Filipino Bishops "Satisfied" With Halting Of Agreement With Moro Islamic Liberation Front

MANILA, Philippines (AsiaNews / August 7, 2008) - The Filipino bishops are welcoming with "satisfaction" the Supreme Court's decision to block the signing of the agreement between the government and troops of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which would have set the boundaries of an autonomous, Muslim majority zone in Mindanao (the ARMM).

Dinualdo Gutierrez, bishop of Marbel, emphasizes that "the right decision" has been made, because not everyone "knows the content" of the agreement and the consequences it could have.
This position is also supported by the bishop of Digos, Guillermo Afable, according to whom it is not possible to rule out "fresh episodes of violence". Neither of the prelates is concealing his "concern", and the two are launching accusations against the administration of President Arroyo and the MILF, held guilty of wanting to "expand the territory of the ARMM without thoroughly weighing" the opinions of "Christians and Muslims", who are directly affected by the agreement.

Bishop Afable stresses that "a lot of people, particularly those in Mindanao, don’t know about the MoA [memorandum of agreement]", and he calls upon the government to clarify the main points "to prevent trouble” or sharpened tensions and conflicts.

He is echoed by Bishop Gutierrez, according to whom "the Philippines is a participatory democracy. All stakeholders should have been consulted". He recalls that "five provinces are against [the signing of the memorandum]", which is increasingly becoming a source of division.

Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez, president of the public affairs commission of the Filipino bishops conference, emphasizes that the government should have "published a draft of the agreement" before its possible signing, because the contents concern "Christians and Muslims", and are a decisive element for peaceful coexistence between the two.

Accusations against the government are, finally, coming from the archbishop of Zamboanga, Romulo Valles, according to whom "not even the citizens affected by the MoA know anything about its contents".

According to some experts, the real reason why the government is pushing for the signing of the agreement is President Arroyo's desire to "win approval" in view of the 2010 elections, using the peace agreement as a calling card for confirmation as the country's leader.

On Tuesday, July 5, in Kidapawan, in north Cotabato, more than 5,000 people participated in a protest demonstration against the failure to involve the people in the drafting of the agreement; wearing red T-shirts and headbands, they expressed their disagreement with "the annexation of various villages in north Cotabato, in the territory of Bangsamoro".

The previous day, a group of MILF rebels launched a dozen mortar rounds against government soldiers in the southern Philippines, ignoring the cease-fire order issued by the leaders of the guerrilla group.(Santosh Digal)

Broadcaster Shot Dead In Philippines

MANILA, Philippines (August 7, 2008) - A radio broadcaster was shot dead in the central Philippines, three days after his colleague was critically wounded in a similar attack, their employer said.

Martin Roxas, 32, program director of Radio Mindanao Network (RMN), was killed just minutes after leaving the station at around noon (local time) in central Roxas city.

"He was aboard a motorcycle, and was just 900 metres away from the station when a gunman shot him in the back of the neck," said RMN radio station manager Ely Abarra.

"He was rushed to a nearby hospital, but was declared dead on arrival," Abarra said.

Roxas, who leaves behind a wife and two children aged three and one, had been a radio commentator for more than a decade.

His program tackled local politics, and police said it was possible he could have been attacked because of his work.

Abarra said there was an apparent attempt on Roxas recently, when he was kicked from his motorcycle. Roxas dismissed the incident, but had been taking precautions.

"This week, his topics touched on an ongoing political squabble involving two politicians," Abarra said without elaborating.

Meanwhile, colleague Dennis Cuesta was fighting for his life in hospital after he was shot in General Santos city on Monday.

The attacks come more than a month after gunmen shot and killed Bert Sison, a reporter for a community newspaper in Quezon province. Sison's daughter, who is also a journalist, was wounded in the attack.

Roxas is the fourth journalist to be killed in the Philippines this year.

The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists and French group Reporters Without Borders have branded the Philippines the second most dangerous place for working journalists outside Iraq.

Three journalists were killed in the Philippines last year, while 12 were killed in 2006.(AAP)

Moro Group Urges Govt To Educate Public On Bangsamoro Juridical Entity

COTABATO CITY, Philippines (August 7, 2008) - Moro militant group said government has the responsibility to explain and educate the public on the issue of Moro people's claim to ancestral domain.

Amirah Lidasan, national president of Suara Bangsamoro said in a statement that it is the responsibility of the government to correct the pervading notion that the Moro people are out to forcibly take the lands of the Christian settlers and the Lumads.

Lidasan said government should provide venue to the people to discuss the issue of ancestral domain and land rights of the people of Mindanao before the Memorandum of Understanding-Ancestral Domain signing.

She said the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE) is the Moro people's way of correcting historical injustice mentioning the decades of massive forcible evacuation and various human rights violations against the Moro people wrought by the government policies such as all-out wars, military operations and the accumulation of lands by the few business and landed elite families affecting Christians, Lumads and Moros alike.

Lidasan also stressed that even the settlers and lumads in Mindanao also lost their lands due to the same reasons.

Lidasan sees the importance of including the people to the peace process or any agreement that government entered into.

"The decision of which and how many villages should be included in the Moro people's territorial claims should not solely be at the hands of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo or be limited at the negotiating table of the GRP-MILF peace talks," Lidasan said.

However, the Supreme Court's issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) impedes the signing of MOA-AD scheduled today at Putrajaya, Malaysia. This development is a victory to the opposing groups on the inclusion of the 735 predominantly Moro areas on the BJE.

Protesters against the BJE in Iligan and Zamboanga City and North Cotabato are gaining confidence to win the battle. But Cotabato vice-governor Emmanuel Pinol said that their victory is just a temporary therefore, the battle against the inclusion of expanded ARMM continues.

Mohager Iqbal said in MILF website Luwaran, they do not consider the TRO as "setback" that could hinder the signing of the already initialed agreement today. He added that the MOA-AD is a done deal. (Sittie Monato)

Peace Advocates In Mindanao Appeal for Sobriety

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

INTER-RELIGIOUS SOLIDARITY MOVEMENT FOR PEACE

Zamboanga City

REV. FR. ANGEL A. CALVO,

CMFR. Catholic Convenor

PROF. ALI T. YACUB

Muslim Convenor

REV. RONALD BILANG

Evangelicals Convenor

Photo: Philippine President Gloria Arroyo Departs For China For 3-Day Working Visit

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo shakes hands with Ambassador Song Tao of the People's Republic of China before she departs for a three-day working visit to China Thursday, August 7, 2008. Also in photo are Press Secretary Jesus Dureza, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and other officials. And the President salutes the Philippine colors during the foyer honors accorded her. (Luisito Iglesias and Rey Baniquet / OPS-NIB Photo)

Photo: MILF Fighters In Southern Philippines

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Photo: Veteran MNLF Mujahideen

A veteran mujahideen Insanil Dambong of the former rebel group Moro National Liberation Front raises his clenched fist outside a mosque in Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines on Wednesday, August 6, 2008 where former rebel chieftain Nur Misuari prays. Misuari accused the Arroyo government of failing to fully implement the 1996 peace agreement it signed with the MNLF. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)

Nur Misuari Accuses Manila Anew Of Failing To Honor 12-Year Old Peace Deal

Former Moro National Liberation Front rebel chieftain Nur Misuari is flanked by former MNLF rebels-turned-government soldiers and supporters as they marched to a mosque in Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines where he speak to about 200 unarmed followers. Misuari accused the Arroyo government of failing to fully implement the 1996 peace agreement it signed with the MNLF. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / August 6, 2008) – The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) has accused Manila on Wednesday of failing to implement the peace agreement it signed with the former Muslim rebel group more than a decade ago.

“We want freedom from the government. We don’t need a limited freedom,” Nur Misuari, leader of the MNLF who signed the peace deal in 1996, said in Zamboanga City where he met with about 200 former rebels and supporters, some from as far as Davao del Sur province.

“I have gone to all of the most dangerous places in Mindanao to tell our people to pray to almighty Allah for freedom. I call on our people to consolidate their unity and solidarity for freedom,” he said.

Misuari also spoke with his loyal MNLF leaders at the Lantaka hotel in downtown Zamboanga before attending a prayer in the nearby village of Santa Barbara.

Misuari, escorted by former rebels-turned-government soldiers, and supporters chanted “Allahu Akbar” or God is great, as they marched to the village. Security was tight for Misuari and Muslims entering the mosque to pray were frisked by soldiers for weapons.

“We really want our freedom back. The government was not really sincere in implementing the peace agreement it signed with us. We want our freedom and we want independence,” one of Misuari’s supporters, Abdulkadil Imdani told the Mindanao Examiner.

Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat also met with Misuari and they held a closed door meeting at the Garden Orchid hotel. Zamboanga was previously being claimed as part of the ancestral domain of the MNLF and residents had voted twice against the inclusion of their villages to the Muslim autonomous region.

Lobregat said he told Misuari that Zamboanga is a peaceful city and that residents had rejected two plebiscites in the past. Thousands of residents on Monday also rallied against attempts by Manila to include eight villages in Zamboanga City in the ancestral domain deal it signed last month with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a breakaway faction of the MNLF.

“I have told the (MNLF) Chairman (Nur Misuari) that in Zamboanga, we always live in harmony and we always live in peace. We have no wall between us, we live in harmony and we are in unity, Christians, Muslims and Lumads (indigenous peoples) alike,” Lobregat told reporters.

The Supreme Court temporarily stopped the formal signing Tuesday in Malaysia of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain after Zamboanga City Rep. Erico Fabian and other lawmakers filed a petition on Monday.

The MILF said the agreement was already approved on July 16 in Kuala Lumpur and that Tuesday’s signing was only a formal ceremony. But Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain, which seeks to expand the five-province Muslim autonomous region, will need enabling laws for it to be implemented.

He said the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain is part of a comprehensive peace agreement that Manila and the MILF will have to negotiate and conclude.

Manila is currently negotiating peace with the MILF, now the country’s largest Muslim rebel group which is fighting for a separate homeland in Mindanao.

Misuari said his group has nothing to do with the peace talks between the government and the MILF. “We are not involved in the peace process between the Government of the Philippines and the MILF. We are not part of any agreement between the government and the MILF,” he said, referring to the ancestral domain deal which would make up the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity that would grant Muslims a separate homeland.

“We are not involved (in the peace process). We are not a party to that. We are not bound by any consequences of any peace agreement,” Misuari said.

The MNLF, under Misuari, signed the peace deal with Manila in September 1996 ending decades of bloody war. After the peace agreement was signed, Misuari became the governor of the Muslim autonomous region. But despite the peace accord, there was a widespread disillusionment with the weak autonomy they were granted.

Under the peace accord, 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.

Misuari is now facing rebellion charges after his followers tried, but failed to overrun a major military base in Sulu province and another group held hostage over 100 people in Zamboanga City in 2001 in an attempt to stop the elections in the Muslim autonomous region. He fled to Sabah, his former refuge, but was arrested by the Malaysian authorities and sent back to Manila. Misuari is currently out on bail.

Early this year, the MNLF Central Committee said it removed Misuari as chairman of the former rebel group and installed Muslim Sema, the Front’s Secretary-General. But Misuari insisted that he is still the chieftain of the MNLF and accused Sema, also the mayor of Cotabato City, as traitor and so were those who supported Sema.

Misuari also earned the ire of the Malaysian government after he renewed calls of the claims of the Philippines to Sabah. In retaliation, Sabah Progressive Party President Datuk Yong Teck Lee, furious over the rumblings from Misuari, has called for stricter laws on Filipinos traveling to the oil-rich state.

The Malaysian official also said that the National Security Council should closely watch developments in the southern Philippines. Lee said the NSC and the Sabah State Security Committee should act on the problems brought about by Misuari’s revival of the Sabah claims.

He also urged Kuala Lumpur to suspend the ferry service between Zamboanga and Sandakan and impose bonds on incoming visitors and to require ferry passengers to have return tickets and to step up operations against illegal Filipino immigrants.

The Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo lays claim to Sabah. The Sultanate of Sulu was a Muslim state that ruled over much of the islands off the Sulu Sea. It stretches from a part of the island of Mindanao in the east, to North Borneo, now known as Sabah, in the west and south, and to Palawan, in the north.

The Sultanate of Sulu was founded in 1457 and is believed to exist as a sovereign nation for at least 442 years. The Sultanate of Sulu obtained Sabah from Brunei as a gift for helping put down a rebellion on the Borneo Island.

The British leased Sabah and transferred control over the territory to Malaysia after the end of Second World War. Even after Borneo became part of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur still pays an annual rent of 5,000 ringgit to the heirs of the Sultan of Sulu Ismail Kiram.

Misuari said what Malaysia pays to the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo is but a pittance. (Mindanao Examiner)

Zamboanga City To Resist Inclusion Of 8 Villages To Muslim Ancestral Domain

Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat, left, gestures during a news conference while Abdurahman Nuno, a member of the City Council, listen. (City Hall Photo)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / August 6, 2008) – The Philippines Supreme Court's order to stop the signing of a memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is only the beginning of a long and tedious legal fight to retain the integrity and sovereignty of Zamboanga City, Mayor Celso Lobregat said.

Lobregat said there is much to be done to ensure that Zamboanga will remain intact. “This is only the beginning. In fact, we need more prayers. People from different faiths should be more prayerful than ever,” Lobregat said in a statement posted at the Zamboanga City website.

Lobregat said that the High Court's decision was unprecedented. “Who would have thought the Supreme Court would issue the TRO with such haste and speed?”

“We need divine intervention," Lobregat said, adding, he expects other areas covered by the ancestral domain to also protest the inclusion of their communities to the proposed Bangsamoro Juridical Entity, which would make up a separate Islamic homeland in Mindanao.

He said North Cotabato and Sibugay provinces, including the cities of Zamboanga, Iligan and Isabela have strongly opposed the inclusion of their villages to the ancestral domain.

Lobregat said a team of lawyers from the different local governments will be meeting soon in Zamboanga City to map out the next move, before August 15 when the oral arguments on the main petition begin in the Supreme Court.

The High Tribunal ordered asked the government to provide it a copy of the memorandum of agreement on the ancestral domain not later than August 8.

“The High Court issued the TRO which restrains the respondents (Government of the Republic of the Philippines) from signing the MOA-AD (with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front),” Lobregat said.

Lobregat said the government failed to consult with the locals about the ancestral domain agreement. He said residents reject the inclusion of Zamboanga City villages to the ancestral domain.

He said eight villages, including two from downtown areas, are included in the proposed Muslim homeland. But Presidential peace adviser Hermogenes Esperon said only Sacol, a predominantly Muslim island of six villages, is included in the deal and that a referendum would follow a year later where the islanders would want to be part of a separate Muslim homeland. (Mindanao Examiner)

COMELEC Lists 10 Things Voters Must Remember For The ARMM Polls

Poll equipment arrive in Mindanao for the August 11, 2008 elections in the Muslim autonomous region. The Commission on Elections listed 10 things for voters to remember in Monday's polls. (Mindanao Examiner Photo / Mark Navales)

COTABATO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / August 6, 2008) - The Philippines Commission on Elections Chairman Jose Melo listed down ten things voters need to remember for the August 11 automated elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The poll body said Melo advised the more than 1.5 million registered voters in the ARMM to keep in mind the following:


10. If you’re voting in Maguindanao, remember that you will be using the direct recording electronic voting system. All you have to do to vote is to press on the picture of the candidate you wish to vote for.


9. If you’re voting in Shariff Kabunsuan, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu or Tawi-Tawi, remember that you will be using the optical mark reader based technology. This means that you will be using a paper ballot but you will NOT write the names of the candidate of your choice. All you have to do is shade in the oval next to the candidate’s name. Shade the oval completely!


8. Illiterate and disabled voters can be assisted by a relative within the 4th civil degree of consanguinity or affinity; a trusted member of the voter’s household; or the Chairman of the Board of Election Inspectors. However, with modernized voting, we believe that literacy will not be an issue.


7. In both systems, over-votes will not be allowed. In case of an over-vote, only the vote for the over-voted position will be invalidated. The rest of the ballot will be counted normally.


6. On election day, voting begins at 7 a.m. and runs until 3 p.m.


5. Check your precinct assignments early! If you can, use the Precinct finder on the COMELEC website – http://www.comelec.gov.ph/


4. Review the procedure of voting. If you’re voting in Maguindanao, all you have to do is press on the image of the candidate you want; If you’re voting in Shariff Kabunsuan, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu or Tawi-Tawi, simply fill in the oval next to the name of the candidate of your choice.


3. Don’t forget to indicate your gender and age bracket on the OMR ballot, or on the touch pad.


2. Review the campaign – weigh the pros and cons of each candidate and prepare a list of candidates you intend to vote for.


And lastly is for the electorate to go out and vote.


The poll body said it is ready for Monday's elections and that at least 3,150 Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) have arrived in the ARMM and would be distributed to different destinations in 23 municipalities in Maguindanao.


Maguindanao is the only province in the ARMM which will be using the Direct Recording Electronic (DRE) technology during the automated elections. Other provinces will be using the Optical Mark Reader (OMR) system. (Mark Navales)

Shot Mindanao Broadcaster Still In Critical Condition

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines (August 6, 2008) - Radio broadcaster Dennis Cuesta, who was shot in close range on Monday, may suffer partial paralysis should he survive, said the doctors of St. Elizabeth Hospital who attended to him.

The bullets reportedly pierced the victim’s right head, left arm and the lower portion of his hip, and hit the spinal column. Cuesta is working for the Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) in General Santos City.

Cuesta, along with a former RMN reporter, was on his way to a nearby mall when shot from behind by two motorcycle-riding gunmen along the National Highway fronting the Novitiate Square just a few blocks to the dxCP radio station.

“This is the first attempt to gun down a journalist under my time. And I want to see these suspects behind bars,” Chief Supt. Felizardo Serapio, police regional director for Central Mindanao, told local police officials after forming Task Force Cuesta composed of repre­sentatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Regional Investigation and Detection Management Division, Regional Intelligence Division and Public Information Office to ensure a coordinated effort in the investigation and immediate resolution of the case.

Local journalists from different media groups condemned in the strongest terms the attack against Cuesta and helped find means to provide blood and medicines for their colleague.

They are also organizing an activity to demonstrate their col­lective grievances on Friday star­ting with lighting of candles at the crime scene, before marching toward the Oval Plaza down to the city police command in Camp Fermin G. Lira.

The reporters underscore with this move their protest against the “unabated” killings in the city, numbering at 70 reportedly perpetrated by the “brom-brom boys” (local term for motor-riding guns-for-hire) since the start of 2008.

Ronel Degorio, a hard-hitting columnist of the local Sapol News Bulletin noted it is high time for Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Avelino Rason to look into the investigation before local residents completely lose their trust and confidence on the city-based law enforcers.

In an interview with media, Serapio said the police are looking into several angles as primary motives of the attack. “This could be work-related considering Cuesta was a hard-hitting radio commentator and also a witness to an illegal detention case. Still, we cannot use these circumstances as evidence. We need to gather hard evidences and witnesses that will lead to the arrest of the suspects,” said Serapio.

The police chief for Central Mindanao referred to the arrest of four suspected killers of Mainland Review columnist Marlene Esperat in Tacurong City, the filing of charges against the suspected killer of RGMA radio commentator Jun Abayon, including the arrest of the two suspected killers of the late Ely Binoya who was gunned down while on his way home on June 17, 2004.

Police said anyone with relevant information could contact the Task Force Cuesta at (083) 301-5083 or use the PNP Hotline 117/166 for immediate action. (Isagani P. Palma)

El Tribunal Supremo Suspende Temporalmente La Firma De Un Acuerdo Entre El Gobierno Y Los Rebeldes del Frente Moro De Liberación Islámica

FILIPINAS (Diario de Manila / 5 de agosto de 2008) - El Tribunal Supremo de Filipinas bloqueó hoy la firma de un acuerdo entre el Gobierno y los rebeldes del Frente Moro de Liberación Islámica (FMLI), por el que los musulmanes podrían ampliar sus territorios autónomos en el sur del país.

Un día antes de su rúbrica, los jueces decidieron emitir una orden de restricción temporal en respuesta a la petición del gobernador de la provincia de Cotabato del Norte, Emmanuel Piñol.

Piñol y otras personalidades católicas habían denunciado que se habían incluido en el borrador final varias poblaciones de mayoría cristiana como pertenecientes a los dominios ancestrales del bangsamoro (pueblo musulmán).

El Supremo analizará de nuevo el asunto el próximo 15 de agosto, para dar tiempo a que todas las partes presenten sus alegaciones.

Algunos juristas recuerdan desde hace semanas que el pacto es anticonstitucional, porque propone un plebiscito y cambio a un régimen de gobierno federal que obligará a enmendar la Carta Magna.

Las autoridades filipinas esperan acabar con cuatro décadas de conflicto en Mindanao con la firma del acuerdo con el FMLI, que estaba prevista inicialmente para mañana en Malasia, donde se han desarrollado las negociaciones de paz.

Pero esta mañana, más de 4.000 cristianos se manifestaron en la ciudad de Zamboanga para rechazar el pacto, por el que podrían verse obligados a pertenecer a la Región Autónoma del Mindanao Musulmán (ARMM).

De prosperar el acuerdo, un total de 712 poblaciones decidirán en referéndum antes de un año si desean unirse a la ARMM, constituida en 1990 e integrada ahora por las provincias de Lanao del Sur y Maguindanao, las islas de Joló y Tawi-Tawi y la ciudad de Marawi.

Fundado en 1984, el FMLI es la mayor organización separatista del archipiélago con más de 12.000 militantes, muchos de los cuales siguen combatiendo al Ejército pese al alto el fuego en teoría vigente desde 2003.

Casi cuatro décadas de guerra contra las tropas gubernamentales han dejado 120.000 muertos y cerca de 2 millones de desplazados en el sur de Mindanao, una de las áreas más pobres de Filipinas.

No End In Sight For Attacks On Journalists, Four Victims In 2008

National Union of Journalists of the Philippines Statement

It is only August and already, four journalists fell prey to the unabated attacks against media practitioners.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines condemns the treacherous attack on broadcaster Dennis Cuesta in General Santos City on Monday.

We pray with Cuesta's family and co-workers for his survival even as we call on authorities to act quickly and arrest the perpetrators of the attack.

Cuesta, anchorman of "Straight to the Point," a morning program on Radio Mindanao Network's dxMD in General Santos City, is fighting for his life after two motorcycle-riding men shot him with a .45 caliber pistol.

The attack on Cuesta came a little more than a month after gunmen shot and killed Quezon journalist Bert Sison and wounded his daughter, also a journalist, on June 30. Sison was the third Filipino journalist to be murdered this year.

The latest attacks, especially on media practitioners, only prove the failure of the government to fulfill its paramount obligation to protect its citizens. The government must issue an unequivocal message that it is ending the culture of impunity by putting its act together and by addressing the attacks on media.

Get the perpetrators, even more important, get the masterminds, and ensure their swift prosecution and punishment. Stop the killings and assaults. Set an example by halting any attempt to try to stifle the media.

References:Jose Torres, Jr, Chairperson
Rowena Carranza-Paraan, Secretary General
August 5, 2008

Photo: Villagers Flee Towns Attacked By MILF Rebels In Mindanao

Sporadic fighting between government soldiers and Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels have forced thousands of villagers to flee their homes in North Cotabato province in the southern Philippines. Authorities said rebel forces attacked civilian areas and torched dozens of houses since clashes erupted last month. (Mindanao Examiner Photo / Mark Navales)

Journalist Survives Attack But Remains Comatose: NUJP

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines (August 5,2008) – Broadcast journalist Dennis Cuesta remained comatose at a hospital here after unidentified gunmen shot him Monday afternoon.

Cuesta, program director of radio station DXMD of the Radio Mindanao Network here, sustained several gunshot wounds, one bullet shattering his skull and another one lodged in his hip.

Cuesta's wife Gloria said her husband is still unconscious and remains at the intensive care unit of the Saint Elizabeth Hospital where physicians gave him a 50-50 chance of survival.

"Doctors said that if he survives, half of his body would be paralyzed," Gloria said in an interview over dxMD.

Cuesta will undergo another CT scan Tuesday.

RMN assistant area manager Dodong Solis said surgeons removed some 24 bone fragments lodged in the left side of Cuesta's head.

Solis said police were already looking into the possibility that the shooting was related to Cuesta's work. Police were set to release a cartographic sketch of the gunmen based on descriptions given by witnesses.

Cuesta anchors the public affairs program "Straight to the Point" and is known for his aggressive commentaries on controversial issues like illegal gambling, graft and corruption in government and illegal drugs.

Cuesta was shot at about 4 p.m. near a mall here after coming from a promotional activity of RMN in nearby Sarangani province.

Witnesses said Cuesta was approached by motorcycle-riding gunmen who shot him with a 45 caliber pistol. The incident happened in a public place frequented by travelers and shoppers.

Muslim Homeland Is A Done Deal, MILF Says

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / August 5, 2008) – Philippine Muslim rebels on Tuesday said the ancestral domain agreement they signed with government peace negotiators was a done deal despite a court order stopping the formal signing of the accord that would make up a separate Islamic homeland in Mindanao.

“We have initialed the text of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral domain last July 27, 2008. The pact is a done deal. It is binding on the contracting parties who are obliged to refrain from acts that would defeat the object and purpose of their agreement,” said Mohagher Iqbal, chief peace negotiator of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

He said the agreement was already signed July 16 in Malaysia, which is brokering the peace talks, although a symbolic signing on Tuesday was cancelled because of the temporary restraining order issued by the Philippines Supreme Court.

The court issued the order after Zamboanga City Rep. Erico Fabian and other lawmakers who were opposed to the signing of the agreement filed a petition on Monday.

North Cotabato Deputy Governor Emmanuel Pinol last week also petitioned the Supreme Court to stop the signing. Pinol is opposing the inclusion of several towns in the province in the ancestral domain which would make up a separate Muslim homeland under the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity.

The MILF said the court order has no effect on the memorandum of agreement on the ancestral domain signed by both peace panels.

“The act of initialing the MOA-AD agreed text between the parties constitutes a signature of the Philippine government and MILF. Initialing was in fact done with a credible third party witness, the Malaysian government as facilitator of the talks since 2001,” he said.

Iqbal said he and Rodolfo Garcia, chief government peace negotiator, and Presidential peace adviser Hemogenes Esperon signed the agreement with Datuk Othman bin Abdulrazak, the chief peace facilitator, for the Malaysian government.

He said the cancelled signing ceremony in Kuala Lumpur was a matter of formality, but even without it, the agreement is already a done deal. He said the postponement of the signing would have no effect on the deal. “Nothing. This is not even a setback to the MILF. We are on the upper hand especially in the battle for moral ascendancy,” he said.

Iqbal said court’s TRO only shamed Manila because many dignitaries invited to the affair had to be informed about the cancellation of the signing of the agreement.

“It is the Arroyo administration which is shamed in the eyes of the international community. There are so many ambassadors already in the Malaysian capital to attend the signing ceremony, only to be told that it is cancelled at the last minute,” he said.

Among those already in Kuala Lumpur are US ambassador to the Philippines, Kristie Kenney and Ambassador Sayed ElMasry, adviser to the Organization of Islamic Conference Secretary General and Special Envoy for Peace Process in Southern Philippines.

Sayed ElMasry agreed to officially endorse the ancestral domain agreement, according to Iqbal.

Eid Kabalu, a senior MILF leader, said the court order will not affect the peace talks and that negotiators are optimistic about the peace process in Mindanao.

“It is already a done deal, the Tuesday signing of the ancestral domain (agreement) is just for formality. We are optimistic with the peace talks and we will pursue the peace process. We want to achieve peace and appeal to everyone to support the talks,” Kabalu said by phone Tuesday in Mindanao.

Peace talks was stalled since September last year after both sides failed to sign any agreement on the most contentious issue — ancestral domain – which refers to the rebel demand for territory that will constitute a Muslim homeland.

Ancestral domain is the single most important issue in the peace negotiations before the rebel group can reach a political settlement with the Philippine government.

The ancestral domain covers the whole of Muslim autonomous region and other areas in Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani provinces where there are large communities of Muslims and indigenous tribes, including Iligan, Zamboanga and Isabela cities. And even Palawan province in central Philippines.

Philippine authorities have previously blamed the MILF for the spate of bombings and kidnappings in Mindanao in recent months. The MILF said the attacks were carried out by rebels disgruntled by the slow pace of the talks.

Kabalu said they are optimistic that the talks would lead to a peaceful solution to the Muslim secessionist problems in Mindanao.

President Arroyo opened peace talks with the MILF in 2001 and vowed to forge a peace deal with the rebels before her term ends on 2010.

The MILF is fighting for the establishment of a strict Islamic state in Mindanao Island, whose 18 million populations include about 4 million Muslims.

On Monday, thousands of people in Zamboanga and Iligan rallied against the inclusion of their villages to the ancestral domain. Zamboanga Mayor Celso Lobregat said Muslims and Christians are living peacefully and will not allow the city to be dismembered or become part of the ancestral domain. At least 8 villages in Zamboanga City have been included in the ancestral domain.

Esperon said only the predominantly island of Sacol would be included in the ancestral domain. He said that a plebiscite would be held in areas covered by the ancestral domain which would make up the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity.

Peace negotiators last month also signed an agreement in Kuala Lumpur that will empower the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity to build, develop and maintain its own institutions, inclusive of civil service, electoral, financial and banking, education, legislation, legal, economic, police and internal security force, judicial system and correctional institutions necessary for developing a progressive Muslim society.

Manila previously offered the MILF the Muslim autonomous region, which is composed of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and are among the poorest in the country torn by strife and clan wars since its creation in 1989. The MILF flatly rejected the offer and insisted on self-determination.

The MILF said it will only sign a peace deal with Arroyo government if it establishes genuine governance for Muslims either in the form of "state" or "sub-state".

But analysts fear that President Arroyo or her allies in the House of Representatives might use the peace talks with the MILF as an excuse to amend the Constitution to change the system of government from presidential to parliamentary or federalism to allow the MILF to have a separate state and eventually prolong her into power beyond 2010.

Under the presidential form of government, Arroyo, who deposed President Joseph Estrada in a people power revolution in 2001, is allowed only one six-year term.

In the charter change proposal suggested by her political allies who dominate Congress, she can be elected as prime minister should Congress dissolve the Senate and change the system of government to parliamentary. (Mindanao Examiner)

Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat hands over to Isabela City Councilor Peter Eisma the documents stating that the entire Isabela City is included in the proposed Bangsamoro Juridical Entity. Thousands of residents in Zamboanga City rallied rallied Monday, August 4, 2008 against the inclusion of 8 local villages to the Muslim ancestral domain.(City Hall Photo)

Broadcaster Shot In Mindanao

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / August 4, 2008) – An unidentified gunman shot and seriously wounded a broadcaster in an attack in the southern Philippines, the Radio Mindanao Network said Monday.

It said one of its radio presenter, Dennis Cuesta, was shot and that police is still investigating the attack. RMN said Cuesta was shot in the head.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) said a journalist, Bert Sison, was killed in an attack on June 30 in Quezon province. Sison was driving home with two of his daughters when two men on a motorcycle opened fire on his vehicle.

Sison was writing for Regional Bulletin, a Quezon-based weekly, and host of the weekly Harana (Serenade) program on radio dzAT-AM in Lucena City. (Mindanao Examiner)

Philippine Troops On Alert After High Court Blocks Signing Of Muslim Ancestral Domain

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / August 4, 2008) – Southern Philippine troops were told to stay alert for possible attacks by rebels following a decision by the Supreme Court on Monday to block the signing of the final draft agreement on the ancestral domain.

“We are monitoring the situation now,” Lt. Col. Julieto Ando, a regional army spokesman, told the Mindanao Examiner.

The High Court temporarily stopped the signing of the accord that would eventually grant Muslim a separate homeland in Mindanao. Zamboanga City Rep. Erico Fabian and other lawmakers filed the petition asking the Supreme Court to stop the signing.

The court issued the temporary restraining order a day before government peace negotiators are to sign the agreement with the MILF, which is fighting the past four decades for a separate Islamic state in the troubled South.

Ando said sporadic fighting between security and rebel forces in North Cotabato province the past days have forced many villagers to flee their homes.

North Cotabato is also included in the ancestral domain and so are other areas in Mindanao, including the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and Zamboanga City.

Thousands of people in Zamboanga City led by Mayor Celso Lobregat rallied Monday against the inclusion of at least 8 villages in the proposed Muslim homeland. Lobregat said Muslims and Christians are living peacefully in Zamboanga City.

He said many Muslim village leaders are also opposing the inclusion of their communities to the ancestral domain.

Presidential peace adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said only predominantly Muslim island of Sacol, which is several nautical miles of Zamboanga City, is included in the ancestral domain and that a plebiscite on areas cover by the agreement would be held a year later after the formal signing of the accord.

North Cotabato Deputy Governor Emmanuel Pinol last week also petitioned the Supreme Court to stop the signing.

Philippine authorities have previously blamed the MILF for the spate of kidnappings and terrorism in Mindanao. (Mindanao Examiner)

MILF Rebels Say TRO Is Temporary Set Back, Peace Talks Remain Top Agenda

COTABATO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / August 4, 2008) – The Philippines’ largest Muslim rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front said Monday’s Supreme Court decision to stop the signing of draft agreement on the ancestral domain is a temporary set back, but it remains optimistic about the deal.

The High Court temporarily stopped the signing of the final draft accord that would grant Muslims a separate homeland in Mindanao.

“This is a temporary set back and the MILF leadership is yet to decide on what actions to take, but this issue is more between the Supreme Court and the Philippine government.”

“The MILF remains optimistic about the formal signing of the ancestral domain agreement between the government and our peace negotiators,” Kabalu told the Mindanao Examiner.

The court issued the temporary restraining order a day before government peace negotiators are to sign the agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which is fighting the past four decades for a separate Islamic state in the troubled South.

Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat said he was told about the decision by Zamboanga City Rep. Erico Fabian, a political ally, who was one of several lawmakers that filed the petition. At least 8 Muslim villages her are included in the ancestral domain and Lobregat and his allies are fighting the attempts to dismember Zamboanga.

Lobregat said it was an en banc decision.

Fabian has confirmed the High Court’s order. “It is confirmed and I have informed the mayor about it,” he said. “We are very happy with the decision.”

North Cotabato Deputy Governor Emmanuel Pinol last week also petitioned the Supreme Court to stop the signing. Pinol is opposing the inclusion of several towns in the province in the ancestral domain which would make up a separate Muslim homeland under the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity. (Mindanao Examiner)

Philippines Supreme Court Stops Signing Of Islamic Homeland Deal

Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat speaks during a rally Monday, August 4, 2008. Lobregat says the Supreme Court issues temporary order to stop Tuesday signing of the final draft of the Muslim ancestral domain in Malaysia between Filipino government peace negotiators and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / August 4, 2008) – The Philippines Supreme Court temporarily stopped on Monday the signing of final draft accord of a separate Muslim homeland in Mindanao between Filipino and rebel peace negotiators.

The court issued the temporary restraining order a day before government peace negotiators are to sign the agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which is fighting the past four decades for a separate Islamic state in the troubled South.

Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat said he was told about the decision by Zamboanga City Rep. Erico Fabian, a political ally, who was one of several lawmakers that filed the petition. At least 8 Muslim villages here are included in the ancestral domain and Lobregat and his allies are fighting the attempts to dismember Zamboanga.

Lobregat said it was an en banc decision.

Fabian has confirmed the High Court’s order. “It is confirmed and I have informed the mayor about it,” he said. “We are very happy with the decision.”

North Cotabato Deputy Governor Emmanuel Pinol last week also petitioned the Supreme Court to stop the signing. Pinol is opposing the inclusion of several towns in the province in the ancestral domain which would make up a separate Muslim homeland under the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity. (Mindanao Examiner)

Catholics Hold Rally Vs Muslim Homeland In Southern Philippines

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Christians Being Agitated To Fight Muslim Ancestral Domain Deal In Mindanao

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / August 4, 2008) – Christian residents in southern Philippine city of Zamboanga are being agitated to protest the inclusion of several Muslim enclaves here in a proposed Islamic homeland in Mindanao.

Local Catholic priests in their homily Sunday also urged residents to join a protest rally on Monday. In their homily, the priests said two villages largely populated by Christians would be included in the proposed Muslim homeland demanded by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which is negotiating peace with Manila.

Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat also criticized Manila for including several Muslim villages here to be part of the MILF ancestral domain, including two villages where the century-old City Hall and the Fort Pilar, an open-air Catholic shrine are situated.

Lobregat, who was invited Saturday night at a Lion’s Club convention here, spoke lengthily about his opposition to the ancestral domain and the inclusion of Christian villages in the proposed Muslim homeland. He said residents had twice rejected plebiscites in the past to include the city in the Muslim autonomous region.

Government and rebel peace negotiators have reached a deal on the ancestral domain and would sign the agreement on Tuesday in Kuala Lumpur which is brokering the seven-year old talks aimed at ending more than four decades of Muslim secessionist wars in Mindanao.

President Gloria Arroyo's peace adviser Hermogenes Esperon said there is need to amend the Constitution to allow referendum on areas under the ancestral domain that would make up the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity.

Esperon also denied Lobregat’s claim and said only Sacol Island, about 18 nautical miles, is included in the ancestral domain. “Only Sacol is included in the ancestral domain and islanders would be given a chance whether to be part of the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity or not,” he told the Mindanao Examiner.

He said: “Included in the proposed plebiscite are the villages in Sacol Island and none in mainland Zamboanga City. We should hear the voice of the people of Sacol, which is populated by Muslims. Any plebiscite will be pursuant only to an enabling law which will be enacted by Congress.”

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

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

Cell phone text messages were also spreading about the inclusion of Zamboanga City in the Muslim ancestral domain. One text message urged citizens to resist the ancestral domain and to join Monday’s protest rally.

Many commercial stores here, mostly owned by influential Chinese businessmen and supporters of Lobregat, said they will all close at 11 a.m. on Monday to protest the inclusion of the villages to the ancestral domain. Even some journalists, who are supposed to stay neutral, have joined calls to resist the ancestral domain.

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

But many Muslims here said they wanted to be part of the Bangsamoro homeland and are supporting the MILF peace talks. Many Muslim residents in Zamboanga City said they are discriminated by Christians. Others claimed many department stores owned by Chinese businessmen here do not hire Muslims, but Christians.

Muslim groups and peace advocates in Zamboanga City are supporting the peace talks and favored the ancestral domain. Ancestral domain is the single most important and, arguably, the thorniest issue before government and rebel peace negotiators can reach a political settlement.
Zamboanga was the former capital of the Moro province and part of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo.

Aside from Zamboanga City, the ancestral domain included the whole of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao which is comprise of Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, Lanao, and Maguindanao provinces and Marawi City, and also some areas in Zamboanga Peninsula, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani provinces in Mindanao where there are large communities of Muslims and indigenous tribes. And Palawan Island near Mindanao.

The Bangsamoro Juridical Entity will also have sufficient control over economic resources and a structure of governance in all its territories that will allow Muslims to govern themselves in ways that are consonant with their culture and with minimal interference from Manila.

Lawrence Cruz, the mayor of Iligan City in Lanao province, said he will also hold a protest rally on Monday. Deputy Governor Emmanuel Pinol, of North Cotabato, said he will oppose any attempt to include his province to the Muslim homeland.

Pinol has asked the Supreme Court to stop the government and rebel peace negotiators from signing the agreement on the ancestral domain. Lobregat and Cruz said they would also petition the High Court to stop the signing.

The MILF on Sunday appealed to Christians and Muslims in Mindanao to promote trust, understanding and cooperation and not hatred and mistrust. The rebel group previously said it will not sign any peace deal with the Arroyo government unless its demand for self-determination is granted. Last year, peace talks were also stalled after government negotiators reneged on the ancestral domain deal.

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

Peace negotiators last month also signed an agreement in Kuala Lumpur that will empower the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity to build, develop and maintain its own institutions, inclusive of civil service, electoral, financial and banking, education, legislation, legal, economic, police and internal security force, judicial system and correctional institutions necessary for developing a progressive Muslim society. (Mindanao Examiner)

Muslim Groups Release Resolution, Support Bangsamoro Homeland Deal

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Filipino Nurses Continue To Seek Jobs In America

MANILA, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / August 02, 2008) - More and more Filipino nurses have been trying to get jobs abroad because of huge pay and opportunities that await them rather than work in the Philippines.

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) on Saturday said a total of 9,837 Filipino nurses took the United States licensure examination for the first time from January to June this year.

Ernesto Herrera, TUCP secretary-general, said the number of Filipino nurses who took the NCLEX and implicitly sought jobs in the US in the first semester was roughly steady -- just 107 shy of the year-ago takers. He said a total of 9,944 Filipino nurses took the examination in the first half of 2007.

The NCLEX refers to the National Council Licensure Examination administered by the US (National Council of) State Boards of Nursing Incorporated (NCSBN).

In the whole of 2007, a record total of 21,499 Filipinos took the NCLEX for the first time (excluding repeaters). This was up 6,328 or 42 percent compared to the 15,171 Filipinos that took the NCLEX for the first time in 2006, according to the former senator.

The TUCP has been an aggressive backer of the country’s nurse practitioners.

The labor group has been pushing the deployment of Filipino nurses to lucrative job markets overseas, saying professionals should enjoy the right to take their skills to where these would get the greatest reward.

For years, Herrera has been urging regulators to close down a growing number of substandard nursing schools.

"Regulators should now be extra vigilant, and see to it that nursing students are kept away from low-grade schools," said Herrera, former chairman of the Senate committee on labor, employment and human resources development.

He cited the need for the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to shield parents and students from the proliferation of so-called "diploma mills.""We must stress that regulators are duty-bound to safeguard the hopes and dreams of tens of thousands of Filipino families to produce a nurse practitioner who will eventually lead them to a better quality of life," Herrera said.

At present, almost 500,000 students are enrolled in nursing schools nationwide, according to the CHED. Of the 132,187 graduates that took the last two Philippine nursing licensure tests in December 2007 and June this year, only 56,689 less than 43 percent passed, according to Herrera.

Last month, a Commission on Audit report revealed that of 263 nursing schools, only 111 had at least 50 percent of their graduates pass the Philippine licensure tests from 2001 to 2005.

Like the TUCP, the COA blamed the CHED for the problem, for failing to promptly close down deficient schools and raise the quality of nursing education.

Sayyaf Man Captured In Zamboanga City

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / August 02, 2008) – Police forces arrested an alleged Abu Sayyaf militant in the southern Philippine port city of Zamboanga, which was bombed in the past by the terrorist group tied to Al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiya, reports said Saturday.

It said police said it arrested Ahmad Edris at the port of Zamboanga shortly after he disembarked from a ferry that came from Basilan province, where security forces are hunting down other members of the Abu Sayyaf.

No details were made available about Edris’ arrest on Friday and little is known about the man that police said is included in the government most wanted list. It was unclear how Edris was able to flee from the island without being detected, but police in Basilan said it had no reports about the man’s arrest nor information about his background.

Reports said Edris was involved in several kidnappings in the southern Philippines. It was not immediately known whether Edris was planning to strike in Zamboanga or escaped the ongoing operation in Basilan, about 7 nautical miles from here.

The Abu Sayyaf, listed by the United States as a foreign terrorist organization alongside with al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiya, had kidnapped wealthy people and bombed Zamboanga City in the past. (Mindanao Examiner)

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The person is using this mobile phone number: 0927-754-4113