Thousands gathered in Zamboanga, protesting Bangsamoro homeland accord

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Peace advocates welcome GRP-MILF signing on Bangsamoro homeland accord

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Islamic religious council condemns series of kidnappings, extortions in Basilan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Senate vows to block efforts to defer ARMM polls

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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US travel warning vs Zamboanga remains active

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ARMM POLITICS

ARMM election campaign begins

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MILF accuses government troops of desecrating graves in Sulu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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ARMM POLITICS

The President's men for August 11, 2008 ARMM gubernatorial race. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo officially present the two leading LAKAS-KAMPI-CMD candidates - Re-electionists ARMM Gov. Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan and Vice-Gov. Ansaruddin Adiong during the Presentation of ARMM Candidates held in Davao City on June 18, 2008. With them are Speaker Prospero Nograles (right) and Senator Miguel Zubiri (left).

Negotiators for freed Ces Drilon in hot water

Father and son. Mayor Alvarez Isnaji (right) of Indanan, Sulu and his son Jun who negotiated for the release of ABS-CBN broadcast journalist and three other companions are indicted for kidnap.

Mayor Alvarez Isnaji of Indanan, Sulu and his son Jun are in hot water after witnesses of police authorities implicated the two for alleged involvement in the abduction of ABS-CBN broadcast journalist Ces Drilon, her cameramen, and a university professor.

Kidnappers chose Mayor Isnaji as the "negotiator" for the release of Ces Drilon, her crew Jimmy Encarnacion and Angelo Valderama including Prof. Octavio Dinampo of Mindanao State University, while the young Isnaji acted as one of the emissaries.

ABS-CBN reported yesterday quoting Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Avelino Razon as saying, "Based on the revelations given by witnesses, we have seen that Mayor Alvarez Isnaji is a principal suspect in this kidnapping case of Ces Drilon."

The report also said kidnap for ransom charges will be filed against the town mayor and his son who negotiated for the release of a television news team over circumstantial evidence that the two had connived with the Abu Sayyaf group.

The witnesses include government officials and policemen who know certain facts relating to the kidnapping case" and were present during the incident, Razon said but declined to elaborate, it said.

After Drilon's group was released and their statements were taken, Razon said, "The fact that Mayor Alvarez Isnaji was involved in the kidnapping unraveled." Razon also said there were "inconsistencies" in Isnaji's statement.

Ces Drilon, her two cameramen and the professor were abducted last June 8. Valderama was released June 12 after payment of P100,000 board and lodging fee. Ces Drilon, Encarnacion and Dinampo were released late Tuesday night. Both authorities and ABS-CBN denied P15 million ransom was paid to the kidnappers.

The Isnajis were brought to the CIDG Wednesday and underwent "tactical interrogation." They are still under the custody of the CIDG.

Razon also noted that the town mayor was appointed by the kidnappers as their negotiator with government, even as the local officials tapped Sulu Vice Governor Lady Ann Sahidula to hold negotiations.

"Mayor Isnaji was not among the government negotiators. He was negotiating for the kidnap for ransom group. The mayor's son was a conduit and was also talking [with the kidnappers] and doing the things that his father was doing.

As this developed, Mayor Isnaji insisted that he and his son were not involved in the abduction of the ABS-CBN News crew and their guide in Indanan, Sulu province.

He denied that the ransom money that was supposedly paid for the victims' release went to his pockets and his campaign kitty for the August elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Mayor Isnaji is one of the seven contenders for gubernatorial race while his son Jun is running for assemblyman (representing Sulu district) in the August 11 ARMM polls.

He added that he and his son should be rewarded for negotiating for the release of the television crew. "I was surprised. I thought I should be given reward or what."

The young Isnaji, meanwhile, suspects that he and his father are caught between a raging political war. "Ces must know better. Maybe we are just caught in the middle between political in the country," he said.

He appealed to the government to reconsider its decision to file charges against his father. "I'm appealing to the government to reconsider everything, because my father has been advocating peace in Mindanao."

Isnaji's fellow leaders of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) questioned his arrest, saying that he played a major role and was successful as the emissary in the negotiations for the release of Ces Drilon and three others.

"Yet, the same local chief executive is now being charged for kidnapping," Abdul Sahrin, MNLF secretary-general. "We're expecting congratulatory messages from President Arroyo herself and other top Malacañang officials for the efforts of the mayor."

But Sahrin and other MNLF members who gathered at a local hotel here yesterday were obviously not happy seeing Isnaji and his son on television, being escorted by police in Manila where they were subjected to tactical interrogation.

"Isnaji is a well-respected mayor in Sulu and he's the common candidate of MNLF for governor in the upcoming ARMM elections. We could only suspect that there might be some sectors that are behind the character assassination against him," the MNLF secretary general said.

Ces Drilon, 2 other captives freed

Faces of Ces Drilon nine days after her freedom from Abu Sayyaf captors. The award-winning ABS-CBN broadcast journalist was freed before midnight Tuesday in the hinterlands of the town of Indanan, Sulu.

Ces Oreña-Drilon, the ABS-CBN broadcast journalist kidnapped along with her two TV news crew and a university professor in Sulu on June 8, was freed late Tuesday evening after ten days in captivity in the hinterlands of the troubled island province.

In an interview at a tightly guarded La Vista Del Mar in Zamboanga City, Drilon briefly talked about her 10 day ordeal with kidnappers, saying that she and her cameramen were betrayed and that was the caused for their abduction in Indanan town.

"I've been in and out of Mindanao…all my years are journalism…gusto ko lang maintindihan iyong situasyon dito, gumawa ng istorya tungkol dito. Sa kasawiang palad medyo, there were some betrayal involved kaya kami na-kidnap," she said.

Asked by fellow journalists on how they were treated by their captors while in captivity, Drilon said they were tied at some point and were threatened to be beheaded and at one time she was slapped while talking to Senator Loren Legarda.

"But other than that I could say we were generally treated well in a perverse kind of way," she added.

Drilon had publicly thanked Senator Legarda, whom she described as their lifeline and who worked for unconditional release, and also Mayor Isnaji, his son Haider for their efforts which paved the way for their safe release.

"I thank so much Senator Legarda…we were together in ABS-CBN at a time where there was no one or everybody I could reach at one point in our captivity and Loren was a lifeline to us," she said.

"I would like to mention also Mayor Isnaji and his son Jun…they were also in great help in getting our freedom. At sa mga kasamahan ko sa media…alam kong nag-dasal kayo para makalaya kami at siyempre sa kapamilya ABS-CBN sa sakit ng ulo ng ibinigay ko…pasensiya na…I mean it's overwhelming iyong suporta para sa amin hindi ko inakala."

The award winning broadcast journalist Ms. Drilon and her companions, including Jimmy Encarnacion and Prof. Octavio Dinampo of Mindanao State University were freed by their abductors to government negotiators at around 11:53 p.m.

Tuesday in the hinterlands of Indanan town. The Abu Sayyaf last week freed Drilon's cameraman Angelo Valderama after negotiators reportedly paid P100,000 "board and lodging." But it was not known whether a ransom was paid or not.

The kidnappers had earlier demanded P15 million in exchange for the victims' release. Drilon's group was seized June 8 in the town of Maimbung while on their way to meet with an Abu Sayyaf terror leader Radulan Sahiron, whose group is believed to be holding the hostages.

Aside from Sahiron, military and police also tagged Albader Parad, Gafur Jumdail and Umbra Jumdail as involved in the kidnappings along with two others Walid alias Tuan Walis and Sulayman Patta.

The United States government listed the Abu Sayyaf as a foreign terrorist organization and has offered rewards of up to $5 million for the capture of its known leaders.

National Police Director General Avelino Razon Jr. told a press conference at La Vista del Mar in Zamboanga City yesterday that Isnaji is not yet a suspect.

He, however, confirmed that the mayor and his son were flown to Manila for debriefing. He added that the PNP has started collating results of the debriefing conducted on Drilon's crew and professor Octavio Dinampo to get the "big picture" of the latest terrorist abduction in Mindanao.

"That is what we are determining from the debriefing. We will integrate all these reports. Merge them and get the bigger picture of what really happened," Razon said.

He also confirmed Drilon's statement that there was a betrayal prior to the abduction.

According to Razon, police investigators have finished debriefing the four kidnap victims, who were separately interviewed by the probers.

The police official clarified that Dinampo was never treated as a suspect. "Siya ay kasama sa mga victims," he said.

When asked if Isnaji and his son are being treated as suspects, Razon said "not at this point in time. The Isnajis are also going through the same debriefing process in Manila.'

Razon announced that even as probers have yet to determine the identities of the abductors, members of the military's Task Force Comet and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao police have launched pursuit operations against the suspects.

The police chief said the abductors are Abu Sayyaf members. He added that the two suspects -- Sulayman Patta alias Abu Harris and Walid alias Tuan Wals – are members of the bandit group.

A P500,000 reward each for the two identified suspects have been offered by the PNP. Razon said the pieces of evidence and the results of the debriefing on the victims will be used by policemen to identify and arrest the abductors.

The PNP had earlier announced that kidnapping charges were being readied against Patta and Sulayman and several John Does. HG

Abu Sayyaf ultimatum for Ces Drilon extended
Police artist's sketches of Ces Drilon kidnap suspects, which National Police Director General Avelino Razon presented to the media during a command conference at the police regional headquarters in Zamboanga City on Tuesday. The suspects were identified as Walid, alias Tuan Walis (left), and Sulayman Patta alias Amah Ma'as and Abu Haris. The PNP has offered a reward of P1-million, or P500,000 each, for the capture of Patta and Walid.

An ultimatum set by the kidnappers of a broadcast journalist and three other companions including two-television crew and a university professor in the southern Philippines has been indefinitely extended, hostage crisis negotiators said.

The extension was announced Tuesday by Mayor Alvarez Isnaji, the chief negotiator for the release of television reporter Ces Oreña-Drilon of ABS-CBN and her cameraman Jimmy Encarnacion and Professor Octavio Dinampo of Mindanao State University.

The kidnappers, believed Abu Sayyaf militants, have demanded for P15 million ransom in exchange for the safe release of three remaining hostages. On Monday, they gave the victims' families deadline to pay the ransom by midday on yesterday.

Mayor Isnaji, through his son Jun, told reporters covering the hostage drama in Indanan town the ultimatum had been extended, saying that they now have more time to negotiate – beyond the original deadline that would have expired at 12 noon or 2:00 p.m. Tuesday.

"The kidnappers have agreed to continue the negotiations for the release of victims. They also promised not to harm them (captives)," the young Isnaji said. "The kidnappers had threatened to behead the victims but had changed their minds."

According to Isnaji, the kidnappers have now opened their lines and are now discussing with negotiators on alternatives to ransom the remaining hostages in the form of livelihood projects or other socio-economic development in the area.

"Sana kami ay nananalangin na maayos ito sa lalong madaling panahon (We hope we are praying for the immediate resolution of this (crisis)," he told newsmen covering in Sulu.

On Sunday, the military shelled rebel positions in Indanan town but denied that the operation had anything to do with the kidnapping.

According to Isnaji, the military action angered the kidnappers and if this is not stopped could jeopardize the on going negotiations with the kidnappers.

But despite this, about 150 Sulu policemen in full battle gear have prepared since Tuesday for any eventualities that may arise in the troubled island province in the light of the kidnapping of Ces Drilon.

"We're ready for whatever eventualities that may happen as the deadline set by kidnappers until 12 noon expires today. This was the order to me from the higher headquarters," said Sulu police provincial chief Julasirim Kasim.

Kasim added: "We are ready to react for any eventualities. We are ready at all cost. We're ready. What I'm implementing today is the readiness of the Sulu provincial police office. About 150 of us are waiting for the instruction of superiors.

Last June 8, gunmen seized Drilon's team and a university professor while on their way to Maimbuing to secretly interview Radulan Sahiron who sent surrender feeler. Cameraman Angelo Valderama was released last week.

As the 2 p.m. extended deadline expired yesterday, the families of Drilon and Encarnacion pleaded anew with members of the Abu Sayyaf to free their captives.

"Maawa na po kayo sa kanila. Ginagawa lang po nila ang trabaho nila as reporter…hindi po reporters ang dapat niyong kinukuha…kaya nakikiusap ho kami sa inyo pakawalan niyo na ang mother ko hirap na hirap na po kami dito," a son of Ces Drilon appealed over a national radio.

The wife of Encarnacion, meanwhile, appealed: "Sana po makarating ito sa kumuha sa asawa ko…wala naman po silang nagawang masama sa inyo…nagta-trabaho lang siya ng marangal kaya siya nandidiyan…hindi na po namin alam kung ano'ng gagawin namin…mahal na mahal po namin si Jimmy…maawa na po kayo sa kanila pakawalan niyo na po sila."

ARMM POLITICS

IMAGE OF THE DAY

Rare Reunion - Re-electionist Gov. Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao(left, seated) share a light moment with the founding chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front, Nur Misuari, during Misuari's surprise visit at Ampatuan's residence in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao June 2, where they discussed "various concerns." Misuari, thereafter, announced he will not support the bid of a former follower in the MNLF, Alvarez Isnaji, for the ARMM's gubernatorial post during the area's August 11 elections. Misuari, who is still facing rebellion charges, is out of detention on bail.

Ces Drilon's kidnappers give ultimatum

Mayor Alvarez Isnaji (right) of Indanan, Sulu is currently negotiating for the release of Ces Drilon and two other companions seized by Abu Sayyaf on June 8 while on their way to Maimbung. He's one of the seven contenders for gubernatorial race in the August 11, 2008 ARMM election.

The fate of ABS-CBN journalist Ces Oreña-Drilon and companions seized by Abu Sayyaf militants remains uncertain after the kidnappers gave the victims' families until 12 noon Tuesday to give the ransom or face unspecified consequences.

Mayor Alvarez Isnaji of Indanan, Sulu, the hostage crisis negotiator, relayed the ultimatum Monday from the captors, who are still holding captives Drilon and her cameraman Jimmy Encarnacion and a companion Prof. Octavio Dinampo of Mindanao State University.

The deadline came as heavily armed troops shelled a forested area on a jungle in Indanan town, where Abu Sayyaf militants are believed holding three remaining captives, injuring a woman resident in the area.

"So far nakatawag kanina sa akin about 10 minutes ago, si Ces Drilon sabi niya sa akin mayor naiba ang situasyon dito dahil hinigpitan na raw sila pati iyong kasama niya. So sabi ko huwag naman ganun at saka iyong deadline nila hanggang bukas" said Isnaji in Tagalog dialect.

"Huwag naman sabi ko dahil sabi niya mayron na usapan sa Manila nung parents daw e aakyat na lang dito ang gusto nila. Mayor magtulong ka talaga dito dahil mayron na daw silang policy…ipaalam sa lahat hanggang 12 o'clock bukas Tuesday."

Drilon's group including Prof. Dinampo were kidnapped June 8 while on their way to Maimbung town to secretly interview an Abu Sayyaf leader Radulan Sahiron, who reportedly sent surrender feelers. Sahiron's group is believed behind the abduction.

According to Isnaji, he was worried the military's shelling could endanger the lives of the hostages. He foresees that if the military continues its operation to the other areas could certainly affect his negotiation with the kidnappers.

One of two ABS-CBN cameramen, Angelo Valderama, was freed by the Abu Sayyaf group late Thursday in the village of Sinumaan in Talipao town after a few hundred thousand pesos was reportedly paid to the kidnappers.

Isnaji said Ms. Drilon called (via cellular phone) to inform him that their situation there has changed because their captors have strictly restricted them. He also said that Drilon has seriously asked him to help secure their release.

The Abu Sayyaf chose Isnaji to negotiate for the release of the hostages. The kidnappers were demanding as much as P50 million for the release of all the victims, but Isnaji said the kidnappers have asked only for P15 million.

US listed the Abu Sayyaf as a foreign terrorist organization and has offered rewards of up to $5 million for the capture of its known key leaders. American troops are deployed in Sulu since 2006 and assisting Filipino soldiers against terrorism.

The families of Drilon and Encarnacion, meanwhile, branded as “erroneous” reports that they were negotiating independently with the abductors.

"Only Mayor Isnaji is directly communicating with the kidnappers,” said the relatives of the kidnapped journalists in a statement.

They said they are counting on Isnaji “for the release of Ces and Jimmy and continue to pray for his efforts."

For its part, ABS-CBN, Drilon’s network dismissed allegations that it has abandoned its reporter and crew but reiterated that it would continue to abide by its “no ransom policy.”

“We are deeply saddened and troubled by accusations that ABS-CBN has abandoned Ces and Jimmy,” the network said in a statement Monday.

“ABS-CBN is doing everything it can to help them and their families through this harrowing ordeal,” it said.

“However, ABS-CBN will abide by its policy not to pay ransom because this would embolden kidnap for ransom groups to abduct other journalists, putting more lives at risk,” it said.

Isnaji said Drilon pleaded for help. The mayor said he also talked to the kidnappers, asking them not to hurt Drilon and her companions.

He said the kidnappers informed him that they were able to talk to Drilon's family that has agreed to pay the P15-million ransom.

The money, the kidnappers claimed, should be brought to the mayor by a representative of the Drilon family, Isnaji said.

He said the ransom was reduced from P20 million to P15 million, based on what was allegedly agreed upon by the kidnappers and Drilon's family.

If ransom were not paid by the deadline, Isnaji said, the kidnappers would take a "strong position."

He, however, denied threats by the captors who said that they would start executing the remaining hostages if the demands were not met.

Ces Drilon of ABS-CBN, 2 cameramen, university professor seized in Sulu

Veteran broadcast journalist Ces Drilon of the giant ABS-CBN television network and three others were abducted by suspected extremist Abu Sayyaf group (ASG) in Maimbung, Sulu, police officials said yesterday.

Chief Superintendent Joel Goltiao, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) police director, said Ms Drilon and her two cameramen and a companion Octavio Dinampo were seized at Barangay Kulasi in Maimbung town.

The identities of the two cameramen were not immediately known. The lady ABS CBN senior correspondent and her cameramen were in Sulu since Saturday from Zamboanga City when the abduction took place, according to a source from Sulu provincial police office.

Police confirmed they were abducted by Abu Sayyaf militants led by Albader Parad, saying they were taken to the hinterlands of Indanan town.

Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan immediately convened the Crisis Management Committee (CMC)) to address the situation.

Prior to their abduction, Drilon and her cameramen were billeted at the Sulu State College hostel in Jolo town. They left on Saturday afternoon after ordering foods, sources said.

Drilon's team was the second from the ABS-CBN to be kidnapped in Sulu. Reporter Maan Macapagal and her cameraman Val Cuenca were also kidnapped in thew troubled island province while working on exclusive news on the Abu Sayyaf.

Ms Drilon is only among the famous Filipino journalists kidnapped in Sulu. Freelance journalist and Net 25 broadcast anchorwoman Arlyn dela Cruz was also kidnapped in Sulu while covering the Abu Sayyaf.

Another photojournalist Gene Boyd Lumawag of the Mindanao News was shot in the head by an Abu Sayyaf militant while shooting the sunset in Sulu several years ago.

The Abu Sayyaf had also seized foreign journalists covering the group's kidnapping of 21 Asian and Western holidaymakers from Sabah. Most of those kidnapped were freed in exchange for ransom.

ABS-CBN: Official Statement on Ces Drilon

10 June 2008

ABS-CBN OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON CES DRILON:

Three ABS-CBN journalists Ces Drilon, Jimmy Encarnacion, and Angelo Valderama are missing in Sulu.

All efforts are underway to find them and bring them home.

Until we learn more details, ABS-CBN News requests other media to report on this matter with utmost consideration for the safety of our news team.

ABS-CBN News is in touch with the families and asks that their privacy be respected.

MILF foresees collapse in truce with Philippine government

A high-ranking official of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Friday expected the ceasefire with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) to "collapse" after August 31, 2008.

"If the peace panels of the GRP and MILF fail to meet and inject new lease of life to the International Monitoring Team (IMT)," Mohagher Iqbal, MILF chief peace negotiator, said in a report posted on Luwaran.com.

Iqbal expressed this view during a meeting with international and local non-government organizations right after the launching of the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute in Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Shariff Kabunsuan last June 4.

He was joined in during the close-door dialogue by other members of the MILF Peace Panel namely, Moro lawyers Atty. Lanang Ali, Atty. Michael Mastura, and Atty. Musib Buat.

Also present during the dialogue were Jun Mantawil, head of the MILF Peace Panel Secretariat, Atty. Abdul Dataya, head of the MILF AHJAG, Al Camlian, head of the MILF Technical Committee, and Dr. Tomanda Antok, head of the BLMI.

"There are procedures in the peace talks that the Parties must follow and cited the case of the IMT, saying the tour of duty of the IMT can only be extended, including inviting other countries to join it, during a meeting of the panels," Iqbal explained.

According to him, the GRP and MILF peace panels must meet before August 31, which is the end of the mandate of the present IMT, and decide to renew its mandate and tour of duty in Mindanao.

He clarified that this renewal is not automatic, because IMT member countries such as Malaysia, Libya, Brunei, and Japan have the final say whether to act on the joint request favorably or not.

However, Iqbal said that as far as he knows the MILF will not agree to resume talks with the government just to extend the IMT tour of duty, which he described as a "side issue."

"If we resume, we will zero-in on the memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain (MOA-AD). This is the main agenda of the talks. We can discuss the IMT after hurdling the MOA-AD," he told his audience.

The audience included Dr. Steven Rood of the Asia Foundation and Atty. Mary Ann Arnado of the Mindanao People's Caucus. European Ambassador Alistair MacDonald failed to attend the dialogue, because of prior important commitment.

Iqbal furthered that if the IMT mandate is not renewed before August 31, all the IMT contingents will all go home, and the ceasefire between the MILF and government will eventually collapse due to shattered trust and confidence between the Parties to the talks.

Meanwhile, Mastura told the group that the "due diligence study" of the proposed draft MOA-AD conducted by the government is already more than three months since February 22, when the Parties' peace negotiators, through the intercession of Datuk Othman bin Abdulrazak, the chief Malaysian facilitator, have practically sealed an agreement on this subject. HG

ARMM Politics

Matalam, Ampatuan, Isnaji file COC for ARMM regional governor in August 11 election

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan formally began his re-election bid last May 29, 2008, entering the forthcoming August 11, 2008 political exercise in the autonomous region, home nearly two million registered voters.

The ARMM governor, through Engr. Norie Unas, regional secretariat of the Lakas Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) party for ARMM, filed his certificate of candidacy to run for re-election at the ARMM Commission on Election regional office in Zamboanga City.

Unas, accompanied by supporters including governors Sakur Tan (Sulu), Jum Akbar (Basilan), Mamintal Adiong Jr. (Lanao del Sur), and Moro National Liberation Front Vice chairman Hatimil Hassal said they chose incumbent Vice Governor Ansaruddin Adiong as Ampatuan running mate.

Lanao del Sur Rep. Faysah Dumarpa, Shariff Kabunsuan Acting Gov. Dr. Ibrahim Ibay; Jolo Mayor Hussin Amin; Lamitan Mayor Roderick Furigay; Lantawan Mayor Tahira Ismael, and Tongkil Mayor Abdulwahid Sahidulla, also appeared in yesterterday's press conference to show their strong support to Ampatuan re-election bid.

"He is (Ampatuan) is seeking another term in response to the clamor of the ARMM's six provincial governors, over 100 city and town mayors, congressmen and their constituents," he told reporters in a press conference.

The Lakas-CMD National Directorate led by President Arroyo, national chairman, on May 10 endorsed the re-election of Ampatuan, Vice Gov. Ansaruddin Adiong and the 24 members of the Regional Legislative Assembly (RLA) through Resolution No. 08-2008.

House Speaker Prospero Nograles and other party bigwigs also signed the resolution in recognition of the ARMM officials' loyalty to the Lakas-CMD and their hard work for their people.

According to Unas, the Lakas-CMD is fielding a formidable complete slate for the coming political exercise, regional governor and vice governor and 24 assemblymen.

Ampatuan, 40, began his political carrier while still adolescent, as municipal chairman of the Sangguniang Kabataan in their home town, Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao province in the 1980s. He displayed his steadfast service to the youth that led to his election to ARMM assemblyman and then mayor.

He then continued his unwavering service that catapulted him to the top post in the autonomous region. In his tenure as regional governor, the region further thrived and developed wherein the local government units have been empowered, particularly in managing their socio-economic projects.

If given the chance for a second term, Ampatuan's main agenda would be peace and security, economic development, improved delivery of basic services, and his continuing support for the Mindanao peace processes between the Philippine government and the rebels, according to Unas.

Meanwhile, after meeting with supporters at his home in Zamboanga City, gubernatorial aspirant Alvarez Isnaji proceeded on Monday to the ARMM-Commission on Election regional office here to file his certificate of candidacy.

“As a common candidate of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), I will run my campaign based on principles,” said Isnaji who was accompanied by his son assembly aspirant Haider of Sulu and their party-mates.

Isnaji was also accompanied by representatives of newly-installed MNLF chairman Muslimin Sema, other fellow MNLF leaders and some Bangsamoro women to show their strong support to his gubernatorial bid in the August 11 ARMM elections.

Fresh from Libya meeting on May 18, where he was chosen as among the six-man transition leadership and unification committee (TLUC) of the Tripoli Declaration signed by 10 MNLF top leaders, Isnaji said, “I am running under the Kampi party.”

Isnaji said his campaign will emphasize on the peace and security as well as regaining back the governance of ARMM to MNLF leadership and other advocacies such as transforming the ARMM governance into self-reliant.

In the MNLF Central Committee meeting in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur last April 1 to 3, 2008, the incumbent mayor of Indanan, Sulu was proclaimed as the “common candidate” of the MNLF for governor in the upcoming autonomous region polls.

Asked about the support of MNLF to his gubernatorial bid, he said: “It’s very overwhelming. Even today, they’re all here, even those from Palawan, Lanao, Davao, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi to show their support to my candidacy.”

The mayor added that he’s very overwhelmed by the support of the MNLF which gives him high morale to go pursue his gubernatorial bid. “From the very beginning, they (MNLF members) have been supportive of me.”

In a related development, Attorney Vidjfar A. Julie of ARMM Comelec regional office based in Zamboanga City said Mayor Isnaji was the third person so far to file his candidacy for regional governor in the August 11 ARMM election.

Isnaji, surrounded by members of his family and staff, filed his CoC at Vidjvar office at about 10:00 in the morning.

According to Julie, so far his office received the certificates of candidacies (for governor) of former ARMM Vice Gov. Guimid Matalam (Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino), re-electiopnist ARMM Gov. Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan (Lakas-CMD) and Mayor Isnaji (Kampi).

For vice governor, he said his office received the CoC of re-electionist ARMM Gov. Ansaruddin Alonto Adiong (Lakas-CMD). “So in all, we have four certificates of candidacies in the regional level.”

The regional assembly aspirants filed their respective CoC at their respective provincial Comelec office, the ARMM-Comelec regional official said. HG

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