IMAGE OF THE DAY

Hands for peace. After the peace agreement with the Philippine government in Sept. 1996, Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Chairman Nur Misuari met with his comrades in Taluksangay. The meeting was attended by former Zamboanga City Mayor Vitaliano Agan and an official from the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC). (HADER GLANG)

Women urge gov't to free Misuari

More than 100 women from all over Mindanao and Sulu have called the Philippine government to free MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari who has been jailed for four years on rebellion charges.

“He is our legitimate leader and he can help in the peace process,” said Naira Moner, officer of the Mothers for Peace, who attended the Mindanao Women's Peace Summit at the Waterfront Insular Hotel recently.

Misuari has been temporarily released from detention to undergo medical treatment at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Manila with his co-accused and spiritual adviser Ustadz Abdul Haris Usman.

Mindanao women from academe, government agencies, peace advocacy groups, tribal groups, youth organizations, and people's organizations attended the peace summit to air their proposals for the ongoing peace negotiations between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

“We need to review the 1996 GRP-MNLF Peace Accord before going into another peace pact (GRP-MILF),” expressed Atty. Padoman G. Paparo, one of the women leaders from Marawi City.

“Misuari, we believe, can do something for the ongoing peace negotiation between the MILF and the government.” She added that “the MNLF Chairman still has strong influence over the Bangsamoro People.”

The summit was attended by Chief Negotiator Sec. Silveste Afable III representing the government, Atty. Lanang Ali of the MILF negotiating team, and Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process chief Sec. Jesus Dureza. Australian Ambassador Tony Hely and Swedish Ambassador Annika Markovic also graced the affair.

The Mindanao Women’s Peace Summit was organized by the Mindanao Commission on Women.(Mother's for Peace)

EHEM!
Corruption in the Philippines is very serious.
Be sensitive! Be bothered! Be involved!

A CALL TO COMMIT TO THE SPIRIT OF EDSA I

As we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of EDSA 1, we recall how we, as one nation, held our heads up high before the rest of the world with the clear message that a revolution need not be violent. And proud we were when many nations followed suit, guided by the principles and values upheld at the very first EDSA Revolution.

Ironically, in these times of socio-political unrest and uncertainty, the spirit of EDSA 1 is threatened by dark forces demanding a swift resolution to the national crisis. It is this context that we at SIMBAHANG LINGKOD NG BAYAN, call on the Filipino people to renew their commitment to the spirit of active non-violence that guided the very first EDSA Revolution.

We particularly uphold the following:

1.. That we go through this crisis within the parameters set by our constitution. We reject the unconstitutional acts of military adventurist and other parties seeking to overthrow the government through violence.

2.. That we vigorously and conscientiously pursue the call of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines to search for the truth. We call on the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government to lead the nation in this search by exhausting all constitutional alternatives in an impartial and expeditious manner. We entreat our leaders to open more avenues for the peaceful resolution of the national crisis instead of shutting off all constitutional options we can take.

The spirit of the times denies us the peace and unity we have always yearned for. There are no easy solutions to our predicament. But we are not about to give up as a nation. We continue to pursue the elusive truth because we believe that the Spirit of EDSA 1 can be and should be the spirit of the times.

As we re-live the spirit of EDSA 1, let us rekindle our commitment to social change and renewal through active non-violence. We invite everyone to join our celebration of the spirit of EDSA 1 entitled EDSA na Ngayon at the SAN JOSE SEMINARY COVERED COURT (ATENEO) at 6 PM TODAY FEBRUARY 24, the eve of the EDSA 1 Anniversary. SIMBAHANG LINGKOD NG BAYAN (EHEMgroups)

President Arroyo declares a State of National Emergency

MALACAÑAN PALACE MANILA PROCLAMATION NO. 1017
PROCLAMATION DECLARING A STATE OF NATIONAL EMERGENCY

WHEREAS, over these past months, elements in the political opposition have conspired with authoritarians of the extreme Left represented by the NDF-CPP-NPA and the extreme Right, represented by military adventurists--the historical enemies of the democratic Philippine State—who are now in tactical alliance and engaged in a concerted and systematic conspiracy, over a broad front, to bring down the duly constituted Government elected in May 2004;

WHEREAS, these conspirators have repeatedly tried to bring down the President;

WHEREAS, the claims of these elements have been recklessly magnified by certain segments of the national media; WHEREAS, this series of actions is hurting the Philippine State--by obstructing governance including hindering the growth of the economy and sabotaging the people’s confidence in government and their faith in the future of this country;

WHEREAS, these actions are adversely affecting the economy;

WHEREAS, these activities give totalitarian forces of both the extreme Left and extreme Right the opening to intensity their avowed aims to bring down the democratic Philippine State;

WHEREAS, Article 2, Section 4 of our Constitution makes the defense and preservation of the democratic institutions and the State the primary duty of Government;

WHEREAS, the activities above-described, their consequences, ramifications and collateral effects constitute a clear and present danger to the safety and the integrity of the Philippine State and of the Filipino people;

NOW, THEREFORE, I Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, President of the Republic of the Philippines and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested upon me by Section 18, Article 7 of the Philippine Constitution which states that: “ The President…whenever it becomes necessary,…may call out (the) armed forces to prevent or suppress…rebellion…, “ and in my capacity as their Commander-in-Chief, do hereby command the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to maintain law and order throughout the Philippines, prevent or suppress all forms of lawless violence as well any act of insurrection or rebellion and to enforce obedience to all the laws and to all decrees, orders and regulations promulgated by me personally or upon my direction; and as provided in Section 17, Article 12 of the Constitution do hereby declare a State of National Emergency.

IN WITNESS HEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed. Done in the City of Manila, this 24th day of February, in the year of Our Lord, two thousand and six.

GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President, Republic of the Philippines

Southcom remains loyal to PGMA government
text HADER GLANG
The Southern Command, one of the biggest of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ unified commands, gave its assurance that the entire government forces in Mindanao remain strongly united and loyal to the Arroyo administration.

Maj. Gen. Gabriel Habacon, Southcom chief, said that all the commanders are accounted for in their respective headquarters and that the troops are in their particular area of responsibility (AOR), performing their mandate and upholding the rule of law.

“I am watching the happenings in Metro Manila and I would like to assure our countrymen that we (here in Mindanao) remain loyal to our constitution, flag and strictly adhering to our chain of command,” he said.

The assurance was made in response to a coup attempt by “high-ranking” military officials and newly recruited junior officers on Friday coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolt that toppled the Marcos government in Feb. 24, 1986.

Contrary to the reports in the media, soldiers in Mindanao continue to perform their duty and are not involve in any destabilization attempt against the present administration, Habacon continued.

“I’ll take this opportunity to call on all our officers and soldiers here at Southcom to carry on their mission to maintain peace and order in this part of the country,” the Southcom chief said.

Security at the Southcom headquarters in Camp Navarro, Upper Calarian and Edwin Adrews Air Base in Sta. Maria were tight. Guards armed with high-powered firearms strictly manned the main gates.

The Southcom chief placed the entire 32,000 troops in Mindanao under “red alert” status until the coup threats exist.

“We assured the public that Southcom is intact. We have implemented security measures to ensure the region under our AOR orderly and peaceful,” Major Gamal Hayudini, Southcom public information chief, told reporters. (ZS)

2 Zamboanga airports expansion sought

THE Regional Development Council IX passed a total of 10 resolutions, including a request to the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to consider the Dipolog and Pagadian airports' expansion or improvement for FY 2007, during their maiden meeting for this year held last February 9 at Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur.

After careful discussion and deliberation, the Council, being the highest policy-making institution in the region, came up with the 10 resolutions, including: the endorsing of the Regional Physical Framework Plan (RPFP) of the region to the National Land Use Committee (NLUC); endorsing of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Central Office the proposed repair or improvement of the Dipolog river irrigation system; approving the 2005 accomplishment report and endorsing the Work and Financial Program (WFP) for CY 2006 of the Regional Project Monitoring Committee of the region; endorsing the NEDA Regional Development Office (RDO) the proposed Project Development Training for LGUs, RLAs, SUCs and NGOs for funding under the Project Development Monitoring Fund (PDMF).

The Council is also endorsing the inclusion of calamansi as one of the emerging products of the region; strongly supports the leadership of Dr. Estrella F. Alabastro as Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST); urges the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to reconsider the cancellation of community-based Forest Management Agreements and other related instruments in the region; requesting DPWH to fast track the conversion of the Provincial Road Network in Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay from provincial road to secondary national road.

The Council also thanked Mayor Domingo Mirrar and the entire municipality of Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur for hosting the 117th meeting of RDC IX.

The meeting was presided by Atty. Arsenio L. Gonzales, Jr., who was appointed co-chairman of the Council and Private Sector Representative of Zamboanga City, in lieu of Governor Yebes who was busy during President Arroyo's visit in Dapitan City.

Atty. Gonzales called for convergence among government agencies, local government units, non-government organizations, and stakeholders of development, to avoid overlapping of efforts and creation of gaps that would result to waste the meager resources.

"Let us have quality discussions to yield quality outputs in this RDC meeting", he said. (Press Release)

IMAGE OF THE DAY

ARMM Governor Datu Zaldy Ampatuan >

Maguindanao residents beneficiary of rice fortification program in ARMM

RESIDENTS of Maguindanao will now be able to avail of iron-fortified rice in accredited Bigasan outlets located in the local public markets, officials of the National Food Authority of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao announced Tuesday.

Edgar Bentulan, NFA-ARMM regional director, said that the introduction of nutrient fortified rice is in line with the government’s thrust to curb micronutrient deficiency in the country.

“Iron fortified rice is available in bags of 50kg and in 1kg packs. Fortifying rice with important nutrient like iron can greatly advance our campaign to lessen the incidence of undernutrition and other related condition among our constituents,” Bentulan said.

The lack of vitamin A, Iron and Iodine, which are needed to keep a sound mind and a healthy body, leads to micronutrient deficiency. This condition is said to be most prevalent nutritional disorder in the world today most especially in poor and developing countries.

The disorder is a main contributing factor in the occurrence of weak, sickly and unproductive populace- a hindrance in a nation’s growth. Iron fortified rice should supplement the dietary nutritional intake and alleviate iron deficiency anemia among children and lactating mothers.

Aside from the introduction of iron-fortified rice, the government will also launch other nutrient fortified commodities like sugar, cooking oil and flour. The NFA is tasked to oversee the implementation of the rice fortification program.

Studies conducted by the NFA reveal that iron fortification of rice does not affect the taste and sensory characteristics both on the raw and cooked rice. Iron fortified rice has the same shelf life as regular rice. (BPI-ARMM)

US diverts some Sulu Balikatan troops to Leyte for landslide victims
text HADER GLANG

US personnel for the joint Balikatan (shoulder-to-shoulder) military exercise will be diverted from Jolo, Sulu to Southern Leyte to help with the disaster relief, as search effort continues in a landslide buried village in Saint Bernard town.

Lt. Col. Mark Zimmer, public affairs officer of the Joint Special Operation Task Force-Philippines, said they are still awaiting the assessment from the two US multi-amphibious ships that were sent earlier to Leyte before deploying some personnel.

“We really don’t know how many personnel from Sulu that will be sent to Leyte. It depends on the assessment being done by the people there now from the ships. We still don’t know yet. We should know within 24 to 48 hours,” Zimmer told Zamboanga Southwall.

At present, Zimmer said they are in the assessment stage and still looking at the situation in Southern Leyte, where their teams on the ground are working closely with Philippine counterparts to determine how US assets can best be used in the affected area.

Zimmer explained that the diversion of some US personnel from Sulu to Leyte is in response to the Philippine government’s request to provide assistance and support relief operations following the landslides in the Visayas region.

About 250 US personnel are in Sulu to conduct with Filipino counterparts multiple medical, dental, veterinary, engineering civic action projects and humanitarian activities. “We will push through with our medcaps on Wednesday (Feb. 22) as scheduled despite the turn of events.”

Rescue operations in Southern Leyte have been focused on an elementary school building where at least 206 children and 40 teachers believed to have been buried. The landslide also hit a village hall, where a meeting was being held.

Disaster officials said 20 survivors and 72 dead bodies had been recovered from the rubble, with 913 more believed to be missing. Over 1,000 are housed in evacuation centers. (ZS)

Misuari supports ARMM governor's peace, dev't initiatives

DETAINED Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Chairman and former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Regional Governor Nur Misuari has expressed full support to the peace and development program of ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan.

Misuari, who is presently confined for medical treatment at the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City, was visited by Governor Ampatuan along with his cabinet members and assemblymen of the Regional Assembly on Saturday and personally conveyed to the detained MNLF leader his deep gratitude for the MNLF support to his candidacy during the August 8, 2005 regional elections where Ampatuan won overwhelmingly over other candidates.

“We learned that you were hospitalized and so we came here with my cabinet members and members of the Regional Assembly to visit you and to personally convey to you our deep gratitude for your support during the elections. If necessary, I and my father (Maguindanao Gov. Datu Andal Ampatuan) will help ask the government to speed up the resolution of your case,” Governor Ampatuan said.

Misuari, who is detained on charges of rebellion following the MNLF simultaneous attack in the province of Sulu and Zamboanga in November 2001, was elated with the visit of Governor Ampatuan and promised that the MNLF is behind the peace and development program of his administration.

“Thank you very much Governor for your visit, for your support and for honoring us. Thank you to the support of your father. I pray for your success in the ARMM and rest assured that the MNLF is in full support to your peace and development agenda. We need peaceful Mindanao and we hope that you will not frustrate our people. The long trouble in our homeland has thrown our people backward. We must work together to bring genuine peace in Mindanao,” a pale-looking Misuari said.

During the elections, Misuari issued directive while in detention to MNLF leaders and field commanders in the region to support the candidacy of Ampatuan whose campaign slogan was consultative and participatory leadership which gained for himself support from the local officials and constituents of the region.

Both leaders recognized the importance of peace in Mindanao as a key to economic progress.

Because of the security measures imposed by the Philippine National Police on the visitation of Misuari, Governor Ampatuan was allowed to enter first to Misuari’s room with only seven other companions.Those with him were Regional Vice Governor Ansaruddin Adiong, Executive Secretary Oscar Sampulna, ARMM Attorney-General Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi, DSWD-ARMM Secretary Ruby Sahali, Protocol Officer Datu Benzar Ampatuan, Bureau of Public Information Executive Director Samson Gogo and Agriculture and Fisheries Secretary Sajid Druz Ali.

Other members of the visiting group were also allowed to enter by batch of eight members. Regional Assemblymen were led by Speaker Hatimil Hassan, who was also the former chairman of the just disbanded group of MNLF Executive Council of 15. (BPI-ARMM)

Pres. Arroyo okays Gov. Ampatuan's
bid to put back SFPD under ARMM

PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has granted the request of the leadership of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to reconsider her decision to place the ARMM Social Fund for Peace and Development under the oversight of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan led on Saturday, a delegation, which included his cabinet members and regional assemblymen in Malacanang to ask the President to put back the control and supervision of the ARMM Social Fund to the regional government.

After Governor Ampatuan explained to the President the importance of retaining the ARMM Social Fund to the Regional Government, the President decided to reconsider her decision and directed the immediate amendment of Executive Order No. 496.

E.O. 496, which the President signed on January 23, 2006, placed the Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCO), ARMM Social Fund for Peace and Development, Mindanao Peace and Development Fund and Office on Muslim Affairs under the oversight of the OPAPP.

The ARMM leadership particularly brought to the attention of the President Section 2 of the said E.O. which provides “The Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process shall oversee and whenever appropriate, have the authority to direct and/or manage projects related to the government’s comprehensive peace and development efforts.”

The Regional Governor was elated with the favorable decision of the president. He thanked her and assured her that the leadership and the people of ARMM are all supportive to the President’s administration.

“We thank you Madam President for listening and granting our request. Rest assured that the entire leadership and officialdom of the ARMM are behind your leadership whatever happens,” Governor told the President during the meeting in Malacanang which lasted for about 30 minutes, amid a coup rumors against the administration.

Governor Ampatuan, who is the Regional Chairman of the Lakas- Christian Muslim Democrats party in the ARMM, has the support of at five provincial governors and least 95 percent of the 105 municipal mayors.His policy of consultative and participatory leadership has gained for hid 4-month old administration the support of the local government officials.

ARMM Social Fund is a US$33.6 government loan project from the World Bank, which was created by virtue of Executive Order 124 signed by the President on September 12, 2002 whose main purpose is to support the peace and development efforts of the government in the region.(BPI-ARMM)

10 people missing in Zamboanga del Sur mudslides
text HADER GLANG
At least 10 people were missing when mudflows occurred late Saturday in Zamboanga del Sur province in the southern Philippines, officials said on Sunday.

The mudslides buried two houses in sitio Balabag, barangay (village) Depore, Bayog town, near the Toronto Ventures Incorporated, Maj. Gamal Hayudini, information chief of the Southern Command, told the Zamboanga Southwall.

"More or less 10 persons are missing and believed buried by mudflows," Hayudini said.

Rescue operations by troops from the Army’s 5th Infantry Battalion of the 102nd Brigade and the police are ongoing for any survivors.

Disaster officials are still investigating the cause of the natural disaster.

Last Friday, a massive landslide rumbled down a mountainside on Guinsaugon in St. Bernard town in southern Leyte in the central Philippines, burying hundreds of houses and a school packed with elementary students.

Red Cross officials estimated 200 people were dead and 1,800 others missing. The landslide, which followed two weeks of heavy rains, was believed to have killed nearly every man, woman and child in the farming village of Guinsaugon, which was covered with mud up to 30 feet deep.

In November 1991, about 6,000 people were killed on Leyte in floods and landslides triggered by a tropical storm. Another 133 people died in floods and mudslides there in December 2003. (ZS)

EHEM!
Corruption in the Philippines is very serious.
Be sensitive! Be bothered! Be involved! Ehem!

Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan (SLB) and Ateneo de Manila University TASK FORCE NOAH: OPERATION SOUTHERN LEYTE Fund Drive. Cash and Check donations accepted at the Loyola House of Studies Front Desk (Telephone number 426-6101). Please make checks payable to SIMBAHANG LINGKOD NG BAYAN. You may also deposit directly to BPI 3081-1111-61. (EHEMgroups)

IMAGE OF THE DAY

RP-US joint military exercise kicks off in Sulu.

Filipino soldiers gather with their American trainors
after a formal opening ceremony of Balikatan 2006

inside the Army's 104th Brigade headquarters in

Jolo, Sulu.(HADER GLANG)

1 killed, 20 hurt in bomb explosion

near RP-US Balikatan base in Sulu

A bomb attack killed a civilian and injured 20 people late Saturday at a videoke bar near an Army headquarters on Jolo Island in the southern Philippines, where American soldiers have been staying for the RP-US joint anti-terrorism exercise.

The explosion went off at 8:30 p.m. at the V-Mar Videoke Bar, about 100 meters away from the gate of the Philippine Army’s 104th Brigade headquarters in Camp Teodulfo Bautista, Busbus, Jolo town.

Major Gamal Hayudini, public information chief of the Armed Forces Southern Command, said a loud explosion was heard believed to be an improvised bomb at the second floor of one of the videoke bars.

“The blast caused a total damage of the music lounge. There were three enlisted personnel, two males, six females and two children that were injured,” Hayudini told Zamboanga Southwall.

The attack came few hours after the "Balikatan Exercises 2006" designed to train, advise and assist the Filipino troops formally started on Saturday in the province amid threats from the Al Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf terrorist group.

Col. James Linder, commander of the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines, delivers his speech during the opening ceremony.

A journalist based in Jolo reported unconscious victims — some suffered burns and fractures with their shirts bloodied -- were rushed to the hospital. “The explosion killed a civilian, a driver for the US personnel. It was very powerful and destroyed the walls of videoke bar.”

Other sources from Jolo town said attending physicians declared six blast victims were critically wounded, but there were no reports of American casualties.

No one claimed responsibility for the blast. Suspicion fell on the Abu Sayyaf group who had threatened to attack US targets and previously killed three Americans, including a serviceman participating in the 2002 Balikatan and two hostages in Palawan.

Military officials said they were trying to see if the bombing was linked to a series of incidents early this month in Sulu, where suspected Abu Sayyaf terrorists strafed houses killing six people and beheaded a civilian and shot dead a police agent. (ZS)

Catholic cleric In Cotabato joins Muslims
in condemning anti-Islam Danish cartoons

An influential Catholic priest based in Cotabato, Central Mindanao has joined Muslims in condemning the Danish cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad that angered Islam believers all over the world.

“This is tantamount to inciting violence as what is happening now,” said Fr. Bert Layson, inter-religious program coordinator of the Archdiocese of Cotabato and parish priest of Pikit, North Cotabato.

Layson said he could not imagine how Christians would have reacted if the Pope were depicted in a cartoon with the swastika (Nazi symbol) in his cap and an Armalite for a crozier (staff).

The priest said the cartoons had insulted the Muslims and sensible individuals should denounce the acts.

“Denmark should apologize to the Muslims, because it allowed the publication of the cartoons, in deference to so-called freedom of the press,” Layson said, even as he urged the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to speak out on the matter.

“I urge the CBCP to issue a stand. It’s an insult to a religion. They are making fun of it. All religious leaders should join hands to condemn the cartoons,” he said.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) hailed Father Lyson for his timely and appropriate response to the anti-Islam cartoons in the Danish newspapers, describing the priest’s position as sadly wanting in a world of contrasting values and sensibilities.

In its official website, the MILF assured that Muslims will never retaliate in kind against Jesus Christ, saying the Holy Qur’an has a very definitive ruling on the divergence of religions: “There is no compulsion in religion; unto you your religion and unto me my religion.”

Muslims greatly respect Jesus Christ as one of the most revered prophets of Islam, along with Prophets Abraham, Isaac, Moses, David, Joseph, Ismael, and others.

The anti-Islam Danish cartoons were published in the Jyllands-Posten starting in September last year; and in one of its cartoons, Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was wearing a lit bomb for a turban. (ZS)

Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy represents Muslim Filipinos to US-Islamic World Forum in Qatar
text HADER GLANG

CONVENOR of the Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy (PCID) and former presidential adviser on youth affairs Amina Rasul will represent the Muslim Filipinos to the four-day US-Islamic World Forum, which formally kicks off on Friday, February 17, in the host country Doha, Qatar.

Ms. Rasul, also columnist of the Manila Times, will speak at this global forum that will be participated by dignitaries and journalists from the United States, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Britain, France, Malaysia, Egypt, India, Palestine, Indonesia, Sudan, Syria, Pakistan, Jordan, Nigeria, Azerbaitan, Lebanon, Turkey, and the Organization of Islamic Conference.

Main topics for the four-day global forum includes the State of US-Muslim world relations and the Middle East five years after the 9-11 attacks, security relationship, women leading change, concerns of Muslim minority communities, potential space for Muslim minority communities to assist more positive relations between the US and the wider Muslim world and bridging the divide: Muslim minority leaders.

The Next Generation: Youth and the Future of U.S.-Islamic Relations; the media effect: the US-Islamic world journalism, including biases by media, and journalists role to help bridge the chasm of misunderstanding between the U.S. and the Muslim world as well as developed in partnership with the international youth foundation, and policy, faith, and change in an age of globalization are the other topics in the forum.

The speakers at this forum are Peter W. Singer, Director, Project on U.S. Policy Towards the Islamic World, Saban Center at Brookings, US; Mohammed Abdullah Mutib Al Rumaihi, Assistant Foreign Minister for Follow Up Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Qatar; Shibley Telhami, Professor, University of Maryland;

Senior Fellow, Saban Center for Middle East Policy at the Brookings Institution, United States; David Brooks, Columnist, The New York Times, US; Daniel Yankelovich, Chairman, Public Agenda; Viewpoint Learning, Inc., US; Khalil Shikaki, Director, Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research;

Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabr Al-Thani, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Qatar; Martin Indyk, Director, Saban Center for Middle East Policy at the Brookings Institution, US; Syed Hamid Albar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia; Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister, Turkey;

Karen Hughes, Undersecretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, US; Abdel Ilah Khatib, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jordan; Stephen Cohen, Senior Fellow, The Brookings Institution, US; Mohamed Jawhar Hassan, Chairman and CEO, Institute of Strategic and International Studies, Malaysia;

Hassan Al Ansari, Director, Gulf Center of Strategic Studies, Qatar; Max Boot, Senior Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations; Columnist, Los Angeles Times, US; Edward Djerejian, Director, James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy at Rice University, US; Asad Durrani, Former Director-General, Inter-Services Intelligence;

Robert Kagan, Senior Associate, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace; Columnist, Washington Post, US; Rami Khouri, Editor, The Daily Star, Jordan; Carlos Pascual, Vice President and Director of Foreign Policy Studies, The Brookings Institution, US; L. Michael Hager, President Education for Employment Foundation, US;

M. Shafik Gabr, Chairman, Arab Business Council; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Artoc Group for Investment & Development, Egypt; Awais Sufi, Director of Business Development, International Youth Foundation, US; Saleha Abedin, Vice-Dean of Academic Affairs, Dar Al-Hekma College, Saudi Arabia;

Ali Babacan, Minister of State for the Economy, Turkey Soumia Belaidi Malinbaum, CEO, Specimen, Algeria/FranceRifat Hisarciklioglu, President, The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges, Turkey; Musa Hitam, Chairman, Kumpulan Guthrie; Former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia; Mohammed Ibrahim, Chairman, Celtel, Sudan;

Samer Salty, Partner, ZOUK Ventures, United Kingdom; Saad Eddin Ibrahim, Chairman, Ibn Khaldun Center for Development Studies, Egypt; Shibley Telhami, Professor, University of Maryland; Senior Fellow, Saban Center for Middle East Policy at the Brookings Institution, US;

Gamal Al-Banna, Fawziyya and Gamal El-Banna Foundation for Islamic Culture and Information, Egypt; Sadig al-Mahdi, President, National Umma Party; Former Prime Minister of Sudan; Khurshid Ahmad, Chairman, Insititute of Policy Studies, Pakistan; Hossam Badrawi, Former Chairman, People's Assembly Education, Scientific Research Committee, Egypt;

Elizabeth Cheney, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs and Coordinator for Broader Middle East and North Africa Initiatives, United States; Steven Cook, Douglas Dillon Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations, US; Marwan Muasher, Former Deputy Prime Minister, Jordan;

Jillian Schwedler, Assistant Professor, University of Maryland; Chair, Middle East Research and Information Project, United States; Robin Wright, Diplomatic Correspondent, The Washington Post; Visiting Fellow, Saban Center at Brookings, United States; Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan’s People Party, Former Prime Minister of Pakistan;

Joan Spero, President, Doris Duke Foundation, United States; Surin Pitsuwan, Former Foreign Minister of Thailand; Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, Masjid al-Farah; ASMA Society, US; Muqtedar Khan, Professor, University of Delaware; Non Resident Fellow, Saban Center at Brookings, US; Hady Amr, Co-President, Arab Western Summit of Skills, US;

Salam al-Marayati, National Director, Muslim Public Affairs Council, United States; MJ Akbar, Editor, The Asian Age, India; Hakim El Ghissassi, Founder and Director, Sezame; La M�dina, France; Iqbal Sacranie, Secretary General, Muslim Council of Britain, United Kingdom; Zafar Siddiqi, CEO, CNBC Arabiya, UAE;

Margaret Warner, Senior Correspondent, The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, on PBS, United States; David Aaron, Director, RAND Center for Middle East Public Policy, US; Faisal al Kasim, Host, Al Jazeera, Qatar; Bambang Harymurti, Editor, Tempo, Indonesia; Rami Khouri, Editor, The Daily Star, Jordan;

Eric Larson, Senior Policy Analyst, RAND, US; Carol Saivetz, Research Associate, Davis Center at Harvard University, United States; Mohd Annuar Zaini, Chairman, Bernama, Malaysia; George Atkinson, Science and Technology Advisor to the Secretary of State, US; Mohammed Ibrahim, Chairman, Celtel International, Sudan;

Michael D'Arcy, Lecturer, King's College, United Kingdom; Salman Ahmed, Junoon, Pakistan; Jane Alexander, Actress and former Director of the National Endowment for the Arts, US; Cynthia Schneider, Professor in the Practice of Diplomacy, Georgetown University, US; Bader ben Hirsi, Film Director-Felix Films, Yemen Nusrat Durrani, Senior Vice President, MTV Global;

Nasser D. Khalili, Founder, The Khalili Collections; Chairman, The Maimonides Foundation, United KingdomJoan Spero, President, Doris Duke Foundation, US; Amy Tan, Novelist, US; Muna Wassef, Actress and UN Goodwill Ambassador, Syria; Akbar Ahmed, Ibn Khaldun Professor, American University; Visiting Fellow, Saban Center at Brookings, US;

Akram Durrani, Chief Minister, Northwest Frontier Province, Pakistan; Chris Seiple, President, Institute for Global Engagement, US; H.R.H. Prince El Hassan bin Talal, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan; Peter W. Singer, Director, Project on U.S. Policy Towards the Islamic World, Saban Center at Brookings, US;

Muhammadu Buhari, All Nigeria People’s Party, Former Head of State of Nigeria; and Elmar Mammadayarov, Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, Secretary General, The Organization of the Islamic Conferences.

Washington-based Brookings Institution and the State of Qatar jointly sponsor the Forum, which seeks to serve as both a convening body and a catalyst for positive action.

The first meeting of the Forum was in January 2004 where over 165 leaders from the U.S. and 37 states in the Muslim world convened for three days of discussion and debate.

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton and Sheikh Hamad delivered the keynote addresses. The 2005 Forum sought to build upon these foundations, bringing together 160 leaders from the U.S. and thirty-five Muslim countries, from Senegal to Indonesia. (ZS)

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Vice Admiral Datu Mat-Rabi Bin Abu Samah, chief of staff of the Malaysian Armed Forces, salutes the Filipino troops during an arrival honor ceremony at the Southern Command headquarters. The visiting Malaysian military official is escorted by Brig. Gen. Francisco Callelero, Southcom deputy commander. (HADER GLANG)

Malaysian chief of staff visits Southcom
text HADER GLANG

A top Malaysian military official has been visiting the southern Philippines, where the International Monitoring Team (IMT) is supporting the peace process between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Malaysian chief of staff Vice Admiral Datu Mat Rabi Bin Abu Samah arrived in Zamboanga City Thursday morning and met with top military officials at the Southern Command headquarters led by Brig. Gen Francisco Callelero, Southcom deputy commander, in Camp Navarro, Upper Calarian.

“I’m here with my team to visit the IMT here. This is a routine visit for me to interact with members of the monitoring team station in Mindanao,” Samah told reporters in a press conference at the Southcom-based IMT’s office.

Asked what his assessment, Samah said that the peace process is moving in a very positive manner where both parties (GRP and MILF) seemed to be very eager to sign a peace agreement and that the ceasefire they have been monitoring is taking place very well.

“They are moving toward their objective. The parties told me they would be able to sign a final peace agreement before the end of the year,” he said. “There is no formal commitment yet, but I’m sure there are a lot of OIC member countries waiting for this final peace agreement.”

MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu said the next round of talks is slated to take place next month in Malaysia and the Parties will discuss the implementing guidelines of the Ancestral Domain Aspect of the Tripoli Agreement of 2001.

Kabalu said after this, they will proceed to hammer out details of the negotiated political solution to the Bangsamoro Problem, which in 1997 was what the MILF had submitted as agenda of the peace talks.

The IMT, composed of soldiers from Malaysia, Indonesian, Brunei and Libya, is keeping an eye on the implementation of cessation of hostilities between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the MILF rebels. It has been in Mindanao for over a year now.

Earlier, Malaysian officials together with some members of the MILF visited a Madrazah (Islamic school) in barangay Tigtabon, Zamboanga City and Muslim-dominated villages in the city to see the real situation of the people in the area. (ZS)

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Allies. An American security officer and
a Filipino soldier guard during the arrival
of US engineering equipment and logistics
at a wharf in Jolo, Sulu for the joint RP-
US Balikatan Exercise. (HADER GLANG)

Community leaders join hands with
gov’t to sustain peace in Zamboanga Sur

Community leaders, religious elders and government officials recently signed a peace covenant to pursue peaceful resolution of conflicts in Zamboanga del Sur through open dialogue.

“We want peace not only in our families but in the whole community,” said Ustadz Camar Dagadas of Dinas Municipality, one of the signatories to the covenant.“We want to help settle conflicts in our communities through peaceful means.”

The other signatories were Datu Tucan Dacula VI, Datu sa Sibugay (Prince of Sibugay); Sheik Esmail Calalagan, president of the Association of Islamic Development-Philippines; Sultan Comie Gandawali of Pagadian City; and Naguib Mantolino of Mabait Multi-Purpose Farmers’ Cooperative.

Zamboanga del Sur Gov. Aurora Enerio-Cerilles also signed the covenant together with Dr. Vizminda Serrato of the Department of Education; Tarhata Daligdigan, provincial director of the Office of Muslim Affairs; Hadji Abcede Asjali, provincial director of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG); and James Ali Abdul of the Government’s and United Nation’s ACT for Peace Programme.

The mayors and other officials of the province also supported the initiative. “With the peace covenant, the Muslim leaders become partners of the Government in settling conflicts in their communities,” DILG Provincial Director Asjali said.

The Provincial Council of Elders for Peacebuilding was also created following the signing of the covenant. The Council, whose members include community and religious leaders of the province’s 21 municipalities, is assisting the provincial government in resolving disputes in the communities, particularly family-related feuds that could result to damages on lives and properties.

“The Council of Elders mediates the settlement of conflicts through community-based mechanisms that are familiar among conflicting parties,” Asjali added. “This helps in fast-tracking the resolution of rows in the community.”

The Council and the provincial government are also supporting the incorporation of peace curriculum in all madaris (Islamic schools) and elementary schools in the province to develop the children’s abilities to peacefully settle conflicts.

According to 2000 Census of the National Statistics Office, about half of the 1.3 million population of the province were below 18 years old. Zamboanga del Sur, the most populated among the three provinces in Western Mindanao, is home to Subanons, Maguindanaoans, Kalibugans, Tausugs, Samals, Badjaos, Maranaos and Visayans. (MEDCo)

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Believe me or not. This old woman, Ummay Salama, who belongs to the Muslim Tausug tribe in Parang, Sulu, claims she is 167 years old with 21 children and 300 grandchildren. Her husband passed away a year ago at age 177. She said she can still read the Holy Qur’an and travel with the help by an aide. Asked what she thought about her longer life. She said she “always take or chew betel nut (Areca Catechu) mixed with kava leaves (Piper methysticum).” And she said that she prefers taking the plants everyday than eating food. “I feel better everytime I take the plants.” In an interview, the old woman advises the people in the new generation to strengthen their faith to God and take betel nut with kava leaves to keep their life longer. (If Ummay Salama’s age is proven by the Guinness World Records, she would have to become the oldest person alive ever, superceding the current holder of the Guinness’ World’s Oldest Person, Maria Ester de Capovilla of Ecuador, 116-year old (born September 14, 1889). (HADER GLANG)

ARMM conducts forum on education policy reform

A two-day Forum on Basic Education Policy Reform in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has been conducted by Creative Associates, Inc., through its Education Quality and Access for Learning and Livelihood Skills (EQuALLS) program for basic education policy in Davao City.

Dubbed as “Renewal of Commitment”, the forum gathered all top educators of the ARMM in crafting educational policy changes in the region to address the pressing issues affecting the educational problems that have been confronting the Department of Education in the region.

ARMM Exec. Sec. Oscar Sampulna said that the forum was not only timely but also realistic because of the fact that ARMM consistently lags behind in terms of access to and quality of education is concerned.

He urged the participants to work together in order to come up with a concrete and doable plan of action to address these concerns.

It can be recalled that Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Puti Uy Ampatuan during his State of the Region Address emphasized that education will be one of his administration’s major thrusts and there is a need to review the present educational system and policies in order to introduce new reforms to make education more responsive and effective.

DepEd regional secretary Udtog Kawit said that education is also the highest priority of the present regional government and stressed his commitment to support the policy reform.

“We need to strengthen the foundation of our education because it is the very foundation of development,” he said.

According to Marcial Salvatiera, deputy chief of Party of Creative Associates, the education policy changes that will be introduced will focus on 3 important areas such as increase learning opportunities, strengthen capacity for teaching English, Math and Science and reintegrate out-of-school youth.

The policy forum, being the first of a series of awareness and advocacy campaign initiatives of EQuALLS, intends to build a constituency committed to education policy reforms in the region and to seek support from legislators in the Regional Assembly (RA) and other leaders particularly those in the Local Government Units (LGUs).

For his part, the chief of USAID’s office of education Thomas Kral assured the regional government of his support to this endeavor. “You have our support and commitment,” Kral said.

The 2-day forum was participated in by the region’s schools division superintendents, assistant schools division superintendents, district supervisors for English, Math and Science, Alternative Learning System (ALS) and Madrasah and key officials of the DepEd-ARMM.

Also present were the chief of Party-Creative Associates, Inc. Jon Silverstone, Philip Purnell, Training and Research Director of SEAMEO-INNOTECH, Dr. Jess Mateo of DepEd national office, Atty. Benedicto Bacani of the Institute of the Autonomy & Governance and officials of the Creative Associates. (BPI-ARMM)

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Muslims in Basilan stage protest against the move of the mayor of Isabela City to demolish the mosque in their village. They also condemn the Danish caricatures of Prophet Mohammad. (HADER GLANG)

Basilan Muslims protest Isabela City
mayor’s move to demolish mosque

HUNDREDS of Muslims staged Monday a protest against the move of Mayor Luis Biel to demolish a mosque in Isabela City, Basilan as they joined the Muslims throughout the world in condemning Danish caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad.

The demonstrators were led by tablighs (spreaders of the words of Allah), including residents near the Ihya Ussunna Mosque (Islamic Center) in Bulwagan, Port Area. They marched through the main thoroughfares and gathered at the Dr. Jose Rizal plaza.

Some marchers carrying anti-Biel banners struck the main gate of the mayor’s residence with placards before proceeding to the city’s main square. Fully armed security of the mayor tried to block angry protesters.

Later on, a rowdy protest was held at the city’s main square. A battery of speakers warned Mayor Biel of the consequence once the mosque is demolished as the crowd chanted Allahu Akbar (God is great) and waved their placards.

“You destroy the mosque, you destroy Islam, you destroy our life, you destroy peace.We will remain patient so long the mosque is intact. We will guard the mosque until you say you will never demolish it…Muslims are ready to die for Islam. Demolition team are you ready to die like us?” some of the placards said.

One of the speakers, Manny Muarip, told the crowd that the lot where the mosque is located is not within the development plan and no longer needed by the Philippines Port Authority (PPA).

“This means that we have applied this area. We even got another certification from the DENR stating that the parcel of land covering an area of 621 square meters situated at barangay (village) Port Area is an alienable and disposal area.”

“Even the Bureau of Land gave us survey plan from the ministry of natural resources staff. So we are not squatters because we are paying taxes to the city. If we are squatters these government offices wont issue us certifications.”

But a local official, who requested anonymity, told Zamboanga Southwall that Mayor Biel is only enforcing the rule of law as the property belongs to the city government.

“The mayor’s move is based on the court order for demolition. The court already awarded the area to the city government during the time of former Mayor Ben Valencia,” the official said.

Muarip also expressed outrage over Danish caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad, saying that Muslims in Basilan are united with the stand of the Muslims around the world condemning the government of Denmark for such blasphemous action.

“We call on our Muslim brothers and sisters around the world to stop from buying the products of Denmark or Danish. We feel very bad that a country like Denmark approved such a caricature to be published in the newspapers,” he said.

Under Islamic tradition, any depiction of the prophet, favorable or otherwise, is forbidden to prevent idolatry. But Danish published cartoons in September, triggering anger among Muslims who knew about the tradition. It re-ignited last week after Saudi Arabia recalled its ambassador to Denmark. (ZS)