Maguindanao under martial law

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo handed over power to military authorities in Maguindanao on Saturday in a bid to restore order and to speed up the arrest without warrants of other members of the Ampatuan family and their private armies who have been linked to the November 23 massacre.

In a media report, the President through Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita announced Proclamation No. 1959 proclaiming a state of martial law and suspending the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in Maguindanao province, except for certain areas.

“Based on Proclamation 1959, we are here to formally take over the provincial capitol. By this time, all municipal halls have been secured by the armed forces and police forces in order to ensure that these facilities will be secure,” Lt. Gen. Raymundo Ferrer, chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Eastern Mindanao Command, announced yesterday at a press conference hours after the martial law declaration.

The martial law will continue indefinitely. The declaration came after a large cache of firearms and ammunition was unearthed near the mansions of the Ampatuans in Shariff Aguak, the capital town of Maguindanao.

Reports said soldiers from the Philippine Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade found different types of high-powered firearms and ammunition buried in the ground in a vacant lot in Poblacion 3 in the said town.

At least 4,000 troops have been deployed to Maguindanao for a purpose of implementing President Arroyo’s proclamation of martial law in the province and to conduct warrantless searches on residences of politicians, mostly members of the powerful political clan of the Ampatuans.

While martial law is in effect, Lieutenant General Ferrer will take over from Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr., one of the suspects in the massacre, as the provincial military governor.
Security forces have arrested members of the Ampatuan clan: Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan Jr., Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Gov. Zaldy Ampatuan, ARMM Vice-Governor Akmad Ampatuan Sr., Shariff Aguak Mayor Anwar Ampatuan, and Cahoner Amatuan, a Sangguniang Bayan member of Shariff Aguak.

The other local officials arrested were Paisal Sulaik, a Sangguniang Member of Shariff Aguak; Keise Usman, regional secretary of agriculture and of the ARMM; and Kabuntalan Emblawa, regional environment secretary of the ARMM.

A total of six Ampatuans have been arrested, including another son of the Maguindanao governor, Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr., who has been charged with 25 counts of murder for the massacre.

Ampatuan Jr. is currently detained at the National Bureau of Investigation headquarters in Manila. Ampatuan Sr. and Zaldy have been brought to Davao City and General City, respectively.

Two other Ampatuans were detained at the Maguindanao police provincial office, as of posting time.

The November 23 Maguindanao massacre, where 57 innocent civilians were killed, drew both local and international condemnation. It was allegedly led by the governor’s son.

There was immediate condemnation about the declaration of martial law in Maguindanao from a moro group called Suara Bangsamoro.

In a text message, Amirah Lidasan, the group’s leader, said: “Salam, kinokondena ng suara bangsamoro ang martial law sa maguindanao (greetings of peace, the suara bangsamoro condemns the martial in Maguindanao).”

Lidasan said the martial law might be used against the people in Maguindanao. She added that “we fear this will set a trend for other province and be used as a pretext for a no election scenario.”

However, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) condemned the Maguindanao massacre and blamed the Ampatuans for the carnage. The rebel group said many people in the province are rejoicing over the downfall of Ampatuan.

Earlier, Mayor Ampatuan alleged that MILF commander Umbra Kato staged the deadly massacre and was behind the deaths of 57 people including mediamen. The MILF denied the allegations. (Hader Glang)

Kidnapped Irish missionary priest freed

Freed Irish missionary priest. Fr. Michael Sinnott reveals his ordeal before local journalists at the Philippine Air Force's (PAF's) Edwin Andrews Air Base (EAAB) in Zamboanga City. HADER GLANG

A kidnapped Catholic Irish priest has been freed unharmed early Thursday morning in Zamboanga City after one month in captivity, officials said.

Father Michael Sinnott was turned over to government peace panel chairman Rafael Seguis by a unit of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front unit, which was ordered earlier by its leadership top help in the release effort, at around 4:22 a.m. at the costal village of Sangali, this city.

“I am very happy to inform everyone that after 30 days of captivity, Fr. Michael Sinnott has finally been released. He is a bit exhausted at this time, but otherwise, he is in good physical and emotional health. More importantly, he is with us once more,” Seguis said in statement issued to the local reporters by Major General Benjamin Dolorfino, chief of the military’s Western Mindanao Command, at Edwin Andrews Air Base (EAAB).

Personally, Seguis added: “Since Fr. Sinnot’s abduction…,ensuring his safe release has been our overriding concern. We have accomplished this goal. Personally, I am very relieved to see Fr. Mick early this morning when I received him from our joint CCCH.”

Seguis commended GRP-CCCH chairman Major General Reynaldo Sealana, his counterpart, MILF-CCCH chairman Toks Ebrahim, the CCCH secretariat heads Major Jun Sol and Rashid Ladiasan, and the other members of their team.

“I also wish to thank and congratulate our counterparts in the MILF peace panel, especially it chairman Mohagher Iqbal, for working and cooperating with us through the peace process mechanism,” he said.

Iqbal, in a phone interview, said they are very happy with the recovery of Father Sinnott, but admitted it was a delicate operation. We exerted great pressure to the group holding the priest and so was the family and relatives of those who held Father Sinnott.”

Iqbal said no ransom was paid for the kidnapped Irish priest’s release, invoking that kidnapping is forbidden in Islam and Father Sinnott’s recovery did not involve any money.

The kidnappers originally demanded $2 million for the release of the missionary, but authorities said it would not pay ransom.

Sinnott was taken by six gunmen on October 11 from his Columban missionary house in Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur province and brought to Lanao province.

Top military officials from the WesMinCom headquarters said Dolorfino said the priest is frail, but is okay. “He is okay and was examined by our doctors,” Dolorfino said.

Dolorfino said the priest told him that it took them 9 hours by boat to Zamboanga City. “Before Father Sinnott was freed, the kidnappers brought him to a mountain hideout and later transferred him at a mangrove area, probably in Lanao, for 10 days until he was released."

He said the MILF played a vital role in the recovery of the priest. “This will have a big impact in the peace talks between the MILF and the government. This is confidence-building measure and we are happy that Father Sinnott is finally a free man,” Dolorfino said.

Revealing his ordeal to the local reporters in Zamboanga City before leaving to Manila, Father Sinnott said he was treated well by his captors, who he identified as members of a “lost command” headed by Kikay.

“They said they were the Lost Command and the one in-charge is Kikay. The first group in the swamp they were 7 of them and the second group – only two had guarded me,” Sinnott said.

“They treated me very well, conditions were very primitive and we were living in the open under vinyl and they did their best to make things as easy as possible for me those who were guarding me. On the first 10 days, we were in the swampy area. It was a small area and you cannot walk – it’s difficult. Just slept on the hammock, there was nothing else. When we got to the forest, the one in-charge caused a pathway of about 10 meters and I walked up and down there. The first 10 days there was no place for walking around,” he said.

The Irish priest said he was supposed to be freed last week, but bad weather prevented his captors from releasing him.

“On the 4th of November, we were supposed to be released and after about 20 minutes hiking we were told that there is a typhoon on the way and it’s too high for the boat so we came back. Then last Monday, they said they were just waiting for the signal, so Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday the signal came so we came out. The first time we changed from the swampy area to forest area, they told me that I was going out free so when I got there so I said now I will not leave until I am free, but they were actually going out, but even last night I was not sure,” he further said.

The priest continued that his captors told him that he was kidnapped because of ransom. “They said they want to get money, to get ransom and I do not know if they got money.”

Sinnott said he wanted to return to his missionary home in Pagadian City, but would discuss this with the Missionary Society of St. Columban. He also thanked those who helped secure his freedom.

“I hope I will be going back to Pagadian, I do not know, but that has to be discussed with many people besides my self,” he said. “I would like to thank everybody who helped to get me free and every one of my friends that I know prayed for me while I was in captivity.” (HG)

Salapuddin: Senator Pimentel’s call to tap Pacquiao as peace negotiator “a big joke”

Former House deputy speaker for Mindanao Gerry Salapuddin called Senator Aquilino Pimentel’s proposal to tap Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao as peace negotiator amidst the renewed conflict in Basilan “a big joke” that will only make an already difficult situation worse.

In a press statement, Salapuddin said the proposal of Senator Pimentel to send Filipino boxing icon Pacquiao being designated Ambassador of Peace and Unity by Malacañang must have been proposed in jest, not in all seriousness, neither was it a well thought of recommendation.

“This proposal by Senator Pimentel is really quite a joke. While it is true that every boxing match of Pacquiao, even enemies sit together to cheer for him,” said Salapuddin, also former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebel commander based in Basilan turned politician.

Salapuddin defended the administration of President Gloria Arroyo, saying that she must not be faulted for it because the proposal was not coming from the Palace but from Senate Minorty Leader, who is an opposition senator.

“Personally, I don’t encourage sending Pacquiao to negotiate for a complex and intricate issue as the Moro issue. Most of all, I also fear for his safety. He is not just an international boxing icon, but also a Filipino pride who proudly raised the Philippine banner in the boxing ring.”

Salapuddin continued that most of all, Pacquiao is undeniably a billionaire now, and God forbids if he might be held hostage for ransom by unscrupulous armed elements.

He recalled that Vice President Noli de Castro and Actor Robin Padilla together with dozens of journalists were held hostage by Abu Sayyaf in Basilan. Likewise, he said even Major General Benjamin Dolorfino and top OPAPP officials were once held against their will in Sulu.

“Recently, the last of the International Committee of the Red Cross volunteer was held hostage and only released recently even if he belongs to a non-government charitable and humanitarian organization. There are many other unfortunate stories that we can learn from the past.”

Earlier, Senator Rodolfo Biazon questioned the competence of the boxing champ to handle an intricate and complex political subject as the Moro issue while Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago called the proposal as an act of desperation.

Even instant celebrity, mother of the Filipino boxing icon is simply not in favor of sending his son as a negotiator, Salapuddin said adding that just like the most prayerful Filipino President Corazon Aquino, Aling Dionisia Pacquiao instead calls on the nation to pray for guidance.

“As a Mindanaoan, I firmly believe that the key to the Mindanao problem is for the GRP and MILF and MNLF Panels to go to the negotiating table equipped with firmness and sincerity, prepared with sensible proposals and options, galvanized by the sole objective of formulating and achieving a comprehensive political settlement of the Moro issue.”

Since the MNLF and the MILF are both fighting for the same people and the same homeland, and since the present ARMM is the product of the GRP-MNLF FPA, it is only right that the MNLF must be consulted and made to participate in the peace process, according to Salapuddin.

Affected by recent violence and bloodshed in Basilan, where several people including soldiers and rebels were killed, the former lawmaker said that it is unfortunate that one after another incidents of bloody encounters in his province have always been the banner story these days.

“The right thing to do is for both the GRP and the United Moro Front, through their respective negotiating panels to notify the Orgnaization of Islamic Conference thru its Secretary-General to facilitate the resumption of the stalled talks,” Salapuddin suggested.

Since the Moro issue was a result of wrong colonial approach, Salapuddin said that it is likewise suggested that the United State and United Kingdom, be invited as co-facilitators and co-guarantors of the peace talks.”

He ended with the statement: “As we have experienced in the GRP-MNLF FPA, the economic component of the political settlement is indispensable. We need the political muscle and economic resources of the US and UK in achieving a comprehensive peace settlement of the Moro issue.”

Zamboanga leaders enjoin people to pray for eternal repose of President Cory Aquino soul Hundreds of Zamboangueños join the memorial mass for the late former President Corazon "Cory" Aquino at Fort Pilar shrine. Photos By HADER GLANG

Local leaders of the City of Zamboanga on Saturday enjoined the people to pray for the eternal repose of soul of former President Corazon Aquino.

Mrs Aquino, the ‘People Power’ icon, passed away at 3:18 a.m. Saturday, August 1, 2009, after battling colon cancer for more than a year. She was 76.

Congressman Erbie Fabian immediately extended his deepest condolonces to the Aquino family after knowing the news of the death of the first woman president in the country.

Fabian described Cory Aquino as a true example of a humble servant leader and an icon of democracy, whom “we owe it to her. Thank you President Cory.”

Presidential Assistant for Western Mindanao Monsi Dela Cruz said the nation has lost a great leader who had restored democracy and showed the true essence of servant leadership and humility.

“May I take this oppoturnity to condole with the grave family of President Aquino,” the former Catholic priest turned government official said.

“I am certain that the Almighty God would give President Aquino eternal reward for her goodness, compassion and love for the Filipino people.”

For his part, Vice Mayor Mannix Dalipe also described former President Aquino’s death “as a great loss to the Filipino people.”

“Her care and concern for the people made her a beloved leader,” said Dalipe. “Her tireless work for democracy is one of her greatest legacies. We will miss her.”

Fabian, Monsi and Dalipe did not give further statement, but they reiterated to Zamboangueños to pray for the eternal repose of soul of the late President Aquino.

The Philippine flag inside the Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) headquarters was raised at half-mast as a sign of respect to the country’s former president.

Maj. Gen. Benjamin Dolorfino, WesMinCom chief, said that in accordance with military tradition, full honors will be accorded to the late former President for 30 days in all military camps.

Dolorfino condoled with the beraved family of Aquino as he described the late ex-President Corazon Aquino as one of the nation’s icon of democracy.

“We wish her soul peace and her family peace of mind. President Cory will always be remembered as an integral part of the nation’s rich history,” he said.

Cannon shots were fired yesterday morning in the city. It will also be fired every thirty minutes until sundown at the Edwin Andrews Air Base (EAAB).

A message from US Ambassador Kristie Kenney emailed to Zamboanga Today: “On behalf of the US Embassy, I would like to express our most heartfelt condolences to the Aquino family and to the people of the Philippines on the death of former President Corazon Aquino.”

Kenney said that after Cory’s husband was assassinated in 1983, President Aquino’s determined leadership of the peaceful ‘People Power’ revolution restored democracy to the Philippines.

“Her courage in the face of tragedy and the peaceful restoration of democracy made her an icon for freedom-loving people everywhere. President Aquino’s example and memory will inspire generations to come.”

For the past twenty years, President Cory worked closely with the U.S. Embassy in helping to select the annual recipients of the Ninoy Aquino Fellowships given for public service and journalism. We will deeply miss her personal warmth and her tireless zeal on behalf of talented Filipinos emerging as leaders in those fields, according to Kenney.

Also a statement from US Secretary Hilary Clinton emailed to Zamboanga Today: “I extend my deepest condolences to the Aquino family and all the people of the Philippines on the death of former President Corazon Aquino.”

Clinton said Cory Aquino was beloved by her nation and admired by the world for her extraordinary courage after the assassination of her husband, and later, during her service as president.

“She helped bring democracy back to the Philippines after many years of authoritarian rule with a faith in her country and its people that never wavered. Like millions of people worldwide, Bill and I were inspired by her quiet strength and her unshakable commitment to justice and freedom. We join the American and Filipino people in honoring her life and memory.”

Aquino’s husband was assassinated in 1983 upon his return to Manila from his exile in the United States. His death catapulted Aquino to the presidency after deposing President Ferdinand Marcos.

She ruled from 1986 to 1992 and survived several coup attempts by rightist soldiers, who accused Aquino as a leftist supporter. She was named by Time Magazine as the 1986 Woman of the Year.

Kidnapped Italian Red Cross member freed in Sulu

Italian Eugenio Vagni, staff member of the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC), waves to journalists as he embarks on a private plane for Manila at the Edwin Andrews Air Base (EAAB) in Zamboanga City on Sunday, July 12, 2009. HADER GLANG

An Italian Red Cross official kidnapped in the southern Philippines’ island of Sulu was freed unharmed early Sunday dawn after nearly six months in captivity by the extremist Abu Sayyaf group, officials said.

Eugenio Vagni, 62, staff member of the International Committee of the Red Cross was kidnapped on January 15, 2009 with Swiss national Andres Notter and Filipina Mary Jean Lacaba while they working on a humanitarian mission in Patikul, Sulu.

His fellow ICRC staff members – Ms. Lacaba and Mr. Notter – regained their freedom on April 2 and 18, respectively.

Vagni regained his freedom in the early hours of July 12. He is tired after 179 days in captivity, but given the circumstances is doing remarkably well, said Jean-Daniel Tauxe, the head of the ICRC’s delegation in the Philippines.

"The ICRC is relieved and happy that Mr. Vagni will soon be back with his family and friends, who have been living a painful nightmare for almost six months and cannot wait to see him return home," Tauxe said.

"We would like to express our profound gratitude to all those who have worked so hard in recent months to secure the release of Mary Jean, Andreas and Eugenio," he added.

The Philippine-based ICRC head thanked Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan, Vice Governor Nur-Ana Sahidulla, Joint Task Force Comet Commander, Major General Juancho Sabban, the national and local authorities, especially the military and the police for the tremendous efforts that contributed greatly to the resolution of the long hostage crisis.

According to Mr. Tauxe, the ICRC remains concerned about other hostages still being held captive in the southern Philippines.

He said the ICRC has been working in the Philippines since 1982. It provides protection and assistance for those most in need, particularly internally displaced people (IDPs) in Mindanao. In addition, it visits detainees to assess their conditions of detention.

As of early Sunday, Vagni was already in the custody of Major General Sabban and Vice Governor Sahidula.

A press release from the Armed Forces’ Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) headquarters disclosed that Vagni was recovered safely by Sahidulla and Sabban at about 12:30 a.m. Sunday in Barangay Pula Abu, Parang town.

Army Lieutenant Esteffani Cacho, WesMinCom spokesperson, said that Vagni appeared in good health condition but underwent a medical check up at the trauma hospital in Camp Bautista in Jolo town.

Vagni's release came after General Victor Ibrado's first visit as Armed Forces of the Philippines chief-of-staff to Sulu and Basilan, the two island provinces that have been beset by a rise in kidnapping and bombing incidents in the past few months.

Vagni was flown to Zamboanga City yesterday morning where he was met at the Edwin Andrews Air Base (EAAB) by outgoing WesMinCom chief Lt. Gen. Nelson Allaga, who will replace by Lt. Gen. Benjamin Dolorfino, the Philippine Marines commandant.

In an ambush interview at EAAB, Vagni who is thinner and clad with vest, jogging pants and black t-shirt told Zamboanga Southwall: “I feel very good. I Feel great.”

When asked how he feels now, he replied: “I feel free. Yes, a wonderful feeling.”

Earlier in Jolo, Vagni revealed to reporters that he lost 20 kilos and was also stricken with cholera. He thought he would die already but fortunately, medicines were brought for him.

The Italian also remarked that it was a miracle he was able to recover from cholera. He shared that he is very fit because he engages in various sports including taekwando.

He said that he wants to take a break from work so he can build up his muscle tone because of all the weight he lost. He added that his diet in captivity mostly consisted of rice and fish.

He was able to eat a hearty breakfast with eggs on Sunday, noting that it was one of the things he missed the most.

Meanwhile, the military said that the arrested two wives of Abu Sayyaf leader Albader Parad could be the key to the release of Vagni.

Parad’s two wives were arrested right after Tuesday's bombing in Jolo, where five people were killed and dozens more injured.

Sources from Jolo said that Parad’s two wives were exchanged for Vagni's freedom aside from a pledge for the implementation of development projects.

It was not known whether a ransom had been paid for the release of Vagni. Earlier reports said that Parad’s group had demanded $15 million ransom.

The ICRC had earlier issued an appeal for Vagni's release. It had also said it was not involved in negotiations or offering ransom for Vagni's freedom.

RP-US “Balikatan 2009” emphasizes humanitarian assistance

Balikatan, an annual Republic of the Philippines-U.S. bilateral military humanitarian assistance and training exercise, will take place in the Philippines April 16-30, 2009. Preliminary work on community infrastructure projects will begin in early April.

Balikatan 2009 will focus on training both of our armed forces to provide relief and assistance together, in the event of natural disasters and other crises that endanger public health and safety.

In addition, Philippine and U.S. military service members will conduct humanitarian assistance projects in Bicol, Central and Southern Luzon, and Zamboanga. They will offer free medical, dental, and veterinary care and construct and repair schools and other community infrastructure in communities most in need of assistance.

Members from all military services of our countries will conduct combined staff exercises and field training in Luzon to improve interoperability and contingency planning.

“These humanitarian assistance and training activities enable our soldiers to get to know each other, train together, and provide assistance in communities where the need is greatest,” said U.S. Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney.

“True to the meaning of the word balikatan, this exercise entails Philippine and U.S. forces shouldering the load together to help the greatest possible number of people in need.”

Balikatan 2009 will be the 25th annual event of its kind held under the auspices of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) and Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA). -- PR

Spate of kidnappings, murders alarm Basilan ulamas

Some twenty-four Muslim ethnic religious leaders based in Basilan Province have voiced alarm over the spate of kidnappings and extra-judicial executions in the different parts of the island province.

The Basilan Ulama Council (BUC) condemned the wave of kidnappings and killings and urged all the local officials to immediately convene their respective peace and order council if only to faithfully address the current alarming situation in the province.

"We firmly believe that the immediate convening of the peace and order council would surely bring about proper venue for the ventilation of any burning issues that may be detrimental to the people and the province as a whole," members of the BUC said in a statement.

They believe that with serious approach and joint efforts of the different local officials as well as the military and police with the support of various stakeholders in the province, the current peace and order disturbances could be minimized and improved.

A spate of kidnappings in Basilan began July last year, where almost two dozens of people including children were abducted. This was followed by a series of killings of suspected members or sympathizers of Moro rebel and political groups.

Ustadz Abdulmuhmin Mujahid, BUC vice chairman for operations, alleged that the law and order situation in the province had collapsed, as incidents of killings are rampant in the different parts of the province.

"Residents were afraid of venturing out even in day time," Mujahid said. "Enough is enough in Basilan. No to kidnappings and killings!" Mujahid said.

But police and military authorities maintained that patrolling had been intensified in the province and special operations were being launched to arrest or neutralize criminals and lawless elements.