Solution to conflict between 2 MNLF-MILF

faction commanders in SK remains elusive

A definitive solution to the armed conflict between Datu Randy Karon, leader of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) forces in Lebak town in Sultan Kudarat, and Jing Caludtiag, also commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF’s) 104th Base Command, remains elusive.

Based on media reports, despite attempts from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) traditional leaders and local government officials and the latest from the International Monitoring Team (IMT) to resolve the conflicthe two armed feuding groups continue their dispute in the area.

The armed conflict which started sometime in March of 2009 has already claimed several lives and displaced thousands of civilians who fled their homes to safer grounds in the towns of Datu Blah Sinsuat (DBS), Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, and its adjacent towns in Maguindanao.

The DWSD-ARMM regional office reported that the displaced families in the Karon-Caludtiag conflict are temporarily housed in nearby villages and village halls while some of the evacuees are taking refuge at the houses of their relatives' houses in neighboring villages.

A local official in Lebak told this reporter that eight barangays, including Sadam, Miti, Senapak, Laguitan in Datu Blah Sinsuat in Maguindanao as well as Tran, Calamansig, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat have been affected with an estimated of 15,000 to 17,000 individuals.

The official said the sector most affected by the conflict is the business and the education sector. “I refer to the business community of Lebak and Calamansig. This situation has greatly affected the people in the community, putting them in high alert, and fear that this trouble will escalate to its fullest. Yes (on education)…you just imagine how many people have been displaced from the various barangays from DBS (Datu Blah Sinsuat) and Lebak.”

Karon, who was former regional secretary of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) when MNLF chairman Nur Misuari was ARMM governor from 1996 to 2001, is reportedly battling against Caludtiag over control of strategic patches of lands along the coasts connecting the towns of Datu Blah and Lebak in Sultan Kudarat.

The two contending factions fought several times last year, causing the dislocation of thousands of villagers that rely mainly on fishing and farming of short-term crops such as corn, rice and bananas, as their source of income.

In an interview at his lair called "Camp Watamama-II" in Lebak, Commander Karon said that the problem started after the collapse of peace talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

"This group, the MILF, it's very clear. It's not just a suspect. This Caludtiag family," the MNLF commander said, blaming the MILF faction command as the one who started the conflict.

But MILF vice chairman for political affairs Ghadzali Jaafar refuted this, saying that the conflict is a misunderstanding between two relatives because Karon and Caludtiag are relatives.

"I can’t give details the misunderstanding between the two of them because it’s a long story but the fight between them is not an organizational conflict between the MILF and the MNLF. It is a family. But sometime it is misunderstood. Sometime people are saying that the fight is between the MILF and the MNLF but that is not correct."

Jaafar said the MILF is not siding Caludtiag, although he is an MILF commander. Admitting that Caludtiag is being reinforced by hi MILF relatives, but the decision of his relatives who are identified with the MILF in helping him is family matter and is not sanction by the MILF as an organization.

Meanwhile, evacuees who have been affected by the armed conflict between Commander Karon and Commander Caludtiag in the coastal sitio of Lebak are longing for an end to the feud in their village.

An evacuee identified as a certain Basio, 60, who has four children said that his house and corn farm were totally damaged when the armed fighting between the two feuding groups erupted in their barangay recently.

"The conflict really affected our lives. We don't have livelihood here and we are afraid to return to our home," he said.

A woman evacuee, who is suffering from tuberculosis, said they have practically no medicine and the conditions in the area where they temporarily stay for months now are completely unsanitary.

"We don't have any medical assistance here and our home and farm were destroyed. We hope they will already settle their differences and stop the fighting," the woman added

Women, children and the elderly in Lebak, some with weeping sores on their feet, make up the majority of the refugees. Many were asking for fishing net from concerned local government agencies for their livelihood.

"When this conflict is over, I must return to my house because it is there where we born," said a teenager whose one leg was hit by a crossfire during the armed fighting between the men of the two moro feuding groups.

The coastal village of Lebak and its adjacent coastal areas are left with destroyed shanty houses and just a tiny fraction of fishermen as residents move away from the area. Now, only armed men remain in the camp of MNLF or peace zone with a Philippine flag hoisted near seashore.

Asked if they still want to settle the conflict, Commander Karon said:: "Of course, I want to have our people, our civilian, our community healthy and stable because after all that's the reason why we agreed to the peace offered by the government."

Karon said the truth of the matter he is just waiting the decision of the MILF for this problem and that he already yielded the problem to the MNLF chairman.

"I told him (MNLF chairman) to decide for us. While it's true that there is an offer of the MNLF to settle this problem but I see some biases on their decision because they only talked the local issue between our family and and then forget that big issue that involves many people who died here," he stressed.

He asked: "How would you agree with that kind of proposition disregarding that big issues surrounding this problem?"

The MNLF commander explained that the problem could had not been reached this extent had it not the support of the MILF to the other side that instead of making the effort to resolve the problem, they send more their forces to support this group (Caludtiag).

"So that's the cause why there is no resolution that had taken place. After all those initiatives from people and different people from all walks of life. Now comes the intervention of the International Monitoring Team (IMT). I don't know what's going to happen next."

"Up to now I am still awaiting for whatever peaceful resolution to the problem because you know it's my family that suffers the consequence of this problem. It's my relatives and my people from this place. It's not the people coming from the different areas. It's not them that suffer the consequence of this trouble. It's our relatives, our family and friends and all the people in this place."

Also asked to comment on the unity covenant between by the MNLF and the MILF signed by Prof. Nur Misuari and MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ibrahim, he said they are not privy to it and they don't recognize that agreement.

This agreement could probably be a personal agreement between them (Misuari and Murad), otherwise they should have consulted us before signing with any party...there was no consultation ever made whatsoever between us and Nur Misuari.

"This is people's organization that needs proper consultation on matters related to the shaping of the destiny of the organization and the people itself."

Speaking in behalf of Commander Caludtiag, MILF vice chairman Jaafar said the International Monitoring Team (IMT) together with the ceasefire committees of MILF and GRP CCCH is right now handling the problem.

"The purpose is to reconcile the two groups. Until now, they are still in the process of trying to resolve the problem, the issue. I don’t know whether they will succeed or they will fail, but we can only pray that the effort of the IMT will succeed because as of now, there are civilians in the area in Tran and neighboring areas directly affected by the troubles. They were forced to abandon their homes for fear that they might be caught in the crossfire, and so decided to stay in safer areas temporarily."

Jaafar said that what is happening between Karon and Caludtiag is not good because he believe the Bangsamoro people must remain united in facing their problems. Jaafar also believes that at this point in time there is no room for disunity and infighting between and among Bangsamoro.

"I believe that Bangsamoro leaders at this point in time must be able to arise above the 'box' (MNLF box, tribal box, MILF box)…what I mean here the Bangsamoro leaders must think as one people as Bangsamoro people, not as tribal leaders, not as Tausug leaders, not as Maguindanao leaders, Maranao leaders but as one…I think there is no time in a Bangsamoro people such as now that the Bangsamoro must act as one people, united," he concluded. HG

Business community shocked at

latest kidnapping in Zamboanga

Charlie Reith, 72, the latest kidnap victim in Zamboanga City.

Vice moralty candidate Crisanto "Monsi" Dela Cruz said the City's business community was "shocked" by the abduction of a Swiss-born businessman in the city on Easter Sunday.

"The business community here is shocked by the latest kidnapping of a good friend and a neighbor," said Dela Cruz, the former presidential assistant for Western Mindanao.

On Sunday, undetermined gunmen sneaked onto the resthouse of victim Charlie Reith, 72, at Sitio Parkampo, Barangay Patalon, west of Zamboanga City at around 6 p.m.

Reith was married to a Filipina and had been living in the Philippines for decades. He owns a sand and gravel business in the same village, but previously managed a large piece of land.

A caretaker told local reporters Reith was drinking liquor with a German friend when the abductors arrived. He said the German was left behind after he passed out.

The military said Reith was forced to board a pumpboat, which sped off with the gunmen to a still unknown direction.

The caretaker said the kidnappers also took the victims' cell phones, wallet, car keys and jewelry.

It was learned from media reports that the gunmen who abducted Reith were seen speeding away in the direction of Basilan island, a well-known Abu Sayyaf and kidnappers lair.

Monsi Dela Cruz said they are saddened by the kidnapping of Reith, who is a well-respected member of the local community in Zamboanga City.

"We're are praying for the fast and safe recovery of Mr. Reith," the former priest and government official said.

"I also ask the people of Zamboanga to stay calm but vigilant amid all the incidents taking place in the city," Dela Cruz added.

According to Dela Cruz, City Hall should properly use the intelligence fund to address and put a stop to the kidnapping menace.

He said the kidnapping problem stands as a critical stumbling block to Zamboanga City's and growth and progress.

"If there is more kidnapping then we will continue to lose business confidence from local and foreign investors," Dela Cruz further said.

"It is time for the present administration to set aside politics and solve this kidnapping problem once and for all," he ended. HG

Maguindanao under martial law

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kidnapped Irish missionary priest freed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kidnapped Italian Red Cross member freed in Sulu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RP-US “Balikatan 2009” emphasizes humanitarian assistance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spate of kidnappings, murders alarm Basilan ulamas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.