Muslim man accused military agents of abduction in Mindanao

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 18, 2009) – After being accused as behind extrajudicial killings of political activists in the Philippines, the military is again dragged into another scandal after intelligence agents abducted a Muslim man in Zamboanga City on suspicion he is a member of kidnap syndicate.

The victim, Hadjan Mimpi, said he was freed after being interrogated for hours by the military. He said he was blindfolded and released on a remote village after the agents realized they picked up an innocent civilian.

Mimpi told police that he was abducted at gunpoint in broad daylight along Veterans Avenue in front of horrified civilians and forced inside a van on January 14.  

The 24-year old man said military agents were forcing him to admit that he is a member of a kidnap-for-ransom gang.

Witnesses first reported the abduction to the police. The report sent policemen scrambling to pursue the gunmen they initially suspected as kidnappers and sealed off several villages, putting up road blocks, but failed to catch up with the van.

Military intelligence agents tried to cover up the bungled arrest and phoned the police to say it was all a drill. The police said there was no military drill.

Mimpi said he would file a criminal case against those behind his abduction. The police and the Commission on Human Rights are also investigating the incident.

Political groups and left-wing organizations had accused the military as behind the killings of more than 900 activists and suspected communist rebel supporters since 2001 across the country, but security officials denied all allegations that soldiers were involved in extrajudicial or summary executions.

A Filipino human rights group called Karapatan blamed the continued political killings in the country and blamed the Arroyo government for the murders. It said the killings were triggered by the government's anti-insurgency campaign. 

The group said it recorded 977 cases of extrajudicial killings and 201 victims of enforced disappearances since President Gloria Arroyo came into power eight years ago. (Mindanao Examiner)

 

Kidnapped Red Cross workers make phone call to aid group in the Philippines

Kidnapped ICRC workers Eugenio Vagni, Andreas Notter and Jean Lacaba.

MANILA, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 17, 2009) - Three Red Cross workers kidnapped in the southern Philippines have contacted their mission and military efforts to rescue them proved more harder as hundreds of troops continue their search for the hostages being held captive by the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu province.

The International Committee of the Red Cross said Saturday the trio - Swiss national Andreas Notter, Italian Eugene Vagni and Filipino Jean Lacaba - made contact, but no details about the phone call were made public.

The three were seized by gunmen on January 15 on their way to the airport after visiting a prison facility in the town of Patikul. A former prison guard, Raden Abu, and an Abu Sayyaf leader Albader Parad, were implicated in the kidnappings, authorities told the Mindanao Examiner. (Mindanao Examiner)

Photo: The Philippines' Halad Festival

Filipino native dancers perform Saturday, January 17, 2009 during the annual 2009 HALAD Festival (A tribute to pit Señor Santo Niño) in the township of Midsayap in North Cotabato province. (Mindanao Examiner Photo / Mark Navales)

20,746 Pinoy nurses sought US jobs in 2008

MANILA, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 17, 2009) - Despite the global economic meltdown that has hit the United States hard, with some 2.6 million Americans losing their jobs in the last 12 months, more than 20,000 Filipino nurses still indicated their desire to practice their profession in that country by taking the US licensure examination last year, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) said.

Former Senator and TUCP secretary-general Ernesto Herrera said a total of 20,746 Filipino nurses took NCLEX for the first time in 2008. The NCLEX refers to the National Council Licensure Examination administered by the US (National Council) of State Boards of Nursing Inc. (USNCSBN).

Herrera said the 20,746 represents a decline of 3.5 percent, or 753 fewer compared to the 21,499 Filipino nurses that took the NCLEX for the first time in 2007.

The 20,746 also brought to 66,597 the total number of Filipino nurses that indicated their desire to enter the US nursing profession by taking the NCLEX for the first time since 2005, according to Herrera, former chairman of the Senate labor, employment and human resources development committee.

Citing USNCSBN statistics, Herrera said a total of 9,181 Filipino nurses took the NCLEX for the first time in 2005; 15,171 in 2006; and 21,499 in 2007.

Herrera said the slight decrease in the number of Filipino nurses that took the NCLEX for the first time in 2008 "does not necessarily suggest a trend."

"It is too early to say whether there is a downtrend, considering the drop was marginal, and came after huge increases of 65 percent in 2006 and 42 percent in 2007," he pointed out.

"Based on the initial feedback that we got from the NCLEX testing center here in Manila, which opened only in August 2007, there is a long waiting period before nurses can actually take the test. This is because so many have already lined up to take the test, and the center can only accommodate so many takers at a time," Herrera added.

Herrera earlier said only the Healthcare and education sectors in the US are actually creating new jobs, and that the rest of that country's economic segments are either reducing personnel, or have ceased hiring.

But on Friday, even one of the world's largest pharmaceutical firms, New York City-based Pfizer Inc., said it was laying off a third of its 8,000 sales staff in the US, and eliminating 800 research positions.

Herrera, meanwhile, urged Filipino nurses that have been recruited by American employers or their Philippine agencies to get hold of the "Voluntary Code for the Recruitment of Foreign-Educated Nurses to the United States."

"The document, available online, is a must-read for every Filipino nurse planning to work in America," he said.

Herrera said the code essentially binds subscribers, including recruiters and employers, to minimum ethical standards in order to discourage abuses and to prevent the exploitation and discrimination of Filipino and other foreign-educated nurses in the US.

Philippine military imposes news blackout on Red Cross kidnappings

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 17, 2000) – The Philippine military has imposed Saturday a news blackout on the ongoing operation to free three Red Cross members kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf militants whose group is tied to al-Qaeda terror network.

Hundreds of troops are tracking down the Abu Sayyaf and their captives Swiss national Andreas Notter, Italian Eugene Vagni and Marie Jean Lacaba, all members of the International Committee of the Red Cross, who inspected a prison facility in the town of Patikul last week.

Defense chief Gilberto Teodoro Jr has said the offensive against the Abu Sayyaf was hampered by the kidnappings. Authorities have tagged Albader Parad, a commander of the Abu Sayyaf group, and a former jail guard Raden Abu, in the kidnapping of the ICRC team on Thursday.

On Saturday, the military’s Western Mindanao Command said it will not anymore release any information about the progress of the rescue mission. US troops, backed by unmanned aerial vehicles, are already helping the local military in the operation in Sulu, military sources said.

Security officials refused to give details or progress of the rescue operation, saying, it could jeopardize the whole mission and put the lives of the hostages at risk.

“Please be informed that for the time being, the Western Mindanao Command will not be able to provide updates regarding the ICRC abduction incident. This is not a media blackout, but rather a precaution to ensure the safety of the victims is not jeopardized.”

“However, be assured that should there be some major developments in the case, you will be accordingly informed. We hope four your continued support and understanding, especially at this time when information is critical and could spell the difference between success or failure of our efforts to safely bring home the victims,” said Army Lt. Steffani Cacho, spokeswoman for the Western Mindanao Command.

The kidnappers have not demanded any ransom, but the ICRC in Manila said it has received reliable information that the hostages are alive.

The trio arrived January 13 in Sulu province to inspect humanitarian works at the prison in Patikul, according to Teodoro. He said the ICRC team had refused military escorts, saying, they would go to rebel camps, including the Abu Sayyaf, and brief them about the International Humanitarian Law.

ICRC spokesman Roland Bigler said the victims were visiting the provincial jail, carrying out a water and sanitation project to improve the conditions of detainees.

“The ICRC people intimated to me that the reason also they do not want an armed escorts because they will go the MILF, the MNLF and the ASG to teach them the IHL,” he said, referring to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the Moro National Liberation Front and the Abu Sayyaf groups.

Police said the hostages were last spotted in the hinterlands of Maimbung, a known stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf. “We have reports that then kidnappers have taken their captives to the hinterlands of Maimbung. We have put up blocking forces in the area while troops are pursuing the Abu Sayyaf and their hostages,” said Senior Superintendent Julasirim Kasim, the Sulu police said.

The Abu Sayyaf has been labeled as a terrorist organization by both Manila and the United States. It has been tagged as behind many kidnappings-for-ransom and bombings in the restive region of the southern Philippines.

The group was also behind the abduction of 21 European tourists and Asian workers from the Malaysian resort island of Sipadan in 2000 and ransomed them off for millions of dollars which was used to purchase weapons and finance terrorism in the Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner)

 

Support the proposed 3rd Congressional District of Zamboanga City

1. What is a Legislative District?

A Legislative District is a constituency with a Representative in the Lower House of Congress or the House of Representatives. It has an average population of about 250,000 to 500,000 which may be composed of: (a.) an entire province, (b.) within a province, a group of municipalities and cities (sometimes even including independent and highly urbanized cities geographically located in the province), (c.) a single city, (d.) a group of geographically adjacent independent cities and independent municipalities or (e.) a group of barangays within a city.

There are also city councilor districts for the purpose of electing Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) members, which follow the congressional district arrangement.

Each province is guaranteed at least one representative to the lower house, even though it may not come close to having the same population as that of other more populated legislative districts. Only voters within each district are allowed to vote in the election for the member of the House of Representatives from that district. (Source: http://www.answers.com/)

2. What are the requirements of a Legislative District?

Under the 1987 Constitution, each Legislative District shall comprise, as far as practicable, contiguous, compact, and adjacent territory. It must also have a population of at least two hundred fifty thousand (250,000).

3. Can Congress accommodate another Member beyond the Constitutional limit of 250 Members?

The present limit of 250 members is not absolute. The Constitution clearly provides that the House of Representatives shall be composed of not more than 250 members, "unless otherwise provided by law."

The inescapable import of the latter clause is that the present composition of Congress may be increased, if Congress itself so mandates through a legislative enactment.

Therefore, the increase in congressional representation mandated by law is not unconstitutional. (Tobias vs. Abalos, G.R. No. 114783, December 8, 1994)

4. How many Congressional Representatives is Zamboanga City entitled to?

As of the latest population census taken last August 2007, the City of Zamboanga has a total population of 774,407. Thus, the people of the City of Zamboanga are already entitled to three (3) Representatives in the House of Representatives.

5. How will a 3rd Legislative District be created?

A Legislative District is created by an Enabling Law passed by both houses of Congress. A Member of Congress must file a bill seeking the reappointment of the Barangays comprising the existing 1st and 2nd Legislative Districts.

In short, the 3rd District will be carved out of the existing Legislative Districts of Zamboanga City. The assignment of Barangays comprising the three Legislative Districts must comply with the constitutional requisites, i.e. each district must be composed of barangays which are contiguous, compact, and adjacent territories and it must have a population of at least two hundred fifty thousand. 6. How does a Bill become a Law?

A bill may be introduced in the House of Representatives or the Senate.On 1st Reading, the title and number of the bill is read, and then, it is referred to the appropriate committee. The committee studies the bill and conducts hearings on it. Thereafter, a committee report is prepared on the bill.

The committee report is read in open session, and together with the bill, it is referred to the Rules Committee. The Rules Committee can place the bill in the 2nd Reading Calendar or in the Calendar of Unassigned Business.

On 2nd Reading, a bill is subject to debate and amendment before being placed in the 3rd Reading Calendar for final passage. After its passage by one house, the bill goes through the same process in the other house.

If amendments are made in one house, the other house must concur. When the bill is passed by both houses, it is signed by their respective leaders and sent to the President for approval.

The President may sign the bill into a law, or veto all or part of it. The bill becomes a law if, within 30 days after receiving it, the President fails to sign or veto the bill. The bill, even if vetoed by the President, also becomes a law when Congress overrides the veto by a 2/3 vote of all its Members.

This whole process can take much time to be completed, such as years or even an entire Regular Session of Congress (3 years) or more. (Source: http://www.congress.gov.ph/)

7. What Barangays will be part of the 3rd Legislative District?

The composition of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Legislative Districts are currently being thoroughly studied in order to ensure compliance with the constitutional requirements. Public consultations with the affected constituents will be undertaken to ensure that the different points of view are considered before making the reappointment of barangays. 8. Are there any advantages or disadvantages in having a 3rd Legislative District?

One of the advantages in having a 3rd legislative district in the City of Zamboanga is additional representation in Congress for the residents of the City, which will be proportional to the number of its residents.

The creation of an additional legislative district will be consistent with the constitutional mandate of proportional representation. The additional representation will also result in the additional allocation of Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) which makes possible the implementation, in every congressional district, of small-scale but significant projects which can not be part of large-scale projects of national agencies.

These projects are generally in the form of infrastructure, health, education and social aid packages. The additional congressional representative will also result in better administration and governance as well as a more efficient delivery of basic services to the people.

9. How will the creation of a 3rd Legislative District Impact the Sangguniang Panlungsod?

Republic Act No. 6636, as amended, provides that any city with more than one representative district shall have eight (8) councilors for each district who shall be residents thereof to be elected by the qualified voters therein.

For questions, comments and suggestions please contact or write to:

Congresswoman Isabelle "Beng" Climaco
1st District of Zamboanga City
AMWSLAI Building, Sta. Maria, Zamboanga City
Telefax: (062) 990-2759
Email: beng_climaco@yahoo.com
Website: bengclimaco.net

Congressman Erbie Fabian
2nd District of Zamboanga City
Yang's Tower, Guiwan, Zamboanga City
Tel. No. (062) 993-0600





(The Mindanao Examiner supports the proposed 3rd Legislative District for Zamboanga City)

Photo: Moro Rebels Fire Grenade Near Refugee Shelter In Mindanao

Sarangani province Vice Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon and Army Lt. Col. Edgardo de Leon, commander of the 73rd Infantry Battalion, inspect Thursday, January 15, 2009 the area where an M203 rifle grenade fired by Moro rebels exploded just 50 meters away from Ireneo Lopez Elementary School that serves as evacuation center of over 300 families.(Photo by Bon-Bon Quiňo)

ICRC kidnappings hamper military operations vs. Sayyaf in the southern Philippines

Philippine Defense chief Gilberto Teodoro is welcomed Friday, January 16, 2009 at the Edwin Andrews Air Base in Zamboanga City. Teodoro flew to Sulu province and met with Governor Sakur Tan and senior military and police commanders and was briefed on the progress of the rescue operation for three kidnapped Red Cross members - Swiss national Andreas Notter, Italian Eugene Vagni and Filipino Marie Jean Lacaba - seized Thursday by gunmen after visiting a prison facility in Patikul town. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 16, 2000) – Government operations against the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group has been hampered by the kidnappings of three Red Cross members in Sulu province in the southern Philippine, Defense chief Gilberto Teodoro said Friday.

Gunmen kidnapped Thursday Swiss national Andreas Notter, Italian Eugene Vagni and Marie Jean Lacaba, all members of the International Committee of the Red Cross, who inspected a prison facility in the town of Patikul.

Police linked the Abu Sayyaf group to the kidnappings, but the military said a former prison guard was among those who snatched the trio.

“There is an eye witness who pointed to the former jail guard as involved in the kidnapping. And base on the pattern of activity there (in Sulu), money could be the motive behind the kidnapping,” Teodoro said in Zamboanga City after visiting Sulu province.

Teodoro said the trio, who arrived January 13 in Sulu province, refused military escorts, saying, they would go to rebel camps, including the Abu Sayyaf, and brief them about the International Humanitarian Law.

“The ICRC people intimated to me that the reason also they do not want an armed escorts because they will go the MILF, the MNLF and the ASG to teach them the IHL,” he said.

Teodoro was referring to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the Moro National Liberation Front and the Abu Sayyaf groups.

He said he met with Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan and senior military and police commanders and discussed the ongoing rescue operation in Sulu, where hundreds of troops are searching for the victims.

Teodoro said there has been no demand for ransom. “We will not negotiate with the kidnappers. We have a strict no-ransom policy,” he said.

He likened the kidnappers to international pirates who do not recognize neutral organizations such as the Red Cross. “They do not respect anybody, much more the Red Cross, and they (kidnappers) are like international pirates that prey on hapless people,” he said.

Police said the victims were believed taken to the hinterlands of Maimbung, a known stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf. “We have reports that then kidnappers have taken their captives to the hinterlands of Maimbung. We have put up blocking forces in the area while troops are pursuing the Abu Sayyaf and their hostages,” said Senior Superintendent Julasirim Kasim, the Sulu police said.

ICRC spokesman Roland Bigler said the victims were visiting the provincial jail, carrying out a water and sanitation project to improve the conditions of detainees. He said that despite the abductions, the ICRC will still continue its various humanitarian works in the southern Philippines.

Authorities tagged the Abu Sayyaf as behind many kidnappings-for-ransom and deadly attacks in the southern Philippines. The group was also behind the abduction of 21 European tourists and Asian workers from a Malaysian resort island of Sipadan in 2000 and three Americans in 2001 in central Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner)

Sayyaf, tuluyan ng isinabit sa ICRC kidnapping sa Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 16, 2000) – Tuluyan ng isinabit ng pulisya ang grupong Abu Sayyaf sa kidnapping ng tatlong miyembro ng International Committee of the Red Cross sa lalawigan ng Sulu.

Sinabi ni Sulu police chief Julasirim Kasim na posibleng sabit ang grupo ni Commander Albader Parad sa kidnapping nina Swiss national Andreas Notter, Italian Eugene Vagni at Pilipinang si Marie Jean Lacaba. Dinukot ang tatlo matapos na bumisita sa bilangguan sa bayan ng Patikul kamakalawa.

“May intelligence report na tayo na nagsasabing may kinalaman ang grupo nina Albader Parad sa kidnapping. Patuloy ang rescue operation natin at ipinag-utos ni (Sulu) Gov. Sakur Tan na gawin ang lahat upang makuha ang tatlo ICRC members,” ani Kasim.

Isinabit naman ng militar ang dating jail warden ng bilangguan na umano’y may kinalaman sa kidnapping, ngunit tumanggi naman ibigay ng mga opisyal ang panagalan nito dahil sa patuloy na operation.

Galit na galit naman si Tan sa naganap na kidnapping dahil sa kahihiyaang idinulot nito, partikular na ang mga biktima ay isang neutral organization. “Hindi namin sila titigilan at kailangan ay ibalik nila sa amin ang mga biktima,” wika pa ni Tan sa hiwalay na panayam sa telepono.

Personal naman na tinututukan ni Tan ang progreso ng rescue operation na isinasagawa ng militar at pulisya. Maging ang mga mayor sa kalapit na bayan ng Patikul ay ipinatawag na rin kahapon ni Tan upang pulungin at lalong paigtingin ang paghahanap kina Notter, Vagni at Lacaba.

Isang malapit kay Tan ang nagsabing oras-oras na tinatawagan nito ang mga commander ng militar at pulisya at mga mayors at inaalam ang progreso ng paghahanap. Inaabot rin umano ng gabi sa bayan ng Patikul si Tan dahil sa pagbabantay nito sa operation. (Mindanao Examiner)

Red Cross team seized in southern Philippines

The International Committee of the Red Cross released this undated photo of Swiss Andreas Notter, who was kidnapped along with Italian Eugene Vagni and Filipino Jean Lacaba, all members of the ICRC, on Thursday, January 15, 2009 in Patikul town in Sulu, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao. (ICRC, HO).

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 15, 2009) – Suspected Abu Sayyaf rebels abducted Thursday 3 members of the International Committee of the Red Cross in the southern Filipino island of Sulu, officials said.

The trio – Swiss Andreas Notter, Italian Eugenio Vagni and Filipino Jean Lacaba – were seized near Patikul town, said Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan. “I have ordered police and military forces to pursue the abductors. There will be no let-up in this operation,” he said.

Tan, chairman of the local crisis management committee, said provincial guards and security forces have recovered the Red Cross vehicle on a village in Patikul. “We will not stop until we get them back safely,” said Tan, who is supervising the rescue operation in Patikul town.

Marine Lt. Gen. Nelson Allaga, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, said the ICRC team was inspecting humanitarian works in Sulu when they were seized on the road. “It must have been a chance opportunity for the abductors,” he said.

The military said it tried to stop the ICRC workers from going unescorted to Patikul, but they insisted. “They were duly advised about the security situation in the island, but being a neutral organization, had denied (military) armed escorts,” said Lt. Stefanni Cacho, a regional army spokeswoman.

Cacho said there is a probability the Abu Sayyaf was behind the abduction.

Tan had previously ordered the police and military to escort foreigners and journalists working in Sulu because of threats of kidnappings by Abu Sayyaf rebels after they snatched a Filipino television presenter Ces Drilon and her cameramen Jimmy Encarnacion and Angelo Valderama, including their guide Prof. Octavio Dinampo while on a clandestine coverage on June 8 last year.

The four were freed weeks later after private negotiators paid P20 million ransom.

Abu Sayyaf militants are still holding a kidnapped a Chinese trader, Xili Wu alias Peter Go, in Sulu since last month. Four militants seized the 28-year old Wu, from Fujian province, as he was closing his electronics store in Jolo town on December 13.

Police said Wu, along with five other Chinese men, arrived in Jolo in December 2007 and since then operated the Perlas Trading by using fake Filipino identities.

Authorities tagged the Abu Sayyaf group as behind the spate of kidnappings and bomb attacks across Mindanao. The Abu Sayyaf, which means "The Bearer of the Sword," has been labeled a terrorist organization by both Manila and Washington, and is believed by the US to have links with the al-Qaeda terror network. (Mindanao Examiner)

Jeep barker killed in Zamboanga City

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 14, 2009) – Unidentified gunmen killed a passenger jeep barker in an attack Tuesday morning in Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines, police said.

Police said Reynaldo Apolinario was shot several times as he was driving his motorcycle near Daisy Rd. in the village of Guiwan. Residents in the area said they heard gunshots at around 5.30 a.m., but ignored it for fear the attackers would turn on them.

Police said it is still investigating the murder, but suggested that the killing was connected to an old grudge. Investigators said they found empty shells of .45-caliber pistol near the body of Apolinario.

Summary execution is not uncommon in Zamboanga City where most of the killings were blamed by authorities to hired murderers. 

Last month, a 14-year old boy, Benjamin Mariga, was arrested by traffic aides and later found his body on a remote village with 14 knife wounds. (Mindanao Examiner)

12 prisoners escape, police launched massive hunt in South RP

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 14, 2008) – Police launched a massive manhunt against 12 prisoners who escaped from jail in Sulu, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao.

Police said guards had also killed one prisoner while trying to escape from his cell on Tuesday. The 12 prisoners are facing various charges ranging from homicide to murder, said Chief Superintendent Bensali Jabarani, the regional police chief.

“There is an ongoing manhunt against those who escaped from prison. We are appealing to the families and relatives of the prisoners to convince them to surrender peacefully,” he told the Mindanao Examiner.

Jabarani said the prisoners escaped by digging a tunnel inside their cell. “They secretly dug this tunnel and covered it with carpets that they used in praying. The escape was uncovered after the guards conducted a headcount on Tuesday morning,” he said.

It was unknown how the prisoners were able to dig the underground passage, but Jabarani said authorities are investigating the jail break. He said among those who bolted jail was an Abu Sayyaf militant, who is facing kidnapping charges in Sulu.

Jabarani said three people, all Muslims, were also abducted near the town of Parang. “We have reports that the abduction was connected to a family feud. We are still investigating this case,” he said.

He did not say when the trio was seized, but claimed the victims were abducted inside a passenger vehicle by gunmen.

Abu Sayyaf militants are still holding a kidnapped a Chinese trader, Xili Wu alias Peter Go, in Sulu since last month. Four militants seized the 28-year old Wu, from Fujian province, as he was closing his electronics store in Jolo town on December 13.

Police said Wu, along with five other Chinese men, arrived in Jolo in December 2007 and since then operated the Perlas Trading.

Authorities tagged the Abu Sayyaf group as behind the spate of kidnappings and bomb attacks across Mindanao. The Abu Sayyaf, which means "The Bearer of the Sword," has been labeled a terrorist organization by both Manila and Washington, and is believed by the US to have links with the al-Qaeda terror network. (Mindanao Examiner)

President Arroyo's order for prosecutors to go on leave undermines its independence

When the five senior public prosecutors, including the chief of the Office of the Chief State Prosecutor (OCSP), were placed on an indefinite leave on 11 January 2009 to comply with orders from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, it rather exposed the frailties and confirmed the widely acknowledged lack of independence of the country’s prosecution system.

President Arroyo’s order forcing Jovencito Zuño, chief prosecutor; Phillip Kimpo, senior state prosecutor; Misael Ladaga, state prosecutor and John Resado, investigating prosecutor, to go on an indefinite leave while investigations take place into allegations of their alleged wrongdoings, which include an attempt to exonerate three wealthy young men from charges of illegal drugs in exchange for a bribe. 

It was Raul Gonzalez, secretary of the Department of Justice (DoJ), who had President Arroyo’s order implemented. Gonzalez’s undersecretary, Ricardo Blancaflor, who is also the head of Task Force 211, a Presidential body tasked to investigate and prosecute cases involving political killings, was also ordered to go on leave. 

While it is reasonable that the prosecutors involved should go on leave to ensure that an investigation into allegations of their wrongdoing be conducted, for this order to come from the President, is completely unacceptable. The DoJ and the National Prosecution Service (NPS), to which these prosecutors are attached, certainly have their internal disciplining mechanism to deal with public officials committing any wrongdoing. 

The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has since been expressing serious concern about the government’s actions, in particular the executive, of either subverting or undermining the independence of the country’s prosecution service. The very existence of the NSP, whose head and prosecutors are accountable to the DoJ secretary, who is a presidential appointee, has already had its independence undermined. 

What was shocking is that there were neither pretexts nor pretension at all that the order forcing these five prosecutors to take indefinite leave had indeed comes from President herself. It therefore illustrates and confirms the control of the executive branch over the country’s prosecution service through her appointee. In this case, even before a conclusion of the investigating body as to whether or not the prosecutors committed wrongdoings, the President had already acted on her own effectively ignoring any internal procedures and due process that already existed. 

In the normal course of procedure, prior to the imposition of punishments or sanctions to public prosecutors committing wrongdoing, the DoJ secretary has to notify the President after reaching a findings and deciding whether or not to have these decisions implemented. However, when President Arroyo ordered these five prosecutors to go on leave, none of these procedures were observed at all. 

The President’s action therefore had already effectively undermined and attacked the independence of the prosecution service, to which the DoJ is complicit. 

The AHRC once again renews its calls, and supports the long overdue demands of the lawyers and legal fraternity, that the NSP should be separated from the DoJ. The pending proposal which aims towards making the prosecution service completely independent from executive and political control, should be acted upon without further delay. 

The AHRC is deeply concerned by the implications of the President’s actions. It calls for the order to be withdrawn and for the executive to refrain from any further actions that effectively undermines the prosecution service. The prosecutors within the country, public or private, should express concern over the politicization of the prosecution service. The success of prosecuting the public officials, security forces and the head of state, which are facing serious allegations of either tolerating or committing human rights violations, heavily depends on the independence of its prosecution service. 

If the President’s action is allowed to continue, the victims of human rights violation would lose their trust and confidence upon the prosecution service. These victims includes the families of hundreds of victims of extrajudicial killings in recent years, most of whom have yet to obtain legal redress for the violations committed upon them. 

What is of serious concern, too, is the apparent resignation on part of prosecutors involved by simply accepting the order and challenging the President’s order legally. They should have insisted that the independence of the prosecution service be upheld. They themselves have apparently accepted their plight without putting up a fight at all. 

The Asian Human Rights Commission is a regional non-governmental organisation monitoring and lobbying human rights issues in Asia. The Hong Kong-based group was founded in 1984.

(Prosecution in the Philippines 

http://www.article2.org/mainfile.php/0701/307/)

Soldier accused of stealing munitions in Basilan Island

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 13, 2008) – The Philippine military is investigating a soldier accused of stealing ammunition in Basilan island, where security forces are fighting terrorism, officials admitted Tuesday.

Officials said the soldier has been detained and is being investigated over allegations that he stole ammunition.

It was unknown whether he stole munitions and sold them to syndicates or rebel groups, or whether he sold intelligence information or compromised security matters in Basilan island, south of Zamboanga City.

“There is an ongoing investigation and the soldier could be dishonorably discharged and jailed if the court martial finds him guilty of all the charges against him,” Lt. Steffani Cacho, a regional military spokeswoman, told the Mindanao Examiner.

Cacho did not release the name of the soldier or his rank and unit because of the ongoing probe. No other details were made available about the progress of the investigation.

Government troops are fighting Abu Sayyaf terrorists and Moro rebels in Basilan island, where dozens of soldiers had been killed, some of them beheaded, in recent years. (Mindanao Examiner)

Photo: Doctors Without Borders In The Southern Philippines

A Swiss doctor from Medecin Sans Frontieres (Doctors without Borders) checks a two-year old Filipino baby at a refugee shelter in Datu Piang town in Maguindanao province in the Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao. Some 160,000 people have fled their homes because of the fighting between government forces and Moro rebels since August last year. The United Nations has begun airlifting food aid to the southern Philippines in an attempt to avert a major humanitarian crisis. (Mindanao Examiner Photo / Mark Navales)

Soldiers kill amok at checkpoint in Zamboanga City

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 12, 2008) – Government soldiers shot and killed a man who tried to attack them Monday with a machete at a checkpoint in the southern Philippine port city of Zamboanga, officials said.

Officials said the man, Romeo Abdullah charged towards two soldiers with his machete - shouting “Allahu Akbar” – but was gunned down before he could hack them.

“The soldiers were alert and shot the man who attacked them at the checkpoint,” said Col. Santiago Baluyot, commander of an army anti-terror task force.

He said the Abdullah was wearing a white burial cloth around his head and a pair of short pants when he suddenly charged towards the soldiers.

“Residents in the area said the man was a known drug addict and suffering from a mental illness. We don’t know what triggered the attack, but we understand that he got that burial cloth from his relative who died three days ago,” Baluyot said.

Baluyot said soldiers are in heightened alert in Zamboanga City as part of a security measure after Moro rebels bombed a power pylon at the weekend in Lanao del Norte province, cutting off electricity in many parts of Mindanao, including Zamboanga City.

Two improvised explosives, believed planted by rebels, were also recovered last week near a bus depot in Zamboanga City, which had been previously bombed by the Abu Sayyaf and Moro Islamic Liberation Front. (Mindanao Examiner)

Photo: Perigee

Biggest full moon of the year 2009 – January 11 - Johannes Kepler explained the phenomenon 400 years ago. The moon's orbit around Earth is not a circle; it is an ellipse, with one side 50,000 km closer to Earth than the other. Astronomers call the point of closest approach perigee and that is where the moon will be. Scientists say the perigee Moon spreads such a white light that you can even read a newspaper, ride a bike and even write a letter. Another magic moment happens when the perigee Moon is near the horizon. That is when illusion mixes with reality to produce a truly stunning view. (Mindanao Examiner Photo / Geonarri Solmerano)

6 soldiers killed, MILF says in new fighting in southern Philippines

COTABATO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 11, 2009) – Philippine Muslim rebels killed six government soldiers and destroyed an armored personnel carries in fierce fighting Sunday in the southern Philippines.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said two of its fighters were also wounded in the hostilities that erupted in the faming village of Tatapan in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town in the restive Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao.

“MILF fighters killed six soldiers and also destroyed an armored personnel carrier in the fighting that lasted several hours,” Eid Kabalu, a senior MILF leader, told the Mindanao Examiner.

The fighting erupted a day after rebels bombed a power pylon in Lanao del Norte’s Kauswagan town and cutting electricity in many parts of western Mindanao, including Zamboanga City.

Kabalu also accused the military of arresting nine Muslim villagers on Friday and tortured them on suspicion they were MILF sympathizers. They were later released near Shariff Kabunsuan province, he said.

The military denied all the MILF reports and branded them as propaganda.

“There is no truth to the reports of Eid Kabalu that six soldiers were killed. There were fighting alright, but we have no casualties. There could be MILF killed,” said Lt. Col. Julieto Ando, a spokesman for the Army’s 6th Infantry Division.

He also denied the reported torture of the civilians. “Soldiers are professionals and we always uphold human rights,” Ando said.

The MILF is the country's largest Muslim rebel group which is fighting the past decades for self-determination.

Peace talks between the MILF and Manila collapsed in August after rebels launched a series of deadly attacks over in North Cotabato, Sarangani and Lanao del Norte provinces in Mindanao over the failed signing of a Muslim homeland deal between the two sides. (Mindanao Examiner)

Bomb explodes outside church; another explosive is disarmed in southern Philippines

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Filipino radio show host comes under fire near his home

Reporters Without Borders is worried by a murder attempt on radio journalist Cherie "Katribung Che" Indelible on 2 January in Kalibo, in Aklan province in the northwest of the Visayas region in the central Philippines.

Indelible works for local state-owned radio dyYM (Community Broadcasting Information System) as news director and programme host.

"With five journalists murdered, 2008 was one of the bloodiest years ever for the media in the Philippines, especially for radio presenters," itr said. "The authorities must ensure that Indelible is protected and must redouble their efforts to rein in the violence against the press."

Indelible was approaching his home on his motorcycle when he heard two gunshots apparently fired in his direction. He managed to enter his home and immediately called the police. When he ventured outside a few minutes later, two more shots were fired and he sought refuge inside a hospital located a few metres from his home.

The police found bullets and cartridges from .38 and .45 calibre guns near the house but did not catch the gunmen. However, they arrested three alleged accomplices who named two men as suspects. Both are reputedly involved in criminal activities in the area.

Indelible said he thought the murder attempt was linked to comments he made on the air. He received threats last year, mainly in connection with subjects discussed in his evening programme "Bira-Birada."

Zamboanga veteran journalist David Erasga writes 30

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 6, 2008) - Veteran broadcast journalist and newspaper publisher David Noel Erasga, of dxMR-Radyo ng Bayan died of heat attack on December 30. He was 58.

The Philippine News Agency said Erasga suffered cardiac arrest minutes after his 83-year-old mother, Genoveva, died also of cardiac arrest.

The late journalist started his career as a broadcaster of the defunct dxYZ radio station in the late 1970s.

Prior to his job as senior radio broadcaster at the dxMR-Radyo ng Bayan, he opened and operated with his brothers the oldest offset printing press in Zamboanga - Leaders Press.

He also served as president of the Zamboanga Press Club (ZPC) in 2000 and president a year later of the Zamboanga Columnists Club for three years.

Aside from radio work, Erasga also published the city's oldest offset newspaper, the Zamboanga Star. This publication started as Zamboanga Newswatch in martial law days, which later became Business Star and finally Zamboanga Star.

Three years ago, he rose to the position of Worshipful Master of Mt. Apo Lodge 45, the oldest Masonic lodge in Mindanao-Zamboanga.

Special Forces Commander Held As Prisoner Of War Is Released By Rebels In Mindanao

Philippine communist rebels free First Lieutenant Vicente Cammayo, of the Special Forces, on January 6, 2008 after more than two months in captivity. (AKP Images / Ruby Thursday More)

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Dec. 6, 2008) - Communist rebels released Tuesday a Special Forces commander held as prisoner of war after two months in captivity in the southern Philippines.

Rigoberto Sanchez, a spokesman for the New People's Army, said Cammayo’s release was a gesture of goodwill. The officer was freed near the town of Laac in Compostela Valley province.

“This is a gesture of goodwill on the part of the Communist Party of the Philippines on the occasion of its 40th anniversary. It further manifests the good faith of the NPA to its earlier statement in relation to the said POW's release on the first week of the New Year,” he said.

The rebels earlier suspended the release of Cammayo after government forces launched an offensive in the province on January 1.

“Were it not for the 10th Infantry Division-AFP's arrogance and callous disregard for the well-being and safety of the POWs, 1st Lt. Cammayo would have been reunited with his wife and family much earlier. As it was, the Armed Forces of the Philippines made sure that multi-sectoral initiatives for a negotiated release and cessation of military operations remain unheeded despite appeals from the POWs' wives, GRP local political leaders and church people,” Sanchez said.

Cammayo was captured Nov. 7 after rebel forces attacked his unit and killed two soldiers and a government militia in a fierce firefight in Casoon village in the town of Monkayo in Compostela Valley province.

The NPA originally ordered the release of Cammayo on December 28.

Sanchez said the army officer was not harmed during his captivity despite government offensives against the NPA.

“All his rights were respected as guaranteed under the International Humanitarian Law, the GRP-NDFP Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law and the NPA's Rules of Discipline. The NPA policy of humane and lenient treatment of POWs was practiced,” he said.

Sanchez accused the military of human rights violations in Compostela valley during its two-month rescue operations to free Cammayo. He said many civilians were also displaced by the military offensives.

The military said the release of Cammayo was a concerted efforts of the local government officials, family of the freed officer, and the security forces in Compostela Valley.

“There is no reason for anybody to be grateful to the NPA for the release of Ly. Cammayo. The release of Lt. Cammayo is not an act of goodwill. Being a clear criminal act, those who are behind the abduction must be held responsible under a legitimate justice system and we shall continue our vigorous military operation to pursue the abductors.”

“We maintain that the military was not involved in any negotiations, but rather an intensified rescue operation mission has been mapped out upon his abduction. The abduction of Lt. Cammayo serves as a reminder that these communist-terrorists will not spare anyone from the perils of their treacherous attacks. We appeal to the public to remain calm at all times,” said Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, a military spokesman.

The rebels last month freed a captured policeman Eduardo Tumol, who was also seized Nov. 5 at a checkpoint in the village of Baogo in Davao Oriental's Caraga town.

Sanchez previously said that both Tumol and Cammayo were investigated for possible human rights violations and other crimes related to the operations of the Special Forces and the Provincial Mobile Group in Mindanao.

Aris Francisco, spokesman of the NPA's Alejandro Lanaja Command, accused the 3rd Special Forces Battalion to which Cammayo's unit belongs, as responsible for the series of violations to human rights, protocols of war and international humanitarian law in Compostela Valley province.

The NPA, armed wing of the outlawed Communist Party of the Philippines, is fighting the government the past four decades for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country. Peace talks between Manila and the CPP-NPA collapsed in 2004 after both sides failed to sign an agreement ending hostilities in the countryside. (Mindanao Examiner)

Failed Release Of POW Worries Interfaith Groups

DAVAO CITY, Philippines - The Interfaith Movement for Peace (IMPACT) expresses concern over delay of Lt. Vicente Cammayo's safe release; points to fresh military operations hampering POW's freedom.

Is the Arroyo government interested in the safe and expeditious release of NPA's Prisoner of War Lt. Vicente Cammayo? We at the IMPACT pose this question in response to the reported military operations in Laac town, Compostela Valley and the areas under the Special Forces Battalion. The fresh onslaught of military operations in these areas have apparently encumbered the impending release of the Lt. Cammayo which has been reportedly scheduled first week this month.

We are saddened that the militarization has been inimical to the whole release process of Lt. Cammayo. As reported, to effect Cammayo's safe release and turn-over to the authorities, there is a need for a Suspension of Military Operations or SOMO within the area of jurisdiction of the Army's 3rd Special Forces. The least that the Armed Forces of the Philippines can do is to observe this especially if we are to prevent a shooting war between their troops and the NPA in these areas.

Yet, we are dismayed that the AFP cannot exercise even such a minimum cooperation needed for Lt. Cammayo's release. The military's top brass seems to be unconcerned or unperturbed that their troop movement in the areas could affect Lt. Cammayo's safe release. They appear to be uncaring that the delays of Lt. Cammayo's release has increased the anxiety of his family, especially his pregnant wife. They appear to be insensitive that their non-implementation of the SOMO in the specific areas risk more lives and cause more anguish on the civilians in the affected villages.

While the responsibility of Lt. Cammayo's life and safety lies on his NPA custodians, the sole responsibility of Lt. Cammayo's expeditious and safe release lies ultimately on the AFP and the civilian authorities. But with their envigorated counter-insurgency operations in the areas reportedly since January 1 this year, the AFP, it seems, is out to frustrate or sabotage or hamper Lt. Cammayo's freedom.

We urge the civilian authorities, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Gov. Arthur Uy and other public officials to exert all effort for the Army to implement the SOMO and stop moves that would preclude Lt. Cammayo's release. The AFP should step aside now if we are to finally see a positive resolution of this case.

Bp. Delfin Callao
Philippine Independent Church
Convenor

Philippine Government Should Sever Ties with Israel

STATEMENT ON ISRAEL'S WAR CRIMES

Stop the War Coalition-Philippines
5 January 2008

We at Stop the War Coalition Philippines, a broad coalition of civil society organizations, social movements, labor unions, political parties, human rights, women's, students, religious and other organizations, strongly condemn Israel's war crimes against the people of Gaza and the international community.

These latest attacks are not only disproportionate, they are completely unjustifiable.

At the root of the continuing tragedy in the Middle East is the continuing illegal occupation of Palestine by Israel. That Israel is able to continue this occupation and that it is able to bomb and kill indiscriminately without restraint points to the incapacity of the international community, including the United Nations and the world's governments, to uphold peace and justice. It is this unwillingness to act that will ensure that more blood and tears will flow from this escalating war.

We in the Philippines must help stop this war not only because thousands of Filipino migrant workers are caught in the crossfire but because we have a stake in creating a world with peace and justice.

We at the Stop the War Campaign demand that Israel should immediately end its war crimes in Gaza and end the occupation of Palestine.

We demand that the United States immediately stops arming and funding Israel's war.

We call on the international community, the United Nations and all responsible international government and civil society organizations, to stop Israel from continuing its attacks and to support a just resolution to the crisis.

We demand that the Philippine government begins the process of severing all diplomatic ties with Israel until it complies with international law and ends the occupation of Palestine. At the same time, we also call for immediate relief and evacuation plans for Filipino workers in the region. We demand more jobs for Filipinos at home so that they will not be forced to seek employment in outlaw states.

As our elected representatives, our government should take a stand in favor of international law and justice, summon the Israeli ambassador to protest, and expressly condemn Israel for its actions.

We demand that Manila and other government units revoke their "sister city" ties with Israeli cities.

We call on our parliamentarians and diplomats to likewise denounce Israel's actions.

In solidarity with the Palestinian, as well as Israeli people opposed to war, we call on trade unions, universities, cultural organizations, political parties, and other social movements and civil society groups to be part of a global boycott and sanctions campaign against Israel.#


STOP THE WAR! COALITION- PHILIPPINES
1 October 2008

MEMBERS:
Akbayan! Citizens' Action Party
Akbayan! Youth
Alab Katipunan (AK)
Alliance of Genuine Labor Organizations (AGLO)
Alliance of Progressive Labor (APL)
ALMANA
Alyansa ng Nagkakaisang Lakas ng Kabataan (ALYANSA)
Alyansa ng Sambayanan para sa Agarang Reporma (ASAP)
Anak Mindanao (AMIN)
APPRA
ASSALAM Bangsamoro
ASSALAM Party
Bagong Kamalayan Collective, Inc (BKCI)
Balay Rehabilitation Center Inc.
Bangsamoro People’s Solidarity
Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP)
Coalition Against Trafficking of Women Asia Pacific (CATW-AP)
Community Organizing and Rural Development, Inc. (Billah Islam)
Filipino Democratic Movement (FILDEM)
FOCUS on the Global South
Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC)
Gathering for Peace (GfP)
GZO Peace Institute
Institute for Popular Democracy (IPD)
International South Group Network (ISGN)
Juan Makata
Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission-AMRSP
K! Kalayaan NCR-BLC
KAAKBAY AFDM
KALAYAAN!
KANLUNGAN
Kilusan para sa Pambansang Demokrasya (KPD)
Kongreso ng Mamamayan Para sa Kalayaan (KOMPAK)
Laban ng Masa (LnM)
League of Urban Poor for Action (LUPA)
Liga Manggagawa (LM)
Lolas Kampanyera WW II Filipina "Comfort Women" Survivors of Japanese Military Sexual Slavery
MAKABAYAN Pilipinas
Manggagawa para sa Kalayaan ng Bayan (MAKABAYAN)
Mindanao Peoples' Peace Movement (MPPM)
Moro Human Rights Center
Movement for the Advancement of Student Power (MASP)
Pagkakaisa ng Kababaihan para sa Inang Bayan (KAISA-KA)
Pambansang Kaisahan ng Magbubukid sa Pilipinas (PKMP)
Pambansang Katipunan ng Makabayang Magbubukid (PKMM)
Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Samahan sa Kanayunan (PKSK)
Partido Manggagawa (PM)
Peace Women Partners
People’s Task Force for Bases Clean UP Philippines
Philippine Peace and Security Council (PPSC)
Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM)
Pinay Kilos! (PINK!)
Progresibong Alyansa ng Mangingisda (PANGISDA)
Progressive Organization of Worker Advocates (PRO-WORKER)
Resource Center for People’s Development (RCPD)
Samahan ng Demokratikong Kabataan (SDK)
SANLAKAS
Solidarity of Unions and Labor Organizations for a New Government (SULONG)
Strategic Initiatives of Pinoys Abroad - Bangkok (SIPA)
Student Council Alliance of the Philippines (SCAP)
Task Force Food Sovereignty (TFFS)
Task Force Subic Rape (TFSR)
Teatrong Bayan
Third World Movement Against the Exploitation of Women (TW-MAE-W)
Tulung Lupah Sug, Inc.,
UP Alyansa ng mga Mag-aaral para sa Panlipunang Katwiran at Kaunlaran (UP ALYANSA)
UP Assabiyah
WEDPRO Inc.
Women and Gender Commission AMRSP
Women and Gender Institute (WAGI)
Women’s Legal Bureau, Inc (WLB)
YES to Change
Young Moro Professionals Network (YMPN)
Youth for Nationalism and Democracy (YND)

ENDORSED BY:
Jihad al Akbar
Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA)
Ranaw Disaster Response & Rehabilitation Assistance Center
SALAM, Incorporated
Sumpay Mindanao
TRIPOD Foundation, Inc
WomanHealth Philippines

NPA rebels postpone release of captured Special Forces commander in Mindanao

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 3, 2008) – Communist rebels postponed the release of Special Forces commander being held as prisoner of war after government troops launched fresh offensive in Mindanao.

Rigoberto Sanchez, a spokesman for the New People’s Army, blamed the military offensive for the failed release of First Lieutenant Vicente Cammayo.

Cammayo was captured Nov. 7 after rebel forces attacked his unit and killed two soldiers and a government militia in a fierce firefight in Casoon village in the town of Monkayo in Compostela Valley province.

“The volatile ground situation due to the ongoing AFP troop deployment and current offensive military operations has made the safe and orderly release of POW 1Lt. Vicente P. Cammayo not feasible,” he said.

He said troops, from the Army’s 10th Infantry Division, resumed offensive operations since Thursday in Compostela Valley.

“Due to this ground situation, the scheduled release of POW Cammayo on the first week of January is hereby affected. POW Cammayo's release will be reset until such time that all offensive military operations are ceased,” Sanchez said.

The NPA last week said it would free Cammayo as a gesture of goodwill. It ordered the release of the prisoner on Dec. 28. “The continuing AFP offensive operation is a big impediment to the safe and orderly procedure of POW Cammayo's release and eventual reunion with his family,” he said.

The rebels last month freed a captured policeman Eduardo Tumol, who was also seized Nov. 5 at a checkpoint in the village of Baogo in Davao Oriental's Caraga town.

Sanchez earlier said that the NPA could suspend the release of Cammayo, commander of the 11th Company of the Army's 3rd Special Forces, if military forces continue its operations that would endanger the safety of the prisoner.

"The implementation of the order of release shall be based on the NPA custodial unit's assessment of the ground situation particularly the movement of AFP troops. The NPA custodial unit has the authority to suspend the release of POW Cammayo if enemy movement continues since the safety of the said prisoner of war and the receiving party is of utmost importance," he said.

Sanchez previously said that both Tumol and Cammayo were investigated for possible human rights violations and other crimes related to the operations of the Special Forces and the Provincial Mobile Group in Mindanao.

Aris Francisco, spokesman of the NPA's Alejandro Lanaja Command, accused the 3rd Special Forces Battalion to which Cammayo's unit belongs, as responsible for the series of violations to human rights, protocols of war and international humanitarian law in Compostela Valley province.

The NPA, armed wing of the outlawed Communist Party of the Philippines, is fighting the government the past four decades for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country. Peace talks between Manila and the CPP-NPA collapsed in 2004 after both sides failed to sign an agreement ending hostilities in the countryside. (Mindanao Examiner)

7 wounded in bomb explosion in Southern Philippines

KIDAPAWAN CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 3, 2008) – At least seven people were wounded in an bomb explosion late Saturday in Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat province in the southern Philippines, military and police reports said.

It said the bomb exploded on a roadside. Seven civilians were wounded in the blast and rushed to the Tamondong hospital in Tacurong.

Authorities did not say what type of bomb was used or the motive of the attack, but suspicion fell heavily on the rebel group called the Moro Islamic Liberation Front which is fighting for a separate homeland in Mindanao.

The MILF denied the accusation and said it has nothing to do with the explosion.

“Why do the authorities always put the blame on us every time there is bombing, why? The MILF is not a terrorist group, we want peace and we are for peace,” said Eid Kabalu, a senior MILF leader.

Last month, two people were also injured in a grenade attack on another roadside eatery.

In September, a homemade bomb exploded at a market in Isulan town in Sultan Kudarat and another explosive disarmed at a market in Tacurong.

No group claimed responsibility for the latest bombing.

Peace talks between the MILF and the Arroyo government collapsed after the failed signing of the Muslim ancestral domain in August. The aborted signing triggered a series of deadly rebel attacks in Mindanao.

The MILF is the country's largest Muslim rebel group which is fighting the past three decades for a separate homeland in the troubled region. (With a report from Geonarri Solmerano)

MILF rebels ambush military patrol in Mindanao

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 1, 2009) – Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels ambushed a military patrol Thursday in the restive region of the Southern Philippines.

The ambush sparked fierce fighting in the town of Piagapo in Lanao del Sur province, where MILF rebels are actively operating.

Peace talks between the MILF and Manila failed in August last year after the aborted signing of the Muslim homeland deal that the Supreme Court ruled said was unconstitutional.

“Fighting erupted between MILF freedom fighters and government occupation forces today at around 5:20 this morning in the villages of Odalo and Bansayan, both in Piagapo, Lanao del Sur.”

“There are no concrete details of the fighting as it is still raging as of press time.But initial but sketchy report said government soldiers were on patrol when they were ambushed by undetermined number of MILF mujahideen, using machineguns and rocket propelled grenade launchers,” the rebels said on a report they posted on the MILF website which can be accessed on this URL http://www.luwaran.com.

Eid Kabalu, a senior MILF leader, has confirmed the skirmishes and said fighting were reported in several villages. “We are also awaiting reports from our commanders, but there are fighting between rebel and military forces and several villages were affected by the skirmishes,” he told the Mindanao Examiner.

Fighting also erupted last month in the town that killed two government soldiers and three rebels. Five more MILF gunmen and an infantryman were wounded in the clash Dec. 17 in Piagapo’s Bansayan village.

Troops in the province were pursuing MILF rebels blamed for a series of deadly attacks in August in Lanao del Sur and other areas in the autonomous region.

Because of the attacks, President Gloria Arroyo disbanded the government peace panel negotiating with rebels and demanded the MILF to surrender three commanders she blamed for the raids - Abdullah Macapaar, Sulayman Pangalian and Ameril Kato.

Manila has put up a P10 million bounties each for the capture of the three rebel commanders. Arroyo said the government would only return to the peace talks if the MILF surrenders the three rebel commanders. But the MILF rejected the demand and said it would resume talks if Arroyo honors the ancestral domain deal.

The MILF is the country’s largest Muslim rebel group which has been fighting for more than three decades for the establishment of a separate homeland in the southern Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner)

5 injured in grenade blast in Southern RP

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 1, 2008) – Five people were hurt when a rifle grenade exploded near a military base in the southern Philippine island of Sulu, police said on Thursday.

Police said the M79 grenade exploded on a road in the village of Liang in Patikul town, injuring a minor, two teenagers and two adults, all of them civilians.

“We are still investigating the incident. We don’t know who fired the M79 grenade, but the military claimed it was an improvised explosive device,” Senior Superintendent Julasirim Kasim, the island’s police chief, told the Mindanao Examiner newspaper.

Kasim said there is an ongoing operation to collect illegal weapons in Sulu on orders from the island’s governor Sakur Tan.

Tan last year ordered police and military to arrest all civilians and politicians who own illegal weapons or maintain private armed gangs in an effort to rid Sulu of criminalities.

Kasim said the campaign is effective and has drastically reduced the proliferation of unlicensed firearms in Sulu.

But many illegal weapons are still in the hands of rebel groups, such as the Abu Sayyaf and the breakaway factions of the Moro National Liberation Front, which signed a peace agreement with Manila in 1996.

Security forces are battling the rebels in Sulu’s hinterlands where they usually seek cover from government offensives. The Abu Sayyaf is still holding a Chinese trader, Xili Wu, it seized in Sulu last month.

Authorities have tagged the Abu Sayyaf group as behind the spate of kidnappings and bomb attacks across Mindanao. The Abu Sayyaf, which means "The Bearer of the Sword," has been labeled a terrorist organization by both Manila and Washington, and is believed by the US to have links with the al-Qaeda terror network. (Mindanao Examiner)

Police disarm IED near Zamboanga City bus depot

Philippine policemen disarmed a powerful improvised explosive Thursday, January 1, 2009 left near a commuter bus depot in Zamboanga City in Mindanao Island. The discovery of the bomb came a day after an explosion in General Santos City left 22 people wounded.

(Mindanao Examiner Photo)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 1, 2008) – Philippine policemen on Thursday disarmed a powerful improvised explosive left near a commuter bus depot in Zamboanga City.

“It was powerful enough to inflict serious damage and casualties had it exploded,” said one bomb expert, who declined to give his name because he was not authorized to speak to reporters.

He said the explosive was assembled from an 81-millimeter mortar bomb and connected to a clock. The bomb was left in the village of Guiwan, several meters from the bus depot which was heavily guarded by policemen and soldiers.

The explosive was discovered by residents at around 9 a.m. and informed the police about it.

The mortar bomb, he said, is probably brand new. “It’s probably new. It is clean and still had that warning label. We don’t know who was behind this failed bombing,” he said.

No group or individual claimed ownership of the bomb, but its discovery came a day after a grenade explosion in General Santos City left more than two dozen people injured.

Officials said the explosion occurred at a park at around 10 p.m. At least 22 people were wounded in the attack, said Army Captain Emmanuel Garcia, of the Task Force Gensan.

He said an unidentified man hurled the grenade to a crowd at the park. "At least 22 people are wounded in the grenade explosion and they have been rushed to hospitals," he said.

An improvised bomb also exploded late Tuesday in a motorcycle taxi near a police checkpoint, killing its driver and wounding an officer in the village of Saliao in Sultan Kudarat's Esperanza town.

The improvised explosive, assembled from 81-millimeter mortar bomb, was inside a sack full of charcoal when it went off while the policeman was inspecting the vehicle. Officials said faulty bomb assembly had triggered the explosion. (Mindanao Examiner)

Photo: A Filipino Nurse Attends To A Patient In Kidapawan City

A Filipino nurse attends to a man who accidentally shot himself on New Year’s Eve in Kidapawan City in the southern Philippines. And doctors and nurses of the Kidapawan Doctors Hospital celebrate the New Year with grilled chops. There were few reports of firecrackers victims in the city. (Mindanao Examiner Photo / Geonarri Solmerano)

Happy New Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

Mabuhay mula sa

Mindanao Examiner!

Gunmen free remaining kidnapped victim in Basilan island

ISABELA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Dec. 31, 2008) – Kidnappers freed a nine-year old girl late Wednesday after more than a month in captivity in Basilan island in the southern Philippines, officials said.

Officials said Nicole Raveche, seized by gunmen Nov. 26 in Lamitan City, was released in the village of Languyan in Tuburan town at around 10 p.m. after a series of negotiations by local government officials and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels.

“The girl is now with her family and we are glad it’s finally over. Many people helped in the negotiations for the safe release of the girl,” said Nick Castro, an aide to Lamitan City Mayor Roderick Furigay, who heads the local Crisis Management Committee.

Other sources said Raveche’s family paid an unspecified amount of money to the kidnappers for the girl’s “board and lodging.” The kidnappers originally demanded six million pesos ransom.

On Tuesday, gunmen also freed a kidnapped four-year old girl, Andrea Diman, in Tuburan town, two days after she was snatched in Lamitan City.

Furigay also negotiated for the girl’s safe release. No ransom was paid for her freedom, the mayor said. A former mayor of Tuburan town, Hajarun Jamiri, helped Furigay secure the release of Diman.

But the military has claimed credit for the girl’s release, saying, the kidnappers were freed because of the ongoing offensive against Abu Sayyaf militants in Basilan.

Just recently, Abu Sayyaf kidnappers also released a kidnapped nursing student, Joed Pilangga, after more than two months in captivity in Basilan.

The 17-year old Pilangga was kidnapped Oct. 17 in Zamboanga City and brought by boat to Basilan, where his kidnappers demanded P20 million ransoms for his safe release. Police and military tagged the Abu Sayyaf as behind the kidnapping.

Early this month, gunmen also kidnapped seven construction workers in Basilan, but freed all of them a week later after Furigay negotiated for their release.

Two more people were people were kidnapped by unidentified gunmen on December 2 near Maluso town also in Basilan, but they had been freed three days later.

Close to two dozen people had been kidnapped by suspected Abu Sayyaf militants headed by Puruji Indama and Nur Hassan Jamiri in recent months and most of them had been freed in exchange for huge ransoms.

The sudden rise in kidnappings and spate of terrorist attacks in Basilan had been blamed to ransoms collected by the Abu Sayyaf, which was used to purchase more weapons and recruit new members. (Mindanao Examiner)