Basilan town mayor faces 90-day suspension
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The Sandiganbayan released a 90-day suspension order against Lantawan, Basilan Mayor Tahira Ismael and her treasurer Aida Ajijon for graft charges filed against them involving non-remittance of Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) payments.

Mayor Ismael is the president of the Mayors League of the Province of Basilan.

The suspension order was promulgated last February 9, 2006 in Quezon City but the accused Ismael filed a motion for reconsideration, which was, however, denied by the Sandiganbayan on July 10, 2006.

Sandigabayan Associate Justice and Chairman Gregory Ong, Associate Justice Jose Hernandez and Associate Justice Rodolfo Ponferrada signed the resolution.

In the four pages resolution under Criminal Case No. 28278, they said the accused is charged under valid information.

The resolution directed Ismael and Ajijon to immediately cease and desist from further holding office as municipal mayor and municipal treasurer, respectively.

It also directed the Governor of Basilan and the Secretary of Finance to implement the suspension order.

But Lantawan Vice Mayor Hamsarulla Hadjirul complained that up to this time Governor Wahab Akbar has not served the suspension order against Mayor Ismael, who happens to be his niece.

Citing the rule of succession, Hadjirul said he will act as mayor until the expiry of the 90-day period is lifted.

"Why he (Akbar) cannot serve the suspension order? Isn’t it because the mayor is his niece?” the vice mayor asked.

Governor Akbar and Mayor Ismael could not be reached for comment. (ZS)

ACFJ opens applications to conflict reporting, leadership courses

The Konrad Adenauer Asian Center for Journalism at the Ateneo de Manila University (ACFJ) is now accepting applications for two online certificate courses - Reporting on Conflict and Peace and Leadership: Principles and Practices.

The courses will run for nine weeks, from 21 August to 21 October. Reporting on Conflict and Peace arms the journalist with the basic skills and perspective needed to competently cover conflict areas and war zones.

The course examines the nature and role of the journalist reporting on conflict and discusses the dilemmas and difficulties of the journalist in war reportage. It will tackle issues such as parachute journalism, dealing with government censorship, reportage and government policy, and ethics.

The lecturer is Sharon Santus, instructor at the Missouri School of Journalism, the renowned pioneering journalism school in the US. Leadership: Principles and Practices aims to inculcate in students the value of servant leadership and enable them to apply principles of management and power in the newsroom.

The course will be taught by Terry David, senior consultant and facilitator at the Ateneo's Center for Leadership and Change who is currently pursuing the Ph.D. in Leadership Studies at the Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, USA. Eight slots are available for each course.

Admission is limited to working journalists who have at least two years experience as a journalist. Fellowship grants covering tuition and fees are available.

Application forms may be requested by email at newsroom@admu.edu.ph and must be submitted by Saturday, 12 August 2006.

ACFJ, a joint project of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and the Ateneo, supports the continuing education of Asian journalists through its MA Journalism, diploma and certificate programs.

Contact: CJ Ledesma E-mail: newsroom@admu.edu.ph

Tel. No.: (632) 926 3253 / (632) 426 6001 local 5215 Fax No.: (632) 926 3254 (PRESS RELEASE)

Filipino Muslims strongly condemn Israel’s massacre of civilians in Lebanon
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Those were among the innocent Lebanese civilians, including children, massacred by Israeli forces in Qana last July 30, 2006. CLICK HERE MORE PHOTOS

The Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy (PCID) on Thursday said it does not agree with the United States’ backing of Israeli atrocities in the name of its war on terror in Lebanon.

PCID convenor Amina Rasul said Moro people strongly condemned the Israel offensive against what it perceives to be Hezbollah targets in Lebanon and considered it contrary to international law.

“We do not contest the right of a state to defend itself but it cannot do so at the expense of innocent civilians and the wanton disregard of international humanitarian laws,” Rasul said in a statement.

She said they support the call made by the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan for an immediate cessation of hostilities to allow humanitarian help to come in.

She also urged Israel to immediately and unconditionally cease all its military offensives to prevent further damage to Lebanese life and property; the latest attack at Qana cost the lives of 62 Lebanese, 35 of them children.

“We ask the United Nations to immediately cause the deployment of peace-keeping forces to quell the violence and maintain order in the region.

“We also call on the Philippine government to join other countries in calling for Israel to halt all hostilities and condemn the massive slaughter of innocent lives in Lebanon.”

“The proposal for a Philippine contingent to help the International Peace-keeping Force (IPF) should be supported by all and given immediate attention by the Philippine government.”

PCID is a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to the study of Islamic and democratic thought. Composed of eminent personalities in the Philippine Muslim community, the PCID regularly conducts forums and conferences on the peace process, development and security issues in Mindanao. (ZS)

Arab clerics urge Moro youths to preach peace

Two Arab preachers from Saudi Arabia urged the young Moro participants to the Second Youth Educational Encampment of the World Assembly of Muslim Youth to devote themselves in “dawah” (preaching) to help establish peace.

At least 60 Moro youth leaders, in-school and out-of-school, from across Mindanao, attended the peace camp on July 28 to 30 at the Seagull resort in Davao City.

Sheikh Musfir Al Jufan and Sheikh Bandar Al Falih, preachers from Saudi Arabia, said preaching “peace” to communities is not the task merely for “Duat” (preachers) alone but also for the Muslim youth who are physically capable, having strong body and sound mind who can keep on acquiring more knowledge and share this with others.

“Do the move now and don’t wait for our Ulama (Muslim scholars) to approach us,” he continued, “you should know that it was the youth who helped Prophet Mohammad in preaching during his era,” Sheikh Falih said.

The camp’s theme, “The critical role of the youth in Dawah and promoting peace,” was organized to encourage the Moro youth to learn more about Islam and spearhead in spreading the message of peace.

WAMY, an international organization serving the interests of the Muslim youth all over the world and recognized by the United Nations, has been engaged in building mosques and madaris (Islamic schools), sponsoring youth camps, Islamic seminars and technical training, scholarship for orphans, advocating peace and development with other stakeholders, and other activities that answer the needs of Muslims.

Sheikh Salih Musa, country director for WAMY-Philippines, said WAMY was created by the efforts of the Muslim students in America and Saudi Arabia, and supported by Muslim philanthropists. “WAMY has many branches all over the world,” Sheikh Musa said.

He urged the Moro youth to be united despite having diverse ethno-linguistic affiliations. He also urged them “not to confine ourselves in learning about our religion” but also learn about science and technology.”

Sheikh Musa is optimistic that an “Islamic and Technological University” will soon rise in Mindanao through the help of Arab Muslim brothers.

Salem Demuna, a Ka’agan youth leader, proposed the establishment of an Islamic university particularly in Davao city, “which shall produce more Muslim professionals.”

“There are many Muslim youth who yearn to finish college, but they’re financially constrained,” he explained. Dr. Abdulmoin Lamtong, lawyer Sammy Buat and Prof. Abhoud Syed Lingga, all from the academe, tackled topics about Islamic development, the role of Muslim youth in society and Dawah.

Lamtiong explained, “To attain development, man should develop himself first, enriching his knowledge both on spiritual and scientific.” “Islam is open for changes and development, despite being fixed in its principle and ideology, as long as these does not contradict with Islamic doctrines and principles,” he said.

Prof. Lingga of the Insitute of Bangsamoro Studies encouraged the youth to be creative and innovative to carry effective dawah.

“An effective Duat is the one which is skillful and of course with credible personality,” he stressed.

Buat said the Muslim youth should be the catalyst for change and must stay in the frontline in spreading Islamic ideology, “to tell what is right and forbid what is evil.” (PRESS RELEASE)

WMSU to honor 11 new lawyers

The Western Mindanao State University’s College of Law and the Law Students Association (LSA) will honor the new 11 WMSU lawyers during a testimonial dinner this coming Saturday night (August 5) at the Celebrity Hall of Grand Astoria Hotel.

The new WMSU lawyers passed the Bar Examinations given in 2005 by the Supreme Court. They are: Atty. Nicolas L. Apolinario,Jr.,Atty. Frederick Ian S. Capin, Atty. Faith Suzette N. Reyes-Kong, Atty. Husnaira C. Ilimin ,Atty. David Oliver C. Kong, Atty. Florencio Jr. M. Liong, Atty. John Paul S. Pagteilan, Atty. Sharon May P. Sales, Atty. Basset M. Sarip, Atty. Jason C. Teng and Atty. Jayne Marie C. Teng.

Each of the new lawyers will give their testimonies before some 300 law students, their professors in WMSU College of Law and other guests. Afterwhich, WMSU president Dr. Eldigario Gonzales will give the response.

House Deputy Speaker for Mindanao Abdulgani "Gerry" Salapuddin has been invited to be the guest speaker during the affair.

Salapuddin will also induct the new set of officers of the LSA. They are: president- Jose Maria Bue, vice president-Anatalio D. Teves, secretary- Honoriza Krystle Sales- Lavista, treasurer- Moh. Ershad Tawasil, auditor- Eduardo Danda, PIO- Elvin Pedrigosa, project manager- Benzar Timbang, Board of Directors- Rommel S. Reyes (IPP), Nurjay M. Sahali, Lorraine P. Ututalum, Daniel Alaban, Alrashdy S. Langa, Leonardo J. Carpizo, Anne Aubrey R. De Guzman-Bugtong and Gleen A. Revilla.Lawyer Eduardo Sanson, WMSU College of Law dean, will officiate the mass induction of different class officers while Regional Trial Court Judge Peter Eisma will swear into office the chairmen of the different LSA committees.

The over 100 lawyers produced by WMSU are also invited to the said affair which will coincide with the celebration of the College of Law’s 25th Silver Jubilee anniversary. (PRESS RELEASE)

Ambassador Kenney Visits Tawi-Tawi, Opens New Development Projects

Assistance from the American people is helping to improve local economies and education for residents in some of the Philippines' most remote regions. U.S. Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney visited one such place, the island of Tawi-Tawi in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, on July 27 to inaugurate projects that were made possible by U.S. assistance. (Above photo) Ambassador Kenney inaugurated the Bongao Port in Tawi-Tawi, which was upgraded as part of a joint U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and World Bank project that extended the pier to accommodate larger vessels; built a stairway for easy passenger access; and constructed a passenger terminal building. She met with local government officials; visited the Qudwa Cooperative for Women, which the American people have supported through the donation of sewing machines; and visited Mindanao State University to meet with alumni of U.S.-sponsored exchange programs that have helped bring students and residents of Tawi-Tawi to the United States on program relating to conflict resolution, inter-ethnic dialogue and youth development. Ambassador Kenney also watches as students from Notre Dame of Bongao High School demonstrate projects they have created on computers which were provided by the United States under a USAID program to connect schools in remote areas to the Internet. (PHOTO RELEASE)

IMAGE OF THE DAY

Philippine Daily Inquirer's Armand Nocum shows a photo of the late Senator Ninoy Aquino's mouth being covered with tape as he points out violations of freedom of the press during the Martial Law rule.

Zambo campus journaslists in intensive conference

Close to 700 campus journalists coming from some 40 public and private schools in Zamboanga City converged and had an intensive sessions of lectures and trainings over the weekend (July 29-30) at the Don Pablo Lorenzo Memorial High School gymnasium in Sta. Maria, this city.

The 2006 Zamboanga City Campus Journalists Conference is an annual program of activity of the Mentoring Club Inc., a local non-government organization involved in academic and skills development projects for the youth.

Mr. Bong Bue, chairman of the Mentoring Club Inc., said this year’s number of participants exceeded last year’s 535 mark as there were also visiting delegates from Basilan.

The 2-day conference was graced during the opening by City Councilor Atty. Asbi Edding, a former campus journalist, as guest speaker; Mrs. Pilar Vecina, City Schools Division Office’s supervisor representing Dr. Abdu Rahim Kenoh, and guest lecturer Philippine Daily Inquirer reporter Mr. Armand Dean N. Nocum, who spoke on “What Journalism can make you?”, “Feature Writing” and “Editorial Writing.”

Lawyer Eduardo Sanson, Western Mindanao State University College of Law dean, lectured on the law of libel while the other speakers and their topics were Mr.Jovian Diesto, Daily Zamboanga Times associate editor, on Sportswriting; Mr. Jose Maria Bue, former president of the Zamboanga Press Club, on “The Art of Newspapering,” “Photo Journalism”, “Editorial Cartooning”; Mr. Vic Larato, editor of Zamboanga Today, on “Newswriting”; and Mrs. Pilar Villanueva, English Supervisor of City School’s Division Office on “Preparing for Press Conferences.”

The awarding ceremonies on the second day highlighted the conference with the following results: Farthest Delegation Award - Baluno National High School; Biggest Delegation - Pilar College of Zamboanga; Jolliest Delegation - Putik Central School; Most Behave Delegation - Don GEMS; Most Colorful Delegation - Pilar College; Most Friendly Delegation- Sta. Barbara Central School; Smart Delegation- Canelar Elem. School; Most Disciplined Delegation- San Jose Gusu Elem. School; Largest High School Delegation- Southcom National High School; Most Promising Delegation- Montessori de Zamboanga; Most Enthusiastic Delegation- Sto. Nino High School; Most Rewarding Delegation- Claret School of Zamboanga; and Most Energetic Delegation - Red Cross Academy.

The winners in the major contests are: Newswriting in English (Elem.) 1st place- Erick Carl Castro of Sta. Maria Central School; 2nd- ARly Marie Araneta of Sta. Maria CS; (High School) 1st- Greynahr Patricio of Zambo City State Polytechnic College; 2nd- Normie Ann Lozano of Baluno NHS; 3rd- Sherry Mae Fabian of WMSU; (College)-1st Rosevee Camohoy of Comtech. Newswriting in Filipino (High School 1st- Elizabeth Ann Advincula of Pilar College; 2nd- Sitti Miriam Sana of WMSU; Julie Marie Apolinario of Cabaluay National HS. (Elem.) 1st- Fatima Mendangan of Baliwasan Central School;2nd- Chrissa Marie Villacorte of ADZU; 3rd –Charity Besia of Pilar College.

In editorial cartooning, (Elem) 1st- Sheena Las Magadia of Putik Central School; 2nd-Christian Odac of San Jose Gusu Elem. School; 3rd- Mary Joy Bernardo of ADZU. (High School)-1st- Reyner Basalo; 2nd-Benal Garcia of Regional Science High School; 3rd- John ALfer Bag-o of WMSU ILS-HS. (College) 1st- Jonel Olaso of Comtech Institute; 2nd- Rezalie Alferez of Universidad de Zamboanga; 3rd- Nathaniel Bargan of Comtech Institute.

In Feature Writing –English, (Elem) 1st Anthony Dela Penas of Tugbungan Elem. School; 2nd- Mary Joy Timosa of Tugbungan Elem. School; 3rd- Rochella Joy Graciano of Don GEMS. (High School) 1st- Alysa Ciara Kanti of WMSU ILS HS; 2nd- Regine Miren Cabato of ADZU; 3rd Nikki Saceda of Montessori de Zamboanga. (College) 1st- Carla Hay Casamayor of ADZU; 2nd -Dion Jay Tality of WMSU; 3rd- Jasmine Mohammadsali of ADZU. Feature Writing –Filipino (Elem) 1st- Sharawina Pinky Hassan of Sta Barbara Central School; 2nd- Danielle Dominique Runas of Montessori de Zamboanga; Roneal Alvia of Tugbungan Elem. School. (High School) 1st-Richelle Harder of ZCSPC; 2nd Cyril Mating of ZNHS West; 3rd- Rolyn Saraddhla of Bolong NHS.

In Editorial Writing- English (Elem) 1st-Alzaria Gindoy of Canelar Elem. School; 2nd-Tharcelle Tharie Collado of Claret School; 3rd- Ayra Jane Baldivia of Ferndale International School. (High School)1st- Arnie Arquiza of WMSU ILS HS; 2nd-Mathiya Ali of Southern City Colleges; 3rd- John James Palacio. (College)1st- Caroline Fabian of ADZU; 2nd- Francis Rodolfo Marcial Jr., of ADZU; 3rd-Almar E. Villanueva of WMSU. Editorial Wriing-Filipino (Elem) 1st- Rebecca Llanos of Sta. Maria Central Sch.; 2nd- Lynneth Lobitana of Sta. Barbara Central Sch.; 3rd- Andrei Bernales of Canelar Elem. Sch. (High School) 1st- John Arthur Batica of SCC; 2nd-Chanttal Abdulla of Labuan NHS; 3rd- Bahjin Santiago Majid of DPLMHS.

In Sportsnews writing- English (Elem) 1st- Jun Kyle Sangcog of Pilar College; 2nd- Haybi Iraji of Sta. Barbara Central Sch.; 3rd- Ashmier Annie of Don GEMS; (High School) 1st- John lfer Bag-o of WMSU ILS HS; 2nd-Carlo Zion Gonzales of Pilar College; 3rd-Sharet Jubair of Taluksangay NHS; (College) 1st-Francis Rodolfo Marcial Jr. of ADZU; 2nd- Dion Jay Tality of WMSU; 3rd- Babylyn Maiuticio of Universidad de Zamboanga. Sportsnews writing-Filipino (Elem)1st- Efren Medallo of Tugbungan Elem. Sch.; 2nd- Manuel Undali of Baliwasan Central Sch.; 3rd- Evannie Cris Guzman of Putik Central Sch.; (High School) 1st- Ronna Eilee Dalogdog of AB Simpson Allliance Shool; 2nd- Paul John Mark Bandonit of Southcom NHS; 3rd Bahjin Santiago Majid of DPLMHS. (PRESS RELEASE)

FEEDBACK FROM READERS ON THE LAUNCHING OF MORO TIMES

THEY SAID IT

I personally welcome the first issue of the Moro Times. The country will be "richer" and "bigger" both culturally and politically with a national "platform" for the Bangsamoro people. The people behind Moro Times have given the nation a concrete instrument in mainstreaming the often marginalized minority in the country. Kudos and God Bless... (Eliseo "Jun" Mercado, OMI)

Congratulations, your writers have finally managed to open a window for the rest of the world to know more about southern Philippines. The economic growth for the area is very much expected and is really something to shout about. The natural resource is in abundance and bursting at the seams. I just hope that the current and future political leadership will consist of people with more love for the country than personal gains and generally, having a better grasp of protocol and business development. When I was there, in Mindanao, with a group of foreign investors, many years ago, I wanted to meet people with a strong nationalistic goal and at the same time with both their feet planted firmly on the ground, I was truly disappointed. I hope that the current scenario is different. I hope that your countrymen have found and would have achieved a successful new formula and also gain a better perspective into the new global market place. I also trust that your people would have realized at this point to consistently do some catching up with this fast pace world so as to break away from poverty for the deprived common folks in the region. Long lasting peace shall come about and prevail!! (Edwin Chen, Singapore)

It certainly is an interesting development. This should help erase the biases that isolates the Muslims of Mindanao from their Christian brothers. This should also encourage investors to take a look at the Muslim area of Mindanao which for so long had been avoided because it is seen as an extremely unsafe land. Inshallah! Best regards. (Gerry Cunanan)

I WILL PRAY THAT YOUR GOOD WORKS GAIN A LOT OF ATTENTION AND SUPPORT. YOUR CAUSE IS A MOST WORTHY ONE! (Datu Menteri (Islamic name for Robert) Robert Rockefeller)

I may may be a Christian but I would be the first to admit that the root cause of the conflict is the dispossession of our Muslim brothers in Southern Philippines. The heroic resistance of our Muslim brothers against foreign invaders, first against the Spaniards and then against the Americans has been largely glossed over or even ignored in our history. The Americans committed horrific atrocities against our Muslim brothers during the long war of resistance. Learning the Filipino Muslim history was an eye opener for me. In fact by going back to the heroic past of our Muslim brothers I am able to view the whole issue of the current middle east conflict with greater objectivity. For instance the US-Israeli alliance wants the world to believe that the root cause of the problem is terrorism when the underlying cause is dispossession of Arabs and foreign occupation of their land. The US supports Israel because it could use them as battering ram for maintaining their strategic interest on high quality middle east oil reserves. (Jess Arranz)

Congratulations on the publication of Moro Times! This is indeed very timely and I look forward to reading every issue! I read your piece with interest and was reminded of the early MNLF documents and interviews with them. When talking of jihad then, the MNLF simply referred to it as holy war. I am curious, though, of the use of the term "Moro" - Moro Times - would this include the converts from Christianity of which there is a growing number? Obviously, the converts do not share the historical legacy of southern Muslims and the use of the term. Congratulations again on your work! Best regards.(Vivienne SM. Angeles,PhD Asst. Professor Department of Religion La Salle University Philadelphia, PA 19141)

This is such a great idea! Congratulations and hope everyone will contribute to sustain this effort. (Mary Ann Arnaldo, Davao)

Salam! I really appreciate your courageous advocacy for PEACE. Thru media, we can educate our people in Manila and other parts of the country on what FILIPINO MUSLIMS that just like the other tribes, we have very rich cultural values and traditions - and foremost, ISLAM IS A RELIGION OF PEACE. (Susana Anayatin, Cotabato City)

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Editorial

The hounds of ARMM

Every time Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) hogs the news, something sensational, something bizarre are being floated to stir the imagination of the readers that the region is a safe haven to terrorist or the killing field.

But contrary to the information, ARMM is a peaceful region and only sporadic troubles erupted at long intervals.

The sensational binge has been eminent to portray ARMM as the battleground which is not true.

Tourists are continually streaming to view exotic places in the ARMM.

It is the strategic region to the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP EAGA).

Agriculturewise, the soil is generally fertile and suitable for cultivation. Planted extensively and intercropped are coconuts, rubber, and coffee. Minor crops include palay, corn, banana, cassava, pineapple, cacao, and african palm.

The life in ARMM is normal and many are enamored of the physical features of the region. Some mediamen should be charitable and kind to the region by also depicting its positive sides.

This will do justice to the Moro people who are exerting all out efforts to attract investors for the region development.

ARMM economy remains resilient amid unstable peace

The region’s economy continued to gain resilient growth in the first semester of 2006 amidst infrequent peace and security issues.

Based on the accomplishment report of the Department of Trade and Industry-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DTI-ARMM) for the 1st semester of 2006, the total investments generated in the region amounted to P288.733 million.

This data shows a 12% increase compared to the investments generated for the same period in 2005 which was at P254.376 million.

“Our effective approach to contain the negative impact of recent conflicts in the different areas of the region has dramatically contributed to the improvement of the region’s economy,” said ARMM Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan.

The mobilization of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) and the strengthening and coordination of Local Government Units (LGUs) have made possible the enforcement of effective mechanisms to mitigate armed conflicts and other peace and security issues.

The regional government has also extended strong support to LGUs which greatly facilitated the implementation of programs and projects designed to establish peace and development in the region.

Tawi-Tawi registered the highest investments with P103.353 million followed by Marawi City with P64.141 million, Maguindanao with P37.587 million, Lanao del Sur with P34.637 million, Sulu with P31.710 million and Basilan with P17.31 million.

The service expansion of a cellular company and putting up of hatchery projects contributed largely to the total investments in Tawi-Tawi. SMART Communications constructed 8 cellsites in 8 island municipalities in the province.

Only 18% of the province’s total investments were generated through business name registrations. Employment in the region has also improved this year in comparison to the same period in 2005.

The jobs generated for the 1st semester of the year totaled to 3,394 manifesting a 3% increase from the 3,282 jobs recorded in 2005.

Further, the number of business names approved grew by 36% from 301 to 470. Again, Tawi-Tawi recorded the highest with 175, followed by Marawi City with 91, Maguindanao with 86, Basilan with 62, Sulu with 29, and Lanao del Sur with 27.

“We hope to continuously improve the positive economic performance of the region through the sound implementation of the Regional Economic Agenda (REA),” Ampatuan said.

The recent conduct of the 5th ARMM Business Congress in Lamitan, Basilan is expected to draw in more investments into the region as well create additional business opportunities to local entrepreneurs.

Tawi-Tawi, which continuous to experience tremendous economic improvement, played host to the previous ARMM Business Congress.

The regional government is likewise implementing measures to jumpstart the region’s Halal industry. Foremost of which is the establishment of an arrangement for technical assistance with JAKIM, Malaysia’s halal certifying body. (BPI-ARMM)

Search for ARMM outstanding volunteers on

The Annual Search for Outstanding Volunteers (SOV) is now ongoing in the Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao.The search is an annual undertaking of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) through the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), an agency tasked to oversee volunteerism activities in the country.

In the ARMM, the Regional Planning and Development Office (RPDO) is the lead agency and chairman of the Regional Search Committee (RSC) for the Regional Search for Outstanding Volunteers.

The SOV intends to encourage individuals and organizations that play a vital role in development thru volunteerism, offering their services without expecting any financial gain.

December of every year is the National Volunteer Month that aims to highlight and recognize the exemplary performance and dedication to service of volunteers in building strong communities across the country.

“Their personal commitment of time, effort and resources is a valuable contribution to the improvement of the quality of life of other people,” said Ms. Alia Raida Macaumbos of the RPDO- ARMM, who is also the head secretariat of the Regional Search Committee.

The search is open to all volunteers who have been engaging in volunteer activities or work without compensation or self-interest but contribute time, services and even resources to a non-profit cause that is beneficial to others.

The autonomous region has been participating in this undertaking for the last four years now since 2002. The regional winners will receive certificates of recognition and will be the official nominees for the national search in December.

The Regional Search Committee is composed of Regional Planning and Development Office (RPDO) as chairman, Commission on Higher Education (CHED-ARMM), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG-ARMM) and Bureau of Public Information (BPI-ARMM) as members.

The search covers all residents of the region and individuals with sub-categories such as adult and youth. Another category is for organizations that provide voluntary service in the autonomous region.

The search for Outstanding Volunteers was conceptualized through Executive Order No. 635 creating the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency. Deadline for submission of nomination will be on or before August 18, 2006 for the regional level and September 2006 for national level. (BPI-ARMM)

A time for Moro Times
text SAMIRA GUTOC

Media is often allergic to religion. But not to the Pope or the mullahs. While the former symbolizes peace, the latter represents the enemy of the 21st century. The demise of communism led the way for Islam and its proponents to be considered the new global threat, the Green Menace or Green Peril. Consider how media views the beard as against Muslim thought. Beards convey age, authority and dignity in traditional Muslim society. Western media dislikes the beard.

The Islamic world has been consistently seen as alien and exotic. The causes fought for by the Muslims have not been able to capture the attention and sympathy of Western citizens. Instead, the actions and ideology of Muslim extremists “the fundamentalists of the popular culture” are seen to represent the entire body of Muslims.

The articulate, rational voices of Islamism are therefore systematically ignored or the multiplicity of voices within Muslim communities overlooked. When television journalism chooses to engage with Islamist movements, they often concentrate on its most frustrated fringes without locating them within a broader and social context. The authorized spokesmen of the Islamic movements, who can reduce these distances, are all too often viewed as too diplomatic and are dismissed when they do not conform to stereotypes.

The Philippines is a case in point, where several Muslim anti-state groups are sometimes treated as one, under the label “Muslim,” absorbing the majority who are apolitical among them. This is contrary to one survey which notes that Muslim-Filipinos would primarily identify themselves based on ethnicity. Not sympathy to a revolutionary group.

The anomaly of generalizing Muslims has its historic roots. The Mindanao Muslim as savage is based on what Columbia University professor, the late Edward Said, would call the Cultural Other. The colonial terming of Moros to encompass all “Mohammedans” of different sultanates, overlooked the territorial, cultural distinctions of the Muslim groups in the archipelago. A prejudice against the South was entrenched soon after the arrival of the Spaniards paving the way for sporadic wars between 1565-1898. They employed the derogatory term ‘Moro’ to describe those uncivilized natives who refused to convert to Christianity and Moro “pirates” to describe the unsubjugated natives.

And because the first Muslims had an oral culture, leaving no written narrative, Philippine history with the stereotyped Moro has been taught throughout generations of Filipinos.

The Moro identity carried a stigma but during the 1980s, left-leaning Muslims in Manila carried the name to symbolize the ferocity against colonization. Decades later, Moro is no longer about being a rebel. It is an ancestry. It has transformed with modernity.

Literature has been limited by our misconceptions of minorities. Mindanao, from the point of view of those sitting in air-conditioned newsrooms across Metro Manila, is front-page when there are guns, goons and gold. Manila “the seat of economic and political power and base of all national newspapers and radio and television networks” decides what is and what is not news for the rest of the country. The We versus They stories feed into the web and international news networks thereby reinforcing age-old stereotypes.

In multi-cultural societies like the Philippines, there is a need to deepen coverage of stories beyond calamities and conflict. It is not enough to know the 5 W’s of the story. More basic is the need to provide context which gives the background on why conflicts happened in the first place. There is a need to mainstream images of ordinary Muslims. Moderate voices also need space. Many significant activities such as peace-building and development assistance are happening on the ground.

Newspapers play an important role in shaping public opinion. Consider this worrisome survey by the SWS that many Filipinos have a negative perception about the Muslims. Is media then at fault? The inability to bridge the communication gap between the Christian majority and the Muslims is clear when UNESCO recognizes the need for mass media to build commonalities and unity among Muslims and Christians. The time to open the democratic space to minorities has come.

The Moro Times is an effort to counter an elite media - to say minorities should not feel minoritized, to write news that matters, to celebrate what’s best and in the process create better harmonious communities through information exchange. It’s work that should have come a long time ago, and maybe we would have avoided the wars that cost hundreds of thousands of lives. As one speaker at the 17th World Congress of the International Catholic Union of the Press cites, “The greatest change for us journalists is our possibility to go beyond all frontiers, physical and moral, and to eliminate fear and hatred among humans.”

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All set for ‘The Moro Times’ launch tomorrow

text HADER GLANG

The Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy (PCID) is all set to launch The Moro Times on Friday at the National College of Public Administration and Governance's assembly hall at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.

The monthly section paper is published by The Manila Times. It is devoted to Muslim issues and Mindanao and it feature articles on Muslim business opportunities, arts and culture, religion and history.

With this launch, PCID is expected to foster better understanding between Muslims and Christians and to fill the void of ignorance.

Amina Rasul, PCID Lead Convenor, said the Moro Times provides a door for all readers to enter the exotic world of the Muslims of the Philippines.

Below is the program prepared by the PCID in collaboration with Magbasa Kita Foundation, Inc. (MKFI) and The Asia Foundation (TAF) for the launching of The Moro Times.

8:00 – 8:30 Registration
8:30 – 8:35 National Anthem and Prayer
8:35 – 8:40 Welcome Remarks
Dr. Alex B. Brillantes, Jr., Dean, National College of Public Administration and Governance, UP
8:40 – 8:50 Messages
Dr. Steven Rood, Country Representative, The Asia Foundation

Dr. Santanina Tillah-Rasul
Chairperson, Magbassa Kita Foundation, Inc.
8:50 – 9:00 Overview of the Forum
Ms. Amina Rasul
Lead Convenor, Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy
9:00 – 9:20 Autonomy as a Politico/Governance Option
Atty. Randolph Parcasio, Fellow PCID
9:20 – 9:40 Federalism as a Politico/Governance Option
Mr. Musib Buat, Chairman, Technical Committee, MILF Peace Panel
9:40 – 10:00 Independence as a Politico/Governance Option
Mr. Abhoud Syed Lingga Executive Director, Institute of Bangsamoro Studies
10:00 – 11:20 Open Forum
11:20 – 11:50 Launch of Moro Times
11:50 – 12:00 Closing Remarks
Dr. Carmen Abubakar, Dean, Institute of Islamic Studies, UP

Emcee: Atty. Jose Iribani Lorena, Fellow PCID

300 young journalists to meet in Zambo confab

Some 300 campus journalists have pre-registered for the 2006 Zamboanga City Campus Journalists Conference to be held at the Don Pablo Lorenzo Memorial High School gym on July 29-30.

More schools are still signifying their intentions to send students for this annual campus journalists conference hosted by the Mentoring Club Inc.

Philippine Daily Inquirer’s reporter and Zamboangueno journalist Armand Dean Natividad Nocum has been invited to be the guest and resource speaker during the conference.

Nocum, who recently joined the entourage to cover the trip of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Europe particularly in Spain, has been assigned to different beats like Malacanang Palace, Defense, Courts, the Church and other government and non-government agencies.

He was with the defunct The Morning Times in Zamboanga City under the editorship of the late Rene Fernandez when he transferred to Metro Manila and joined PDI.

The 2006 Zamboanga City Campus Journalists Conference is the third annual citywide journalism conference organized by the Mentoring Club Inc., a non-government organization actively involved in the development of academic and journalistic skills of students and pupils.

Mentoring Club Inc. chairman Mr. Bong Bue said this year’s journalists conference is in coordination with the Department of Education headed by City Schools Division Office Superintendent Dr. Abdu Rahim Kenoh and DPLMHS headed by its principal Mrs. Norma Macrohon.

Participants in the conference are given lectures and orientation on campus paper works in preparation for the yearly press conference’s contests among private and public schools.

Other speakers for the coming journalists conference are Atty. Eduardo Sanson, WMSU College of Law Dean, who will lecture on “The Law on Libel”; Ms Sheila Belen Enriquez-Covarrubias of DXMR Radyo Ng Bayan and Zamboanga Today (“Newswriting is Interesting”); Mr. Jovian Diesto, associate editor of Daily Zamboanga Times, ( “Editorial Writing”); Mr. Vic Larato, editor of Zamboanga Today (“Sportswriting and Feature Writing”); Mr. Rowell Quinlob (“cartooning”); Mr. Jose Maria Bue, Daily Zamboanga Times columnist and ex-editor of Sun Star Zamboanga (“Art of Newspapering and Photo Journalism”); and Mrs. Pilar Villanueva, English supervisor of DepEd’s City Schools Division Office (“Preparing for the Press Conference”).

City Councilor Asbi Edding, a campus journalist during his college days, has been invited to give the inspirational message while Dr. Abdu Rahim Kenoh will give the opening message.

The conference is open to all private and public schools. The participants will be distributed according to elementary, secondary and tertiary levels for purposes of the in-conference contests.

Interested parties may contact Mentoring Club Inc. at mobile- 09198041780, 09193204846; e-mail: mentoring_04@yahoo.com (PRESS RELEASE)

IMAGE OF THE DAY

Students walk on the newly completed boat landing in one of the impoverished Muslim communities in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi. The homes of poverty-stricken families are built along the coastline of the island village, where facilities and resources are poor. (text & photos HADER GLANG)

OPINION

DURIAN
text AMINA RASUL, Former Presidential Adviser on Youth Affairs

The Moro Times and Jihad for peace

Sections of newspapers are devoted to inspecting minutiae about the loves and scandals of movie stars. Magazines are devoted to the lives of the rich, powerful and fabulous—what they wear, their parties, the problems of their favorite dogs. Why is there no such focus on a major segment of our population: the minorities? For instance, published information about Muslims in the Philippines is sporadic and emanates from a very political prism. News reports are usually about terrorism, corruption, electoral shenanigans.

Belonging to a Tausug clan steeped in the history of Muslims in Mindanao, my reality has been a collage of the global, modern world I work in and the world of my family in the islands of Sulu and TawiTawi. I could see how knowledge of one world would enrich the other—knowledge which could erase discrimination stemming from ignorance. I wondered why there was no medium to transfer such knowledge.

Wonder no more! The Manila Times will soon publish a new monthly section—The Moro Times—devoted to Muslim issues and Mindanao. It will feature articles on Muslim business opportunities, arts and culture, religion and history. A collaboration between The Manila Times and the Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy, this new section can foster better understanding between Muslims and Christians. Since we fear what we do not know, The Moro Times will fill the void of ignorance.

The Moro Times provides a door for all readers to enter the exotic world of the Muslims of the Philippines. Find out about business opportunities in Muslim Mindanao and tie up with credible local businessmen. Ever wondered what halal food is? Read about how Maranaos celebrate weddings. Want to buy hand-woven textiles of the Tausug and Yakan and the best-priced pearls? Learn about Islamic art. Did you know that there is a spiritual site in TawiTawi that natives believe is protected by white monkeys?

This "virtual" door will allow the reader to take a peek—from the safe corner of your room—into our world. This door, unlocked, allows us to welcome you in. Do keep the door open.

***

Update from Sulu: 64 Sulu women from Indanan, Patikul and Jolo, recently went through a training program on peace advocacy and conflict transformation. Support came from the US Embassy, one of the grants given to strengthen civil society. Last Thursday the women organized themselves into Muslim Women Peace Advocates (MWPA) municipal councils, vowing to replicate themselves at the barangay level. The women will thus establish a homegrown network of peace advocates working to transform conflict and promote human rights, especially women’s rights.

Why is this little project worthy of notice? First, Patikul and Indanan are the arena of skirmishes between government troops and insurgents (Indanan is the seat of the Moro National Liberation Front.) Just last week my nephew, an Army sergeant, was killed in an ambush by unknown assailants on motorcycles, the third ambush in a week. Second, most bloody conflicts stem from feuds which could have been prevented by timely mediation. Third, the women community leaders were a diverse group: teachers and professionals, grade-school dropouts, barangay councilors, neo-literates, among others.

"Why is there conflict in your area?" Politicking was the number one cause. Only two from conflict-prone Indanan mentioned terrorism or insurgency. Amazing. Security experts, listen to women! You want peace in Muslim Mindanao? Tell Malacañang to stop dirty politics. Ambassador Kenney, please advise your government to empower more women instead of buying more munitions. (By the way, the women thank you profusely for supporting this program).

I wonder if the SONA will promise peace at the hands of the people or peace from the barrel of a gun…

Dr. Norma Abdullah, president of the MWPA-Sulu Council, the organizing group, summed up their task in a slogan "Jihad Pag Lag Sin Kasajahitraan." Simply put, the "holy fight for peace." "We will take hold of our lives," said one participant, realizing they can do more to protect their families if they intervene in their community. Then all the women rushed home to prepare dinner, eager to practice new skills on squabbling family members. Today my husband; tomorrow my world! You go, girls!

15 jeep passengers wounded in land mine explosion in Surigao del Sur
text HADER GLANG

At least fifteen people were seriously injured in northern Mindanao on Monday morning when their vehicle ran over a landmine, the military’s Southern Command public information office reported Tuesday.

The land mine went off as the jeep passed through the national highway in sitio Cabariot Cabugi, Unidos, Tago, Surigao del Sur at 8:00 a.m., said Capt. Jose Ritche Pabilonia, Southcom information officer.

All the victims were passengers of the jeep, which was hit by a pressure release landmines planted by suspected New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists, Pabilonia said.

Major General Cardozo Luna, chief of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, said it was a well planned by the Communist Party of the Philippines and National Democratic Front designed to embarrass the government during the State Of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Arroyo.

Luna said from the time the all out war was declared against the communist insurgency, many of the owners of the passenger vehicles who are long NPA's extortion victims, already refused to give the rebels the protection money.

“This is one way of scaring jeepney and bus owners. The Communist Terrorist must have to pay for this,” he said, as he called on the cause oriented groups in the province to surface and help condemn the attack.

“If they are true champions for Human Rights, especially giving help to the civilian innocent victims, then they should assist us to bring justice to these victims,” he added.

Southcom chief Major General Gabriel Habacon charged NPA rebels for violation of the Comprehensive Agreement with Respect to Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, which bans the use of mines.

As this developed, Habacon ordered the Army’s 402nd Brigade and the 58th Infantry Battalion to launch a massive military operations against the NPA rebels.

The communist rebels, who claim to be defending the rights of the poor, have been fighting the government to create a state based on the ideology of Lenin.

Since it was founded, thousands of people have died in attacks and clashes between the guerillas and the government forces. Luzon and Visayas are the group’s stronghold. (ZS)

NYC invites ARMM youth leaders to the 6th NYP

The National Youth Commission (NYC) is inviting youth leaders in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to take part in the 6th National Youth Parliament (NYP) to be held in Tagbilaran City, Bohol this October 2006.

The NYP is an assembly of youth leaders from the different sub-sectors and geographical groupings in the country. The assembly, which is being held once every two years, serves as the consultative mechanism that provides government policy makers recommendations on how to address pressing issues affecting the youth sector.

The program is open to all individual ages 15 to 30 years old; Filipino citizen; residing, studying or working at the place/institution for not less than six months; a president/officer of a youth organization (school, community, civic, religious, professional, tribal, and the like) or an SK Provincial Federation president (if representing the SK); must not be a member of any previous National Youth Parliament and must not have been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude.

“The NYC has allotted 10 slots for youth leaders in the ARMM. We are encouraging all qualified individuals to send in their applications. The NYP would be a very good venue for them to voice out the foremost concerns of youths in the region,” said Bai Mayan A. Sinsuat, DepEd-ARMM Assistant Secretary.

Applicants should submit an application letter, five copies of accomplished application form; a maximum of 3 pages brief resume; 5 pieces 2”x2” pictures; a certified true copy of birth certificate; a certificate of residency from the barangay; 2 pieces self-addressed letter envelopes with P20.00 worth of stamps on each envelope, a nomination from youth organization represented; and a recent position paper or executive summary of case study/research conducted/facilitated by the youth organization.

The position paper/case study/research paper should be based on the following youth issues: Youth Migration (include issues and concerns such as urbanization, brain drain); Magna Carta of Students (position on the creation of Magna Carta of Students); Adolescent Reproductive Health (include adolescent health, reproductive health, drug and substance abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, etc.); SK Reform (include suggestions and policy recommendation on how to improve current SK performance); Constitutional Reform (include position on charter change further recommendations and if not, suggestions on proposed alternatives to charter change focusing on its impact to youth sector); Youth Networking (include position in the institutionalization of local youth development planning); and Cyber Youth (include effects of Information Communication Technology (ICT) to youth behavior and socialization).

Applications must be submitted on or before July 31, 2006. An interview will be conducted on August 08, 2006 at the DepEd-ARMM Conference Room.

Interested applicants may get in touch with the Office of the Assistant Secretary, Department of Education-ARMM for more information and to avail of application forms. (BPI-ARMM)

For The Record
Bong Bue, former president of Zamboanga Press Club

Is Zambo still safe?

What is left when suspects are freed? Find the answer elsewhere in this corner.

* * *

Headline: “Mayor tells cops, AFP to enforce firearms ban.”

For The Record can see that La Bella’s Mayor Celso Lobregat is dead serious in his firearms ban campaign. But the question is: Are we gaining success over this campaign?

Hizzoner posted hundreds of firearms ban posters with his face in them in malls, department stores, government and private offices and other public places.

I believe there is no problem in enforcing this in places mentioned above.I believe security guards of different security agencies know their work.

This was properly established during the time of former City Police Director Sr. Supt. Mario Yanga, who really meant business when he enforced the gun ban in the city.

I know of an incident where Yanga pushed for the filing of a case of illegal possession of firearm against a Sulu official who tried to sneak in a local mall, thinking that Zamboanga City is still part of their war zone.

The apprehension of that official came when security guards of the mall immediately coordinated with the local police during Yanga’s time. And so the SWAT team of the local police rushed and cornered the gun-wielding official.

I’m not saying that the present PNP leadership is doing nothing on the gun ban issue. But I believe much has to be done. If Yanga showed a semblance of success in his gun ban drive where even the out-of-town pulitikos respected such arrangement like limiting the number of security escorts and eliminating the unnecessary brandishing of their weapons in public view, then the same must be done today.

The problem is in the streets where most of the killings occurred and where carrying of firearms is seemed irregularly checked. Checkpoints are established every now and then and I believe this is but just one of the good measures to counter the problem. But then anyone can just make a detour from it as they can see the checkpoints ahead already. And legally speaking, people manning the checkpoints cannot compel the car owners to open their vehicles for thorough inspection of possible concealed weapons unless they see them in public view.
More questions like: For whom is the gun ban? Who are the gun ban violators? And who are carrying guns around the city? For The Record will continue to discuss on this topic in one of our future issues as we need more time and space for this very interesting subject matter.

* * *

In several instances, suspects in criminal cases are freed. Now only their sketches are in custody.

* * *

And speaking of criminal incidents, last Saturday morning’s killing of a policeman along San Jose Road has caused many to ask “Is Zamboanga City still safe?”
It’s a natural reaction of people to fear for their safety when even policemen are being gunned down nowadays. Not long ago a PNP major was also shot dead along that San Jose Road. The rash of shooting incidents in Zamboanga City is something that the leadership of our local government unit should address instantly.

We cannot afford to hear more killings around… much more of policemen. This is really dragging us away from whatever growth and progress are at stake for us, if there is any.

* * *

It’s really very ironic! The city is very serious in its gun ban campaign as suggested by those posters with the face of the mayor in them, and yet we can see people roaming around with heavily armed bodyguards.

For The Record learned that there was one recent incident when two groups of leaders of a neighboring place almost figured in a shootout in a local hotel. Some would go to public places with their armed escorts that even the number of Mayor Lobregat’s or Congressman Erbie Fabian’s escorts could not match with theirs.

Is Zamboanga still safe? Well, I just have to contend with Superman’s positive attitude and borrow his favorite line with modification, and I say : “I believe Zamboanga City statistically is still the safest place in this planet.”

* * *

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: “Only by being on the level can we rise in the eyes of others.”