Filipino journalists, Spanish priest hold rally, protest order clearing 2 in Maguindanao massacre

Members of the Zamboanga Press Club and National Union of Journalists of the Philippines and Peace Advocates Zamboanga headed by Spanish priest Angel Calvo hold a rally in Zamboanga City in Mindanao Island on Monday, April 19, 2010 protesting the decision of Justice Secretary Alberto Agra dropping all murder charges against jailed governor Zaldy Ampatuan, of the five-province Muslim autonomous region; and his uncle Akmad Ampatuan, the deputy governor of Maguindanao province, in connection to the brutal slayings of 57 people on November 23, 2009. The two are among over a hundred people, including the clan’s patriarch Andal Ampatuan Sr, accused in the massacre in Maguindanao. The Ampatuans are strong political allies of President Gloria Arroyo, who was also accused of poll fraud and cheating in the 2007 elections. (Mindanao Examiner Photo Service)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / April 19, 2010) – Local journalists and peace advocates held a rally on Monday in Zamboanga City to protest Manila’s decision to drop all murder charges against the scion of a powerful political clan accused of brutally killing at least 57 people last year in Mindanao.

Members of the Zamboanga Press and National Union of Journalists of the Philippines and Peace Advocates Zamboanga headed by Spanish priest Angel Calvo lighted black candles and read a statement condemning the decision of Justice Secretary Alberto Agra in dropping all murder charges against jailed governor Zaldy Ampatuan, of the five-province Muslim autonomous region; and his uncle Akmad Ampatuan, the deputy governor of Maguindanao province, in connection to the brutal slayings of 57 people on November 23, 2009.

The suspended governor said he was in Manila with President Gloria Arroyo when the massacre occurred. The two are among over a hundred people, including the clan’s patriarch Andal Ampatuan Sr, accused in the massacre in Maguindanao. The Ampatuans are strong political allies of Arroyo, who was also accused of poll fraud and cheating in the 2007 elections.

Agra served as Arroyo’s lawyer during impeachment proceedings at the House of Representatives in 2006. He was one of Arroyo’s lawyers who represented the President in election-related issues in 2004. Arroyo also appointed Agra in 2007 as chief of the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel and this year as Justice Secretary.

In his decision, Agra said there was no evidence to link the two Ampatuan to the murder charges.

The Department of Justice earlier junked rebellion charges in connection with the Maguindanao massacre against the Ampatuans, who were on Friday had been flown to Manila and transferred to a tightly guarded prison in Taguig City where Andal Jr is locked up.

The young Ampatuan is accused of leading the killings of 57 people, including at least 32 journalists, who accompanied a political caravan of a rival clan, the Mangudadatus.

The caravan was traveling when it was stopped by gunmen in Shariff Aguak town and killed and buried its passengers in two mass graves in nearby town of Ampatuan. Among those killed were the wife and sister of Esmael Mangudadatu who is running for governor in next month’s polls.

Andal Jr denied all the charges against them and blamed Moro rebels for the massacre, an allegation strongly rejected by authorities.

“We, officers and members of the Zamboanga-Basilan-Sulu-Tawi-Tawi Chapter of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, strongly condemn and oppose this inane and unjust decision and order of the Justice Department. By readily swallowing the stinking alibis of the Ampatuans, the Department of Justice has made itself virtually a co-conspirator too of the Maguindanao Massacre, which is the worst human rights crime in the history of the nation and the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo,” the NUJP said in a statement.

”A clear pattern to whitewash, as have feared from the start, the charges against the Ampatuans has emerged with the earlier dropping of rebellion charges against the suspects, and now this latest decision. As the whole world and nation know, the Ampatuans are the friends and lackeys of President Arroyo, who herself has been criticized frequently for having no respect for the rule of law. Hence, under this Government and its Administration officials, there is no justice for the Filipinos, particularly for the 57 victims of the Maguindanao Massacre and their families,” it added.

Journalists, who wore black shirts during the rally, also called on Agra to resign.

”We ask the Filipino people to rouse themselves from this oppressive condition and join the NUJP in nonetheless demanding justice for the Maguindanao victims, lest we will be the next victims too – as many have been without redress yet - of this system and culture of impunity and terrorism against innocent citizens or perceived enemies. We ask Acting Secretary Agra to rescind his scandalous order that brazenly co-opts the court and prematurely acquits the two Ampatuans. Save the good, but already badly tattered, name of the Department of Justice, or damn the rule of law and democracy in this land,” the media watchdog said.

Mangudadatu on Sunday said he would pursue the cases against the Ampatuan clan and said he has a witness who linked the jailed regional governor to the murders. “We have a witness that linked Zaldy Ampatuan to the killings. The witness was a former follower of the Ampatuan,” he said.

He said they would appeal Agra’s decision in court. “I cannot say what would come out from this until Agra is there. Agra is the lawyer of the Ampatuans in their election cases so we cannot give any direct statement or tell what would be the outcome of the cases,” Mangudadatu said.

Lawyer Harry Roque who represents the victims of the massacre said they would oppose Agra’s order clearing the two Ampatuans of all criminal charges against them. (Mindanao Examiner)

Week Of Peace Kicks Off In Zamboanga, Other Mindanao Provinces

Members of the Inter-religious Solidarity Movement for Peace including Peace Advocates Zamboanga president Fr. Angel Calvo and Western Mindanao State University President Dr. Grace Rebollos lead the peace march in Zamboanga City as the Week of Peace celebration begins Thursday, November 27, 2008 in Mindanao. And peace advocates light candles in Kiamba town in Sarangani province in celebration of the Week of Peace. (Photo by Ruel Ampatin / Kiamba News and Information Center and Darween Wee)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Nov. 26, 2008) – Thousands of people on Thursday joined a march that signaled the start of the Week of Peace celebration in the southern Philippines.

“The week of peace celebration is a way to recognize the achievements, effort and commitment towards the attainment of peace not only here in Zamboanga or Mindanao but as well in the entire country,” said Rev. Fr. Angel C. Calvo, CMF, president of Peace Advocates Zamboanga (PAZ), who initiated the peace celebration 11 years ago.

He said this year's Week of Peace centers on the theme "Integrity of Mind and Heart: A Way to Reconciliation and Peace.”

About 20,000 marchers, some carrying placards and streamers with peace messages, walked around downtown Zamboanga and later trooped to the Joaquin F. Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex where a program was held.

In his speech, Fr. Calvo urged all sectors to join the observance of peace by recognizing that “each one of us has the capability to contribute towards the attainment of peace in Mindanao.”

"People must believe that we can put together our minds and hearts to obtain the dream of peace in our land," he said, adding, the celebration is aimed at integrating advocacy and peace-making efforts of stakeholders in Mindanao.

”It is beautiful to see Muslim and Christians working together, it is a sign of hope and solidarity,” he said.

Prof. Ali T. Yacub, of the Western Mindanao University, who is also a convener of Inter-religious Solidarity Movement for Peace, read a statement of the influential Bishop-Ulama Conference (BUC) that urged citizens to work together for peace and unity in Mindanao.

Various activities are lined up as part of the celebration and these include painting and art exhibits, a musical concert, among others.

The weeklong celebration was conceptualized in Zamboanga City at the height of hostilities and Abu Sayyaf troubles in the southwestern part of Mindanao in 1997.

This was eventually adopted by the influential religious leaders' group of Bishop-Ulama Council, making the celebration not only exclusive to Zamboanga city but in the entire Mindanao, too.

At present, the celebration is recognized as the biggest peace festival in the country and is endorsed by Presidential Proclamation No. 207 issued by then President Joseph Estrada in 1999. President Gloria Arroyo later issued another presidential proclamation enjoining all sectors to take part in its observance.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines through the Western Mindanao Command said it is also jonining the celebration of the Week of Peace. “The military organization is an advocate of peace,” said Maj. Gamal S. Hayudini, group commander of the AFP’s 4th Civil Relations Group.

Sarangani and Cotabato provinces have also participated the weeklong peace celebration. (With reports from Darween Wee, Geonarri Solmerano and Mark Navales)

Peace Advocates In Mindanao Appeal for Sobriety

The extent to which the intense displeasure over the impending signing of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front has already reached an alarming stage. In the last few days we have seen how unarmed civilians from both sides of the conflict have lost properties and even lives due to attacks or harassments by either side.

The current situation has started to re-create social disorder brought about by some hostile posturing both by supporters and opponents of the proposed Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE), which is the essence of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain.

With the Supreme Court's issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order on Monday, August 4, to stop the signing of the MOA in Kuala Lumpur, the situation on the ground points to a possible outbreak of war especially in Central Mindanao.

The Inter-Religious Solidarity Movement for Peace (IRSMP), as a member of the Mindanao Peaceweavers (MPW), a network of major peace groups and coalitions in Mindanao, appeals for sobriety and urges the parties in conflict to desist from any act that will aggravate the situation.

And more importantly, for both government and MILF to observe and ensure enforcement of the ceasefire agreement at all times.

With the MOA signing stalled by the TRO, now is the most opportune time for government to have an honest to goodness dialogue with its constituents in order to get their acts together and to finally speak with one voice.

The MILF, on the other hand, must all the more demonstrate its resolve and commitment to peace by reigning in all its constituents and prove that indeed it is speaking and doing peace not only in the negotiating table but also on the ground.

We call on our religious leaders to take the moral high ground and be consistent with the religious teachings by serving as bridge builders and provide space for people to discuss the issues at hand more intelligently.

We also urge the government military command in Mindanao to stop the recruitment and training of civilian volunteer organizations (CVOs) and CAFGUs at this critical time when these organizations are mobilized for war-like agenda and interests only.

We most urgently make this appeal to local government executives to refrain from actions and statements that instigate divisiveness and violence out of a fear of the unknown; but, instead bring people together, educate and provide accurate information, address the roots of and manage these conflicts in ways not harmful to people but that which respects diversity and dissenting opinion.

Evidently, the appeal for and resultant TRO by the Supreme Court as well as provisions for Constitutional exercises stipulated in the proposed MOA-AD attest to the democratic and transparent process that dictate the entire negotiation and settlement efforts.

We are calling on both business and academic sectors to serve as links in de-escalating the tension in areas affected by the conflict in Mindanao. For business groups to use their influence on local politicians and be mindful of how wars and conflicts can be bad for business in Mindanao.

And for the academe to provide the venues/fora for information and education among the Moro, Christians and Lumad youths for greater solidarity and understanding.

We are especially making an appeal to the media to ensure responsible reporting and not to fan the emotions of people affected by the conflict that may lead to further deterioration of the situation in Mindanao.

We, peace advocates from Islam and Christian communities and organizations in Zamboanga City, more than ever appeal to all peace-loving Zamboanguenos and Filipinos to give peace a chance. (Adapted from an original draft statement issued by the Mindanao Peaceweavers on August 4, 2008.)

INTER-RELIGIOUS SOLIDARITY MOVEMENT FOR PEACE

Zamboanga City

REV. FR. ANGEL A. CALVO,

CMFR. Catholic Convenor

PROF. ALI T. YACUB

Muslim Convenor

REV. RONALD BILANG

Evangelicals Convenor

Catholics Hold Rally Vs Muslim Homeland In Southern Philippines

Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat speaks during a rally attended by about 3,000 people in front of the Zamboanga City Hall on Monday, August 4, 2008. Lobregat spearheaded the rally to protest the inclusion of eight most Muslim villages to a proposed Islamic homeland in Mindanao. Manila signed a deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels on the Muslim ancestral domain that will make up the so-called Bangsamoro Juridical Entity. Zamboanga was the former capital of the Moro province and part of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / August 4, 2008) – Some 3,000 mostly Christian residents here held a rally Monday to protest the inclusion of at least eight Muslim villages in a proposed Islamic homeland in the southern Philippines.

Mayor Celso Lobregat of Zamboanga City also criticized the government for including the villages in the ancestral domain that the government supposedly would grant the Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels under the peace pact.

He said the century-old Zamboanga City Hall and the Fort Pilar, an open-air Catholic shrine and the Cathedral are located in two of the eight villages, he said.

Many of those who joined the rally wore red shirt and were mostly local government employees and students who were ordered by their teachers to join the protest. Others were curious about the rally and the issue of the Muslim ancestral domain.

Local Catholic priests in their homily on Sunday also urged the residents to join the rally.

“Our teacher told us to attend this rally. We do not know what they are talking about here,” one high school student told the Midnanao Examiner.

His teacher said the principal ordered them to bring the students at the rally. “We were just told to bring the students here at the rally and to put on a red arm band in support of the protest rally,” she said.

Some of the protesters carried placards denouncing the inclusion of Zamboanga villages in the Muslim homeland. One placard reads: “Gloria tumigil ka na…Gloria magisip-isp ka.”

Another reads: “I am a good Moro. I am against the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity. Let us all unite to live in peace.”

Lobregat, also wearing a red shirt and Zamboanga City Archbishop Romulo Valles, clad in white robe and red skull cap, also spoke about the ancestral domain before the huge crowd. Some of their followers carried wooden crosses and different statues of the Virgin Mary.

President Gloria Arroyo’s peace adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said there is need to amend the Constitution to allow the referendum in areas under the ancestral domain that would make up the Bangsa¬moro Juridical Entity.

Peace negotiators are to formally sign the agreement on the ancestral domain on Tuesday in Malaysia, which is brokering the seven-year old talks. The peace agreement also supposedly would provide for a referendum on whether more than 700 other villages across Mindanao wanted to be part of the ancestral domain.

Lobregat said residents already twice rejected plebiscites in the past to include the city in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Esperon denied Lobregat’s claim on the coverage of the proposed plebiscite. He said only Sacol Island in Zamboanga City is included in the ancestral domain. “I assured the people of Zamboanga that only Sacol, which is a predominantly Muslim island, is included in the ancestral domain,” he said in a separate interview.

Sacol is one of 25 island communities largely populated by poor Muslims, mostly fishermen and seaweed farmers. Many Muslim enclaves in Zamboanga have little or no development projects at all and villagers rely mostly on foreign aid for their water and electricity sources, despite the city government's more than P2-billion savings in banks.

US government agencies such as the USAID, AMORE and GEM and the US military have been active in providing Muslim villages in the city with infrastructure projects, medical missions and solar-power technology that provides electricity to homes.

Several department stores, mostly owned by influential Chinese businessmen, also closed shops before noontime in support of Lobregat’s call to protest the inclusion of Zamboanga City villages to the Muslim homeland.

Lobregat said many Muslim village leaders are also opposed to the inclusion of their communities in the Bangsamoro homeland. Most of these leaders, however, are also the mayor’s allies and supporters.

But many Muslims in Zamboanga City said they wanted to be part of the Bangsamoro homeland and are supporting the MILF peace talks. Many of them claimed that they are being discriminated against by Christians. Others also claimed that many department stores in the city do not hire Muslims, but only Christians.

Muslim groups and peace advocates in Zamboanga City are supporting the peace talks and favor the ancestral domain. Ancestral domain was arguably the thorniest issue that blocked a political settlement between the government and the rebels.

Zamboanga was the former capital of the Moro province and part of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo.

Aside from Zamboanga City, the ancestral domain includes the whole of ARMM and also some areas in Zamboanga Peninsula, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani provinces in Mindanao where there are large communities of Muslims and indigenous tribes. It also covers Palawan province in western Philippines. ARMM is composed of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi provinces and Marawi City.

Lobregat said the Arroyo government is using the policy of “divide and conquer” and “divide and rule”.

“We are for peace. We are for honorable and long lasting peace. Christians and Muslim live in harmony and peace in Zamboanga City. And we respect each other culture and religion.”

“This issue of ancestral domain again cropped up. We are appealing to the government peace panel to listen to our calls. We are part of Mindanao. We are part of the Philippines. We are Filipinos and we should thread what binds us together and not our differences. We do not believe that a juridical entity should be created out of religion or base on segregation. Here we should live together and in harmony,” Lobregat said.

Residents of Iligan City, led by Mayor Lawrence Cruz, also held a protest rally, Lobregat said. Vice Gov. Emmanuel Pinol of North Cotabato said he will also oppose any attempt to include his province in the Muslim homeland and has petitioned the Supreme Court to stop the signing of the ancestral domain accord in Kuala Lumpur.

Zamboanga City Rep. Erico Fabian also filed a similar petition on Monday at the Supreme Court.

The independent, but influential group called Peace Advocates Zamboanga (PAZ), headed by Claretian priest Angel Calvo said the signing of the ancestral domain is a big step in achieving peace in Mindanao. “It is one big step to achieving peace,” said the Spanish priest, who is also the president of the Inter-Religious Solidarity Movement for Peace in Philippines.

PAZ is a Catholic organization whose objective is the promotion of peace by strengthening good relations among Muslims and Christians, and all other peoples.

The United Opposition also called on President Gloria Arroyo to postpone the signing of the peace pact until the Supreme Court determines the legality of the agreement.

The MILF, the country’s largest Muslim rebel group, appealed to Christians and Muslims in Mindanao to promote trust, understanding and cooperation, not hatred and mistrust. Rebel leaders said they will not sign any peace deal with the Arroyo government unless the demand of Muslims for self-determination is granted.

Last year, peace talks were stalled after government negotiators reneged on the ancestral-domain deal.

President Arroyo opened peace talks with the MILF in 2001 after deposing President Joseph Estrada. But despite the peace talks, sporadic fighting between rebels and soldiers still continue in Mindanao with both sides accusing each other of violating a fragile truce accord. (Mindanao Examiner)