 50 contact center outsourcing providers in the Philippines – and more call center and business process outsourcing firms are expected to set up operations in the country due to its willing, cost-efficient and trained manpower.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reports the country’s largest call center and outsourcing firm, Cyber City Teleservices Limited (CCTL), has gone to Zamboanga City in search of call center agents as it seeks to fulfill its expansion program in the Philippines.

CCTL is the largest customer relationship management call center in the Philippines. It employs around 5,000 agents for its operations at Clark Special Economic Zone in Pampanga province in Luzon, as well as its affiliate, G-Com Limited, in Davao City in the southern Philippines.

Councilor Milabel Velasquez thinks that the peaceful law and order situation in Zamboanga City attracts many labor firms from Manila and other provinces to come and hire more people.

“Our peace-keeping efforts are moving forward and everybody is working hard to sustain the current situation and we are on the right track,” she said.

The city boasts of competent professionals and their unique ability to speak and understand both English and Spanish. Other call center firms have recruited hundreds of locals in previous years.

Labor Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas believes that the Philippines has become the favorite destination of many American call center and outsourcing firms due to the Filipinos’ affinity with the American English language and culture.

The Department of Trade and Industry expects BPO contractors to fully employ as many as 800,000 Filipino workers by 2010. It also noted that many local call centers here are subsidiaries of large corporations publicly listed in the United States, including Sykes Enterprises Inc., Convergys Corp., People Support Inc., and ICT Group Inc., all of them listed either at the New York Stock Exchange or the NASDAQ stock market.

Experts feel that the necessary ingredients for spectacular growth in the outsourcing industry are, in fact, already present in the country. It is now only a matter of improving what the country has and maximizing what is present.

Some people feel that Philippines even has some advantages over India, like it being a smaller country, and, hence, offering more ease to control operations. Moreover, a skilled workforce is the country’s greatest asset and here the people have both productivity and passion.

Florida-based Sykes has 17,130 employees worldwide, with over 6,000, or 40 percent, based in the Philippines. Ohio-based Convergys has 66,300 workers across the globe, and 5,300, or about 8 percent, are Filipinos.

California-based People Support, whose global operation is based in the Philippines, has all its 3,800 employees in the country, except for some officers in its US head office. People Support’s Pennsylvania-based ICT Group has 13,850 workers worldwide, with 1,400 working in the Philippines. (TMCnet)

Rizal Alih asks children to kiss Mayor
Lobregat's feet for trial in Zambo


Rizal Alih

FUGITIVE and double murder suspect Rizal Alih has requested his children to bow and bend their knees before Mayor Celso Lobregat in a bid to convince the city chief executive into allowing him to stand trial in Zamboanga City.

"Puntahan 'nyo si Mayor (Celso Loregat) kung puwede doon kayo matulog at pagkatapos halikan 'nyo and kanyang mga paa at kamay para lang pahintulutan niya na isagawa ang hearing ng kaso ko sa Zamboanga City (Go to the mayor (Celso Lobregat) and if possible you sleep in his office, kiss both his hands and feet so he would allow my case to be heard in Zamboanga City)," Alih said in his request to his children.

Alih, now 60, said that he also looks forward to reuniting with his family after 17 years in self exile and eventual imprisonment in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia where he had been charged and convicted for killing a Malaysian soldier and illegal migration to the said country.

In an exclusive interview over Zamboanga City-based Radyo Agong of Radio Mindanao Network (RMN), Alih said that he yearns to see and hug his children, particularly those who were too young when fled to Malaysia after the infamous Cawa-Cawa siege in 1989.

"I am already old and with my present situation I don't have anymore force or power to initiate or create any disturbances neither can I ruin Zamboanga City," he said.

According to Alih, he is ready to accept whatever punishment the court would give him in the double murder case filed with the regional trial court here.

At the same time, Alih appealed to Mayor Lobregat and members of the City Council to reconsider their stand and give him the chance to return and defend himself in court here.

He also advised his sons not to take revenge with the government "because what had happened wasn't his choice and he was only a victim of time".

It will be recalled that Alih was turned over by the Malaysian government to the Philippine government last January 20, and is now temporarily detained in Camp Crame, pending the Supreme Court's decision for his transfer to this city for trial.

Alih, a former patrolman, led a prison riot in 1989 where a general and his aide died along with eight others in the now infamous Camp Cawa-Cawa incident in Zamboanga City in 1989. He has been charged with the murder of Gen. Eduardo Batallia and Col. Romeo Abendan.

He fled to Malaysia and lived under an assumed identity, reports said.

Judge Peter Eisma of the Zamboanga City RTC recently reissued a warrant of arrest against Alih on Sept. 8, 2005 after authorities determined that Alih is alive.

Authorities turned over Alih to CIDG following his deportation to the Philippines. Alih spent eight years in prison in Malaysia after his arrest and conviction in 1994 on gun charges.

Malaysian police seized two M-16 rifles from him during a raid on a known criminal den in Sabah where he escaped after the Zamboanga incident.

He was subsequently deported to Indonesia because he used an assumed name and introduced himself as an Indonesian national during his stay in Malaysia.

Hunger forced him to turn himself in to Indonesian authorities who subsequently deported him to the Philippines after introducing himself as the Rizal Alih wanted for the Camp Cawa-Cawa siege.

Alih was picked up and eventually detained in Camp Cawa-Cawa in 1989 in connection with the murder of Zamboanga City Mayor Cesar Climaco on Nov. 14, 1984.

Alih was summoned on Jan. 5, 1989 by Batalla in his office following his refusal to be transferred to Manila. It ended into a shouting match and the hostage-taking of Batalla and Abendan.

The military and the police then lay siege on the camp after a three-day stand-off, destroying it with artillery fire.

Meanwhile, the Department of Justice (DOJ) will pursue the filing of murder charges against Alih.

Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez said he is only waiting for the turn over of reports and evidence of the case coming from the Philippine Gonzalez said the PNP is contemplating to ask the Supreme Court the transfer of Alih's trial from Zamboanga to other place for security reasons. (ZS)

Misuari to be freed soon?

Nur Misuari

FORMER governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Nur Misuari will be freed from detention in four days from now, a reliable source from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which speaks on condition of anonymity, said on Thursday.

Two weeks ago, the jailed Moro National Liberation Front chairman, was granted temporary freedom to be with his fellow Muslims during the Eid’l Adha prayers at the Blue Mosque at Maharlika village in Taguig, Rizal, which marked the culmination of the pilgrimage to Mecca.

Reporters quoted him as saying: "We don’t want hypocritical peace anymore. We want a real and genuine peace. If the government and the MILF can give that meaningful, permanent and durable peace in Mindanao, they have our support.”

The source also disclosed that Misuari’s liberty is part of a bigger bargain between the MNLF and the Arroyo administration to involve the former in the search for comprehensive peace settlement in Mindanao.

The court, after hearing the rebellion charges against Misuari, will decide in his favor; meaning, he will not be found guilty of these charges.

However, the deal mainly involved the MNLF-Misuari, because only this group among the various factions of the Front, which still has followers fighting the government. The rest are already in the mainstream society and many are working in the government.

“The government wants this faction to be on the surface especially the military commanders like Ustadz Habier Malik and Julhambrie Misuari,” one observer disclosed, adding that through this scheme “monitoring their activities is easy”.

As this developed, another source revealed that all the factions of the MNLF are poised to reunite again with Misuari still to be recognized as the overall leader of the group.

Asked to comment on this turn of event, Jun Mantawil, head of the MILF peace panel secretariat, said, “This is a welcome development.”
“We hope Misuari will emerge a better man this time after suffering from the ordeal from his tormentors.” “He is at the last edge of his life and he deserved to be freed on humanitarian ground.” “He is still one of the leaders of our people.” (ZS)

ARMM to sep up seaweeds plant in Maguindanao

THE Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will soon take a better advantage of its being the biggest producer of seaweeds in the country, officials said on Wednesday.

Director Malcolm Sarmiento of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Central Office said that their office in close coordination with the BFAR-ARMM has an impending plan to establish a seaweeds processing plant in the region.

Sarmiento disclosed that a PhP 3 Million fund has already been allocated to support the said project. “The fund is ready. We are just awaiting the BFAR-ARMM to submit the corresponding proposal,” he said.

The processing plant, which will be put up in Parang, Maguindanao and will be run by a cooperative of seaweeds farmers, is designed to produce semi-refined seaweeds in the form of chips.

Ordinary seaweeds growers are expected to benefit the most from the processing plant. Aside from having a ready buyer for their produce at a good price, they will still be receiving dividends from the earnings of the processing plant.

Both Sarmiento and ARMM’s Agriculture Secretary Sajid Druz Ali believe that the establishment of cooperatives will be the best way to improve the performance of the region in terms of seaweeds production and ensure that ordinary farmers and their families will be getting the most from their harvest.

Meanwhile, Atty. Frances Cynthia Guaini-Sayadi, ARMM Attorney-General, emphasized the need to assess the problems faced by seaweeds farmers in the region on their “micro level and not just on their macro level”.

Considering that most seaweeds farmers in the region have barely gone to school, Atty. Guaini-Sayadi said that educating them on key matters pertaining to the establishment and management of cooperative as well as the advantages of grouping themselves to form a cooperative is an imperative.

“The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) of ARMM should immediately take this up,” she said.

ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan has also given his full support to the thrusts being undertaken by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF)-ARMM.

“We will be actively pursuing projects that will improve our fishery sector as inputs to the socio-economic development agenda of Regional Governor Ampatuan,” says BFAR-ARMM Director Keise Usman. (Press Release)

President Arroyo inducts Dr.
Gonzales as PASUC head


President Gloria Arroyo inducts officers of PASUC
led by WMSU President Dr. Edilgario Gonzales
in a formal ceremony in Malacañang. (PR)

PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo recently inducted into office Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) President Dr. Eldigario Gonzales as concurrent president of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) in a ceremony held in Malacañang.

Dr. Gonzales in a letter to Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat disclosed that during his dialogue with the Chief Executive, he reiterated to her the association's resolution requesting her to retain the government's regional offices and the Southern Command in the city.

The President's earlier order for the transfer to Pagadian City has been a major local issue in that local residents and City Hall has bucked the order.

The WMSU president was re-elected for a second term as PASUC president during the organization's general assembly held here last June. He took his oath in Malacañang last August 4 together with the other incoming officers of the organization.

PASUC has been increasingly active in consolidating and promoting the advancement of higher education and other concerns of state-owned educational institutions.

In its resolution, PASUC expressed concern that the transfer of the regional offices from Zamboanga City to Pagadian will cause the dislocation of affected families to the detriment of their children enrolled in local SUCs, whose functions will moreover be prejudiced by the dispersal of vital government services.

The City Council has also acknowledged and commended PASUC's stand on the matter.Dr. Gonzales said President Arroyo was convinced of the need to review her earlier executive order on the transfer in the awke of widespread objection against it.

Recent subsequent reports indicate that the President has informed other parties that she has deferred the transfer of both the line agencies and Southcom for the meantime. (Press Release)

"Be the best and make a mark,"

Basilan solon urges WMSU alumni

House Deputy Speaker for Mindanao Gerry Salapuddin

ALUMNI of the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) have been challenged to be innovative and conscientious professionals to be able to contribute their best to the development of the community and nation and leave a personal mark in society.

This was the gist of the keynote speech of House Deputy Speaker for Mindanao and Basilan Lone District Rep. Gerry Salapuddin when he graced the opening program of the 86th Grand Alumni Homecoming of WMSU.

Salapuddin, himself an alumnus, acknowledged his personal debt to the university for his college education. He enrolled in WMSU soon after returning to the fold of the law after ending many years as head of the provincial revolution command of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Basilan.

The Basilan congressman also expressed in his remark his support for the plan for WMSU to establish several extension campuses in various parts of Western Mindanao, making it a regional university system.

He said the system would enable WMSU to provide higher education to the young living in remote parts of the peninsula. The plan has been filed as a bill in Congress, where Salapuddin is the deputy majority speaker for Mindanao.

WMSU Vice-President for Corporate Affairs Prof. Clemencio Bascar welcomed on behalf of President Dr. Eldigario Gonzales the alumni attending the two-day homecoming. Alumni association President Nerlyne Concepcion while giving the welcome address also led the alumni in renewing their pledge of allegiance to their alma mater.

In his speech, Prof. Bascar hurled a challenge to the alumni and their association to "globalize" the homecoming event since, he pointed out, many graduates are now working or living in many foreign countries. They would be glad, he noted, to participate in one way or the other in the annual event. (Press Release)

ANNOUNCEMENT

January 27 Internet Chat with U.S. Embassy
to Discuss U.S.-Philippines Relations

The U.S. Embassy’s Virtual Consulate Davao is hosting a live Internet chat on Friday, January 27 to discuss U.S.-Philippines relations with visitors Angela Dickey and William Comley from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs (EAP).

Ms. Dickey is Director, Office of Maritime Southeast Asia and Mr. Comley is an EAP Political Desk Officer.
During this live Internet chat, registered participants can discuss and ask questions about U.S.-Philippines relations. The program will start promptly at 7:45 a.m. on Friday, January 27 and last one hour.

Those interested in participating in this live Internet chat should register as a user and log in by 7:45 a.m. Philippine time (Thursday, January 26 6:45 pm EST). To join the live chat, follow the instructions on the Virtual Consulate Davao’s Web site at http://www.usvirtualconsulatedavao.org.ph/. (Press Release)

Read books of


at http://www.harunyahya.com/html/m_book_index.htm

Mayor Lobregat invites Pacquiao for 'Dia de Zamboanga'


Manny 'Pacman' Pacquiao

THE city has plans of inviting Manny “The Pacman” Pacquiao to grace the Dia de Zamboanga celebration this coming February 26, 2006.

This was disclosed by Mayor Celso L. Lobregat who said “we can try inviting Pacquiao if he’s not busy.”

The idea of inviting the Pacman was broached by the media people who said that for a change, it would be best that Pacquiao be invited for the Dia de Zamboanga.

It was also gathered that Pacquiao would be in Zamboanga City for the big-time cockfight derby that would coincide with the Dia de Zamboanga celebration.

The Mayor earlier has expressed his elation over the victory of Pacquiao against Erik “El Terrible” Morales.

Pacquiao knocked out Morales in the 10th round.

“With the many problems that the country is facing, Manny’s victory reassures us that Filipinos can be competitive and is world class,” the Mayor said.

Throwing punches at every angle, Pacquiao avenged his defeat 10 months ago and handed Morales the worst beating of his career.

It was the first time Morales had ever been stopped in what had been a spectacular career, and it came with a spectacular performance by a Filipino who never stopped punching.

The end came at 2:33 of the 10th round. (Press Release)

OPINION
DURIAN
text AMINA RASUL, Former Presidential Adviser on Youth Affairs

On radicalization

MANY durian addicts sent text messages about my first column. “The bulldozer process will kill the last vestige of democracy in Muslim Mindanao,” said one. “The proposed Cha-cha will lead only to further radicalization of Muslims,” said another.

What is the connection? Simply put, democracy dies when da pipol are silenced. When the people are gagged, their anger and frustration find release in an eruption made all the more violent by poverty and oppression. The lucky ones become OFWs to escape the cage that is the Philippines. They speak with their feet. Those who cannot escape tighten their belts, joke about the situation and join rallies. They speak with their clenched fists and red banners. Those who have been pressed to the wall turn to insurgency. They speak with gunfire. Thus we are radicalized.

In the case of the Muslim communities, the majority aspire to live as God-fearing ummah, the community of believers. Centuries of colonization have forced the Muslims in the Philippines to fight, defending their right to live as Muslims. The sovereign Muslim sultanates did not accept the American “gift” of independence to the Philippines. Regardless, the United States “force-fitted” communities at war with each other into one republic. Many of our problems as a state can be traced to this historical mistake.

A real participatory Charter change process could have been the key to rectify historical mistakes. As it is, my durian-loving friend is right: this bulldozer of a Cha-cha will radicalize us further.

Islamic insurgency in the Philippines has been a continuation of the Muslims’ struggle against colonial powers: Spain, then the US, and lastly the Philippine government itself. Islam arrived in the southern Philippines in the 14th century. When Spain arrived in 1521, Islam was entrenched wherever the Spaniards sailed—from Manila to Pangasinan to Cebu to Min­danao. These Islamic communities had their own government patterned after the sultanate system and sovereignty. The Filipinos won their fight for independence on June 12, 1898. The proud Spanish government chose to surrender to another colonial power, ceding the Philippines to the US under the Treaty of Paris (1898). Filipinos waged armed resistance from 1899 to 1902, finally accepting governance by the US after the failure of the insurrection. The Muslim sultanates, however, entered into treaties with the US government (which recognized their sovereignty).

On July 4, 1946, the US government granted independence to the Philippines and included the Muslim sultanates. The Muslim chieftains protested against becoming a part of the Philippines, citing their independence and sovereignty. The Muslim rebellion continued even after the proclamation of Philippine independence.

Muslim insurgency groups therefore view their struggle for secession as a continuation of the fight for independence. This aspiration reverberates in Muslim Mindanao to this day.

The Catholic-majority and the central government have assumed that the Muslims of the Philippines are an integral part of the nation. True? In their hearts and minds, the Tausug, Yakan, Maranao, Sama, Maguindanao, Iranun of Mindanao have always felt a nation apart. This feeling is reinforced by the fact that the military—whose role is to defend the State against external threats—is the primary arm used by central government to quell hostilities in the South. Why are the local police and civilian authorities not at the helm of the strategy to establish peace and rule of law in conflict-ridden Mindanao?

Are the locals not trusted by the central government? Is this an indication that the local leaders—being Tausug, Yakan, Maranao, Sama, Maguindanao, Iranun—are considered to be outsiders, even if they belong to the same party as the ruling power?

Look at the Lakas CMD. Do Lakas Muslim leaders truly have a say in party matters? Alternatively, are they mere exotic accessories? To be fair, the Lakas under former President Ramos gave Muslim leaders a role in shaping party policy. They were consulted on matters affecting their constituents. For instance, the choice of ARMM regional candidates was the domain of the Muslim Lakas leaders, headed by then-Lakas Sen. Santanina Rasul. FVR and his political advisers accepted the choices.

Today, the original Lakas members who supported FVR must be mourning the passing of the dream of Christian-Muslim democrats, marked by the recent Lakas assembly. An assembly that turned on its founder. To which we say, “Et tu, Manong Joe?” -- (The silent majority)

RP, U.S. military provide medical and
humanitarian assistance to Sulu residents


A young girl participates in a game set up for
children awaiting care during a Medical Civic
Action Program (MEDCAP) and humanitarian
assistance mission in the town of Indanan,
Sulu on January 15. The Philippine Armed
Forces from Southern Command and the
U.S. Armed Forces from Joint Special
Operations Task Force Philippines treated
more than 750 people from the Indanan area
in the one-day event. Under the ongoing
Project Bayanihan initiative, such joint
humanitarian and civic assistance projects
improve RP-U.S. military civic cooperation
and train civil-military personnel to work

together. (PR)

THE Philippine Armed Forces from Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), the U.S. Armed Forces from Joint Special Operations Task Force Philippines (JSOTF-P) and local volunteers conducted a Medical Civic Action Program (MEDCAP) and humanitarian assistance mission for the first time in the town of Indanan on January 15.

The MEDCAP was held at a local elementary school under the umbrella of Project Bayanihan, which provides the framework for ongoing humanitarian and civic assistance in Sulu, improves RP-U.S. military civic cooperation, and trains civil-military personnel to work together.

“Our goal here is to provide capacity building to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), conduct together Civil Military Operations in conflict-affected areas and provide a secure environment so that development and social progress can occur,” said Col. James Linder, JSOTF-P Commander.

“With our civilian agency and non-governmental organization partners, we want to show the people of Sulu a development alternative to the all-too-prevalent lawlessness and violence.”

Philippine Armed Forces medics and U.S. Armed Forces medics together treated 750 patients, including 150 dental surgery patients. Free prescription drugs were delivered as well as preventive care supplies including dental care items, vitamins and education kits.

More than $10,000 of medical and humanitarian assistance supplies was distributed to Indanan citizens.

“Throughout this country, with the cooperation of the government of the Republic of the Philippines, we will continue to advise, assist and share information with our AFP counterparts and strengthen their hand in the global war on terrorism,” said Linder.

Indanan, a small town on Sulu Island in the Southern Philippines, has a population of approximately 55,000, with very limited access to rudimentary medical services. (Press Release)

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ARMM governor visits Malaysia's State of Malacca


ARMM Gov. Zaldy Ampatuan

Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao will be leaving for a state visit to Malaysia’s State of Malacca on an invitation by the Malacca government on January 23-26, 2006.

ARMM Trade and Industry Secretary Ishak Mastura said the visit of Governor Ampatuan to Malacca is very historic for ARMM because never in the history of the region has a State Government of a foreign country invited the ARMM Governor to officially visit their place with corresponding honors. He said that this honor is usually accorded to visiting dignitaries only.

Mastura said that Malaysia is very important to Mindanao not only because of its proximity but because it is “currently facilitating the government’s peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).”

He added that International Monitoring Team (IMT) is now deployed in various parts of Mindanao to monitor ceasefire agreement between the Government and the MILF.

Mastura said some of Governor Ampatuan’s itinerary is to have a courtesy call to the Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar.

“The governor will convey to the Foreign Minister the ARMM government’s support to the substantive contributions of the IMT to the Mindanao peace process, adding that “incidents of clashes between the government and the MILF have been drastically reduced since the deployment of IMT giving the ARMM leadership and its foreign donor partners the chance to increase development activities to rehabilitate the conflict-affected areas.”

Also, a highlight of the visit will include presentation of the DTI-ARMM’s proposal to obtain technical assistance and tie up of the ARMM Halal Certification Scheme with Malaysia’s Halal Certifying Body (JAKIM).

The delegation is set to meet with the head of JAKIM and discuss possible collaboration.

Halal certification is a process whereby products are declared suitable for Muslim consumption. Under President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s 2004-2010 Medium Term Development Plan, it envisioned ARMM to be the Halal-based food production center of the country.

Also, Governor Ampatuan and his delegation will be meeting in a State Dinner the Chief Minister of Malacca. The delegation will receive briefing on the Dunia Melayu, Dunia Islam (Malay World, Islamic World) program of the Malacca State Government, which seeks to establish close cooperation and trade links with the rest of the Islamic Malay World in Southeast Asia.

“The State Visit will rekindle centuries old affinity with Malacca since the Maguindanao Sultanate in ARMM has its origins in the Malacca Sultanate considering that its founder Sharif Kabunsuan was the son of a Malaccan princess”, Mastura said.

Governor Ampatuan will also grace the opening of a conference on the Common Malay Culture of the ARMM inhabitants and Malaysia.

The delegation is scheduled to tour the Technology College Islam Melaka and Biotechnology Complex .

Mastura is positive that ARMM people could avail of Malaysia’s Short Term Course Program for them “to develop their skills and update their technical know-how in the fields of government administration, agri-industry, infrastructure management and environmental regulation.”

Bureau of Public Information Executive Director Samson Gogo said joining Gov. Ampatuan are ARMM Executive Secretary Oscar Sampulna, Cabinet Secretary Mustapha Sambolawan, Secretary Kabuntalan Emblawa (DENR), Secretary Razul Abpi (DPWH), Secretary Udtog Kawit (DepEd), Secretary Ishak Mastura (DTI), Islamic adviser Ustadz Farid Solaiman and legal advisor, Atty. Arnel Datukon. (Press Release)

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Pacman rallies, stuns El

Terrible with 10th round TKO

text ESPN

Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao

decks Erik Morales halting the Mexican

in the 10th-round of the super

featherweight fight late Saturday night

(early Sunday afternoon in Philippines)

at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las

Vegas, Nevada.(Hader Glang)

Fililipino-American boxing fans rejoice at

Pacman's victory over El Terrible. (HG)

Erik Morales had been down just once previously in his career, and that was a questionable 12th-round knockdown in his first epic duel with Marco Antonio Barrera in 2000.

Then came the force known as Manny Pacquiao on Sunday, January 22, 2006.

Pacquiao, seeking revenge for a unanimous decision loss to Morales last March 19, powered his way to a pair of knockdowns and a 10th-round TKO in a junior lightweight fight before a raucous crowd of 14,618 at the Thomas & Mack Center.

"I'm thankful to God for giving me great power, but with great power comes great responsibility," said Pacquiao, who pelted Morales with punches from all angles and gave him the worst beating of his career.

The huge contingent of Mexicans and Filipinos came to see an all-action fight between their national heroes and they got exactly that -- an early candidate for fight of the year.

But unlike the first fight, when Morales (48-4) had just enough to get past Pacquiao (41-3-2, 32 KOs), he couldn't do it this time. The years of vicious battles seemed to have finally taken their toll.

Morales' face was lumpy and bruised and he appeared out of gas as the 10th round started. Then Pacquiao finished him.

A left hand knocked Morales down to his knees. He clutched the ropes and alertly took an eight-count from referee Kenny Bayless before rising. But moments later, Pacquiao landed a pair of right hands that knocked Morales down again to his knees, and Bayless called it off at 2:33 without a count. Morales was taken to Valley Hospital for observation.

"I could see he was having problems taking my punches," Pacquiao said. "I had no problem taking his. He never hurt me.

"I could take his power. I was able to land a lot more different punches this time. I saw that every time I hit him to the body he would stop punching, so I knew he was hurt. I was still careful because he has great power."

"I was tired, and it was an accumulation of all the hard fights. But I was just tired," said Morales, in his first fight with new trainer Jose Lopez Sr. after dismissing his father, Jose Morales.

"I fell down because I was tired. I was tired because of making weight. The body can't take much more, and I was exhausted. It's hard to tell if I can make this weight (of 130 pounds) again. I am going to take a vacation. I'm just tired of boxing."

Pacquiao, allowed to wear his beloved Reyes brand gloves -- the "puncher's" glove -- said he felt more comfortable in this fight. In the first fight, Pacquiao was forced to wear the fluffier Winning gloves that Morales prefers, and he was not comfortable in them.

"The gloves helped a lot," Pacquiao said. "I like my gloves. The gloves were a big difference."
Pacquiao, who also owns a knockout win against Barrera, said his vision was better this time. In the first fight, Morales busted open a cut over Pacquiao's right eye in the fifth round and the blood dripping in his eye hindered his vision.

This time, Pacquiao didn't suffer any cuts.
"I could see the punches coming this time," he said. "I didn't have blood in my eye. I could see better."

HBO will replay the fight next Saturday night (9:45 ET) along with live coverage of Arturo Gatti vs. Thomas Damgaard.

Morales, a former three-division champion, has now lost three of his last four bouts -- his third fight to Barrera, a shocking upset decision loss to Zahir Raheem at lightweight last fall and now this knockout defeat.

With the series now 1-1, Morales' loss triggered an immediate rematch clause at his discretion. Pacquiao is up for it, and why shouldn't he be?
"If he wants a rematch, I will give him a rematch," Pacquiao said. "There should be a third fight."

Morales was doing well early in the fight, but Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach believed "the tide turned in the sixth round."

"I could see Morales was fading from the body shots and Manny's right hook was beautiful," he said. "In the first fight, my guy was left hand happy. In this fight he landed a lot of right hooks. My guy hurt a few times but he recovered quickly."

Morales, who earned at least $2.75 million, started strong and came close to scoring a first-round knockdown when Pacquiao, who made at least $2 million, was buckled by a punch and he nearly touched the canvas with his gloves.

Pacquiao staggered Morales in the second round with a left hand, sending him stumbling backwards and clutching the ropes to hold him up in what could have been ruled a knockdown.

Pacquiao began rocking Morales in the sixth, swarming him with rights and lefts as the Filipinos in the crowd began to chant "Manny! Manny!" It was a huge round for Pacquiao, who had a 32-8 advantage in power shots landed.

Morales nearly went down at the end of the round as he again grabbed the ropes to stay upright, but Bayless didn't call it.

By the eighth, Pacquiao was firmly in command, and in the ninth he was hurting a clearly tired Morales with every shot. "He hit me with real good shots," Morales said. "I was getting hit a lot in the head. As the rounds went on, I was getting more tired. At the end I felt slow." (ESPN)

Pacman-El Terrible: Coming to a crossroad on Saturday

MANNY PACQUIAO (40-3-2 32 KO's) vs ERIC MORALES (48-3-34 KO's)

This is one of the best if not the best matchup in boxing today. Their first fight was a blast and there's absolutely no reason to expect anything less in this fight. Both guys will be in top shape and are willing to leave it all in the ring to pick up the victory. While both are big punchers, both also have good chins and the chances of either fighter scoring an early KO are remote. So barring some kind of freak cut, we are practically guaranteed several rounds of action between two elite fighters. You simply can't ask for much more than this!

*Morales is rated # 2 at Jr Lightweight (130lbs) - Pacquiao is rated # 3 at Jr Lightweight (130lbs)

Who do you think would win the anticipated
rematch between Manny Pacquiao and

Erik Morales? One Filipino boxing fan

says, "go knock him down Pacman!" (PR)

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FACTS ABOUT THE US-PHILIPPINES

VISITING FORCES AGREEMENT (VFA)

The United States has the deepest respect for the sovereignty of its ally, the Philippines. From the first reports of the alleged rape involving US Marines, U.S. and Philippine authorities have collaborated closely on their respective investigations of the incident. As the case now moves to trial, under Philippine jurisdiction, we will continue to work together under the framework of an important bilateral agreement between our two countries - the Visiting Forces Agreement.

The legal status and treatment of military service members deployed around the world is a complex matter. Like diplomats, deployed military personnel are representatives and employees of a foreign government, yet their legal status is not covered by the Vienna Conventions. Instead, they are the subject of Status of Forces Agreements (SOFAs), Visiting Forces Agreements (VFAs), and similar negotiated and binding bilateral agreements. These agreements differ from country to country, based on the interests and concerns of both signatories.

The U.S.-Philippines Visiting Forces Agreement is a mutually beneficial and useful framework that strengthens the foundation of military-to-military cooperation and the security relationship between our two countries. The VFA also clarifies the legal status of visiting U.S. military personnel, and provides a vehicle to address issues that may arise in connection with their temporary presence in the Philippines.

Since its signing in 1998, the U.S. and the Philippines have conducted dozens of joint military exercises, training tens of thousands of U.S. and Philippine soldiers. These exercises have brought significant humanitarian assistance and community service to the Philippines.

For example, during one recent joint military exercise - "Talon Vision/PHIBLEX" - around 5,000 U.S. and Philippine soldiers trained together to improve interoperability and readiness, building professional relationships among our military forces. During the exercise, U.S. and Philippine soldiers renovated schools and classrooms in the Tarlac area, donated computers and school supplies, and provided free medical and dental services to more than 2,000 Philippine citizens. The VFA also governs the status of U.S. troops participating in disaster relief activities, such as the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who helped ferry relief supplies to the stricken provinces of Quezon and Aurora in December 2004.

Regarding the current incident, the U.S. and the Philippines share the same goal - we want to see justice done. Rape is a terrible crime, and its perpetrators should be punished whenever and wherever they are found guilty in a fair and impartial trial. We should also remember that it is a core principle of Philippine and American law that anyone accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The U.S. will continue our cooperation with Philippine authorities as this case moves to trial under Philippine jurisdiction, in accordance with the Visiting Forces Agreement.

After full and careful consideration of the request of the government of the Philippines to take custody of the accused before the completion of judicial proceedings, as required by the VFA, the U.S. informed the Philippine government on January 16, that we would retain custody of the accused in this case. The VFA provides a mechanism for consultations on requests for custody on a case-by-case basis. The accused remain confined to quarters under custody of the U.S. to ensure that they are available for Philippine judicial proceedings.

We recognize that a case like this stirs strong emotional and political reactions. We believe that the judicial process should take its course in order for justice to be served. The VFA provides the framework for that process to move forward, in addition to providing the framework for strengthening military and security cooperation to the benefit of both our countries. (Press Release)

ARMM speaker meets with AFP top
brass on plight of MNLF integrees


ARMM Regional Legislative Assembly (RLA) Speaker
Hatimil Hassan signs five bills creating four new towns
in Basilan and one in Sulu provinces. The signing is
witnessed by RLA members Rajam Akbar, left, and
Bonnie Abdulaziz Balamo. (PR)

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Speaker Hatimil Hassan met in Zamboanga City with top brass of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to discuss the situation of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) integrees.

Hassan, also the concurrent MNLF chairman, conferred with AFP Chief of Staff Generoso Senga, Phililippine Army Chief Germogenes Esperon and Southern Command Chief Gabriel Habacon about the efforts to implement the military aspect of the Sept. 2, 1996 GRP-MNLF Final Peace Agreement.

He did not give further details about the meeting, which was held at the Conference Hall of the Edwin Andrews Air Base (EABB) on January11, 2006. He urged instead the National Directorate of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats Party to help them develop the ARMM government.

The ARMM speaker also thanked President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for allowing Professor Nur Misuari to attend prayers during the Eid’l Adha celebration in the Blue Mosque in Taguig City after the Makati Regional Trial Court gave the former MNLF chairman permission.

In another development, Speaker Hassan greeted the European Union ambassadors who visited Cotabato City on Monday for familiarization tour and to monitor projects funded by their government. Austrian Ambassador to the Philippines Herbert Jager spearheaded the nine other European envoys.

The European Union, according to Hassan, is also closely monitoring the implementation of the peace agreement between the government and the MNLF as well as the on going peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. (Press Release)

Southcom on red alert for
fugitive Oakwood mutineers
text & photo HADER GLANG


Philippine flag flies over at Southern Command
headquarters as the military places its forces
to red alert against fugitive Oakwood mutineers.

Military in Mindanao have launched an intensive manhunt for four Army junior officers who participated in the Oakwood mutiny in 2003 whom they say were planning disorder following their escape Tuesday night from a detention cell in Fort Bonifacio.

Maj. Gamal Hayudini, public information chief of the Armed Forces’ Southern Command, said the entire Southcom under Maj. Gen. Gabriel Habacon has been placed on red alert against disturbance that maybe carried out by the recent escape of Oakwood mutineers.

“This is also in anticipation in keeping the watch for the possible entry and arrest of 4 Oakwood mutineers,” Hayudini added.

The four members of the so-called Magdalo group were discovered missing from their detention quarters at the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) compound at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig during the regular headcount at 9 p.m. last Tuesday.

The hunt for the four Oakwood mutineers also comes amid escalating concern about reports that Capt. Nicanor Faeldon, fugitive coup leader, was spotted inside the Southcom headquarters in Zamboanga City recently.

Faeldon released a set of new photographs and a video clip showing he was inside Southcom. Last week he also showed footages taken in Palawan province in the central Philippines when he allegedly sneaked inside the Western Command headquarters on December 21.

Hayudini said the effort would also include Faeldon who earlier staged a broad daylight escape during a court hearing. He identified the 4 rebel-soldiers turned fugitives as 1Lts. Lawrence San Juan, Nathaniel Rabonza, Patricio Bumindag and Sonny Sarmiento.

“For escaping, they are now wanted by law and we could not discount the possibility that they will flee and seek refuge within Southcom’s area of responsibility which covers the whole Mindanao region,” he said.

Earlier, AFP Chief Gen. Generoso Senga ordered the various commanders in the different military units in the whole country to place their forces under heightened security alert status to effect the arrest of the four fugitives and their leader Faeldon.

Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr. also designated a probe body to conduct investigation as to the nature of the escape of four mutineers. He relieved the custodial management unit of Fort Bonifacio and replaced him with new one. (ZS)

Muslim groups oppose joint
RP-US Balikatan in Sulu
text & photo HADER GLANG


Bangsamoro clinch fist.

The Suara Bangsamoro Partylist and the Union of Muslims for Morality & Truth (UMMAT) have expressed opposition to the upcoming joint RP-US military exercises in Sulu despite claims that it will be heavier on humanitarian missions and civic assistance.

In a press statement, Jolo town councilor Cocoy Tulawie, vice president of the group Suara Bangsamoro, said the people of Sulu would stand united against the US military intervention in the province because it will worsen the critical situation it is in.

“Last year, US forces used humanitarian missions as an alibi to rationalize their presence in the province,” Tulawie said. “Their mere presence might provoke war and permeate a sense of fear and insecurity on the majority of the people who have a clear mistrust against the US government.”

He said the US forces will never win the hearts of the people by doing infrastructure and other civic activities because they know about their vested economic and political interests in Sulu and Mindanao.

He also noted that Sulu has been the stage of two war offensives by the AFP, in February and November last year, which have displaced thousands of civilians and brought “grave casualties.

Lawyer Nasser Marohomsalic, the head convener of the group UMMAT, which is composed of prominent Muslim professionals in Metro Manila and Mindanao calling for President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s removal, affirmed Tulawi’s claims.

Marohomsalic said that various cases have been brought before the Commission on Human Rights, independent human rights groups, the congress, and the senate implicating some US personnel in crimes against Filipino civilians.

He said that in the balikatan held in Basilan last January 2002, US soldier Reggie Lane was implicated in the shooting of Buyong-buyong Isnijal, a resident and farmer in Basilan whose house was raided by some US and RP troops during an actual pursuit operation against the Abu Sayyaf group.

The lawyer alleged that the Isnijal versus Lane case never progressed for this US soldier was immediately spirited out of the country. “Hence, the US presence in any part of the country is tantamount to atrocities that will rarely or never at all be mete out with justice.”

US officials explained that the Exercise Balikatan 2006, is an annual Republic of the Philippines-U.S. bilateral combined exercise, which will be held in the Philippines 20 February-5 March 2006 simultaneously on the islands of Cebu, Luzon, and Sulu.

“This exercise will be structured to further develop the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in crisis action planning, enhancing its ability to effectively conduct counter terrorism operations, and promote interoperability between participating countries,” said Ltc Mark Zimmer, US public affairs officer and Joint Special Task Force – Philippines.

Zimmer said the exercise demonstrates U.S. resolve, consistent with the Mutual Defense Treaty and Visiting Forces Agreement, to train, advise and assist the Armed Forces of the Philippines in cooperation with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines.

The joint exercise will be conducted in three simultaneous events. Event one will be a combined task force (CTF) staff exercise. Event two will be cross-training and field training exercises, which will improve interoperability of U.S.
military and the AFP.

Event three will be humanitarian and civic assistance, which will improve RP-US military civic action cooperation, and train civil-military personnel to work together with a focus on civic assistance. Approximately 250 U.S. personnel will conduct with AFP counterparts multiple medical, dental, veterinary and engineering civic action projects during this event in Sulu as part of Project Bayanihan.

Approximately 5,500 U.S. personnel and approximately 2,800 Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel will participate in the exercise. Balikatan 2006 is the 22nd in the series of these exercises. (ZS)

Abu Sayyaf informer gets
P5 million from US government
text & photo HADER GLANG

US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Paul Jones and

Philippine government officials, Chief State Prosecutor

Jovencio Zunio, Southern Command deputy chief Brig.

Gen. Francisco Calleleo and RADM Tirso Danga, hold

press conference with local journalists following the

turnover of P5 million to an Abu Sayyaf informant.

An informant received Tuesday a reward of $100,000 from the US government for information that led to the capture of an Al Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf member who took part in the kidnappings of three Americans and 17 Filipinos at the Dos Palmas Resort in Palawan on May 27, 2001.

US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Paul W. Jones and officials from The Rewards for Justice Program handed the masked man a suitcase with P5.245 million in cash at a ceremony inside the tightly guarded Southern Command military headquarters in Camp Navarro, Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City.

“We will pay out $100,000 US dollars (approximately P5.2 million pesos) to a courageous Filipino citizen. Because of the information this individual provided, the Philippines is a safer place. We hope and expect there will be many more works in the future as we confront and defeat terrorism together,” Jones said prior to the turnover.

“We hope that inspired by this example, others will make a similar commitment to step forward and bring to justice Khadaffy Janjalani, Abu Solaiman, Isnilon Hapilun and the other known terrorists so that we can forever end the Abu Sayyaf group, Jemaah Islamiyah and other terrorist organizations,” he added.

Chief State Prosecutor Jovencio Zunio, RADM Tirso Danga of the Philippine Navy, Brig. Gen. Francisco Calleleo, Southcom deputy commander, and other top military officials represented the Philippine government in the ceremony, witnessed by US military officials involved in the upcoming joint RP-US Balikatan exercises in Sulu next month.

“The cooperation they (US officials) are extending to us is a positive step, which everyone of us, most especially from the Department of Justice welcomes. We hope to see more collaborative efforts in working together to meet this threat. We look forward for a more opportunities to find real and practical solutions,” Zunio said.

Toting Craft Hanno also known as Zacaria, one of the original Dos Palmas kidnappers, was first arrested on Basilan in May 2002, but escaped during a massive jailbreak on April 10, 2004. He was recaptured on January 6, 2005 on an island off Sacol Island in Zamboanga City.

US federal court indicted Hanno for the kidnapping of four American citizens, Jeffrey Schilling, missionary couple Martin and Gracia Burnham, and Guillermo Sobero, and Mr. Burnham’s and Sobero’s subsequent murders.

Burnham’s wife Gracia described Hanno in her book, In The Presence Of My Enemies, as fun-loving and Solaiman’s assistant. The book says Hanno is one of the original trio to abduct the Americans and left due to sickness in late September 2001.

At a press conference with defense beat reporters at Southcom’s military headquarters following his capture last year, Hanno admitted, “I was the one who took Gracia. I barged into the cottage with four of my companions.”

Philippine courts convicted and sentenced Hanno to death in August 2004 for his role in the June 2 siege in a hospital in Lamitan, Basilan and in February 2005 for his role in the Dos Palmas kidnappings. He remains in the military custody awaiting the execution of his death sentence.

Last October 26, 2004, US government also handed three Filipino informants a reward of $1 million (over P52 million) for information that led to the killing of Hamsiraji Sali, one of the key leaders of the Abu Sayyaf group slain in a raid by government troops on his hideout in Basilan.

The Rewards for Justice Program has distributed $56 million to 35 people all over the world who have helped track down suspected terrorists or prevent terrorist acts since 1984. A reward of $5 million is being offered under this program for information leading to the capture of Abu Sayyaf top leaders. A reward of $25 million is also offered for the capture of Al Qaida leader Osama bin Laden.

The program played a significant role in the arrest of international terrorist Ramzi Yousef, who was convicted in the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center. Through this program, thousands of innocent lives around the world have been saved through the prevention of terrorist attacks, US officials said. (ZS)