Philippine, US Military Pour Millions Worth Of Humanitarian Projects In Sulu

SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / August 31, 2008) – The United States military has poured some $10 million in infrastructure and development projects in an effort to win hearts and minds in Sulu province in the southern Philippines, Filipino officials said.

The Philippine military also spent over P39 million in similar projects in Sulu in partnership with the provincial government. It said the US aid this year went to the constructions of 13 area coordinating centers and 14 road projects, including repairs or 20 school buildings, 25 artesian wells and eight water distribution systems across Sulu.

These projects were on top of other humanitarian programs that benefited the locals, from medical missions to training of policemen and soldiers in various workshops.

Maj. Gen. Juancho Sabban, a Filipino marine commander, said more development projects have been lined up in Sulu by both the Philippine and US militaries as part of the Balikatan, a codename for joint undertakings between Manila and Washington.

“Progress comes easily for a community where people are educated and well-informed. In recognizing this vital factor, the military makes it its goal to help bring education especially in far-flung communities. Investing in education is the key to peace and development, which is a long term solution,” he said in a statement.

He said Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan signed an agreement with the Philippine military to maintain all finished projects.

The Philippine military projects in Sulu went mostly to the renovation of school buildings, road infrastructure, repairs of mosques, water system and livelihood programs for the locals that included goats and ducks-raising, seaweed and cassava farming.

“The military, with its humanitarian activities, is confident that the problem on peace and order will be solved. Development is the best key weapon in the pursuit of peace and progress in Sulu,” Sabban said.

The projects, he said, are part of the so-called “community organizing and people empowerment approach,” which aims to win hearts and minds of the local Muslims and get their active participation in government efforts to promote peace and development in Sulu.

Tan praised Philippine and US troops for their active roles in many development projects in Sulu and he pledged to continue supporting these efforts to bring peace in the province.

“Thank you for carrying the burden with me in improving the lives of my people through initiating peace programs and providing assistance in development projects. Peace and order in Sulu is getting better everyday,” he said. “With these development undertakings, the image of Sulu is slowly changing from chaotic to peaceful to a progressive place for everyone.”

Tan last week inaugurated seven projects – artesian wells, school building and road infrastructure - in Patikul town.

The provincial government, Tan said, has lined up various development projects in mostly poor areas in Sulu's 19 towns. In April, Tan funded the construction of at least 50 bamboo houses, worth over P26,500 each, for poor Badjao families in Tandu Bato in Luuk town.

The project called "Operation Kandili – Preserving a unique culture through providing homes for the Badjao," is a partnership between the Philippine Marines and the Sulu provincial government. At least 50 more bamboo houses in Luuk town will be constructed soon, including basketball courts in the villages and Tan pledged to release more funding for education and poverty alleviation programs.

“We have been funding and implementing a lot of projects in Sulu and all these are part of our peace and development programs. We want a culture of peace and this can be achieved through education and basic infrastructure projects and with the participation of course, of the people themselves,” he said.

Col. William Coultrup, commander of US military forces in southern Philippines, also quoted a letter sent to newspaper editors by a foreigner named Venice Wayne. In the letter, Wayne described Sulu as more stable than in the past and called the province as “more than heaven on Earth.”

Wayne, who visited Sulu in six years ago, wrote in his letter that “Sulu is more stable, more developed, and relatively safe now compared last 2002 when I first arrived despite travel warnings, advising travelers to avoid Sulu archipelago, where accordingly there are ethnic and religious animosities.”

“When I first made the journey to Sulu Ethnological Museum at Notre Dame College, the Provincial Capitol with a Moor-inspired architecture, the Masjid Jami, the largest of the town’s mosques, and the Barter Trade Market, I was caught in a pleasant surprise by their exquisiteness and culture. Bud Datu, a 200 meters high hill outside Jolo, is the site of the revered tomb of a Muslim missionary from abroad. The town and sea below may be seen from a nearby military camp.”

”Likewise, the island is rich with white beaches, having crystal clear water and lush green mountains such as the kilometer-long white sand Maubo Beach in Patikul, the next town to Jolo. But the province is more known for its excellent diving spots, the best of which is Tubbataha Reef.“

He said although overlooked, Sulu is a potential haven to reside. “I know many would raise their eyebrows with this because Sulu has a reputation for being chaotic – well, it’s really something of an image problem, which is exaggerated. But if you come down here and feel Sulu for yourself, you’ll know what I mean.“

”I admit, before my first visit to Sulu, I told myself that such place portrayed by media as a “no man’s land” has no bit of hope for peace and prosperity. However, right now, with the newly built infrastructures, including school buildings, water projects, barangay roads, programs on health, housing, livelihood, and other marks of improvement, I see not only mere hope but I see that hope turning into a reality,” Wayne wrote.

”Now that the military has the people’s support especially because of its security measures and humanitarian offensives and the provincial government has ambitious and beautiful vision for the province, the more optimism there is in solving the problems on both terrorism and poverty. Seeing concrete evidences, I now have a totally different outlook.”

”For as long as the security and developmental efforts are sustained, I see no reason that new breeds will ever resort to terrorism and choose to be in the harsh jungles. If this chain of violence is cut, I’m sure Sulu is more than a heaven on Earth.” (Mindanao Examiner)

Letter To The Editor: A Mindanaoan's Tale Of Racism And Discrimination

Greetings.

I'm a job seeker from Zamboanga City. I am a graduate of Western Mindanao State University where I finished my Bachelor of Laws.

I applied in ESS Manufacturing Company, Inc. (EMCI) which holds its offices at the 41st, 42nd and 23rd floor of PBCOM Tower, Ayala Avenue, Makati, for the position of Legal researcher/legal indexer.

They called me to take their written examination. The next day, they called me again and told me that I passed the written examination. Furthermore, I have to pass their assessment (I don't have any idea on what's their procedure on this). Later, they called me and told me that I passed the examination and was invited for an interview.

On the day of the interview, I was asked by this interviewer: Where did I take my Bachelor of Laws? And I told her that I finished my degree from Western Mindanao State University. She replied: "Pardon again." I repeated my answer. Then she blurted: "Oh! Mindanaooo..." as if there's an expression of awe and surprise. I felt a bit insulted because I sensed a negative connotation from the tone of her voice.

And they say that they would call within this week if ever they will decide to hire me.

I know that it is management prerogative to select and hire whom they want to be employed in the company. But as an applicant, we also have a right to be respected. Of our being human, because we have feelings, too. Emotions. We get hurt. We're not automatons or machines.
Also, as emphasis we have the right to be respected of our roots.

I wrote this letter as a preemptive strike if ever I will not be hired because of the word MINDANAO in my resume.

And as always, I will not be ashamed to be called a MINDANAOAN! I am a MINDANAOAN! and I will always be a MINDANAOAN!

People might say that I am overreacting. No, I'm just offended by the way that certain intelligent interviewer uttered the word MINDANAO. As if there's an air of derision and disgust. As if such word MINDANAO will put my application into damnation. Into one of their shredding machines or trash cans.

If they are smart as they think they are, they should have noticed the word MINDANAO in my resume before I was called to take their written examination. Also, why did I pass their assessment? I don't have any clue to how they did it. And only to dump my application because of the word MINDANAO.

They should have had saved me from the expenses of going back and forth from my residence in Ermita, Manila to their place. I should not be experiencing asthmatic attacks right now brought about by the stress of traveling and city pollution.

This goes to show that these Corporate Indios don't really know how to read. I used the word Indios on these pathetic people because I have Spanish and Mexican blood running in my veins. And I speak a Creole Spanish language called Chavacano. Now, that's throwing their trying hard Racist attitude back at them.

Also, I wrote this letter to warn other Mindanaoans that these trying hard Racist exists. And we, as MINDANAOANS, should stand up and fight for what we believe is right.

After passing all the requirement, tests, examinations, assessments, etc. then dumping your application in the end because you're a MINDANAOAN is tantamount to "economic abuse," as defined by law and construed in a liberal and broader context.

This local racism phenomenon must be stopped!

Thank you very much. God bless us all!


Fernan Soria <soria_fernan@yahoo.com>


P.S. This letter is a rough draft and I didn't do some editing or proofreading. I have done this on the spot to capture the essence, emotion and energy of my sentiment as a MINDANAOAN.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Free Pastor Berlin Guererro - Presbyterian Church

Dear Editor,

I would like to send to you a copy of a letter from the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA concerning the case of Pastor Berlin Guerrero.

As background I have a statement to go along with the letter since I have served as the liaison between the UCCP and the PCUSA on this issue. I think my comments will help clarify the language of the PCUSA letter. Both are meant for public release and I am hoping they will be publicized in both the religious and secular press in the Philippines.

Thanks.

"We appreciate the fact the head of the PNP has said that they will investigate the abduction and treatment of Pastor Guerrero. It has been established, however, that the actual abduction and interrogation of Pastor Guerrero was conducted by the Security Forces of the Philippine Navy.

It is doubtful that the PNP has authority to investigate their activities.

I think that only a public directive from the President of the Philippines that an independent investigation of all branches of government involved in the illegal apprehension and treatment of Bishop Guerrero, including specifically military security forces, will be effective.

This means that Task Force Usig, the Human Rights Commission, or even the Melo Commission, must be empowered to interview all involved, subpoena any relevant documents and take whatever other steps are necessary for a complete and full investigation.

They must be given a reasonable deadline to complete their investigation, and all parties held responsible should be held liable to criminal prosecution."

Rev. Larry Emery
Chair, Presbyterian Philippine Partnership Committee of Sacramento Presbytery,
Presbyterian Church (USA).



Office of the General Assembly
Clifton Kirkpatrick, Stated Clerk


June 4, 2007

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Malacanang Palace
Manila 1005, The Philippines

Dear Madam President:

On behalf of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A .), I write to express our alarm and dismay over the abduction of Pastor Berlin Guerrero of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines.

Our understanding is that he was abducted by members of the Philippine National Police and the Naval Intelligence Security Forces and is still being held by Philippine authorities. We are deeply concerned by reports of the tactics employed in Pastor Guerrero's abduction. We understand that he was taken by armed men who carried drawn weapons.

No warrant of arrest was produced at the time of his abduction. Reports indicate that personal affects were taken from members of his family when he was abducted. We urge you to call for, and oversee, a full investigation of the circumstances surrounding the abduction of Pastor Guerrero.

This investigation should include the activities of the police and of the military and security forces. We have received reports that Pastor Guerrero has been beaten and tortured. in other ways while in custody. We urge you to call for, and oversee, a full investigation of the treatment he has received and is receiving while in custody.

We understand that criminal allegations have been made against Pastor Guerrero. We ask that full disclosure be made of the charges on which he is being held. If the evidence for these charges is not forthcoming and compelling, then he should be released immediately.

We ask you to ensure that Pastor Berlin Guerrero and all the citizens of the Philippines are accorded the due process of the law and the respect for their rights to which the Philippine Constitution entitles them.

Cordially yours,

Clifton Kirkpatrick
Stated Clerk of the General AssemblyPresident
World Alliance of Reformed Churches


cc: President George Bush
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
Senator Barbara Boxer, Chair of the Senate Sub-Committee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs
Ambassador Kirstie A. Kenney, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines
His Excellency Willy C. Gaa, Philippine Ambassador to the U.S.A.
Dr. Sam Kobia, General Secretary, World Council of Churches
Dr. Prawate Khid-arn, General Secretary, Christian Conference of Asia
Ms. Sharon Rose Joy Ruiz-Durendes, General Secretary, National Council of Churches in the Philippines
Bishop Eliezer Pascua, General Secretary, United Church of Christ in the Philippines. (This letter is sent to the Mindanao Examiner by Rev. Larry Emery from Walnut Grove Community Church <wgcpc@hotmail.com>. Ed.)

Please Help!

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Help Badly Needed!

April 26, 2007

The General Manager
PCSO Main Office
E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue
Quezon City

Dear Sir/Madam,

Greeting of PEACE and LOVE as people and as Filipinos.

...of God’s Tests and Wisdom

We never lose hope and still are struggling to live harmoniously and face steadfastly the reality— the very essence of life. Indeed, human life is full of challenges, sacrifices and meanings that we called “test of life and faith”.

As human beings we are simply to experience those sorts of God’s tests that come in different degrees. And there’s that His wisdom in that every test. But we are told not to question His divine wisdom lest we will be cursed, instead to appreciate it. Yes, we can appreciate and be grateful to Him for all the praises and thanks are due to Him.

What counts most is that we don’t and won’t lose hope and faith in God, despite hard tests He inflicted upon us. We toil, we pain, we persevere— we never do complain for it’s but God measures our faith. We are faithful— we can survive. And if we die that is the ultimate destiny that every one of us has to prepare for.

We wish not die in vain or as useless individuals. That’s why we have to love all the God’s creations: all mankind, anything around us. We take care of our jobs that we serve enthusiastically our community, our country and the world. Almost we dedicate our temporary life for altruistic cause and deed, for peace and development for all….Yet the test has come.

My brother, 46, whom I fondly called Bro AL, has suffered from acute stroke attack; he has been confined and undergone brain and lung intensive medication at Ciudad Medical Zamboanga, one of the best hospital in City, since April 4 until today.

My brother, ALZY, his first name—married and blessed with two children, a girl and a boy age 7 and 6, respectively— is the concurrent municipal engineer of the Island-Municipality of Pata since June 2006. He undertakes engineering works and various infrastructure projects.

Among the flagship projects under the government of the incumbent Mayor Anton Burahan, the last termer, is the construction of Mosque in Barangay Saimbangon where the seat of municipal government is located. Several projects like school buildings and facilities, and bridges and roads my brother has started constructing within a few months still need funding assistance and allotment, while some projects are already established.

As far as his work ethic is concerned, he is by nature hardworking and patient with his works though he receives only underpay salary, spending some times doing construction and masonry tasks under the scorching sun while most of his staff are taking rest under the coconut trees and shanties. He is a leader by example, encouraging co-workers to double their efforts working.

This is what I observed about my brother’s sincerity and love to serve during the on-going construction of numerous bridges where he is designated as assistant manager in Sulu and other ARMM areas under the SALAM Bridge Program, a joint-venture of the Philippine and the British Governments from 2000 to 2003.

He also went abroad working as project engineer and surveyor in A-Rahman Al-Hindi’s Surveying Office in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for eight years starting 1991. A Field engineer for three years in 1988 to 1991 at the National Housing Authority in Manila City, and two years at JPL construction from a period 1987 to 1988. Before he transferred to Pata, he had been recommended as project engineer under the Tulay Ni Pangulo Program in Ilo-Ilo, Visayas in 2004 to 2006.

“Working in the Christian-dominated areas is a blessing from Allah; because, more than constructing them public facilities, I gained goodwill and respect of the Christian faithful by sharing our similar beliefs and common understanding that both the Christian and the Muslim followers believe in One God.”

My brother once told me, cherishing the hospitality of those people particularly of Barangay Igbaras and some remotest barangays in Ilo-Ilo, to whom he constructed bridges and roads. “You are the one Muslim engineer working here… and this the first time we have these bridges cemented.”

They lauded my brother. But when asked about the AbuSayyaf’s beheading of the innocent and helpless captives, he said: “They (ASG) are misled recruits intent to sabotage peace and development and demoralize Muslims and Islam.”

Now, as his close relatives, we are exploring possibilities, seeking more moneys to settle his medical and doctor bill amounting to about P500,000 as of last week, and we gathered only about P130,000 which his wife already deposited to said hospital as initial payment.

Ours is only a limited human intervention, meaning God is the super disposer and savior of all beings. So we are doing our best we can in order to save our brother’s dearest life. But it is too hard for us to find such big amounts to pay said remaining bill with our empty saving now, and considering that brother Alzy’s monthly meager salary below P15,000 he receives being a temporary employee in the local municipal government of Pata, and his wife is only a plain housewife.

Tipped with information regarding the Philippine Charity Sweepstake Office, we are then earnestly seeking your assistance hoping that the PCSO under its Samaritan program: Individual Medical Assistance Program (IMAP) may sponsor the shouldering of the medical bill.

And we are praying for your positive response to please help us in guaranteeing the medical expenses of our brother, Alzy Muhalli, who is still confined for proper medication and possible recovery of his health at Ciudad Medical Zamboanga.

MABUHAY and more power to you and your agency in extending charitable assistance to our countrymen.

Very truly yours,

(Signed) KARIB J. MUHALLIDTI-ARMM
Sulu Capitol Site, Jolo, Sulu

Celfone Nos. 0919-4411391; 0906-7289253; 0905-9280113
Contact Address: C/O MSCI Tel No. 085-3418911 plus Local No. 2383

C/O Ciudad Medical Zamboanga Tel. No.(062) 992-7330


EDITOR'S NOTE: We have verified from the Ciudad Medical Hospital that Alzy Mahalli is presently confined. Although he is already out of the Intensive Care Unit, his nurse, E.J. Marali, says the patient is still under watch. They feed him through tubes and has been transfered to the hospital's ward section.

Hospital staff also confirmed the financial problem of the patient's family.We are appealing to everyone for help to save this man's life. You can get in touch either with the hospital staff or the letter sender, Karib Muhalli.

This letter addressed to The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office in Manila was furnished us by this e-mail address: carxmoro@yahoo.com

Thank you.

Al Jacinto
mindanaoexaminer.com
mindanaoexaminer.net

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Suara Bangsamoro

In order to begin restoring peace and justice in Sulu and in Mindanao, it’s high time to let go of the hen that lays golden eggs.

The killing of innocent and helpless civilians is un-Islamic and anti-people and we strongly condemn the brutal slaying of our brothers in Sulu.

Indeed, this is a tragedy that poses a crucial question on the state of ‘unpeace’ and injustice in Mindanao and in the whole country. We grieve with their families and unite with the Moro and Filipino people in demanding for justice over their brutal deaths.

We sincerely hope that the military and the Arroyo government will truly “root out” the Abu Sayyaf this time, and that its media statements are not mere lip service.

It is frustrating that while the government has been allotting a huge bulk of the country’s resources in its so-called fight against terrorism, the ASG or the Abu Sayyaf Group has remained seemingly formidable and elusive.

In its many media projection opportunities, the Arroyo government has always made a trophy out of dead or captured high-ranking ASG leaders, and yet the number of ASG members keeps growing.

To the extent of violating the constitution, Mrs. Arroyo has opened up Philippine territory to US military forces on the justification that the ASG must be fought.

Still, none of these were enough to wipe out the ASG? Sadly, the people have always been made to absorb the horror purportedly created by the Abu Sayyaf; and the consequences of the government’s being inutile in curbing terrorism.

At this point, we are reminded of an issue that remains unresolved: The collusion between the military and the ASG, to which even military elements (Magdalo soldiers) have attested to.

Still the other side of the coin presents a likely explanation: “The ASG is a hen that lays golden eggs,” such that it is too precious to lose. In the face of the battle between the government and its so-called enemies in the arena of the fight against terrorism, the people deserve to know the truth.

For in the course of the government’s annihilative operations against the Abu Sayyaf, then and now, thousands of civilians, especially the Moro people, have suffered deaths and displacements and countless human rights violations such as terror-tagging, community crackdowns and massive illegal arrest and detention.

The victims of the Abu Sayyaf’s crimes deserve justice. The Filipino and Moro people deserve to be governed by a government which can ensure that life, liberty and peace is upheld and protected. This government of ours right now surely does not live up to this.


Abubakar UySecretary General
SUARA Bangsamoro - Southern Mindanao

suarabangsamoro@gmail.com

302 2nd Mabelen Building, Suazo St. corner Quezon Boulevard, Davao City

Why Blame RP Population For Lack Of School Rooms?

Letter to the Editor

Education Department Secretary Jesli Lapus seems to be hallucinating for blaming the country’s population as the one causing the shortage of classrooms in the country. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her minions are beginning to sound alike.

First it was the Palace Queen who put the blame on the citizen’s luxuries and ordered a control on using short message sending or texts and cigarette smoking to avoid experiencing hunger.

Now, one of her minions in the guise of Secretary Lapus presented to us a very (il)logical reason why the country insufficient number of classrooms. Let’s start with facts. The government, according to a UNESCO study, should be spending 6% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for education. But the government measly appropriates 3%.

The Department of Education admitted that 45,775 classrooms are lacking (assuming a ratio of 45 students to one classroom). But according to the President, the budget is now ready to provide 14,000 classrooms this year. Will that answer the lack of classrooms?

No. A bulk of 31, 775 would still be needed. And besides, Lapus said “every minute, four babies are born.

It’s like every 10 minutes, I’m short one classroom.” Now, Lapus is blaming the high birth rate as the cause of classrooms scarcity. Why? It’s simple. Because he, along with other lapdogs of the palace, has been tasked to cover their boss’ incapacity and lack of sincerity to save this country.

Lack of classroom did not stem from overpopulation. It started when the state began misallocating the national budget, which could have answered the needs of basic social services like education, in order to religiously succumb to World Bank and other “generous” foreign lending imperialists.

Apparently this government has no balls yet to repeal former Pres. Ferdinand Marcos’ Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1177 which provides for automatic appropriations of tax revenues for debt service, and former Pres. Corazon Aquino’s Executive Order (EO) 292, which instituted Section 26 of the Revised Administrative Code of 1987 providing automatic appropriation of principal and interest on public debt.

If the government is sincere in addressing the education crisis it could have done so by not overfeeding the pork barrel of the administration-led House of Representatives.

It could have done so by not making it appear that the budget for State Universities and Colleges are P34 billion short compared to the budget of the Department of National Defense.

It could have done so by assuming political will to impose a cap on debt servicing and start prioritizing the people’s welfare. Unfortunately they need more money for their political survival.

Mr. Lapus should start thinking about it.


Signed:

KARLA HYASMIND APAT
Vice President for Mindanao
Kabataan Partylist

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: A GOOD SAMARITAN FROM FLORIDA, U.S.A.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Tampabay.rr.com

Hi,

Assalamu alaikum from Florida, USA.

I’ve seen the video on youtube.com from the Muslimah sister asking for help to raise money & or literature for the children @ the local school there …

I was wondering how I could reach this sister by phone so my wife can discus with her how we may be able to help your current situation there…

If you can be kind enough to help me acquire more information about the school that she is principle of & how we may contact her we may be able to give some assistance Inshallah.

It is a very difficult time for everyone, but the children need education & Islamic material to read God Knows …

So hopefully I will hear back from you regarding this & we can unite as the Ummah should to help each other in a time of need …

Take care Inshallah Allah will Bless you & your family there ..

Allahmak...
Assalamu Alaikum...

Bro
Rashid

--------------------

Dear Brother Rashid,

Assalamu alaikum!

Thank you for your letter and I feel so happy that somebody had seen the video of Salamona Hakim, the school principal at the former Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebel base-turned-Muslim community, Camp Abubakre As-Siddique in Barira town in Maguindanao province.

Our poor children in Camp Abubakre are suffering. There is almost no government assistance at all and most of the help they receive come from private corporations and NGOs, but they are not enough.

I was there and saw their situation. The children need education. They don't even have a descent school rooms, but use an empty and dilapidated house as school.

They don't have electricity and use only oil lamps and candles in everyday they do. They need not money, but books and medicines and vitamins.

Here is the mobile phone of Muslimah sister Salamona Hakim +63921 6306433 and her daughter Kat Hakim, who also, like her, teaches the children as volunteer and her mobile phone is +63921 6080816.

Shukran!

Brother Al Jacinto
editor-in-chief

+63918 9180895

mindanaoexaminer.com

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reference: help our muslims in southern Philippines http://www.youtube.com/v/bEKNETMQb2o