Blast damages offices of the Alliance for Mindanao Off-Grid Renewable Energy (AMORE) and of 1st District Rep. Maria Isabelle Climaco along Barangay Sta. Maria Road in Zamboanga City

Blast probers, including a US bomb expert, examine the blast site just near the Edwin Andrews Air Base (EAAB). The blast went off at around 10 a.m. Thursday, killing at least three people and injuring 20 others. HG

Peace advocate leaders in Zamboanga call GRP, MILF to continue peace talks

Father Angelo Calvo (center) talks to the local journalists during a press conference at the Solidarity Center in this city on Saturday. With him are Prof. Ali Yacub (left), lead Muslim convenor of the Interreligious Solidarity Movement for Peace; and Pastor Pablo Palis (right), ISMP member representing Protestant sector.

Peace advocate leaders on Saturday expressed concern over the pullout of the Malaysian-led International Monitoring Team (IMT) in Mindanao, saying that with the pullout of IMT monitors, the maintenance of the ceasefire maybe impaired.

Led by Peace Advocate Zamboanga , together with the Inter-religious Solidarity Movement For Peace Zamboanga, Movement for Better Zamboanga, and Ateneo de Zamboanga University, they issued a message of concern to the media. The text is below.

We, the multi-sectoral stakeholders are concerned with the withdrawals of the Malaysia-led International Monitoring Team (IMT) in Mindanao leaving only the IMT Team Site 1 in Cotabato City. The aforesaid withdrawal appears to be IMT's preparation for the total retraction of its undertaking in the country.

The presence of IMT, an international body that principally monitors the ceasefire between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), has afforded some hope of possible conciliation between the two. With the pullout of IMT troops, the maintenance of the ceasefire maybe impaired.

We recognize the effort of IMT in effecting the reduction of hostilities in Mindanao. We welcome the Libyans who have expressed the intention to continue the role in facilitating the monitoring peace process in the country. However, for them to succeed in their goals for peace, they will need the support and help of all the stakeholders, be they be private citizens, non-government organizations, the national government and local government units.

We appeal to the GRP and MILF to continue with their peacekeeping actions, adhere to the primacy of peace process, respect their existing agreements and commitments towards harmony, and pursue relentlessly the peace process in order to come up with final peace agreement. We urge the government to tap independent groups in facilitating the peace talks or negotiations with the MILF. We believe that peace can only be achieved through peaceful means.

Signatories of the message of concern were Fr. Angel Calvo, PAZ president; Fr. Antonio Moreno, AdeZU president; Engr. Efren Wee, MBZ vice chairman; Atty. Jose Manuel Mamauag, CHR regional director; Prof. Ali Yacub, ISMP lead Muslim convenor ISMP; Hji. Abdu Rahim Kenoh, ISMP member; and Pastor Pablo Palis, ISMP member from Protestant sector. -- HG

MNLF leaders ratified charter, endorsed Sulu mayor’s ARMM gubernatorial bid

The new Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Chairman, Cotabato City Muslimin Sema, delivers his speech during the 1st Bangsamoro people congress in Zamboanga City.

In an unprecedented move, top leaders of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) led by Cotabato City Mayor Muslimin Sema ratified the Front's first ever charter during the 1st Bangsamoro National Peoples Congress held at Amil’s Tower hotel in Zamboanga City on Monday.

Sema, the newly-elected MNLF chairman, together with senior MNLF officials, including ARMM Assemblyman Hatimil Hassan, Indanan town Mayor Alvarez Isnaji of Sulu, Secretary General Abdul Sahrin and 32 MNLF State Revolutionary Committee chairmen, signed and adopted the charter of MNLF.

"This is one primary move to unite all the members and one way of solving the problem of factionalism," Sema told reporters. "Everybody is clamoring for this charter since in the early 1970s. After this one, we have program already on a peace campaign."

Sema, in his speech, said they have come here to the city from all over Mindanao not to declare war or to make any kind of threat as their predecessor was fond of doing, but they come here to chart the direction which their beloved organization, the MNLF, must now and in the future.

"In the most consultative manner possible, we shall each hear ones ideas believing in the wisdom in the Quranic injunction to consult each other in matters of public concerns. Brothers and sisters, Brother Nur is released now at a time when we have found the strength again as a revolutionary organization," he said.

Sema furthered that they're happy for Misuari's temporary release as he truly deserves it, but said their concern now is how to make him as an instrument of peace and instrument of unity. "As I have stated before, I'll try my utmost best with the support of the members of Central Committee especially this congress to lead the Front towards clear direction and purpose."

Stressing that, "We can't afford to be like drifters in the sea. We can't afford to be just carrying our firearms shouting propaganda and do nothing substantial for ourselves and our people."

"Our people must also see that they can't only depend on us in times of armed conflict as their protectors but must also see us as their leaders in improving their lives even just in times of momentary peace.

Time in again, the MNLF has been beset with problems like factionalism that may be because of our past leader would not listen to others and partly we have become much dependent on him.

If we want the Front, the MNLF, to be spared of further factionalism, then this is the way to do it. Regular and selfless consultation, this is can promise to all of you that I will always be ready to listen to your concerns," Sema concluded.

The Bangsamoro congress saw the absence of Prof. Misuari, his spiritual adviser and chair of the Bangsamoro People's Congress Habib Zain Jali, and former Office of Muslim Affairs (OMA) executive director Mudjahab Hashim of the MNLF Islamic Council Command (ICC).

But some 800 delegates coming from Cotabato, Lanao del Sur and Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, Jolo, Sulu, Surigao, and Bukidnon attended the two-day Bangsamoro conference hosted by Zamboanga City State Revolutionary Committee.

They endorsed the gubernatorial bid of Mayor Isnaji for the August 11 ARMM election. No opposition from them, when the new MNLF chairman announced the adoption of resolution endorsing Isnaji's gubernatorial bid in the upcoming Muslim autonomous region polls.

In a speech, Sema reiterated the decision made by the MNLF Central Committee during a meeting last April 1-3 in Pagadian City, where the Indanan town mayor was proclaimed as the Front's common candidate.

One of MNLF senior leaders in Basilan, Jan Jakilan, commented to reports on the gubernatorial bid of Assemblyman Hatimil Hassan, the MNLF vice chairman, saying that "it's a part of democracy but the MNLF already endorsed one common candidate."

Isnaji said the ARMM governance should be returned to the MNLF leadership as it was the Front's, through Prof. Nur Misuari, that signed the peace agreement with the Philippine government in 1996.

"We believe that the governance of the ARMM must be in the hands of the MNLF," Isnaji reiterated. "And I am very lucky or I am very much thankful that you that you chose me in the Pagadian meeting as your common candidate."

Meanwhile, Isnaji assured the MNLF and Bangsamoro delegates that he would run very well the ARMM if he is elected regional governor.

"When the ARMM governance, I assure you, if it will be returned to the MNLF I will not make any policy without consulting you," he said. HG

Kapihan de Zamboanga
By Hader Glang

Players in August 11 ARMM gubernatorial race

A six-corner fight is seen to take place in the forthcoming August 11, 2008 Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) gubernatorial race.

ARMM is composed of the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Shariff Kabunsuan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi and the Islamic City of Marawi with more than one million registered voters.

At stake in the August 11 ARMM election is the position of regional governor, vice governor, and the 24 seats of the unicameral Regional Legislative Assembly (RLA).

* * *

Basilan Assemblyman Hatimil Hassan was one of the first to signify intention to run for governor in the upcoming autonomous region political exercises.

Citing experience in the ARMM-RLA and as vice chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), Hassan said he was hopeful he could be the governor Bangsamoros want.

"I'm determined to deliver the positive change the people of ARMM deserve," Hassan, a Yakan who hails from Basilan, said in a statement issued by his executive assistant and spokesperson Abdurahman Tanjil.

His involvement in Mindanao peace efforts began in the early 1970s when he played a key role in the formulation of GRP-MNLF truce and the 1992 exploratory talks in Libya, which paved the way for the signing of 1996 final peace agreement.

Assemblyman Hassan served as MNLF interim chairman when Prof. Nur Misuari was arrested in Malaysia and jailed following a renewed struggle. And in 2004, he was elected speaker of the ARMM-RLA. He's on the third term.

* * *

Mayor Alvarez Isnaji of Indanan, Sulu has confirmed that he will make a bid for governor, but said that he would run on the condition that the government will return the ARMM governance to MNLF and if the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) and Malacañang endorse his candidacy.

In the recent meeting of the MNLF's Central Committee held on April 1 to 3 in Pagadian City, Isnaji was endorsed as the MNLF common candidate for the upcoming ARMM polls. But Misuari's group and other MNLF factions questioned the said assembly.

Isnaji became assemblyman-representing Sulu when Misuari started serving the ARMM as governor sometime in 1996. He was elected speaker of the ARMM-RLA and also served once as acting governor when Misuari was arrested. He also assumed as vice governor when Guimid Matalam ran for congress.

He considered running for regional governor against Governor Zaldy Ampatuan in 2005 but then withdrew from the race before the ARMM election and opted to support the latter's candidacy. His support to Ampatuan led him to the ARMM department of science and technology as secretary.

"Because of the decision of MNLF that I was endorsed as a common candidate for governor in the forthcoming ARMM elections so I can't do otherwise. I respect and love the Ampatuan, they're very close to me. It's not really my wish to go against them but it's the decision of the MNLF that I will run."

* * *

A neophyte politician, retired police chief superintendent Ali Jumdail Omar of Jolo, Sulu is considered a promising candidate. He made a statement recently indicating interest to join the gubernatorial race.

Omar, also former military officer, spent practically the entirety of his government service in ARMM. Prior to his post in the autonomous region, he joined the Armed Forces of the Philippines (Constabulary) with the rank of 2nd lieutenant in 1975.

He rose to the rank of police senior superintendent when the PC/INP (Philippine Constabulary) became the Philippine National Police. His vital posts include ARMM consultant of the regional police commission, director of intelligence and investigation, Maritime Group PNP, Camp Crame.

He also served as district director, Maritime Group of Cagayan de Oro City; district director, firearms unit in Cotabato City; station commander, Maritime Police in Zamboanga City; police chief Sultan Kudarat in Maguindanao; and other police posts in Mindanao.

After his retirement as police chief superintendent on July 1, 1999, Omar went to the United States and live there. While in US, he said, led him to realize the sufferings of the people of ARMM who have, for the longest time, been hounded by chronic poverty.

He blamed the past and present governors of the regional government in ARMM, mandated to make change and development in the area, have disappointingly failed to bring genuine and sincere service to the people.

* * *

Mayor Muslim Sema of Cotabato City also may be considering a run for ARMM regional governor. As one of the top senior officials of the MNLF, he represents the Front as secretary general.

In a report posted at Luwaran.com website, it said that Mayor Sema wants to be candidate for governor for the ARMM.

During meeting of the MNLF's Central Committee early last month in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, long time chartered senior members of the Front elected Sema as the new MNLF chairman.

But supporters of Prof. Misuari protested and refused to recognize Sema as the new chairman, saying that the secretary general was after only the representation of the MNLF this upcoming ARMM election.

* * *

Rumors of a run for regional governor also surround Prof. Misuari, who was freed last month after the court allowed him to post P50,000 bail for his temporary liberty.

Misuari is facing rebellion charges after his forces tried, but failed to overrun a major military base in the southern Sulu province and another group held hostage over 100 people in Zamboanga City in 2001.

It was also reported by Luwaran.com, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) official website, that Prof. Misuari is groomed by certain quarters to be the government candidate for the forthcoming ARMM election.

If Prof. Misuari throws his hat into the ring, it would not be his first bid for governor. In 1996, following the signing of GRP-MNLF final peace agreement, he ran the gubernatorial race unopposed and served one term until his ouster in 2002.

He also ran twice for provincial governor of the province of Sulu even while under detention in the previous national and local elections, but defeated.

* * *

Incumbent ARMM Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan is seeking reelection amidst reports that the autonomous region remains as the poorest region in the country.

National Statistic Coordinating Board (NSCB) survey in 2006 showed that ARMM has the highest poverty incidence in the Philippines with 55.3%, followed by Caraga and Region IV with 45.5% and 43.7%, respectively.

Further, three of the ARMM provinces are in the Top 15 poorest provinces in the entire country. The province of Tawi-Tawi topped the ranking where 8 out of 10 families are poor, followed by Maguindanao, ranked No. 3 and Sulu, ranked No. 14.

But ARMM Governor Ampatuan pointed out that since his leadership, the regional government has implemented various socio-economic programs to uplift the status of living in the autonomous region.

According to him, "finding solution to poverty is a vicious cycle but the regional government exhausted all means and will continue to initiate best approaches to adhere to its mission of serving and protecting the people in the region."

He said they couldn't solve poverty overnight same as Rome was not built in one day. "I'm a functioning governor and people can attest to that. We want to change the lives of the people in the autonomous region. This is not about politics. This is about governance."

Reported missing British national swindles Chinese business partner in Zamboanga

Police authorities are searching for a British national, who was earlier reported missing in one of the hotels here, for allegedly swindling nearly half million pesos from a business deal with a Chinese buddy.

Mr. David Rowe, 38, a director of Matrix Import UK, was initially reported to have been missing since early dawn Thursday after he checked in at Amil Tower hotel, along Pilar Street, this city.

The report also said that a Chinese companion from Hong Kong, a certain Roy Fong, brought the matter to the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) to blotter his missing companion.

Fong said Rowe was last seen at around 1:00 a.m. Thursday after which at 3:00 a.m. he was gone in his hotel room. He said he had found no signs of his buddy until this time, although the Briton's belongings remain intact in his room.

As this developed, Mr. Fong reported again to the police his missing companion, but this time complaining against Rowe who took away the more than P410,000 said to be payment for purchase of banca (boat) engine machines.

The complainant claimed that they deposited a P3 million in the bank but the wife of Rowe, a certain Janet Sovitario withdrew it, and that the purchased orders supposed to be delivered on Friday did not arrive.

Police authorities advised instead Mr. Fong to file estafa case against Mr. Rowe, as it appears in the initial investigation that the British national swindled his money.

Meanwhile, Mayor Celso Lobregat appealed to the media not to "blow this up." He told reporters that the incident was a classic example of "a transaction that has gone sour."

He said: "Based on my information gathered that this person who could not be found by Mr. Fong...more or less was asking what is the fastest way to go to Cebu.” Rowe is reportedly staying in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, the mayor said.

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IMT's pull out not due to non-progress in GRP-MILF peace talks

Malaysia government's decision to pull out its monitoring team from the southern Philippines it's not due to non-progress in peace talks between the Government of Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Lieutenant Colonel Baharuddin Bin Admad, head of Malaysia's International Monitoring Team's ceasefire monitoring team based in Zamboanga City, said yesterday that their upcoming withdrawal has nothing to do with the protracted GRP-MILF peace talks.

"It's a normal exercise to withdraw before the actual date because we are ending our mandate. Some of us will be pulling out and some will remain. This has nothing to do with the non-progress of peace talks.

Our task is only to ensure the implementation of ceasefire between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the MILF and the peace talks could go on without any disturbance," he told local reporters.

Col. Admad, who headed a Malaysian ceasefire monitoring team of seven based at Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) headquarters, was speaking to reporters after a closed door meeting with Mayor Celso Lobregat at City Hall.

"It's time for us to leave, but we still maintain that monitoring force in Cotabato until the end of its mandate this August. We have fifteen teams, 14 will be pulling out and one team will remain, including a Libyan officer and the Brunei team," said Admad.

The Malaysian peace monitoring team has been in Mindanao since 2004, as part of the IMT, comprising 41 officers from the Armed Forces and the police, and supported by officers from few countries like Brunei, Libya and Japan.

Japan's tenure with the IMT ends on July this year. It has dispatched only one expert from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to the Malaysian-led peace monitoring team.

Asked if Japan's team will also pull out of the IMT, Col. Admad said "it's up to the Japanese government to decide whether it will pull out its team or not. They are still in Cotabato. They will remain until the end of August."

The IMT plays a critical role in supporting the peace negotiations between the Philippines and the MILF, and in continuing the momentum for the resolution of the conflict in the southern Philippines.

Members of civil society nationwide with individuals working for global peace affiliates had earlier called on Malaysia to reconsider its decision to pull-out its peace monitors that have successfully maintained a stabilizing presence in the south.

They said armed conflict in Mindanao has been greatly reduced since Malaysia began leading the peace mission and sponsored GRP-MILF peace negotiations, although they admitted the talks have been dragging on for years without tangible result.

But Col. Ahmad said "I think it's time for you people to go on trying to maintain the stability that we have created, but it all depends on the situation and how the government decides our extension. We're definitely going home we can't be here forever."

"Peace talks are not a thing that can be settled within a short period of time. So this is what normally happens…sometime they go on and sometime there are some breakdowns in the negotiations. We've to wait for sometime so that a better solution can be achieved," he adviced.

"The peace talks have progressed quite well except for some final detail that is still a stumbling block for the peace talks. Let that be decided by our principals on the talks, we are only here for the ceasefire violation," he concluded. (HG)