Civilian gets reward for helping track down Basilan escapees

A masked civilian who helped security forces tracked down two of 31 prisoners that bolted the Basilan provincial jail is rewarded P350,000 by a regional Philippine Navy chief Alexander Pama and Marine Lieutenant General Benjamin Dolorfino at a press conference in Isabela City on Tuesday, December 15, 2009. Manila has offered as much as P10 million for the capture of the escapees, mostly Abu Sayyaf militants whose group is tied to al-Qaeda terror network and senior members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. (Mindanao Examiner)

BASILAN, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / December 15, 2009) – Philippine authorities rewarded Tuesday some P350,000 to a civilian who helped security forces tracked down two of 31 mostly Abu Sayyaf terrorists that bolted a prison in Basilan province.

The man, his face covered with a ski mask and wearing a pair of dark sunglasses, received the money, all in several bundles of P500 bills, at a press conference in Isabela City in Basilan province.

Philippine Navy regional chief Alexander Pama and Marine Lieutenant General Benjamin Dolorfino handed the reward.

“This money is given to the civilian who helped us tracked down two of those who escaped from prison. We are continuing our hunt to recapture the rest.
We need the cooperation of the civilians to capture all the fugitives,” Dolorfino said.

The informant did not give any statement and was quickly whisked away by policemen and soldiers to a waiting van.

Troops tracked down the two prisoners on Monday in a village called Maligue in Isabela City, but one of them – an Abu Sayyaf militant – was killed in a subsequent firefight with soldiers. The other was a criminal facing a string of charges in Basilan.

Basilan jail warden Julmaril Sali said 17 of those who escaped from prison were Abu Sayyaf militants and 5 are members of the country’s largest Muslim rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front – two of them commanders – while the rest were criminals.

The prisoners escaped on December 13 after more than 100 gunmen stormed the provincial jail in the village of Sumagdang in Isabela City. A jail guard and one of the attackers were killed in the raid.

Authorities said the attackers were mostly Abu Sayyaf and Moro rebels.

The MILF denied it was involved in the raid, but admitted that one of those who escaped from the jail is a rebel commander accused by the military of beheading 10 soldiers in a firefight in Basilan.

“One of those who escaped is our commander Dan Asnawi who is being accused by the military as involved in the beheading of the soldiers in Basilan.

Asnawi was never involved in the beheading and he probably joined those who escaped from the prison because he is being implicated in a crime he did not commit,” said Eid Kabalu, a spokesman for the MILF, which is currently negotiating peace with Manila.

Police and jail officials said another MILF rebel – Kamsa Limaya - also escaped together with the others, but Kabalu said the prisoner is not their member. Limaya is said to be involved in the July 2007 beheading of the soldiers in the town of Al Barka.

“Many of those who escaped are Abu Sayyaf members,” Kabalu said, adding, his group is willing to cooperate with the authorities in the investigation into the jailbreak.

Basilan jail warden Jul Sali said the lack of government support to help improve the prison facility could be blamed for the escape of the inmates.

“We lack vehicles and weapons and we need more guards. We need more support to beef up the security of the prison,” he said.

It was the fourth time in five years that prisoners had escaped from the provincial jail. At least 3 Abu Sayyaf prisoners – tagged as behind the beheading of 10 soldiers in Basilan – also escaped in December 2008 from the provincial jail after overpowering their guards.

And in July 2007, at least 16 hardened criminals, including four Abu Sayyaf militants, escaped from the prison after destroying the windows of their cell.

In April 2004, at least 53 of the more than 130 prisoners at the provincial jail, including 19 Abu Sayyaf members, also escaped using a smuggled .45-caliber pistol which they used in overpowering the guards. (Mindanao Examiner)

Sayyaf man killed in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / December 11, 2009) - Government soldiers clashed with suspected Abu Sayyaf militants and killed one gunman Friday in Sulu province in the southern Philippines, officials said.

Officials said the fighting broke out after patrolling soldiers spotted a band of Abu Sayyaf militants in the town of Indanan and a running gun battle ensued.

"There were no reports of government casualties," said Major General Benjamin Dolorfino, chief of the military's Western Mindanao Command.

The fighting occured ahead of a scheduled visit Monday of US Ambassador Kristie Kenney who will inaugurate the upgraded water system to the Jolo Mainland Water District.

The project, carried out in partnership between the United States, the Jolo Mainland Water District and the Local Water Utilities Administration is worth P73.1 million ($1.6 million). (Mindanao Examiner)

Sayyaf defies military offensive, bombs bridge in Sulu

Abu Sayyaf militants bombed a bridge in Sulu's Indanan town on Tuesday, September 29, 2009. The bombing came hours after militants blasted a US military vehicle in the town killing two counterterrorism soldiers. (Mindanao Examiner Photo / Nickee Butlangan).

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / September 30, 2009) – Suspected Abu Sayyaf militants have blown up a bridge in Sulu province in the southern Philippines, defying an all-out government offensive aimed at crushing terrorism that had killed two US soldiers on Tuesday.

Police on Wednesday deployed more forces in Indanan town after militants, backed by Moro rebels, bombed the bridge in the village of Bunot late Tuesday. It was the second bridge bombed by the Abu Sayyaf in a span of one week.

The attack came hours after a deadly roadside bombing that killed two US counterterrorism soldiers - SSG Jack Martin and SFC Christopher Shaw and a Filipino marine PFC Estrada – in Kagay village also in the town of Indanan.

A police post was also bomb on Tuesday morning in the village of Kasanyangan in Jolo town, but there were no reports of casualties.

“We have deployed more forces to protect the civilians from possible attacks by the Abu Sayyaf,“ said Senior Superintendent Muhibuddin Ismail, the provincial police chief.

US troops are deployed in Sulu since 2006 and assisting the Philippine military in defeating the Abu Sayyaf. Although security officials deny US forces were directly involved in combat operations, there were numerous reports from civilians that American soldiers actually participated in the operations aimed at capturing or killing militant leaders in Sulu and other areas in the restive southern region of Mindanao.

A US soldier was also killed and another wounded in a bomb attack at a roadside cafe near an army in Zamboanga City in October 2002.

Last week, eight Filipino soldiers were also killed after militants ambushed their truck in Indanan town. The military said at least 34 militants were also slain in the fighting, including an Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Ustadz Muktar, a cousin of militant leader Isnilon Hapilon, who is wanted by the US government for terrorism.

But of the 34 slain militants, only two bodies had been recovered by soldiers.

The Moro National Liberation Front, which signed a peace deal with Manila in September 1996, accused the military of attacking one of their bases in Indanan that killed two former rebels.

US Special Forces were aiding the Philippine military in the hunt for militants, according to Major General Benjamin Dolorfino, chief of the Western Mindanao Command.

He said the US military is providing intelligence to the local troops in the hunt for the Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya militants in Sulu.

Dolorfino said troops were tracking down at least four most senior Abu Sayyaf leaders – Dr Abu, Albader Parad, Isnilon Hapilon and Yasser Igasan – including two foreign Jemaah Islamiya terrorists Mauiya and Quayem and some 200 followers.

The series of attacks occurred just as troops continue their operation against the Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya militants tagged as behind the series of bomb attacks and kidnappings for ransom in Sulu, one of five provinces under the troubled Muslim autonomous region.

Madarang Sali, deputy supreme commander of the Bangsamoro National Liberation Front, said military offensive against the MNLF continues in Sulu. He said government operations were directed as MNLF leader Khaid Ajibunm who had escaped a military raid last week. (MIndanao Examiner)

Filipino, US troops honor slain marines in Zamboanga City

Philippine marines in Zamboanga City carry Wednesday, September 23, 2009 the coffin of one of eight soldiers killed in a clash with Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya militants in Sulu province. (Mindanao Examiner Photos)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / September 23, 2009) – Philippines and US troops honored Wednesday seven Filipino marines killed in fierce clashes with Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya militants in the southern province of Sulu.

The caskets of seven of eight soldiers killed in Tuesday fighting were paraded in military camps in Zamboanga City, where Filipino and American troops paid their last respects.

A group of US soldiers were spotted saluting with Filipino troops as hearse of the soldiers arrived at the Western Mindanao Command. The caskets were later brought to a chapel inside a Filipino naval base where a chaplain said a requiem.

Soldiers also paid their last respect for their fallen companions. “This is reality here. We have to risk our lives to save others. We are soldiers,” one marine said.

Marine spokesman Major Ramon David Hontiveros said operations to capture Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya militants continued on Wednesday in Sulu province.

US Special Forces were aiding the Philippine military in the hunt for militants, according to Major General Benjamin Dolorfino, chief of the Western Mindanao Command.

He said the US military is providing intelligence to the local troops in the hunt for the Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya militants in Sulu.

Dolorfino said troops were tracking down at least four most senior Abu Sayyaf leaders – Dr Abu, Albader Parad, Isnilon Hapilon and Yasser Igasan – including two foreign Jemaah Islamiya terrorists Mauiya and Quayem and some 200 followers.

Mauiya, believed to an Indian national, was among those previously tagged by the Philippine authorities as behind the kidnappings early this year of three international Red Cross workers in Sulu. But little is known about Quayem.

Dolorfino said at least 34 Abu Sayyaf militants and 8 soldiers were killed in the fighting since Sunday in the hinterlands of Indanan town. Among those killed was an Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Ustadz Muktar, a cousin of Hapilon, who is wanted by the US for terrorism.

US Special Forces are deployed in Sulu province since 2006 and assisting the local military in defeating the Abu Sayyaf. (Mindanao Examiner)

US-backed RP troops hunt for JI, Sayyaf terrorists in Sulu

Mist envelopes the magnificent Tulay Mosque in Sulu province in the southern Philippines, where security forces are battling Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya militants since Sunday, September 20, 2009. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / September 22, 2009) – Philippine troops backed by US military intelligence on Tuesday continue to hunt for Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya militants in the southern island of Sulu, where dozens of rebels and soldiers were killed in fierce clashes since last week, officials told the Mindanao Examiner.

Regional military chief Major General Benjamin Dolorfino said troops were tracking down at least four most senior Abu Sayyaf leaders – Dr Abu, Albader Parad, Isnilon Hapilon and Yasser Igasan – including two foreign Jemaah Islamiya terrorists Mauiya and Quayem and some 200 gunmen.

Mauiya, believed to an Indian national, was among those previously tagged by the Philippine authorities as behind the kidnappings early this year of three international Red Cross workers in Sulu. But little is known about Quayem.

“Our forces are pursuing the Abu Sayyaf and JI terrorists. We will get them sooner or later,” Dolorfino said.

He said at least 34 Abu Sayyaf militants and 8 soldiers were killed in the fighting since Sunday in the hinterlands of Indanan town. Among those killed on the side of the Abu Sayyaf was Ustadz Muktar, a cousin of Hapilon, whom is wanted by the US for terrorism.

Dolorfino said the US military has been providing intelligence to the Philippine military in the hunt for the terrorists. “The US military is providing intelligence support,” he said without elaborating.

But US Special Forces are deployed in Sulu province since 2006 and assisting the local military in defeating the Abu Sayyaf.

Police are also on alert for retaliatory attacks by the Abu Sayyaf after security forces captured one of their main camps in Indanan town.

Chief Inspector Usman Pingay, head of police in the capital town of Jolo, said he had received intelligence reports that the Abu Sayyaf plans to attack after their largest camp on the island was overran by troops.

He said police had set up more road checkpoints and were conducting more foot patrols.

“We are in heightened alert. We have intelligence reports that the Abu Sayyaf may launch an attack in Jolo, probably as retaliation to the ongoing military offensive,” Pingay told the Mindanao Examiner by phone from Jolo.

Dolorfino said the fall of the Abu Sayyaf camp was a big blow to the al-Qaeda-linked terrorist group. “The capture of the Abu Sayyaf camp is a big blow to the enemy because it is one of their main strongholds in Sulu,” he said.

The seized Abu Sayyaf camp was near to the base of former Moro National Liberation Front rebels, who were believed coddling the militants, according to Dolorfino.

“The Abu Sayyaf camp was a convenient sanctuary because of the presence of the MNLF base and some former rebels are protecting these terrorists because either they are relatives or family members,” he said.

The MNLF signed a peace deal with Manila in September 1996, but many former guerrillas were disgruntled with the accord, saying, the Arroyo government failed to comply with some of its provisions and uplift their standards of living. They accused Manila of failing to develop war-torn areas in the south.

Under the peace agreement, Manila would have to provide a mini-Marshal Plan to spur economic development in Muslim areas in the south and livelihood and housing assistance to tens of thousands of former rebels to uplift their poor living standards.

Many of the former MNLF fighters have joined the Abu Sayyaf and the larger Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which is now negotiating peace with the government. (Mindanao Examiner)

Troops recover IED in Jolo town

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / August 31, 2009) – Government soldiers have recovered an improvised explosive in the southern Philippine town of Jolo, where a homemade bomb exploded and wounded two army engineers over the weekend, officials told the Mindanao Examiner on Monday.

Major Ramon David Hontiveros, a spokesman for the military’s Western Mindanao Command, said the improvised explosive device was found near the Jolo airport an hour after a bomb went off at around 7 p.m. on Sunday.

“The bomb was detonated safely,” he said.

Hontiveros said the military is still investigating the type of explosive used in the attack and the second that was recovered. “We are still determining what type of explosive was used in the attack,” he said.

Hontiveros said a marine convoy passing near the area was likely the target of the explosion.

“Initial investigation revealed that the target of the attack was the convoy of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 6 which had just left Kampo Heneral Teofilo Bautista en route to Mount Datu. The IED exploded 75 meters in front of the lead vehicle of convoy,” he said.

No individuals or group has claimed responsibility for the failed attack, but Marine Major General Benjamin Dolorfino, a regional military commander, blamed the Abu Sayyaf for the explosion in Jolo.

The Abu Sayyaf has been blamed by the police and military for the spate of kidnappings for ransom and terrorism in the southern Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner)

Filipinos mourn death of ex-Philippine leader

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / August 1, 2009) - Military and police camps have lowered their flags to half-mast in honor of former Filipino President Corazon Aquino who died Saturday at age 76.

Aquino, the icon of democracy in the Philippines, died from complications due to colon cancer which was diagnosed in March last year.

“The Western Mindanao Command condoles with the Aquino family in the passing of one of our nation’s icon of democracy, ex-President Corazon Aquino,” said Major General Benjamin Dolorfino, commander of military forces in western Mindanao.

Police camps and government offices in the region also flew their flags at half-mast.

In Sulu province, Governor Sakur Tan also ordered all military and police camps, including government offices to fly their flags at half-mast as s a symbol of mourning.

“Former President Aquino is really the symbol of democracy in the Philippines and we are saddened by her demise. Our people will never forget her; her contributions to the restoration of democracy in the country,” Tan said.

Aquino’s son, Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. announced in Manila that his mother passed away at 3.18 a.m. of cardio-respiratory arrest.

Aquino’s husband was assassinated in 1983 upon his return to Manila from his exile in the United States. His death catapulted Aquino to the presidency after deposing President Ferdinand Marcos. She ruled from 1986 to 1992 and survived several coup attempts by rightist soldiers, who accused Aquino as a leftist supporter.

Aquino was named by Time Magazine as the 1986 Woman of the Year. (Mindanao Examiner)

Western Mindanao, Sulu nakidalamhati sa pagpanaw ni Cory

ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Agosto 1, 2009) – Nakidalamhati kahapon ang buong puwersa ng militar at pulisya sa Western Mindanao sa pagpanaw ni dating Pangulong Corazon Aquino dahil sa komplikasyon sanhi ng colon cancer.

Sa Zamboanga City ay ipinag-utos ni Maj. Gen. Benjamin Dolorfino na ilagay sa half-mast ang lahat ng watawat sa buong Western Mindanao bilang respeto at pagdadalamhati ng mga sundalo.

Maging ang pulisysa sa rehiyon ay nagbaba na rin ng kanilang watawat sa half-mast.

“The Western Mindanao Command condoles with the Aquino family in the passing of one of our nation’s icon of democracy, ex-President Corazon Aquino,” ani Dolorfino sa kanyang pahayag sa media.

Ito rin ang iniutos ni Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan sa buong militar, pulisya at ahensya ng pamahalaan sa lalawigan. Kahapon ay nakababa na sa half-mast ang mga watawat sa Sulu.

“Isang tunay na simbolo ng demokrasya si dating Pangulong Cory Aquino at nakikidalamhati ako at ang aking pamilya at kaanak, at gayun na rin ang buong lalawigan ng Sulu sa pagpanaw ni Madam Cory.”

“Hindi natin malilimutan ang kabayanihan ni former President Aquino at ang panunumbalik ng ating kalayaan,” ani Tan. (Jung Francisco)

Marines chief is new military commander for Western Mindanao

Major General Benjamin Dolorfino. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / July 16, 2009) – Philippine Marines chief Major General Benjamin Dolorfino has formally assumed Thursday as new commander of military forces in Western Mindanao.

Dolorfino replaced Lieutenant Nelson Allaga. He vowed to intensify the campaign against Moro and communist rebels and defeat terrorism in the southern Philippines.

It was also the same statement by previous commanders who served and go, but the problems on insurgency and terrorism were still unchanged.

Dolorfino, his aide and 21 other soldiers, including a defense undersecretary, were previously held hostage by Moro rebels in Sulu province after a failed meeting in February 2007.

Moro National Liberation Front rebels under Habier Malik and Khaid Ajibun held Dolorfino’s group for three days and freed them after a series of government negotiations.

The rebels demanded Manila to free detained MNLF chieftain Nur Misuari, who is facing rebellion charges in Manila in exchange for the release of the hostages so he can lead the MNLF to the tripartite conference in Saudi Arabia. (Mindanao Examiner)

Hunt Continues Vs. Sayyaf Terrorists In Basilan Island

Philippine Navy Seals prepare their equipment as US troops relax Tuesday, December 9, 2008 inside the naval headquarters in Zamboanga City in Mindanao. Five Filipino marines were killed and two dozen more wounded in fierce clashes with Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels over the weekend in Basilan island, south of Zamboanga City. Five marines and three rebels were killed in the fighting, the military says. US troops are deployed in the southern Philippines to help the local military defeat terrorism.

And an unidentified marine soldier shows his shrapnel wounds to Navy Commodore Alexander Pama, while Philippine Marines chief General Mohd Dolorfino and Western Mindanao military commander General Nelson Allaga look on at a hospital inside the military's Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City on Tuesday, December 9, 2008. While Marine Captain Jolie Palanca answers questions from journalists. Palanca is among 24 soldiers wounded in fierce clashes with Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels over the weekend in Basilan island, south of Zamboanga City. Five marines and three rebels were killed in the fighting. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)

BASILAN, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Dec. 9, 2008) – Military operations continued Tuesday in Basilan island against the Abu Sayyaf group, blamed for the spate of attacks and kidnappings in the southern Philippines.

Soldiers were tracking down Abu Sayyaf militants in Al-Barka town, a known stronghold of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the country's largest Muslim rebel group.

Fierce fighting already broke out between troops and rebels that left five marines and three MILF mujahideen dead, including Sattar Alih, a senior member of the group's cease-fire monitoring team. Two dozen soldiers and six rebels were also wounded in the fighting over the weekend in Al-Barka town.

Three of the country's most senior military commanders on Tuesday inspected the wounded troops at a hospital in Zamboanga City and later went to Basilan island where they met with local commanders.

"Our operation is intended to neutralize the Abu Sayyaf and it will continue without let-up. Our goal is to flush out the terrorists and bring back peace in Basilan," said Marines chief General Mohammad Dolorfino.

Dolorfino, accompanied by Western Mindanao military commander General Nelson Allaga and Navy Commodore Alexander Pama, inspected troops in Basilan.

Allaga said the MILF was dragged into the fighting after rebels attacked government forces pursuing the Abu Sayyaf in Al-Barka town. "They attacked our soldiers and fighting erupted," he said.

He warned the MILF not to interfere with the military operations against the Abu Sayyaf.
Local military commander Brigadier Rustico de Leon has previously accused the MILF of coddling the Abu Sayyaf.

De Leon said the rebels were sheltering the militants inside MILF camps in Al-Barka. Rebels were also protecting the Abu Sayyaf in the towns of Tipo-Tipo and Ungkaya Pukan, an accusation the MILF strongly denied.

Eid Kabalu, a senior MILF leader, said the government forces were targeting the rebels in the guise of pursuing the Abu Sayyaf. He said the soldiers violated a fragile cease-fire signed by the MILF and the government in 2001 when President Gloria Arroyo opened up peace talks.

Peace talks collapsed in August after the failed signing of the territorial land deal that would have granted more than four million Muslims their own homeland in Mindanao. (Mindanao Examiner)

Sayyafs ambush marines in Sulu Island

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Nov. 24, 2008) – Suspected Abu Sayyaf militants detonated a roadside bomb on Monday, wounding four Filipino marines in the southern Philippine island of Sulu, officials said.

General Mohammad Dolorfino, chief of the Philippines Marines, said the soldiers were on board a truck and passing through the village of Bangkal in Patikul town when the explosion occurred.

“Four of my marines are wounded in the attack, believed carried out by the Abu Sayyaf,” he told the Mindanao Examiner.

He said the bomb was placed on a pile of garbage on the side of the road and detonated as the M35 truck passed. “Soldiers recovered 50 meters of electrical wire and this suggested that the perpetrators had detonated the explosive as the truck was passing by,” he said.

Dolorfino did not say how many soldiers were on the truck, but they were heading to a marine detachment near Patikul tow. The soldiers came from a marine base in Buhanginan village in Patikul town, where US troops are deployed.

Abu Sayyaf militants in August also ambushed a Philippine and US military convoy in Sulu, killing four Filipino soldiers and wounded ten more in the village of Bonbon in Patikul town.

The incident was also not reported to the local media, but the Guam Army National Guard released a brief statement confirming that one of its servicemen was unharmed following an attack on his unit in Sulu.

The US soldier was not identified, but the Guam Army National Guard said the serviceman is attached to a platoon with the 294th Infantry Regiment deployed in May in Sulu to aide in the ongoing conflict there.

The Philippine military and the US Embassy in Manila insisted no US soldiers were in the attacked convoy.

American troops are training and assisting local soldiers in defeating terrorism in the southern Philippines on the request of the Philippine government. Earlier this month, Filipino soldiers also captured an Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Sakirin Andalan Sali and killed another militant, Faidar Hadjadi, in a firefight in Sulu. (Mindanao Examiner)

Sayyaf frees remaining aid worker kidnapped in Southern Philippines

Freed kidnapped aid worker Millet Mendoza with Philippine Navy Captain Jeanne Lingan in Zamboanga City on Saturday, November 15, 2008.

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Nov. 15, 2008) – Suspected Abu Sayyaf militants have freed the last of two aid workers they kidnapped in Basilan island in the southern Philippines, officials said Saturday.

Philippine Marines chief General Mohamad Dolorfino said Millet Mendoza was released late Friday on a remote village in Basilan. “Kidnappers have freed Mendoza. She is okay,” Dolorfino told The Manila Times.

Mendoza was released in the town of Al-Barka, a stronghold of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. It was unknown if Mendoza’s family paid ransom or not, but the kidnappers previously demanded P7 million in exchange for her freedom.

Mendoza was seized Sept. 15 along with Esperancita Hupida, program director of the Nagdilaab Foundation, which is active in humanitarian and development works in Basilan island.

Hupida was also freed Oct. 30 also in Al-Barka town after her family paid P2 million ransom.

Just last week, Abu Sayyaf militants have released a kidnapped Filipino nurse, Preciosa Feliciano, after four months in captivity in Basilan in exchange for P2 million ransoms.

Feliciano, 24, was freed November 7 in Tipo-Tipo town. She was kidnapped July 7 in Zamboanga City and brought to Basilan by boat.

Kidnappers are still holding a Joed Anthony Pilangga, a nursing student snatched on October 17 outside their house in Zamboanga City. Kidnappers have demanded P20 million from Pilangga's family.

The Abu Sayyaf also kidnapped nine people in recent months in Basilan and sent letters to Christians living on the island threatening them with harm if they do not embrace Islam. The letters were signed by Indama and Jamiri. (Mindanao Examiner)

Fighting Stops, But Tension Is High In Mindanao: MILF

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Al Jacinto / May 16, 2008) – Fighting ceased Friday between Muslim rebels and government troops in the southern Filipino island of Basilan island, but tension is still high as both sides accused each other of violating a fragile truce.

“There is still tension because of the skirmishes in Basilan. We are more vigilant now than ever after soldiers attacked our forces in the province,” Mohagher Iqbal, chief peace negotiator of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, told Mindanao Examiner.

Manila is currently negotiating peace with the MILF. But the rebel group accused the Arroyo government of delaying the peace talks after negotiations were stalled last year over demands for ancestral domain.

The ancestral domain is the single most important issue in the peace negotiations before the MILF can reach a political settlement and with the talks stalled; the hope of ending more than three decades of bloody hostilities remains dim.

Manila said the provisions of the peace agreement should be within the framework of the Constitution.

The fighting in Basilan Island just off Zamboanga City was triggered by attacks on rebels working on a farm, Iqbal said. But the military accused the MILF of attacking a group of marines securing a road project in the town of Tipo-Tipo.

"It was the rebels who first attacked our security forces and troops only retaliated, but the fighting is not as serious as what the MILF claimed. There are exchanges of sniper fires between our troops and rebels and we have no reports of casualties," said Marines Chief Gen. Mohammad Dolorfino.

The fighting erupted after Malaysia, which is brokering the peace, pulled out its truce observers last week in Mindanao because of the slow progress of the negotiations.

Iqbal said security forces also raided the house of Mike Dalem, an MILF political officer, in the Buluan town in Maguindanao province in the main island of Mindanao.

“Dalem was on the mosque praying when soldiers swooped down of his house and confiscated munitions owned by the MILF,” he said.

It was not immediately known whether the raid was with a court order or not. Iqbal said the raid was illegal and violated the cease-fire agreement the government signed with the MILF. “This is a clear violation of the cease-fire agreement,” he said.

The MILF is the country's largest Muslim rebel group fighting for independence in Mindanao. The rebels repeatedly warned that fighting could erupt if Malaysia pulls out its truce observers.

The Philippine military have been building up its forces in Mindanao the past weeks and the MILF fears that renewed hostilities may break out because troops were reported massing near areas controlled by rebels in Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur provinces. (Mindanao Examiner)

Fierce Fighting Erupts In Basilan Island

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Dingdong Dantes, Sumabak Sa Sulu Medical Mission

Si Dingdong Dantes habang nakikipagkamay kay Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan sa kapitolyo ng lalawigan. At mga nagtitiliang fans ng aktor sa labas ng tanggapan ng gobernador. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)

SULU (Mindanao Examiner / Apri. 01, 2008) - Nagkagulo sa kapitolyo ng Sulu matapos na dumating doon si Dingdong Dantes kasama ang mga sundalong Marines upang magsagawa ng medical missions sa dalawang bayan doon.

Si Dantes ang gumanap bilang Sergio Santibañes katuwang si Marian Rivera bilang Marimar sa super tele-nobela ng GMA-7 na "Marimar." Hindi agad nakilala ng mga taga-Sulu si Dantes dahil naka-uniporme ito ng Marines at may ranggo pang master sergeant. Nabatid na isa palang reservist sa Philippine Marines ang makisig na aktor.

Kasama ni Dantes na nagtungo kamakalawa sa kapitolyo si Marines chief Gen. Mohd Ben Dolorfino at iba pang mga opisyal at miyembro ng ilang non-government organizations upang magbigay galang sa gobernador na lalawigan na si Sakur Tan at sa bise nitong si Nur-Ana Sahidulla.

Natuwa naman si Bise Gob. Sahidulla ng dumalaw rin si Dantes sa kanyang tanggapan at doon nagpakuha ng mga litrato.

Maiinit ang naging pagtanggap ng mga taga-Sulu sa grupo nina Dantes at sinigurado naman ng aktor kay Gob. Tan ang suporta nito sa pagtulong sa mga mahihirap sa lalawigan.

"Ang pogi ni Dingdong at ang macho parang si Gobernor Sakur (Tan) at mestiso talaga. Sana kasama rin niya si Marimar," sambit naman ng fan na si Sabina Hamsain.

Hindi naman magkaugaga si Dantes sa mga tilian at yakap at halik na natanggap sa kapitolyo mula sa maraming fans at empleyado na sumugod doon. Pulos pasasalamat naman ang naging tugon ni Dantes. Nakipag-usap rin sa Dantes kay Gob. Tan ukol sa mga programa nito para sa mahihirap sa Sulu.

"Nagpapasalamat kami kay Dingdong at kina General Dolorfino dahil sa kanilang pagtugon at pagtulong sa atin sa pamamagitan ng medical missions at sana ay muling maulit ito upang marami pa tayong mabigyan ng tulong," wika naman ni Gob. Tan.

Nagtungo si Dantes sa bayan ng Patikul at Maimbung na kung saan ay may joint medical missions ang Marines at ang pamahalaang-panlalawigan. Kahit pa may ulan ang tagumpay na naidaos ang medical missions.

"Kasama naman namin si Dingdong dahil gusto talaga niyang magtungo sa Sulu upang tumutulong sa mga mahihirap at natutuwa kami sa kasigapagan, kabaitan at pagiging disiplinado ni Sergio," ani pa ni Gen. Dolorfino.

Dahil sa pinagkakaguluhan ito ay hindi na nakapagbigay ng pahayag si Dantes, ngunit nakiusap naman ito sa Sulu Gazette na makahingi at ipadala sa kanya ang mga larawan kuha mula sa kapitolyo. (Mindanao Examiner)

Marines Take Over Army Functions In Southern Philippines

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / 21 Aug) – Philippine Marines chief Major General Nelson Allaga has been named as the next commander of military forces in Western Mindanao, security sources told the Mindanao Examiner.

Sources said another Philippine Marines, Major General Mohammad Dolorfino, chief of the National Capital Region military forces, will replace Allaga when he assumes his new post next week.

Allaga will take over Army General Eugenio Cedo when he retires on August 29 at the age of 56.

Philippine Army commander General Alexander Yano, chief of the Southern Luzon Command, is also named as the new Chief of Army and will take over from General Romeo Tolentino when he retires on Friday.

President Gloria Arroyo, military sources said, has approved the promotions of the three generals on the recommendation of Armed Forces chief General Hermogenes Esperon. (Mindanao Examiner)

Muslim Rebels, RP Troops Continue Operation To Free Kidnapped Italian Prelate

MAGUINDANAO (Mindanao Examiner / 21 Jun) – Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels on Thursday continue working alongside with Filipino troops in searching for a kidnapped Italian Catholic priest in the troubled southern region of Mindanao.

Marine Major General Mohammad Dolorfino said the MILF has ceased assisting government efforts to locate Fr Giancarlo Bossi, from Milan.

He said the ad hoc joint action group, which authorizes the MILF to help in fighting criminalities and terrorism in areas where they are actively operating, has expired.

Unless it is renewed, the MILF cannot help in the rescue efforts, he said.

"On the part of the MILF, they have to stop active involvement in the meantime because if they are on the ground without coordination, there might be accidental encounters with government troops," Dolorfino said.

Bossi, 57, was kidnapped June 10 after celebrating mass in the coastal town of Payao in Zamboanga Sibugay province and taken to Lanao del Norte province in the Muslim autonomous region.

But Mohagher Iqbal, a senior MILF rebel leader, said his group is still helping security forces track down the kidnappers and their hostage.

"There is no truth to reports that we have stopped in assisting the Philippine government in the search for the kidnapped priest. The joint rescue operation is going on," Iqbal told the regional newspaper, the Mindanao Examiner.

He said the MILF decision to continue the rescue operation is based on humanitarian grounds.
"Freeing Father Bossi is founded mainly on humanitarian ground and also in furtherance of the gains of the peace process," he said. "The life of man is of paramount importance over procedural matter."

The kidnappers have demanded one million dollars in exchange for the safe release of Bossi, a member of the Rome-based Pontifical Institute of Foreign Missions.

Police tagged Akiddin Abdusallam, a rogue MILF leader, as behind Bossi’s kidnapping, a charge strongly denied by Iqbal.

He said Abdusallam is a member of the Abu Sayyaf group which has ties with the al-Qaeda terror network and largely blamed for the spate of bombings and kidnappings of foreigners in Mindanao.

The MILF is currently negotiating with the Philippine government for a separate Muslim homeland in the restive, but mineral-rich Mindanao region.

Dolorfino said the safety of the hostage is the primary concern of the military and that there is an ongoing negotiation to secure Bossi’s freedom without paying ransom.

"Our primary consideration is Bossi's safety. We will exert all peaceful means to resolve the matter," he said.

The Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions has expressed concern over the fate of Bossi, who is said to be suffering from hypertension. It also appealed to the public for any information about the priest. (Juley Reyes, Joseph Danda and Juan Magtanggol)

Sundalo Sa Metro, Back To Barracks Muli!

QUEZON CITY (Mindanao Examiner / 09 May) - Sa wakas, ipinag-utos na ni Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. ang pansamantalang pag-alis ng tropa ng mga sundalo sa kalakhang Maynila.

Ayon sa direktiba ni Esperon kay AFP National Capital Region Command Chief Major General Mohammad Ben Dolorfino, epektibo ngayon hanggang Biyernes ay unti-unting lilisanin ng militar ang Metro Manila at iiwan ang ilang mga proyektong sinimulan ng mga ito sa ilang komunidad.

"I am directing Major General Dolorfino to start pulling out troops from depressed communities in Metro Manila starting today and to complete the pullout on or before May 11," ani Esperon sa pahayagang Mindanao Examiner.

Katwiran ni Esperon, layunin ng pull out na maidistansya ang militar sa pulitika at hindi makulayan sa harap ng naging pagkaladkad sa institusyon sa umano'y dayaan noong May 2004 elections nang pumutok ang Hello Garci wiretapping controversy.

"This pull out is not due to the claims of left leaning groups that we are engaged in electioneering and that we practice partisan politics. The departure of troops from the barangays will allow the soldiers to exercise their right of suffrage," wika pa ni Esperon.

"This will erase the misconception that the troops are there to influence the outcome of the election," dagdag nito.

Tinatayang 260 mga sundalo sa ilang barangay sa Metro Manila ang kasalukuyang naka-kalat at gumagawa ng ilang engineering projects tulad ng mga day care center, palikuran at kalsada.

Samantala, walang katiyakan kung maibabalik sa Metro Manila ang troop deployment dahil isasailalim sa kaukulang pag-aaral at ebalwasyon ang naturang programa ng AFP NCR Command.

"Probably, 50-50% of chances. May mga naipangako na rin kasing proyekto na gagawin pagkatapos ng eleksyon pero depende na rin sa AFP Chief kung papayagan ang pagbabalik ng mga sundalo sa Metro Manila," sabi ni Dolorfino.

Habang eleksyon, mananatili ang mga sundalo sa kanilang headquarters at maaaring ma-deploy kung hihingin ng Commission on Elections at Philippine National Police.

"The lull period will also be devoted for refresher training to further improve individual and unit efficiency particularly in the aspect of Civil Military Operations," dagdag pa ni Dolorfino. (Juley Reyes)