DAVAO CITY - The Davao City government is now throwing its all-out support to organic agriculture, a timely move with the growing demand for safe and healthy food products and the consciousness for environmental-friendly farm practices.
Councilor Condrado Baluran, chairperson of the city council committee on agriculture, said the local government is supportive of organic agriculture farmers and in fact encourages other farmers to also practice the alternative agriculture.
“We know the dangers, all the harmful effects of these synthetic chemicals to people’s health and the environment and because of this, the city government is supportive of organic agriculture…we would like to see more and more farmers shifting from their current practice to the safer one,” Baluran said.
There are currently around 2000 organic farmers all over Davao City with around 300 hectares of farmlands all devoted to organic food production.
In a resolution passed recently in the city council, Baluran urged the city government to “promote, support and strengthen organic agriculture.”
The resolution calls on the city government to strengthen capacity building programs on organic agriculture to increase production of organically grown crops; enhancement of marketing and promotion strategies for organic products.
And development of policies in support of organic farmers; building of people’s organizations-nongovernmental organizations-government organizations institutional mechanism for wider collaboration of efforts in organic agriculture.
The resolution implored the policy of the state to protect and promote the right of the people to health and the duty of the state to provide the people with a balanced and healthful ecology.
It also quoted the government policy to “promote agriculture development, conserve environmental resources and promote social equity and product access to foreign and domestic markets of agriculture and fishery commodities.”
In December 2005, the national government issued executive order 481 or the Promotion and Development of Organic Agriculture in the Philippines. The said order aimed at promoting organic agriculture as a farming scheme especially in rural farming communities.
The same order also aimed at giving guarantee to food and environmental safety through ecological approach to farming.
“Consumer awareness of the environment cost of environment agriculture, such as deteriorating quality of drinking water and soil and the impact of agriculture on landscape and wildlife is increasing,” Baluran noted in the resolution.
In various organic farmer gatherings and consultation, one of the problems that confronted organic agriculture includes the lack of government support and mechanism to ensure the sustainability of the production.
Other problems identified were the lack of regular supply of organic products in the market; lack of marketing strategies and market facility for organic products; lack of farm-to-market roads; lack of consumer consciousness on organic products and farming practices. (Jef Tupaz)
Monday, February 26, 2007
USS Jeneau Completes Humanitarian Projects In RP
OLONGAPO CITY - Sailors of USS Juneau (LPD 10) with embarked Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) departed here Monday after completing two projects and building strong relations with prominent community leaders and local citizens.
Led by Commander, Amphibious Force, 7th Fleet Rear Adm. Carol M. Pottenger, who made a visit to the area, the Navy and Marine Corps service members as they performed as community members focusing on the interpersonal relationships connecting with their Philippine counterparts.
This was emphasized by Pottenger’s call on Olongo City Mayor James Gordon, Jr. and subsequent reception as well as two separate community service projects in the area.
The projects included a medical civic action project (MEDCAP) in Olongopo City’s Baretto Barangay and then a number of material improvements, including installing a basketball hoop, at the Subic Freeport Welfare Reservation or also known as the Aeta Resettlement.
“This visit greatly enhanced the historic relationship between the United States and Republic of Philippines,” said Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7 Rear Adm. Carol M. Pottenger, the type commander for all amphibious assets, including Juneau in the 7th Fleet area of operation.
“By coming here, meeting each other face-to-face, we are able to make true friendships with those that have supported the U.S. Navy for so long. I know that the work done as part of the MEDCAP and in the Aeta Resttlement will be remember for many years to come.”
Juneau, commanded by Capt. John D. Alexander, is part of the Sasebo, Japan-based Essex Expeditionary Strike Group, which serves under Commander, Task Force 76. Task Force 76 is the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious force and is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.
Led by Commander, Amphibious Force, 7th Fleet Rear Adm. Carol M. Pottenger, who made a visit to the area, the Navy and Marine Corps service members as they performed as community members focusing on the interpersonal relationships connecting with their Philippine counterparts.
This was emphasized by Pottenger’s call on Olongo City Mayor James Gordon, Jr. and subsequent reception as well as two separate community service projects in the area.
The projects included a medical civic action project (MEDCAP) in Olongopo City’s Baretto Barangay and then a number of material improvements, including installing a basketball hoop, at the Subic Freeport Welfare Reservation or also known as the Aeta Resettlement.
“This visit greatly enhanced the historic relationship between the United States and Republic of Philippines,” said Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7 Rear Adm. Carol M. Pottenger, the type commander for all amphibious assets, including Juneau in the 7th Fleet area of operation.
“By coming here, meeting each other face-to-face, we are able to make true friendships with those that have supported the U.S. Navy for so long. I know that the work done as part of the MEDCAP and in the Aeta Resttlement will be remember for many years to come.”
Juneau, commanded by Capt. John D. Alexander, is part of the Sasebo, Japan-based Essex Expeditionary Strike Group, which serves under Commander, Task Force 76. Task Force 76 is the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious force and is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.
Miyembro Ng NPA "Kangaroo Court" Kumanta Na; Commander Patay Sa Agawan ng Baril!
MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / 26 Feb) - UMAMIN ngayon ang mga nagpakilalang miyembro ng "kangaroo court" ng Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) sa Quezon hinggil sa kabiguang makanti ang sinumang miyembro ng militanteng grupo.
Itinanggi rin ng mga ito na gumagamit sila ng mga nakamotorsiklong assassin upang sentensyahan ang matutukoy nilang guilty. Kalimitang nakamotor ang mga suspek sa pagpapatumba ng mga biktima ng political killings.
Iniharap ang tatlong sinasabing miyembro ng "kangaroo court" upang patunayan ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ang ginagawang pagpaslang ng komunistang grupo sa kapwa nito rebelde at responsable sa mga insidente ng extrajudicial killings.
Una nang idinidiin sa resulta ng pagsisiyasat ng Melo Commission at United Nations Special Rapporteur Philip Alston ang militar sa serye ng media at militant killings.
"The existence of NPA [New People's Army] kangaroo courts in the Bondoc peninsula is one of the obvious reasons that substantiate the AFP's claims that the CPP-NPA themselves are mainly responsible for the extra-judicial killings, not only of leftist and militant personalities, but also of persons who are percenived to be counter-revolutionaries," ayon kay AFP spokesman Lieutenant Colonel BartolomeBacarro.
Kabilang sa mga lumantad na kangaroo court members ay sina Ruel Llanta, Eufenio Orpinada, at Jose Orpinada na nag-o-operate sa San Narciso, Quezon bago sumuko sa mga awtoridad.
"Wala pa. Wala pa po kaming naparusahan ng ganoon (militante)," ayon kay Jose.
Isang Grace naman ang humarap at inihayag ang pagdukot ng komunistang grupo sa kanyang ama na si Romulo de Villa, isang NPA supporter, at natagpuang patay noong Nobyembre, 2006.
"The NPA is desperate, very desperate… They liquidated my father. The CPP always blames the AFP, but their allegations were never proven. What about those that theykilled? They should stop this," ayon kay Grace.
Samantala, kinumpirma rin ng military na napatay ng nito ang isang hinihinalang lider ng NPA kasunod ng shootout sa Jaro, Leyte.
Nabatid kay Philippine Army spokesman Major Ernesto Torres, Jr., na dakong alas-7:20 ng umaga kanina nang maaresto ang suspek na si Antonio Ramos, kalihim ng Negros-Leyte Front ng Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee sa isang checkpoint sa Jaro-Alang-Alang Maharlika, Olutan sa naturang lalawigan.
Dadalhin sana si Ramos sa headquarters ng 19th Infantry Battalion lulan ng M35 truck dakong alas-9:10 ng umaga nang agawin ng rebelde ang baril ng isa sa mga security escort nito.
Pinaputok ni Ramos ang naagaw na baril na naging dahilan upang pumalag ang iba pang sundalo at nasugatan ito sa tiyan subalit naideklarang dead on arrival sa Ormoc Sugar Planters Association Hospital.
US Troops Winning Hearts And Minds Of Muslims In Southern RP
U.S. soldiers guard Monday 26 Feb 2007 the Muslim enclave of Mariki in Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines, where American and Filipino soldiers held a medical mission. A soldier was also spotted playing with a child and a Muslim boy shows a poster of wanted Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya distributed by soldiers. And Celso Lobregat, the mayor of Zamboanga City, looks at a match with photos of wanted terrorists. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / 26 Feb) – More than 850 mostly poor Muslims benefited Monday from a joint RP-U.S. medical mission on a remote and dangerous coastal village in Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines.
The medical outreach in the Muslim enclave of Mariki was part of the Balikatan 2007, the codename of the joint military exercise between the Philippines and the United States.
"It was really a very warm welcome and we are happy to serve the Filipinos. This is a joint project between the Armed Forces and the U.S. military and part of the Balikatan 2007," the spokesman of the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines, U.S. Air Force Major John Redfield, told the Mindanao Examiner.
Security was tight during the entire medical mission in Mariki, previously used as escape route of criminal gangs and Abu Sayyaf militants operating in Zamboanga.U.S. soldiers were spotted talking with villagers. Children were playing with American troops.
"They are big, just like in the movies and they looked like characters from G.I. Joe. They are kind and gave us free medicines," a 12-year old boy, Usman Hashim, said.
Hashim was referring to the G.I. Joe, the animated television series famous among children in Zamboanga.
Thousands of U.S. and Filipino troops began the training Feb. 18 in Jolo island and is aimed at enhancing combat capabilities of troops, but this year's exercises will concentrate more on humanitarian activities to win the hearts and minds of many Muslims on Sulu Archipelago and on the main island of Mindanao, where the Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya are actively operating.
And this would be followed with similar anti-terror trainings in Tawi-Tawi island near the Sabah border and continued in central Mindanao island.
Philippine troops are battling the Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya militants in the troubled southern region. The groups were blamed for the string of bombings in the Philippines and Indonesia that had already killed scores of people the past years. (Mindanao Examiner)
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Jolo Fighting Escalates, 12 Killed, 13 Wounded
ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / 25 Feb) – At least 13 government soldiers were wounded and six gunmen killed in fierce clashes Sunday in the southern Filipino island of Jolo, where security forces were battling Moro National Liberation Front rebels.
A regional Army spokesman, Major Eugene Batarra, said the soldiers clashed with unidentified gunmen in Indanan town and killed six of them in the fighting.
“At least 13 soldiers are wounded and six were killed on the enemy side,” Batarra told the Mindanao Examiner in Zamboanga City.
But the MNLF said it forces were fighting government soldiers and had killed at least 6 members of the Philippine Army’s Scout Ranger in the town.
Philippine Marine commander Maj. Gen. Mohammad Dolorfino earlier said troops clashed with MNLF rebels in Indanan.
He said the soldiers were pursuing Abu Sayyaf militants near an MNLF stronghold when they encountered the rebel forces.The MNLF rebels, he said, were also helping the government track down the militants. (Mindanao Examiner)
A regional Army spokesman, Major Eugene Batarra, said the soldiers clashed with unidentified gunmen in Indanan town and killed six of them in the fighting.
“At least 13 soldiers are wounded and six were killed on the enemy side,” Batarra told the Mindanao Examiner in Zamboanga City.
But the MNLF said it forces were fighting government soldiers and had killed at least 6 members of the Philippine Army’s Scout Ranger in the town.
Philippine Marine commander Maj. Gen. Mohammad Dolorfino earlier said troops clashed with MNLF rebels in Indanan.
He said the soldiers were pursuing Abu Sayyaf militants near an MNLF stronghold when they encountered the rebel forces.The MNLF rebels, he said, were also helping the government track down the militants. (Mindanao Examiner)
Coco Funds Still Far From Reach Of Poor Pinoy Farmers
DAVAO CITY (Mindanao Examiner / 25 Feb) – Militant groups criticized President Gloria Arroyo for failing to support the House Bill 3728 that will render as public the Coconut Levy Fund.
President Arroyo said during the 1st National Coconut Farmers Convention held at the weekend in Davao City, that the projected sale of the 26 million shares of the San Miguel Corp. will be used to set up a foundation to "oversee" the distribution of the proceeds to farmers.
The SMC shares were 27% of the entire coco levy fund that went to the bottling company during the Estrada administration.
"If the Arroyo administration has the real intention of handing over the fund to the farmers, why set up a coco foundation and give farmers only 25% of what is rightly theirs?
“Why does she not support House Bill 3728 that seeks to render as public funds the coconut levy fund?" asked Editha Duterte, of the Anakpawis Party list group.
Duterte said the HB 3728 and is awaiting approval in the House of Representatives since 2005.
Anakpawis is the main proponent of HB 3728.She said the misleading promises Arroyo made were old news for hopefulfarmers who have been waiting for the coco levy fund for 20 years now.
Duterte said the farmers had been waiting too long and had heard too much lip service about the fund that they can see through the real agenda of Arroyo's premature declarations.
"Many of our farmers confessed to being confused after Arroyo's speech. For 20 years, they have been put off from their rightful claim to the fund. They have been hauled from all over Mindanao merely to be told that the waiting is far from over."
"It is evident that Arroyo and her desperate camp are drooling over the coco levy fund which was now reached P130 billion. It has already lost the confidence and support of the masses,” Duterte said. (Mindanao Examiner)
President Arroyo said during the 1st National Coconut Farmers Convention held at the weekend in Davao City, that the projected sale of the 26 million shares of the San Miguel Corp. will be used to set up a foundation to "oversee" the distribution of the proceeds to farmers.
The SMC shares were 27% of the entire coco levy fund that went to the bottling company during the Estrada administration.
"If the Arroyo administration has the real intention of handing over the fund to the farmers, why set up a coco foundation and give farmers only 25% of what is rightly theirs?
“Why does she not support House Bill 3728 that seeks to render as public funds the coconut levy fund?" asked Editha Duterte, of the Anakpawis Party list group.
Duterte said the HB 3728 and is awaiting approval in the House of Representatives since 2005.
Anakpawis is the main proponent of HB 3728.She said the misleading promises Arroyo made were old news for hopefulfarmers who have been waiting for the coco levy fund for 20 years now.
Duterte said the farmers had been waiting too long and had heard too much lip service about the fund that they can see through the real agenda of Arroyo's premature declarations.
"Many of our farmers confessed to being confused after Arroyo's speech. For 20 years, they have been put off from their rightful claim to the fund. They have been hauled from all over Mindanao merely to be told that the waiting is far from over."
"It is evident that Arroyo and her desperate camp are drooling over the coco levy fund which was now reached P130 billion. It has already lost the confidence and support of the masses,” Duterte said. (Mindanao Examiner)
Photo: Cotabato City Mayor Muslimin Sema
GO COTABATO GO. Cotabato City Mayor Muslimin Sema operates a backhoe during the ground breaking ceremony of the construction of the multi-million trade center in Cotabato City in the southern Philippines. The center is partially funded by the United States Agency for International Development-Growth with Equity in Mindanao. (Mindanao Examiner Photo/Mark Navales)Wow, Mali! AFP, Umamin Nagkamali Sa Pullout Ng Security Ni Erap
MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / 25 Feb) - UMAMIN si Armed Forces chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr. na nagkamali ito sa direktibang alisin ang seguridad ng dating Pangulong Joseph Estrada na nakaditine sa Tanay, Rizal. "It was an honest mistake," ayon kanina ni Esperon.
Nilinaw rin nito ang naturang hakbang ay walang kinalaman sa pag-endorso ng dating Presidente sa mga kandidato ng oposisyon sa nalalapit na eleksyon sa Mayo.
Hindi raw sinadya ng AFP na magpadala ang Office of the Adjutant General ng kautusan na may kaugnayan sa kampanya na mai-pull out ang tropa ng mga sundalo na nakatalaga sa mga politico bilang bodyguard.
"It was unintentional. It was a general recall of soldiers assigned to politicians and it came to a point that those who were authorized to maintain military security were sent with the order," dagdag ni Esperon.
Sa ilalim ng batas, may karapatan ang mga dating Pangulo na magkaroon ng seguridad habambuhay, depende sa bigat ng banta sa buhay nito.
"It was a letter sent out to everybody but in the case of the former President, we recalled that (letter recalling Estrada's security) immediately and his security men are back there already," paliwanag pa ni Esperon.
Ibinalik rin naman aniya ang mga sundalong pinaalis bilang seguridad ni Erap. (Juley Reyes)
Kaalyado Ni PGMA, Sabit Sa Coup?
MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / 25 Feb) - HINAMON ng Armed Forces of the Philippines ang nagpapakilalang grupo ng mga opisyal ng militar na nagbunyag ng mga pangalan ng umano’y kaalyado ng administrasyon na nasa likod ng bigong kudeta noong Pebrero ng nakalipas na taon.
Ayon kay AFP public information office chief Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro, makabubuting lumantad ang mga miyembro ng Kawal para sa Hustisya at Pagkakaisa, at ituro ang mga politikong binabanggit nito upang mapanagot sa batas.
"They are saying that there are politicians who are behind the Feb. 24 (failed power grab). Our challenge to them is name names, instead of making sweeping statements," ani Bacarro kanina sa isang panayam.
Una nang inihayag ng grupo na may mga politikong nagkumbinsi sa kanila upang magbitiw ng suporta sa Pangulong Arroyo.
"Those are their statements but our challenge to them is why don't they come out in the open so that the process will be facilitated, why don't they come out in the open so that the litigation would be hastened," dagdag pa ng tagapagsalita.
Samantala, sinabi ni Bacarro na hindi mapagbibigyan ang hirit ng naturang grupo na luwagan ang detensyon sa grupo ng mga opisyal na nakapiit sa Camp Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal na kinabibilangan ni dating Scout Ranger Commander Brigadier General Danilo Lim.
"You cannot just loosen it because if you are going to loosen their security, you should also loosen the security of the others who are confined. The confinement rules being applied to them are also applied to everybody, whether you are involved in the Feb. 24 incident or other offense" paliwanag ng opisyal.
"We have an SOP (standard operating procedure) so we cannot break our policies and SOP just to fit their caprices. The policy would not be adjusted for them. The policy will be implemented," diin ni Bacarro. (Juley Reyes)
Ayon kay AFP public information office chief Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro, makabubuting lumantad ang mga miyembro ng Kawal para sa Hustisya at Pagkakaisa, at ituro ang mga politikong binabanggit nito upang mapanagot sa batas.
"They are saying that there are politicians who are behind the Feb. 24 (failed power grab). Our challenge to them is name names, instead of making sweeping statements," ani Bacarro kanina sa isang panayam.
Una nang inihayag ng grupo na may mga politikong nagkumbinsi sa kanila upang magbitiw ng suporta sa Pangulong Arroyo.
"Those are their statements but our challenge to them is why don't they come out in the open so that the process will be facilitated, why don't they come out in the open so that the litigation would be hastened," dagdag pa ng tagapagsalita.
Samantala, sinabi ni Bacarro na hindi mapagbibigyan ang hirit ng naturang grupo na luwagan ang detensyon sa grupo ng mga opisyal na nakapiit sa Camp Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal na kinabibilangan ni dating Scout Ranger Commander Brigadier General Danilo Lim.
"You cannot just loosen it because if you are going to loosen their security, you should also loosen the security of the others who are confined. The confinement rules being applied to them are also applied to everybody, whether you are involved in the Feb. 24 incident or other offense" paliwanag ng opisyal.
"We have an SOP (standard operating procedure) so we cannot break our policies and SOP just to fit their caprices. The policy would not be adjusted for them. The policy will be implemented," diin ni Bacarro. (Juley Reyes)
MNLF Fighting Breaks Out In Jolo Island, 6 Soldiers Dead, Says Rebels
JOLO ISLAND (Mindanao Examiner / 25 Feb) – At least one government soldier was seriously wounded in fierce clashes Sunday with Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) forces in the southern Philippine island of Jolo, officials said.
Rebel sources said at least six soldiers were killing in the fighting.
Officials said troops, pursuing Abu Sayyaf militants, clashed with rebels late Sunday afternoon in the hinterland village of Marang in Indanan town. Fighting was raging later in the night with soldiers trying to get out from an area where rebels, under Habier Malik and Khaid Ajibun, are actively operating.
There were no immediate reports of MNLF casualties. “One soldier is wounded in the fighting,” said Marine commander Maj. Gen. Mohammad Dolorfino, who was monitoring the situation in Jolo.
“There is a need to put up a coordinating committee between the MNLF and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to prevent hostilities. There is truce and we signed a peace agreement with the rebels, but sporadic clashes still occur. We have worked a long way to preserve peace in the South and we will pursue peaceful ways to resolve this problem,” Dolorfino told the Mindanao Examiner.
Hundreds of Muslim villagers have fled their homes, leaving farm animals behind, for fear the battle would escalate. The military on the island have sent more forces to reinforce the beleaguered soldiers.
Early this month, Malik and Ajibun held for 3 days a peace mission headed by Dolorfino and Defense Under Secretary Ramon Santos and demanded that Manila free their jailed leader Nur Misuari, who is facing rebellion charges, so he can attend a tripartite meeting arranged by the influential Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) in Saudi Arabia.
Dolorfino’s group was seized after reports of a scheduled tripartite meeting between the MNLF and the Philippines and the OIC on Feb. 6-8 in Jeddah had been shelved off by the Arroyo government. The OIC, which brokered the MNLF peace talks, organized the tripartite meeting to discuss the full implementation of the agreement.
The rebels signed a peace agreement with Manila in September 1996. After the peace agreement was signed, Misuari, became the governor of the Muslim autonomous region. But despite the agreement, there was a widespread disillusionment with the weak autonomy they were granted.
Under the peace agreement, Manila would provide a mini-Marshal Plan to spur economic development in Muslim areas in the south and livelihood and housing assistance to tens of thousands of former rebels to uplift their poor living standards.
Many former guerrillas were disgruntled with the peace deal, saying, the Arroyo government failed to comply with some of its provisions and uplift their standards of living. They accused Manila of failing to develop the war-torn areas in the south.
And in November 2001, on the eve of the elections in the Muslim autonomous region, Misuari accused the government of reneging on the peace agreement, and launched a new rebellion in Jolo island and Zamboanga City, where more than 100 people were killed. Misuari then escaped by boat to Malaysia, but had been arrested and deported to the Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner)
Rebel sources said at least six soldiers were killing in the fighting.
Officials said troops, pursuing Abu Sayyaf militants, clashed with rebels late Sunday afternoon in the hinterland village of Marang in Indanan town. Fighting was raging later in the night with soldiers trying to get out from an area where rebels, under Habier Malik and Khaid Ajibun, are actively operating.
There were no immediate reports of MNLF casualties. “One soldier is wounded in the fighting,” said Marine commander Maj. Gen. Mohammad Dolorfino, who was monitoring the situation in Jolo.
“There is a need to put up a coordinating committee between the MNLF and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to prevent hostilities. There is truce and we signed a peace agreement with the rebels, but sporadic clashes still occur. We have worked a long way to preserve peace in the South and we will pursue peaceful ways to resolve this problem,” Dolorfino told the Mindanao Examiner.
Hundreds of Muslim villagers have fled their homes, leaving farm animals behind, for fear the battle would escalate. The military on the island have sent more forces to reinforce the beleaguered soldiers.
Early this month, Malik and Ajibun held for 3 days a peace mission headed by Dolorfino and Defense Under Secretary Ramon Santos and demanded that Manila free their jailed leader Nur Misuari, who is facing rebellion charges, so he can attend a tripartite meeting arranged by the influential Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) in Saudi Arabia.
Dolorfino’s group was seized after reports of a scheduled tripartite meeting between the MNLF and the Philippines and the OIC on Feb. 6-8 in Jeddah had been shelved off by the Arroyo government. The OIC, which brokered the MNLF peace talks, organized the tripartite meeting to discuss the full implementation of the agreement.
The rebels signed a peace agreement with Manila in September 1996. After the peace agreement was signed, Misuari, became the governor of the Muslim autonomous region. But despite the agreement, there was a widespread disillusionment with the weak autonomy they were granted.
Under the peace agreement, Manila would provide a mini-Marshal Plan to spur economic development in Muslim areas in the south and livelihood and housing assistance to tens of thousands of former rebels to uplift their poor living standards.
Many former guerrillas were disgruntled with the peace deal, saying, the Arroyo government failed to comply with some of its provisions and uplift their standards of living. They accused Manila of failing to develop the war-torn areas in the south.
And in November 2001, on the eve of the elections in the Muslim autonomous region, Misuari accused the government of reneging on the peace agreement, and launched a new rebellion in Jolo island and Zamboanga City, where more than 100 people were killed. Misuari then escaped by boat to Malaysia, but had been arrested and deported to the Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner)
Photo: Murdered Filipino Journalist
ONE MESSENGER DOWN. Elizabeth Pastolero, widow of slain journalist Hernani Pastolero, looks at the body of her husband, as she is being comforted by Chief Supt. Joel Goltiao, chief of police forces in the Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao, in Sultan Kudarat town in Shariff Kabunsuan province. Gunmen shot and killed Pastolero, 64, editor of the weekly paper Lightning Courier, as he was sipping coffee in front of his house 19 February 2007.
Goltiao created “Task Force Pastolero” to focus and dig deeper in the investigation. Philippine National Police Director General Oscar Calderon stresses the need for the PNP to protect journalists who are under threats and make speedy probe on the murders. Dozens of journalists have been killed since President Gloria Arroyo assumed the presidency in 2001, making the Philippines the most dangerous place for journalists after Iraq. (Mindanao Examiner Photo/Mark Navales)
Duterte At Duterte Sa Davao City?
DAVAO CITY (Mindanao Examiner / 25 Feb) – Mariing binatikos kahapon ng ilang kaalyado at kalaban sa pulitika ni Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte ang plano nitong tumakbo sa halalan at katambal ang sariling anak na si Sarah, isang abogado, bilang vice mayor.
Mismong si Davao City 3rd District Rep. Ruy Elias Lopez, na ka-alyado ni Duterte, ang nagsabi na ang pagtakbo ng mag-amang Duterte ay isang political dynasty.
Marami umanong pedeng tumakbo maliban sa anak ni Duterte bilang vice mayor ng Davao City. Maging ang publiko ay nagulat sa balitang ka-tandem ni Duterte ang anak sa pulitiko.
Ngunit sa mga supporters ni Duterte ay todo naman ang pagsabi ng mga ito na walang masama sa plano ng mag-ama dahil mas mapapabuti umano nila ang governance sa Davao City.
Si Duterte ang sinasabing nagpaunlad ng Davao.
Nagbanta naman diumano si Lopez na kakalas kay Duterte at lilipat sa grupo ni dating Vice Mayor Benjamin de Guzman, isang mortal na katungali ng tigasing alkalde, kung itutuloy ni Duterte ang planong gawin kandidato ang anak.
Hindi naman natiniag si Duterte at sinabing handa siyang harapin ang sinumang lalaban sa kanya sa halalan sa Mayo. (Romy Bwaga)
Mismong si Davao City 3rd District Rep. Ruy Elias Lopez, na ka-alyado ni Duterte, ang nagsabi na ang pagtakbo ng mag-amang Duterte ay isang political dynasty.
Marami umanong pedeng tumakbo maliban sa anak ni Duterte bilang vice mayor ng Davao City. Maging ang publiko ay nagulat sa balitang ka-tandem ni Duterte ang anak sa pulitiko.
Ngunit sa mga supporters ni Duterte ay todo naman ang pagsabi ng mga ito na walang masama sa plano ng mag-ama dahil mas mapapabuti umano nila ang governance sa Davao City.
Si Duterte ang sinasabing nagpaunlad ng Davao.
Nagbanta naman diumano si Lopez na kakalas kay Duterte at lilipat sa grupo ni dating Vice Mayor Benjamin de Guzman, isang mortal na katungali ng tigasing alkalde, kung itutuloy ni Duterte ang planong gawin kandidato ang anak.
Hindi naman natiniag si Duterte at sinabing handa siyang harapin ang sinumang lalaban sa kanya sa halalan sa Mayo. (Romy Bwaga)
Release Detained Lawmaker, Party List Group Demands
MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / 25 Feb) – A militant party list group, Anakpawis, on Sunday demanded anew the release from government detention of a lawmaker arrested on rebellion charges last year.
"We demand Ka Bel's immediate and unconditional release in the interest of truth and justice. If the Arroyo administration remains stubborn to the cries of Filipino toiling masses and international human rights advocates, Gloria Arroyo will forever see herself among the likes of Adolf Hitler and Ferdinand Marcos, earning utmost disgust from the people," said Anakpawis Secretary General Cherry Clemente.
The group was referring to Rep. Crispin Beltran, linked by the government to the Communist Party of the Philippines.
Clemente said there were no evidence to link Beltran to all accusations against him and only a victim of political harassment. Beltran is a known anti-Arroyo politician.
“Even the international community led by the Inter-Parliamentary Union and civil society groups across the globe are convinced that Ka Bel is a victim of political harassment by the Arroyo administration,” Clemente said.
Clemente said Anakpawis will join the “Free Ka Bel Movement” in an international day of protest on Monday. Simultaneous rallies will be held in different regions all-over the country, as well as countries across Asia, Europe and the United States.
Beltran was arrested a day after Arroyo declared Presidential Proclamation 1017.
Arroyo issued Proclamation Number 1017 on February 24, 2006 after an alleged coup attempt was foiled in the morning of the same day, thus, placing the country under a "State of National Emergency". This was later revoked by Proclamation 1021. (Mindanao Examiner)
"We demand Ka Bel's immediate and unconditional release in the interest of truth and justice. If the Arroyo administration remains stubborn to the cries of Filipino toiling masses and international human rights advocates, Gloria Arroyo will forever see herself among the likes of Adolf Hitler and Ferdinand Marcos, earning utmost disgust from the people," said Anakpawis Secretary General Cherry Clemente.
The group was referring to Rep. Crispin Beltran, linked by the government to the Communist Party of the Philippines.
Clemente said there were no evidence to link Beltran to all accusations against him and only a victim of political harassment. Beltran is a known anti-Arroyo politician.
“Even the international community led by the Inter-Parliamentary Union and civil society groups across the globe are convinced that Ka Bel is a victim of political harassment by the Arroyo administration,” Clemente said.
Clemente said Anakpawis will join the “Free Ka Bel Movement” in an international day of protest on Monday. Simultaneous rallies will be held in different regions all-over the country, as well as countries across Asia, Europe and the United States.
Beltran was arrested a day after Arroyo declared Presidential Proclamation 1017.
Arroyo issued Proclamation Number 1017 on February 24, 2006 after an alleged coup attempt was foiled in the morning of the same day, thus, placing the country under a "State of National Emergency". This was later revoked by Proclamation 1021. (Mindanao Examiner)
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Arroyo Calls On Filipinos To Support TEAM Unity
MANILA - President Gloria Arroyo on Saturday called on Filipinos to support the administration candidates for the May 14 elections and promising more secure jobs and progress for citizens.
"The May elections are about our future. That is why I am asking you to support our candidates in the Senate. They will be my partners in uplifting the lives of the Filipinos," Arroyo said during a proclamation rally in Lingayen town in the northern Pangasinan province.
Her ticket, called TEAM Unity, is composed of re-electionist Edgardo Angara, Joker Arroyo and Tessie Oreta; Mike Defensor, Vic Magsaysay, Cesar Montano, Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, Prospero Pichay, Luis Singson, Vicente Sotto and Miguel Zubiri.
Pangasinan is the second vote-rich province in the country, next only to Cebu, with some 1.3 million voters. (Mindanao Examiner)
"The May elections are about our future. That is why I am asking you to support our candidates in the Senate. They will be my partners in uplifting the lives of the Filipinos," Arroyo said during a proclamation rally in Lingayen town in the northern Pangasinan province.
Her ticket, called TEAM Unity, is composed of re-electionist Edgardo Angara, Joker Arroyo and Tessie Oreta; Mike Defensor, Vic Magsaysay, Cesar Montano, Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, Prospero Pichay, Luis Singson, Vicente Sotto and Miguel Zubiri.
Pangasinan is the second vote-rich province in the country, next only to Cebu, with some 1.3 million voters. (Mindanao Examiner)
Marine Killed In Basilan Attack
BASILAN (Mindanao Examiner / 24 Feb) – A Filipino soldier was killed in an attack on the island of Basilan, south of Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines, the military said Saturday.
The military said the soldier, assigned with the Philippine Marines, was shot by motorcycle gunmen in Lamitan town.
No group claimed responsibility for the attack, but the soldier was new on the island and part of a marine contingent that replaced the army forces early this month.
Abu Sayyaf militants are still hiding in Basilan, although their numbers have dwindled in the past years and many of them fled to nearby Jolo island to evade government operation.
Aside from the Abu Sayyaf, the larger Moro Islamic Liberation Front and criminal gangs operate are active in Basilan.
The military did not release the name of the soldier, but other reports identified the victim as Corporal Rodel Algaba. (Mindanao Examiner)
The military said the soldier, assigned with the Philippine Marines, was shot by motorcycle gunmen in Lamitan town.
No group claimed responsibility for the attack, but the soldier was new on the island and part of a marine contingent that replaced the army forces early this month.
Abu Sayyaf militants are still hiding in Basilan, although their numbers have dwindled in the past years and many of them fled to nearby Jolo island to evade government operation.
Aside from the Abu Sayyaf, the larger Moro Islamic Liberation Front and criminal gangs operate are active in Basilan.
The military did not release the name of the soldier, but other reports identified the victim as Corporal Rodel Algaba. (Mindanao Examiner)
Fighting Erupts In Jolo Island, 1 Soldier Wounded By Abu Sayyaf
ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / 24 Feb) – Philippine soldiers clashed Saturday with Abu Sayyaf militants in the southern island of Jolo, killing a still undetermined number of gunmen, officials said.
Officials said the fighting in the hinterland village of Buanza in Indanan town left one soldier wounded.
The soldiers, all from the Army’s 6th Special Rangers Company, were tracking down the Abu Sayyaf when they ran into a group of militants and a firefight ensued.
The gunmen, numbering about 40 and believed to be under Abu Sayyaf leaders Radullan Sahiron and Albader Parad, broke into smaller groups and fled, officials said, adding, troops were pursuing the militants.
On Monday, security forces also clashed with the Abu Sayyaf in Indanan’s Tagbak village killing a government soldier and a militant. Four other soldiers were wounded in the clash.
The fighting in Jolo coincided with the ongoing joint anti-terror drill between U.S. and Philippine soldiers.
Philippine military chief General Hermogenes Esperon ordered troops to finish off the Abu Sayyaf and capture two key Jemaah Islamiya militants, Dulmatin and Umar Patek, hiding on Jolo island.
Jakarta implicated both Dulmatin and Patek to the 2002 Bali bombings that killed 202 people, mostly foreign holidaymakers.
Washington listed the Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya as foreign terrorist organizations and offered as much as $10 million bounty for Dulmatin’s capture. Manila also set aside P100 million reward for the capture of known Abu Sayyaf leaders, dead or alive. (Mindanao Examiner)
Officials said the fighting in the hinterland village of Buanza in Indanan town left one soldier wounded.
The soldiers, all from the Army’s 6th Special Rangers Company, were tracking down the Abu Sayyaf when they ran into a group of militants and a firefight ensued.
The gunmen, numbering about 40 and believed to be under Abu Sayyaf leaders Radullan Sahiron and Albader Parad, broke into smaller groups and fled, officials said, adding, troops were pursuing the militants.
On Monday, security forces also clashed with the Abu Sayyaf in Indanan’s Tagbak village killing a government soldier and a militant. Four other soldiers were wounded in the clash.
The fighting in Jolo coincided with the ongoing joint anti-terror drill between U.S. and Philippine soldiers.
Philippine military chief General Hermogenes Esperon ordered troops to finish off the Abu Sayyaf and capture two key Jemaah Islamiya militants, Dulmatin and Umar Patek, hiding on Jolo island.
Jakarta implicated both Dulmatin and Patek to the 2002 Bali bombings that killed 202 people, mostly foreign holidaymakers.
Washington listed the Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya as foreign terrorist organizations and offered as much as $10 million bounty for Dulmatin’s capture. Manila also set aside P100 million reward for the capture of known Abu Sayyaf leaders, dead or alive. (Mindanao Examiner)
Arroyo Bet In Sulu Pledges Reforms, Better Governance
Former Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)
JOLO (Mindanao Examiner / 24 Feb) – President Gloria Arroyo’s KAMPI party’s gubernatorial candidate in Sulu, Abdusakur Tan, on Saturday said he would pursue a vigorous program aimed at fighting poverty and to transform the island into a peace zone.
“Ours is government that will address the poverty situation through sustainable economic and livelihood programs and a peace agenda that will be beneficial to all. Peace and progress and reforms go side by side with development and we will pursue these programs with the support of all sectors.”
“People want change and we promise better governance which is transparent and honest and to make Sulu a progressive place in the South,” Tan said.
Tan previously served as a member of the regional parliament and governor of Sulu province and is one of the most respected politicians in southern Philippines.
Tan, largely known in Sulu as a religious man and a philanthropist, is said to be running unopposed. He joined the KAMPI (Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino) party this year and was chosen as the government’s official candidate for the gubernatorial post.
Muslim religious leaders are also backing Tan and traders praised his candidacy, saying, his expertise in business management will help Sulu recover from its ailing economy.
Aside from Tan, other local politicians who joined Kampi party were Mayor Anton Burahan, of Pata town; former ARMM Regional Legislative Assembly speaker, Alvares Isnaji; Mayor Tambrin Tulawie, of Talipao town; Mayor Munib Estino, of Panglima Estino town; and ex-governor Yusop Jikiri.
Kampi party provincial chairman Rep. Hussin Amin, now on his third and last term, is running for mayor in Jolo town and Jikiri, as congressman in Sulu's 1st District. (Mindanao Examiner)
RP Troops, Muslim Rebels Join Forces For Peace
COTABATO CITY – Filipino soldiers and Muslim rebels waging a decades-old separatist war in the southern Philippines are taking up a peace and development course at a Catholic-run university, in a bid to find a lasting solution to conflict that has claimed over 120 thousands lives in the Philippines' southern island of Mindanao, the Adnkronos International (AKI) reported Saturday.
An influential peace advocate, Catholic priest Roberto Layson, told AKI that among those attending the course at Notre Dame University in Cotabato City are members of the military and of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) cease-fire committee.
"It's really a good venue where they can discuss and find a solution to the problem," Layson said.
Army Major Joselito Tocaldo, a member of the Manila cease-fire committee and one of those attending the class, said the advantages of the safe environment provided by the course.
"The exchange of ideas during the class is perfect because we understand each other's view, like the reason they [the rebels] are fighting for. On the academic side, we are talking about how we could resolve the problem in Mindanao. All of us are happy that there is a peace negotiation although it hit a snag on the issue of territory," Tocaldo said.
"This kind of set-up helps a lot in our confidence-building measures with them. At the same time, people like me, who are not natives of Mindanao, can gain knowledge about the real history of the region," Tocaldo added.
Von Al Haq, member of the MILF cease-fire committee chief, told AKI the course is helpful as it is a preparation for when Manila and the MILF will sign a peace agreement. "We need people who have skills in peace and development. We are learning some skills here," Al Haj said.
Aside from members from Manila and MILF, peace advocates from non-governmental organizations are also attending the weekend course that began in December and will end in April.
The MILF, which is engaged in peace talks with government, signed a cease-fire agreement with Filipino government on July 19, 2003. In September last year, the peace talks stalled after both parties failed to agree on the issue of ancestral domain.
The MILF, estimated to have 13,000 members, wants at least 1,000 villages included in the proposed Muslim homeland but Manila said it could only allow the inclusion of about 600 villages. The government also insists that the formation of the future Bangsamoro entity would have to be decided in a plebiscite.
The Mindanao conflict first flared in the 1970s when the Muslim minority, known as the Moros, launched an armed struggle for their ancestral homeland in the south. But over the years, the Moro campaign for self-rule has become only one of several sources of bloodshed on Mindanao that include communist insurgency, violence linked to militant Islamist groups, bloody ethnic vendettas, clan wars and banditry.
An influential peace advocate, Catholic priest Roberto Layson, told AKI that among those attending the course at Notre Dame University in Cotabato City are members of the military and of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) cease-fire committee.
"It's really a good venue where they can discuss and find a solution to the problem," Layson said.
Army Major Joselito Tocaldo, a member of the Manila cease-fire committee and one of those attending the class, said the advantages of the safe environment provided by the course.
"The exchange of ideas during the class is perfect because we understand each other's view, like the reason they [the rebels] are fighting for. On the academic side, we are talking about how we could resolve the problem in Mindanao. All of us are happy that there is a peace negotiation although it hit a snag on the issue of territory," Tocaldo said.
"This kind of set-up helps a lot in our confidence-building measures with them. At the same time, people like me, who are not natives of Mindanao, can gain knowledge about the real history of the region," Tocaldo added.
Von Al Haq, member of the MILF cease-fire committee chief, told AKI the course is helpful as it is a preparation for when Manila and the MILF will sign a peace agreement. "We need people who have skills in peace and development. We are learning some skills here," Al Haj said.
Aside from members from Manila and MILF, peace advocates from non-governmental organizations are also attending the weekend course that began in December and will end in April.
The MILF, which is engaged in peace talks with government, signed a cease-fire agreement with Filipino government on July 19, 2003. In September last year, the peace talks stalled after both parties failed to agree on the issue of ancestral domain.
The MILF, estimated to have 13,000 members, wants at least 1,000 villages included in the proposed Muslim homeland but Manila said it could only allow the inclusion of about 600 villages. The government also insists that the formation of the future Bangsamoro entity would have to be decided in a plebiscite.
The Mindanao conflict first flared in the 1970s when the Muslim minority, known as the Moros, launched an armed struggle for their ancestral homeland in the south. But over the years, the Moro campaign for self-rule has become only one of several sources of bloodshed on Mindanao that include communist insurgency, violence linked to militant Islamist groups, bloody ethnic vendettas, clan wars and banditry.
Militant Group Urges RP Media To Reject ATB
DAVAO CITY (Mindanao Examiner / 24 Feb) – Party list Bayan Muna urged the Philippine media on Saturday to support its call for the public to reject the government’s implementation of the Anti-Terrorism Bill.
“The media is in the most apt position to distrust, negate and stop the full implementation of a law that will further quell freedom of expression, kill more journalists, and deny civil liberties," it said in a statement sent to the Mindanao Examiner.
The militant group previously condemned the killings of journalists and political activist in the country. More than 800 had been killed since President Gloria Arroyo assumed the presidency in 2001.
"The members of the press are among the common victims of state repression and massive human rights violations in the country. When we, the members of progressive organizations are continuously hunted by military intelligence and gradually butchered like animals, the media is subjected to the same abuse of power for their commitment to educate the people of the true situation of the country," said Bayan Muna Party list Rep. Joel Virador.
Bayan Muna reiterates the dangers that the anti-terror bill poses to the media as clearly contained under Section 5 (accomplice) or Section 6 (accessory) of the said bill. “As stated, the bill punishes persons "who, having knowledge of the …conspiracy to commit terrorism and without having participated therein... profits from it" or conceals its conspirators,” it said.
Virador said with the apparent objective of the bill – to silence critics of the Arroyo government – it becomes ironic that proponents of the said bill declared that the press is exempted from its provisions.
"The media gets its story from the people without any prejudice to their political leanings. Any dissent that represents the people's legitimate concern and any situation that reflects social realities is any journalist's responsibility to expose and to ultimately catalyze meaningful changes from it," Virador said.(Mindanao Examiner)
“The media is in the most apt position to distrust, negate and stop the full implementation of a law that will further quell freedom of expression, kill more journalists, and deny civil liberties," it said in a statement sent to the Mindanao Examiner.
The militant group previously condemned the killings of journalists and political activist in the country. More than 800 had been killed since President Gloria Arroyo assumed the presidency in 2001.
"The members of the press are among the common victims of state repression and massive human rights violations in the country. When we, the members of progressive organizations are continuously hunted by military intelligence and gradually butchered like animals, the media is subjected to the same abuse of power for their commitment to educate the people of the true situation of the country," said Bayan Muna Party list Rep. Joel Virador.
Bayan Muna reiterates the dangers that the anti-terror bill poses to the media as clearly contained under Section 5 (accomplice) or Section 6 (accessory) of the said bill. “As stated, the bill punishes persons "who, having knowledge of the …conspiracy to commit terrorism and without having participated therein... profits from it" or conceals its conspirators,” it said.
Virador said with the apparent objective of the bill – to silence critics of the Arroyo government – it becomes ironic that proponents of the said bill declared that the press is exempted from its provisions.
"The media gets its story from the people without any prejudice to their political leanings. Any dissent that represents the people's legitimate concern and any situation that reflects social realities is any journalist's responsibility to expose and to ultimately catalyze meaningful changes from it," Virador said.(Mindanao Examiner)
Friday, February 23, 2007
WAR, JOURNALISM & STRESS
To Frontline Journalists:
This web site has been developed as a service to front-line journalists. It provides a self-assessment program that you can use to assess your psychological well-being. It has been developed because research has shown that journalists who confront situations of grave danger may, in some cases, develop symptoms of emotional distress. These life threatening situations often occur far from home in situations where the appropriate health care expertise is not available. (The Mindanao Examiner is reposting this article from http://www.conflict-study.com/ in an effort to make it more accessible to as many journalists, who are covering or based in Mindanao.Ed)
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