Thousands join peace walk, marking Mindanao Week of Peace celebration

Some youth who painted their faces and bodies while others with different colored flags as well as indigenous drums and streamers (with Arabic markings) are among the participants during the peace walk Thursday, which marked the start of weeklong celebration of Mindanao Week of Peace.

More than 10,000 people from all walks of life Thursday joined the “peace walk” in Zamboanga City, marking the start of the annual celebration of Mindanao Week of Peace from November 27 until December 3.

Youth, students, government employeesm, teachers, leaders of religious and inter-faith organizations as well as members from the multi-sectors took to the streets, carrying streamers with markings peace advocacy slogans.

Starting from the Petit Barracks, the crowd marched to the Joaquin F. Enriquez Sports Complex and gathered there to deliver a call for a peaceful solution to the conflict in the southern Philippines.

“It’s imperative on the communities of Christians, Muslims and Lumads to bring about durable and lasting peace through the integrity of mind and heart, humbly expressed in the reconciling process of repentance and forgiveness,” a joint statement of the Bishops-Ulama Conference said.

“Only this process, bolstered by socio-economic and political projects, can heal the wide wounds of the spirit. We urge all Mindanaoans, our fellow believers, to make this reconciliation process a top priority among our activities during the Mindanao Week of Peace 2008,” it concluded.

In an interview, Father Angel Calvo, president of the Peace Advocates of Zamboanga (PAZ), emphasized the need for the different communities, sectors and groups to engage positively in peace building and peace education.

“This is what we need. Learn about peace, learn how to build peace not only to dream and not only to complain against the officials for they’ve not done enough to maintain peace, but actively participating in peace campaign,” he said.

Atty. Manuel Mamauag, regional director of the Commission on Human Rights IX, on his part, called on the people to give peace a chance to change for a better.

“Why don’t we come out with an all out peace?” Mamauag asked.

He also advised the people to respect their neighbors and fellowmen since it is already an observance of respect for rights and rights to peace.

“Let the people be aware and have this consciousness, put in their minds and hearts,
peace is a result of respect for human rights,” he said.

“There is peace when you respect human rights and fundamental freedom,” the lawyer added.

"Integrity of Mind and Heart: A Way to Reconciliation and Peace" has become the theme of this year's Week of Peace celebration.

Kenney doesn't expect changes in policy on US troops presence in south

US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney arrives in Zamboanga City to lead in the distribution of 250,000 books at the Book Fair organized by USAID's EQuALLS2.

US government officials based in the Philippines on Monday said they don't expect major changes in US policy toward the US military presence in the southern Philippines when US president-elect Barack Obama takes office on January.

Obama's perspective on the US-led global campaign against terrorism differs greatly from outgoing President George W. Bush. He calls for a complete withdrawal of American troops within 16 months.

"Let him takes office first on January. So we don't expect any changes. The exact things will continue both on the security side and development we're doing here," US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney told local reporters in an interview.

Kenney arrived here to lead the distribution of USAID's 250,000 books valued at US$10 million to over a 100 elementary schools in cities of Zamboanga, Isabela, and provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. She also graced the groundbreaking rites of the Zamboanga City Medical Center Birthing Clinic.

"Education is a future. Your children deserve of that. Here is a book represents of every kinds of learning and it's a great tool for your chindren. Use them, read them, read them and read them," she said.

When asked about the continued presence of US troops in Mindanao, she replied: "The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) determines whether we still have temporary support, and every indication that they still interested on that, so we'll continue."

Colonel William Coultrup, commander of the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P), corroborated Ambassador Kenney's statement saying that he does not think there's an overall pullout from everywhere.

"I mean every new administration has the right to change policy, but there's always a re-evaluation that constantly goes on," said Coultrup. "I think they're going to re-evaluate case-by-case (basis) every location."

He said that they're not aware of anything right now, although he's certain that there are options. "I think it will happen…we'll start to get an idea after January, once the new president has sworn in to office."

But Filipino political analysts believe that the marked change in policy would be seen in the US global campaign against terrorism, wherein Obama will put more emphasis on economic development to deal with extremism.

Some Philippine government officials had earlier said with Obama's presidency they expect no major shift in US foreign policy toward the Philippines considering it has been set a long time ago.

Others are eager to see an end to a US military presence in Mindanao they consider intervention in domestic affairs. They believe the humanitarian mission by American troops was a cover for counterinsurgency operations.

Tausugs restore Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam

Head of Tausug state. Datu Ladjamura Bin Wasik Adinda Aranan Puyo salutes during his installation as ruler of the newly-restored Sultanate of Sulu.

The United Tausug Citizens (UTC) restored their long lost sovereign Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam on Friday, installing Datu Ladjamura Bin Datu Wasik Adinda Aranan Puyo as head of state and interim government.

Thousands of ethnic Tausugs carrying their flags and streamers with markings "Philippines please out now from Sultanate of Sulu!" "Today colony, tomorrow a country" marched through the streets of Jolo town.

After marching, the Tausugs from as far as Sulu, Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, Palawan, North Borneo (Sabah) gathered in Lupah Sug in the town of Indanan, the birthplace of the founding of Sultanate of Sulu in 1405.

At the gathering, they raised flag and saluted signaling the restoration of the Sultanate of Sulu and its government. Shortly after a flag ceremony, Datu Wasik was installed as head of state of the newly restored Sulu Sultanate.

A chief minister and ministers for defense, finance, foreign and interior as well as 15 mayors, 15 deputies, 150 village heads, 150 religious leaders, 120 police chiefs, and 5,000 police peacekeepers were also installed.

It was learned the rest part of Sultanate, its government structure will be restored soonest after the coronation of the rightful Sultan, to be held within forty-five days following last Friday’s 603rd Sulu Sultanate founding anniversary celebration.

The Tausugs' restoration of their sovereign state and governance was the first ever episode in the Philippines today, 62 years after the Filipinos illegally and militarily occupied the Sultanate of Sulu in 1946.

In a speech, Datu Wasik declared: "Ha adlaw ini, amo na ini in adlaw sin Tausug…nagbalik na kita niyo pa bangsa natu Tausug (today is the day of Tausugs and we have returned to Tausug state)."

"Ha adlaw ini Tausug na kita niyo…ha adlaw ini Sultanate of Sulu na kita niyo bukon na kita niyo Filipino (Today we are already Tausugs…today, we are already Sultanate of Sulu no longer Filipinos)," he further declared.

In an interview, Ibno Abdushahid Bin Ahmad Saudi, chief minister of North Borneo (Sabah), said that it was a legitimate move or right action for the Tausugs to choose the rightful leaders of the Sultanate of Sulu.

"This is the time for Tausugs all over the world to unite and support the Sultanate of Sulu. I hope and pray to Allah Subhana Wata'ala (the Almighty God) that what we have done so far would bare fruitfully," he said.

Stressing the existence of Sultanate of Sulu when there were no Americans, no Filipinos and Malaysians yet, he called on the Philippine government to “please, by all means, leave the sovereign Sultanate of Sulu peacefully!"

For his part, Atty. Meltino Jaujan Sibulan, lawyer of Tausug citizens, said that Datu Wasik, a legatee of “Second Heir Apparent” of Sultan Maharajah Adinda Rajamuda Bantilan, now functions as Sultan (ruler).

"Datu Wasik would be functioning the same local government or a regional government or a state government as before since the time of the first Sultanate of Sulu," Sibulan explained.

In November 17, 1405 A.D., Syed Abubakar Al-Marhom Shariful Hashim from Johore founded the Kingdom of Sulu Sultanate. He was enthroned by Tausug citizens as the first Sultan of Sulu Sultanate.

At the time of his arrival in Sulu, Islam was already anchored at Buansa village, having been introduced in 1380 to the Datus and their people by Sheikh Makhdum, an Arab missionary from Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Sibulan said the functions of Sultan can now be exercised by Datu Wasik, adding that “since the Sultanate' de jure government is now exercising the acts of sovereignity, it is time for the Philippines to abandon the territory of Tausugs.”

"The justice has long been held hostage by the Republic of the Philippines. They have hostage the peace, freedom, and the sovereignity of this state and Tausug people. It's time to give justice to the Tausug citizens!" HG

Kidnapped Zamboangueña nurse freed in Basilan

Zamboangueña nurse Precious Feliciano, kidnapped more than four months ago, arrives at the Majini Pier, Naval Forces South Command in Zamboanga City, a day after she was released by her captors in Al Barka town, Basilan.

Kidnapped Zamboangueña nurse Precious Feliciano was finally released Friday evening by her Abu Sayyaf captors in the Municipality of Al Barka in Basilan, officials said on Saturday.

Ms. Feliciano was first reported missing by her family last July 7. A high school classmate of the nurse allegedly went to Feliciano's house and invited her to high school reunion.

Instead of a reunion, Feliciano was brought to Manicaan in Zamboanga City, where a motorboat had been waiting. She was reportedly taken to Basilan and turned over to the Abu Sayyaf kidnappers.

Basilan Vice Governor Alrasheed Sakalahul said Ms. Feliciano was freed at Bohe Kassa, Barangay Magcawa in Al-Barka at around 9:45 p.m. after 124 days in captivity.

Precious' parents joined Sakalahul in fetching the 24-year old nurse who personally gave P200,000 in cash to the kidnappers as payment for "board and lodging."

"We were instructed by the kidnappers to proceed in that area, the same place, where we were able to get SP (Esperencita Hupida)," he told reporters.

The vice governor said he was not authorized to bring security to get the nurse. "I was only with my driver, of course my wife and the father and mother of the hostage," he added.

During an interview at Majini Pier in Naval Forces South arranged by Navy authorities, Precious did not answer some important questions by the media.

She, however, said her captors treated her well, provided her foods and did not hurt her. "Ok lang ta dale sila comigo kome. Ok el de ila treatment comigo alya. Hindi sila ta ase sinte duele comigo."

Mr. Feliciano, Precious father, said they're very glad now that Precious is already free from the kidnappers. He confirmed the reported P1.5 million ransom, which they gave to the kidnappers.

"Ya dale tambien kami board and lodging of P200,000. Previously ya dale ya man kami P1.5 million ransom," he told reporters.

He also admitted that her daughter's kidnapping greatly affected their family. He did not elaborate, but asked the government to eradicate the kidnappings.

Ms. Feliciano's release came a week after Esperencita Hupida, a program director of the Nagdilaab Foundation Inc. (NFI), was released by her captors last October 30, Thursday.

Hupida was abducted along with Millet Mendoza, another humanitarian worker, by Abu Sayyaf bandits one and a half months ago in Tipo-Tipo.

Mendoza's fate remains uncertain and also that of another kidnap victim, Joed Anthony Pilangga, and the Abu Sayyaf was reportedly demanding P7 million for Mendoza and P20 million for Pilangga.

"In the case of Mendoza, we leave that to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. For the other remaining hostage, we don't have any information whether he's in Basilan or not," Sakalahul said.

He declined to identify the negotiator of the MILF who is taking the lead in the negotiation for the release of the remaining hostages in Basilan.

"I give way (the negotiations for Mendoza's release) to the MILF. Ayaw ko rin naman ma jeopardize iyong kanilang ginagawa," the vice governor said.

Muslims in Tawi-Tawi celebrate founding of first & oldest mosque in the Philippines

Tubig Indangan (Simunul, Tawi-Tawi, Mindanao). In 1380, an Arab missionary from Saudi Arabia named Sheik Karimul Mackdum reached Tubig Indangan in Simunul, Tawi-Tawi, Mindanao and supervised the construction of the mosque thus marking the introduction of Islam faith in the Philippines.

Thousands of Muslims from the different towns in Tawi-Tawi have gathered for two days in the island of Simunul participating in the celebrations on the founding of the first mosque in the Philippines.

The first Muslim mosque known as the Masjid Sheik Karimal Mackdum, which was built in Indangan village in the island of Simunul by the Arab Muslim missionary from Mecca 628 years ago, signaled the propagation of Islam in the Philippines.

Sometime in November 2006, the Senate approved a proposal to declare the Philippines' oldest Islamic landmark located in Simunul as a national shrine in recognition to the contribution of Islam in the development of culture and civilization in the country.

Since Thursday, people converged on an area close to Sheik Karimal Mackdum Mosque with a variety of activities dubbed as Ziarang Simunul or Visit Simunul, based on the spirituality and cultural integrity of peoples of Mindanao.

Local government officials said a fluvial parade of decorated Sama tribe bancas signaled the different activities leading to the Friday congregational prayer at the Sheik Karimal Mackdum Mosque.

"The heart of the campaign is a symbolic gesture that signifies unity on the various people of ARMM and affirms Islam as a religion of peace," the municipal officials of Simunul said in a statement issued to the media.

The campaign highlighted the social capital of Simunul, which included the national heritage of the Sheik Mackdum Mosque, the colorful dances and music of the Sama tribe, the food delicacies, and efforts to usher in socio-economic development in the island.

A food festival of local delicacies, participated in by 16 villages of Simunul, launching the compilation of selected verses from the Qur'an and Hadith which provide references for the imams in their sermons also highlighted the celebration.

The celebrations culminated with a community "big book" reading, said to strengthen the social cohesion through collective recollection of the history of the place and the people along with the cultural presentation on the history of arrival of Islam in the Philippines.

Development projects were also launched and presented on Friday by various donor-funded projects present in Simunul such as the ACT for Peace Program, Mindanao Rural Development Program, Growth with Equity in Mindanao and the Basic Education Assistance for Mindanao.

Kapihan de Zamboanga
By Hader Glang

Barack Obama's election a triumph for black Americans

The election of Democrat Senator Barack Obama to the presidency of the United States is an amazing moment in American history.

This is an incredible accomplishment considering that never before have the Americans chosen a black candidate with Muslim roots to be president.

Indeed, the election of Obama is a long awaited triumph for the black American people who suffered much from slavery and oppressions by the whites in the past.

But his victory clearly indicates that America has come a long way since the dark time of segration, where the black people were treated like animals.

Some Filipino analysts had earlier speculated that a victory by Obama could lead to a reduction of American troops in Mindanao or even end their presence in the region.

I think this is more likely to happen because Obama wants to alter the US-lead global war on terrorism and the fact that he's calling for an end of war in Iraq, which was launched by outgoing President George Bush Jr.

But would this be a good thing or a bad thing for us? I think again we have to ask ourselves if the presence of US military here is not detrimental to our interest.

We have been hearing government officials saying that the strategic importance of the Philippines in America's geopolitics should remain constant and not lost.

Others say the US troops presence here and their non-combat assistance have helped prevent terror attacks and training and have neutralized Abu Sayyaf leaders and their JI cohorts.

On the other hand, diverse activist groups including Moro organizations demanded American troops involved in counter-terrorism exercises to leave Mindanao.

They said the humanitarian mission by American troops was a cover for counterinsurgency operations and amounted to US intervention in domestic affairs.

In light of all these issues, What is the best way for us? Should we demand Obama for a change in RP-US relations? Should we tell him to withdraw all US troops from Mindanao?