PNoy suggests compromise on South Cotabato environment code issue

SOUTH COTABATO, Philippines - The Philippine government has started consultations aimed at settling an issue brought about by a newly enacted ordinance that bans open pit mining in South Cotabato province in Mindanao and threatening a $6-billion gold-copper project in that province.

The project run by Sagittarius Mines Inc. is expected to start production in 2015 and hopes to generate 10,000 jobs during construction and 2,000 jobs during operations.

Environment Secretary Ramon Jesus Paje on Tuesday said “they have received instructions from the President to negotiate and attain a compromise”.

"The instruction from Noynoy is that we should attain a compromise," Paje said, referring to the President. "The president has already given us that mandate. It is very important for us." he added.

On Monday, President Benigno Aquino III told reporters he would work out a compromise among concerned parties and that there are consultations going on as in the case of Sagittarius Mines Inc., whose multi-million dollar mining investment is threatened by a provincial ordinance due to environmental concerns.

SMI's investment is touted as the Philippines' largest single investment ever. The Tampakan Gold Copper Project is estimated to contain 13.5 million tonnes of copper and 15.8 million ounces of gold at a 0.3 percent cut-off grade.

The outgoing provincial governor of South Cotabato last month signed and approved the province's Environment Code, which contains a provision that bans open pit mining. The local ordinance triggered uproar from residents and upland tribes within the proposed project area, claiming that local legislators are robbing them of their future.

The President, however, said that the provincial government believes open-pit mining is detrimental to the environment and there is no new technology that will make it safer, while the mining industry players say there can be a healthy compromise that affords us the jobs, the investment and the multiplier effect of that investment on the economy.

“I will work toward that getting them to meet on a common ground that will allay the fears and also afford us the benefits of this investment”, he said.

He expressed “confidence that there can be a meeting of the minds in an atmosphere of trust provided by his administration.”

Aquino said, however, “that at the end of the day it will be the local community whose voice will be loudest as far as I’m concerned, because they will...be the ones to suffer if a disaster happens.”

Paje said “the government wanted to resolve the issue through negotiations, but it could not stop mine operators challenging the legality of the local law in court. (Nikki Gomez)

South Cotabato ban on open pit mining praised

KORONADAL CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / July 5, 2010) - Environmentalists and various indigenous tribes and civil society organizations have praised a move by South Cotabato to ban open pit mining in the province and called on citizens to protect the environment from threats of pollution.

Even the Catholic Church welcomed the decision to ban open pit mining after long years of waiting for the provincial government to sign the Environment Code. Daisy Fuentes, then the governor of South Cotabato, had signed the code before stepping down on June 30.

“It is a victory of the people” said Sister Susan Bolanio, of the environment group called Climate Action Now.

Father Romeo Catedral, of the Social Action Center of the Diocese of Marbel town, said: “It is a victory for all who campaigned against destructive mining in South Cotabato, in our country and abroad. It is all our victory,” he said.

Another environment group called Save SocSarGen Movement also declared the signing of the Environment Code as a victory against large-scale mining, particularly against SMI-Xstrata’s Tampakan Copper Gold Project which it opposed.

Father Gillarme Joy Pelino, one of the movement’s conveners, said the signing was a triumph for the people of Tampakan and the whole province which depend much on watersheds threatened by large-scale open pit mining.

“The watersheds are our lifeline being the water source of our rice fields in the lowlands that ensures our food security,” the priest said. (With a report from Geo Solmerano and Erwin Quinones)

Mount Matutum in South Cotabato Province

The beautiful Mount Matutum, an inactive volcanic mountain in South Cotabato province is a favorite of trekkers and mountain climbers in the southern Philippines. The 2,286-meter Mount Matutum is home to a number of rare and threatened species of birds, including the critically endangered Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) or the monkey-eating eagle which is the tallest, rarest, largest, and most powerful birds in the world. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)

North Cotabato ambush kills army soldier

KIDAPAWAN CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / September 10, 2009) – Gunmen ambushed and killed a government soldier on Thursday in the southern Philippines where security forces are battling communist and Muslim insurgents.

Police said the soldier, who was with a government militia, was visiting his farm in the village of Inas in North Cotabato town of Mlang when gunmen ambushed him. The militia was able to escape the ambush.

Police identified the soldier as Sergeant Tatu Sugang, a member of the Army’s 38th Infantry Battalion. His M16 rifle was also taken by the attackers.

The attack on the soldier came a day after security forces arrested five men implicated in the spate of bombings in Mindanao. The five were arrested in the town of Tantangan in South Cotabato province.

Police said the men are members of the Al-Khobar Gang, a criminal group tagged by authorities as behind the series of extortion activities and kidnappings-for-ransom in Mindanao. (With a report from Geo Solmerano)

2 killed in foiled kidnap of Koreans in southern Philippines

KIDAPAWAN CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / August 21, 2009)–Policemen killed two gunmen in a firefight early Friday after they stormed a small hotel in a failed attempt to kidnap two South Korean holidaymakers in the southern Philippines.

Police said three gunmen managed to escape and that security forces were tracking down the trio in the town of Santo Nino in South Cotabato province.

The gunmen stormed the Signature Place where the foreigners and local guests were staying, but policemen who were notified about the siege foiled the possible kidnappings of the Koreans.

“There is a pursuit operation and soldiers and policemen are tracking down the gunmen,” Colonel Jonathan Ponce, a spokesman for the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, told the Mindanao Examiner.

Ponce said the security forces pursuing the gunmen are members of the newly formed anti-terror and anti-kidnapping group called Task Force 12-Alpha.

“We still do not know what group these armed men belong, but we are sure they are planning to kidnap the two Koreans,” Ponce said without further elaborating. (With a report from Geo Solmerano)

Photo: Philippine President Gloria Arroyo in South Cotabato province

Filipino leader Gloria Arroyo with children during a food feeding program on Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at the Saint Anthony Parish Covered Court in Koronadal City in South Cotabato province. (Photo by Merlyn Acosta)

South Cotabato provincial board set to ban open pit mining

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines – Members of the South Cotabato provincial board will visit early next month the controversial open-pit copper mines in the island of Rapu Rapu in Albay as part of its ongoing study on a proposed ban on open-pit mining in the province under the pending provincial environment code, the Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported Friday.

According to the PNA, Board Member Jose Madanguit, chair of the board's committee on environment, said the planned visit to Rapu Rapu will focus on the evaluation of the possible environmental hazards posed by open-pit mining operations, especially on a large-scale basis.

“We're hoping to get the information that we need that will allow us to see the whole issue on a broader scale and eventually help us decide on whether to proceed with the ban on open-pit mining or not,” he said.

In June, at least eight board members, mostly of the environment committee, toured at least four open-pit mining sites of Toronto Ventures, Inc. (TVI) in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte and Holcim Philippines, Inc. in Lugait, Misamis Oriental.

Madanguit said their initial site visits focused on the evaluation of mine site rehabilitation and the handling of the indigenous people's affected by the mining activities, especially their relocation and compensation.

“This time, we will look into the destruction wrought by open-pit mining in Rapu Rapu, especially the pollution problems, and how it affected the local residents,” he said.
Madanguit said the management of the Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Mining Project., which is now controlled by Korean investors, allowed them to visit the site either on the first or second week of November.

He said the company allowed the provincial board to send a 15-man delegation for the site visit.
The Rapu-Rapu project was the first foreign-operated Philippine project to reach the production stage after the Supreme Court upheld the legality of a 1995 mining law, which opened the sector to foreign investment.

In November 2005, LPI was found liable for the recurrence of cyanide spills, mine tailings and fish kills in the island, causing environmental destruction, community displacements, human rights violation, and livelihood loss to the local people.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources' Mines and Geosciences Bureau eventually ordered Lafayette to pay P134 million to ensure that the environment around the mine site is restored and rehabilitated in case the project is abandoned.

However, there has been no confirmation if the company had complied with such order.

Last April, Korean transnational companies LG International and Korean Resources Inc. gained majority control of Lafayette Philippines Inc., previously an Australian-owned company, which operated the Rapu Rapu mines.

The provincial board was supposed to deliberate on the second reading in late April the proposed provincial environment code that includes a provision banning open-pit mining in the province but it decided to defer the matter due to strong opposition from the business sector, local officials and various government agencies.

Environment Secretary Jose Atienza Jr. personally wrote a letter to the provincial board and South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes seeking a reconsideration regarding the proposed ban on open-pit mining in the province.

Mining firm Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI), which is based in Tampakan town, had issued hints on utilizing open-pit mining on its proposed large-scale copper and gold mining project in the tri-boundaries of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Davao del Sur provinces.

The operations of SMI, which is backed by global mining player Xstrata Copper, has been opposed by local environmental groups and the Catholic Church. (Allen V. Estabillo)

South Cotabato's T'nalak Festival Draws Thousands In Mindanao

Philippine dancers perform in Koronadal City on Friday, July 18, 2008 during the 9th T'nalak Festival, an annual celebration showcasing South Cotabato's ethnic and cultural tradition. At least 18 groups of dancers joined this year's weeklong celebration that drew thousands of people to South Cotabato in Mindanao. (Mindanao Examiner Photo / Mark Navales)

SOUTH COTABATO, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / July 18, 2008) - The celebration demonstrates the importance and significance of the T'nalak cloth as part of the cultural image of South Cotabato, according to the travel site hoparound.net.

It said the T'nalak cloth traditionally woven by the T'boli has become the symbol for South Cotabato as a province where there is “unity in diversity”, the area being home to several indigenous groupings among who are the B'laans, Maguindanaoans or Ikat, and the T'boli.

Weaving one T'nalak cloth by hand is a long process and can take several months, starting with the weaver's self-evaluation and critical analysis of her life followed by a "dreaming" of the design of the fabric. Each piece of cloth is therefore a personal journey documented.

Only natural vegetable dyes are used and each color has a meaning - red for bravery, commitment and love, black for strength of character and endurance through struggle and hardship. The cloth is then subjected to heat and a beating process also significant of the personal journey of the indomitable South Cotabatenos. (Mark Navales)

Mindanao Schools Get 23,000 Books From The Asia Foundation

SOUTH COTABATO, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Mar. 06, 2008) – The Asia Foundation donated 18,000 books Thursday to more than 400 schools in Mindanao and pledged to release more in the southern Philippines.

“We will release more books in southern Philippines and we are so happy to help support basic education program in the region,” said Efren Balajadia, director of the Books for Asia Program, of The Asia Foundation.

Balajadia said they distributed books and other reference materials in Koronadal City and in South Cotabato province. He said they will also release 5,000 books Friday in at least 155 schools in General Santos City.

“Today, we released 18,000 books in 440 mostly public schools in Koronadal and South Cotabato province and we will donate 5,000 more books on Friday in schools in General Santos,” he told the Mindanao Examiner.

In December, Balajadia’s group also donated books and reference materials to Gov. Sakur Tan of Sulu province during a two-day peace caravan. Balajadia said they will continue to support the education program in Sulu, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.

Dr Steven Rood, country representative of The Asia Foundation, said the distribution of the books in Mindanao is made possible through The Asia Foundation’s Transparent Accountable Governance (TAG) project with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The provision of books and other educational resources serves as a joint commitment in the campaign for education among communities in South Cotabato and General Santos, he said.

Balajadia also quoted Ky Johnson, the deputy country representative of The Asia Foundation, as saying: “The Asia Foundation is happy to be able to provide educational resources in order to make a difference in the lives of school children in South Cotabato and General Santos.”

“All members of society have to take on the responsibility of mobilizing their resources to create an impact on the performance of their young leaders. With the help of our local governments and private partners, we can help each community as we bring learning to all deserving schools throughout Southern Mindanao and the rest of the Philippines.” Balajadia said.

Since 1954, Books for Asia program has been committed to the belief that knowledge and education are critical for Asian nations to advance their citizens and societies. The program puts nearly one million up-to-date books and resources of the highest quality into the hands of students, teachers, and librarians in 17 Asian countries each year, according to The Asia Foundation.

“Education forms the foundation for all prosperous and democratic societies,” Jon Lindborg, USAID Philippines Mission Director, said in a statement. “The U.S. Government is very proud to support the work of dedicated organizations like The Asia Foundation and committed schools and communities across Mindanao to help improve educational opportunities for school children and young scholars.”

USAID's program in the Philippines, valued at approximately $80 million in 2008, focuses on strengthening peace in conflict-affected Mindanao, promoting good governance, increasing economic opportunities, protecting the environment, strengthening health services, and improving basic education.

Last year, The Asia Foundation, a non-profit, non-governmental organization committed to the development of a peaceful, prosperous, just, and open Asia-Pacific region, provided more than $68 million in program support and distributed 974,000 books and educational materials valued at $33 million throughout Asia. It depends solely on monetary contributions from donors to accomplish its work.

Reynald Ocampo, Assistant Program Officer-Books for Asia Program, acknowledged the unrelenting support of public and private partners in the endeavor and said U.S. publishers have supplied the books while the Aboitiz2go helped shipped them to Mindanao.

“We are happy to help and look forward to providing more books to other areas in Mindanao,” Ocampo said in a separate interview. (With a report from Mark Navales)

Photo: Winners Of The Child-Friendly Cities, Municipalities In Philippines

Regional winners of the 2007 Presidential Awards for Child-friendly Cities and Municipalities in Region XI in Mindanao pose with their awards Wednesday March 5, 2008 in Koronadal City in South Cotabato province. The recipients of the awards are Mayor Elsie Perrett (4th from right) of Maitum town in Sarangani province,(for the 1st to 3rd class municipalities) and Mayor Antonio Damandaman (3rd from right) of Sto. Nino town in South Cotabato (for 4th to 6th class). These towns represent the region in the national search. (Photo by Beth Palma Gil - Maitum Municipal Information Office/Mindanao Examiner)

The Asia Foundation Distributes Books In Southern Philippines

Efren Balajadia, the Director of the Books for Asia Program, of The Asia Foundation, hands over books and reference materials to Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan and Vice Gov. Lady Anne Sahidullah and other provincial officials headed by Patikul town Mayor Kabir Hayudini during a two-day peace caravan in Sulu province. The Asia Foundation will distribute 20,000 books on Thursday and Friday, March 6-7, 2008 in South Cotabato province and General Santos City in southern Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner Photo/Nickee Butlangan)

KORONADAL CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Mar. 05, 2008) – The Asia Foundation will release some 20,000 children’s books and reference materials to 560 schools in the southern Philippines.

Steven Rood, Country Representative of The Asia Foundation, said they will distribute the books at separate ceremonies on Thursday and Friday in South Cotabato province and General Santos City.

The donations, he said, are part of The Asia Foundation’s Books for Asia program. The distribution of the books in Mindanao is made possible through The Asia Foundation’s Transparent Accountable Governance (TAG) project with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Among key people who are invited to grace the occasion in South Cotabato are Koronadal City Mayor Fernando Miguel, South Cotabato Governor Daisy Fuentes and other government and education officials.

Mayor Pedro Acharon and Congresswoman Darlene Custodio will also lead the ceremony in General Santos City.

The provision of books and other educational resources serves as a joint commitment in the campaign for education among communities in South Cotabato and General Santos.

“The Asia Foundation is happy to be able to provide educational resources in order to make a difference in the lives of school children in South Cotabato and General Santos.”

“All members of society have to take on the responsibility of mobilizing their resources to create an impact on the performance of their young leaders. With the help of our local governments and private partners, we can help each community as we bring learning to all deserving schools throughout Southern Mindanao and the rest of the Philippines,” said Ky Johnson, Deputy Country Representative of The Asia Foundation.

Since 1954, Books for Asia program has been committed to the belief that knowledge and education are critical for Asian nations to advance their citizens and societies. The program puts nearly one million up-to-date books and resources of the highest quality into the hands of students, teachers, and librarians in 17 Asian countries each year, according to The Asia Foundation.

“Education forms the foundation for all prosperous and democratic societies,” Jon Lindborg, USAID Philippines Mission Director, said. “The U.S. Government is very proud to support the work of dedicated organizations like The Asia Foundation and committed schools and communities across Mindanao to help improve educational opportunities for school children and young scholars.”

USAID's program in the Philippines, valued at approximately $80 million in 2008, focuses on strengthening peace in conflict-affected Mindanao, promoting good governance, increasing economic opportunities, protecting the environment, strengthening health services, and improving basic education.

Last year, The Asia Foundation, a non-profit, non-governmental organization committed to the development of a peaceful, prosperous, just, and open Asia-Pacific region, provided more than $68 million in program support and distributed 974,000 books and educational materials valued at $33 million throughout Asia. It depends solely on monetary contributions from donors to accomplish its work.

Reynald Ocampo, Assistant Program Officer-Books for Asia Program, acknowledged the unrelenting support of public and private partners in the endeavor and said U.S. publishers have supplied the books while the Aboitiz2go helped shipped them to Mindanao.

“We are happy to help and look forward to providing more books to other areas in Mindanao,” Ocampo told the Mindanao Examiner.

In December, the Asia Foundation led by Efren Balajadia, the Books for Asia Program Director, also donated books and reference materials to Sulu province during a two-day peace caravan. Balajadia said they will continue to support basic education program in Sulu. (With reports from Mark Navales and Nickee Butlangan)

NPA Rebels Own Up Attack On Swiss Mining Firm In Southern Philippines

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 03, 2008) – Communist rebels claimed responsibility for the attack on a mining firm in the southern Philippines.

Rebels raided the Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI) in the town of Tampakan in South Cotabato early Tuesday, torching buildings and equipment and attacking a military post nearby.

Authorities said no one was injured or killed in the raid, which the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels claimed was a punishment for the giant Swiss mining firm accused of land grabbing, plunder and environmental destruction.

The rebels said the raid was in response to a longstanding demand of the people to put a stop to the firm’s operations in the area.

Gregorio Rosal, spokesman for the outlawed Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), said rebel forces also seized a pistol, a shotgun, a two-way radio communication set from SMI guards during the raid.

He said rebels also fired deterrent shots at a nearby detachment of the Philippine Army in order to prevent soldiers from coming to the defense of the mining firm they are serving and in order to allow the unhampered withdrawal of the NPA rebels.

“The raid is an important milestone in the effort to put a stop to the firm’s destructive and plunderous (sic) mining operation, defend the ancestral domain of the B'laan tribe; protect the environmental balance of the Liguasan Marsh and the water supply of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and General Santos City areas; and resist the Arroyo regime's campaign to auction off the country's natural resources to big foreign capitalists,” Rosal said.

NPA forces have previously raided other mining firms in Mindanao which refused to pay illegal taxation. The attack sent a chilling warning to the government that the NPA can carry out offensive despite a massive military operation to crush the growing insurgency problems in Mindanao island.

Indigenous tribes were protesting the operation of the SMI, saying, the mining activities allegedly encroached into ancestral lands and caused pollution in rivers and streams in Tampakan, which is considered a watershed area.

Rosal said the locals are opposing plans by SMI to start open pit mining operations by 2010 in the hinterland villages of Bong Mal, Tablu, Danlag and Pulo Bato.

He said open pit mining operations are considered as among the most ecologically destructive method of mining as this wipe out entire forests and watershed areas.

SMI is partly owned by Xstrata, one of the world's largest mining companies based in Switzerland.

Tampakan is said to be one of the world's “best new large-scale copper gold mines,” with an estimated 11.6 million tons of copper and 14.6 million ounces of gold.

Rosal said the raid against the SMI was part of offensive operations against big foreign mining firms that plunder the country’s natural resources. He accused Manila of protecting mining firms, which have destroyed ancestral lands and polluted the environment and displaced indigenous people.

“The Arroyo regime lets big foreign mining companies siphon out billions of dollars worth of Philippine natural resources to the further detriment of the people's livelihood and the environment.”

“As the people intensify their struggle to assert national patrimony against the rapacity of foreign monopoly capitalists, the New People's Army will carry out more and more punitive actions in response to the people's demands to stop the unbridled rapacious and destructive operations of big foreign mining companies,” Rosal said.

In March last year, NPA rebels also raided a private coal mining firm, the MG Mining Company, in Raja Kabunsuan village in Surigao del Sur's Lingig town.

The NPA carted weapons taken from security guards at the mining headquarters after MG executives refused to pay illegal taxation imposed by the insurgents.

The NPA had been collecting so-called "revolutionary taxes" to support its armed struggle to overthrow the democratic government for a separate Maoist homeland in the Philippines.

The latest attack came days after the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) said the NPA has achieved significant military victories in 2007 and warned of more and bigger offensive this year. (Mindanao Examiner)

Commuter Bus Bombed In Southern Philippines

COTABATO CITY (Mindanao Examiner / 07 Jul) – A powerful bomb explosion ripped through a commuter bus Saturday in the southern Philippines, police and military authorities said.

The blast damaged a bus owned by YBL in Koronadal City in South Cotabato province, but there were no reports of casualties. The bus came from Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat province.

Authorities said the explosive was planted at the rear of the bus and detonated at around 5.35 p.m. when all the passengers had disembarked at a transport depot.

No group or individual claimed responsibility for the blast. Police and military would not say whether the latest attack was connected to the terror groups Abu Sayyaf or Jemaah Islamiya.

The bus was bombed at a time the firm’s transport workers were threatening to stage a strike because of labor dispute.

Last month, a commuter bus owned by Weena Bus Lines was also bombed at a transport terminal in Bansalan town in Davao del Sur province.

Foreign embassies have warned their citizens against traveling in the southern Philippines because of threats of terror attacks and kidnappings for ransom. Filipino troops are battling Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya militants in the volatile region.

Security forces are also pursuing rogue members of the country’s largest Muslim rebel group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, who are holding an Italian Roman Catholic priest Giancarlo Bossi kidnapped June 10 in Zamboanga Sibugay province. (Juan Magtanggol)

Police Foils Possible Car Bombing In Southern Philippines

COTABATO CITY (Mindanao Examiner / 13 Jun) – Police foiled a possible car bombing Tuesday in the restive Filipino region of Mindanao, where security forces are battling terrorism.

The car, laden with explosives and homemade bombs, was discovered abandoned near the municipal hall of Surallah in South Cotabato province, police said.

It said an informant tipped off authorities about the car bomb. Provincial police chief Robert Kiunisala said the car contained mortar bombs rigged to electronic timers and other explosives that would trigger detonation.

Police forces have been deployed in the town which is celebrating its 44th foundation anniversay.

The foiled bombing came barely a week after 11 people were injured in two explosions inside a commuter bus in the town of Matalam on the other side of South Cotabato.

Last month, at least 11 people were killed and more than 100 others wounded in separate bomb attacks in Mindanao, where security forces are battling members of the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group.

Filipino troops, backed by U.S. and Australian military intelligence, are also hunting down Jemaah Islamiya bombers hiding in Mindanao, among them are Indonesian militants Dulmatin and Marwan and Umar Patek, blamed for the spate of attacks in Jakarta and Manila.

In 2004, the Abu Sayyaf bombed a ferry off the Manila Bay and killed more than 100 passengers.

The U.S. blacklisted the Abu Sayyaf and the Jemaah Islamiya and added them to the list of foreign terrorist organizations and Washington offered as much as ten million dollars for the capture of their leaders.

Rogue Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels, probably with ties with the Abu Sayyaf, have kidnapped June 10 an Italian missioner, Fr. Giancarlo Bossi after celebrating mass in Zamboanga Sibugay province.

The United States, Canada and Britain have issued travel warnings and strongly advised their citizens not to travel to the southern part of the Philippines because of threats of terrorism and kidnappings of foreigners.

“The Embassy has information that terrorists may be planning to carry out bombings at bus terminals and public market places. U.S. citizens should exercise extreme caution in central Mindanao.”

“U. S. citizens living and working in central Mindanao are urged to reassess their personal security and to keep a low profile, and should avoid public gathering places,” the United States Embassy said.

Britain on Tuesday said there is a high threat from terrorism throughout the Philippines.

“Terrorist groups continue to plan attacks and have the capacity and the intent to carry out these attacks at any time and anywhere in the country. Attacks could be indiscriminate and against civilian targets in public places including those frequented by foreigners.”

“You should also be aware of the risk of terrorist attacks to all forms of public transport: road, rail, sea and air. Terrorist groups have threatened to attack passenger ferries and other vessels, particularly those operating from Mindanao,” it said. (Mark Navales, Juley Reyes and Juan Magtanggol)

Manny Pacquiao Napatay Raw Sa Ambush! Propaganda o Paninira?

GENERAL SANTOS (Mindanao Examiner / 06 May) – Kalat sa Mindanao ang ulat na napatay diumano sa isang ambush si boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao at halos nagkagulo ang mga media sa balitang kumalat sa text messages.

Napaslang umano si Pacquiao habang nangangampanya sa South Cotabato at hanggang kahapon ay mainiti pa rin ang balita at unang pumasok sa isipan ng marami ay ang intelligence report na may P100 milyong ang umano’y inilaan sa pagpatay kay Pacquiao ng kanyang katungali.

Subalit ang balitang napatay si Pacquiao ay pinabulaanan mismo ng kampo ng boxer.

"Nagtitiwala ako sa mahal na Panginoon, hindi niya ako pababayaan. Di ako natatakot sa kanila. Ipagdadasal ko sila sana mararamdaman nila ang pagmamahal sa bawa't isa,” ani Pacquiao sa himpilang dzBB sa Maynila.

Sinisi naman ni Pacquiao ang kanyang katungali sa kumakalat ng text messages. Si South Cotabato Rep. Darlene Custodio ang kalaban ni Pacquiao sa pagka-kongresista sa lalawigan.

Ngunit duda naman ang karamihan sa mga taga-General Santos at sinasabing maaaring palabas lamang ng mga supporters ni Pacquiao ang balita upang ito’y mapag-usapan ng media.

Bumubulusok pababa ang kasikatan ni Pacquiao sa South Cotabato dahil sa mga paratang nito kay Custodio, na kinakapatid pa ng boxer. Si Custodio ang umano’y nagpapapatay kay Pacquiao, ayon sa intelligence report. Itinanggi naman ito ni Custodio at maging ang publiko ay hindi rin kinagat ang naturang ulat.

Sa militar, ang intelligence report ay siyang may pinakamababang kredibilidad at lahat ng ito ay dapat pinagaaralan ng husto at hindi ibinubunyag sa publiko.

Marami sa mga intelligence report ay pawang mga napupulot na impormasyon mula sa mga ibat-ibang sources – palengke, barberya at iba ay iniimbento lamang upang may mailabas na impormasyon ukol sa isang target.

Ang ibang intelligence report naman ay iniimbento lamang kapalit ng salapi. Malimit rin itong gamitin bilang alibi sa isang operasyon. (Mindanao Examiner)

Photo: Filipino Students Cross River In Mindanao

WHERE IS DEVELOPMENT? Grade school students cross a river Monday 12 Monday 2007 in the town of Banga in South Cotabato province in Mindanao. Villagers cross this dangerous path everyday to get to the other side of town. The river overflows every time it rains posing hazards to civilians in the town. Many politicians brag about developments and bright future, especially during elections.(Mindanao Examiner Photo/Mark Navales)