Dipolog Mayor Gets Coveted Military Award

DIPOLOG CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Sept. 6, 2010) - The Philippine military has named the local mayor as a model public official for supporting its various humanitarians programs.

The Western Mindanao Command conferred the prestigious "Model Public Official" to Mayor Evelyn Uy in a ceremony held recently in Zamboanga City.

Uy was the only elective official from Zamboanga del Norte province to have received such a recognition which was awarded during the 4th anniversary of Western Mindanao Command, state media said.

It said Uy earned the accolade for her outstanding performance in governance as a local chief executive and for her unwavering support to the Philippine Army's 101st Infantry Brigade.

The 101st Infantry Brigade is based in the town of Pinan in Zamboanga del Norte provinces and covers the entire province of Misamis Occidental, portion of Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte. (With a report from Becky de Asis)

Soldier accused of stealing munitions in Basilan Island

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 13, 2008) – The Philippine military is investigating a soldier accused of stealing ammunition in Basilan island, where security forces are fighting terrorism, officials admitted Tuesday.

Officials said the soldier has been detained and is being investigated over allegations that he stole ammunition.

It was unknown whether he stole munitions and sold them to syndicates or rebel groups, or whether he sold intelligence information or compromised security matters in Basilan island, south of Zamboanga City.

“There is an ongoing investigation and the soldier could be dishonorably discharged and jailed if the court martial finds him guilty of all the charges against him,” Lt. Steffani Cacho, a regional military spokeswoman, told the Mindanao Examiner.

Cacho did not release the name of the soldier or his rank and unit because of the ongoing probe. No other details were made available about the progress of the investigation.

Government troops are fighting Abu Sayyaf terrorists and Moro rebels in Basilan island, where dozens of soldiers had been killed, some of them beheaded, in recent years. (Mindanao Examiner)

Military Media Profiling In Southern Philippines Assailed

NATIONAL UNION OF JOURNALISTS OF THE PHILIPPINES

Statement

Westmincom's bio-data requirement an intrusion on privacy and press freedom that should be rejected. The NUJP is incensed at the sudden requirement imposed by Major Eugene Batara, spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command, for journalists to fill up a bio-data form before they can be accredited for coverage.

The bio-data is not only an invasion of privacy, it is a subtle repression of press freedom as it would give the Westmincom information office blanket authority to decide who it will or will not consider a journalist, an authority it does not have the competence or legal right to possess.

The information journalists are supposed to write down in the form includes facts that have absolutely nothing to do with their profession. This alone gives rise to suspicions of more sinister motives.

Whether working for a news outfit or freelance, a journalist's identity is public knowledge. There is, thus, no reason for Batara or any other military spokesman or officer to keep a dossier of who the reporters are in the areas where they are assigned. Unless Batara and his ilk doubt their own competence to perform their tasks or, again, the imposition is for more sinister motives.

We demand that Batara withdraw this requirement and for any other military spokesman or command thinking of a similar imposition to do likewise.

We likewise urge our colleagues in the Westmincom area and anywhere else similar attempts to impose the bio-data requirement to reject it outright and assert our right to the free practice of our profession.

Reference:

Sonny Fernandez, Secretary-General

November 13, 2008

Military Media Profiling Slammed By Mindanao Journalists

NATIONAL UNION OF JOURNALISTS IN THE PHILIPPINES.
Zamboanga City-Sulu-Basilan-TawiTawi Chapters

Statement

NUJP ZamBaSulTa chapter questions the re imposition of submitting bio data for Western Mindanao Command's (WestMinCom) media profiles.
WestMinCom spokesman Maj. Eugene S. Batara said the policy is to update their files; to know more media personalities covering the defense and for other use like if there are new officials, they would know immediately just by merely browsing the files.

Bio data form requires media to supply personal details.
NUJP ZamBaSulTa sees it as further intrusion on privacy even if reporters' background is already public knowledge.

NUJP local chapter sees the policy as a subtle from of harassment as bio-data is a basis to issue defense press card, wherein press identification card is already enough.

More Media Groups Denounce Military Profiling Of Journalists In Mindanao

For quite a time the Peace and Conflict Journalism Network (PECOJON) Western Mindanao Chapter became silent about some issues regarding media harassment here in our region, but this time, the considered harassment and invasion to privacy of the profiling being imposed by Western Mindanao Command strongly gains dismay to this organization and its members covering the military beat and conflict areas.

We support the issued statement of WESMINCOM (Western Mindanao Command) Spokesman Army Major Eugene Batara that the purpose of such move was to serve as basis/ reference in identifying the journalists covering the military beat and issue them an identification card from the command, but the manner it was done was foul and considered personal harassment to us, the media, who has been covering the military beat before these officials were assigned in WESMINCOM and since the command was established from its birth-towards its various names till it became WESMINCOM at present which is just few years old.

All those years, we uphold the respect and integrity of the command whom we consider as partners for peace and development in Mindanao by following the orders and coordinating with the command and field commanders everytime we conduct coverages of conflict areas. We didn't have a problem then with previous commanders of SOUTHCOM, except for a few who tried to imposed similar profiling before to the members of the Defense Press Corps.

I do not know if these present officials in WESMINCOM has conducted a background investigation of such previous instances of failed profiling which was tried to be imposed by those irrational commanders before, because of their failures in performing their given responsibilities, it even came to a point of banning the media from entering the military camp which is a clear manifestation of suppressing the freedom of the press,as we recall...

We fairly know that the FREEDOM of the PRESS is not absolute, but it is not right to be supressed by those people in government, particularly the military who are "VANGUARDS" of peace and democracy, ISN'T IT?

And we cannot understand why the command issued such orders without even having a dialogue,consulting or relaying the message to the officers of the Defense Press Corps headed by its president Roel Pareno of Philippine Star? He is just a phone call away and day to day covering WESMINCOM, gentlemen. WE are civilians and not AFP organic personnel who must obey orders before complaining, but needs a civil approach as we are human in nature.

We the members of the Peace and Conflict Journalism Network (PECOJON) Western Mindanao Chapter strongly sympathize and stand firm alongside with our fellow mediamen covering the WESMINCOM beat, that the move of the command is uncalled for and must be properly evaluated by its concerned officialsbefore it will be imposed, a dialogue with the media is hepful to resolve this matter once and for all, BOTH SIDES MUST BE HEARD to give JUSTICE for this cause, as we envoke our rights to privacy,information, and press freedom.

for the PECOJON-WM Chapter


SGD:MARLON "Bhong" SIMBAJON
Regional Coordinator

Western Mindanao Command Replies To Media Profiling Issues

H E A D Q U A R T E R S
WESTERN MINDANAO COMMAND
Camp Don Basilio Navarro, Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City.

WESTMINCOM, AFP. The issue on the filling-up of bio-data for members of the WMC Defense Press Corps (DPC) has become a very big issue and has been discussed in all media locally and nationally.

The meeting was called for by the WESTMINCOM PIO on Friday to all members of the DPC in order to reorganize since the DPC was still for the defunct SOUTHCOM.

Upon review of the Command Public Information Officer, the latest records were dated a decade ago that is why he saw the need to update the DPC records by calling for all the active members to fill-up an updated bio data. It was also noted that some have changed outfit and others were no longer active or assigned to different beats or areas.

The initial format provided by the WESTMINCOM PIO was not favorable to all that is why the consensus of all present as to what data the format should include was asked.

The PIO, WMC immediately approved of the format which was suggested just to erase any speculation of profiling and taking so many data out of the media people who are old and new members of the WMC Defense Press Corps.

The WESTMINCOM is sincere in its dealings with the media wether local or national. It only intends to organize the local media who are helping the command in its information campaign. The activity is supposed to be a start to improve the camaraderie not only between the WESTMINCOM and the different media personalities in Zamboanga but with their fellow journalists as well.

The command has plans to improve the flow of information to its DPC and is willing to cooperate for the benefit of all members of the WMC DPC. The WESTMINCOM has no vested interest or hidden agenda in this undertaking.

Its main intent and purpose is just to maintain a data base of the members of its DPC because our media friends are helping the command immeasurably in its mission to create a physically and psychologically secured environment conducive to development.

Periodistas de perfiles de atacar militar en Mindanao

ZAMBOANGA, Filipinas (Mindanao Examiner / noviembre 9, 2008) - Después de acosar a un reportero de radio en Mindanao, las Fuerzas Armadas de Filipinas (AFP) ahora quería que todos los periodistas que cubren una importante base militar en la conflictiva región para que presenten sus fotografías y un detallado perfil personal.

Los militares también contra el comprobar y verificar toda la información acerca de los periodistas que cubren el Comando de Mindanao Occidental con sede en la ciudad de Zamboanga.

El militar dijo que todos los datos personales de los periodistas es necesaria para actualizar su base de datos.

"El CIO WestMinCom se reserva el derecho de contra-control y verificar las anotaciones que se hagan aquí y para cancelar la acreditación datos falsos debe ser descubiertos. Esta acreditación es válida solamente para el propósito de cubrir WestMinCom actividades y otros eventos relacionados," lea las instrucciones de la militar dado forma a los periodistas en la ciudad de Zamboanga.

CIO se refiere a la Oficina de Información del Comando del Comando de Mindanao Occidental, donde las fuerzas militares de América también están acampados.

Los militares también obligado a los periodistas a firmar una renuncia que dice: "Por la presente, renunciar a todos mis derechos legales y reclamaciones contra las Fuerzas Armadas para cualquier accidente, pérdida o cualquier incidente desfavorable que puede ocurrir al mismo tiempo que cubren las actividades de las Fuerzas Armadas".

Pero por debajo de la renuncia, que dice: Yo soy la ejecución de esta renuncia en mi propia y libre voluntad y voluntad ".

Los militares querían a los periodistas a presentar incluso su sistema de seguridad social y número de identificación fiscal, identificación de las marcas en el cuerpo, los colores de cabello y los ojos, e incluso el tipo de sangre y los nombres y direcciones de familiares y sus números de teléfono, direcciones de correo electrónico y afiliación religiosa .

El Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu y Tawi-Tawi capítulos independientes de la Unión Nacional de Periodistas de Filipinas y miembros de los medios de comunicación locales criticaron fuertemente los militares de los medios de comunicación de perfiles.

"NUJP ZamBaSulTa lo ve más como la intrusión en la intimidad, incluso si los periodistas" ya fondo es de conocimiento público. NUJP considera la política como una sutil del acoso como de bio-datos es una cuestión a base de defensa tarjeta de prensa, en el que la prensa tarjeta de identificación es ya suficiente ", Dijo en una declaración emitida el domingo.

Los editores de prensa y personalidades de los medios de comunicación en Manila también en tela de juicio de los militares de perfiles de los periodistas en Mindanao. Es la segunda vez que los militares en la ciudad de Zamboanga intentado, pero no imponer a los medios de comunicación de perfiles de la última década.

La Federación Internacional de Periodistas (FIP) es también consternados por la actual falta de respeto mostrado hacia los periodistas y la libertad de prensa en Filipinas después de recibir nuevos informes de intimidación por funcionarios del Gobierno y amenazan mensajes de texto.

"Para que haya alguna esperanza de asegurar la libertad de prensa en Filipinas, debe haber cambio de actitud sistémica, desde el gobierno y el ejército a los miembros del público en general, hacia los periodistas y sus derechos a practicar su oficio sin sufrimiento constante verbal y maltrato físico ", Dijo.

"La FIP se une a la NUJP en pie en solidaridad con nuestros colegas en las Filipinas en su valiente labor, y recuerda a todos los periodistas y los medios de comunicación que en ese momento peligroso para los medios de comunicación los trabajadores en las Filipinas, la seguridad personal debe ser protegido celosamente".

Y todas estas cuestiones se requiere a los periodistas después de los diferentes grupos de medios de comunicación en Mindanao criticó el Teniente Coronel John Oswald Bucu, el campamento de comandante del Ejército de la 6 ª División de Infantería en la provincia de Maguindanao, para berating un reportero de radio, Loreto Rosario, al tiempo que cubre un incendio que arrasó una volcado de municiones en el interior de la base el 31 de octubre.

El funcionario también ocupándose del Rosario teléfonos celulares y lo llevó en el campamento de la oficina de información pública donde Bucu seguido lambaste el periodista delante de los soldados.

Otros periodistas que cubrían el fuego también fueron impedidos de acercarse a la munición de volcado, incluso después de que el incendio había terminado. La Unión Nacional de Periodistas de Filipinas ya ha exigido a los militares a la disciplina Bucu.

Bucu acusado Rosario, que trabaja para la emisora de radio católica dxMS en la ciudad de Cotabato, de inmiscuirse en el interior del campamento, una acusación desmentida por enérgicamente el reportero.

Periodistas en la ciudad de Cotabato ya han boicoteado la cobertura de los cuarteles generales de división del ejército y exigió que el alivio de los Bucu. "La NUJP está exigiendo que las Fuerzas Armadas imponer fuertes sanciones contra Bucu por la claridad de su asalto a la libertad de prensa," los medios de comunicación organización dijo en una declaración.

Comandante general Raymundo Ferrer, 6 ª División de Infantería el comandante, no ha respondido a la demanda NUJP, pero los periodistas se comprometieron a llevar esto a la atención de Defensa Secy. Gilberto Teodoro de Filipinas y el general jefe del Ejército Víctor Ibrado.

Ibrado ya ha ordenado una investigación sobre la NUJP denuncias contra Bucu, de acuerdo con el Teniente Coronel Romeo Brawner, el portavoz del Ejército de Filipinas. "Victor Ibrado General ya ha ordenado General (Raymundo) Ferrer para llevar a cabo una investigación sobre el asunto," dijo Brawner.

Brawner dijo que el asediado oficial del ejército insistió en que era sólo la protección de Rosario que estaba tratando de obtener cerca de la quema de volcado de municiones.

Rosario dijo Bucu se ha disculpado con él el viernes, una semana después del incidente. "Él ha pedido disculpas a mí y yo acepté su disculpa. La NUJP emitirá una declaración acerca de este", dijo.

La NUJP dice el caso de Rosario no era la primera vez que se ha dirigido Bucu periodistas.

Hace dos años, en una reunión de periodistas en la sede del Ejército de la 602a Brigada de Infantería en el norte de Cotabato, Bucu supuestamente de marca NUJP la ciudad de Kidapawan capítulo presidente Malu Manar un miembro del grupo rebelde comunista Nuevo Ejército del Pueblo.

Manar es el director del programa de la emisora de radio católica dxND en el norte de Cotabato. (Mindanao Examiner)

Media groups assail military profiling of journalists in Mindanao

Military media profiling document.

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Nov. 9, 2008) – After harassing a radio reporter in Mindanao, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) now wanted all journalists covering a major military base in the troubled region to submit their photographs and a detailed personal profile.

The military would also countercheck and verify all information about the journalists covering the Western Mindanao Command headquarters in Zamboanga City.

The military said all personal information of the journalists is needed to update their data base.

“The CIO WestMinCom reserves the right to countercheck and verify the entries made herein and to cancel accreditation should false data be discovered. This accreditation is only valid for the purpose of covering WestMinCom activities and other related events,” according to the instructions of the military form given to journalists in Zamboanga City.

CIO refers to the Command Information Office of the Western Mindanao Command, where US military forces are also encamped.

The military also obligated journalists to sign a waiver that reads: “I hereby waive all my legal rights/claims against the AFP for any accident, loss or any untoward incident that may occur while covering the AFP activities.”

But below the waiver, it reads: I am executing this waiver on my own free will and volition.”

The military wanted journalists to submit even their social security and tax number, identification marks on the body, colors of hair and eyes, and even the type of blood and names and addresses of kin and their phone numbers, e-mail addresses and religious affiliation.

The Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi chapters of the independent National Union of Journalists of the Philippines and members of the local media strongly criticized the military’s media profiling.

“NUJP ZamBaSulTa sees it as further intrusion on privacy even if reporters' background is already public knowledge. NUJP sees the policy as a subtle form of harassment as bio-data is a basis to issue defense press card, wherein press identification card is already enough,” it said in a statement released on Sunday.

Press editors and media personalities in Manila also questioned the military’s profiling of journalists in Mindanao. It was the second time the military in Zamboanga City tried, but failed to impose media profiling the past decade.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is also dismayed at the ongoing disrespect shown towards journalists and press freedom in the Philippines after receiving new reports of bullying by government officials and threatening text messages.

"For there to be any hope of securing press freedom in the Philippines, there must be systemic attitude change, from the government and army to members of the general public, towards journalists and their rights to practice their craft without suffering constant verbal and physical abuse," it said.

“The IFJ joins the NUJP in standing in solidarity with our colleagues in the Philippines in their courageous work, and reminds all journalists and media institutions that at such a dangerous time for media workers in the Philippines, personal safety must be protected zealously.”

And all these were required to journalists after different media groups in Mindanao criticized Lt. Col. John Oswald Bucu, camp commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division in Maguindanao province, for berating a radio reporter, Loreto Rosario, while covering a fire that razed an ammo dump inside the base on October 31.

The officer also seized Rosario's cellular phones and brought him at the camp's public information office where Bucu continued to lambaste the journalist in front of soldiers.

Other journalists covering the fire were also prevented from getting near the ammo dump even after the blaze was over. The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines has already demanded the military to discipline Bucu.

Bucu accused Rosario, who is working for the Catholic radio station dxMS in Cotabato City, of intruding inside the camp, an accusation strongly denied by the reporter.

Journalists in Cotabato City have already boycotted coverage of the army division headquarters and demanded that relief of Bucu. "The NUJP is demanding that the AFP impose strong sanctions against Bucu for his clear assault on press freedom," the media organization said in a statement.

Maj. Gen. Raymundo Ferrer, 6th Infantry Division commander, has not responded to the NUJP demand, but journalists vowed to bring this to the attention of Defense Secy. Gilberto Teodoro and Philippine Army Chief Gen. Victor Ibrado.

Ibrado has already ordered an investigation into the NUJP complaints against Bucu, according to Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner, the Philippine Army spokesman. "General Victor Ibrado has already ordered General (Raymundo) Ferrer to conduct an investigation on the matter," Brawner said.

Brawner said the embattled army officer insisted he was just protecting Rosario who was trying to get near the burning ammo dump.

Rosario said Bucu has apologized to him on Friday, one week after the incident. “He has apologized to me and I accepted his apology. The NUJP will issue a statement about this,” he said.

The NUJP said Rosario's case was not the first time that Bucu has targeted journalists.

Two years ago, at a gathering of reporters at the headquarters of the Army's 602nd Infantry Brigade in North Cotabato, Bucu allegedly branded NUJP Kidapawan City chapter president Malu Manar a member of the communist rebel group New People's Army. Manar is the program director of the Catholic radio station dxND in North Cotabato. (Mindanao Examiner)

18 MILF Rebels, 2 Soldiers Die In Mindanao Clashes

Brigadier General Gaudencio Pangilinan, commander of the Army’s 1002nd Infantry Brigade, inspects Monday, August 25, weapons recovered by troops from Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels during fierce fighting in the hinterlands of Maasim town. The military said 40 MILF rebels are killed in the fighting in Sarangani since Saturday. Red Cross volunteers also distribute relief goods to refugees in Sarangani. (Sarangani Information Office Photo by Cocoy Sexcion / Text by the Midnanao Examiner )

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / August 25, 2008) – At least 16 Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters and two soldiers were killed as clashes erupted anew in Lanao del Norte province in the southern Philippines, officials said Monday.

Officials said the weekend fighting broke out in Poona Piagapo and Matunggao towns after soldiers drove away dozens of MILF rebels who occupied four areas in the village of Nunungan.

The fighting erupted barely a week after security forces regained control of several towns in the province also occupied by rebel forces. But the clashes last week left over 100 civilians dead and wounded and displaced more than 160,000 people.

Lt. Gen. Nelson Allaga, commander of the Western Mindanao Command, said 16 rebels and two soldiers were killed in the fighting in Poona Piagapo. He said two soldiers were also wounded in the clashes. Allaga said troops seized several small bases of Macapaar in Poona Piagapo and Matunggao towns. Sporadic fighting was also reported in Maguindanao province.

Security forces were hunting down two notorious MILF commanders, Ameril Kato and Abdurahman Macapaar, who led a series of attacks in the provinces. Manila also demanded the MILF to peacefully surrender Kato and Macapaar, but rebel chieftain Murad Ebrahim said he would not yield the two commanders.

He said the MILF is a revolutionary organization and is not sanctioned by Philippine laws.

“We cannot subject our members to the laws of the government,” he said, adding, the MILF has started its own investigation into attacks.

The Arroyo government is currently negotiating peace with the MILF, which is fighting the past three decades for the establishment of a separate Muslim homeland in the troubled island of Mindanao.

Lt. Col. Julieto Ando, a spokesman of the 6th Infantry Division, said more than 100 rebels also perished in clashes last week in the towns of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Piang and Kabuntalan towns, all in Maguindanao province. Ando said soldiers also recovered assorted munitions, mortar rockets and anti-tank weapons left behind by fleeing rebels.

On Saturday, at least 40 rebels were also killed in day-long fighting in the hinterlands of Sarangani province, Gov. Miguel Dominguez, quoting military reports, said. He said troops also occupied several MILF strongholds in the province. The MILF said the fighting in Sarangani killed at least 13 soldiers.

The MILF warned the fighting could lead to the collapse of the peace talks. It blamed hawkish factions in the Arroyo government and Christian politicians opposing the Muslim homeland deal to the skirmishes in Mindanao.

Mohagher Iqbal, chief MILF peace negotiator, said his group will not anymore negotiate any amendments to the ancestral domain deal, saying, peace negotiators have initialed the accord last month in Malaysia, which is brokering the talks.

Press Secy. Jesus Dureza said if the MILF wanted to continue the peace talks, it should surrender the Kato and Macapaar. “The inaction of the MILF leadership will be construed as its tacit approval of the criminal acts of its commanders and will be a clear proof of the MILF leadership’s insincerity to pursue the conclusion of the peace talks,” he said.

“We want to continue peace negotiations but not at the expense of our laws. There is no all-out war in Mindanao. This is waging all-out peace in Mindanao. We have gone a long way for peace but not at the expense of our innocent civilians who seek vindication for the violence inflicted on them by those lawless MILF groups. Our peace-loving citizens expect no less,” Dureza said.

The rebels launched attacks after the aborted signing of the ancestral domain deal between the MILF and Manila. The accord would have granted Muslims their own homeland in more than 700 villages across Mindanao, but the deal also sparked a series of protests from politicians and residents opposed to the inclusion of their areas to the agreement that will make up the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity.

The Supreme Court stopped the signing of the memorandum of agreement on the ancestral domain after some lawmakers and politicians filed separate petitions asking the government to bare the rest of the deal with the MILF. (Mindanao Examiner)

Indon JI Militant, Hawak Ng Militar Sa Zamboanga City

ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / 16 Sept) – Hawak ng Western Mindanao Command ngayon ang isang Indonesian Jemaah Islamiya militant na umano’y kasamahan ni Bali bomber Dulmatin.

Ito ang kinumpirma sa Mindanao Examiner ni Maj. Gen. Nelson Allaga, hepe ng Western Mindanao Command, at sinabi nito na kasalukuyang iniimbestigahan ang dayuhan na kasama sa anim na umano’y Abu Sayyaf na nadakip sa lalawigan ng Palawan nitong buwan lamang.

“Iniimbestigahan pa naming ito at may operation kasi eh kaya hindi kami puwedeng magbigay ng anumang impormasyon ukol sa nahuli,” wika nito.

Ngunit sa kabila ng mahigpit na pagbibigay nito ng impormasyon ay kinumpirma naman ni Allaga na may koneksyon kay Dulmatin ang nadakip na dayuhan.

Alarmado naman ngayon ang mga taga-Palawan dahil sa sunod-sunod na huli doon ng mga terorista. Matindi ang operasyon ng militar sa Midnanao at Sulu at maraming mga Abu Sayyaf ang nagsisitakas at hinihinalang nagtatago ang mga ito sa Palawan, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi at Zamboanga.

Nitong buwan lamang ay 3 hinihinalang Abu Sayyaf na siyang nasa likod ng pagpapasabog sa Zamboanga City nuong Aug. 21 ang nahuli at isa pa ang nadakip sa General Santos City.

Si Dulmatin, na isa rin Indonesian, ay kasama sa mga Jemaah Islamiya militants na nagpasabog ng mga bomba sa Baili island resort nuong 2002 na ikinamatay ng 202 katao, kabilang ang 88 Australians.

Bukod kay Dulmatin ay nasa Mindanao rin ang kasamahan nitong sina Umar Patek at Zulkfli bin Hir, na pinuno naman ng Kumpulan Malaysia, isang radical na grupo na kaalyado ng Jemaah Islamiya. (Mindanao Examiner)

Philippine Marines Chief Takes Over Army Ops In Troubled South

Philippine military chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon gestures as he speaks to new Western Mindanao Command chief Maj. Gen. Nelson Allaga in Zamboanga City on Wednesday Aug. 29, 2007. And Filipino travelers look at posters of wanted Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya leaders and pictures of an IED at the Zamboanga International Airport in Mindanao. Gen. Esperon ordered security forces to intensify the offensive against the militants in the troubled region, where fighting already killed more than 100 people since last month. (Mindanao Examiner Photo Service)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / 29 Aug) – The chief of the Philippine Marines has been named as new commander of military forces in the troubled region of Mindanao.

Maj. Gen. Nelson Allaga on Wednesday formally took over the Western Mindanao Command headquarters and replaced Army Lt. Gen. Eugenio Cedo, who has retired after more than 33 years in the military service.

Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, the country's military chief, presided over the ceremony held in Zamboanga City, just south of Basilan island where security forces are battling Abu Sayyaf militants whose group is tied to the al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiya terrorists.

"Nothing has change. We will continue with our operations against the terrorists," Allaga, a decorated marine commander who battled communist and Muslim insurgencies in Mindanao, said.

Thousands of Marines have been moved out from Luzon since last year and deployed in the southern Philippines to fight the Abu Sayyaf and the New People's Army.

"We are emphasizing the fleet marine concept of deployment in this area. You must have noticed that almost all the marines are now in Zamboanga (Peninsula), Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi (provinces) and in the southern tip of Palawan in tandem with out naval forces exactly for the strategic task of securing our southern part of the archipelago," Esperon said.

President Gloria Arroyo has ordered the military to crush the Abu Sayyaf so the government can begin a massive development programs in the restive region.

"The national leadership has a specific vision for western Mindanao one that is marked with true peace and sustainable progress and to realize this vision, the AFP has been tasked to end armed rebellion to all levels and sources be it an insurgent, secessionist or terrorist or lawless elements."

"I am confident that with the array of forces that you now have in this area, you will be more than equal to the task that is given to you. Indeed I expect no letup on the operations against the Abu Sayyaf and other lawless elements," Esperon said.

Esperon also announced the creation of the National Development Command, a new unit in the Armed Forces of the Philippines that would especially focus on the basic socio-economic development and infrastructure projects in conflict-affected areas.

"Through it, we hope to contribute in the convergence of efforts by the different line agencies of government in the repair and construction of schools, health centers, sources of potable water, roads and bridges and in the process rebuild lives that have been disrupted by terrorist activities and violence," he said.

He said President Gloria Arroyo also ordered two battalions of army engineers to Basilan island to finish the circumferential road project which has been stalled since the 1990s because of the insurgency problem. The road project is aimed at connecting seven towns on the island and was previously under the military's Basilan Task Force.

Esperon also gave out five orders to military commanders in southern Philippines and among them is to destroy the NPA and the Abu Sayyaf, blamed for the spate of terrorism and kidnappings in the region.

"Remember our marching order (from the President) is to defeat the communist-terrorist movement by 2010 and destroy the Abu Sayyaf and other lawless elements soonest," he said.

He also told soldiers to uphold and protect human rights and assist police authorities and other government law enforcement agencies and bodies in investigating extra-judicial killings.

Esperon said the military should work closely with the Philippine National Police to carry out internal security operations and for the soldiers to support the peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, but warned that the AFP will punish those who would disrupt the government peace process in Mindanao.

"Very importantly, sustain the gains in the peace process, but we must punish the peace spoilers," he said. (Mindanao Examiner)

Decorated Marine Commander Is New Deputy Chief Of AFP In Western Mindanao

ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / 23 Mar) – A decorated Philippine Marine commander who fought the Abu Sayyaf in Jolo island has been named as deputy commander of the Armed Forces’ Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom).

Brigadier General Juancho Sabban, head of the 3rd Marine Brigade in Jolo, is now second in command of military forces in the whole of western part of Mindanao.

Army Major General Eugenio Cedo is commander of the WestMinCom based in Zamboanga City.

Sabban served as Jolo’s Marine chief the past two years and has been largely credited for the capture and killing of top Abu Sayyaf leaders, including its chieftain Khadaffy Janjalani in September last year.

He was involved in the rescue of many Abu Sayyaf hostages and a U.S. missionary kidnapped by the terror group in 2001.

“I have been a brigade commander (in Jolo island) for two years now and I have to move on so others can be promoted too,” he told the Mindanao Examiner.

Sabban is recipient of many awards and medals because of his exemplary accomplishments. He also served in the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force and assumed various commands in the military. (Mindanao Examiner)

Muslims Flock To Mosque Inside Military Base In Zamboanga

Muslim villagers flocked Tuesday 24 Oct 2006 to a small mosque inside a military base in Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines to pray, signaling the end of Ramadan and the start of the Islamic festival Eid’l Fitr. (Mindanao Examiner)

(Mindanao Examiner MP4)

ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / 24 Oct) - Hundreds of Muslim villagers flocked early Tuesday to a small mosque inside a military base in Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines to pray, signaling the end of Ramadan and the start of the Islamic festival Eid’l Fitr.

Muslims pray side by side with soldiers inside the Western Mindanao Command headquarters, where Army Lt. Gen. Eugenio Cedo spoke about the Islamic faith.

“We belong to one God and this festival shows our devotion and faith to our religion. We in the military and our family join the Muslim world in the celebration of the Eid’l Fit’r,” Cedo said.

Eidil Fitri, or Hari Raya Puasa is one of the highlights of the Muslim cultural and religious calendar. It is celebrated at the end of the fasting month or Ramadan, when the new moon is sighted.

The Malay words ‘Hari Raya' translate as 'Day of Celebration' or the ‘Festival of Breaking the Fast'. Muslims usually attend Eid prayers in mosque in the morning. The celebrations begin with the birth of the new moon of Syawal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar.(Mindanao Examiner)