Philippine Council for Islam & Democracy calls President Arroyo to appoint Muslim lawyer in Comelec

AT A TIME WHEN THE PHILIPPINE ELECTORAL PROCESS IS CLOUDED BY ALLEGATIONS OF CHEATING AND MANIPULATION, THERE IS A NEED TO RESTORE THE PEOPLE'S TRUST IN THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM. THE PUBLIC, AND INDEED EVEN THOSE OBSERVING PHILIPPINE DEMOCRACY AT WORK, MUST BE ABLE TO SEE THAT THE STRUCTURES ARE CREDIBLE. GIVEN THE NEGATIVE PERCEPTION THAT THE COMELEC HAS, IT OBVIOUSLY NEEDS MAJOR REFORMS. A CRUCIAL FIRST STEP IN THAT DIRECTION IS THE APPOINTMENT OF A COMMISSIONER WITH KNOWN DEDICATION, INDEPENDENCE, AND PROBITY.

The Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy (PCID) therefore endorses former Human Rights Commissioner Nasser Marohomsalic as COMELEC Commissioner.

Commissioner Marohomsalic is an excellent example of servant leadership. A native of Rumayas, Lumba-a-Bayabao, Lanao del Sur, he finished his law degree in 1981 at the University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, and passed the Bar given the same year.

He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1977 at the Far Eastern University in Manila. An honorary alumnus of the Mindanao State University, he spent two years of liberal arts education at the University in Marawi City.

In 1988, President Corazon C. Aquino appointed him as one of the Commissioners of the Regional Consultative Commission for Muslim Mindanao, a deliberative and constitutional body which assisted Congress in the framing of the 1989 Organic Act of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Republic Act No. 6734).

In the Department of Foreign Affairs, Commissioner Marohomsalic served as Special Assistant of Secretary Raul S. Manglapus from 1990 to July 1992.

On November 27, 1994, President Fidel V. Ramos appointed him as Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights with a term of seven years.

Under a research project funded by the Mindanao State University and the Ramos Peace and Development Foundation, Commissioner Marohomsalic wrote a book entitled, Aristocrats of the Malay Race: A History of the Bangsa Moro Muslims in the Philippines in 2001.

A collection of his speeches as Commissioner of Human Rights was published in 1999 by the Institute of Foreign Service under the title, Towards Peace, Autonomy and Human Rights. Many of his articles are published in journals, books, and national dailies.

The PCID firmly believes that Commissioner Marohomsalic's unflinching dedication to the service of the Philippine government and the Bangsamoro people, and his impeccable record in defense of human rights is exactly what the COMELEC needs at this crucial point in our country's political history.

PCID (www.pcid.org.ph) is a non-partisan, non-governmental organization dedicated to the study of Islamic and democratic political thought and the search for a peaceful solution to the conflicts affecting the Muslim communities of Mindanao.

It is the belief of the Council that genuine peace and development in Muslim Mindanao can only take place within the context of meaningful democracy. Ms. Amina Rasul-Bernardo is the Lead Convenor of PCID.

Indeed, the Council looks forward to his appointment to the COMELEC. (PRESS/PHOTO RELEASE)

U.S. NEW REWARD OFFERED

The United States government announces a new reward available for information leading to the capture of Abdul Basit Usman, a notorious terrorist responsible for a series of bomb attacks in Mindanao in recent months.

The U.S. Government Rewards Program will offer up to $50,000 (approximately P2,500,000 million pesos) for information leading to his apprehension.

Abdul Basit Usman is a known terrorist with links to Jemaah Islamiyah and believed responsible for bombings in Mindanao in October 2006 that killed eight innocent civilians and left 30 others wounded.

He is also implicated in a recent series of bomb attacks in Mindanao that killed seven and wounded 37 others.

It is time to bring this despicable terrorist to justice. Anyone with information on Abdul Basit Usman, or any other terrorist, is encouraged to contact the Anti- Terrorist Task Force by calling 117, (02) 528-9832, (02) 928-5778, or contact the U.S. Embassy in Manila at (02) 526-9832/9833/9834 or send a text message to 0918-948-6412.

The identity of any individuals providing information will remain strictly confidential. (PRESS/PHOTO RELEASE)

Government and MILF reach truce after 4-day of fighting in Cotabato

Fighting between government troops and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters stopped after a truce was declared Sunday in Midsayap, North Cotabato, officials said.

Maj. Gen. Dato’ Mohammad Ismael bin Ahmad Khan, Von Al-Haq of the MILF coordinating Committee on Cessation of Hostilities (CCCh) and Brig. Gen. Edgardo Gurrea, chief the government CCCH, signed a resolution declaring a truce.

The agreement primarily called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the MILF in the area to immediately cease and decease from firing each other and strictly adhere to the General Ceasefire Agreement signed in Cagayan de Oro City in 1997.

Sheik Abbas Curanding, chief of the MILF Central Mindanao Command, said they have ordered all their fighters “to stand down” following the declaration of ceasefire by both parties.

Meanwhile, AFP chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon also ordered Army troops to stop their operation against MILF forces in the area.

Earlier reports said sporadic clashes that erupted Thursday left three militiamen killed and several others wounded and forced some 6,000 villagers from barangays Tugal, Mudseng and Rangeban to flee their homes.

The fighting stemmed from a minor conflict between MILF forces under Kumander Yuri Sugod and members of the Civilian Volunteers Organization (CVO).

Lt. Col. Julito Ando, spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division in Maguindanao, said hostilities began when the MILF allegedly tried to rob farmers of their rice harvest.

But MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu denied the allegation, saying the military retaliated instead of pacifying the situation.

“There has been an on and off land conflict between relatives of MILF members and armed Bantay Bayan members,” he told reporters.

Sources said MILF members are natives of the barangays while Bantay Bayan members are protecting the interests of settlers who claim ownership of lands there.

The GRP-MILF peace negotiations were stalled in the Sept. 6 and 7 talks in Kuala Lumpur last year. The two panels failed to resolve the impasse over the delimitation and delineation of territory of the "Bangsamoro Homeland." (HG)

IMAGE OF THE DAY

US soldiers in a humvee patrol with an armored vehicle escort from Philippine Army pass on a busy street in the Muslim-dominated Jolo island, where Filipino troops are hunting down al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf and two Jemaah Islamiyah militants.(HG)

Sulu governor hails AFP for death of top Sayyaf leaders

Sulu Governor Benjamin Loong hailed the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) over the death of top leaders of al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group Khadaffy Janjalani and Jainal Antel Sali Jr., alias Abu Sulayman.

“With the death of top leaders of the Abu Sayyaf killed during the encounter with our soldiers, I’d like to take this opportunity to recommend our Armed Forces for a job well done. We are now starting to win the war against terrorism,” Loong said in a speech.

The governor made the commendation during the visit of US Undersecretary Karen Hughes in Sulu to inaugurate USAID’s Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) road project in Maimbung town, the scene of recent fighting between the military and the Abu Sayyaf.

Hughes along with US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney also inaugurated a three-room school building that was built by American soldiers where students learn how to surf the Internet using 10 computers.

“With this and in behalf of the people of Sulu, I’d like to convey our deepest thanks to the American people for the assistance you have given for our province. The United States of America has done a great work in the province of Sulu,” Loong said.

According to 104th Brigade chief Brigadier General Mark Supnet, the neutralization of Janjalani and Sali has improved the morale of soldiers in Sulu.

“The sacrifices of our troops for the past years and the past months are paying off,” Supnet said.

The situation on Jolo, the capital town of Sulu Island, has improved hugely where a night curfew has been lifted and there is a buzz as commerce flourishes and fear dispels.

"We're trying to erase the negative impression on our province as a no-man's land due to the Abu Sayyaf menace,” Governor Loong said. “Things were changing and the mindset of the people of Sulu has been transformed. The Tausugs are beginning to value their farms more than their guns." (HG)

IMAGE OF THE DAY

The majestic Sulu provincial capitol is fashioned with fountains and green, yellow, blue and red lights each night. It has become favorite hang out for teenagers. Many people visit its grounds, which have been transform into a park. (HG)

US undersecretary Karen Hughes visits Sulu

Karen Hughes, Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, visited Jolo on January 25 with Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney to learn about U.S. Government-sponsored projects for development, peace, and prosperity in the region.

She is in the Philippines for a three-day visit that included a meeting with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, where she expressed President George W. Bush’s congratulations to the Armed Forces of the Philippines for their recent successes in the war on terror.

In Sulu, Under Secretary Hughes toured projects that are meant to give people “the opportunity to achieve their dreams,” she said. “By investing in the lives of people, we are investing in peace and prosperity – in the kind of peaceful development that in the long run will be necessary to sustain progress against terrorism.”

During the visit, she toured a road that was rehabilitated with funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). This farm-to-market road, which connects Maimbung to Jolo, will allow agricultural produce to be transported more cheaply to market and improve access for local residents to schools and health facilities.Pictured above on the new road are (L to R) Ambassador Kenney; Jon Lindborg, Director, USAID; Governor Ben Loong; Under Secretary Hughes; Under Secretary Virgilio Leyretana, MEDCO; and Maimbung Mayor Hadji Najib Maldisa.

She also visited Maimbung High School, which is a participant in USAID’s Computer Literacy and Internet Connectivity (CLIC) Project. Under the CLIC program, the school received 10 computers and Internet connections to help the students access learning materials. Under Secretary Hughes also helped inaugurate a Home Economics Center that is co-funded by USAID and the school’s Parent-Teacher Association.

Under Secretary Hughes also attended a Medical Civic Action Program (MEDCAP) being held in Maimbung. The program offers free health care to area residents and is sponsored by the U.S. and Philippine militaries, in cooperation with local officials. (PRESS/PHOTO RELEASE)

IMAGE OF THE DAY

A U.S. soldier stands guard at the Maimbung road-upgrading project in Sulu during its inauguration last January 25, 2007 led by one of President George Bush's closest aide - State Department Undersecretary for public diplomacy and public affairs Karen Hughes. The project is one of 40 Regional Impact Projects (RIP) constructed by USAID's Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM). (HG)

Endorsing

Read Complete Contents Of Its 6th Issue. Click Here

May I invite the Filipino people, the Moros in particular, to read The Moro Times to enrich themselves on information about the Muslims and Islam. It is only through continous research that we could be enlightened on the misinformation, misconceptions and doubts about Islam and its followers . Reading The Moro Times is highly recommended as a research material

Atty. Rex Panumpang
Greenhills Muslim Businessmen Association, Virra Mall
Muslim Legal Assistance Foundation

I look at The Moro Times as the light at the end of the tunnel for the Muslims in the Philippines, who apart from being the most deprived, are misunderstood. After the Sept. 11 tragedy , the misconceptions have worsened, a new mindset developed that a Muslim is guilty unless proven innocent. The Moro Times could shed light on the real picture of the Muslim community. I pray that non-Muslim Filipinos will realize that the worst form of poverty is ignorance and that the real and final solution to the Mindanao problem as once said by Amb. Abulkhayr Alonto, one of the founding members of the MNLF, lies in the heart and mind of every non-Muslim Filipino in their readiness to accept that there exists the Muslim community within their midst who bears the same but older historical background.

Bai Nurhata Alonto
Former Presidential Adviser for Muslim Affairs

It is in reading that a generation of new muhmin, believers , are prepared and well-equipped to understand Islamic values, Islamic civilization and Western schools of thought and enhance their participation in interfaith dialogue.

Usec. Manaros Boransing, Department of Education

IMT provides medical assistance in Moro areas
text GANDHI KINJIYO & SAMIRA GUTOC

The International Monitoring Team (IMT)- 3 led by Malaysia, in cooperation with the local governments of Malapatan, Saranggani and Marawi City distributed part of 2 million peso worth of medicines in their medical and dental missions for poor Moros and B’laan residents on Jan. 8 and 9 for the former and Jan. 15-16 for the latter.

The humanitarian mission headed by Dr. Amran Bin Amir Hamzah, the IMT medical officer, and his assistant, Sgt. Izhar B. Haji Shuib said the mission was intended for the peace loving people of Mindanao.

Dr. Antonio Yasaa, Sarangani provincial health officer, joined the two in giving free check ups to 554 constituents who complained of headaches, digestive disorder, fever, runny nose, body pains, asthma, skin diseases and other common ailments.

The IMT brought at least P140,000 worth of medical supplies.

Members of the Young Moro Professionals Council in the SOCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos) area extended their support by facilitating the distribution of medicines, organizing the beneficiaries and acting as their translators.

The medical outreach was the seventh of the 10 medical missions in different parts of Mindanao planned last year by the IMT-M3. Shuib said that they have already conducted missions in Pikit, Cotabato province; Mamasapano and Kitango in Maguindanao and the Lanao provinces.

They hope to conduct more medical missions in Davao del Norte either later this month or in February.

The Malaysian government appropriated support for the medical missions as part of the recommendation of the IMT-Mission 2 that left last August 2006 .

Jimen Sambaga, barangay chairman of Sapu Masla here, said he was grateful for the IMT’s help to his constituents. Last July, the IMT - Team Site 4 headed by Lt. Col. Abdul Razak bin Husain sponsored the renovation of two classrooms in Mama Nawa Elementary School in the same barangay.

The IMT is composed of contingents from Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Libya and Japan, mostly military officers. They are tasked to monitor the ceasefire and ongoing peace process between the GRP and the MILF under the facilitation of the Malaysian government.

US Marines deliver goodwill to Zamboanga

Okinawa, Japan-based U.S. Marines distributed thousands of pounds of goodwill items and toys to communities and children in Zamboanga and Bacalod yesterday as part of Operation Goodwill.

This week, they will distribute more than 25,000 pounds of clothes, food, school supplies, health care items and sporting goods to Zamboanga, Negros, Leyte and Legaspi communities throughout the Philippines during the second phase of this year's annual "Operation Goodwill."

"These donations are just what the elementary school children need, and we are happy to accept them", said Chaplain Luis Macaday, Philippine Chaplain Service General Headquarters during the Zamboanga event.

During the first phase, Dec. 13-19, Marines delivered 22,000 pounds of goodwill items, about 6,600 toys and about 400,000 pesos to communities and organizations in Palawan and Northern Luzon.

The U.S. Marines, service members, and their families in Okinawa created this program in 2003 to show appreciation to the children and families of the Philippines for welcoming them during annual bilateral exercises.

The U.S. Marines work each year with their families to gather donations and then deliver toys and supplies to Filipino children over the holiday season.

"We feel very blessed to have the U.S. Marines come to visit us. The children always have a good time," said Jennylyn Miguel, a Calvary Chapel representative at the Bacolod event. (PRESS RELEASE)

IMAGE OF THE DAY

U.S. military service members and a Philippine Army officer huddle together, each bearing a toy for distribution Jan. 20. The symbolic gesture commenced Operation Goodwill Delivery II. "These donations are just what the elementary school children need, and we are happy to accept them", said Chaplain Luis Macaday, Philippine Chaplain Service General Headquarters. Okinawa, Japan-based U.S. Marines will distribute more than 25,000 pounds of clothes, food, health care items and sporting goods to Negros, Leyte and Legaspi communities throughout the Philippines, Jan. 20-22, during the second phase of this year's annual "Operation Goodwill Delivery". The U.S. Marines, service members, and their families in Okinawa created this program in 2003 to show appreciation to the children and families of the Philippines for welcoming them during annual bilateral exercises. The U.S. Marines work each year with their families to gather donations and then deliver toys and supplies to Filipino children over the holiday season. (PRESS RELEASE with U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. RamonaMarie G. Penala)

WMSU prexy rejects graft court's suspension order

Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) president and Nuevo Zamboanga Movement congressional aspirant Eldigario Gonzales on Saturday denied reports he was suspended for 90 days by the Sandigan Bayan over graft cases.

"There is no such thing as suspension order from ombudsman for graft because I don't have pending case," Gonzales said during his weekly radio program "Bos Del Pueblo" over Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) Radyo Agong.

Gonzales' suspension was reported Friday by GMANews.TV, the official website of GMA news and current affairs, which said that he is facing 22 counts of graft over failure to liquidate his cash advances.

The report further said the graft court held that the suspension was mandatory, dismissing Gonzales' claim that Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act do not cover his cases.

However, Gonzales said his office did not receive any suspension order. "To my surprise that is already spreading through text messages, but for me I'm a survivor and always a winner."

Sources from the camp of Nuevo Zamboanga said that the negative report against Gonzales circulating in the city is a smear campaign by his detractors to destroy his reputation.

"He (Eldie Gonzales) is just like a tree with so many fruits that everyone wanted to throw stones at," said Jose Mari "Bong Bue, WMSU instructor.

Gonzales was in the national headlines last year following the kidnapping of his daughter by suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf, who freed the girl in August after a two-month captivity. It is not known whether any ransom was paid. (HG)

US hails RP for death of Khadaffy Janjalani

The United States government on Saturday hailed the Philippine government on confirmation that al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf chieftain Khadaffy Janjalani has been killed.

"This is a major step forward in the fight against terrorism in the Philippines and in the global war on terror," US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristy Kenney said in a press statement.

The ambassador said the death of Khaddafy Janjalani is an important and positive step forward in the ultimate goal of eliminating the ruthless and dangerous Abu Sayyaf Group, and in destroying its links with international terrorist groups such as the Jemaah Islamiya.

She said the U.S. will continue to work with partners in the Philippines' military, law enforcement, and national and local governments to bring terrorists to justice and to build peace and prosperity in Mindanao and throughout the Philippines.

Janjalani's remains found on the island of Jolo in Sulu province in December 2006 have been proven by forensic and DNA tests conducted in the Philippines and the United States to be those of the terrorist leader.

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff General Hermogenes Esperon said the FBI test, witnessed by three police officers from PNP crime laboratory states that the cadaver recovered last Dec.27, 2006 was that of Janjalani.

"The DNA test results were conclusive. It compared samples taken from the recovered corpse and that of Khadaffy's older brother Hector Janjalani, who is detained in Camp Bagong Diwa Bicutan, Taguig," Esperon told a news conference on Friday in the military's Camp Aguinaldo.

Janjalani has been pursued by the Philippines and the United States for his involvement in several terrorist attacks, kidnappings and murders.

The Abu Sayyaf Group is designated by the U.S. as a foreign terrorist group, and has been responsible for numerous terrorist bombings, murders and kidnappings, including the 2001 Dos Palmas kidnapping incident that resulted in the deaths of two American citizens.

A reward of up to $5 million has been offered by the U.S. Government for information leading to the capture or elimination of Khaddafy Janjalani and other ASG key leaders.

"The U.S. will work with Philippine authorities to determine payment of this reward," Kenney said.

Earlier, authorities confirmed the death of another Abu Sayyaf ranking leader Jainal Antel Sali Jr., alias Abu Solaiman, in a clash with government troops in Patikul, Sulu. The military considered Sali as more dangerous than Janjalani. (HG)

Sultan Sharif Pulalun wishes Islamic New Year of peace, unity & prosperity in southern Philippines

Muslims around the world celebrate the Islamic New Year, or Amon Jadid, today with Sultan of Sulu and North Borneo Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Mohammad Pulalun wishing the commemoration would bring harmony and development in Mindanao.

"I join our Muslim brothers and sisters and rest of the members of the Muslim Ummah in celebrating Amon Jadid. It is my earnest wish that this Islamic New Year brings peace, unity and economic prosperity to our region, especially in Sulu," the Sultan said.

Pulalun, who embarked on a series of meetings with his followers and some prominent residents in Sulu last Jan. 13 to 18, also expressed optimism that with understanding and harmony among the people, they can attend peace and progress.

"So I call on my people and all the stakeholders, both Muslims and Christians, to play their pivotal roles in ensuring peace and unity in Sulu and to cooperate with the government so as to make our province progressive," the Sultan said.

Muslims are celebrating the Islamic New Year with fasting, prayers, thanksgiving, food donations and accounting of earning during the past year to give out "Zakat", or alms, to the poor.

The Islamic calendar turned to year 1428 when the new moon crescent appeared Thursday morning, marking the first day of Muharam.

Muharram, which signifies the month when the Holy Qur'an was revealed to Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him), is the last four months highly regarded in the Islamic calendar. The other three are Rajab, Dhul Kaada and Dhul Hijja.

The lunar calendar is called "Hijrah", referring to the migration of the Prophet (pbuh) and other faithful Muslims from Mecca to Medina towards the end of the 6th century.

ARMM Gov. Ampatuan appoints three new heads

To start the year with a bang, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan has appointed three new officers here this week.

Executive Dir. Avelino M. Acoymo, Deputy Executive Director Nestor E. Ochia, and Chairperson Hadja Salama “Kadiguia” A. Ampatuan of the Bureau of Public Information (BPI) and the Regional Commission on the Bangsamoro Women (RCBW) respectively were given their appointments as heads of the said agencies.

Acoymo, a practicing journalist for almost four decades before his appointed as executive director of the BPI emphasized that the mandate of his office is primarily to inform the people in the region on the efforts made by the regional government for development and progress for its people.

He replaced Samson Gogo, who was designated by the regional governor as the Officer-In-Charge of the BPI since October 2005.

According to Acoymo his immediate steps after his assumption is “to check on the strengths and capacity of the office in the delivery of its mandate and to strengthen the relationship with the media community.”

He assured everyone that if he has to introduce changes, it will be anchored on the principle of effective, efficient and transparent delivery of public service.

Ochia for his part said that he will be supportive of the activities of the office and help facilitate the immediate delivery of its mandate.

Meanwhile, Chairperson Hadja Salama A. Ampatuan of the RCBW-ARMM replaced Tharhata Ampatuan who became head since 2005.

She said, her office will conduct consultation with the people especially the sector of women, mothers and children who are victims of the conflict in the region.

“We have to know their needs for us to address them correctly especially the victims of war,” Ampatuan said.

Acoymo, Ochia and Ampatuan committed to continue giving the services iinline with the thrusts and priority programs of the regional leadership. (BPI-ARMM)

Military confirms Abu Solaiman died in Sulu clash

The military on Wednesday confirmed the death of ranking Abu Sayyaf leader Jainal Antel Sali Jr., alias “Abu Solaiman,” after a fierce clash with government troops Tuesday in Sulu.

Sources from the Joint Task Force Comet under Brig. Gen. Ruben Rafael said troops recovered the body of Sali from Mt. Daho, Talipao town and had been positively identified.

Brig. Gen.Arturo Ortiz, chief of the Army Special Forces, said civilian assets and intelligence operatives confirmed to him that it was Sali’s body that was recovered based on a mole on the corpse’s eyelid and teeth placements.

Earlier military reports said Sali was badly wounded during an encounter with troops from the 8th Special Forces Company, but fled into the jungles of Talipao with 60 fully armed followers, one of them was killed and some others were wounded.

Army Major Eugene Batara, spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom), also said soldiers raided and captured Sali’s camp that can accommodate more or less sixty troops in Mt. Dahu, Talipao.

Soldiers recovered from the captured camp several Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), blasting caps, grenade launcher ammunitions, testers, soldering irons, medical paraphernalia, various personal belongings and voluminous terrorist documents.

Sali carried a $5-million bounty on his head from the US government. His body is reportedly being kept at Camp Teodulfo Bautista in Jolo, Sulu, headquarters of the 104th Army Brigade.

US is helping the Philippine government identify the remains of a man said to be the elusive Khadaffy Janjalani, chieftain of the Al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf terror group.

American and Filipino forensics experts were now working on DNA samples to establish whether the body was that of Janjalani. The decomposing body was recovered from a shallow grave in Patikul town early this year.

Janjalani has been reported killed several times in the past, only to embarrass the government by launching deadly terror attacks.

Meanhile troops are continuing to hunt down Janjalani’s Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) cohorts, Umar Patek and Dulmatin, whom Abu Sayyaf militants are believed to be protecting on the island province of Sulu.

Both men are wanted for the October 2002 bombings in Bali, Indonesia, in which 202 mostly foreign tourists were killed. JI and the Abu Sayyaf are both on the US government's list of foreign terrorist organizations. (HG)

Congressman Salapuddin running for governor of Basilan

Political showdown between Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) Congressman Gerry Salapuddin and wife of Governor Wahab Akbar of Partido ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) is in the offing in Basilan Province.

Fifty-four-year old Salapuddin, who is also the incumbent House deputy speaker for Mindanao, announced Wednesday his candidacy for provincial governor of Basilan in the May 14, 2007 elections.

Salapuddin bared his gubernatorial election bid in the wake of reports that wives and relatives of Governor Akbar are running for top posts in Basilan and its municipalities.

The third termer Basilan solon will be running against inexperienced Jum, first wife of third termer Governor Akbar, who is reportedly running for congressman in the lone district of the province.

Salapuddin said he was concerned about the direction of his province, "which is becoming under a family and conjugal dynasty control."

"This must be stopped. That's why I'm running for governor because Basilan is not for one family but for all to share," he declared.

Salapuddin also revealed that Malacanang was considering him for a Cabinet position. He said despite this, he chose to run for governor because it is the clamor of his people.

Salapuddin did not state the names of his party-mates, but said he will formally announce his line up and file his certificate of candidacy on the middle of February, next month. (HG)

Troops clash Abu Sayyaf anew, 1 slain, 2 hurt

A member of the al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group was killed while two soldiers were wounded following a clash Tuesday morning with suspected terrorists in the island province of Sulu, the military said.

Troops from the Special Forces clashed with some 60 armed men, as government forces pressing on their “Operation Plan Ultimatum” to capture ASG chieftain Khadaffy Janjalani and his Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) cohorts, Dulmaten and Omar Patek who are wanted for the 2002 Bali bombing in Indonesia.

The 2-hour clash took place in Mount Dahu, Talipao town, Lieutenant Colonel Bartolome Bacarro, spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), told a Manila-based radio station in an interview.

Abu Sulayman, one of key leaders of the Abu Sayyaf group, reportedly led the gunmen. The extremists fled leaving one of their slain cohorts with undetermined number of casualties. “We believe Sulayman was injured,” the spokesman added.

At least nine suspected terrorists, including two JI militants, were killed and scores of others wounded since the operation began on Aug. 1. The military said it would not terminate the offensive until the combined al Qaeda-linked ASG-JI group is neutralized.

A recent military report said soldiers killed Janjalani during an encounter and his body was recovered near Patikul, on Sulu island. But this could not be confirmed until the DNA test results on Janjalani’s remains out. (HG)

Mayor survived ambush, but aide died in Mindanao

A town mayor in southern Philippines survived an attack by unidentified gunmen on Monday, but his security aide was killed, police said.

Two motorcycle-riding assassins opened fire on Bagumbayan town Mayor Felipe Aliaga’s vehicle as it leaving from residence to town hall in Sultan Kudarat, police said.

Aliaga and aide were going for a flag raising ceremony when the suspects armed with .45-caliber pistols appeared near the gate and shot them, it added.

The mayor’s aide identified as Paterno Guillermo was fatally hit in the different parts of the body and died instantly. Reports said the mayor was slightly injured in the attack.

Investigators are eyeing politics as a motive behind the attack. The mayor had earlier announced plans of running again in this year’s elections, sources said. (HG)

MILF blames ASG/JI for bombings in Mindanao

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Friday pointed to the combined al-Qaeda linked Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) as behind the three deadly bomb attacks in Mindanao that killed seven people and injured more than 30 others.

“We believe that this triple bomb explosions in General Santos City, Kidapawan City and Cotabato City were the handiwork of Abu Sayyaf and Dulmatin and Omar Patek,” said Ghadzali Jaafar, MILF political affairs chief.

Dulmatin and Patek are among international terrorists wanted by the United States government. They are blamed for the October 2002 bombings in Bali, Indonesia, that killed some 200 people and injured scores of others.

The two Indonesian bombers are on the run in Sulu with Abu Sayyaf group, including its chieftain Khadaffy Janjalani, and are being pursued by government troops in its on going operation dubbed “Oplan: Ultimatum”, which began on August last year.

Government soldiers killed earlier this month seven suspected members of the terrorist group, including an Indonesian militant and a senior Abu Sayyaf leader blamed for spate of bombing, in two separate encounters off the southern island of Tawi-Tawi and Sulu.

Jaafar said the bomb attacks were carried out by the Abu Sayyaf in retaliation to the death of its senior leaders in Sulu and as a way to sabotage the on going 12th ASEAN summit in Cebu City to shame the Philippine government.

But Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff General Hermogenes Esperon blamed Basit Usman, a former MILF member who is now working with the Abu Sayyaf and JI, as the mastermind for the series of bomb attacks.

The military also linked Usman to the April 2002 bombing of the Fitmart department store in General Santos in which 15 people were killed and more than 60 hurt. The suspect was captured in July that year, but escaped three months after and returned underground.

Police investigators on Thursday came up with an artist sketch of a suspect in the bombing of lotto betting station in General Santos City, where six people were killed and 26 others were injured. Reports said the sketch is similar to the image of Usman.

Meanwhile, Jaafar denied that Usman is a member of the MILF and offered to help government agents identify and arrest of the suspect through the Adhoc Joint Action Group Action (AHJAG) and GRP-MILF coordinating committee on cessation of hostilities (CCCH).

“This is not new. We are the usual suspects whenever there are bomb attacks in the country to picture the MILF as a terrorist organization,” he said. “However, we are waiting for the proposal of government to help pin down the suspect through AHJAG or CCCH…we are ready.”

The MILF had earlier denied police information, which pointed to MILF commander Said Pakiladato and his deputy, Ustadz Hawon, as the perpetrators of the blast near a refreshment parlor on Makakua Street in Cotabato City on Jan. 5 that injured three people.

Reports said the two suspects were leaders of the 105th MILF Base Command and carried out the attack on behalf of the JI terrorist group. Pakiladato was the prime suspect in the deadly 2002 bomb attack in Maguindanao that killed a town mayor. (HG)

12th ASEAN summit in Philippines marred by bombing spree in Mindanao

The opening day of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Cebu City, Philippines was marred by terror attacks as three bomb explosions rocked Wednesday night in three key cities in Mindanao, where seven people were killed and several others injured.

The first blast went off at around 6:00 p.m. near a lotto outlet in front of the Anchor Hotel along Santiago Boulevard in General Santos City, where six people were killed and 23 others were seriously injured.

Two and half hours after, another blast rocked near a police outpost in Kidapawan City, leaving six people including a 14-year old boy injured.

The third blast took place at 10:45 p.m. along Almonte Street in Cotabato City, where one was killed and five others injured.

The bombing spree was the fifth to occur in Mindanao. Last month, a bomb explosion ripped through the Kensan Mall in Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat, wounding two people and last Friday, another bomb attack rocked in downtown Cotabato City, wounding two more people.

No group claimed responsibility for the latest bombings. Police and military have yet to say if the combined al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) militant groups were responsible for the attacks.

Australia earlier warned its citizens of a possible bomb attack in the Philippines. It advised its citizens to exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines because of the high threat of terrorist attack.

The warning travel advisory also said it continues to receive credible reports that terrorists are planning attacks against a range of targets, includingf places frequented by foreigners.

Other reports suggested that terrorists could target sites in Metro Manila, Mindanao including the Sulu Archipelago, and Cebu Province, which is hosting the five-day 12th ASEAN summit.

But Armed Forces chief of staff General Hermogenes Esperon shrugged off threats to summits, saying the renewed terrorist warning has no basis. "We are not in the situation the Australians have pictured us to be."

On Tuesday, security officials rehearsed the routes carrying leaders from the 10 ASEAN nations, as well as Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, South Korea and India, who confirmed attendance in the 12th ASEAN summit from Jan. 10 to 15. (HG)

Sulu Army's 104th Brigade Command has new chief

Colonel Antonio Supnet, commander of the Task Force Zamboanga (TFZ), was relieved and reassigned to Sulu to head the Army’s 104th Brigade, replacing Brigadier General Reynaldo Saelana.

Supnet took over the command following the visit of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Hermogenes Esperon in Jolo, Sulu on Monday.

Supnet was chief of staff of the Southern Command (now Western Mindanao Command) prior to his assignment as Task Force Zamboanga commander sometime in August 2006.

One of his accomplishments was the prevention of entry of a thousand of bomb ingredients sneaked in by suspected Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiyah militants to the port of Zamboanga.

It is not known who will succeed Supnet in the Task Force Zamboanga.

“The change of command was supposed to be first week of December. We’re doing this to make our offices dynamic and give chance to junior officers to move on,” Saelana said in a radio interview.

It was learned from a military source in Sulu that Saelana will be assigned to another brigade command in Mindanao that hunt down the Communist Party of the Philippines’ New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

Troops who have been hunting down the combined JI and al Qaeda-linked ASG terrorists in the hinterlands of Sulu since August last year dubbed as “Operations Plan Ultimatum” were ordered to intensify operations against high value targets.

On Tuesday evening, troops under the anti-terror Task Force Comet killed a senior leader of the Abu Sayyaf group, tagged as responsible for kidnap-for-ransom, bombings, military and civilian liquidation, in a raid in Patikul town.

Killed was Binang Sali alias “Freedom”, a leader of the Abu Sayyaf urban terrorist group operating in Jolo who carries a P1 million reward for his neutralization or capture.

Military also blamed him for the kidnapping of Ms. Jacqueline Silben and her son Jefrey at Barangay Gandasuli, Patikul, Sulu last July 20, 2006.

It can be recalled that Jefrey was hacked to death by his kidnappers and his mother was seriously wounded during the rescue operation conducted by the elements of Joint Task Force Comet.

Members of the Military Intelligence Group 9 backed by the 104th Brigade, Scout Rangers and Special Forces pinned him down in a brief encounter at sitio Pula, Upper Halaw Village, Barangay Anuling.

Troops recovered a .45 caliber pistol and various bomb paraphernalia and improvised explosive device (IED) components from the battle site.

Army Major Eugene Batara, WesMinCom spokesman, said Sali was completely surprised as the operating troops used stealth and the cover of darkness to their advantage.

“The terrorist leader had no choice but to fight it out as he realized to be surrounded by government troops. The brief firefight resulted to his untimely death,” Batara said.

With this development, he added the AFP troops prevented the ASG-UTG to conduct bombing and other terroristic action against the AFP and the innocent civilians.

To date, troops in Sulu have killed 9 terrorists in a span of four days period, according to Batara. (HG)

President Arroyo inaugurates P68 million USAID road project, military hospital in Sulu

President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo inaugurated Monday a multi-million pesos road project and a military hospital in Sulu island, where US anti-terror trained Filipino soldiers are hunting the Al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group.

The two projects, with a combined cost of P68 million, are the P49 million USAID-GEM-MEDCO Parang-Indanan Road Project in Barangay Saldang, Parang town, and the P19 million Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Trauma Hospital in Jolo town.

Sulu Governor Banjamin Loong, Medco Chairman Rey Leyretana, US Deputy Chief of Mission Paul Jones, and USAID Country Director Jon Linborg, assisted the President in the ribbon cutting ceremony and unveiling of the marker of the newly completed road project in Parang.

After the ceremony, the President flew to the Army's 104th Brigade Headquarters in Jolo town to inaugurate the newly completed military trauma hospital and to hold a command conference with top brass of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

During the command conference with top military officials, the President said the Philippines will continue to be a strong player in security and trade, in fighting poverty and building prosperity.

"This is our commitment to the Filipino people to all the peoples of East Asia and to all our allies like the United States," she said. "We thank our Amercian allies for contributing that road through the Growth with Equity in Mindanao project of the USAID."

"This is only one of the many examples of how our Filipino and American troops and officials have been working together and bringing prosperity to areas like this beautiful island of Sulu."

The president also commended the Armed Forces for the successful operation against the Abu Sayyaf and the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), "which only proves that these terrorist elements have nowhere to hide and are in fact already doomed to annihilation."

"Our fight against terror goes hand in hand with the global and regional effort; and as we face the ASEAN summit, we would like to assure all our allies in East Asia and beyond that the Filipino soldiery and people are on watch every hour of the day, determined to do their share to defeat terror for a more secure and safer world."

"Our meetings in Cebu will sustain the momentum in our collective fight against terror and in mopping up all forms of instability that affect the run of trade, cooperation and people to people solidarity in this part of the world."

After the inauguration of two projects in Sulu province, the President flew to Misamis oriental to grace the opening ceremonies of the 77th anniversary celebration of the province. (HG)

MILF denies involvement in Cotabato City blast

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has denied involvement in Friday’s bomb explosion on the busy street in Cotabato City that injured two people.

“We have no reason to sow terror and we are observing a truce with the government…we have nothing to do with the blast,” MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu stressed in a radio interview.

“We are the usual suspects whenever there is terror attacks in the country. We are always their scapegoat,” he added.

Intelligence information pointed to Said Pakiladato and a certain Ustadz Hawon as behind the bomb attack near a fastfood chain on Makakua Street. The two are reportedly leaders of the 105th MILF Base Command in central Mindanao.

Authorities also tagged Pakiladato as the mastermind of the 2003 explosion that killed Datu Piang Mayor Saudi Ampatuan. He was also blamed for the previous bombings in Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat, and Makilala, North Cotabato.

"We do not know where these intelligence reports about their alleged involvement are coming but they are definitely not involved in any of the incidents mentioned," Kabalu said.

He said the authorities should conduct further investigation before naming any MILF commanders because doing so without basis could further endanger the stalled peace talks between the rebels and the government.

The stalled GRP-MILF peace talks is expected to resume this year in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with the debatable issue of territory of the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity as main agenda. (HG)

Sulu Sultan thanks US for continuing Balikatan
text & photo HADER GLANG

The influential Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Mohammad Pulalun has expressed thanks to US government for its decision to proceed with joint military exercises with the Philippines.

Sultan Pulalun also expressed thanks to the Philippine government for complying the bilateral accord with Washington called the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), which grants legal protection with American troops in the country.

“In behalf of my people, I express my deep thanks and gratitude to the US government for continuing the Balikatan. We can now move forward with fruitful cooperation and development projects in Sulu,” he said.

The US government canceled the annual Balikatan war exercises in the Philippines this year due to a dispute over custody of Lance Cpl. Daniel Smith, who was ordered detained by Judge Benjamin Pozon in Makati jail after he was convicted of rape last December 4.

But Smith returned to custody of US Embassy late last week while his case is on appeal on orders of Philippine government. This set off a storm of criticism against President Arroyo’s administration, which said that the government had to make the decision to prevent a further deterioration of Manila’s ties with Washington.

The annual Balikatan exercises — which bring 3,000 to 5,000 U.S. servicemen to the Philippines — have helped train Filipino soldiers in counter-terrorism, particularly in the southern Philippines where Al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf militants are active.

Meanwhile, Sultan Pulalun ordered his officials to arrange a meeting with a high-ranking US official, possibly with US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney, to discuss how the Sultanate of Sulu could avail of development projects from the US government.

“We hope they will give attention to the area of Sultanate of Sulu, especially in Parang, Tapul, Siasi, and Lugus, the people there are very poor…they really need help,” he appealed.

At the height of Balikatan controversy last year, Sultan Pulalun initiated a pro-US rally in the heart of Jolo town in a show of support for Balikatan. He said he support the exercises because the intention is good and the Americans would build schools, hospitals, roads and bring medicines.

Priest missing, feared abducted in Mindanao

A Roman Catholic priest has been reportedly missing and feared abducted in Misamis Oriental, northern Mindanao.

Father Lucio Bula, 46, last reported returning to his hometown of Balingasag for a Christmas vacation on December 31. He has not been seen or heard from since.

Authorities said they were looking into the disappearance of Father Bula. The priest's family had asked for help but could not say if he had been kidnapped.

A source from Archdiocese of Cagayan De Oro said it had been informed of the disappearance of Bula and it’s deeply concerned that he is missing.

Kidnapping of Catholic priests is common in the southern Philippines mostly carried out by the Al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf extremists. (HG)

ARMM is No. 1 in private armed groups, says PNP

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has bared that most of the private armed groups in the country are in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

PNP Deputy Director General Avelino Razon Jr. said each group has a minimum membership of three persons, “although there are some with as many as 10 or more members.”

Fifty-six private armed groups are in the ARMM, nine in Western Mindanao, three in Central Luzon and two are in Cagayan Valley, he added.

Razon said the 56 private armed groups monitored in the ARMM were scattered in different areas; with 25 groups reportedly based in Sulu, 21 in Maguindanao, seven in Lanao, three in Tawi-Tawi and Basilan.

"These private armed groups were believed to be in possession of loose firearms," he said. "We hope to neutralize these private armed groups and seize all the loose firearms."

Private armed groups of politicians are well-armed and powerful, especially during election period.

In 2001 a tabulation prepared by the Armed Forces showed that private armed groups were responsible for 80-82 percent of the violent election cases. They were also blamed for 65 percent of the killings and 85 percent of the non-fatal incidents. (HG)

Fire destroys Catholic radio station in Tawi-Tawi

Fire destroyed a radio station run by catholic priests in a Muslim dominated province in the southern Philippines Wednesday, officials said.

No one was injured or killed.

The fire broke out sometime after 11:15 a.m. at the second floor of DXGB radio station, owned by Sulu Tawi-Tawi Broadcasting Foundation and Catholic Broadcasting Network, in Barangay (village) Pag-asa, Bongao.

“There was a loud explosion at the second floor before the fire engulfed the building,” said Babylyn Omar, the radio station manager.

The building was in full flames when the firefighters arrived, but it took them almost 1 hour to stop the fire, and all the station’s contents were destroyed, according to Omar.

Sources from the town’s Bureau of Fire and Protection said faulty electrical wiring inside the building's ceiling caused the blaze. (HG)