MILF, Catholic bishops hold peace dialogue

Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leaders held a peace dialogue with Catholic Bishops of Mindanao on Thursday to reiterate their commitment to pursue the realm of peace, justice, solidarity and development in Mindanao.

The peace dialogue was held at the Archbishop's Residence in Davao City. Archbishop Fernando Capalla of Dava, co-convenor of the Bishops-Ulama Conference, led the bishops while MILF chief peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal led the MILF officials.

It was the first ever dialogue between the Catholic Bishops of Mindanao and the MILF which both sides described as epitomizing utmost sincerity, trust and cordiality, and a historic significant initiative as a way forward in advancing the common quest for genuine peace, unity and development in Mindanao.

Luwaran.com, the MILF's official website, reported that in the joint communiqué issued after the peace dialogue, the MILF and the bishops reiterated their unwavering moral commitment to pursue the path to peace, solidarity, justice and development in Mindanao, and the peaceful resolution of the Mindanao conflict and Bangsamoro problem through the ongoing peace process between the government and MILF.

Quoted by Luwaran, Archbishop Capalla, said they are indeed very happy to host the historic occasion. "This is the very first time that high officials of the MILF were able to come to the Bishop's House and we are very glad to be with."

Adding that His Eminence Cardinal Rosales, Cardinal Vidal and the Papal Nuncio in Manila were informed of the peace dialogue.

For his part, MILF peace panel chief Iqbal said "We went our way to be here with you in the hallowed name of peace with our strong appeal for strong cooperation from all sectors in our stride to achieve peace in Mindanao."

"We all know that peace is so precious for all of us and so in the spirit of openness and frankness, we shall move forward with the process in searching for truth and justice as paramount foundation towards peace in Mindanao ," Iqbal said.

Joining them for the dialogue were Archbishop Orlando Quevedo of Cotabato, Auxialiary Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo of Cotabato, Bishop Honesto Pacana of Malaybalay, Bishop Juan de Dios Pueblos of Butuan, Bishop Neri Ochimar of Tandag, Surigao del Sur, Bishop Edwin dela Pena of Marawi City, Bishop Anonieto Cabahug of Surigao City; MILF Senior Peace Panel Member Atty. Datu Michael Mastura, Ustaz Mohammad Montasir and Ustaz Mohammad Abdullah, both members of the MILF Central Committee, MILF AHJAG Chairman Atty. Abdul Dataya, MILF Peace Panel Head Secretariat Jun Mantawil, MILF Peace Panel Secretariat Member Mohajirin Ali, and MILF Ceasefire Committee Secretariat Head Rasid Ladiasan.

During the dialogue, the Bishops asked the MILF on its stand on the present status of the Memorandum of Agreement on the Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD), clashes in some towns of North Cotabato, concerns on the indigenous peoples' issues, and how can the Bishops be help to the GRP – MILF peace process.

Reverend Archbishops Quevedo, who in his recent write ups said the MOA-AD could bring lasting peace in Mindanao for all its people, said the "new information" shared by the MILF on the MOA-AD are very helpful in appreciating further the document.

However, Bishops Quevedo stressed the imperative of holding more dialogue and education campaign to avoid the negative repercussions that the MOA – AD could possibly unfold.

"The Bishops and representatives of the highest leadership of the MILF called on all sectors of the society for sobriety and calmness in confronting and resolving the issues besetting the forging of the GRP – MILF: MOA–AD," said the Joint Communique.

It also stated "Both Parties also manifested their strong appeal for an immediate declaration of ceasefire to the ongoing armed clashes in some towns of North Cotabato, and immediate delivery of relief assistance and rehabilitation programs for the affected communities by all concerned institutions, local and international."

Both parties resolved that dialogue and educational programs must be intensified, particularly by the religious leaders and academic institutions, relative to the ongoing peace process in Mindanao.

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Violence mars ARMM automated elections

Faces of elections in Basilan. Photo/Caption Hader Glang

The conduct of first automated elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on Monday was marred by violent incidents and other related-poll related cases leaving at least one soldier killed and four others injured.

But authorities said despite the violent election-related incidents, the conduct of the computerized elections in the Muslim-dominated autonomous region is generally peaceful and order compared to past elections.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) declared a failure of elections in two villages in Sumisip town, Basilan after a ballot snatching in barangays Tumahubong and Baiwas before the voting started in the said areas.

Comelec officials confirmed that unidentified men snatched the ballot boxes from election officers while on their way to the voting precincts.

Barangays Tumahubong and Baiwas have a total of 1,896 registered voters. The ballot snatching is one of the two election incidents reported in the autonomous region. Comelec reported a second case of ballot snatching also occurred in Shariff Kabunsuan.

The report also said authorities were able to recover the three ballot boxes snatched by an armed group, allowing election officers in the area to push through with the elections.

The ARMM comprises the cities of Marawi and isabela and the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Tawi-Tawi and Shariff Kabunsuan with more than 1.5 million registered voters.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) opposed to its political exercises, warning voters not to participate in Monday’s first ever automated elections as it will only divide more the already fragmented Bangsamoro communities in the region.

Police and military accused the MILF for preventing residents in barangay Baas in Lamitan City from voting. They showed to media photos with anti-ARMM polls markings allegedly by the Moro rebels.

In a related incident, armed men believed MILF rebels bombed a bridge in Tipo-Tipo town, Basilan apparently to prevent voters in the area to go to polling precincts. Marines rushed to the area and a firefight ensued resulting to one soldier killed and four others wounded.

Sources from Western Mindanao Command headquarters disclosed the casualties were airlifted by two helicopters to a military hospital at Camp Navarro in Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City.

Tipo-Tipo local officials confirmed to journalists that at least 300 MILF members allegedly overran the municipality, resulting the death of two civilians and injuring some others. Three policemen went missing after the attack.

ARMM election today

Some 1.5 million voters in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will choose their officials from the governor to the vice governor and the 24 members of the Regional Legislative Assembly in the first automated election today in the southern Philippines.

Seeking to challenge reelectionist ARMM Governor Datu Zaldy Ampatuan (Lakas- CMD) are Guimid Matalam (Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino) and independent candidates Alvarez Isnaji, Jupakar "Joe" Arabani, Ismail Berto Ibrahim, Ahmad Darping Nooh and Ali Jumadil Omar.

The reelection bid of Vice Governor Ansaruddin Adiong (Lakas- CMD) is being challenged by Kadra Asani Masihul (Kilusang Bagong Lipunan) and independent bets Alex Abdul Qayyum Langco Ambor, Kursid Hajirie Sampang and Ailani Tan Susulan Jr.

The 24 positions in the Legislative Regional Assembly of the ARMM have drawn a total of 78 candidates representing Lakas-CMD, PMP, Liberal Party, Nacionalista Party, Ompia Party and Kapisanan ng Malayang Pilipino (KAMPI). The rest are independent candidates.

Of the six provinces comprising the ARMM, Sulu has the most candidates for regional assemblymen. Sulu's first district has 14 candidates and the second district has nine for a total of 23 candidates.

Sulu is followed by Lanao del Sur. There are 11 running for assemblymen in Lanao del Sur's 1st district and seven in the second district.

The other provinces have only one congressional district each. Basilan has 14 candidates, Shariff Kabunsuan, 8; Tawi-Tawi, 8 and Maguindanao, 7.

The six provincial governors and two city mayors in the ARMM have assured the Commission on Elections of their support to its effort to ensure a peaceful and honest polling in the ARMM today.

"We're even so ready to help the Comelec administer peaceful elections in our respective provinces if called for to do so," said Tawi-Tawi Gov. Sadikul Sahali said.

Sahali said there is no tension among all of the town mayors in Tawi-Tawi since all of them are supporting the administration candidates.

"There is no animosity or rivalry among us, incumbent local executives and even among our constituent traditional and religious leaders because we have a common candidate for regional governor, Gov. Ampatuan, and a common candidate for regional vice governor, Vice Gov. Adiong," Sahali said.

Marawi City Mayor Fahad Pre Salic, who has jurisdiction over almost a hundred barangays whose leaders are known for what seems to be "canine loyalty" to Ampatuan and Adiong, said his constituent-leaders do not have any other candidate for ARMM governor and vice governor.

"This is something that has not happened before. Barangay chairmen in Marawi City supported different candidates for the two positions during 2001 and 2005 elections so tension was so high during those two succeeding regional elections," Salic said.

The ARMM's six provincial governors, in a joint statement of support to Comelec's effort of ensuring peaceful and clean elections in the region today, said a successful outcome of the poll body's experiment on automated polling in the region is also a paramount concern for all of them.

"We're already sure of the victory of Gov. Ampatuan and Vice Gov. Adiong in our respective towns. What we are praying for is for this automated elections to be a big success, being the first step to the modernization of the country's electoral system," the six ARMM provincial governors said in a join statement.

Media reports that security has been beefed up in schools where counting machines for today's automated elections in the Muslim-dominated autonomous region are being kept.

It said that since early Saturday, authorities beefed up security in Cotabato City Polytechnic College, where counting machines for Shariff Kabunsuan province were stored.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Army (PA) are not taking any chances, and thorough inspections are being implemented for visitors who are coming in and out of the school.

A "no ID, no entry" policy is also implemented inside the college. Even the media could not enter the said place without an ID issued by the Commission on Elections.

Instead of using metal railings, the police used wood to serve as gate to ensure the machines' safety.

Last Friday, the Board of Election Inspectors and Smartmatic Sahi's technical support group spearheaded the thorough inspection of all voting machines in Shariff Aguak Central Elementary School.

A total of 3,300 direct recording machines were deployed in the province of Maguindanao, with 2,300 to be used for Monday's election. The rest of the DREs would serve as back up.

Two nights before the election and it seems the provinces of Maguindanao and Shariff Kabunsuan are peaceful. No untoward incident has been recorded since the start of campaign until Saturday.

Military troops deployed in the ARMM are prepared to ensure that the fully automated ARMM election on Monday would be peaceful and orderly, a military official said.

Joint Task Force Comet Commander Maj. Gen. Juancho Sabban said that the security of the people is at all times the paramount responsibility of the military. Hence, he said that the government forces are prepared to provide assistance to its police counterparts in the maintenance of peace and order during the election.

"We are here to reinforce the police, under COMELEC (Commission on Elections) authority, to prevent election violence. We don't expect for any unpleasant incident, but we maintain our readiness to respond to any contingency," Sabban stressed.

While the military organization supports the COMELEC in its efforts to enhance the holding of peaceful elections, Sabban said it shall not be directly or indirectly involved in the conduct of the electoral process.

"While ascertaining the safety and well-being of the civilians, meddling with the political procedures or whatsoever is out of our business. Peace and order during the duration of the whole electoral process - these are our mission to accomplish," he clarified.

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Department of National Defense and the Commission on Elections stipulates the limits of military's involvement in the ARMM elections.

Military camps cannot be used as polling places, and soldiers cannot preside over polling counts. The MOA also bans soldiers from providing security for candidates.

Meanwhile, the military set up additional checkpoints in areas where security threats are high. Some units of the AFP are securing polling precincts as ordered by the COMELEC that is "to man, patrol, and provide military visibility" in areas identified under serious armed threat. Gun ban will also be enforced.

"The military shall enforce the firearms ban in order to dissuade or thwart threat groups including goons or private armies of political candidates from harming the voters and to prevent any occurrence of sabotage operations against the electoral process," Sabban said.

A STATEMENT...

Former House Deputy Speaker for Mindanao and Basilan Congressman Gerry Salapuddin on Bangsamoro homeland deal issue.

The signing that never was of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Ancestral Domain of the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity between the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) could’ve been the necessary step to finally bring to an end the bloodshed in Mindanao which is not just costly in terms of material loss but more so of precious lives and the dislocations continually of Muslims and Christians alike who are unfortunately caught in the crossfire.

My experience as a former member of the Moro National Liberation front (MNLF) and later as a member of Congress in the House of Representatives gave me a realistic insight into the peace process. The Final Peace Agreement (FPA) signed between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Jakarta, Indonesia in 1996 was only implementable after the Congress of the Philippines enacted a law, which became the Organic Law of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) prescribing among other things the holding of a plebiscite. The present territory of the ARMM comprising of the Provinces of Maguindanao without Cotabato City, Lanao del Sur, Basilan without Isabela City, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi was a result of the sovereign expression of the people in the areas where the plebiscite was conducted covering 14 provinces and 11 cities in Mindanao.

As a former member of Congress, I was a witness to the dramatic enactment into law of the amended Organic Act of the ARMM. After series of amendments on the floor of Congress, what I thought could have been a landmark law creating a genuine autonomy in answer to the legitimate aspirations of the Bangsamoro People resulted in a watered down version of autonomy. That is why, during the plenary voting in the House of Representatives, though I was one of the principal authors of the measure, I walked out in frustration. I believe, for as long as the kind of autonomy is no genuine autonomy, it will never become a solution. It will just become a source of discontentment that may lead to the continuation of the Bangsamoro struggle which we want to be addressed once and for all.

As a stark indication of how less autonomous is the ARMM in comparison to the autonomy enjoyed by all the local government units (LGUs), despite it has its Regional Legislative Assembly (RLA) to supposedly approve its regional annual budget of expenditures, every year, it has to come to Congress to get approval of their budget just like any agency of the national government. It can not even approve its own regional budget. In the case of the LGUs, whatever funds they received from the national government like their share from the revenue collections called the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) it takes only their respective Sanggunians to approved their proposed local annual budget of expenditures to spend their income. Financially, the LGUs are more autonomous than the ARMM.

In the plebiscite conducted to implement the GRP-MNLF Peace Agreement, it was done in provincial and city levels. The percentage of plurality of votes cast in the provinces and cities determine whether a province or city can become a part of the ARMM or not. So even if there were predominantly Muslim populated municipalities and barangays desirous to become part of the ARMM, they can not become part of it if the majority votes in the province or city are not in favor. That is why, in the GRP-MILF Peace Pact, they went down to the barangay levels so that those barangays wishing to become part of the new Bangsamoro Juridical Entity, which is actually an expansion of the present ARMM, can now become part of the region. In other words, ultimately, it will be the people concerned in the areas where the plebiscite will be conducted who will decide for their political destiny, not their leaders or any politicians.

But just like the GRP-MNLF FPA, any comprehensive peace settlement between the government and the MILF will be submitted to Congress for enactment into law. Congress will provide for the usual legal process of holding a plebiscite to determine the wish of the people to be conducted in the affected areas. And I am sure, not only us, but even foreign monitors from the OIC and even the United States, the EU and the UN will also send their representatives to witness that political exercise to ascertain that the true will of the people freely prevail.

After a plebiscite has been conducted and assuming additional areas will be included, thereby expanding the present ARMM area, the RLA must initiate, as provided in the Organic Act of the ARMM, to amend the law to include the new territories. Likewise, the RLA must examine and introduce the necessary amendment to strengthen the ARMM. The RLA by law has only the power to initiate amendment of the Organic Act. The power to amend the Organic Act is vested with Congress. Then submit it to Congress thru the House of Representatives which will enact the necessary amendments to the Organic Act of the ARMM consciously incorporating into it the salient provisions of the Comprehensive Peace Settlement between the Government and the MILF. After which, a plebiscite will be conducted in the present ARMM Region to determine the true will of the inhabitants. If approved by a majority of the electorates in the region, only then all the amendments will become an integral part of the Organic Act of the ARMM.

In Europe, when several states were granted independence from the USSR by the UN, the US and EU because they were annexed without the expressed free will of their people, there was no plebiscite. No constitutional or legal processes were involved. They were just granted their precious independence. The same is true with some republics within the Federation of Yugoslavia. When they have decided to go free after a civil war where ethnic cleansing was conducted by Slobodan Milosevic and Radovan Karadzic, under the supervision of the UN, NATO and EU, they were just granted their independence. The latest edition was the declaration of independence of Kosovo from Serbia despite the protestation of Serbia after a plebiscite was conducted where the overwhelming sentiment of the inhabitants was to be free and independent. In Southeast Asia, when East Timor was annexed by Indonesia, after a UN supervised plebiscite was conducted, it was granted independence. That same treatment must have been true to the Bangsamoro Nation. But that is not the case. Despite this ordeal, the MNLF and now MILF oblige to abide by the legal processes even if they know they are at a great disadvantage.

Today, to determine the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE) or simply put, expansion of the present ARMM, an agreement has to be forged, a law has to be enacted and later a plebiscite has to be conducted to determine the true will of the people. This is the highest democratic process where the true will of the people is heard. Before, when the Bangsamoro Homeland was integrated into the now Philippine territory, there was no agreement forged nor any plebiscite conducted among our people to determine the voices and true will of our people whether they wish to be part of or not. Despite the formal manifesto and/or protestations of the Muslim Sultanates from Mindanao and Sulu to the United States Congress for the inclusion of their homeland, they ignored it and unmindfully integrated the Bangsamoro Sultanates into the Philippine territory. That is why we have this problem. That is why we have this negotiation. And that is why the Macapagal-Arroyo administration is trying its best to address this historical blunder to correct the injustice caused upon the Bangsamoro Muslims in this country so that we remain a united in diversity as one people and one country.

Moro group to seek UN intervention for Philipppine lawmaker's anti-Muslim speech

Cotabato City - A Moro group based in Mindanao lambasted Makati Rep. Teodoro Locsin’s privilege speech made at the House of Representative last August 5 about the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity and says it will submit a complaint against Locsin at the office of Mr. Dodou Diene, United Nation’s Special Rapporteur on Contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.

“Rep. Locsin’s privilege speech reeks of anti-Muslim hysteria. It’s very irresponsible for a statesman to attack religion and culture on the basis of hearsay and very dangerous for it foments religious bias,” said Amirah ali Lidasan, national president of Suara Bangsamoro.

Lidasan further said that if the issue is about the GRP panel’s manner of concealing information vital to the understanding of the people about the GRP-Moro Islamic Liberation Front talks, then Rep. Locsin should have questioned the government and not divert the issue on the type of Muslim governance that he fears.

“A government that does not reflect the wishes of its people is a bad one. We do not have pit one religion over the other just so we could cover the sins of our present government,” said Lidasan.

Lidasan pointed out that on the issue of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain, it is the fault of the government panel for not informing the people about the negotiation.

Lidasan challenged Rep. Locsin that instead of painting a scary picture for the people in Mindanao under a Muslim government, he should look closely at the current situation of the Moro people under the Philippine government.

Lidasan said that under President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s administration, activists in Mindanao are being summarily executed, mostly Christians, while hundreds of Lumads and Moros have died due to military operations using mortars and bombs.

“Under the Arroyo administration, our communities are being pulled back in the dark ages. We are stripped of our civil and political rights and were made fall guys for anti-terror policies,” said Lidasan.

“The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao remain to be one of the poorest region, the highest in illiteracy rate and with people barely surviving because of the high prices of basic commodities,” said Lidasan, adding employees and teachers in the ARMM complain of delayed salaries, while wages of workers barely reach the minimum wage.

Lidasan calls on other organizations, Muslims and Christians, to submit the same complaint at the UN and hope that Mr. Diene will be able to issue a statement criticizing lawmakers and government officials issuing bias statements against the Moro people and Muslims in general. Press Release

Misuari: We're not bound by GRP-MILF agreement

Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari raises fist as he performs takbir (a proclamation of the greatness of Allah) during his visit in Barangay Sta. Barbara, one of the Muslim-dominated villages in Zamboanga City. Photo/Caption Hader Glang

"I can not comment on that because we're not bound by the agreement or any agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. We are not concern and we're not bound. All their agreements are not binding on us."

This was the reply of Moro National Liberation Front chairman Nur Misuari when asked to comment on the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on Bangsamoro homeland accord between the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Misuari visited the city Wednesday. He has been journeying across Mindanao for the past thirty-three days to call for unity and solidarity as well as to extend his gratitude to the people for their prayers and for his release from detention.

"I'm under obligation to call on our people for unity and solidarity because that was the latest resolution of the 35th ICFM of OIC in Uganda, which asked me to move around to call on the people to unite and to close rank for peace," he told reporters.

As a matter of fact, Misuari said no less than Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronaldo Puno with the approval from President Arroyo has requested him to move around to promote peace in Mindanao.

Apart from that, he said he came around also to help and enjoin his people in the MNLF – commanders and non-commanders alike – to strengthen their posture in preparation for the implementation of the agreement signed in Jakarta.

The Jakarta agreement calls for the creation of "internal security forces" in collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police to ensure peace throughout Mindanao, including Camiguin, Palawan and all parts in the ARMM.

"All of us will work together. I'm asking my brothers and sisters to prepare about 100,000 to 120,000 strong for the implementation of internal security forces," Misuari added.

When asked if he was reconciling with Mayor Celso Lobregat, he replied: "We'll he's not a foe of mine. The mother (the late Mayor Maria Clara Lobregat) was a good friend of mine and everybody of Zamboaga City is a friend of mine."

Assuring Mayor Lobregat that he’ll help make the city a peaceful place, he called on Zamboangueños to unite and join together for the sake of peace. "Let us make the city of Zamboanga a peaceful city for all of us and for our children."

Lobregat met with Misuari and they held a closed-door meeting at Garden Orchid hotel after the MNLF chairman prayed and talked with hundreds of supporters in the mosque at Barangay Sta. Barbara.

Several streamers welcoming the Moro leader were displayed in the Muslim-dominated barangay (village).

Joined by supporters and former rebels-turned-government soldiers, the MNLF chairman chanted "Allahu Akbar" (God is Great) as they marched to the village.

Inside the mosque, he told supporters: "We want freedom from the government. We don't need a limited freedom."

At Garden Orchid hotel, Lobregat and Misuari took their lunch together with some councilors and MNLF commanders. The mayor reiterated to him the stand of the city that it does not want to be a part of the autonomous region.

Lobregat told Misuari the city has been strictly implementing the gun ban and the guidelines for any visit of MNLF to the city that there should be no MNLF uniforms and no display of their flags while in the city.

Earlier, the mayor turned down the request of Misuari's representatives to use the Joaquin F. Enriquez Sports Complex for consultation with their followers citing that it is not an appropriate venue for 200 crowd.

"He (Misuari) wanted to extend the peace here and I told him the people of Zamboanga have been living in peace and so do not disturb the peace. However, his visit here was really to consult his people and I told him there's no problem."

Zamboanga was previously being claimed as part of the ancestral domain of the MNLF and residents had voted twice against the inclusion of their villages to the Muslim autonomous region.

On Monday, thousands of residents staged a protest against the inclusion of eight villages in the city in the ancestral domain, which refers to the MILF’s demand for the expanding territory of what will constitute a Muslim homeland of which they government.

The Supreme Court temporarily stopped the formal signing of the memorandum of agreement (MoA) on ancestral domain with the MILF, which was supposed to take place in Kuala Lumpur last Aug. 5.

Misuari, in another interview, said they were not involved to the GRP-MILF Moro homeland deal and absolutely not a party to that accord, thus they’re not bound by any consequences of that agreement.

He told journalists that he does not know what exactly the meaning of juridical entity saying that it’s just probably a play of word by the government and the MILF peace negotiators.

In September 2, 1996, the MNLF signed the final peace agreement with the Philippine government ending decades of war that had claimed thousands lives and displaced millions.

After the peace agreement was signed, Misuari became the governor of the Muslim autonomous region. But despite the peace accord, there was a widespread disillusionment with the weak autonomy they were granted.

Under the peace accord, Manila would have to provide a mini-Marshal Plan to spur economic development in Muslim areas in the South and livelihood and housing assistance to tens of thousands of former rebels to uplift their poor living standards.

Misuari is now facing rebellion charges after his followers attempted to overrun a major military base in Sulu province and another group held hostage over 100 people in Zamboanga City in 2001.

He fled to Sabah, Malaysia his former refuge, but was arrested by the Malaysian authorities and sent back to Manila, where he was detained for nearly eight years. He’s currently out on bail after a court in Makati City granted him temporary liberty. (HG)

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Thousands gathered in Zamboanga, protesting Bangsamoro homeland accord

Thousands of residents here protested against the signing of a preliminary accord granting minority Muslims an expanded homeland in Mindanao, the birth place of Islam in the Philippines.

Police estimate more than 3,000 people participated in the peacefu rally on Monday denouncing the inclusion of the city in the proposed Bangsamoro Juridical Entity that would give Bangsamoros wide powers over their resource-rich local economy.

In the mass protest, the crowd gathered in front of City Hall, wearing red shirts, carrying placards and displaying banners and streamers with markings "Yes To Peace! No To Inclusion of Zamboanga In Bangsamoro Juridical Entity" "Let Us Be United In this Fight To Retain The Integrity And Sovereignty of Zamboanga City."

Mayor Celso Lobregat, House Rep. Maria Isabelle Climaco, Zamboanga Sibugay Gov. George Hofer, Archbishop Romulo Valles of Zamboanga, Bishop Martin Jomuad of Basilan, and other local officials including councilors and barangay chairmen spearheaded the anti-BJE rally.

Last July 27, the Philippine government and the MILF initialed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on ancestral domain which will be signed by the Philippine government and the MILF in Putrajaya, Malaysia on August 5.

Under the MOA, the government and the 11,000-member MILF will try to reach a "Comprehensive Compact/Final Peace Agreement" in 15 months.

A plebiscite in 721 villages adjacent to the existing Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao will take place within twelve months after the signing, where residents of villages who do not want to be part of an expanded ARMM should simply say 'no' in the plebiscite.

In a speech, Lobregat stressed that the Zamboangueños are for peace – an honorable, just and lasting peace but are against the inclusion of Zamboanga or any part of its territory in the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE).

The mayor and Congresswoman Climaco of District I and Congressman Erico Basilio Fabian of District II have also filed with the Supreme Court a petition pleading for a temporary restraining order against the signing of the accord.

"In Zamboanga, we have always live in harmony we have always live in peace. We are all for peace but as a city as a people we do not want to be part of the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity," Lobregat said.

"What kind of peace are we seeking when you victimized a three-year old innocent civilian? Are we really talking about the peace for all of us stakeholders in Mindanao that have been denied the right of information?" Climaco asked.

For a Muslim alderman, Councilor Abdurahman Nuño, a close political ally of Lobregat and president of the City's Association of Barangay Council (ABC), assured that never or in no way that they will stay out from Zamboanga. He did not elaborate.

Another Muslim alderman, Taib Alejo of Isabela City, Basilan, said: "We Isabeleños, we vehemently and sadistically oppose of the inclusion of Isabela to the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity.

Isabela City Councilor Peter Eisma said that in 2001 plebiscite, the people of Isabela had opted not to be included in the Muslim autonomous region but the national government continued to ignore their voice.

"Where is our voice now? As what they said Vox Populi Vox Dei (the voice of the people is the voice from God)," he said.

A business group leader also expressed strong opposition to the signing of MOA on Bangsamoro homeland accord and appealed to President Arroyo to exercise her statesmanship by listening to the desire of the people of Zamboanga to be excluded in the BJE.

"By doing so, she will listen to the sentiment of the Zamboangueños who have expressed twice in the past plebiscites that we do not want to be a part and parcel of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao."

Also owners of business establishments in the city's commercial center, including malls, fast food chains and grocery stores, have closed shops for two hours in protest to the Bangsamoro homeland deal between the Philippine government and the MILF.

Peace advocates welcome GRP-MILF signing on Bangsamoro homeland accord

Fr. Angel Calvo (right), president of the Peace Advocates Zamboanga (PAZ), gestures during a press conference with local reporters. Beside him is Prof. Ali Yacub of the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), a member of the Interreligious Solidarity Movement for Peace. File Photo

The Peace Advocates of Zamboanga (PAZ) has welcomed as a "positive step" the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on ancestral demand between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front on August 5 in Malaysia.

Father Angel Calvo, PAZ president, made the remarks at a press conference yesterday in R.T. Lim Boulevard on extortion letters sent recently by the extremist Abu Sayyaf group to residents in Basilan Province, compelling non-Muslims to convert to Islam.

"We consider that this MOA to be signed between the Philippine government and the MILF is a very significant positive step in the pursuit of the peace to solve the problem and the conflict in Mindanao," Calvo told reporters.

However, Calvo stressed that the involvement and the participation of all the people affected and the citizens in matters of public interest are indispensable in the context of transparency and justice for all.

The MOA was initialed by GRP and MILF peace panels last Sunday, a day before President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo delivered her State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Congress. It would be signed formally on August 5 in Putrajaya, Malaysia.

Both parties agreed the plebiscite would be held a year after the signing of MOA on ancestral domain and the consolidation of all agreements on security, ancestral domain and the political settlement that will be negotiated after the signing.

Also in the MOA, 712 villages in Mindanao are to be included in the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (JDE) and eight villages of Zamboanga City are proposed to be included in the BJE but subject to a plebiscite.

The other villages are in Isabela City, Basilan; Dinas, Zamboanga del Sur; Mabuhay, Zamboanga Sibugay; Lanao del Norte, Iligan City, Bukidnon, Cotabato City, North Cotabato and Palawan.

Although he considers the upcoming GRP-MILF deal as a positive element in the quest for peace in Mindanao, Calvo said this doesn't mean however all the elements and all the provisions in the MOA are already perfect.

When asked whether the ancestral domain document made by the so-called peace negotiators without the benefit of consultation is fair to the people who are affected, Calvo replied indirectly: "We think this is a positive step. We need to find a solution."

He further said that one of the solutions is to clarify the concept of ancestral domain, which is not easy. "But the good point is that we're reaching a consensus, although not perfect." although it is the right of the people of Mindanao to demand a kind of transparency."

On local officials in Mindanao who opposed the Moro homeland accord, Calvo said it is the right of the people of Mindanao to demand a kind of transparency and that they're entitled to discuss and argue for it's part of the process.

Meanwhile, the Interreligious Solidarity Movement for Peace which composed of the Ulama, Muslim professionals and traditional leaders have declared that Islam is a religion of peace, harmony and compassion.

In a statement, the interreligious group made the declaration after suspected Abu Sayyaf militants sent extortion letters to non-Muslim residents in Basilan Province, compelling them to pay Jizya (Islamic tax) and to convert to Islam.

"We, the silent majority, are saddened and pained every time Islam is painted and portrayed as a religion of the sword and intolerance by those who do not belong to the faith and even by some who proclaim themselves as followers of the faith.

It is disheartening that some people, who want to give a wrong impression of Islam, simply select a few words from the Qur'an, distort them and put them in the wrong context, all in order to show that Islam supports violence and evil motives.

The time has come for the Muslim Ummah to condemn those impostors, who use Islam for their own devilish selfish motives. Islam respects freedom of religion, Allah says in the Holy Qur'an: "There shall be no compulsion in religion. Indeed truth has been made manifest distinct."

Therefore we invite people of peace and good will to join us in our concerted effort to spread the real message of Islam. LET US UNITE TO CONFRONT THE FORCES OF EVIL THAT ONCE AGAIN THREATENS OUR PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE."

Islamic religious council condemns series of kidnappings, extortions in Basilan

The Dar Al-Ifta of the Basilan Ulama Supreme Council (BUSC) issued a statement yesterday in which it condemned the series of kidnappings in the province, sending of extortion letters to non-Muslims and compelling them to convert to Islam.

The Dar Al-Ifta, being the highest religious policy making body of the Council, said it strongly condemns the series of kidnappings, on the basis that it is an aggression against others, be they Muslims or non-Muslims.

Quoting verse 190 (Al-Baqara) from the Holy Qur'an which reads: "…but transgress not the limits. Truly Allah likes not the transgressors," the Council said the kidnapping is a type of transgression which God has prohibited.

The Council also cited verse 90 (An-Nahl) which reads: "Surely Allah, enjoins the doing of justice and the doing of good to others and giving to the kindred, and He forbids indecency and evil and rebellion."

Ustadz Yusop Alano, BUSC secretary, explained that it is well known that the order to ensure justice, extend kindness and be generous to one's kindred is not limited to Muslims only.

Similarly, Alano said the prohibition of what is shameful, reprehensible conduct and transgression applies to all humanity. "God also makes it clear that religious differences do not justify aggression against any one, even though they may reach the stage of open conflict."

"Let not hatred of a people because they hindered you from the sacred masjid-incite you to exceed the limits (Al-Maidah, verse 2). The succeeding verse also reads: "…and let not enmity and hatred of other make you avoid justice. Be just, that is nearer to piety, and fear Allah (Al-Maidah, verse 8)," he said quoting verses 2 and 8 of Al-Maidah.

The Council also declared that it is un-Islamic to compel non-Muslims to convert to Islam, saying that while it is true that every Muslim is duty bound to propagate Islam and its teaching to fellow Muslim and even non-Islamic faith, it is also a fact that throughout the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), he never forced anybody to join Islam.

In a position paper, Dr. Aboulkhair Tarason, chairman of BUSC, said the prophet (pbuh) was simply applying the clear statements made by Allah in the Holy Qur'an which can be translated: "Let there be no compulsion in religion (Al-Baqarah, Verse;256)."

Jizyah is an Arabic term which means a compensation collected by Islamic State from non-Muslims residing within its territory. While Muslims were required to pay taxes (2.5 of their annual income) under the name of "Zakah" to the Muslim Financial Institute" or the "House of the Muslim Money" which all goes to provide welfare to the poor and the needy citizens; from both Muslims and non-Muslims, the non-Muslims have to pay a varying amount under the name of "Jizyah", depending on their situation, which is taxes that don't go to help poor and needy Muslims, but instead, it goes to the government to (1) provide protection for them since they are a minority; (2) provide means for them to practice their religions freely by building Temples or Churches for them.

However, Tarason said that it shall be noted that many prominent Muslim scholars stated that the payment of Jizyah (taxes) may only be imposed in an Islamic State or by a duly constituted authorities or government entities with certain conditions and limitations.

"Similar to that, in today's world, non-Muslim citizens living in Muslim countries performing military service and protecting their nation are not obliged to pay jizyah," he added.

Along this predicament, he appealed to every Muslims and non-Muslims alike in the province as well as other neighboring provinces in the region to work hand in hand in fighting any inhumane and violent activities if only to preserve justice, fairness and peaceful co-existence of the peace-loving ummah (citizens).

Senate vows to block efforts to defer ARMM polls

Lawmakers from the Senate on Tuesday decried the moves to postpone elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, saying there is no logic why the regional polls should be postponed when there was no peace agreement yet between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Senate President Manuel Villar Jr. led opposition and administration senators in questioning President Arroyo for supporting calls to postpone the ARMM elections and he vowed to block all efforts to reset the August 11 ARMM elections.

"The Senate would definitely block all proposed legislation deferring the regional polls to 2010 unless there is a justifiable and urgent need to do so," Villar said.

Senators Francis Pangilinan, Aquilino Pimentel Jr., Richard Gordon, Francis Escudero, Juan Ponce Enrile, Manuel Roxas II, Rodolfo Biazon and Pia Cayetano crossed party lines in supporting Villar against postponing the elections.

Mrs. Arroyo declared her support for calls of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and other sectors to defer the ARMM elections until after a final peace agreement is reached with the Moro rebels.

"We are wondering why such call for postponement has to be done. We cannot allow this to happen and we have to find out where this is coming from and its end goal. The people are getting confused and it's a pity because the candidates have campaigned," Villar pointed out.

Villar said Congress would have to deliberate first on the proposal while the people would have to see the peace agreement with the MILF.

Enrile said the ARMM elections should not be tied to the ongoing peace talks with the MILF. "Suppose they will not be able to finish the agreement, are we going to postpone it forever?" he asked.

He said holding the ARMM elections simultaneously with the national elections in 2010 would not be acceptable and that the law authorizing the conduct of the ARMM elections on Aug. 11 should be respected.

Administration Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, who earlier supported the call for postponement of the ARMM polls, said he backed out after failing to get the support of other lawmakers.

Zubiri said the move to postpone the election is "dead in the water in the Senate." He said that with only five session days left it is "logistically impossible" to amend the law setting the date of the ARMM elections.

In the House of Representatives, a measure seeking the postponement of the election also suffered a setback after Mindanao lawmakers failed to agree to support the bill.

A two-hour, closed-door caucus by the Mindanao bloc led by Speaker Prospero Nograles failed to resolve the issue after only 14 lawmakers voted in favor of the postponement while 14 disagreed and five abstained.

The so-called Mindanao bloc in the House of Representatives has 57 members.

Nograles, however, said he would ask President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to certify the bill. After the caucus of the Mindanao bloc Tuesday afternoon Nograles met with congressmen from ARMM who agreed to move for the postponement.

For his part, Rep. Simeon Datumanong, deputy speaker for Mindanao who co-authored the bill, admitted that time is running out to pass the measure.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. said Zubiri's backtracking was an apparent realization that the Palace cannot force the issue.

Pimentel, who had allied himself with those against the postponement of the election, said the plan to postpone the ARMM polls could be a ploy to extend the terms of those who are abusing their office and the good ones who want to serve will be prevented from being elected because there will be no elections.

Senator Gordon said the move to postpone the ARMM elections virtually dictates on the turf of the Commission on Elections (Comelec). He said Comelec is ready for the ARMM elections that will showcase the efforts to computerize the elections in 2010.

Pangilinan, on the other hand, said postponing the ARMM polls would show a government that was inutile and lacking in political will.

For her part, Cayetano said the proposal came too late in the day. She said the elections are 20 days away and preparations are in full swing.

Comelec said they would continue its preparation even after Mrs. Arroyo made an open declaration supporting the postponement of the regional polls.

Comelec Chairman Jose Melo said the poll body would abide by Congress should it decide to defer the regional elections.

But if Congress fails to enact a law postponing the ARMM polls, Melo said Comelec has to abide by the law setting the regional elections on Aug. 11.

Melo though admitted he personally wanted the elections in the ARMM to proceed since it would showcase the efforts of modernizing the electoral process for the 2010 polls.

Meanwhile, the MILF said Congress' failure to pass a law postponing the regional elections will not derail the signing of a pact with the government on ancestral domain.

MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal said that barring any sudden major development, the signing will push through in Putra Jaya in Malaysia on August 5.

"On the signing I don't think it (failure to postpone ARMM polls) will affect the signing at Putra Jaya, Malaysia on Aug. 5," Iqbal said.

Negotiating panels of the government and MILF reached an agreement Sunday night on ancestral domain, after the MILF panel walked out of the negotiations last Friday.

Iqbal, however, reiterated his warning that if the Aug. 11 ARMM elections are not postponed, it will give the MILF an impression the government is not determined to talk peace.

Otherwise, Iqbal said the MILF "recognizes" the "internal dynamics" of the Philippine government, including procedures in Congress.

"What is important to us is that we have sent our official word to them, that as far as the MILF is concerned it is better to postpone the ARMM elections," he said. (HG)

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US travel warning vs Zamboanga remains active

Top photo: US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney cuts the ribbon during the EQuALLS2 Book Donation, Reading Corner and Skills Training for out-of school children and youth at Social Development Center in Santa Barbara, Zamboanga City, last Thursday.

The United States (US) government travel warnings to its citizens who want to visit Zamboanga City and other parts in Mindanao still stand.

"Our travel advisory is still in active," US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney said yesterday in an interview at Cabaluay National High School.

Kenney did not elaborate, but said that there's no more place for those people who continue to disrupt ordinary peaceful citizens in the region.

Meanwhile, Kenney said that US is absolutely ready to support the peace agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front with some quick disbursing assistance.

"Good luck and good will go to Secretary Esperon but also with our good friends in the MILF. I think there are a lot of people who want peace," she added.

Kenney was in the city along with other high ranking officials of the US and Philippine governments, including former Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, now the new peace process adviser.

While in the city, Kenney joined Mayor Celso Lobregat in releasing a turtle off the waters at the Paseo del Mar. The turtle lost its way and landed in the beach of Bolong and was turned over to DENR on Wednesday.

They visited the Social Development Center at Barangay Sta. Barbara for a book turnover and skills training for out-of-school children and youth under the USAID-EQUALLS2 project.

Subsequently, the officials proceeded to Cabaluay National High School for the Computer Literacy and Internet Connection (CLIC) Project of USAID's Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program turnover ceremony.

Up to this time, other countries like Australia and Canada are yet to lift their travel warnings against the city.

Last April 1, 2008, the US Embassy in Manila issued a warden message warning that extremists may be planning to kidnap Americans or other foreigners at hotels or other public places in the Zamboanga City area.

This was followed by Australian advising its citizens not to travel to Zamboanga City as kidnap for ransom gangs are active in the mainland Mindanao, the Zamboanga Peninsula, and the Sulu Archipelago.

The advisory repeated its previous warnings against "high threat of terrorist attack," recalled the various previous attacks, and advised its citizens against frequenting places like malls, churches, and resorts.

"Credible information indicates terrorists may be in the advanced stages of planning attacks. The attacks may be imminent and could occur at any time, anywhere in Mindanao. Attacks could occur in the lead up to and following religious celebrations," it said.

Local officials here led by Mayo Lobregat have been urging on the US and other foreign countries, including Australia and Canada, to lift their travel warnings against Zamboanga City to boost its tourism.

The city government had initially taken steps like the promotion of Zamboanga as Asia's Latin City and communication activities in coordination with other institutions to make foreign countries convinced that the city was in peaceful condition. (HG)

ARMM POLITICS

ARMM election campaign begins

ALLIES ---- Mayor Datu Norodin Matalam of Pagalungan, Maguindanao (left) show his being a staunch political supporter of re-electionist Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Gov. Datu Zaldy Ampatuan by raising the governor's hand after a peace and unity dialogue of all mayors from Shariff Kabunsuan and Maguindanao Tuesday in Ampatuan's hometown, Shariff Aguak, where Matalam had sworn to campaign for the re-electionist governor in his municipality, even if his older brother, former ARMM Vice Gov. Guimid Matalam, is also aspiring for the gubernatorial post of ARMM during the area's August 11, 2008 elections. Dozens of relatives of another contender for the same post, controversial Indanan, Sulu Mayor Isnaji Alvarez of the Moro National Liberation Front, now jailed in Camp Crame in connection with his alleged involvement in the recent kidnapping of ABS-CBN anchor Ces Drilon and her three companions, have also pledged support to Ampatuan's bid for a second term, ignoring Isnaji's colossal ambition to become chief executive of the autonomous region.

President Arroyo’s candidates for various positions in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao today started with their campaign, but only with a dialogue on the Southern peace process, sans the traditional merry-making voters have witnessed in past regional political sorties.

Engineer Norie Unas, regional secretariat of the Lakas-Muslim, Christian Democrats for the autonomous region, said they decided to “fire a very simple salvo” of their campaign maneuver since mayors and provincial governors in the ARMM have promised to campaign for re-electionist Gov. Zaldy Ampatuan in their respective towns.

Ampatuan and his running mate, re-electionist Vice Gov. Ansarudin Adiong, are both seeking second terms under the banner of Lakas-CMD, with President Arroyo’s blessing.

All of the more than a hundred mayors and six provincial governors in the autonomous region belong to the Lakas-CMD and are known for what seems to be “canine loyalty” to President Arroyo and the 40-year-old Ampatuan.

Mayors from Shariff Kabunsuan and Maguindanao, during their dialogue today in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao’s provincial capital, took turns assuring Ampatuan and Adiong they will both defeat their contenders for the positions they aspire in lopsided victories.

Ampatuan is facing six contenders, among them Alvarez Isnaji, the controversial mayor of Indanan, Sulu.

Apart from Adiong, five others have also filed certificates for of candidacy for the ARMM’s vice gubernatorial post.

Lawyer Oscar Sampulna, executive secretary of ARMM, said today’s launching of the regional campaign by the administration’s Lakas-Muslim Christian Democrats, whose national chairperson is President Arroyo, focused lengthily on how the mayors and provincial governors can help the Commission on Elections administer “HOPE,” meaning honest, orderly and peaceful elections, in the autonomous region.

“Similar dialogues will also be initiated soon by the regional chapter of Lakas-CMD in other provinces of ARMM,” Sampulna said.

MILF accuses government troops of desecrating graves in Sulu

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) accused government troops on Sunday of desecrating graves in the southern island of Sulu, describing it as the worst time for human rights violations in Philippine history.

A report posted on Luwaran.com, the MILF’s official website, said the human rights violations committed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is comparable to those committed by the late President Ferdinand Marcos.

The MILF claimed that on June 23, 2008, hundreds of Marines and Scout Rangers proceeded to Barangay (village) Buhati, Lahing-Lahing, Luuk and passed by its bailiwicks without permission or coordination.

It said that upon reaching the said village, the soldiers dug up the grave of Albi Moro, who was buried in the area two months ago, and retrieved the decomposing body for an unknown reason.

On the same night, soldiers also dug up and retrieved the decomposed body of unidentified woman who was buried 40 days back in the same area, according to the MILF website.

MILF Sulu commander Basaron Kamlon filed a protest letter against the soldiers, citing a report of the resident of Buhati village who said the soldiers claimed the two decomposed bodies are those of most wanted bombers Dulmatin and Patek.

The two bombers are tagged by the US and Philippine governments as terrorists from Indonesia’s Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) blamed for Bali bombing that killed hundreds of people. They are said to have slipped to Sulu.

The family of these unearthed bodies are now preparing their complaint against the soldiers responsible for digging up the graves of their loved ones, according to the report posted at Luwaran.com.

The MILF said the pervading culture of impunity and the failure of Arroyo administration to put a stop to human rights violations committed by the AFP particularly in the province of Sulu necessitate urgent intervention of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

It said unrelenting forms of action in all fronts are needed to stop the continued human rights violations committed by the AFP particularly the increasing militarization of Sulu and other forms of political repression in the Bangsamoro homeland.