Ampatuan Loyalist!

A villager in the town of Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao province in Mindanao wears a shirt with a photo of Zaldy Ampatuan, the jailed governor of the Muslim autonomous region, who along with his father Andal Ampatuan Sr., and several brothers were implicated in the mass murder of 57 people, including at least 31 journalists, in November last year. The Ampatuans denied all accusations against them. (Mindanao Examiner Photo Service)

Suspended ARMM Guv Files Petition For Certiorari, TRO

MANILA, Philippines - A defense lawyer of detained Muslim autonomous region governor Datu Zaldy Ampatuan filed a petition for certiorari and application for the issuance of temporary restraining order with the Court of Appeals in Manila to annul Justice Secretary Alberto Agra’s second resolution which reversed his earlier decision finding no probable cause against the offial of complicity in the gory massacre last year in Maguindanao province.

Lawyer Redemberto R. Villanueva, in his 65-page petition on Monday, said he raised Agra’s blatant error and grave abuse of discretion in hastily reversing his previous exclusion of Zaldy Ampatuan from the charges without giving his client’s constitutional right on due process as well as procedural right, to properly refute within reasonable period the affidavit of new alleged witness Abdul Talusan whose late testimony lacks legal requirements to be considered even as newly discovered evidence.

"The right way is not always the popular and easy way," Villanueva was quoted in his petition, as saying, to stress that Agra hastily overturned on May 5 his unpopular April 16 order acquitting Zaldy Ampatuan due to intense pressures from the media, families of victims and other groups which may have wrongly confused justice with revenge or vengeance, as he further emphasized that justice cannot be sweepingly done for one popular side alone, but must be for both, especially for his client whom he claimed to be not part of the conspiracy in the multiple murder case.

Villanueva said the prosecution’s Motion for Reconsideration based on Talusan’s new affidavit was filed only on April 30 this year as he stressed the clear violation of his client’s right and opportunity to controvert affidavit which he claimed was speedily resolved by Agra only within five days with a May 5 reversal order. (April 30 was Friday. The following day (May 1) was Saturday and May 2 Sunday. May 3 was declared a holiday - for the May 1 Labor Day celebration.) The 2nd resolution was released on May 5.

In the petition which also asked the appellate court for the issuance of a temporary restraining order, Villanueva stated that Agra, who earlier upheld Zaldy Ampatuan's substantiated alibi, as proven by evidence of receipts of cellular phone calls, affidavit of a phone caller, and plane tickets that he was not present at the time of the November 22, 2009 alleged planning and the November 23 execution of multiple killings, which negated major prosecution witness Kenny Dalandag’s allegation that Zaldy was involved as a co-conspirator, erred and committed grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction in finding probable cause on his 2nd Resolution dated May 5 against the petitioner based on the belated inadmissible evidence of Abdul Talusan due to blatant disregard of DOJ’s own rules on Appeal which states: "Evidence submitted for the first time on appeal shall not be admitted. If submitted, the reviewing prosecutor shall disregard it."

He also stated that the admission of new evidence with undue haste violated his client’s right on constitutional guarantees on due process to react on the new evidence against him.

"What the Justice Secretary did was to trivialize the Petitioner’s right to substantive and procedural due process and make them work for his benefit and not for the noble ends of justice. He has put a greater premium on the pressures of public opinion than on his duty as a fair and impartial instrument in the dispensation of justice...Sadly, he has opted to listen to the unintelligible voices of the mob, rather than of his own clear conscience."

Villanueva further clarified in the petition that prosecution’s presentation of new evidence was even “false and misleading” and contradicts the only other prosecution’s affidavit on record. Contrary to the prosecution’s claim, the new piece of alleged evidence "belatedly introduced or presented in the Supplemental MR does not in any way corroborate or validate but, in truth and in fact, contradict the previous testimony of witness Dalandag on material points, viz: Dalandag said that he allegedly saw Petitioner at the house of Datu Andal Ampatuan Sr., in Shariff Aguak town in Maguindanao at around 7 p.m. on November 22, while Talusan stated that he allegedly saw the petitioner arrived at the said place only around 11 p.m."

"And Dalandag said that petitioner allegedly attended the meeting that transpired at 7 p.m., but Talusan said that petitioner was not present during the purported meeting at 7 p.m., precisely because the latter allegedly arrived only at about 11 p.m. The prosecution, by its own act, even impeached or discredited the credibility of Kenny Dalandag. In effect, the two affidavits contradict each other on very material points."

Zaldy Ampatuan’s father, Datu Andal Ampatuan Sr., and his brother, Datu Unsay town mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr., and others accused in the killings have also been charged as principals by inducement and by direct participation in the grisly murders.

Zaldy Ampatuan and Akhmad Ampatuan were previously excluded in the multiple murder case. Due to Agra’s May 5 reversal order on the basis of Talusan’s new affidavit, the Justice Secretary ordered the inclusion of Zaldy Ampatuan and Akhmad Ampatuan as principals in the charge sheet.

Villanueva’s petition, however, noted: "…Agra’s opinion as to the insufficiency and weakness of Kenny Dalandag’s testimony remained unperturbed,” as he stated that the same opinion was “strengthened when he maintained that it was only on the basis of the new affidavit that he even reconsidered his earlier resolution as to Zaldy Ampatuan and Akhmad Ampatuan"

But Villanueva stressed that the belated affidavit of Talusan could not be admitted or considered by Secretary Agra in his second resolution for obvious violations of other constitutional due process as well as procedural requirements.

Dalandag and Talusan had reportedly recanted their statements against the former ARMM governor Zaldy Ampatuan, as reported and broadcast on June 23, by radio network dzRH.

Philippine Justice Secretary Reverses Ruling On 2 Massacre Suspects

The evidence from the “Maguindanao Massacre” are being guarded by the Philippine police in Mindanao. Justice Secretary Alberto Agra reversed his earlier ruling absolving two members of a powerful political clan accused of murdering at least 57 people in Maguindanao province last year. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)

MANILA, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / May 5, 2010) – Philippine Justice Secretary Alberto Agra reversed his earlier ruling absolving two members of a powerful political clan accused of murdering at least 57 people in Maguindanao province last year.

Agra said there is a probable cause to pursue criminal chargers against Zaldy Ampatuan, the governor of the Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao; and Akmad Ampatuan, whom he both cleared of all charges last month.

His decision to absolve the two men drew strong criticism and condemnation from different media groups and human rights advocates.

Agra said his decision to pursue the cases against the Ampatuans was based on testimonies of new witnesses who surfaced last week.

In his earlier ruling, Agra said there was no evidence to link the two men to the murders after the suspended governor insisted 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 past elections.

The Department of Justice earlier junked rebellion charges in connection with the Maguindanao massacre against the Ampatuans, whose prime suspect is Andal Ampatuan Jr.

He 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 the May 10 general elections.

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

Philippine journalists protest order clearing 2 in Maguindanao massacre

Justice Secretary Alberto Agra. A media poster showing a forensic expert digging the body of one of 57 people murdered in Maguindanao province in November 23, 2009.

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / April 18, 2010) – Various Filipino media groups have questioned 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.

Journalists following the slow progress of the case of the so-called “Maguindanao massacre” are to hold simultaneous rallies on Monday to protest the decision of Justice Alberto Agra to drop murder charges against Zaldy Ampatuan, the suspended governor of the five-province Muslim autonomous region; and his uncle Akmad Ampatuan, the province deputy governor of Maguindanao.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines said journalists in Bacolod City in Negros province have already organized a rally on Sunday.

The families of those killed in the massacre will also have a press conference on Monday in General Santos City in Mindanao and so is the NUJP in Manila.

“We have to react. This is very important. Agra’s decision was extremely disturbing. It is eroding the already shaky trust we have on the Department of Justice and the justice system,” the regional chapter of the NUJP said in a statement.

The NUJP is also expected to come up with a position paper about the latest development on the multiple murder charges against the Ampatuan clan.

Journalists in Mindanao said they would also wear black beginning Monday to protest Agra’s decision to absolve the two wealthy and influential Ampatuans.

The two are just some of the more than 100 people accused in the November 23 killings. Among those accused were the clan’s patriarch Andal Ampatuan Sr, the governor of Maguindanao, and his sons Andal Ampatuan Jr, who is also the mayor of Datu Unsay town; and Sahid Ampatuan.

The Ampatuan clan is a strong political ally of President Gloria Arroyo, who was 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 and lawyer Romulo Macalintal 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.

Mangudadatu on Sunday said he would pursue the cases against the Ampatuan clan and said he has a witness who linked Zaldy Ampatuan 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)

ARMM governor's bodyguards disarmed in Davao City

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / November 29, 2009) – Philippine soldiers seized six weapons from bodyguards of Governor Zaldy Ampatuan whose brother was linked to the massacre of 57 people in Maguindanao province.

The official Philippine News Agency reported that soldiers intercepted four of Ampatuan’s bodyguards near the Davao International Airport on Saturday and seized two automatic rifles and four pistols.

It said the four were escorting Ampatuan when the soldiers led by Army Colonel Oscar Lactao intercepted them at around 6 a.m. It was unknown whether the weapons were illegal of not, but the four men were said to be members of the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police.

Ampatuan's younger brother, Andal Ampatuan Jnr, the mayor of Datu Unsay town in Maguindanao, was arrested on Thursday and charged with multiple counts of murder after being implicated in the November 23 killings of wife and supporters of rival politician Buluan town mayor Esmael Mangudadatu.

Among those killed were at least 29 journalists who were to cover Mangudadatu's filing of nomination for the gubernatorial elections next year. (Mindanao Examiner)

26 journalists killed in Maguindanao massacre

A total of 26 journalists were among those killed in the 23 November massacre in Maguindanao province on the southern island of Mindanao by alleged supporters of the province’s governor, Andal Ampatuan Sr, according to journalists who have gone to the massacre site.

“This bloodbath is beyond human understanding,” a journalist from the nearby city of Koronadal told Reporters Without Borders, adding: “I have lost 12 of my colleagues in this massacre.”

“The toll from this massacre keeps rising but the governor’s son, the leading suspect, still has not been questioned by the police,” Reporters Without Borders said. “President Gloria Arroyo says those responsible will be arrested and tried but all the information coming from the field so far indicates the contrary.”

The press freedom organisation added: “Why have the governor’s son and the governor himself not been arrested? Are Mindanao Island’s power barons more powerful than the law itself? The Philippine government’s credibility is at stake.”

Nonoy Espina of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), who is in Mindanao, told Reporters Without Borders: “Tallying and identifying the bodies is slow, but it now seems that 26 journalists from several towns were killed (…) The government is not doing enough to arrest those responsible. How can the president’s adviser be pleased about obtaining undertakings from the governor when his son, the leading suspect, is still free? Settling for mere promises is unacceptable after this massacre.”

Information obtained by Reporters Without Borders

Victims: At least 57 civilians, including 26 reporters, who were mostly from General Santos and Koronadal (two cities in the nearby province of South Cotabato). The journalists worked for local or national newspapers, radio stations and TV stations.

The murdered journalists include Alejandro “Bong” Reblando of Manila Bulletin, Henry Araneta of radio DZRH, Bart Maravilla of Bombo Radyo Koronadal, Nap Salaysay of dzRO, Ian Subang of Pilipino Star Ngayon and Dadiangas Times, and freelance reporters Humberto Mumay, Ranie Razon, Noel Decena, John Caniba, Joel Parcon, Marife Montano, Art Belia and Jun Legarta.

The fatalities could include four UNTV reporters – Joy Duhay, Victor Nuñez, Macario Ariola and Jimmy Cabillo. Philippine news media have also named Leah Dalmacio of Mindanao Focus, Gina de la Cruz and Marites Cablitas of Today, Andy Teodoro of the Mindanao Inquirer, Bienvenido Lagarte of the Sierra News, Neneng Montaño of the weekly Saksi and Rey Merescon of MindaNews.

Suspects: A group of gunmen and policemen led by the governor’s son, Andal Ampatuan Jr, who is a mayor of Datu Unsay, a municipality in Maguindanao province, and a member of the ruling party. He has not been arrested and is believed to be at the family home in the provincial capital. According to witnesses and army officers, the governor gave the go-ahead for his leading rival’s supporters to be ambushed while traveling in convoy.

The attackers reportedly raped, tortured and beheaded some of the victims. Most of the bodies have been found in mass graves.

Where? The convoy’s members were ambushed and kidnapped at around 9 a.m. on the road to Shariff Aguak, one of the province’s main towns. The massacre took place near the villages of Salman and Malating, about 10 km from the main road.

Why did this massacre take place? To prevent Esmael Mangundadatu, a political rival of the Ampatuan clan, from running for governor in next year’s local elections. His wife, who was one of the victims, was leading a convoy that planned to register him at an electoral office.

Why were the journalists murdered? According to local reporters, about 30 journalists were accompanying the convoy in order to cover this political initiative. It is believed there were killed in order to eliminate all the witnesses of the massacre of Esmael Mangundadatu’s supporters. Lawyers and local officials were also among the victims.

Actions of police and army: Several members of Maguindanao police have been arrested and are being held in a barracks. The army has announced that the Ampatuan clan’s private militia will be disbanded.

After decreeing that tomorrow will be a day of national mourning, President Arroyo today said: “This is a supreme act of inhumanity that is a blight on our nation. The perpetrators will not escape justice. The law will hunt them until they are caught.”

Reporters Without Borders representatives visiting Mindanao Island (including the region where the massacre took place) in 2005 in order to investigate the murders of journalists: http://www.rsf.org/spip.php?page=article&id_article=13604

US calls on Manila to investigate Maguindanao massacre; Ampatuans expelled from Lakas-Kampi-CMD party

Members of the League of Filipino Students and Atenews light candles in Davao City in the southern Philippines as a symbol in condemning the massacre of dozens of journalists, human rights lawyers and innocent civilians in Maguindanao province in the Muslim autonomous region. (Photo by Karlos Manlupig)

COTABATO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / November 25, 2009) – The US Embassy on Wednesday urged Manila to investigate the brutal killings of journalists and civilians blamed by authorities to a key political ally of President Gloria Arroyo in the southern Philippines.

Authorities have retrieved at least 57 bodies on a remote village in the town of Ampatuan where police and soldiers also unearthed three vehicles from a makeshift grave. At least 20 journalists killed in the attack were recovered. Most of the victims were shot and beheaded.

Police have linked Andal Ampatuan, Jnr.,- the mayor of Datu Unsay town in Maguindanao province – to the killings of more than 60 people mostly supporters of Buluan Vice Mayor Esmael Mangudadatu, and including at least 34 journalists and two human rights lawyers.

Both Ampatuan and Mangudadatu are political opponents and running for the gubernatorial post in May 2010 elections. Ampatuan, whose father Andal Ampatuan Snr., and elder brother, Zaldy Ampatuan, the governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, are all allies of Arroyo.

Police said more than 100 armed men allegedly led by Ampatuan abducted and killed the victims, including the wife and two pregnant sisters of Mangudadatu who were on their way to the Commission of Elections in Shariff Aguak, hometown of the Ampatuan clan, to file the nomination of the vice mayor.

The US Embassy in Manila condemned the mass killings and urged the Arroyo government to spare no effort in investigating the murders and prevent such violence in the months ahead.

“Such barbaric acts violate the most fundamental principles of human rights and democracy,” said Ambassador Kristie Kenney. “We strongly believe that a thorough, rapid, and transparent investigation must be conducted, and those responsible must be brought to swift justice.”

Governor Rene Miguel Dominguez, of Sarangani province, and president of the ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD party, said the Ampatuans were expelled from the government coalition.

He said former Defense chief Gilberto Teodoro, Lakas-Kampi-CMD party national president, released this statement late Wednesday: "Lakas-Kampi-CMD no longer considers former Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan, Sr. and ARMM Governor Zaldy Ampatuan as party members in good standing for their failure to uphold party ideals and principles in their area of jurisdiction, specifically relating to the peaceful, legal, and democratic pursuit and exercise of political power.”

“Former Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan Sr., and ARMM Governor Zaldy Ampatuan, being both the actual and symbolic heads of the Ampatuan clan, are now considered expelled from the party and relieved of their duties and responsibilities as the party provincial chairman for Maguindanao and regional chairman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, respectively."

A regional army spokesman Colonel Jonathan Ponce said more than 600 soldiers were deployed on Wednesday on top of the 400 already hunting those responsible in the gruesome murders.

“Another army battalion, about 600 soldiers, arrived today in Maguindanao from Samar in central Philippines, to help track down the perpetrators of this heinous crime,” Ponce said, adding, more troops are expected to arrive to the province in the coming days to join the search for the gunmen.

One of three journalists, who were supposed to cover the filing of Mangudadatu’s nomination but had been left behind, said the massacre could have been prevented only if the military provided security to group.

“Before the group headed for Maguindanao, we asked the military – the 6th Infantry Division - if it was safe to travel and its commander said it was okay. We asked them for security escorts, but they said it was the job of the police. The troops only arrived hours after the massacre despite the reports that the journalists and the others were being held by more than one hundred gunmen in Maguindanao,” the journalists said.

President Arroyo placed Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat provinces under a state of emergency to prevent retaliation and more bloodshed, but authorities have so far not arrested any of those linked to the gruesome murders.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels also linked the powerful Ampatuan clan to previous violence in the region.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines branded the killings of journalists as barbaric and condemned the murders.

The European Union also condemned the killings. "I condemn in the strongest possible terms the barbaric killing on 23 November 2009 of innocent civilians, including women, journalists and lawyers, who were preparing to participate in the electoral process in the Philippines," EU external relations commissioner Benita Waldner said.

The Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines on Wednesday condemned the killings and called it “barbaric mass murder of defenseless civilians - including more than a dozen journalists.”

“We condole with the families of the murdered journalists, some of whom FOCAP members had occasion to work with in the past. These courageous media personnel were only doing their job to report crucial political developments in Mindanao and should not have been directly targeted by any partisan armed groups.”

“Their systematic and calculated killings are a direct affront to democratic principles, and aim to strike fear and to muzzle free, fearless and balanced reporting,” it said.

FOCAP said the killings was the heaviest loss of lives for the Philippine media, possibly in the whole world, in a single day and comes on the heels of a series of many unsolved killings of Filipino journalists in recent years.

“The brutal, brazen and cold-blooded manner in which the victims were abducted in public then shot point blank shatters all sense of civility and concretely puts into question the capability of local authorities to protect ordinary civilians, including working journalists. The murderers have flourished in their territories and certainly felt they were above the law. It is a chilling prelude to the crucial 2010 presidential, congressional and local elections and erodes the public's sense of security and confidence on law enforcers,” the FOCAP further said. (Mindanao Examiner)

Two Warring Sulu Muslim Clans End Fighting; Sign Peace Covenant

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / August 19, 2009) – Two prominent Muslim clans engaged in bloody feud in the southern Filipino province of Sulu have signed a peace covenant ending four years of hostilities.

The Caluang-Halun clans signed the peace covenant during a thanksgiving ceremony held in Zamboanga City over the weekend. The ceremony was attended by over 200 mostly clan elders and members led by former Mayor Al Hussein Caluang and Hajji Peping Halun, village chieftain of Pitogo in Kalingalan Caluang town.

Both Caluang and Halun are prominent clans in the towns of Kalingalan Caluang and Luuk in Sulu, according to Commissioner Mukattil Adjail, of the Regional Reconciliation and Unification Commission in the Muslim autonomous region.

“The covenant signed by the Caluang and Halun clans will surely bring peace in Sulu and stop the hostilities between the two sides,” Adjail told the Mindanao Examiner.

He said the feud started when in November 2005, Don Caluang, who was a former mayor in Kalingalan Caluang town, was killed in Zamboanga City. The succeeding retaliations between the two clans left two dozen people dead and 14 injured from both sides.

“This reconciliation was made possible through the efforts of Governor Zaldy Ampatuan, the Regional Reconciliation and Unification Commission of Sulu province and local non-governmental organizations, the United Youth of the Philippines–Women, Inc. and Sakayan Mindanao, with the support of The Asia Foundation and United States Agency for International Development,” Adjail said.

Ampatuan, who is actively involved in the settlement of clan feuds, is the governor of the Muslim autonomous region to which Sulu belongs. While The Asia Foundation funded meetings and other activities related to the peaceful resolutions of clan feuds, Adjail said.

In a separate statement, Dr Steven Rood, Country Representative of The Asia Foundation said: “As the Holy Month of Ramadan approaches some time next week, this celebration of reconciliation between the Caluang and Halun families is truly a blessing and an inspiration for all of us.”

“This reconciliation of the two families is inspirational because it is a shining example of a path to peace attained through hard work, sincere dialogue, and genuine forgiveness,” he added.

Clan war or locally known as “rido” is common in many parts of the southern Philippines and so far had resulted in the killings of more than 5,000 people over the past seven decades. (Mindanao Examiner)

Bentahan ng food ration, talamak sa ARMM

MAGUINDANAO (Mindanao Examiner / June 4, 2009) – Talamak diumano ang bentahan ng mga food rations sa ibat-ibang refugee shelters sa Maguindanao, isa sa limang lalawigan ng magulong Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Napipilitan umanong ibenta ng mga refugees ang kanilang mga bigas, noodles at mga de-lata upang makabili ng mas disenteng pagkain tulad ng isda at gatas sa mga bata. Sawa-sawang na umano ang mga ito sa paulit-ulit na kinakain sa loob ng maraming buwan na panantili sa mga shelters.

Karamihan sa mga food aid ay galing sa International Committee of the Red Cross at World Food Program. Sinasamantala naman ng mga negosyante ang sitwasyon ng mga refugee at binibili ng mga ito ang mga supplies sa murang halaga at saka naman ibibenta sa ibang lugar na halos ka-presyo na ng mabibili sa supermarket.

Malakas rin ang ugong na may mga grupong nagbebenta ng mga food aid at ni hindi na umano ito nakakarating sa mga refugees. Ilang ulit rin na nabalitang nahaharang ng mga armado ang mga truck ng bigas mula sa ICRC at WFP at nabebenta rin at ang iba naman ay napupunta sa mga rebeldeng Moro sa lalawigan.

May mga kaso rin ng mga refugee na nagbabayad ng kanilang food ration o kaya ay ginagamit itong kolateral sa mga bayaran sa pagamutan sa tuwing magkakasakit ang kanilang mga anak.

Naunang sinabi ng Moro Islamic Liberation Front na mahigit sa 600,000 katao ang apektado ng opensiba ng militar sa Mindanao at karamihan sa mga ito ay nasa mga refugee shelters sa Maguindanao at ibang bahagi ng ARMM.

Sinisi naman ni MILF leader Eid Kabalu ang pamunuan ng ARMM dahil sa lumalalang sitwasyon ng kahirapan sa Maguindanao at sa patuloy na kaguluhan doon.

“Ni hindi nga makausap o makita ng mga tao si ARMM Gov. Zaldy Ampatuan. Ni hindi nga nagpupunta sa mga refugee shelters si Ampatuan at madalas eh nasa Maynila o kaya ay nasa abroad. Ganoon rin yun kapatid na gobernador ng Maguindanao, si Andal Jr. at hindi rin makausap ng mga kawawang mga refugees,” ani Kabalu.

Ayon naman sa mga press statement ng ARMM ay hindi nagkukulang ng atensyon ang mga refugees at nabibigyan naman ng tulong mula kay Ampatuan. (May dagdag na ulat si Ferdinandh Cabrera)

Blast kills 2, injures 4 in Maguindanao province

COTABATO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / June 3, 2009) – Suspected Moro rebels detonated an improvised explosive on Wednesday at a village in the troubled Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao, killing a soldier and a woman, officials said.

Four other soldiers were wounded in the blast in the village of Maitumbang in Maguindanao’s Datu Unsay town, said Lt. Col. Jonathan Ponce, a spokesman for the Army’s 6th Infantry Division.

He said the victims were just washing their clothes at a creek when the bomb was detonated near them at around 8 a.m.

“The victims were washing their clothes at a creek, just about 50 meters away from the road when the blast occurred,” Ponce told the Mindanao Examiner. “The rebels were behind the attack.”

He identified the killed soldier as Pfc. Nathaniel Nacilo and the wounded as Lt. Ricky Organista, Pfc. Christopher Jimino, Pvt. Ryan Cubilanis and Pvt. Martin Mangantang, all members of the 64th Infantry Battalion deployed in the town.

The MILF denied it was behind the attack and said civilians angry with military abuses in the town could be behind the bombing.

“We have nothing to do with the attack. It was probably the locals who are angry with the abuses of the soldiers and the destruction brought about by the military offensives in Maguindanao. Never in the history of Maguindanao, not even in the time of President Ferdinand Marcos, that the Muslims had been affected so much by military campaign. Civilians houses are burned and our mosques destroyed by the government offensives,” Eid Kabalu, a senior MILF leader, said in a separate interview.

He also accused Gov. Zaldy Ampatuan, of the Muslim autonomous region, and his brother, Gov. Datu Andal Ampatuan Jr., of Maguindanao, of failing to address the worsening situation in the province and the alleged human rights violations by the military.

“The people cannot even talk to them because they are always away. They have not visited the evacuation areas or do something about the plight of the refugees or address the human rights abuses by soldiers not only in the province, but the whole of the autonomous region,” Kabalu said, an accusation previously denied by the Ampatuans, who belong to one of the most influential political clans in Mindanao.

The MILF said more than 600,000 mostly Muslims have been displaced by government offensive in Mindanao. The Muslim autonomous region has previously said that it was addressing the problems in Maguindanao and in the past had sent food aid to different refugee shelters across the province.

Maguindanao is one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region. The others are Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Lanao. (Mindanao Examiner)

MILF rebels bomb bridge, torched houses in Mindanao

Philippine Army armored personnel carriers and trucks move down a highway of the town of Datu Piang in Maguindanao province after separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels bombed a bridge in the village of Lintokan on Tuesday May 26, 2009. (Mindanao Examiner Photo / Mark Navales)

COTABATO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / May 26, 2009) – Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels on Tuesday bombed a bridge and raided a village Maguindanao province in the restive Muslim autonomous region in the southern Philippines, officials said.

Officials said the attack on the bridge occurred before dawn in the village of Lintokan in Datu Piang town. Rebels also torched houses on a nearby village of Reina Regente forcing residents to flee the rampage.

There were no immediate reports of civilian casualties, but the military blamed the attacks on a senior MILF leader, Ameril Kato, who also led a series of deadly attacks last year in the region.

“Troops are clearing the area,” said Lt. Col. Jonathan Ponce, a spokesman for the Army’s 6th Infantry Division.

He said security forces were tracking down the rebels. “The rebels are desperate and even Muslim communities are being attacked, especially those which are not sympathetic to their cause. This is a clear manifestation of terrorism in the region,” Ponce told the Mindanao Examiner.

The MILF said the bombing of the bridge was part of a counter-attack. It denied rebels burned houses of civilians.

“We have nothing to do with the burning of the houses, but rebel forces bombed the bridge – it was part of a counter-attack against the military, which have targeted the innocent Muslims in their offensives,” said Eid kabalu, a senior MILF leader.

Kabalu said rebels forces also attacked Tuesday morning another military target in Datu Saudi Ampatuan tow, also in Maguindanao province.

He said the military launched a series of offensives that targeted the MILF, but Ponce said the attacks were aimed at capturing Kato’s group.

Security forces were also tracking down two other MILF leaders, Abdurahman Macapaar and Sulayman Panglian, who were blamed by the military and police for the string of attacks in Mindanao since last year after the seven-year old peace talks between the rebels and the government collapsed.

On Sunday, MILF rebels fired anti-rockets at the positions of the Army’s 54th Infantry Battalion in the village of Datu Gumbay in Datu Piang town.

The MILF said it was targeting the 105mm cannons and munitions storage of the soldiers.

Rebel forces also attacked government troops earlier in the day in the village of Teren-Teren in North Cotabato’s Alamada town and three other areas in the towns of Banisilan, Aleosan and Midsayap.

There was no immediate statement from the governor of Maguindanao, Datu Andal Ampatuan, or his brother Datu Zaldy Ampatuan, who is also the governor of the autonomous region. Both are fierce rivals of the MILF.

Last month, two civilians were wounded at market bombing blamed to the MILF in Sultan Kudarat’s Lebak town and another bombing of a bridge in Iligan City.

Manila opened peace talks with the MILF in 2001, but the negotiations collapsed in August after government negotiators reneged on a deal that would grant some four million Muslims a separate homeland across more than 700 villages in Mindanao. The Supreme Court said the deal was unconstitutional. (With a report from Ferdinandh Cabrera)

ARMM may bagong Labor chief na!

COTABATO CITY (Mindanao Examiner / MAy 6, 2009) - Itinalaga ni Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan ng Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) si Emmanuel Alano bilang bagong kalihim ng Department of Labor and Employment sa naturang rehiyon.

Pinalitan ni Alano si Secretary Antonio Mariano, ayon sa pahayag ng ARMM Bureau of Public Information.

Ayon sa bagong kalihim, hinde bago sa kanya ang matalaga sa nasabing ahanesya dahil naging kalihim rin ito ng DOLE-ARMM noong administrasyon ni ARMM Governor Parouk Hussin.

Nagpapasalamat naman si Alano kay Ampatuan sa ibinigay nitong tiwala kung kaya't nangako itong gagawin ang lahat upang mabigyan ng trabaho at mapaganda ang estado ng kabuhayan ng mga mamamayan at mga manggagawa sa ARMM na binubuo ng mga lalawigan ng Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao at Maguindanao.

Dinagdag pa ni Alano na titignan din niya ang kapakanan ng pribadong sektor sa ARMM upang maging kasama sa pagpapaunlad ng ekonomiya ng rehiyon.

Bilang paunang hakbang sa kanyang pamumuno, pupulungin umano ni Alano ang kanyang mga kawani bukas upang malaman ang katayuan ng mga programang ipinapatupad ng ahensya. (Mindanao Examiner)

Pondo handa na para sa Special Program for Employment for Students sa ARMM

COTABATO CITY - Handa na umano ang P1.7 milyon initial na pondo para sa Special Program for Employment for Students (SPES) para sa Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), ayon sa Philippine Information Agency.

Sinabi ni Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) – ARMM Secretary Antonio Mariano na ginagawa na nito ang paghahanda sa mga dokumento para sa nasabing programa.

Ayon kay Mariano ang nasabing pondo mula sa national government ay handa na para sa mga lalawigan ng Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu at Tawi-Tawi na magpapatupad ng SPES Program para sa taong ito.

Ang SPES ay isang programang nagbibigay ng pagkakataon sa mga qualified na mga mag-aaral na magtrabaho habang bakasyon.

Ayon sa kalihim hinihintay na lamang ng kanilang tanggapan ang iba pang mga kakailanganing dokumento mula sa mga lalawigan. Kasama sa mga dokumento ang mga pangalan ng mga qualified beneficiaries na isusumite mula sa mga lalawigan at dapat pirmado at inendorso ng mga provincial governors.

May direktiba umano si ARMM Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan kay Mariano na bigyan prioridad ang mga mag-aaral na labis ang pangangailangan ng tulong.

Ang nasabing pondo ay ibibigay sa mga qualified na mag-aaral sa pamamagitan ng cashcards at sa pamamagitan ng reimbursement.

DOH inks agreement with ARMM to implement health investment plan

COTABATO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 23, 2009) - The Department of Health (DOH) has signed Thursday a memorandum of agreement with the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao for the implementation of the Investment Plan for Health (IPH) in an effort to further improve the health sector in the five provinces under the ARMM.

The MOA stipulates the relationship of the DOH and the autonomous regional government in the exchange of resources and investment for health in the ARMM. It also formalized the alliance for health sector reform implementation in the autonomous region.

The ARMM IPH is a strategic framework geared towards the improvement of health services in the region and the plan is based on the FOURmula One for Health program, a medium term roadmap for health sector reforms in the Philippines covering 2005-2010.

“We recognize the need for a comprehensive reform of the health sector. Our people, regardless of economic background, deserve appropriate and quality health service,” ARMM Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan said in a statement.

He also cited President Gloria Arroyo’s continuing support for the ARMM’s peace and development efforts.

The MOA essentially covers the release of funds or commodities and report of expenditures and the implementation of programs, projects and activities, including the utilization of resource transfers, and the working arrangements and procedures for its implementation, according to the ARMM Bureau of Public Information.

DOH-ARMM Secretary Tahir Sulaik said the high incidence of maternal and infant mortality, malnourishment and other health problems are their biggest problems.

Sulaik said with the ARMM IPH, the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi would be receiving proper and efficient health services because it provides for strategies for governance, service delivery, financing and regulation of the region’s health sector.

Sulaik said they hope the ARMM IPH would finally allow them to cater efficiently to the health needs of people in the region and even those in remote communities with the creation of more “Botika ng Barangay”, rural health units and construction and improvement of hospitals and other health facilities.

While DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III said with the ARMM’s high poverty incidence and long history of armed conflict, they are now giving top priority to the region. He also announced during the signing ceremony held at the Heritage Hotel in Pasay City, the transfer of P17-million to DOH-ARMM as initial funding for the implementation of the ARMM IPH.

Ampatuan expressed full commitment to the implementation of the ARMM IPH and the FOURmula One for Health program, adding that for the region to move forward and establish economic gains, crucial health sector reforms must first be achieved. (Mindanao Examiner)

Maguindanao leaders unite for peace, development

A photo released by the ARMM Bureau of Public Information shows Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan, 2nd from right, of the Muslim autonomous region, and his father, former Maguindanao Governor Datu Andal Ampatuan, Sr., extreme right, with ex-Sultan Kudarat Mayor Tucao Mastura, 2nd from left, and Sultan Mastura Mayor Armando Mastura, after a historical unity meeting on Wednesday, April 22, 2009 in Makati City.

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 22, 2009) - In an unprecedented development in Maguindanao’s political history, stalwarts of political clans in the province convened in Makati City on Wednesday and have forged unity ahead of next year’s local and national elections.

The meeting was aimed at bringing peaceful political atmosphere in Maguindanao, one of five provinces under the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), a press statement said.

The ARMM’s Bureau of Public Information said that Mayor Datu Midpantao Midtimbang, of Guindulungan town, who is one of the prime movers of the unity meeting, said former Maguindanao Gov. Datu Andal Ampatuan and his son, ARMM Gov. Datu Zaldy Ampatuan had initiated the talks in a bid to place the province under a strong and unified leadership and set aside political differences so as to hasten the government’s peace and development efforts.

“This event should not be perceived as repositioning or realignment of political leaders in the province for the coming 2010 elections,” said Midtimbang, one of the prime movers of the historical gathering of some of Mindanao’s most influential leaders.

Ampatuan had earlier requested the mayor to invite the leaders of Maguindanao’s political clans to discuss the unity efforts. The province’s political leaders have pledged loyalty and support to Ampatuan’s leadership.

The Ampatuans expressed gratitude to the local leaders and vowed to strengthen their unity. They also vowed to support the peace and development efforts in all the towns.

“I am glad that today, with the support of all the political leaders, we have finally agreed to set aside political and vested interest for the welfare of our beloved province and for our people,” the young Ampatuan said.

His father also pledged to help sustain the government’s peace and development agenda in Maguindanao.

“We have initiated this unity effort because we want to end all political bickering, we want development for our people and we want to prove to the country and to the world that it is not impossible for Maguindanaon leaders and people to unite for the common good,” the old Ampatuan said.

Among those who attended the unity meeting were former gubernatorial candidate for Shariff Kabunsuan, Datu Tucao Mastura and leaders of various political clans - the Sinsuats, Matalams, Sangkis, Midtimbangs, Biruars, Dilangalens, Makapeges and Tomawis. They also set aside their political differences and recognized the need to unite for the welfare of the province.

Political situation in the province was marred by animosity among local leaders as a result of the hotly contested gubernatorial election of the province of Shariff Kabunsuan in 2007, and its eventual abolition late last year after the Supreme Court ruled that its creation in 2006 was unconstitutional.

Shariff Kabunsuan was carved out from Maguindanao province by virtue of a legislation passed by the ARMM’s Regional Assembly. (Mindanao Examiner)

ARMM praises Marawi City's peace and development efforts in Mindanao

MARAWI CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 17, 2009) – Governor Zaldy Ampatuan of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) praised Marawi City for its efforts in sustaining peace and development that brought positive in the region.

Ampatuan also congratulated the City Government which recently celebrated Marawi’s 29th Founding Anniversary. In a message read by Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Secretary Nadjemah Mokiin Salic-Malna, Ampatuan reaffirmed his commitment to do all necessary efforts to address the challenges that confronts the region.

Ampatuan emphasized that one of the projects of the ARMM is to create a positive environment by sustaining the distinct Maranao culture that will promote Marawi as the city by the lake and the center of Islamic education, culture and arts.

"This city has numerous historical, socio-cultural, and education landmarks which could make it a tourist and educational center of the region," he said.
He also said that he will continue efforts to bring the government closer to the people and the people closer to the government by intensifying the linkages with the provincial and city governments.

"Together, let us prove to the whole country, neighboring countries, and most importantly our constituents that indeed, we can make a difference in the ARMM", Ampatuan said.

With the theme "Revival of Cultural Values: A Key to Peace and Unity", the celebration focused on the unique cultural values of Maranaos.

Marawi City Mayor Sultan Fahad Salic said they opted to celebrate the anniversary with the theme that focused on cultural values. “Maranaos traditional culture and way of life plays a vital role in peace-building and local governance,” Salic said.

While Vice Mayor Noryasmin Calandada said that every Maranao must work together to revive their very rich and good cultural values that are founded based on love, unity, peace and justice.

"Reviving cultural values will also revitalize the traditional way of resolving conflicts and feuds. I believe, if this will be materialized, it will eventually lead to development and progress" she said. (With reports from Apipa P. Bagumbaran and Merlyn Manos)

MARAWI CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 17, 2009) – Governor Zaldy Ampatuan of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) praised Marawi City for its efforts in sustaining peace and development that brought positive in the region.

Ampatuan also congratulated the City Government which recently celebrated Marawi’s 29th Founding Anniversary. In a message read by Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Secretary Nadjemah Mokiin Salic-Malna, Ampatuan reaffirmed his commitment to do all necessary efforts to address the challenges that confronts the region.

Ampatuan emphasized that one of the projects of the ARMM is to create a positive environment by sustaining the distinct Maranao culture that will promote Marawi as the city by the lake and the center of Islamic education, culture and arts.

"This city has numerous historical, socio-cultural, and education landmarks which could make it a tourist and educational center of the region," he said.

He also said that he will continue efforts to bring the government closer to the people and the people closer to the government by intensifying the linkages with the provincial and city governments.

"Together, let us prove to the whole country, neighboring countries, and most importantly our constituents that indeed, we can make a difference in the ARMM", Ampatuan said.

With the theme "Revival of Cultural Values: A Key to Peace and Unity", the celebration focused on the unique cultural values of Maranaos.Marawi City Mayor Sultan Fahad Salic said they opted to celebrate the anniversary with the theme that focused on cultural values.

“Maranaos traditional culture and way of life plays a vital role in peace-building and local governance,” Salic said.While Vice Mayor Noryasmin Calandada said that every Maranao must work together to revive their very rich and good cultural values that are founded based on love, unity, peace and justice.

"Reviving cultural values will also revitalize the traditional way of resolving conflicts and feuds. I believe, if this will be materialized, it will eventually lead to development and progress" she said. (With a report from Apipa P. Bagumbaran and Merlyn Manos)

Six years on, ARMM Social Fund Project works to sustain gains

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 13, 2009) – Some 250 stakeholders and project key players from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) have gathered here Monday in an effort to share knowledge and experiences in the implementation and sustaining priority projects implemented in their respective areas.

Members of people organizations (POs) in communities with ASFP-supported projects, representatives from local government units and regional line agencies will be exchanging stories on project implementation in a two-day convention and workshop organized by the ARMM Social Fund Project (ASFP) starting today.

The activity is aimed at culling out the best methods and practices in project implementation, said Project Manager Mustapha Sambolawan.

A total of 1,535 community-based projects have been implemented by POs throughout the region since the start of its operation in 2003.

“LGUs are indispensable in the proper implementation of projects and their help would be crucial in ensuring its sustainability,” Sambolawan said in a statement.

The ASFP is a multi-component, community focused assistance funded through a loan package from the World Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency. It is now on its sixth year of working to empower ARMM communities.

“The ARMM Social Fund Project has been the champion of the regional government in introducing and supporting programs and projects that are intended to alleviate poverty, improve health and education, and fast-track the economy,” said ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan.

Ampatuan said they are working to avail of a fresh loan package from the World Bank to support the second phase of the ASFP.

The World Bank has graded the ASFP management and project implementation as very satisfactory in its latest assessment.

The ASFP, which is under the ministerial control of Ampatuan, has dozens of projects funded by the World Bank and the Japan Bank on International Cooperation. The ASFP is aimed at reducing poverty and build peace in the Muslim communities. (ARMM-Bureau of Public Information)

Release of Red Cross hostage praised

Governor Datu Zaldy Ampatuan and President Gloria Arroyo.

COTABATO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 03, 2009) – Governor Datu Zaldy Ampatuan of the Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao praised the local government of Sulu for the safe release of a Filipino Abu Sayyaf hostage Mary Jean Lacaba.

Lacaba was freed by the Abu Sayyaf late Thursday in the town of Indanan after more than 70 days in captivity. Two others are still being held captive – Swiss national Andreas Notter and Italian Eugenio Vagni in Sulu’s jungle.

“I laud the LGU officials of Sulu, military and PNP for their efforts for the safe release of Lacaba,” Ampatuan said in a statement.

The Red Cross workers were kidnapped January 15 after they inspected a humanitarian project at a prison in Patikul town.

Ampatuan appealed to the Abu Sayyaf to release the remaining hostages. He also appealed for prayers for the safety of Notter and Vagni.

“I am appealing to all for more prayers for the safe release of the two remaining hostages still in the hands of the abductors,” he said.

Lacaba was released to Sulu Vice Governor Nur Anna Sahidulla, the government’s emissary to the Abu Sayyaf. The release of Lacaba came two days after Sulu Governor Sakur Tan, the head of the government task force negotiating for the freedom of the captives, declared a state of emergency in the province.

Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno said Lacaba was freed because of the mounting military pressure and the campaign against terrorism after Tan’s declaration of the state of emergency.

Sulu is one of six provinces under the Muslim autonomous region. (Mindanao Examiner)

Arroyo visits ARMM, pledges more support; praises Ampatuan leadership

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Mar. 31, 2009) - President Gloria Arroyo visited the province of Maguindanao recently for a briefing on the status and efforts of the local Solid Waste Management Program.

Arroyo said that climate change is the greatest threat the world faces today and this prompted her to reorganize the Presidential Task Force on Climate Change (PTFCC) to augment efforts to curb global warming.

The president also proposed the province to adopt a Bioreactor and a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) for each of its municipalities. The machine sorts, and segregates biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes and processes them into organic fertilizer and converting non-biodegradable wastes into recyclable bricks.

“These waste management facilities are more acceptable than the proposed landfill because they are environment-friendly and helps in addressing the problem on Global Warming,” she said. “This will also give additional income for the local government units because of the organic fertilizer it produces which will also help our farmers.”

Along with Arroyo during the meeting on Solid Waste Management Program were key officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), who were also members of the PTFCC, their counterparts in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and ARMM Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan, Maguindanao Governor Datu Sajid Ampatuan and former Maguindanao Governor Datu Andal Ampatuan, Sr.

Her visit in the capital town of Shariff Aguak was appreciated by high-ranking officials from the ARMM and the province of Maguindanao. Arroyo pledged more support to the ARMM and praised Ampatuan's leadership.

“This only shows the commitment and full support of the President to the people of Maguindanao and the whole ARMM,” Ampatuan said.

Arroyo also inaugurated the P218-million Provincial Capitol Complex, which includes the P136- million Provincial Capitol building and the P82-million, 3,500-seat capacity Datu Saudi Uy Ampatuan Sports and Social Center which was funded from the Regional Impact Project Fund of the ARMM government, including P25 million from the President’s Social Fund.

Engr. Norie Unas, Maguindanao Provincial Administrator, said the visit was a very significant event to the residents of the locals as it showed Arroyo's concern to peace, progress and development efforts of her government in the ARMM.

“This is a very special day for us here in Maguindanao because no less than the President of the Republic of the Philippines will inaugurate two of the grandest landmarks in the province,” Unas said. (With a report from the ARMM-Bureau of Public Information)