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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kidnapped Italian Red Cross member freed in Sulu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RP-US “Balikatan 2009” emphasizes humanitarian assistance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spate of kidnappings, murders alarm Basilan ulamas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kidnapped Ateneo nursing student freed in Basilan

Freed Joed Anthony Pilangga reunites with his parents as Vice Governor Al-Rasheed Sakkalahul (left) looks on inside the Philippine Navy headquarters in Upper Calarian a day after the hostage's release on Christmas eve Wednesday in Basilan. Photo Courtesy WesMinCom PIO

Ateneo de Zamboanga University nursing student Joed Anthony Pilangga was freed on Christmas eve Wednesday by his kidnappers after more than two months of captivity in Basilan, a provincial government official said.

The 17-year old Pilangga was abandoned by his captors to the emissaries of Basilan Vice Governor Al-Rasheed Sakkalahul at around 9:20 p.m. at vicinity between the villages of Magkawa and Poblacion in Tipo-Tipo.

Sakkalahul, chairman of the Basilan's Crisis Management Committee (CMC) who negotiated for the release of Pilangga, said pressures from the military and police compelled the kidnappers to free the hostage.

He said following the release, his emissaries took Joed to his residence in Tipo-Tipo to rest overnight. The next day, he said he turned over the freed hostage to the 1st Marine Brigade in Tabiawan, Isabela City.

The vice governor did not give further details surrounding Pilangga's release, but hailed the combined military and police efforts that freed the kidnapped victim, and thanked his counterparts who helped him secure the release of the hostage.

It was not known whether any ransom was paid, although Pilangga's family earlier told media that they regularly turned over money to the kidnappers for Joed's "board and lodging" expenses.

The military said parents of Joed have declined a media presentation at the military's Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) headquarters.

"Please be informed that the parents of Joed have declined to be interviewed. I hope we can all symphatize with their plight. However, they have mentioned that the vice governor can speak on their behalf," said 1st Lt. Esteffani Caho, spokesperson of the Western Mindanao Command, in a text message.

Cacho issued the statement after some members of the WesMinCom's Defense Press Corps complained that they were prevented by navy officials at the Naval Forces Western Mindanao headquarters from taking footage and photos of Pilangga.

Pilangga, however, answered media phone interviews. He said his captors treated him well and fed him fish, vegetables and noodles during his 68-day ordeal in the hinsterlands, but had threatened to kill him if they did not get the ransom.

The young Pilangga was reported missing October 17 by the city police until his parents broke their silence to say that their son was kidnapped in Zamboanga City and brought by his captors to Basilan province.

Abu Sayyaf was tagged by authorities as behind the kidnapping. The group is still holding 9-year old April Nicole Raviche, who was kidnapped Nov. 26 in Lamitan City and demanded P4 million for her freedom.

Twin bomb explosions in Iligan City kill 2 people, injure 47 others

Two bomb explosions rocked few minutes apart in Iligan City, killing two people and injuring at least thirty-five others Thursday afternoon in two shopping centers, authorities said.

The first explosion went off at around 1:25 p.m. at the Uni City Commercial Center and five minutes after another blast occurred at the Jerry Shoppers Plaza, military sources said.

Both shopping stores are located at Aguinaldo Street in Palao.

The bombs were left in the baggage counters of the two shopping centers, said Army 1st Lt. Esteffani Cacho, spokesperson of the Western Mindanao Command.

"The first explosion injured two people and damage of a van and the second blast killed two and injured four others," Cacho said.

However, Cacho's updated report (as of 4:00 p.m. Thursday) showed that the number of injured victims increased to 47 while the number of slain victims remain two.

She said the victims of the twin blasts were rushed to the different hospitals in Iligan City and their identities are not yet known.

A radio report said a baggage counter clerk at one of the stores was one of the fatalities.

Cacho said a team of bomb squads with K9 units of the 403rd Brigade were sent to the blast cites to help police authorities in the investigation.

Top military officials at the Western Mindanao Command headquarters would not comment about question on who may be responsible for the twin blasts.

Late August this year, two homemade bombs exploded almost simultaneously in two budget hotels in Iligan City, wounding at least four people.

Leaders of anti-homeland deal suspected rogue Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels under Commander Bravo were responsible for the August two bomb attacks.

Remote Lanao village gets water system, solar drier from World Bank

Safe drinking water has never been so abundant in a remote predominantly Maranaw barangay in the first district of Lanao del Sur until a foreign donor came in and intervened.

Residents of Barangay Talaguian, located at the border of Lanao del Sur's adjoining Poona-Bayabao and Masiu towns, in fact, got from World Bank not just a water system project, but a solar drier for the agricultural produce as well.

Hadja Leamen Laut, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer of the so-called Lanao Sur A, which groups all of the towns in the first district of the province, said there has been dramatic improvements in the lives of people in the once impoverished barangay as a result of the World Bank projects.

Both the World Bank and the Japan Bank on International Cooperation (JBIC) channels all of their assistance for poor areas in Southern Philippines through the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Social Fund Project (ASFP).

Health authorities in Lanao del Sur said there have been a sharp decline in cases of water-borne diseases, such as dysentery and gastro-enteritis, after the ASFP and local villagers have constructed, as a community venture, a water system Barangay Talaguian.

"People there now have access to clean, safe drinking water," Laut said.

The office of Laut, the local government unit which has jurisdiction over Barangay Talaguian, and various community organizations joined ranks and built the water system and the solar drier in their barangay.

About 80 percent of residents in the barangay rely on farming as a source of income and the solar drier, thus, improved their productivity.

People in the barangay had used portions of a concrete national highway traversing their villages as drier for the rice and corn grains, causing inconvenience to motorists.

"Now we have our solar drier we can use for drying our harvests. What is nice about the project is that it is community-constructed, community owned," Muntia Kasim, 34, said.

Japan assists ARMM Social Fund Projects In Lanao

What once ranked eighth in the list of the 10 poorest barangays in Lanao del Sur is now one of the most progressive, virtually made progressive the "bayanihan" style by feuding Maranaw families that were so hostile to each other before.

It was only when residents in Barangay Micolabo in Picong, Lanao del Sur decided to unite and cohesively address underdevelopment, as a consequence of clan wars involving local families that peace and development started to spread in their villages.

It was Barangay Micolabo's being so poor and for having been previously dubbed "wild, wild west" of Picong town that enticed the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) to intervene, through the conduit for its projects in the South, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Social Fund Project (ASFP).

Both JBIC and World Bank channel through the ASFP their assistance to impoverished communities in the South.

Bai Annie Ampuan, who monitors all Japanese-assisted projects of ASFP in Lanao del Sur, said it was for the mandatory involvement of local villagers in the construction of a barangay health station, a communal coconut dyer, and a multi-purpose center that virtually forced residents in Micolabo to forget about their bloody clan wars, come together and manage the three projects by themselves.

The ASFP is jointly managed by ARMM Gov. Datu Zaldy Ampatuan, lawyer Mustapha Sambolawan and the ASFP's finance director, Alejando Coscos.

The ARMM police have pegged to 2,300 the number of loose firearms in Micolabo just a year before the JBIC came in to intervene.

"Life was so miserable in Barangay Micolabo then. We lived in fear, in dire poverty and there was immense feeling of neglect by government," Maranaw farmer Gandasuri Mamacotao, 50, said in the vernacular.

Local officials said the construction by feuding Micolabo residents of a communal coconut dryer have ushered in dramatic improvements in the area's economy.

The ARMM's trade and industry, and agriculture departments have both recorded a sharp upswing in the production of copra from Barangay Micolabo in the past eight months.

"The copra coming from that area are now well-dried and, thus, have high commercial value," said the ARMM's agriculture secretary, Kesie Usman.

Corrine Tabua, who is the provincial social welfare officer of Lanao del Sur's Area B, which covers more than a dozen towns in the second district of the province, said credit also goes to the women of Barangay Micolabo, who provided extensive support to the construction of the three community-planned projects.

"You can even see the women in the area now attending peace dialogues at the newly-built multi-purpose center at the heart of Barangay Micolabo," Tabua said.

Tabua said people in Micolabo now no longer carry guns when they roam around, only farming tools. "Peace and development have set that barangay in sooner than we expected," he said.

Defense chief tells marines to root out kidnappers in Basilan

National Defense Chief Gilbert Teodoro accompanied by Navy Commodore Alexander Pama of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao pins military merit medal to marine soldiers during his visit Thursday at the 1st Marine Brigade headquarters in Tabiawan, Isabela City in Basilan.

Secretary of National Defense Gilbert Teodoro met with top Philippine Marine officials in Basilan Thursday as military operations against the kidnap-for-ransom groups reportedly linked with the Abu Sayyaf and Moro rebels in the island province continues.

The defense chief held a closed-door talks with the Basilan-based military commanders led by Colonel Rustico Guerrero, commander of the 1st Marine Brigade, at their headquarters in Tabiawan, Isabela City.

Secretary Teodoro was accompanied by Navy Commodore Alexander Pama of the Naval Forces South Western Mindanao and other military ranking officials from the Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom).

He told marines that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo gave explicit instructions to him through an Administrative Order "to get to the root of these kidnapping activities and to flush and root them out.

"We can't allow the reign of terror through kidnapping or what not to disrupt lives not merely here in Basilan, but in Zamboanga or wherever that be," he said.

The defense chief pinned military merit medals to 15 marines soldiers who clashed with suspected Abu Sayyaf and rogue Moro Islamic Liberation Front groups in Al Barka town.

He also joined a military's buddle fight before returning to Zamboanga City to visit the wounded soldiers confined at the Camp Navarro General Hospital in Upper Calarian.

Col. Guerrero presented to him some recovered long firearms, including an M-16 rifle, Garand, as well as ammunitions, subversive documents and identification cards believed to be from the kidnappers.

The defense chief's visit to Basilan came after a series of encounters in Al Barka on Sunday that left at least five marine soldiers dead, 25 others wounded while the rebels suffered three dead, including a commander, and six others wounded.

"Unang una nais kong ipaabot ang sinsero at napakalalim na pasasalamat ng ating mahal na Pangulo para sa mga sakripisyo ninyo," Teodoro said in a brief speech before a contingent of heavily armed marines.

"Nandito tayo hindi lamang para lumaban sa mga kriminal kung hindi magbigay ng leksyon sa buong bansa na hindi natin pababayaan na ang mga kriminal magtago sa likod ng kahit sino man."

"Gusto natin ipakita sa buong Pilipinas na hindi natin pababayaan na magkalat ang mga kriminal dito. Dapat natin patunayan na mayrong Republika ng Pilipinas na magtatanggol sa lahat ng ating mga kababayan sa ilalim ng batas."

"Kaya huwag natin pababayaan ang mga kriminal nag maghari dito. We will continue to fight criminality. We have to put down the carrying of arms, the resort to armed violence to settle disputes, and the resort to arms to earn a living."

"We will finish off the threat. All those who are involved or give safe harbor to kidnappers for ransom should be included in the operations. I think that's clear. Of course (punitive action) is beyond debate it's a necessity."

"There's only one language that these kidnappers for ransom understand and that is for the law to take catch up with them. We have to have a strong and credible deterrent action to prevent their activities from forming," he concluded.

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Heavy fighting in Basilan leaves 5 Marine soldiers dead, 25 others wounded

Major General Benjamin Dolorfino, commandant of the Philippine Marines Corps, pins wounded personnel medal to Capt. Julie Palanca, one of the wounded soldiers in a clash with Moro rebels in Basilan on Sunday, as Lt. Gen. Nelson Allaga looks on during their visit at the Camp Navarro General Hospital in Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City on Tuesday.

Heavy fighting between government troops and a combined Abu Sayyaf and Moro rebels raged in the island province of Basilan over the weekend as the military said they suffered at least five soldiers dead and 25 others wounded.

Army 1st Lt. Esteffani Cacho, spokesperson for the Western Mindanao Command, said undetermined armed men attacked the Marine Battalion Landing Team-8 based in Bohe Libong in Al Barka, triggering a series of clashes.

"During that series of encounterss which lasted until early morning, the government troops suffered five dead and 24 wounded on the marines side and for the Air Force, there was one pilot of the OV-10 that was wounded," Cacho told reporters.

She linked a combined forces of the Abu Sayyaf and rogue Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) kidnap-for-ransom groups as the attackers who are responsible for many kidnappings of Basilan.

Eid Kabalu, senior MILF leader, confirmed their forces in Basilan suffered three dead, including Sattar Alih, head of the MILF ceasefire monitoring team in the island province, and six others injured in the fighting.

But he denied they were coddling the Abu Sayyaf and accused the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) of violating the ceasefire agreement.

Sunday's fighting in Al Barka was the second major encounter since last year after marine soldiers searching for a kidnapped Italian priest Giancarlo Bossi, who was seized on June 10 in Zamboanga Sibugay, clashed with suspected Abu Sayyaf kidnappers.

The fighting left 14 marines dead, but ten of them were later beheaded by the terrorists led by Puruji Indama. Bossi was freed six weeks later in Zamboanga del Sur province in exchange for a huge ransom.

Government forces have now confined the kidnappers to parts of Al Barka and its adjacent areas, according to Lt. Gen. Nelson Allaga, chief of the Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom).

He, however, declined to give further details on the ongoing military operations in Basilan.

Top military officials led by Maj. Gen. Benjamin Dolorfino, chief of the Philippine Marines Corps, and Gen. Allaga had pinned earlier wounded personnel medals to 25 Marine soldiers who clashed with the Abu Sayyaf and MILF in Al Barka.

The five slain soldiers were airlifted to Marine headquarters in Manila, where President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo would be visiting them on Wednesday as part of the tradition of Marines. They will be burried in the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

Lieutenant Cacho also announced the release of seven quarry workers in Tuburan town who were abducted early December.

Freed were identified as Wagnerson Toledo, Tomas de Leon Jr., Albert Manolis, Rodel Fernando, Raffy Ragmak, Alfred Layam and Joebert Natividad. Three of them are from Labuan, Zamboanga City.

They were initially brought to the 1st Marine Brigade's headquarters in Tabiawan, Isabela City for debriefing and medical check up.

Lamitan Mayor Roderick Furigay on Monday night broke out the news of the seven quarry workers' release. Furigay, in a national media report, said the victims' release was phoned to him by the kidnappers around 9 p.m. Monday.

He said he called up Barangan Bulanting chairman Asdi Alki to fetch the victims in Tuburan.

Reports said local officials paid the kidnappers "board and lodging" in exchange of the quarry workers' release.

The seven workers were returning to their office on board a dump truck when they were stopped and taken by masked gunmen.

One of the freed workers told reporters that they were seized by about seven gunmen in fatigue uniforms and were tied while in captivity.

Asked if they were harmed by their captors while in captivity, De Leon said: "No hindi naman kami sinaktan. Pinakain kami tatlong beses sa isang araw."

Meanwhile, Cacho said the released seven quarry workers, which are three from Zamboanga City, one from Cagayan de Oro City, and three from Lamitan City, Basilan, were abducted by MILF.

It was learned they were abducted because the owner of the gravel company that they're working for has an offense with the MILF.

"They (7 workers) were taken in retaliation (by MILF). And in fact they further said that before they were released, their captors told them not to return to Basilan because they will be harmed," Cacho said.

Turkish school distributes beef meats to indigent families in Zamboanga

Butchers divide cows during Monday's distribution of beef meats for thousands of people, mostly indigents, at the Filipino-Turkish Tolerance School in Sinunuc, Pitogo, this city.

The Filipino-Turkish Tolerance School slaughtered at least 700 heads of cattle and distributed its meat to thousands of people mostly needy people in the different villages in the city as part of the Muslim feast of Eid al-adha holiday.

Muslims sacrifice cows, sheep, goats and bulls during yesterday's Islamic religious holiday, a ritual commemorating the biblical account of Allah's provision of a ram for Prophet Abraham to sacrifice, as he was about to kill his son.

"This year, we planned to slaughter 700 cows within three days and this is an annual activity. We call it Qurban or Eid'l Adha," said Cihangir Arslan, the Turkish school high school director at Barangay Sinunuc, Pitogo in this city.

The budget used for the purchase of the cows came from donations of Turkey, Australia, Philippines and other parts in the world aimed at helping feed about 5,000 families in Manila and 25,000 families in Zamboanga City, Ipil, Basilan and Jolo, respectively.

The Filipino-Turkish Tolerance School was established in Zamboanga City in 1997 and since then has been actively involved in humanitarian activities, like the distribution of meat of beef to thousands of people, both Muslims and non-Muslims people.

"We give two kilos of beef for each beneficiary," Arslan said. "We have no expectation here. Those Muslims who can afford must do this charity. We are just distributing to make poor people happy at least once a year to taste beef."

He said the meat is intended for anyone as long as he or she is indigent. "This is not only for Muslims. We're not only sharing the meat for Muslims. We distribute also to our Christian brothers and sisters. The blessings are for everybody."

The estimated 1.5 billion-strong Muslim world called Ummah, including its Filipino members, paid tribute Monday to the patriarch Abraham's strong faith in God as they celebrated Eid'l Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice and one of Islam's biggest holidays.

This is told in the Qur'an, in Chapter 37, Verse 102:

"Then when (Abraham's son) reached (the age of) (serious) work with him he said: 'O my son! I see in vision that I offer thee in sacrifice: now tell me what is thy view!' (The son) said: 'O my father! Do as thou art commanded. Thou will find me, if God so wills, among those who are patient in adversity!'

Muslims believe that God tested Abraham's faith by ordering him to sacrifice his son. Prophet Abraham obeyed but before he could slaughter his son, God at the last moment replaced his son with a ram for the sacrifice.

Thus, Eid'l Adha celebration through slaughtering an animal honors Abraham and his strong faith. The meat from the slaughtered goat, sheep or cow is divided in four equal parts: one quarter for the owner, a quarter for relatives, a quarter for friends, and the last quarter for the needy.

Anti-Moro homeland deal politicians put down MILF's Commander Bravo

Filipinos who strongly opposed the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front lower an anti-homeland deal streamer, which reads "Yes to peace, NO to BJE" and "Let us be united in the fight to retain integrity and sovereignty of Zamboanga City," from the balcony of City Hall. Photo below shows Mayor Celso Lobregat (center), North Cotabato Vice Governor Emmanuel Piñol (2nd from left), Senator Mar Roxas (in blue shirt) pose for posterity with the folded anti-streamer that will be kept at the museum.

Political leaders who strongly opposed the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain between the Philippines government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front have put down a statement made by a rogue commander of the Moro rebel group responsible for a series of attacks in Lanao province.

At the same time, the anti-Bangsamoro homeland deal leaders downgraded the mass evacuation of thousands of people in the different parts of Mindanao as a result of the fighting between MILF rebels and government troops.

Abdullah Macapaar alias Commander Bravo of the MILF's l02nd base command has recently appeared on national television in full battle gear attire, flocked by his troops challenging government: "Ubusan ng lahi (blood feud)."

"It's easy to appear brave or even to sound brave but the question is can you really face off to the government forces and obviously they can't that's the reason why they're hiding," Piñol told reporters in a press conference at City Hall Wednesday.

Up to 500,000 people are displaced following weeks of fighting between government troops and MILF rebels in Central Mindanao. They are reportedly enduring poor health services and unsanitary conditions after fleeing the fighting.

But Piñol does not mind this. He said peace will only reign in this world if people stand up and say no. "If we say let's not put up a fight because people will go to the evacuation centers and people will die then we will be living in a world of cowards."

Piñol dared Commander Bravo's group: "If they're really brave as they claim they are, they would tell government 'okay I'm in this camp and get me. But when you issue brave statements and then hide under the skirt of your mother that's a different story."

For his part, Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat said a holistic approach and enforcement of the law not only focusing on social aspect are needed to attain peace in Mindanao.

"We're all for peace. You can't legislate peace. You can't force peace, but as long as there are kidnappers, there are terrorists there can be no peace," he said. "You have to make sure that the law is enforced. No one should be above the law."

Senator Mar Roxas depended the government and blamed MILF rebels for the evacuation of thousands of people in Mindanao, saying that it was not the government who started the problem.

"The fact that there are refugees, let us not use this so-called false argumentation that the reason there are refugees is the government's fault. That's false logic!" he said.

"These rebels, criminals are responsible for these evacuees and for the disruption of lives, deaths and casualties and these are the people responsible for the situation we have in today (in Mindanao)," he added.

MILF rebels, headed by Umbra Kato and Commandero Bravo, led their forces in a deadly rampage across several mostly Christian towns and villages in Lanao and other areas in Mindanao in August.

They claimed the attacks were in retaliation for a Supreme Court order freezing an MILF-government deal that would have given them control over an expanded autonomous region in the southern Philippines.

Meanwhile, Vice Governor Piñol suggested that the only way to bring peace to Mindanao is for the government to take the problem seriously by starting with the idea of enforcing the law.

He agreed with the statement made by Senator Roxas, which proposes the deployment of police and soldiers all over the areas in Mindanao to enforce and implement the law to its full force that nobody should be exempted.

"That's the only way we can earn the respect of the people and that's the only we can bring back peace and tranquility to Mindanao initially, but at the same time moving forward you have to address the problems that result into conflict," Piñol said.

Thousands join peace walk, marking Mindanao Week of Peace celebration

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tausugs restore Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kidnapped Zamboangueña nurse freed in Basilan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kapihan de Zamboanga
By Hader Glang

Barack Obama's election a triumph for black Americans

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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