AFP gives ultimatum to MILF rebels

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has given the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) one week to turn over those responsible for the brutal killings of 14 soldiers in Basilan.

AFP Chief of Staff General Hermogenes Esperon said Wednesday if the MILF rebels failed to meet the ultimatum, they would take a military option but not necessarily an all-out war.

"We have options 1 to 10. An all-out offensive is the the last resort, but it is still an option," Esperon told reporters after meeting with top military commanders at Western Mindanao Command headquarters.

He said the Armed Forces are determined to punish those who have committed the barbaric and inhuman acts, which are no longer within the ambit of the peace process.

But one MILF leader said they will not surrender any of their freedom fighters and will defend themselves should the military attack their stronghold in Basilan.

Instead, MILF information committee chairman Khaled Musa urged the government to observe restraint in launching punitive military actions against the "beheaders."

"There is really need to distinguish who were responsible and who are innocent. Collective punishment is not a good option for the government, because so many innocent people would be affected or even killed or wounded," Musa stressed.

The MILF, which is negotiating peace with the Philippine government, claimed responsibility for the July 10 attack on marines in barangay Guinanta, Tipo-Tipo town but denied beheading them.

It blamed the soldiers for the beheading of a Muslim religious leader identified as Imam Alkanul during the June 10 encounter between MILF fighters and Philippine Marines in Al-Barka town.

Esperon strongly denied this accusation, saying that "as we have interviewed participants in the operations, there is no indication that the troops were aware of an Imam."

"Initial report is that there was an Imam who died on July 10, but as to how he died is a matter to be determined," the AFP chief said replying to a question about the probe on the beheading of an Imam.

He also said their investigation team is looking into involvement of private armies of some politicians in Basilan, who were reportedly supplied the Abu Sayyaf and MILF with mortars, weapons and ammos.

Meanwhile, Esperon revealed the successes of military operations against the Abu Sayyaf group and the New Peoples Army (NPA) in the first semester of this year.

He said they have reduced the strenght of ASG by 73 members from 425 and cleared several barangays that are under influence of communist terrorist movement at the start of the year.

At the same time, the AFP chief said that search and rescue operations for kidnapped Italian priest continue in the provinces of Zamboanga Sibugay and Basilan. "There has been no let-up in the operations to recover safely Fr. Bossi," he said.

Malaysia's economic managers visit ARMM
Deputy Director Allaudin Bin Haji Anuar, head of the macro-economic section of the Economic Planning Unit of Malaysia's Prime Minister's Office, met with heads of different ARMM agencies to discuss ongoing socio-economic programs in the region. Malaysia, which currently leads the International Monitoring Team (IMT) in the ongoing GRP-MILF peace negotiation, considers furthering its peace and development assistance in Southren Philippines. (BPI-ARMM)

The Economic Planning Unit (EPU) of the Prime Minister’s Office of Malaysia visited the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Monday to discuss recent socio-economic endeavors in the region.

The delegation was headed by EPU Macro-Economic Section Deputy Director Allaudin Bin Haji Anuar together with representatives from the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and officials of the International Monitoring Committee (IMT).

Through a round-table discussion, Director Anuar inquired from the secretaries and directors of ARMM’s various agencies and departments on the status of the project implementation funded both by the Philippine government and international institutions.

Regional Planning and Development Office (RPDO) Executive Director Diamadel Dumagay presented the status of business and industry of ARMM including the program plans of ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan.

After the round-table discussion, ARMM Executive Secretary Atty. Oscar Sampulna uttered hopes on the objectives of the EPU delegation’s visit.

“We are optimistic that after the thorough presentation of Director Dumagay on the various lined-up projects of ARMM with the different foreign donors in the globe, the Malaysian government will be extending assistance to the people of ARMM through socio-economic projects soon,” expressed Sampulna.

The Malaysian government through its International Monitoring Team is supporting the on-going peace process in Mindanao.(BPI-ARMM)

MILF rebels ready vs. AFP offensive in Basilan

Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters are ready to defend themselves should government troops attack their stronghold in Basilan province, officials of the rebel group warned yesterday.

Tension in Basilan between MILF rebels and government forces has gripped following a bloody gun battle Tuesday in Al-barka (Tipo-Tipo) that left 14 marines killed, ten of them beheaded, and 9 wounded.

A report posted at Luwaran.com disclosed the rebels suffered at least 4 dead and seven wounded in the fighting. It said the rebels destroyed two 6x6 military vehicles and captured assorted high-powered firearms from the marines.

"We will defend ourselves in Basilan in the face of impending major offensive by government forces as a result of the 'beheading' of 11 Marines after the July 10 encounter," said Khaled Musa, MILF committee on information vice chairman.

For his part, Eid Kabalu, MILF spokesman, said that if government forces start their offensive, they would see that there are men in the area ready to fight by all means necessary.

"They are ready to die and have prepared to defend themselves," Kabalu said. "We do hope that they will not be pushed further because any provocations from military will lead to dire consequences."

According to Musa, the massing of troops by the government is another display of blatant disregard of the existing ceasefire between the MILF and the government.

He accused the government of deliberately luring the MILF into the firefight last Tuesday, citing violations of the truce such as massing or deployment of troops, without coordination and entering known MILF bailiwick.

He urged the Philippine government to observe restraint in launching punitive military actions against the "beheaders" of the priest, saying there is really need to distinguish who were responsible and who are innocent.

"Collective punishment is not a good option for the government, because so many innocent people would be affected or even killed or wounded," he stressed.

But military blamed the MILF for the incident, saying marine troops were returning to their camp when they were ambushed by more or less 300 armed men, including members of the Abu Sayyaf group.

Lieutenant General Eugenio Cedo, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, said troops from the 1st Marine Brigade were deployed to the area purposely to verify a tip-off that Fr. Giancarlo Bossi was being held in the hinterlands of Tipo-Tipo.

"Apparently, their (marine troops) purpose of going into the area turned negative. The informant was not able to give them the exact location," Cedo told reporters in an interview last Saturday.

Troops of the 1st Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT) from Sulu have been deployed to Basilan. They arrived Saturday in Maluso town to augment troops preparing for the major military operation in Tipo-Tipo.

The deployement came after President Arroyo ordered the military to hunt down those who perpetrated the brutal killings of marines, who were searching for the kidnapped Italian Catholic priest, who has been held captive more than one month already.

The military tagged rogue MILF members as behind the June 10 abduction of Fr. Bossi in Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay. Intelligence reports said that he was already turned over by captors to a kidnap-for-ransom group (KFRG) in Basilan.

Sen. Biazon concludes: “Attack on marines in Basilan well planned”

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels carefully planned the attack Tuesday on government forces in island province of Basilan, where 14 marines were killed, most of them beheaded, and nine others wounded.

This was the conclusion made by Senator Rodolfo Biazon on Friday as he asked both the MILF and the Philippine government peace negotiators what could be the effect of the incident on the peace process.

“Based on my informal inquiry I can make a conclusion that the show was triggered, managed by the MILF,” Biazon told reporters in an interview at the Western Mindanao Command military headquarters here.

The Senator, a former Marine combat-officer himself, said he observes the MILF is not denying involvement in that incident and not even claiming the gunmen who clashed with the marines were lost command members.

“So meaning…they are admitting that what happened is a hard-bid, big involvement of the MILF,” said Biazon, who also chairs the Senate Defense Committee.

Eid Kabalu, MILF spokesman, said the battle was a legitimate fight because their forces acted in self-defense against the marines, who were in a territory that belongs to the Bangsamoro Armed Forces.

Invoking an agreement whereby the government forces are supposed to coordinate the MILF of mass troop movements, Kabalu said the military did not tell them, which triggered the incident.

“We admit that our freedom fighters were responsible for the deaths of the marines, but we denied that they had beheaded them. It is against Islam. We do not mutilate the enemy," he said.

But Biazon brushed off Kabalu’s claim that the marines went astray into an MILF controlled territory, saying that the whole nor part of Basilan is not included in the list of recognized areas that are ally agreed upon by both parties under the peace process.

“Since Basilan is not included in this list, there was no need for the marines to coordinate with the MILF if they are performing a security operation. The marines’ main mission was only to verify the presence or absence of Fr. Giancarlo Bossi,” he stressed.

Bossi, 57, an Italian priest, kidnapped more than a month ago in the coastal village of Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay, was reportedly taken by his abductors somewhere in Basilan, a birthplace of the Al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group.

The military has been searching for the Catholic missionary since his abduction on June 10. Its counterpart in the Ad Hoc Joint Group (AHJAG) of the MILF has given way Armed Forces the sole responsibility to search or rescue alone the priest.

With the incident, according to Biazon, it should now direct the policy makers in the country to re-examine the so-called peace process between the Philippine government and the MILF.

“I have no recommended specific actions to be taken, but I think we need to re-examine. Are we going to allow further the claims of the MILF that they control certain areas of this country without the mutual agreement of those people in authority?” he said.

The military have been given the go signal to hunt down and arrest those who killed and beheaded the soldiers in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan even as the International Monitoring Team (IMT) were on the ground in Basilan carrying out an investigation on the incident.

But Biazon commented that to effect the order of the commander-in-chief to hunt down the perpetrators of the killings and beheadings of marines, requires reinforcement to the forces that are presently based in Basilan.

“I will leave it to them. I understand there is a deployment of one marine battalion from Sulu. Definitely, this is a good move on the part of the commander-in-chief because we can’t allow our troops to be treated that way,” he added.

When asked to comment about IMT’s independent investigation on the incident, Biazon replied: “I think it is incumbent upon them to monitor everything related to the peace process and this incident is related with it. This may not be affecting the present day situation, but it can affect the future of the peace process which could affect the future of this country.”

MILF probes beheading in Basilan

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said Thursday that it was investigating the incident in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan, where 10 Marines were reportedly killed, 4 of them were beheaded and mutilated their bodies.

At the same time, the MILF is looking into a reported lapse in coordination between its forces and the Marines, which triggered a bloody gun battle.

The military had earlier blamed the extremist Abu Sayyaf gunmen, backed by MILF rebels, as behind the beheading of soldiers. It said that it was the “signature” of the group to behead people.

The Abu Sayyaf is on the US government’s terrorist watchlist and it has earned international notoriety for decapitating hostages, including Filipino Claretian priest Rhoel Gallardo and American tourist Guillermo Sobero who were beheaded in 2000 and 2001, respectively.

In 2005, a medical officer of the Basilan General Hospital disclosed to media that the terrorists have already beheaded more than 76 people, mostly civilians, from 1992 to 2001.

“We are investigating because this incident is very unfortunate. This should not have happened because the beheading of a dead person is prohibited in Islam,” Ghadzali Jaafar, MILF vice chairman for political affairs, said from his base on Central Mindanao.

Jaafar also denied having cooperation and link with the Abu Sayyaf, saying that the MILF as an organization has no association at all with the terrorist group. But the military insists to persistent reports of the separatist group’s involvement during the firefight.

He said he has already talked with the chief of staff of the MILF’s Bangsamoro Armed Forces on what really happened in Basilan on Tuesday, and they were, as Muslims, feel very sad that the incident happened.

Invoking the MILF’s rules of engagement, he said their forces were strictly told not to commit that kind of atrocity and to uphold at all times the rules of war in Islam. “In Islam even the cutting of trees without valid reason is not allowed.”

When asked whether the MILF will punish its some members if proven culpable in the beheading, Jaafar replied: “It all depends on the decision of the MILF Central Committee, but definitely we will give sanction to those involved.”

For Philippine Marines spokesman Lt. Col. Ariel Caculitan, “We will leave the incident to the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) to ferret out the truth, especially on the extent of the MILF's involvement.”

Caculitan blamed the MILF for the attack, calling it a violation of the ceasefire between the government and the rebel group.

“Clearly this is a violation of the ceasefire. The CCCH must determine if the MILF participated in the mutilation of some of our colleagues. This is also a violation of International Humanitarian Law," he said.

Caculitan also belied the MILF's claim that the military failed to coordinate with it, saying an Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) is in place to do the coordination.

"The AHJAG coordinates the efforts of government forces tracking lawless elements)," he said. adding there was no reason for the MILF to attack because the Marines were returning from a mission to verify information on abducted Italian priest Giancarlo Bossi.

Meanwhile, two missionaries of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME) in Zamboanga City have doubted the link drawn between Bossi’s abduction and a military clash with Abu Sayyaf or MILF in Basilan.

In a report posted at the website of Union of Catholic Asia News, PIME Father Luciano Benedetti said that his community does not think the clash is related to their confrere's kidnapping.

Benedetti, a kidnapped victim himself in 1998, believes Fr. Bossi has not been brought to that area. “A report linking beheadings of marines to Father Bossi's kidnapping, for us, that doesn't sound right.”

For his part, Fr. Sebastinao D’Ambra, president of the Silsilah Dialgoue Movement in Zamboanga City, said through a text message: “It is not related to Fr. Bossi…military knows that he is not in Basilan.”

The Abu Sayyaf is reportedly holding kidnapped Italian priest Fr. Giancarlo Bossi and is demanding for P250 million for his safe release.

A police intelligence agent who requested anonymity, disclosed that alleged Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) lost command rebels had turned over the victim recently to the Abu Sayyaf near Sacol Island, Zamboanga City.

According to the intelligence agent, Bossi is now in the custody of the terrorists who are keeping the Italian priest in the hinterland of Tuburan Municipality.

The intelligence officer disclosed that the terrorists were also the same group who abducted the daughter of former WMSU president Dr. Eldigario Gonzales.

The same intelligence agent explained that the reason for Bossi’s abduction by the MILF is to force the national government to continue with the peace talks.

The Abu Sayyaf in Basilan attacked government troops who were trying to rescue Bossi last Tuesday night, the intelligence agent reported.

Abu Sayyaf strikes anew, killing 14 Marines, beheading 4 of them, in Basilan clash?
Photo shows two coffins of slain marines believed beheaded by extremist Abu Sayyaf gunmen following a clash with government troops searching for kidnapped Italian Catholic priest Giancarlo Bossi in Basilan.

Suspected Abu Sayyaf gunmen clashed Tuesday with government forces in Basilan province, killing 14 soldiers and beheading four bodies, a report reaching Nippon Hoso Kyokai (NHK) here said Wednesday, July 11, 2007.

The victims were members of the 1st Marine Brigade that were searching for the kidnapped Italian Catholic priest Giancarlo Bossi in the hinterland village of Tipo-Tipo Municipality.

According to the report, the dead soldiers, included those beheaded, had been recovered. It added they were returning to base when they came under fire and fighting broke out until 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Earlier reports said troops clashed with members of the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group, reportedly aided by Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels in Ginanta in Al-Barka, an adjacent town of Tipo-Tipo.

Four marines were initially killed and nine others were wounded in the firefight.

In a related news, journalists following the developments on efforts to secure the release of Fr. Bossi were barred by soldiers from covering the cadavers of marines taken to La Merced funeral home in Zamboanga City.

A reporter said he was able to take shot bodies of slain soldiers, including those who were beheaded, in the funeral's embalming room, "but one marine soldier took my camera and erased its content."

Meanwhile, the MILF admitted that it had killed 23 Marines during the fighting with government forces Tuesday in Basilan Province, but denied responsibility for the beheading of soldiers.

Mohagher Iqbal, MILF chief negotiator, said their forces encountered with the Marines in Barangay Guinanta, Tipo-Tipo starting at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday and dwindled down late in the afternoon, leaving 23 soldiers dead on the spot.

“Violence broke out after the Philippine Marines entered our camp in Tipo-Tipo town,” said Iqbal. “Our troops thought they were under attack that's why they fought back. If they just coordinate with our men in the ground, it should have not happened.”

A report posted at the MILF on line website Luwaran, Abu Majid, MILF information officer based in Basilan, dismissed reports from the government that what Marine troops encountered in Tipo-Tipo town were members of the Abu Sayyaf group.

Majid said the MILF would look into the reported beheading because Islam prohibits mutilation or commission of any atrocity against a fallen enemy.

“The Marines entered our area in complete disregard of the ceasefire agreement,” Majid said, adding, “The MILF does not understand why no such coordination was ever attempted by the Philippine Marines.”

The MILF also reported it had recovered 27 firearms, including six (6) M-60 machineguns, eight M-203 grenade launchers, ten M-16 Armalite rifles, one 60mm mortar, and several night vision goggles.

Majid said the MILF, which suffered four casualties and seven (7) wounded, also destroyed two 6x6 military vehicles.

“All the captured firearms remain in the custody of MILF in the area,” Majid said.

Meanwhile, Marine Major Gen. Ben Mohammad Dolorfino, head of the government's Ad Hoc Joint Advisory Group (Ahjag), noted that beheading was an execution style of the Abu Sayyaf.

"There were reports that the son of Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon were among the fatalities. He reportedly suffered a gunshot wound to his mouth," Dolorfino said.

"They got angry, that's why they decapitated the Marines," he added.

Hapilon is said to be the chief of the Abu Sayyaf faction in Basilan.

The military claimed that as many as 300 to 500 men overpowered their troops as the Marines were on their way back from search operations for kidnapped Italian Catholic priest Giancarlo Bossi.

Bossi, 57, a missionary of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME) was seized by heavily gunmen in the coastal of Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay. He was reportedly to have been taken by his abductors to Basilan.

Marine Colonel Ramiro Alivio, 1st Marine Brigade commander, denied that 20 soldiers were killed. "Soldiers were checking reports that Fr. Bossi was sighted in the town. The report turned out to be false," he told reporters.

Muslim leaders hold Islamic summit on environmental governance in Cotabato



Over a hundred Islamic religious leaders, members of the Islamic studies academe, non-government organizations, Islamic educators and community advocates all over Central Mindanao had convened for the first time to hold the first Regional Islamic Summit on Environmental Governance here from July 7–9, 2007.

Dubbed as Khalifatul Ardh or Steward of the Earth. the 3-day Summit aims to raise awareness of environmental governance, get the involvement of stakeholders in environmental governance advocacy and encourage the Regional Legislative Assembly (RLA) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to enact effective environmental laws derived from the religious teachings of Islam.

The release of Al Khalifa is the highlight of the Summit; the sourcebook that will discuss environmental governance in ethical, religious and technical aspects.

City Mayor Muslimin Sema welcomed the activity emphasizing the sourcebook as “the practical applications of Islamic teachings to environmental care.”

Gracing the summit is the presence of US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie A. Kenny, stressing, “this initiative is unique for this is the first time people from all sectors met and came up with a guide book that will help every Muslim be a responsible environmental steward in Islam way.”

ARMM Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan’s on the other hand stated his concern on the environment of the region in his State of the Region Address (SORA) thru implementation of programs that will intensify reforestation and rehabilitation of all coastal and marine resources as well as enforcing laws and policies protecting the rights of cultural communities from environmental degradation.

The Summit is a joint effort of the City of Government of Cotabato, Assembly of the Darul Ifta of the Philippines, Notre Dame University-Accelerated Teachers Education Porgram, Department of Environment and Natural Resources-ARMM and U.S. Agency for International Development/EcoGov2 Project. (BPI-ARMM)

Italian special envoy meets Silsilah in Zamboanga on efforts to free Fr. Bossi
text HADER GLANG

An Italian special envoy arrived here for talks withmembers of the inter-faith council of leaders on Saturday on effortsto free Fr. Giancarlo Bossi kidnapped almost a month ago in Payao,Zamboanga Sibugay, Southern Philippines.

Ms. Margherita Boniver, a prominent Italian lawmaker and veteran ofseveral humanitarian missions, together with Italian Ambassador to thePhilippines Ruben Fidele met a group of Muslim and Christianindividuals who composed the Silsilah Dialogue Movement.

Fr. Sebastiano D'Ambra, Silsilah president and a senior member of thePontifical Institute for Foreign Mission, and Ustadz Shariff Julabbi,former spokesman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and member ofthe Bishop Ulama Council of the Philippines led in welcoming Ms.Boniver and party.

"I'm extremely honored to be here and I was very touched from astatement that just read out. What I will do when I go back to Italy Iwill not only deliver to my government and to parliament but I willalso have to translate it into Italian and distribute it," saidBoniver after arriving at the Silsilah Center.

"I think it is an extraordinary document of love and understanding,although Brother Giancarlo Bossi has not been released yet. I do thinkthat a feeling such as this will be of tremendously help in order toobtain his (Fr. Bossi) release and also in order to console somehowhis relatives and friends back home," she said.

The Silsilah group issued a statement on the kidnapping of Fr. Bossito Ms. Boniver saying that, they, in the Inter-Faith Council ofLeaders of Zamboanga City are deeply saddened by the incident nearly amonth ago."We are concerned for his safety and his health,considering the circumstances which now surround him."

The statement furthered that Fr. Bossi is not a combatant in theongoing conflict in Mindanao and that he is a missionary priest, farfrom his home in Abbiaegrasso, Milan, Italy who is giving his life inservice to the people of Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay.

"We, as a group of Muslim and Christian leaders of different sectorsof society, who follow the spirit of Silsilah towards the attainmentof peace through dialogue, are committed to firm respect for the value of human life regardless of religion, culture and ethnicity, as taughtin our respective religions."

Invoking the teachings of the Holy books, the Qur'an and the Bible,the group asked those who held Fr. Bossi to keep him safe and releasehim immediately and also asked those who have information about thepriest to cooperate with the authorities working to find him andarrange for his release.

"We take this sad event as a new challenge for reflection and action,to invite all Muslim, Christian and Indigenous people of Mindanao tobe united for the common good of our people. We are in solidarity, insorrow and in prayer with the family, friends, the community of Fr.Bossi, the Italian people and all peoples of sincere hearts who workfor a better and peaceful world. It is our belief that those who dogood in the name of Allah/God will find favor in His eyes, and good will be given to them."

At a forum, Ms. Boniver said they have received or seen pictures ofFr. Bossi, which indicate he is alive and in good health. "But we donot know when exactly those images have been taken. We hope that they(photos) were taken in these very days as we don't have any kind ofinformation about that."

She thanked the Philippine authorities for the efforts it provided inthe search for Fr. Bossi while she expressed hopes that the effortscontinue in order to find out the priest location and who abductedhim, "especially the end result of bringing him back home safely shallbe pursued relentlessly."

Asked if the Italian government is willing to pay board and lodging,Ambassador Fidele replied: "This question has been post to me manytimes. But we don't know anything and we don't know what their requestis. We cannot decide in something that we don't know, but we can't payransom."

Meanwhile, the Italian official strongly denied having establishedcontact with kidnappers of Fr. Bossi. "No it is not the Italianauthority that to establish contact with the kidnappers of Fr.Giancarlo Bossi because this is the exclusive task of the Philippinesauthorities," said Boniver.

Adding, "it will be extraordinary if we should interfere with theinvestigation. That's not our job in any case we are notinvestigating. It does not mean however that there is nocollaboration."

She explained her brief mission here and the job, which the ambassadordoes in the Philippines everyday, testify to the fact the close,friendly and factual relations between the Philippines and Italy.

The lady Italian lawmaker also confirmed photographs showing Fr. Bossi looking thin and drawn have been sent to PIME almost a month after he was abducted in Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay.

"We have seen photos of Fr. Bossi, who is in good health and goodcondition but we don't know exactly when those pictures have beentaken so we hope that they were taken in these days. So let's hope."

PIME rules out religious conflict in Italian priest's kidnapping
text HADER GLANG

The Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME) has ruled out religious conflict as the motive for the kidnapping of Fr. Giancarlo Bossi, who was seized by six gunmen in Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay twenty five days ago.

Fr. Sebastiano D’Ambra, president of the Silsillah Dialogue Movement who serves as PIME regional spokesman based in Zamboanga City, said they consider the incident as a kidnap-for-ransom.

“Although some want to speculate like political in nature but I believe the major reason is ransom,” D’Ambra told reporters in an interview in Zamboanga City international airport on Tuesday.

In a press release, Fr. Gian Battista Zanchi, PIME Superior General, also said: “To view the event as a conflict between Christians and Muslims is for the time being unjustified.”

“In fact, according to PIME officials in the Philippines, the recent controversy in Italy runs the risk of being counterproductive, making the release of our Brother even more difficult,” it said.

But other sources said the Italian priest’s kidnapping could be a reprisal from certain Muslims who are protesting over the publication in Italy of defamatory caricature of Prophet Mohammad, which was first published by a Danish newspaper.

It will be recalled sometime in February 2006, newspapers and journals in Italy, France, Germany, Norway, Belgium and Spain had republished the offending caricature despite worldwide protests by Muslims.

Muslims all over the world protested the act, calling it as a blatant disregard for Islamic sensitivities over the use of such images, which are particularly insulting and forbidden by Islam.

Ustadz Shariff Julabbi, a member of the Bishop Ulama Council of the Philippines (BUCP), maintained that an organized criminal gang was behind the abduction in a bid to get money from PIME.

“I have to make an appeal to this group to release Bossi unconditionally because he is a man of peace and a religious man,” said Julabbi. “In Islam, non-combatants especially the priest, children and women must not be harmed.”

The MILF rebels helping in the search for the kidnapped Italian priest have pulled out from the rescue mission to allow government forces to operate on its own, a report said Wednesday.

It said the decision to leave Bossi's rescue operation to the military was arrived at after discussions among AHJAG officials, including Marine Maj. Gen. Mohammad "Ben" Dolorfino and lawyer Abdul Dataya.

“The military forces are in control of the situation. This means they know exactly the area of Fr. Bossi, but probably they have not contacted yet except that within 24 hours many things can happen,” said D’Ambra.

Contrary to earlier reports by government and MILF negotiators that the kidnappers have taken Bossi to Lanao province, D’Ambra believes his fellow priest is still in Zamboanga Sibugay.

The military had earlier admitted it had obtained proof of life of the kidnapped Italian priest, but declined to name the source, so as not to jeopardize the ongoing search and recovery operations.

Ulamas gather in Zamboanga to tackle moro pressing issues

text & photos HADER GLANGMs. Amina Rasul, Lead Convenor of the Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy (PCID), delivers her message during a regional forum/workshop attended by religious leaders of the Muslim communities from Sulu, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and Zamboanga.

Some of the Mindanao's influential religious leaders of Muslim communities and intellectuals met Tuesday in Zamboanga City in an effort to define practical ways to help address the seemingly unending problems confronting the Bangsamoro people.

The meeting, dubbed: "Empowering the Ulamas of the Philippines,'" was convened by the Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy (PCID) and the Magbasa Kita Foundation, Inc. (MKFI) through the assistance of the British and Netherlands embassies at the Amil's Tower Hotel.

At the opening ceremony, Amina Rasul, PCID Lead Convenor, considered the event in Zamboanga City as the first regional consultative forum/workshop and one that is intended to give the Muslim religious leaders the avenue to discuss issues that are important to them.

"Similar efforts will also be held in Cotabato City, Cagayan de Oro, Lanao, and other parts in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) leading up to a National Summit to be held in November this year," she added.

In recent round table discussions in Manila, muftis asked PCID to help the ulama organize a national forum to meet together different religious leaders from all Muslim communities in the country, including Luzon and Visayas that have 2 million Muslims.

"We have to try and bring them together through the ulamas and see whether we can come up with a national strategy and priority so that our people overcome conflict, poverty, injustice, social and political inequity and get into the development," said Rasul.

For one day, participants from Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Zamboanga came up with some suggestions and ideas such as strengthening the Islamic education, unity among the ulamas and the Bangsamoro people and promoting peace and development in the country, especially in Mindanao.

They recommended very strongly to President Arroyo the change of leadership in the Office Muslim Affairs (OMA) from the hands of politicians or businessmen to the religious leaders and for the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) to take a look at how it can assess them as a sector so that they can handle poverty alleviation and development projects.

Dr. Abdulkhair Tarasun, who lectured the participants on the role of the ulama in peace and development in Muslim Mindanao, gave emphasis to understanding, unity and respect among the Muslim religious leaders and the Bangsamoro people.

Tarasun also expressed his total rejection of extremist approaches, saying that moderation is the true essence of true Islam. He, likewise, touched upon the important role that ulama should play in educating the youth.

Meanwhile, Atty. Hamid Barra of the Mindanao State University (MSU), who lectured on the importance of unity in Islam, also stressed the need for unity within the Muslim community.

"Islam is more than a religion. It is a complete way of life," said Barra. "The absence of unity brings and breeds disruption, devastation and disputes. The unity of all humans is the ultimate aim of the teachings of Islam."

During the workshop, forum organizers asked the participants on what are the socio-economic conditions of the ulama in the region and what are their strengths and weaknesses and their opportunities and challenges.

Former Senator Santanina Rasul, MKFI chairperson, gave a message while Prof. Moner Bajunaid, executive director of a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) called MIND Center, spoke on the forum expectations. Dr. Mashur Bin-Ghalib Jundam of the University of the Philippines' Institute of Islamic Studies was also in attendance.

Prominent Muslim religious leaders -- Ustadz Habib Zain Jali, chair of the Bangsamoro People's Congress, Ustadz Shariff Julabbi of the Ulama League of the Philippines, Mufti Tanjilil of Zamboanga City, Mufti Abirin of Sulu and Mufti Hamja Oto of Basilan -- were among the participants.

ARMM proposes P10.6 billion budget

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao presented a budget proposal in the amount of P10.646 billion pesos. This budget proposal was presented by Atty. Oscar Sampulna, Executive Secretary of the ARMM, representing the Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) team who attended the budget hearing at the Waterfront Hotel in Davao City last week.

The P10.646 billion according to Sampulna was broken down into P5.496 billion for Personal Services (PS) which comprised 71% of the total budget, P1.466 billion for Maintenance and other Operating Expenses (MOOE), and P813.7 million for Capital Outlay. The Capital Outlay will be spent for locally funded projects on infrastructures.

The DBM team was headed by Undersecretary Eduardo Opeda and Director Luz Cantor and five other members from the DBM- Manila. Undersecretary Eduardo Opeda said the national government will be operating on a balance budget and not on deficit budget as in the case in the previous years.

The ARMM has a current budget of P8.877 billion pesos, which according to Atty. Sampulna the recommended budget for 2006 is lesser by about P1.2 billion pesos.In his last statements Atty. Sampulna appealed to the DBM officials to restore the said amount because it is needed in the construction of new projects and rehabilitation and upgrading of existing projects as roads, bridges, farm to market roads, ports and telecommunication facilities.

Meanwhile, DepEd Secretary Dr. Udtog Kawit assailed the DBM for telling them that his office has never received an allocation for school buildings, items for school teachers and asked for the creation of School Division in the new province of Shariff Kabunsuan. He also complained of lack of medicines for his School Nurses and medical officers. He also lamented the fact that the School Nurses did not receive their benefits.

Kawit said donors of School sites are now reclaiming the lands because of their increasing families. He added that there is need to title the school sites in the name of the schools so that donors will be able to retrieve it.

All other agencies in the ARMM presented their respective budget to the DBM team for scrutiny. DOH-ARMM secretary Tahir Sulaik presented his department who is given less attention by the national government. He complained in terms of personnel why administrative regions have better personnel and support than the ARMM.

Why we are not treated equally with the administrative regions, Sulaik asked DBM? He said the health state of the ARMM is poor. Most of the budget proposals presented were rebuked by the DBM for not having justifications and creations of new positions were rejected by telling that they should establish transitions.

Abdulsallam (Sammy) Guinomla, the acting Budget Chief of the ARMM stated that the technical budget hearing is held in Davao City because it will be less expense, unlike the previous years wherein the budget hearing was held in Manila, it will entail more expenses which according to him indorsed by Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan. (BPI-ARMM)

Malaysian national arrested for possession of drugs at Zamboanga City international airport
text & photos HADER GLANG

Supt. Ibar Elumba Padao, chief of the 9th Police Center for Aviation Security, interrogates Kosalai Kumaran Poornavelu, a Malaysian national who was arrested at the Zamboanga City International Airport for alleged possession of Marijuana.

Police aviation security forces arrested Monday morning a Malaysian national for possession of illegal drugs at the Zamboanga City International Airport.

Supt. Ibar Elumba Padao, chief of the 9th Police Center for Aviation Security, identified the suspect as Kosalai Kumaran Poornavelu, a resident at 15 Brosh Drive 30350, Ipok Perak, Malaysia.
Poornavelu, 50, arrived at the Zamboanga City airport around 10:50 a.m. from Davao City via Cebu Pacific and was about to check in for a connecting flight bound for Malaysia when intercepted.

Padao said airport personnel found three-sachet type of cellophane containing dried leaves of marijuana (cannabis sativa) when the suspect’s baggage was manually inspected.

“Our personnel supervising the x-ray machine backed by SPO3 Ernesto Saluna and PO3 Ferdinand Almoite apprehended the suspect and confiscated some suspicious items,” he added.

The arrested Malaysian national was placed in the custody of the 9th police aviation group following his arrest at the airport for further interrogation. He was later taken to the PDEA crime laboratory for examination.

As of press time, the suspect was turned over to the 9th police aviation group and placed under the custody of the Bureau of Immigration (BOI) regional office here.

Appropriate charges would be filed against Poornavelu for violation of Dangerous Drugs Act, according to Padao. But the arrested Malaysian national denied possessing the dried Marijuana leaves. He claimed he is a physician by profession.

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An Interview With Monsi

WEEKS after Nuevo Zamboanga leader "Monsi" Crisanto dela Cruz conceded the 2007 local election in Zamboanga City to Mayor Celso Lobregat, the former priest sat down with this writer for an exclusive interview.

The following is a full transcript of questions and answers of Zamboanga Southwall's interview with Monsi, conducted by Hader Glang on Sunday, June 10, 2007.

Q: Are you going back to the active ministry in the archdiocese of Zamboanga?

A: Honestly, I will take my time in discernment and prayers. No need to rush. God will surely show me the way, in His time.

Q: In the meantime, what are your immediate plans?

A: Four things come to ny mind: 1) Time for intensified prayers and reflections; 2) Formation of Nuevo Zamboanga Foundation and fulfillment of pledge to give scholarship and some lands to the poor; 3) Research and study; 4) Time to look forward, to inspire and touch the lives of people thirsting for the good and love that comes from the Almighty.

Q: Do you have regrets running for public office?

A: No regrets. My decision was reached after days of retreat and intensive consultations. I am at peace with God and my conscience.

Q: Why have you conceded early? Is it true that somebody refunded all your election expenses to keep quite?

A: In a democracy, we always have a winner and a loser. I may have lost the elections, but definitely have won the hearts of many. There is honor and dignity even in defeat. I sincerely congratulate Mayor Lobregat, wish him the best of success and health. May I humbly take this opportunity to enjoin my friends and supporters to give our respect and support to the mayor for the good and progress of our city. As to the second point: I am not for sale; I have not received any refund from anyone. I believe that there's still civility in politics.

Q: How will you manage to survive without going back to the active ministry?

A: I shall travel in faith. The Lord gave me hands, feet and the necessary faculties to be able to work with dignity. Today, I open up few pages of the Bible and encountered the beautiful lines and I quote: "Look at the lilies of the field and the birds of the air..." Surely, with faith and our good works, we can move mountains.

Q: Monsi, how would you deal with the priests that maligned and attacked your good name? And those who allowed themselves to be used by your political adversaries?

A: My friend, I have only one line: They are my brothers. They deserve my love, respect and forgiveness.

Q: During the intense campaign, have you ever thought of withdrawing, considering, the betrayal of some close friends, especially, when Lakas and Kampi gave you a lukewarm treatment after initially endorsing you as the official candidate of both parties only to be withdrawn directly or indirectly?

A: Difficult question that deserves honest response! I never thought of it. I was determined to give a decent fight on issues affecting our city. I have conceded, but I sincerely believe that I won the hearts and respect of many people. My thoughts of Lakas and Kampi, though initially hurt, are one of kindness and understanding considering the expediency and signs of the time. It was a good political exercise and truly I fought hard with dignity. Without the grace of the Almighty and the wholehearted support of real friends, I may not have survived the knock out punches of the political exercise. Truly, it was very good and worthwhile experience that enriched my life. Again, no regrets.

Q: If given the chance will you seek public office again?

A: I have no immediate plans. But I am sure that God has some plans for me and in His own time, He will surely show me the way.

Q: Interestingly, towards election day, many people were saying that you would be the next mayor, what happened?

A: I have faith in the electoral process, it has to work no matter how imperfect it may be. Our democracy must have to survive. Many stories can be said and told. Our citizenry knows the real score. Without any complain or excuses I humbly bow down to such a system with the hope that someday our future generation of leaders may have the strength of character to earnestly work for reforms that would improve the present electoral system.

Q: How did you earn the trust and support of the Muslim communities? Majority of the Pastors from the different Christian Churches, sizable group from the business community, the masa and academe. More than 70,000 votes with limited resources, is not a joke. You never got a zero vote in all the precincts, what is the secret?

A: When there is love and respect for each other, nothing is difficult. For what I am worth, I represented my real self, our plans and visions for a Nuevo Zamboanga. Yes. together, in our imperfect way, we presented a message of Hope for everyone.

Q: I was at the Shrine, I saw the Archbishop pointing at you with disgust in the presence of Fr. Calvo; I too attended the Fiesta at Divisoria Parish: it seems that in many words, he is not happy about you. What are your thoughts?

A: I only have highest respect and love for the Archbishop, past and present.

Q: With begging the question: Are you happy of how the Catholic Church of Zamboanga treated you after giving your best in your years of active service to the Roman Catholic Church?

A: I love the Church so much that you would not hear from me a word of complaint. Whatever future plans I have and will make, would always depend on the will of God for me and my prayerful discernment and response. Please spare me from questions like this...please!

Q: You have defended the presidency of Erap and more, so with PGMA with so much loyalty especially in her most difficult moments. Do you feel betrayed and abandoned?

A: No hurt feelings. For me, politics come and go: but my friendship and respect towards them would remain unto my last breath. Everyday throughout my life would be the assurance of love and prayers for them. I have only my understanding towards them, no sentimiento.

Q: Win or lose, you promise to give scholarship and some 20 lots at 100 squire meters each, will you proceed with it?

A: Even years before I run as a candidate for mayor, I have silently been doing this apostolate. I shall honor my word for the poor who have less in life must have more in love.

Q:Finally Monsi, do you have any parting message for the exclusive interview?

A: Thank you for the time you have shared with me. You made me, perspire, but then I say with great joy and fulfillment that Zamboanga City is beautiful and great. It is worth the sacrifice. Someday, in God's own time, we shall all witness Nuevo Zamboanga! God bless Zamboanga and everyone.

Philippine and U.S. Navies Extend Helping Hand during “CARAT 2007” Military ExercisesA U.S. Sailor hands a box of food and supplies to a Philippine Sailor as the two militaries partnered to load donations onto a truck for delivery to a Mindanao orphanage. (Official U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Third Class Mark R. Alvarez.)

Partnership is the key theme of the bilateral naval exercises ongoing between the United States and Philippine Navies. The 13th annual bilateral maritime training exercise “Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training,” known as CARAT, began last week in the Zamboanga and Basilan area. But partnership on the water was extended onshore during community relations events supported by both U.S. and Philippine Navy volunteers.

During CARAT, U.S. and Philippine sailors also visited the Boalan Elementary School in Zamboanga to donation of sports equipment, books, food, and hygiene materials. Philippine Armed Forces and the U.S. Navy also provided free medical and dental care to residents in Isabela City, Basilan, during a day-long community program.

CARAT is an annual series of bilateral maritime training exercises between the United States and six Southeast Asia nations designed to build relationships and enhance the operational readiness of the participating forces. The exercises in CARAT are designed to enhance the ability of our nations to work together in maritime situations that range from natural disasters to maritime interception of criminals and terrorists.

But one of the most important partnerships our nations’ militaries engage in is the humanitarian partnership. The CARAT exercise also focuses on relationship building through social and community service events such as providing free medical, dental, and veterinary care in host communities – an integral part of the long partnership between our countries.

The U.S. Navy’s CARAT group includes the USS Harpers Ferry from Sasebo, Japan (pictured above); the USS Ford from Everett, Washington; and the USS Jarrett from San Diego, California. Approximately 1,400 U.S. personnel are taking part in the CARAT exercises, including personnel such as U.S. Navy Seabees, U.S. Navy and Army doctors, and U.S. Army veterinarians who will participate in humanitarian projects. (PRESS RELEASE)

Winners in Zamboanga City elections proclaimed

text & photos HADER GLANG

Vice Mayor-Elect Mannix Dalipe (2nd from left) joins for photo ops with political opponents Mayor Celso Lobregat, re-elected Congressman Erbie Fabian (right) and new 1st District Rep. Beng Climaco. Below photos show the councilors of District I and District II, taking their oath.

The city board of canvassers on Wednesday officially proclaimed the entire local winning candidates here, except for three re-electionist city councilors who did not show up for unknown reasons.

District I city election officer Roel Bengua, also chairman of the board of canvassers, proclaimed Mayor Celso Lobregat, Vice Mayor Mannix Dalipe, District I Congressman Beng Climaco, District II Congressman Erbie Fabian, and the 16 City Councilors.

Proclaimed newly-elected members of the City Council for District I: Charlie Mariano, Jimmy Cabato, Jawo Jimenez, Melchor Sadain, Leynet Abarro, Rodolfo Lim, Gerky Valesco, and Luis Biel III; for District II were: Asbi Edding, Kim Elago, Cesar Ituralde, Lilia Nuno, Elong Natividad, Nonong Guingona, Rudy Saavedra and Rey Candido.All the winning candidates except Vice Mayor Dalipe and Councilor Cabato took their oath before Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch XVI Presiding Judge Jesus Carbon after they were proclaimed as winners in the May 14 elections.

Dalipe told reporters he wants his family to be with him when he finally took his oath of office on June 30. He said he considers the affair a solemn one, so he wants his whole family to be with him during his oath taking.

The young Dalipe is a staunch critic of Mayor Lobregat.

For his part, Cabato who ran under the Nuevo Zamboanga, said he prefers lawyer Nancy Cuaresma to officiate in his oath-taking also to be held on June 30.

Sadain, also of the Nuevo Zamboanga, said he will again have a separate oath-taking with his whole family present at noon of June 30 to be officiated by Judge Tibing Asaali of RTC Branch XVII.

He said there is no problem even if the City Council is dominated by the Lobregat-led LDP because he can always cooperate with the programs of the mayor.

"I can also be a fiscalizer if I see the program is not good and not priority for the city. But rest assured we will support whatever programs of the mayor for the better of our city," he added.

The proclamation of Councilors Edding, Elago and Iturralde were represented by their next-of-kin.

The new set of elective city government officials will formally assume office on July 1 this year. The Lobregat-led LDP slate dominated the May elections with 15 of its bets winning the 20-contested local seats in the city.

Monsi dela Cruz humbly concedes to Lobregat
Nuevo Zamboanga leader Monsi Crisanto dela Cruz, who conceded to his closest rival Mayor Celso Lobregat, applauds his running mate, District congressional candidate Eldy Gonzales, who declared he wont concede to rival, Beng Climaco. (HADER GLANG)

MAYORALTY candidate Monsi Cris dela Cruz yesterday conceded the local election to his closest rival Mayor Celso Lobregat in what political observers described as an act of "sportsmanship and supreme sacrifice."

But his running-mate, District I congressional candidate Eldigario Gonzales strongly voiced out his dismay over his political rivals, saying that he will not concede to the cheaters.

"I will start by saying I have no regret, but I'm not going to concede to the cheaters who destroyed the political processes here. I shall remain a critic to guide our people," Gonzales lamented.

Vice mayoralty candidate Vic Solis said that from all indications it appears that Mannix Dalipe is a highly popular politician to win for the office of vice mayor.

"I accept the decision of the electorates of the city of Zamboanga and extend my congratulations and felicitations to the incoming vice mayor," Solis said.

Dela Cruz personally called up Lobregat through mobile phone and congratulated him. He told the mayor that he will be praying for him and wished the latter the best of health and success.

At a press conference attended by Gonzales, Susan Delos Reyes and Solis, other partymates and supporters, the former priest said that in a democratic society there is always a winner and a loser.

"Today, I humbly extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mayor Celso. It's time to move forward and humbly ask all of you to join hands in making Zamboanga a better place," dela Cruz said in a statement.

He said he is man enough and he does not want to be waiting for 15 days considering that the people knew what happened during the elections. "Even if I lost in the votes I shall continue to work with friends along the way."

He thanked his three brothers, sister-in-law, running mates, campaign managers, Muslim friends, pastors, labor groups, tricycle drivers and other supporters, calling them the source of his strength and inspiration.

He also thanked his fellow priests in the archdiocese in Zamboanga City, who have supported him, even as he expressed his love and forgiveness to the few priests who have disagreed with him and have done something against him.

"I salute you for your courage and love. Thank you for your support and solidarity. I feel that you've worked so hard and have given your best despite limited resources. To all of you goes my lifetime gratitude and assurance of my prayer."

Affirming his continued help to the landless poor and less privileged, he said he wholeheartedly forgave all those who have maligned him and his good name, "assuring them of the sincerity that comes from my wounded but loving heart."

"With courage, I say I love you all. You may have tried to destroy me but I will not destroy anyone, or to destroy you, will be to destroy my self. God bless Zamboanga City and alt of you. Be a friend. Remember that I love you all. Fear not; be strong, be brave for God's grace is constant and always overflowing," he concluded.

Meanwhile, Gonzales urged the people Zamboanga to continue with their vision for change and to go the street to demonstrate their feelings for what they stand for.

"While I forgive, I can't concede as I assure you, we will continue to fight what is best for our city," Gonzales said.

For her part Delos Reyes, District II congressional candidate, said: "I apologize to the people of this city, the electorates for the un-preparedness that we had as political candidates."

Delos Reyes said she accepted the fact that she lost in the election, but that will not stop her from continuing, not only the vision of Nuevo Zamboanga but the peoples' call for change in the leadership of Zamboanga City.

"Let this be a new beginning. We in Nuevo Zamboanga have an obligation to continue what we have started and to prepare for the next electoral process. Let's protect the politics in our city."

With 82 out of 98 city barangays already accounted for in the tabulation of the cast ballots done by NAMFREL Operation QUick Count, a clear trend for the winning local candidates has already been established.

In the mayoralty race, reelectionist city mayor Lobregat led closest rival Monsi Dela Cruz by over 32,000 votes as of 8:00 p.m. (Philippines time) Friday. For the vice mayoral post, Mannix Dalipe led over nearest rival Mila Velasquez by more than 23,700 votes.

For the congressional seats, it has been Beng Climaco leading all the way over Eldy Gonzales in their one-on-one showdown in the Representative District I. Reelectionist Erbie Fabian is likewise leading by wide margin in District II with 57,165 over Susan Delos Reyes with only 17,894.

The councilors who are making in the magic 16 for City Council seats of District I and District II are: Charlie Mariano, Jawo Jimenez, Jimmy Cabato, Melchor Sadain, Lynet Abarro, Rudy Lim, Gerky Valesco, Noning Biel, Asbi Edding, Kim Elago, Cesar Iturralde, Lilia Nuno, Elong Natividad, Nonong Guingona, Rey Candido, and Eddie Saavedra. (HG)

Fighting in Sulu continues: 1 MNLF killed, 1 captured

Fighting between government forces and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels continues in Panamao, Sulu.

Reports from the headquarters of Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) here said one MNLF rebel was killed while another one was captured.

Soldiers from the 2nd t Ranger Battalion were conducting combat clearing patrol at Bitan-ag complex in Panamao when they encountered the group of Habier Malik.

Lieutenant General Eugenio Cedo, WesMinCom chief, said the firefight lasted for a few minutes, which resulted to the killing of one rebel and the capture of another.

Cedo said his men recovered one M16 rifle with M203 grenade launcher attachment and that no casualty was reported on the military side during the encounter.

“Presently, the camps recovered are now occupied and defended by the Marines and other government forces,” he said.

The WesMinCom chief has ordered the military to place the entire Sulu under “highest alert status” against possible attacks of Malik group and to pursue the Abu Sayyaf group.

He also stressed to the troops to observe the peace process with the MNLF.

Last Friday, the group of Malik launched a series of mortar bombardment and attacks against forces including the Municipal Hall Panamao.

The military said the attacks triggered a heavy fighting which led to the killing of at least 12 rebels and the wounding of many others, including two civilians and several Marines.

In his statement, Cedo reiterated that the government troops are only after the Abu Sayyaf militants who are seeking refuge inside the MNLF territory.

He pointed out that the military forces did not do anything to provoke the MNLF, saying that it was the rebels who started the conflict by bombarding the Marines.

“Our troops have to defend themselves to prevent further damage and stop the escalation of the conflict,” he said. (HG)

Navy-led interagency team seized banned aquatic products in Zamboanga

Authorities on Thursday seized large quantities of banned aquatic products in a joint operation on warehouse in Magay Street, this City, the Western Mindanao Command reported on Saturday.

Navy and Task Force Zamboanga backed by NBI, PRO-9 and BFAR confiscated several shells, dried carapace of sea turtles and dried sea horse at Lian Huat depot, said Major Eugenio Batara Jr., WesMinCom spokesman.

“The seized marine products were considered or listed in the convention on International Trade on endangered species,” Batara said. “The apprehension was in line with the enforcement of many statutues.”

The depository area was reportedly owned and operated by Olivia Li and Tomas Lim. The seized items were now under the custody of NBI.

Under Section 97 of the Republic Act 8550 provides that is shall be unlawful to fish or take rare, threatened or endangered species.

Fisheries Administrative Order No. 208 Series of 2001 also states “it shall be unlawful for any person, natural or juridical, to take or catch or cause to be taken the specified fishery/aquatic shell species.”

Philippine Wildlife Act also prohibits the taking of sea turtles, as the species is recognized as endangered in the Philippines. DENR Memo Order No. 06 in conjunction with DENR Administrative Order No. 48 disallows exploitation activities related to marine turtles.

The Naval Forces Western Mindanao Command has launched recently a campaign, which aims to detect, prevent and suppress violations of marine environmental laws in order to preserve and protect the environment.(HG)