Troops begin 'development offensive' in Basilan

Top photo shows Secretary Jesus Dureza, peace process presidential adviser and Brig. Gen. Juancho Sabban, deputy chief of the Western Mindanao Command and commander of the Task Force Thunder, at the marine brigade headquarters in Tabiawan, Isabela City. Below photos show Dureza is being led by Governor Jum Akbar to a conference hall and flanked by the Basilan lady governor and Vice Gov. Al Rashed Sakalahul during a meeting at the capitol on the current situation in the island province.

Government forces have began an intensive "developmental offensive" against the extremist Abu Sayyaf group and its insurgent cohorts in the strife torn Muslim-dominated island province of Basilan.

Peace process presidential adviser Jesus Dureza disclosed this during his visit Thursday in Basilan, where he presided over a meeting at the capitol, attended by officials of the provincial government, the military and heads of the different concerned agencies.

"We have started the development offensive. In fact, that's the reason why we are here," said Dureza. "We are on development phase now, although without letting our guards down on the security aspect."

According to Dureza, "There are still targets to be achieved in the military side, but we can do the development side by side with security operations."

He announced that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo initially released P50 million for the circumferential road of Basilan and humanitarian missions in the conflict-affected communities in the province.

At the meeting, Brig. Gen. Juancho Sabban, head of the Task Force Thunder and Western Mindanao Command deputy chief, bared there are three engineering battalions involved in the developmental offensives.

He said the engineering battalions from the Navy, Air Force and the Army will undertake road constructions and other projects such as water distribution system, school building repairs and construction of health centers in Tipo-Tipo, Maluso and Sumisip areas.

It was learned the three military engineering battalions will tie up with the projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to provide labor and equipment for infrastructure projects in the conflict-affected areas.

DPWH is implementing the 135 kilometers circumferential road in Basilan funded by the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which has initially released $20 million through the Saudi Fund.

"In a nutshell, we'll be deploying three engineering battalions to catalyze our second phase of operation, which is the 'developmental offensive' that the president has been saying," Sabban said.

He furthered the new offensive will be in tandem with the on going operations against specific targets in the hinterlands of Basilan, but will be more of the humanitarian and developmental aspects rather than all out war.

"In the course of going to phase 2 of our operations, we will be pulling out one battalion of marines instead and we'll be injecting three engineering battalions," he said. "But we are not slowing down our offensive just because we are pulling out one battalion."

Meanwhile, Basilan Vice Governor Al Rasheed Sakalahul called on the military to pull out troops from villages in Al barka town to give way for the evacuees to return to their places and observe the month of Ramadan.

The call came after representatives of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) adopted a resolution, calling the military to temporarily pull out its forces from the areas considering fasting of Muslims is fast approaching.

In response, Secretary Dureza assured that the military forces are doing their work within the parameters of the civilian requirements, although there will be some adjustments in the military operations.

"But let not the Ramadan be an opportunity for the bad guys to take advantage," he said. "We leave that to the military officials. I'm sure they will be able to exercise religious sensitivity."

For Sabban, "It is up to higher authorities to decide on that. If they will make a resolution and our GRP panel will approve that, then we have to abide by it. So it depends now on the GRP panel whether to deliberate the approval of that or not."

In the ongoing military operations in Basilan, about of 2,256, mostly Muslim families or 12,463 individuals have fled their homes from the towns of Al Barka, Ungkaya Pukan, Tipo-Tipo and Sumisip.

Classes in at least 13 schools in the three affected towns with an estimated 1,800 pupils were temporarily suspended for almost a month now.

Based on reports from the Department of Education (DepEd) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), some 36 buildings that were damaged by the operations need major repair.

"These are the schools, where we would need the assistance of the military engineering battalion," DepEd Assistant Secretary Ramon Bacani said.

Basilan has become the model following the the first US-RP Balikatan Exercises where the international communities have already looked at the province as an example of how a community that had been pestered before by the incidents become a development area, but because of the July 10 incident the province is going to backslide.

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PNP condemns Abu Sayyaf, NPAs in Zambo rally

Police Chief Supt. Jaime Caringal (photo above) , police regional director for Western Mindanao, delivers his speech while military personnel (below photos) display their anti-terrorism placards at Plaza Pershing stage.

Hundreds of police and military personnel held yesterday an anti-terrorism and anti-communism rally at Plaza Pershing, the site of the bomb attack last Tuesday where 14 people were injured, in commemoration of the National Heroes' Day.

The rally was organized by Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) headed by Police Chief Supt. Jaime Caringal in closed coordination with the Western Mindanao Command, the Air Force's 3rd Tactical Wing and the Naval/Marine Forces South.

Some religious leaders from Muslim and Christian sectors, students and leaders of civil society groups also took part in the event dubbed as "National Heroes' Day, Rally for Peace and Security."

Carrying anti-terrorism posters and slogans such as "Cooperate with government authorities, let's neutralize the terrorists!", "Let peace overrule terrorism.", "Vigilance against terrorism", and "Save lives! Stop terrorism", the demonstrators condemned acts of terrorism.

Caringal, in a speech, said "Today, we commemorate, specially our brothers in arms, the Marines, the sailors, the Army troopers, the airmen, and the policemen who have sacrificed in the continuing conflict against the enemies of the state in order to ensure a peaceful, progressive and a just Philippine society."

"We collectively condemn the Abu Sayyaf group, the New Peoples' Army(NPA) and other lawless elements for their terroristic acts such as kidnappings, bombings, extortions and other acts that instill fear in our people."

"We vow to you, the full force of the law and the might of the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines against these enemies of the state. Nevertheless, we offer our hand of brotherhood and reconciliation to them so that together we can work for the betterment of our country and provide a brighter future for our youth."

"I wish to remind everyone that each one of us is capable of acts of heroism. Indeed, if we look back at the lives of our national heroes, you will note that most of them were ordinary folks. May this remembrance inspire us to act even in our own little ways for the good of our country just as our heroes had done many years ago," Caringal concluded.

Imam Ahmadi Baguinda, a member of the group of Muslim traditional leaders of Zamboanga City, spoke out against stereotyping of Muslims as terrorists. "There is no terrorism in Islam. It is totally prohibited the killing on innocent people. We, Muslims, strongly condemn terrorism," he said.

Raising concerned over the increasing profiling of Muslims as terrorists, the Muslim religious leader urged the law enforcement agencies to thoroughly look into the root cause of terrorism. "Unfortunately, Muslims are singled out when there is incident (bombing), but not all Muslims are doing it, only those astray."

Two US legislatures assure RP no cut in military aidMayor Celso Lobragat (right) explains to Texas Rep. Silvestre Reyes a vague question from local journalist as New Mexico Rep. Heather Wilson looks on during a press conference with local reporters at City Hall in Zamboanga City Saturday.

Two American lawmakers in the Unites States’ Congress have assured the Philippines will get the needed financial assistance for the global campaign against terrorism despite a State Department proposal to cut military aid to the country.

“We know that there is an important part of the global effort that we’re to make in terms of protecting our allies and protecting the key and vital regions of the world,” US Rep. Silvestre Reyes of the District of Texas said in a press conference at City Hall.

“We’re committed to continuing to assist and expand the assistance as much as we possibly can within the confines and invitation of your government. We will continue to pour support, including financial, to boost whatever efforts both countries have done to fight terrorism,” he added.

Reyes is chairman of the House’ Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and a member of the House Armed Services Committee.

The top American lawmaker arrived here on Saturday together with Reps. Rodney Frelinghuysen (New Jersey), Heather Wilson (New Mexico), Gregory Meeks (New York), and Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger (Maryland).

The US State Department had recommended cutting Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to the Philippines from $29.7 million to $11.1 million, and the International Military Exchange Training (IMET) from $2.9 million to $1.5 million in Fiscal 2008.

The proposal of the State Department to cut Philippine military aid came amid the extra-judicial killings in the country.

But Rep. Wilson told local reporters there is a strong support of US Congress for the Philippines in terms of providing financial assistance, training and logistics to the latter’s campaign on terrorism.

It was not clear, however, if she was referring to the US House and Senate Appropriations Committees that voted to maintain foreign military financing (FMF) assistance to the Philippines for fiscal year 2008 steady at $30 million.

The proposal of the State Department to the US Congress to cut military aid came amid extrajudicial killings in the Philippines, allegedly committed by some members of the Armed Forces of the Philippine (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

American congressional team denies US bases in Mindanao

The US congressional delegation (left to right) Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger (District of Maryland), Rep. Gregory Meeks (District of New York), Rep. Heather Wilson (District of New Mexico), Rep. Silvestre Reyes (District of Texas) and Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (District of New Jersy). Also in photo are (2nd from right) Zamboanga City 1st District Rep. Maria Isabelle Climaco and Mayor Celso Lobregat. Photo Above Rep. Reyes, who leads the US congressional delegate, gestures as he explains the presence of American soldiers in Mindanao.

A bipartisan United States (US) congressional delegation, led by Representative Silvestre Reyes of the District of Texas, on Saturday denied here reports that a US military base is being planned or under construction in the southern Philippines.

Earlier, a research institute active in monitoring US military actions in the Philippines claimed that Washington is building a military base in Mindanao, in contravention of the Philippine Constitution.

"Our attempt is not to establish any bases here (Mindanao). Our attempt is to continue to work together and to thank the Philippine government and its people for their commitment to work with us on this global war on terrorism," Reyes told reporters in a press conference at City Hall.

The US delegation, composed of other Representatives Rodney P. Frelinghuysen of New Jersey, Heather Wilson of New Mexico, Gregory W. Meeks of New York and "Dutch" Ruppersberger of Maryland, met local leadership here led by Mayor Celso Lobregat and visited American soldiers inside the Western Mindanao Command headquarters. The visiting American lawmakers are members the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Armed Services Committee, Energy and Commerce Committee, Appropriations Committee and Select Intelligence Oversight Panel, Committee on Financial Services and Committee on International Relations, respectively.

On Friday, they met with their Philippine Congressional counterparts, laid a wreath at the American Cemetery in Manila to commemorate American and Filipinos who died defending freedom in World War II.

Rep. Reyes described the delegation's visit as "A welcome opportunity for my colleagues and myself to travel to the Philippines to see, first hand, the close cooperation between our two countries on several fronts."

"We hope to learn more about the many strong aspects of the U.S.-Philippines relationship, and to talk about ways that we can make our relations even stronger. Recent events remind us that our two nations are not just historical allies, but allies in today's fight against terrorists."

Meanwhile, the US representatives have expressed their sympathies to the families of soldiers that had been killed in separate clashes with the Al Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf terror group in Basilan and Sulu.

"We recognize and we know how sad to lose the love ones as we continue to experience those deaths in Iraq , Afghanistan and other parts of the world. So we wanted to share our sympathies to the Philippine people. Again, we're here to show our commitment and to make sure that we better understand the present challenges that we face both," Rep. Reyes said.

A research associate with Focus on the Global South was quoted as saying that there was evidence a base was being built and that Washington is in the process of building a military base.

Focus, a non-government research organization, said that in June 6, 2007, the US Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) awarded a 14.4-million dollar contract to Global Contingency Services LLC of Irving, Texas for "operations support" for the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P).

JSOTF-P is a unit established by the US special operations command that has been stationed in the southern Philippines since 2002. Its role is to assist Manila in the war on terror with training and intelligence.

According to its own website, NAVFAC is the unit within the US military in charge of providing the US Navy with operating, support, and training bases, Focus on the Global South said in a statement.

It said the specific contract for work for the JSOTF-P is expected to be completed in January 2008 but other contracts may follow as part of the 450 million-dollar package.

According to Focus research, "the JSOTF-P is involved in the Philippine military's operations in the south, and represents the new low-profile kind of overseas presence that the US has been striving to introduce as part of its comprehensive restructuring of its forward-deployment since 2001."

This restructuring would see fewer permanent bases and more, smaller bases such as the JSOTF-P's presence in Zamboanga and in other places in southern Mindanao. Both the US and the Philippine governments had repeatedly denied reports that a military base is planned or under construction in the country.

The Filipino Constitution does not allow foreign troops to be stationed permanently in the country. The rule was introduced in 1991 when lawmakers voted to close two US bases in the country Clark Air Force Base and Subic Naval Station.

Local law also forbids foreign troops to be involved in combat. Under the US-Philippine visiting forces agreement, US troops may provide only training, information and humanitarian aid only.

In May, senior US state department official stressed the importance of a continued US presence in Mindanao where US soldiers have been credited with helping find and kill leaders of the Abu Sayyaf, notably its chieftain, Khaddafy Janjalani.

The US has more than 700 bases and installations in over 100 countries around the world.

President Arroyo brings livelihood to Sulu fruit farmers amid military offensives

In an effort to bring livelihood to the people of Sulu, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has instructed the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to help the farmers in the marketing of their tropical fruits produce such as lansones, mangosteen and durian.

This was learned from Sulu Governor Sakur Tan during a brief media interaction presided over by President Arroyo herself after a command conference with top military and police officials at the Western Mindanao Command headquarters on Thursday.

“This is part of the efforts of the administration of President Arroyo to bring livelihood to our people especially so that it is fruit season and we have an abundance of harvest. So there is need to find market for this produce of ours,” he told reporters.

The governor said the President has instructed the DTI to help them in the marketing, and so a C-130 cargo plane is going to transport the farm produce to Manila’s giant supermarkets like ShoeMart (SM) and Rustans.

“The C-130 will transport the produce as often as necessary for as long as there is enough supply to meet the demand or required supply,” according to Governor Tan.

Amid the ongoing (military) operations against the Abu Sayyaf group, he said the farmers are able to harvest and selling their produce at low-priced. “So far there is no incident of harassment on our farmers.”

Licensure exam for 2,000 Sulu teachers set on August 26

In another development, President Arroyo has ordered the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) to conduct the licensure examination for about 2,000 provisional teachers in Sulu this coming Sunday, August 26, 2007.

Governor Tan said the licensure examination would be conducted simultaneously with other cities and provinces all over the country. “This is upon the instruction of the President to conduct it on Sunday as scheduled but it will be done in Sulu.”

In the past, Tan said, the applicants for Licensure Exam for Teachers (LET) in Sulu had to travel to Zamboanga to take the examination, entailing expenses on their part. “But (this time) they will not anymore go to Zamboanga…we’re bringing government closer to them.”

Currently, there 4,000 teachers are employed in Sulu, but it is still lacking. “This is in line with the shortage of teachers in Sulu. In fact, the President instructed GSIS to give solution on the problems of teachers who have not been able to get their benefits from the GSIS,” he said.

Contrary to reports that several schools in the province have suspended classes because of the ongoing military operations, the governor said that there is no suspension of classes in Sulu as the evacuees were no longer allowed to use the schools as evacuation centers.

"The schools are no longer affected because we don’t anymore allow school grounds or school buildings to be used as evacuation centers. We have identified other areas other than school buildings. So it is now a matter of policy. There is no suspension of class it is on going,” he said.

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Zamboanga bomb blast triggered by alarm clock, says police
text & photos HADER GLANG

Aftermath of bomb blast Tuesday night at Plaza Pershing situated right in the heart of Zamboanga City. At least 14 people were injured in the bomb explosion.

Police here on Wednesday confirmed that a shrapnel-packed improvised explosive device was used in Tuesday night's bomb explosion at the heart of the city, where 14 people were injured.

The blast, which occurred at around 7:30 p.m., reduced a concrete bench to halve and shattered windows of establishments near the Plaza Pershing, along I. Magno Street.

Senior Superintendent Manuel Barcena, city police chief, said the bomb explosion was triggered by an alarm clock.

"The bomb was placed in a bag and left in a concrete bench," Barcena said. "Our bomb squad recovered some parts of the explosive."

He said the investigators are still determining if the blast was terrorist-related. "We can't conclude yet if the explosion was the work of Abu Sayyaf or any other groups."

"What is clear now, the bombing was not intended to kill people. I think the perpetrator of the bombing just wanted to send message."

A bombing in October 2001 at a food stand in a crowded plaza in downtown Zamboanga killed 11 people and injured 50 others. And a series of bombings in 2004 and 2005 also occurred in the heart of the city.

Police and military authorities blamed the Al Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf terrorist group for the past bomb attacks in the city, where dozens of people were killed and hundreds injured.

Meanwhile, the Zamboanga City police office urged the public to be vigilant against possible terror attacks.

"We need the cooperation of the community to address this threat," Barcena said.

When asked if there was a police security lapses, he said: "We wont admit that there is security lapses. We've been serving the city with all our hearts."

Police investigating the bombing incident released two cartographic sketches of three of the suspects based on the description of witnesses.

The sketches describe the two suspects as males, between 18 and 28 years old, 5'8" to 5'9" in height, slim in built, fair complexion and Tausug speaking.

In a related incident, police operatives foiled a bomb attempt at the bus terminal, few hours after a powerful explosion went off night at the heart of the city.

Police regional director Jaime Caringal said fortunately a bag containing bomb set to explode last Tuesday night at terminal was noticed unattended by some passengers in a bus enroute to Pagadian City.

"It could have been a twin bombing just like two years ago that occured in the city proper," Caringal said in a press conference at City Hall.

For his part, Zamboanga Task Force (TFZ) chief, Col. Alfredo Esperalta, said that most of the blast victims sustained shrapnel injuries. He did not elaborate.

He, instead, warned the general public, saying that even if there were arrest and recovery of explosive materials, there were no guarantee that such bombing will not occur anymore.

"That's why we would like exhort the public to help law enforcement agencies in fighting this menace of society," the task force commander said.

Security forces here were placed on full alert status. Bomb squad units were conducting mobile patrol in the different business establishments and malls in the city's commercial district.

Zamboanga's film maker debut movie "Xenoa" opens at all Philippine cinemas nationwide today

Zamboanga's very own. Sean Lim Lim, a 23-year old film director of the independent sci-fi movie called "Xenoa," poses with his movie poster during a press conference August 21, 2007 at Victory Studio along Climaco Avenue downtown Zamboanga City. Photo HADER GLANG

A new independent digital film, called "Xenoa" is bound to make inroads in the local cinema circuits, especially at all SM Digital Cinemas nationwide, from August 22 to 28, 2007.

The science-fiction (sci-fi) movie offering from a 23-year old Zamboangueño film director Sean Lim Lim, gives the viewers a glimpse of the power struggle for the planet Xenoa.

Packed with incredible fight scenes and cutting-edge special effects, Xenoa is one action-filled visual-feast that promises to bust boundaries in the field of independent filmmaking in the Philippines.

The cast of Xenoa includes Isabel Granada, Paolo Ballesteros, Rafael Nanquil, Hiyasmin Neri, Clem Poblete, Lesley Leveriza, PJ Lanot, Alan Marasigan and Ronnie Martinez.

Sean, also a recording artist under Synergy Music (featuring the hits "Basta't Sabihin Mo Lang" by Vehnee Saturno and "Wonder Girl" by Trina Belamide), says "Xenoa" was shot in several locations in Metro Manila.

"Some shots were also filmed in Hong Kong along Tsim shat sul, Central, and Mongkok. There was even one scene shot inside the MTR train Central which was almost empty. Quite a rather isolated case for a busy place like Hong Kong."

Sean's debut movie, started out during a break in music video shoot, where together with some friends they thought of coming up with a short film. Eventually the story evolved into something bigger. Then came the birth of "Xenoa."

An avid fan of Steven Spielberg (Close Encounters of the Third Kind) and Georgia Lucas (Starwars), Sean always dreamt to produce his own. He admits that he came out with the title from nowhere. The concept of the story was based on the character of Darth Vader - how he became a bad character. In Xenoa, it's the opposite.

During the development of the script, Isabel Granada was the perfect choice for the character because of her almond-shaped eyes. Paolo Ballesteros came in naturally being an underated actor and friend of Sean way back in college. Rafael Nanquil, a fashion model takes a bigger challenge this time as he acts and not sashay on the catwalk.

For the information of Zamboangueños, Sean comes from Lim Shi Clan. He is the nephew of Rikki Lim, who manages Victory Studio along Climaco Ave., this city. His father, Robert Lim, is one of the stockholders of the Teen Squad, Bench and Extreme.

He finished his high school education at Zamboanga Chong Hua and took his multi-media arts from De La Salle - College of St. Benilde. He is presently an instructor of multimedia arts at the Asia Pacific College.

Aside from directing, he is also a singer, commercial model together with Mayor Celso Lobregat's son Marco in one of national television advertisement.

"I hope that 'Xenoa' will be one movie that would be recognized because of its good story, over all quality, and the ensemble acting of all the actors who contributed their talents to make this movie a reality," he says.

The production team of "Xenoa" are also Sean's friends in the industry namely Arnold Buena of HIT Productions (sound effects and musical scoring); advertising maverick Ruben dela Cruz (co-producer and director of photography).

Since Sean teaches multi-media arts at Asia Pacific College under Gerard Cadlum and Ariel Javines, he likewise made use of computer graphics and visual effects executed by several students chosen to work for the film as interns.

IMAGE OF THE DAY

Full military honors for 15 members of the Philippine Marines killed during a fierce clash with Abu Sayyaf militants in Basilan are given to fallen soldiers at the Edwin Andrews Air Base (EAAB) in Zamboanga City, August 20, 2007. Top military officials and personnels from the Western Mindanao Command, the Naval/Marine Forces South and the 3rd Tactical Operation Wing (TOW) salute to honor soldiers who have died in "Oplan Ultimatum 2" against the Al qaida-linked terror group in the southern Philippines.

IPZ condemns media 'swertres' payola

The Independent Press of Zamboanga (IPZ) issued a resolution Saturday condemning the most recent publicized "swertres" payola, implicating members of the media and high-ranking police officers in the city.

The resolution also stated that the organization reached a consensus to create a special body to probe the veracity of such media payola, starting with its own members, and shall seek relentlessly to ferret out the truth to avoid any recurrence or repetition of this highly irresponsible, malicious and grossly unprofessional act of maligning the media under the cloak of anonymity.

It assured the public that should any members of the organization heavily involved in such anomalous practice and cowardly act,immediate sanction shall be properly instituted against them.

"This alleged media payola has besmirched the integrity and reputation of members of the Fourth Estate in Zamboanga City. Due to none identity of the letter sender and its failure to identify, specifically the persons involved in the alleged payola, has adversely affected the entire media organization in the city, including that of the IPZ," according to the resolution.

The so-called poison letter, reportedly coming from a former policeman, claims that some high ranking police officers and two members of the media are getting payola from swertres operators.

The letter sender also claims that high-ranking police officers and chiefs of police were, respectively, getting P60,000, P2,000 while the mediamen were dividing the P13,000 weekly allowances.

"The IPZ strongly condemns the sender of the so-called poison letter on account of his failure to identify the members of media, who are allegedly receiving 'grease' money from the swertes operators," the IPZ said.

The resolution also urged the author of the letter to identify himself and come out in the open, believing that the letter's content is very damaging to the integrity of the media and the PNP as well.

It said the IPZ will highly appreciate some information of any member involved in questionable transaction, besmirching the good name of the media organization in Zamboanga City.

30 Abu Sayyaf militants, 17 government troops killed in renewed fighting in Basilan

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon face to face with Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) chief Lt. Gen. Eugenio Cedo at the Edwin Andrews Air Base (EAAB) landing field in Zamboanga City.

Fresh fighting erupted between the military and the Abu Sayyaf group in Basilan Saturday morning, leaving 30 bandits and 17 soldiers dead while seven others wounded, local and military officials said.

This came two weeks after a series of clashes between Army troops and Abu Sayyaf, backed by rogue MNLF fighters in Sulu, where 27 soldiers and 31 bandits were killed and several others were wounded.

A local chief executive, who declined to be named due to news blackout on the situation in Basilan, confirmed the encounter which erupted at Sitio Kurellem, Barangay Silangkum, Ungkaya Pukan town at around 6:30 a.m.

Also a military official at the Armed Forces' Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCOm) confirmed that fighting had occured in Basilan, however, declined to divulge details of the fresh hostilities.

But the military headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo confirmed that two slain bodies of Abu Sayyaf bandits, involved in the beheading of members of the Philippine Marines, were recovered and accounted for by soldiers.

The two were identified as a certain Puruji Indama and his brother, Amirol.

The military also said that 15 members of the Philippine Marines and two Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) were killed while seven others were wounded in a fierce clash with undetermined number of fully armed men.

Independent sources from Basilan said the firefight was ongoing with heavy mortar shelling and exchange of fire taking place in the hinterland village of Ungkaya Pukan town and that an estimated 30 militants died in the clashes.

The latest fighting was the bloodiest clash on Basilan since the July 10 ambush incident that left 14 Marines dead, 10 of whom were beheaded. Troops, tanks and helicopters were rushing to the area.

Unconfirmed report said an MG520 attack helicopter, providing cover for engaging troops, was shot down killing one pilot. It said the second pilot was rescued.

As of this writing, the military is still blank on whether the helicopter was hit with enemy fire or not.

More than 12,000 soldiers are in Basilan and Sulu hunting down Abu Sayyaf and moro rebels blamed for beheading and attacks on the government security forces.

The MILF, which signed a ceasefire with the Philippine government three years ago, admitted that their forces ambushed marines and killed more than 20 but denied beheading and mutilating soldiers.

In Sulu, troops continue searching for hundreds of Abu Sayyaf gunmen and insurgents blamed for the killing of dozens of soldiers in the Muslim dominated island province.

WesMinCom military officials said pursuit operations are going on, forcing the terrorists to split into smaller groups.

Last week, Army troops clashed with combined forces of Gumbahali Jumdail and Indonesian Jemaah Islamiya militants Dulmatin and Umar Patek.

The Indon terrorists, tagged as behind the 2002 Bali bombings that killed more than 200 people, and Jumdail, also known as Dr. Abu, were reported to have been wounded in the most recent fighting in Sulu.

Independent Press Zamboanga to hold 1st induction program in September 2

The newly-formed Independent Press of Zamboanga (IPZ) will hold its first induction ceremony on September 2, 2007 at A Taste of Asia (Atoa) Restaurant along Veterans Avenue in Tumaga at 6:00 p.m. with Commission on Human Rights Regional Director for Western Mindanao, lawyer Manuel Mamaoag, as its inducting officer and keynote speaker.

With the theme "The Role of the Press in Upholding Human Rights, Press Freedom and Democracy," the event includes IPZ rationale from its founding father, historical note from the secretary general, reading of the Journalists Code of Ethics, and signing of the IPZ Covenant.

It will also feature doxology from ZCHS main student representatives, national anthem from WMSU selected students, cultural presentation from Kabuhi Mindanao, acknowledgement of guests, welcome remarks, presentation of IPZ officers and members, oath-taking of officers, introduction of the inducting officer, keynote speech, inaugural speech of IPZ president, special number, closing remarks, dinner and fellowship.

During the meeting last August 13, officers and members chose unanimously lawyer Mamaoag to be the inducting officer and keynote speaker in recognition for his fearless advocacy and protection of human rights and press freedom in general.

IPZ maiden officers are: president -- Prof. Emmanuel Mangubat, Zamboanga Today columnist; internal vice president – Bernie F. Concepcion, DXMR-Radyo ng Bayan reporter; external vice president -- Hader Glang, Zamboanga Today reporter; secretary general – Mohammadnur Ajihil, freelance columnist; treasurer -- Henry Salac, editor-in-chief of Zamboanga Weekly Contact; auditor -- Ely Dumaboc, Net 25 and Eagle Broadcasting reporter. Directors are: radio – Mon Venegas, Radio Mindanao Network (RMN); print – Gertrudes Sienes, Mindanao Chronicle; television – Mark Natividad, ABS-CBN; R/D & New Media – Rey Banagudos, Business World; information officer – Ric Detuyato, freelance; documentation -- Rikkie Lim, freelance; domestic relations – Tony PE. Remando, Manila Bulletin; international relations – Roy Albretch, DXMR-Radyo ng Bayan; environment, infrastructure, agriculture & fisheries – Engr. Ramon Saavedra, Zamboanga Star; and liaison officer – John Magno, freelance.

Ajihil, also the organization spokesman, disclosed that a prominent US Embassy official and some businessmen from Malaysia, Singapore and London, as well as national media personalities, have been invited for the IPZ’s first induction program.

Commenting to speculations and innuendos by some quarters hurled against the IPZ, he said the officers and members decided to collectively ignore the criticisms.

"The IPZ will only entertain criticisms that are publicly leveled against us, otherwise it is just hearsays. Our organization exists and pursues its objectives as articulated in its constitution and by laws," he explained.

“The IPZ was not formed to malign and defame any public officials, but would engage anyone in a rational discussion on issues affecting the public interests and the welfare and security of all its members, including other members of the Forth Estate,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mangubat reiterated that the IPZ welcomes any independent-minded media practitioners and writers in the city who wishes to join and participate in the purpose of the organization.

“We are open to anyone, provided he or she is known for his independence of mind, objectivity, truthfulness, and unblemished integrity as a media practitioner and writer,” he said. (IPZ PRESS RELEASE)

English Handbook off the press

Veteran Journalist Felino M. Santos has released the third of his series of books on the technique of teaching reading in English.

Titled, "Read English the Easy Way Handbook," the fully illustrated 188- page book, uses simple and clear illustrations to facilitate understanding of the printed page and "mastery of the printed word."

Pattered after his earlier, Reading Made Easy Manual (1999) and a revised edition of the Manual (2003)., the handbook is anchored on the copyrighted "Start with 7 & and End with All" concept.

A public school teacher himself for 12 years before he started a career in Journalism some 30 years ago, he said the concept is simply the use of only seven selected letters of the alphabet to start the reading lessons.

The other letters of the alphabet are gradually introduced in the pages of the handbook. The introduction of the letters are not as they appear in the alphabet since some letters like b, d, p and q, m, w, n and u confuse the reader if introduced one after the other. The last letter of the alphabet "z" is introduced on page or lesson 135.

By that time, the beginning reader could have mastered hundreds of words , including the Dolch Basic Sight Words, an international standard for learning to read in English.

Unlike other English textbooks, where the greater portion of the material can be read only by the teacher, all the words introduced in the handbook are for reading mastery and within the capability level of the child.

The handbook has been in the making for the last ten years and the author said this could be the ultimate handbook for mastery of the printed word.

Details of the book are available at its website http://freewebs.com/readenglisheasyhandbook (PRESS RELEASE)

Military steps up offensive vs. Abu Sayyaf as int'l women mission calls for peace

Military and defense officials have intensified operations against the Abu Sayyaf terror group and its allies in Sulu and Basilan despite the call for suspension of offensive from the international women’s peace mission.

The International Women’s Peace and Solidarity Mission to Basilan and Mindanao asked for asked for cessation of hostilities in the south. Their call aims to help avert further the violence and de-escalate the tension in the troubled region.

There will be no let up in the pursuit operations for terrorists and their allies until they are neutralized, Army General Hermogenes Esperon, chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, told reporters in Zamboanga City on Sunday.

Esperon flew to Sulu and Basilan with Defense chief Gilbert Teodoro, Jr. and several military generals to inspect troops, battling the Abu Sayyaf group and its allies blamed for spate of killing of soldiers.

“I think everybody agrees with that whether there is war or none, it is important that we bring development to conflict areas,” the AFP chief said. “The operation is on-going.”

Teodoro, who assumed his post on Wednesday as the new chief czar replacing National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales, told reporters that they have strengthened the dialogue process between local officials and military field commanders.

According to the secretary, both their offices with the military are being used to continue the dialogue, but there shall be no let up in the operations. “You have to have security and peace and order as a stable platform for development.”

The women leaders and representatives of the women from the Asia-Pacific region expressed their solidarity to the people of Basilan as the island-province is facing the biggest challenge to their collective community life especially to their peace and security condition.

They called on the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to immediately resume the stalled peace talks as the first significant step in resolving the Basilan crisis. They asked the political personalities in the island-province to help avert renewed outbreak of hostilities.

Fully aware of the need for the rule of law especially in crisis such as in Basilan, they also called on the authorities in the judiciary to exercise prudence in producing the list of suspects to be arrested in order to be brought to the bar of justice.

“As much as the people want to know the truth, we earnestly appeal to the media to help in averting the war and ease the tension by truth-telling, not just news telling. Instead of painting the images of war, the media community must help project what the people are doing in order to address the conflict situation.”

Cognizant of their role in helping alleviate the situation in Basilan, they committed to spread to their respective countries the real situation and its attendant issues on the ground, as they commended the NGOs in the island province led by women who are very visible in all peace-building initiatives.

“That as we conclude the Mission, we continue to hope that conflict will not escalate so that displaced people can return to their homes, pick up the pieces and resume their normal lives. We reiterate our unswerving commitment to the belief that in the face of raging armed conflicts, peace remains the braver option.”

But the grieving families of fallen soldiers met the call for the suspension of military offensives with mixed emotions.

Mutya Valdez, two-month old mother widowed by Private First Class Jeramil Valdez, who was killed in the ambush by Abu Sayyaf in Sulu, said she really feels sad and grieves over the death of her husband.

“Paano na lang kami at kanyang mga anak…sinasabi niya sa amin, hindi kami iiwan…Mahal na mahal niya kami (what will happen to us and his children…He told us he will not leave us and that he loved us so much),” the widow said.

Numera Abato, poster parent of Pfc. Emerson Dumaual, who was also killed by suspected Abu Sayyaf in Sulu clash, said:”Giyera na iyan. Tama na…Wala silang mapapala (That is war. That’s enough. They wont gain anything).”

Mrs. Abato blamed her son’s death on his superior in the military, saying that it won’t happen to the latter if he was not ordered to go the operation. She said that Emerson had earlier wanted to quit from the military service and planned to work abroad.

At least 27 soldiers and 32 combined Abu Sayyaf-MNLF fighters had died and dozens of others wounded in this month’s fighting in Sulu, two months after the June 10 incident in Al Barka, Basilan, where 14 marines were killed, ten of them beheaded.

The two separate incidents forced thousands of families, mostly children, women and elderly in the two Muslim-dominated provinces, to flee their homes.

From job seekers to employers: DOST-ARMM promotes entrepreneurship among youths

It has been the common practice among Filipinos to finish school to be able to secure employment. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), however, wants to do away with this perspective by enabling Filipino youths become employer themselves by starting their own enterprise.

The DOST-Academe Technology-based Enterprise Development (DATBED) Program “aims to develop entrepreneurial competencies among students, young professionals including out of school youths in selected academic institutions and non-government organizations while at the same time creating income generating projects for the involved institutions.”

DOST will provide funds to support the development of potential projects that can be expanded into an enterprise.

Dr. Estrella Alabastro, DOST Secretary, cited a thriving cultured-crab business that was developed by then students under a DATBED supported institution. “After graduating, the students that were involved did no longer need to seek employment, they already have a business to run,” she said.

In the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the program will be initially introduced in the Mindanao State University (MSU)-Marawi City.

DOST-ARMM is banking on the potential of the region’s youths to improve socio-economic condition in the region. The department will assist college students turn their fresh and innovative ideas into a profitable enterprise.

“I hope that thru this new program we will be able to encourage further economic activities in the region. We should like to see more small and medium enterprise in ARMM,” said DOST-ARMM Regional Secretary Macacuna Pangandaman.

DATBED was officially launched during the regional celebration of the National Science and Technology Week in Marawi City last August 10, 2007.

Sec. Albastro was truly impressed with the warm and colorful celebration prepared by the regional science and technology office. “This is the most awesome celebration I’ve witnessed,” she said.

DATBED is intended to further stimulate entrepreneurship in the ARMM considering that the region has considerably lesser enterprise in comparison to most of the other regions in the country.

Small and medium enterprises are main drivers of a vibrant and thriving economy.

“We acknowledge for a fact that the use of and advances in science and technology can transform ARMM into an economically vibrant and competitive region. The regional government is relentless in making this happen the soonest possible – increase in agricultural production, the introduction of ingenious business opportunities as well as progress in terms of addressing the region’s existing problems on health and other emerging threats,” said ARMM Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan. (BPI-ARMM)

Sulu fighting death toll rises to 57

Casualties of war in Sulu. Killed and wounded soldiers from the Army's 33rd Infantry Battalion who were taken to the Armed Forces' Western Mindanao (WesMinCom) headquarters in Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City.

The number of soldiers and combined Abu Sayyaf-Moro National Liberation Front militants killed in clashes in Sulu provincie has risen to 57 and 17 others wounded, military officials said on Friday.

Information gathered from the field revealed that the fighting Friday left 15 soldiers dead and 10 others wounded. At least 27 were reportedly killed on the side of combined Abu Sayyaf-MNLF militants.

Since the fighting erupted in Sulu, military sources that 26 Army troops from the 33rd Army's Infantry Battalion and 31 rebels had been killed in a series of clashes in the restive region.

The fighting started on Tuesday when two members of the Philippine Marines were wounded in a firefight with gunmen near Mount Tubora in Indanan town.

On Wednesday early morning, troops from the 33rd IB clashed with suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits near the hinterland village of Upper Sampunay in Parang town. One soldier was killed and five other troops wounded.

The slain soldiers from the same Army unit were onboard a military truck on an administrative assignment when they were ambushed by the group of Abu Sayyaf leader Radullan Sahiron alias Commander Putol.

The military said the ambushers were rogue members of the MNLF, a Moro rebel group which signed a peace agreement with Philippine government in September 1996.

Five of the 57 slain soldiers in Sulu, mostly former MNLF rebels who were integrated to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), were accorded military honors at Western Mindanao Command headquartes.

Meanwhile, more than 4,000 people in Sulu have fled their homes since fighting started, the Department of Social Work and Development in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DSWD-ARMM) said.

DSWD-ARMM Secretary Bai Racma Imam said the number of evacuees may increase as tension in the different towns heightens.

It was learned the evacuees included 775 families from the towns of Parang and Indanan, respectively. Local officials asked national government for relief assistance including foods and medicines.