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Mar. 25-31, 2013

Below, Suluk members of Raja Muda Agbimuddin Kiram’s group killed by Malaysian security forces in clashes in Sabah. And elite members of the Royal Malaysia police commandos. (Photos courtesy of VAT-69 Malaysia) Z AMBO ANGA CIT Y – M alaysia has deplo y ed mor e AMBOANGA CITY Malaysia deploy more ar mour ed vvehicles ehicles and combat helicopters armour moured helicopters,, including nav al boats to S abah in an effor zens naval Sabah effortt to flush out do doz of rremaining emaining follo wers of S ulu S ultan JJamalul amalul K ir am follow Sulu Sultan Kir iram who hav e been fighting secur ity for ces on the oil-r ich have security forces oil-rich island being claimed b y both sides by sides..

About a dozen lowing a deadline for them armoured personnel ve- to surrender peacefully.

The assault by Malayhicles arrived in the town of Lahad Datu to support sian jets and ground artilground troops hunting leries left at least 62 intruddown at least 50 members ers dead, but the fighting of the Sultanate of Sulu between the two groups headed by Raja Muda also killed and wounded 18 Agbimuddin, the sultan’s Malaysian policemen and younger brother. soldiers.

The group intruded Former Malaysian Sabah in February to exert Prime Minister Tun Dr. claim over the island, cit- Mahathir Mohamad also ing historical and legal said that people living in claims, but Malaysia re- houses on stilts in Sabah jected this and launched a should be relocated immemassive assault on about diately because they could 200 of the sultan’s men fol- be exposed to threats from

ARMM

external aggressors. But many of those living in the settlement there are Filipino Muslims from Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

He said the settlement complicates security matters in the area. “We need to move them, but we need to find land for them and we need to identify among them who are our citizens, those who are foreign citizens and those who do not have a certificate of identity,” he said in a report by the Malaysian news agency Bernama.

The former, but influential politician, earlier urged Malaysia to stop paying “cession money” to the Sultanate of Sulu because of the intrusion of its

Northern Mindanao

Davao

armed followers. But the Sultanate of Sulu considers the payment as rental money for Sabah.

Malaysia is still paying cession money to the Sultanate of Sulu although it lays claim on the Sabah, a gift given by Brunei to the Sultan of Sulu for helping quell a rebellion in 1658.

Malaysia arrested more than 300 Filipinos who are suspected of supporting or aiding Raja Muda Agbimuddin’s group under a strict anti-terrorism law. Just recently, three more men, who were acting suspiciously, had been detained in Kampung SimSim in Sandakan after villagers phoned the police about the trio.

Manila

Their identities were not immediately known, but one of them allegedly has links with a detained Jemaah Islamiya militant Yazid Sufaat.

More than 2,000 Filipino Muslims have returned to Sulu and TawiTawi provinces after fleeing Sabah for fear they would be arrested in a massive crackdown launched by Malaysian on illegal immigrants and Filipino communities on the island.

Many Indonesian workers and immigrants also fled Sabah and Jakarta has deployed an armed naval flotilla to guard its border with Malaysia and the Philippines,

and to ferry its citizens affected by the hostilities between Malaysian security forces and the Sultanate of Sulu.

Sabah, just several nautical miles off TawiTawi, is home to about 2.3 million Malaysians and 889,000 non-Malaysians, based on its 2010 population survey.

Both Manila and Kuala Lumpur suspect that some group in the Philippines and Malaysia is financing Sultan Jamalul to destabilize the two countries ahead of its own elections this year.

But the ailing 74-year old leader denied all accusations about this.

(Mindanao Examiner)

Zamboanga Peninsula

2

The Mindanao Examiner

Mar. 25-31, 2013

Sultan Jamalul Kiram binatikos ng Sultanate of Sulu ZAMBOANGA CITY – Umani ng matinding batikos si Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram mula sa heir ng Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo sa kaguluhan ngayon sa Sabah na kung saan ay libo-libo na ang mga Pilipinong nagsilikas doon dahil sa labanan.

Sa ikalawang pagkakataon ay muling umapela si Sultan Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Mohammad Pulalun, ng Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo, sa Malaysia na huwag idadamay ang mga Pinoy sa Sabah. Libo-libong mga refugees na mula Sabah ang dumagsa sa Tawi-Tawi at Sulu dahil sa opensiba ng Malaysia na nagsimula pa nitong buwan.

“Hinihingi ko sa Malaysian government na huwag idamay ang mga sibilyan at kawawa naman ang mga ito na nagnenegosyo at nagta-trabaho doon sa Sabah. Kaya nananawagan ako sa ngayon sa Prime Minister ng Malaysia na (si Dato' Sri Haji Mohammad Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul) ayusin nila ang mga sibilyan at huwag nilang sasaktan at huwag nilang tatawaging mga terrorista dahil kami ang tunay na may-ari ng Sabah, ang Sultanate of Sulu,” ani Sultan Shariff Pulalun sa isang press conference na isinagawa sa Zamboanga.

Binatikos ni Sultan Shariff Ibrahim si Sultan Jamalul sa ginawa nitong hakbang sa pagsugod sa Sabah na nag-resulta sa pagkamatay ng maraming tao at ang naging epekto ni sa mga nawalan ng trabaho at sa dulot na sigalot sa pagitan ng Malaysia at Pilipinas.

“Si Jamalul naman,

sana ay marami naman paraan at madaraan sa mabuting usapan ito.

Dapat inilapit niya sa Mahal natin President (Benigno) Aquino at humingi siya ng tulong upang kausapin ang Malaysian government sa magandang paraan.”

“Hindi maganda ang ginawa niya kasi (isa lamang) siyang Administrator ng Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo. Bakit niya ginawa iyan? Hindi siya humingi ng pahintulot sa totoong Sultan at wala siuyang karapatan na tawaging sultan ang kanyang sarili dahil ang totoong sultan ay si Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Mohammad Pulalun. Sa amin ang mnga lupain diyan sa Sabah at hindi yan pagmmay-ari ni Jamalul Kiram dahil administrator lamang siya,” ani pa nito.

Sinabi pa ni Sultan Sharif Ibrahim na dapat tulungan ng bansa ang mga Pilipinong Muslim sa Sabah at hindi si Sultan Jamalul. “Kaya nanawagan ako sa buong Sabah at sa buong bansa na tulungan natin ang mga kaawaawang mga sibilyan natin doon. Nanawagan akong muli sa Malaysia na huwag nilang sasaktan o patayin ang mga sibilyan at sa halip ay dapat nilang tulungan pa,” wika pa ni Sultan Sharif Ibrahim, na siyang direct descendant naman ng lolo nitong si Sultan Mohd Pulalun na pinuno ng Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo nuong 1844.

Mistulang mga hayup sa kagubatan na isa-isang pinapatay ng mga hunters ang lumiliit na puwersa ng Sultanate of Sulu sa Sabah na kung saan ay patuloy ang assault ng Malaysia sa

nasabing grupo.

Long-range Barrett sniper rifles na rin ang gamit ng pulisya laban sa grupo ni Raja Muda Agbimuddin Kiram, ang kapatid ni Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram, na kanyang ipinadala sa Sabah na pinagaagawan ng Malaysia at Sultanate of Sulu.

Binakbakan ng Malaysia ang halos 200 mga followers ni Raja Muda matapos na tumanggi ang mga itong lumayas at sumuko sa nasabing isla na kung saan ay may tinatayang 800,000 mga Pinoy.

Sinasabing mahigit na sa 60 ang napapatay ng Malaysia sa panig ni Raja Muda at 75 naman ang mga dinakip dahil lamang sa hinihinalang supporters o miyembro ng Sultanate of Sulu. Sa mga nagkalat na larawan mula sa Royal Malaysia Police ay isang babaeng kasamahan ni Raja Muda at dalawang lalaki rin ang napaslang.

Sa kabila nito ay patuloy pa rin nagbabayad ang Malaysia sa Sultanate of Sulu ng “cession money” sa halagang P70,000 bawat taon. (Mindanao Examiner)

Si Sultan Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Mohammad Pulalun, ng Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo, sa kanyang press conference sa Zamboanga. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)

Filipino youth group slams poll body MANILA - A Filipino youth group called Anakbayan has strongly criticized the Commission on Elections for allegedly persecuting sectoral party-lists Kabataan and Piston, which are both vocal critics of the Aquino government.

Anakbayan national chairperson Vencer Crisostomo said the poll body is singling out progressive parties while ignoring on complaints against administrationbacked candidates and political parties for the May mid-term elections.

Crisostomo's group has recently held a rally outside the office of the poll body in Manila to protest what it called was a harassment of the progressive party-lists.

"Despite their compliance with Comelec notices and guidelines, the Comelec continues to vilify and harass them," he said, adding, "it would be height of absurdity if Comelec disqualified Kabataan and Piston and yet allow participation of Malacanangbacked Akbayan and other party-lists of the rich and powerful."

He also said many complaints of illegal campaign materials were also reported against Malacanang-backed Akbayan party-list, but it seems "Comelec is turning

a blind eye when it comes to Palace allies."

"This proves that this is not really about the posters and campaign materials.

They are out to persecute staunch anti-administration parties," Crisostomo said in a statement to the Mindanao Examiner.

Unlike Kabataan and Piston, there have been no reported case filed by Comelec against Akbayan.

For the past weeks, the Comelec statements have focused on the two groups.

Crisostomo also assailed Comelec's failure to stop President Benigno Aquino's distribution of PhilHealth cards during sorties of the Liberal Party and use of government funds for campaign.

"The Comelec is turning out to be a campaign

arm of the Team PNoy. It is persistently and exclusively campaigning against opposition parties while defending the president, administration parties and candidates," he said.

He also criticized Comelec for waging "negative campaigning" against the two party-lists.

"Do they realize that they are in fact being a partisan body by waging a negative campaign against certain groups? The fair and prudent thing to do is not to mention the parties while their cases are still beng heard. The motive is really to put the parties in bad light," he said.

Crisostomo suspects Comelec is also using the campaign against the party-lists to cover up its

failures with regard to the Automated Elections System.

"The Comelec should address the various concerns re the integrity of the software, source codes and automated cheating.

It seems it is blowing up petty issues to cover up for these bigger issues," he said.

Crisostomo said bigger protest actions will be held if the Comelec persists on their "persecution" and "harassment" of progressive partylists.

"Unlike the parties they are covering-up for, Kabataan and Piston have the support of the people.

They will not allow the Comelec to further stifle participation of genuine peoples' organizations," he said.

Over 1 million tourists flock Davao City DAVAO CITY – More than one million tourists have visited Davao, one of the most peaceful and progressive cities in the southern Philippines, state media reported.

The Philippine Information Agency, quoting the local tourism operations head, Jason Magnaye, said visitors have reached 1,075 last year – an increase by 45%

as compared in 2011. At least 10% of the visitors were foreigners from South Korea, Japan, Australia and China among others.

Magnaye attributed the surge in visitor arrivals on increased flight destinations to Davao City from other areas as far as Puerto Princesa City in Palawan to Kalibo in Aklan province in the Visayas

and Pampanga in Luzon.

“More flights mean more visitors,” he said.

He said the opening of SM Mall also was a big factor, saying, its amenities such as the SMX convention center, drew various conferences, exhibits, conventions, and visitors from all over the country.

Local festivals, such as the Araw ng Dabaw, also attract tourists.

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The Mindanao Examiner

Mar. 25-31, 2013

Youth group decries high jobless rate, tuition fee increases DAVAO CITY – While parents and youth take the burden of expensive education, they are pressured further with increasing jobless rate. This was the lament of the youth group Anakbayan on the recent report of National Statistics Office, saying that unemployment rate in the Philippines has reached 7.1%in January, higher than the 6.8% registered in October 2012.

The group also, Anakbayan scores the Aquino government for the increased number of underemployed from 7.018 million last year to 7.934 million in January.

Cherry Orendain, regional spokesperson of Anakbayan, said that the high unemployment rate and expensive education only pushes the Filipino youth to an uncertain living in the future.

According to Dr. Raul C. Alvarez Jr., acting director of the Commission on Higher Education in Region 11 in Mindanao, the number of higher education institutions that applied for tuition increase for the next school year now reached to 31.

In Davao City, 21 schools have applied for tuition increase, two in Davao del Sur province and five sought the same in areas badly hit by Typhoon Bopha (Pablo).

Moreover, CHED reported that the current average national tuition rate per unit is P475.47. Tuition rate in National Capital Region now reached P985.05, which translates to P20,000 to P40,000 per semester.

“With expensive edu-

cation and high unemployment rate, the youth isn’t bothered sending themselves to schools anymore because they already know that they cannot finish due to their inability of paying the high tuition. If they could, there is still no assurance that they can get a sure job. Such a disappointing truth,” Orendain said in a statement to the Mindanao Examiner.

The NSO’s Labor Force Survey showed that the number of unemployed Filipinos went up to 2.894 million from 2.892 million a year ago. And 33.7% of which were high school graduates and 13.1% were college undergraduates, while 16.9% were college graduates.

“Noynoy Aquino’s boasted economic growth has become a cruel irony.

Amidst the people’s demand for concrete solutions such as national industrialization to boost local employment and more budget for social services, especially on education, the Aquino administration depended on CCT, privatization of social services with Public-Private Partnership, and incessant budget cuts to education and other basic social services instead,” she said, referring to th Philippine president.

Orendain said: “Apparently, these young Filipinos who are supposedly nurtured by the society, are victims of state abandonment exacerbated by backward economic and policies. With all of Aquino’s inutility towards people’s grievances, the Filipino youth now has more reason to protest.”

JUST SAY

NO!

Anak Yatim: Big Brother, Big Sister Project

By Nash Usman Abduhadi (Sulu) “No man is an island”, cliché as it may sound but that is the reality of life. Living a life without a companion, partner, friend, loved one, brother or sister, or even parents is unbearable. To be parentless is a worst feeling in this world, selfpity is a worst enemy and it often strikes but the key is to accept that life still goes on.

When I was orphaned by my father, I felt that the whole world turned upside down. Lots of sacrifices, hardships and sufferings I encountered during the adjustment period. I felt that it was the end of the world for me but I stood tall and face all the consequences that life tested me. I became strong because of the guidance, companionship, camaraderie and not to mention the love, care and affection that the people continuously shown me.

This paved the way to realizing that life after all is a choice, it is a choice that we make. We can choose to be happy when we want too amidst all the pain that we have been through, so long as at the end of the day we must bear in mind that there is still a rainbow after the rain.

Mariah Carey once said that: “In a perfect world, we human beings would co-exist harmoniously like a rainbow, a multitude of colors, each layer is as vibrant and clear by itself but when put into unison, it is boundless, breath-taking and celestial”. This was proven true by the strengthened efforts and partnership rendered by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Marine Battalion Landing Team 2 (MBLT2) under the leadership of Col. Romulo “Tatay” D. Quemado, Kusug Batah Sug (KBS), a pool of young, active and enthusiastic Tausug volunteers who advocates for peace in Sulu, Maimbung Local Government, and other stakeholders as they launched the Anak Yatim Project on March 8, 2013 at Maimbung Park, Maimbung, Sulu.

The activity kicked off with the preliminaries such as parlor games with the Anak Yatim where they enjoyed the fun-filled activities that the sponsors rendered them. The smiles on their faces during that moment were undeniable and a genuine smile is seen on the faces of these young hopefuls amidst the fact that they are orphans.

Free services such as haircuts, food feeding, distribution of school supplies, toys and other helps were also made available during that day. The Anak Yatim enjoyed the moment playing in the park with the security sectors and youths who sincerely provided camaraderie between them. What struck me most was the “kuwentuhan” (story-telling) sessions of the Anak Yatim with their Big Brothers and Big Sisters dubbed as Kusug Batah Sug (KBS).

Below are some anecdotal stories shared by KBS members to the author: It was very challenging to talk with an orphan kid. You have to be skilled, circumspect, and congruence is vital. Even months are not enough if you want to be enlightened as to the exact extent of their situations. These kids may vary according to behavior, the way they communicate, the way they interact. But one thing is common; you can almost see their heavy past in their eyes and through their enigmatic smile which is difficult to process. Despite of that, they still have the enthusiasm to learn many things.

I taught them on how to draw different stuff and how to use a globe and they enjoyed it. Then I realized, "Quality Education" would still save these kids from the brink of forgetting how life is important and beautiful.– Alda, Absara, KBS Photograpeace Since I am fond of socializing with people, I actually enjoyed the moment with Anak Yatim, I met and made friends with a grade 3 pupil of Kapuk Punggul, Indanan, Sulu. She’s a shy type at first, silent and loner but when she was comfortable with me, she turned into a very cheerful kid. She actually loves singing, playing hide and seek and had a bundle of laugh at the time we played and enjoyed each other’s company until the end of the day.

When I offered a gift as a simple token to her, I felt ambivalent because I was fulfilled, happy and sad since we need to go home and bid “adios” to these young hopefuls. A moral lesson I learned was that an Anak Yatim is a person who loves her mother and wants to finish her education so she can help her mother in return. Education is indeed her first step so she can attain better future. She wants to be a teacher and teaching would be her greatest dream in life and I can help her reach that. - Marcilyn Amin, KBS Photograpeace We are so consumed with our daily work that we tend to forget about these kids, who are not just ordinary kids, they are ones who had been mentioned several times in the Holy Qur’an (Yatim is an Arabic word which means “an orphan”).

They are the most vulnerable, special and matters the most.

Those of us who grew up with both of our parents around to take care of us must have been really lucky. But to these kids, it is like waiting for “inah” or “amah” every day to come home one day because they “went abroad”. Some of their guardians have to tell them this way just not to hurt them, Nald, a KBS member who was always joyful was almost in his tears while sharing this.

He had two little orphans for a day to play with. One, an eight year old girl told him that she wanted to become a teacher someday and whose “amah” went abroad and will be coming home. She was so delighted to receive a gift from her KBS big brother, Nald.

She misses her father; she said and is longing for him.

But one day, he will come home and will bring a lot of toys for her. Truth hurts as they say, and no matter how much her guardian wanted to tell her the truth, she can’t afford to do so as this will shatter the little girl’s fragile heart. There was another boy, who at young age of seven prided his camera toy here and there and frequently telling Dhems (his KBS big brother) that he wanted to become just like the guy he sees taking photos: A photographer. They may not be like other kids who are privilege to have parents that sent them to school to fulfill their dreams, but these little angels have dreams. Dreams that you and I can help make into reality.

The men and women in uniform of the MBLT 2 had started it, maybe we too can help.

Amidst all these adversities that Lupah Sug is facing right now, it would not be too much to take time and think of these kids who have been orphaned of conflict. Let us all help one another. And to all others in behind of the Anak Yatim Project, We thank you. All for a peaceful Lupah Sug. -Jana, HD Centre Sulu “If there is one thing I could give to the Anak Yatim it is my continuous guidance for them, I will continue imparting education on these children so they can learn something new because I have observed that they were keen on learning and they listen to every word that we say which a good trait is indeed. An Anak Yatim dreams of becoming a teacher someday so she can help her sisters get out of poverty and they can together pursue greener pasture. An important lesson I have learned was that no matter what status you are in, you have to believe in the power of your dreams,”- Edzra, KBS Anak Yatim Project While we still have our parents with us, we should take care of them because we don’t know when they would be taken away from us. I can relate much with the stories of an Anak Yatim I handled because I am also an orphan, I lost my father when I was in grade 5 and he lost his while he’s in grade 2. We had common denominator, we share the same hobby and what surprised me most was when I gave him a toy camera, he was amazed with it and wanted to become a SOLDIER but not handling gun, instead a CAMERA as his weapon to attain peace. -Aldhemar Lakibul, KBS POP ART “At the end of the day, their smiles are the priceless gift that we received. No matter how rocky the situation is, ANAK YATIM still manage to flaunt the candid smile which only means that peace starts with a good attitude because it is what you carry wherever you go and whatever you do, ATTITUDE is what makes life a hundred percent and ANAK YATIM PROJECT is not just an ordinary activity, it is a noble endeavor that is worth emulating.”

ANAK YATIM Project The primary objective of the Anak Yatim Project is to provide direct and sustainable humanitarian aid to the special orphan children of Sulu. The protracted armed encounters between Philippine security forces and various armed groups have produced casualties from the local populace, and therefore, in some specific cases, juvenile orphans.

As part of the security sector’s intergenerational approach to building peace in Sulu, the effort to extend assistance to “ground zero” areas has been the focus starting 2010.

Civil-Military Relations (CMR), an evolving military concept calls for the imperative of building genuine relations across all sectors of society, in order to attain sustainable and lasting peace.

The first batch of 6 orphans from Karawan Complex, Indanan, Sulu was informally enrolled in the program through the efforts of members of the Philippine Marines (MBLT2) and Philippine National Police, the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue and other critical stakeholders in that area. As an initial groundbreaking outcome of the CMR efforts, these orphans were initially linked with the local security sector’s ongoing humanitarian support programs. This was start of the “Anak Iluh” Project, later re-named; “Anak Yatim”.

As the number of young beneficiaries grew, the concern for sustainability became a practical concern. The sensitive personal historical background of each orphan and the fragile partnership with the security sector were major considerations in running the program. Confidentiality and trust became the two most important factors that kept the project successfully running.

Because of its inherent unique attributes, this endeavor required extra careful planning and handling. Also, as it was a new idea, there were no templates to follow. The program advisers therefore indulged in exhaustive consultations among. Homegrown co-ownership of the project grew in due time.

A year has already passed, and the AYP has also already evolved. As a sequel effort, the orphans were recently introduced to young Tausug peace-builders, members of the “Kusug Bata Sug (KBS)” organization. Thus the “Big Brother & Sister Project” was launched last March 8, 2013 in Maimbung, Sulu.

The objective of this follow-on initiative was to provide young volunteer culture-fit mentors from KBS who can serve as source of guidance and intimate elder Tausug brother or sisters for the growing orphans.

4

The Mindanao Examiner

Mar. 25-31, 2013

Philippine gay group welcomes new Pope with open mind, wariness MANILA - The Progressive Organization of Gays in the Philippines (ProGay), a gay

Pangkaraniwang tanawin lamang ito sa Santa Cruz Market sa Zamboanga City na kung sana ang maraming pamamaraan sa paghahanda ng buko juice ay namamayagpag at dedma lamang ang City Health Office at pamahalaang lokal dito. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)

Maruming paggawa sa buko juice patuloy sa Zambo!

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Hindi pa rin naaksyunan ng City Health Office hanggang ngayon ang maruming pamamaraan ng paghahanda ng buko juice sa palengke sa Zamboanga City.

Namamayagpag pa rin ang naturang mga nagbebenta ng buko juice sa Santa Cruz Market sa mga tabi-tabi

lamang ito ginagawa.

Walang gamit na guwantes o anumang proteksyon mula sa dumi ang mga naghahanda nito at maging ang mga lamesang pinagpapatungan nito ay napakadumi rin.

At sa kapaligiran ng kanilang puwesto ay pulos basura at mga pinag-tapunan ng buko,

ngunit sa kabila nito ay dedma rin ang market superintendent sa naturang kaga-napan sa palengke.

Maraming sakit ang makukuha sa maruming pamamaraan ng paghahanda sa anumang inumin o pagkain at kabilang dito ang Hepatitis at iba pa. (Mindanao Examiner)

2 coco lumber seller niratrat sa Zambo Sur PAGADIAN CITY – Patay ang dalawang coco lumber dealer matapos silang ratratin ng apat na armadong naka-bonnet sa bayan ng San Pablo sa lalawigan ng Zam-boanag del Sur. Sinabi ng pulisya na patuloy pa ang imbestigasyon ng awtoridad sa

pagpatay kina Christopher Tagayan at Rodulfo Clarin na tinadtad ng bala mula M16 automatioc rifles sa Barangay Dongos.

Nagpuputol pa ng coco lumber ang dalawa gamit ang kanilang chainsaw ng bigla na lamang silang paulanan ng bala ng mga

The Mindanao Examiner Media, Film and Television Productions Maritess Fernandez Publisher/Executive Producer (On Leave) Al Jacinto Editor-in-Chief/Producer (OIC) Gregorri Leaño Joanna Valerie Wee Video Editor Mindanao Examiner Productions Web Master REGIONAL PARTNERS Mindanao Daily Business Week NEWS/ADVERTISING OFFICES Pilar Gina Fernando Sales Mark Navales Giovanni Solmerano Eastern Mindanao ARMM Merlyn Manos Iligan City

Geonarri Solmerano Southern Mindanao

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Asa Madale Lanao Provinces Ely Dumaboc Zamboanga Sibugay/Zamboanga del Sur/Zamboanga del Norte The Mindanao Examiner Newspaper/Business Week/Mindanao Daily is published weekly/daily in Zamboanga City and Cagayan de Oro City in Mindanao, Philippines.

The Mindanao Examiner Television is broadcast in Skycable 54 in Zamboanga; Lupah Sug Cable in Sulu province and Basilan Cable in Basilan province.

Our business and editorial offices are located at Units 15, 3rd Floor, Fair Land Bldg., Nuñez St., Zamboanga City Phone & fax: +63 62 9925480 Mobile: +63 9152756606 URL: mindanaoexaminer.com E-mail: mindanaoexaminer@gmail.com

salarin na tatlo sa kanila ay pawang nakasuot ng uniporme ng militar.

"Hindi pa natin alam ang motibo at on going pa yun investigation natin. Pati nga yun chainsaws eh tinangay rin ngf mga suspek," ani Inspector Ariel Huesca, ang regional police spokesman.

Nabawi rin umano ng mga imbestigasdor ang 12 basyo ng bala mula M16 automatic rifles sa naturang lugar, ngunit hindi naman mabatid kung sino ang nasa likod ng krimen at kung may kinalaman ba ito sa clan war o family feud, o kaya ay mga armado at rebelde sa nasabing bayan. (Mindanao Examiner)

mere bill, but rather a machination of the Father of Lies that seeks to confuse and

rights alliance in deceive the chilRoman Catholic dren of God." majority PhilipThe ProGay pines, has welleader also noted comed the election that in the 1970s, he of Argentine Cardiwas silent as the nal Jorge Bergoglio military dictatoras the new leader of ship persecuted felthe world's largest low Jesuits who organized religion sided with the oppressed Argentinwith guarded hope for reforms in the ians during the scandal-tainted hiDirty War. "However, we erarchy.

"The margiremain hopeful nalized lesbian, that Pope Francis gay, bisexual, and continues to betransgender come more attuned (LGBT) communito a world in conties especially the flict. He is known Pope Francis (Vatican.va) discriminated, for his outreach to poor, and jobless millions living in the the poor, his simple lifestyle, his demonslums welcome a leader who has publicly strated compassion for persons hospitalcriticized neoliberal economic policies ized with AIDS complications, and his disthat destroy livelihoods, the ecology, and dain for hypocrite church officials. He health," said Jomar Amores, spokesman of once reminded his fellow priests that Jesus ProGay, in a statement sent to the regional went around with prostitutes and newspaper Mindanao Examiner. thieves," Amores said.

Amores, however, said the newly "ProGay wishes to see the Vatican elected Pope Francis made negative state- open new frank discussions on the inment in 2010 about same-sex marriage as creasing inclusion of LGBT persons in the a "a destructive pretension against the life of the church and proposals to inplan of God." crease legal protections of LGBT rights in Before the law allowing marriage secular institutions with less meddling equality was passed in Argentina, he from local church leaders in the Philippreached that "We are not talking about a pines," he said.

NPA rebels capture cop; attack troops in Mindanao DAVAO CITY - Communist rebels arrested a policeman at a checkpoint and attacked patrolling troops in separate operations in the southern Philippines, a spokesman for New People’s Army said.

Rigoberto Sanchez, of the NPA Regional Operations Command, said a second policeman SPO2 Randy Masambo managed to escape, but rebel forces held on to his companion PO3 Ruben Nojapa, Jr. who is assigned with the Nabunturan municipal police force in Davao del Norte province.

“The NPA checkpoint was part of its regular operations against undesirable elements in the area and the abusive Special Operations Teams under (the military’s) Oplan Bayanihan,” he said in a statement sent to the re-

gional newspaper Mindanao Examiner. Sanchez said the policeman is now their prisoner-of-war and would be interrogated to determine whether he was involved in anti-insurgency operations and human rights abuses in the town.

He said rebels also attacked soldiers belonging to the 66th Infantry Battalion in the village of Cabidianan also in Nabunturan town. An earlier roadside attack killed four government soldiers from the 71st Infantry Battalion, and wounded several more, in the town of Maco in Compostela Valley province.

“The morale of AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) troops is sinking, so much so that it has turned its fangs against the civilians. The AFP's desperate measures

are pathetic, cowardly and duplicitous. Blind and oblivious to the blows of the people's army who are ready anywhere, anytime in the revolutionary territories of the People's Democratic Government; the 10th ID has resorted to unleashing its wrath towards the peasant masses,” he said.

Sanchez accused the soldiers of human rights abuses and protector of abusive logging and mining companies in Mindanao.

There was no immediate statement from the 10th Infantry Division or the military’s Eastern Mindanao Command about the allegations, but the NPA has been fighting for decades now for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country.

(Mindanao Examiner)

5

The Mindanao Examiner

Mar. 25-31, 2013

Ang inagurasyon ng covered court sa Salih Ututalum Elementary School sa lalawigan ng Sulu na pinangunahan ni Gov. Sakur Tan. At ang donasyon ng mga desk a upuan sa Hajji Hasiman Elementary School. (Mindanao Examiner Photo - Ahl Salinas)

Paaralan sa Sulu, todo ang pasasalamat sa proyektong natanggap Pormal ng inanigurahan ni Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan ang isang covered court ng Salih Ututalum Elementary School sa naturang lalawigan.

Sinabi ni Tan na simula pa lamang ang inagurasyon ng covered court dahil ipinag-utos pa nito kay Sulu Provincial Engineer Abdurasad Baih ang pagpapaayos ng playground ng paaralan upang mapaluwag ito at mabigyan ng kasiyahan ang mga estudyante sa kanilang break time.

“Marami tayong mga proyekto at hindi lang puro pabahay at infra projects, kundi maging mga paaralan ay talagang tinututukan natin dahil napakahalaga talaga ng edukasyon para sa

lahat,” ani Tan. Ayon kay sa principal ng Salih Ututalum Elementary School na si Hajji Abdujilan Jimlan ay lamaking tulong sa kanila at sa mga magulang ng estudyante ang ibinigay na covered court ni Tan dahil hindi na umano sila mangungupahan ng mga venue para sa graduation at iba pang mga pagdiriwang o meeting ng paaralan.

“Naku talagang dream come true ito sa aming lahat at lubos ang pasasalamat namin kay Governor Sakur Tan sa kanyang pagtulong sa mga estudyante at sa school,” wika pa ni Jimlan.

Malaki umano ang ginagasta noon ng paaralan sa mga inaarkilang venue para sa ibat-ibang school activities, ngunit malaking

katipiran naman ngayon sa gastusin ang inaasahan ng lahat dahil sa covered court.

Naipagawa na rin ni Tan ang compound ng paaralan at hindi na ito binabaha.

Noon kalimitan kapag umuulan ay lubog sa tubig ang nasabing lugar, at kung tag-init naman ay babad sa araw ang mga guro at estudyante sa tuwing may assembly doon. “This is legacy not only for the students of Salih Ututalum para sa atin din lahat,” ani Jimlan.

Sa panig naman ni Tan ay pinasalamatan naman nito ang mga estudyante dahil sa ipinamamalas nilang interest sa pagaaral.

Ang mga kabataan at edukasyon ang ilang lamang sa mga pangunahing prayoridad at programa ni

Tan mula ng maging governor ito sa lalawigan. Naantig naman ang damdamin ni Tan sa init na pagsalubong sa kanya ng mga estudyante at guro at hanggang sa kanyang paglisan ay iwinawagayway pa ng mga bata ang kanilang munting mga bandera at nakasulat doon ang tauspusong pasasalamat sa kabaitan ni Tan. Nagbigay rin si Tan ng 300 mga desks at upuan para sa Hajji Hassiman Elementary School sa bayan ng Jolo.

Tulad sa Salih Ututalum Elementary School ay dinagsa rin ng estudyante at guro ang pagdating ni Tan upang pasalamatan ito sa kanyang kabutihan.

Tinanggap ni Said Bakil, ang principal ng paaralan, ang donasyon ni Tan at pulos

pasasalamat ang sambit nito sa malaking tulong na dumating sa kanila.

Malaki umano ang kakulangan ng desk at upuan sa nasabing paaralan kung kaya’t todo rin ang pasasalamat ng lahat.

Matatandaang nasunog ang paaralan nuong nakaraang taon at lubhang naapektuhan ang mahigit sa 800 estudyante doon. May 18 classrooms ang paaralan, ayon kay Bakil at noon ay nagdadala ang mga estudyante ng sarili nilang upuan dahil sa malaking kakulangan nito sa paaralan.

Sinabi naman ni Dalma Madain, Grade 3 pupil, na malaking tulong sa kanila ang mga upuan at makakapag-aral na sila ng maiigi. “Makapag iskul na

kita marayaw, din a kita mag angkulsin lilingkuran ta daeng ha bay’ yanun ku hi inah ku sin aun na lingkuran ta dihil sin gubnor,” bulong pa ni Dalma sa kanyang kaklaseng si Radzha Amdun.

Nakihalubilo rin si Tan sa mga bata habang nasa paaralan at hinimok ang mga estudyanteng mag-aral ng maiigi upang maging r e s p o n s a b l e n g mamamayan at upang makatulong sa kanilang mga magulang kapag sila’y nagtapos na.

Kulang o halos walang tulong na nakukuha ang mga paaralan sa Sulu mula sa Department of Education sa Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

(Mindanao Examiner. Ahl Salinas)

6

The Mindanao Examiner

Mar. 25-31, 2013

Hostilities in Sabah bring miseries, burden to Suluk people ZAMBOANGA CITY – Malaysia said the hostilities brought about by the intrusion of followers of Sultanate of Sulu in Sabah has brought miseries and hardships to many people living on the island state.

Sabah is being claimed both by the Sultanate of Sulu – based on historical and legal rights, according to Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram – and Malaysia, which annexed the oil-rich island following a referendum in 1963, as what Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak insisted.

Sabah, then called North Borneo, was ceded to the Sulu Sultanate by Brunei after it helped quell a rebellion in 1658. It was then leased to British North Borneo Company and in 1885, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Germany signed the Madrid Protocol which recognised the sovereignty of Spain in the Sulu Archipelago in return for the relinquishment of all Spanish claims over North Borneo which became a protectorate of the United Kingdom in 1888.

The violence in Sabah began after some 200 followers – many of them armed with rifles and machetes and knives - of Sultan Jamalul headed by his brother Raja Muda Agbimuddin intruded in February in Lahad Datu town to exert their determination. The standoff resulted in

Members of the "Task Force on Sulu Humanitarian Reception for Sabah Evacuees" and Sulu Governor Sakur Tan and Maimbung Mayor Samier Tan discuss with Secretary Corazon Soliman, of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the various plans and programs for the refugees in Sulu province.

Also in the meeting are ARMM Vice Governor and concurrent DSWD Regional Secretary Bainon Karon and DSWD Regional Assistant Secretary Hajja Pombaen Karon Kader. (Photo courtesy of Julkipli Ahijon Jr) deadly clashes that left at least 62 followers of Raja Muda Agbimuddin dead and 10 on the Malaysian side.

The clashes forced over 2,000 Filipinos fleeing Sabah.

Malaysia has tagged Raja Muda Agbimuddin and his aides General Haji Musa Abdulla and Ernesto Sambas as terrorists and condemned their actions, saying it brought burden to the people of Sabah, including Filipino immigrants and workers mostly

from Sulu and Tawi-Tawi provinces in the southern Philippines.

It said the Tausug communities – or natives from Sulu and Tawi-Tawi – came to Sabah to build a new life because of uncertain future in their homeland where jobs are scarce and poverty remains a major problem.

In Sabah, Malaysia said the Suluk people - as what Sabahans call the Tausugs – can easily find jobs and will

not go hungry. They need not to worry about their homes because most of the Malaysian employers provide adequate housing and provisions for their workers and employees. And now many, many Filipino compatriots in Sabah worry about their future following the daring intrusion by fellow Suluks. The “terror” in Lahad Datu has worried many Tausugs who now blamed Sultan Jamalul for the outbreak of violence.

They themselves are now helping Malaysian authorities by providing or passing information about the intruders.

More than 300 people have been arrested by Malaysian police in Sabah on suspicion they were either supporting or aiding the group of Raja Muda Agbimuddin, and many of them had been arrested in the so-called “red zone” where the operations against the intruders are going on. Tausug people who live in Sabah have strongly opposed violence and renewed their allegiance to the government there. They said Sabah is a peaceful Malaysian state where – for generations – accepted them as residents without discrimination.

Malaysia is also brokering the peace talks between the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front which in October signed the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro homeland. The peace deal from the talks would further enhance trade and commerce between Sabah and Sulu and TawiTawi and other provinces in the southern Philippines and this would strengthen relationship among members of the BIMP-EAGA or the Brunei-Indonesia-MalaysiaPhilippines East ASEAN Growth Area and make it the fastest-growing economy in Southeast Asia.

Kuala Lumpur suspects

that someone is financing the actions of Sultan Jamalul, an allegation strongly denied by the ailing Tausug leader. The Philippines and Malaysia have begun a separate investigation into these reports.

Several Filipino politicians and former rebel leaders were linked to this plot to destabilize the Malaysian and Filipino governments ahead of elections in both countries.

The hostilities also resulted in stricter police campaign to rid Sabah of illegal Filipino immigrants and since the violence erupted the exodus of Tausugs continues in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. Malaysian police was also reported confiscating identity cards and immigration documents from mostly Tausugs in Sabah’s Lahad Datu and Semporna towns.

Former Sabah chief minister Harris Salleh, who is now the president of Yayasan Islam Sabah, has already appealed to the Malaysian authorities to stop the confiscations in the Suluk areas in Lahad Datu and Semporna, saying, the police have no powers to destroy federal government documents except with confirmation from the National Registration Department.

Malaysian media also quoted him as saying that the police actions would only breed animosity between Sabah and the Sulu people.

(Mindanao Examiner)

A Lenten Season Message from

Dir. Pete Natividad Department of Education Western Mindanao

Josephine E. Pareja Barangay Chairperson Talisayan, Zamboanga City

Don Franciso Ong C. Seng Memorial Elementary School Manicahan District Zamboanga City

Manicahan National High School Zamboanga City

Vic Liozo ZAMCELCO Board Director Philippine National Red Cross

7

The Mindanao Examiner

Mar. 25-31, 2013

Anti-mining alliance thumbs down 4 senatorial candidates

Recipients of the prestigious JCI Youth Leadership Excellence Award.

Prestigious JCI award goes to Davao valedictorians, salutatorians DAVAO CITY – The Junior Chamber International Duwaling Chapter has recognized 30 valedictorians and 30 salutatorians from the selected 30 public and private high schools in Davao City with the Youth Leadership Excellence Award in a ceremony held here on Saturday.

The Youth Leadership Excellence Award is a youth-led, innovative program of JCI Philippines the leading global network of young active citizens. It offers the highest recognition and esteem for a truly outstanding performance in the schools where the selected students completed their secondary courses.

The awardees truly exemplify the belief of this 2013 YLEA partner and sponsor San Juan Rep. JV Ejercito Estrada, a known advocate for the youth, that “Kabataan ng Bayan, Ikaw ay Maasahan.”

Indeed, the achievements of these students inspire excellence, encourage confidence and unleash the potential that would create positive impact in the lives of the Filipino youth.

“Through this award, it is our enduring aspirations for all young people to continue to be successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors to our community, to our society and to the nation,” Irelan Abapo, president of JCI Duwaling Chapter, said in a statement to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.

The valedictorians received a medal while the salutatorians received a

Certificate of Recognition.

Of the 30 schools, only 22 attended the awarding ceremony held at Lispher Inn. The remaining 17 awards will be sent to the respective schools.

The 22 valedictorians and salutatorians are: (1) Lifestream International College: V - Han Hyo Eun, S - Han Hye Ji; (2) Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai School of Davao: V - Joyce Hyacinth L. Pacaldo, S - Pio Rodolfo P. Pimentel; (3) University of the Immaculate Conception: V - Kent Raven Q. Olario, S - Jannah Razel P. Barluado.

(4) Philippine Academy of Sakya Davao Inc.: V - Kevin Co, S - Sherissa Co; (5) Holy Cross of Davao College: V - Jeanette G. Uao, S - Febry Dianne Operario; (6) MATS College of Technology: V - Allen Joe M. Rarugal, S - Fradzil Joel John M. Dumalag.

(7) Sta. Ana National HS: V - Ace Niño B. Guieb, S - Kemuel E. Esguerra; (8) Erico T. Nograles NHS: V - Anthonette Joy G. Commendador (corrected name), S - Junalyn T. Catulay; (9) Davao Wisdom Academy: V - Lorraine Dell M. Hermosilla, S - Lanilo B. Pantallon.

(10) St. Augustine International School: V - CJ D. Yara, S - Alexandra Dominique J. Sanchez; (11) Brokenshire Science High School: V - Zuhair M. Ali, S - Angel Jean N. Domingo; (12) Ford Academy of the Arts: V - Karen G. Lomboy, S - Cristal Mae M. Cervantes.

(13) Davao Jones Academy: V - Jahziel Y. Alolino, S - Mark Aldritch A. Tan; (14) Bernardo Carpio National High School: V - Ara Arianna D.

Tugaon, S - Norjanna O. Amisali; (15) South Point School: V - Hannah Kezieh P. Dela Cerna, S - Mikaela S. Navidad.

(16) UM Main HS: V - Jecil Grace N. Calacar, S - Mariel Pearl Serafica; (17) Philippine Women's College of Davao: V - Jeremy james M. Sarona, S - Patricia Almie Louisse R. Mariscote; (18) Daniel R. Aguinaldo National HS: V - Josue P. Nituda, S - Lanie Mae M. Villorejo.

(19) Davao City Special School: V - Edward John C. Bacalso, S - Ethel Trisha A. Tan; (20) JV Ferriols National HS: V - Jon Mae L. Perges, S - Mariz T. Casuela; (21) EMAR Learning Center: V - Maevelle Lynn P. Manalo, S - Arvin Gabriel Pasaol; (22) F. Bangoy National HS: V - Jonel C. Getigan, S - Richard P. Nalam.

Sayyaf fighter arrested ZAMBOANGA CITY – Police have arrested a suspected Abu Sayyaf militant accused in the 2001 attacked on rubber plantation workers in Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines.

Police identified the suspect as Jailani Basirul, who was nabbed in downtown Zamboanga. Details of the operation were unknown, but a police report said Basirul was among those who killed about a dozen workers in Tairan rubber plantation in Lamitan City.

Basirul has several arrest warrants and is now being interrogated by authorities. It was not immediately known whether the man was plotting an attack or hiding in Zamboanga.

The Abu Sayyaf has been blamed to the spate of terror attacks and killings, and kidnappings for ransom in the southern Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner)

MANILA - The advocacy group on environmental and human rights issues, Alyansa Tigil Mina, has declared that it would campaign against at least 4 senatorial bets and called on other political candidates to take a stand against the current policy on mining.

It said the four senatorial candidates - former senator Richard Gordon and newcomer Jack Enr ile, son of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, who are both from United Nationalists Alliance, and Sonny Angara, and Cynthia Villar, also from political dynasties, who are now running under Team PNoy - are allegedly acting against the interests of the rural poor.

ATM is demanding that genuine pro-environment candidates must carry the agenda that seek to revise the current mining policy framework. Presently, it said this framework is aggressively promoting liberalization of the mining industry, which results to environmental destruction and violation of human rights.

"Our natural resources and the Filipino people have long been negatively impacted by extractive industries, specifically mining, which the government continues to promote with no regards to mining-affected communities and human rights victims. In light of the upcoming mid-term elections, ATM is calling on candidates to support the passage of the Alternative Minerals Management Bill that seeks to revise the current framework of mining in the countr y," Jaybee Garganera, ATM national coordinator, said in a statement to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.

He said the alliance will support candidates who will assert local autonomy and right to protect the environment.

"ATM insists that despite the current administration’s move to address some loopholes in the mining law with the new Executive Order No. 79, s. 2012, there is still no premium given to the right of local governments and the opposi-

tion of mining-affected communities to resist large-scale mining operations in the country," Garganera said.

He said this has been evident in the recent issuance of the environmental compliance certificate for the Tampakan Copper Gold Mining Project last February despite the South Cotabato Environment Code that does not allow open pit mining.

He said ATM is also advocating for candidates to look into and promote the legislative agenda that indigenous peoples from different parts of the country are pushing for.

Garganera added: "Between 10%—12% of the country's population is composed of indigenous communities who are marginalized. As representatives in the lower and upper house of Congress, we believe that the future legislators should bring into their consciousness the need to recognize and uphold the rights of our indigenous brother and sisters, particularly their right to self-determination."

8

The Mindanao Examiner

Mar. 25-31, 2013

Pope Francis

By Fr. Roy Cimagala (Cebu)

Kahit saan sulok sa Zamboanga City, maging ang maliit na tindahang ito ay makikita ang mga stickers ni UNA senatorial candidate JV Ejercito Estrada bilang palatandaan ng malaking suporta sa kanya.Mindanao Examiner Photo – Alvin Lardizabal).

Managtiayon gipasakaan ug kaso pagsupal sa Revised Forestry Code DIPOLOG CITY Malampusong gidakop ug gipasakaan sa kasong “theft” sa mga sakop sa City Environment and Natural Resources ang magti-ayon nga gi-alegar nga mipalit sa kahoy’ng Antipolo nga residente sa barangay Dicayas Relocation Site ning dakbayan sa Dipolog sa milabayng semana ning tuiga.

Nasayran ning buhatan sa impormasyon nga gipasakaan na ug kaso ni OIC-City ENRO Edwin Bation sila si Rosalinda Adrias, 58, ang panuigon ug Cecilio Adrias, 60, ang panuigon gumikan sa pagpalit nila sa kahoy nga gipanag-iyahan sa usa ka Ermie Ogoc nga residente sa barangay Larayan sa dakbayan sa Dapitan.

Matud pa ni Bation nga mikabat sa 70 ka mga pididos sa nasangpit nga kahoy ang nadakpan ubos sa hini-usang operasyon sa Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) ug sa buhatan sa City ENRO diin human sa gihimong operasyon nianang buntag sa Huwebes Marso 7 ug sa pagkahapon usab naningkamot ang magtiayong Adrias nga masulod sa ilang balay ang mga kahoy busa sila ang gipasakaan sa kasong theft ug kasamtangan karong gibalhog sa Dipolog City

Jail.

Nagkanayon si Bation nga ang magti-ayong Adrias ang nakalapas sa Presidential Decree No. 705 nga mao ang “Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines”.

Sa interview usab ngadto ni Rosalinda Adrias didto sa sulod sa selda, matud pa niini nga silang magti-ayon ang wala’y kalibutan nga sila di-ay ang nakalapas na sa balaod kabahin sa kahoy nga ilang gipalit gumikan kay sila ang inosente kaayo may kalabot sa pamala-od sa mga kahoy.

I, of course, was very happy to know we have a new Pope. When I woke up at 4 a.m. last Thursday, there were already 5 text messages on my mobile phone. And they all broke to me the good news. I prayed immediately.

A little later, I scrambled to know more about the new Pope. Like everyone else I was also surprised and gladdened to learn about him and his life. The Cardinal from Argentina, a Jesuit, cannot fail but command love and admiration for the way he is, for what he has done, for what he stands.

Even in his appearance, there is already a palpable air of humility, gentleness and compassion.

His smile and over-all demeanor say it all. Besides, he takes the bus to go to work. He lives in a small apartment instead of the palace reserved for his office. He only has one lung. In short, he avoid perks.

Of course, as the day wore on, and more impressions and reactions came in, especially from opinion-makers, some dismay crept in. In hindsight, I should be prepared to know about these reactions. Different people can obviously express what they like. These views can only show from where these columnists are coming in.

I noted that many of them had to eat crow after badly failing in their predictions. Cardinal Bergoglio was not in many of their radars. Obviously, the Holy Spirit had something else in mind besides their brilliant reasonings. But not content with that, now they are putting a lot of political coloring in the election of the new Pope.

The usual branding poured in—liberal or conservative, pro-this or anti-that, etc. Several spins spun wildly. Will he bring the Church to a new direction, out from the ashes of the sex scandals afflicting many parts of the Church and the mismanagement of the Vatican machinery? And at 76, will he just be a caretaker Pope?

Well, the world will always be the world until the end of time. Its language and logic will often be dominated by passion rather than by reason, and much less by faith. Yet, in spite of all that, the grain of truth and the seed of charity can never be lost completely. And so let’s just be game and

try to sort out things as best as we can.

Patience, therefore, is the name of the game.

In the meantime, let’s remind ourselves some basic, indispensable truths about the Pope and the papacy, and try to craft a plan to educate everyone about how we ought to think about the Pope.

The first thing we have to remember is that everything about the Pope and the papacy is a matter of faith. We cannot take them mainly, and much less fully, from an earthly, temporal point of view, be it historical, cultural, political, sociological, ideological, etc. Our attitude should be theological, more than anything else.

Not that all the other considerations have nothing to say and contribute. But we need to understand that the directing force of faith should take precedence. Absent this, then the whole exercise will have no other end but doom. We would be missing the whole point about the Pope and the papacy.

This is not going to be easy to take, I know, especially by those who are very opinionated about anything that has significance in the national or the world stage. Faith is like asking them to deny themselves, which is a central part of Christ’s teachings that they cannot understand.

We have to understand that the Pope, whoever he may be as long as he is elected properly, is the Vicar of Christ here on earth. St. Catherine would call him the “sweet Christ on earth.”

As our Catechism teaches us, “The Pope, Bishop of Rome and Peter’s successor, ‘is the perpetual and visible source and foundation of the unity both of the bishops and of the whole company of the faithful.’” (882) He has full, surprise and universal power over the whole Church.

That description alone should make us realize that we all need to follow the Pope, to be close and united to him in mind and heart, in his teachings and directives, irrespective of who he is.

There is a Latin expression which I think summarizes the proper attitude we ought to have toward the Pope. “Omnes cum Petro ad Iesum per Mariam” (all with Peter to Jesus through Mary).

This is how we ought to welcome Pope Francis! (roycimagala@gmail.com)

Mar. 25-31, 2013

9

The Mindanao Examiner

POP ART II: Piece of peace art shop and concept design contest - a pieceful success!

By Nash Usman Abduhadi (Sulu)

Pop Art session in Sulu province. (Nash Usman Abduhadi)

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“Art is a process, it is not merely a product; art involves time, it is experiential; art can communicate, a reason for art is to symbolize for a real idea or object, including PEACE”- A.G. Saño The aforesaid statements were proven true during the successful conduct of POP ART 2: Piece of Peace Artshop and Concept Design Contest held at Mount Bayog, Talipao, Sulu on March 11, 2013 by the strengthened partnership of Kusug Batah Sug (a pool of young volunteers advocating for peace in Sulu), Marine Battalion Landing Team 2, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Black Pencil Foundation, Talipao Municipal Government, Community Relations Training, Mount Bayog Eco-cultural Park, to name a few. On the earlier part, Armando Guerrero “A.G” Saño rendered an artshop lessons to the participants emphasizing the importance of art in our daily lives, the history of POP ART, images of peace arts and demonstrating the basics on drawing lessons.

A tour at the Mount Bayog was made for the participants to see the views and sights of the place for them to internalize the concept design that they shall be drawing such as: amphitheatre, sundial, fence walls, arch entrance, and waiting sheds. The contest proper began noontime as the Superstar band of MBLT2 serenaded them with peace songs that serve as inspiration for the artists.

In the afternoon, the awarding of the Photograpeace (Photos of Peace) which was held last January 15, 2013 at Notre Dame of Jolo College and Jolo Area Coordinating Center was made followed by the induction of new Kusug Batah Sug members. Hon. Hadja Sitti Raya Tulawie (Mayor of Talipao, Sulu) expressed her heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the organizers and participants who conducted POP ART 2 in Talipao, Sulu as a means of bridging the gap between the local government and its constituents and also promoting peace through creative means.

The P Prrocess Youth are the future leaders and professionals of the nation. However, due to lack of an avenue and opportunities for discovering prolific, functional and causal to addressing peace efforts, youth has become maimed and others were tempted to engage in some unlawful activities.. A thorough understanding of novel aspect for these vulnerable sectors of the society would surface only if they would be given the chance to participate and get involved in the quest for an ever-elusive peace especially in Sulu. Correcting the paths of these future leaders toward a common vision through creatively advocating their voices becomes an ultimate challenge to all the Tausug youths.

POP ART 2 is a sequel of the June 11, 2012’s Piece of Peace Art held in Jolo Area Coordinating Center with three categories: Photograpeace (Photos of Peace),

Masterpeace (Poetries of Peace), Magnum O’ Peace (Artworks for Peace).

The POP ART was conceptualized by the Kusug Batah Sug, Armed Forces of the Philippines and Community Relations Training (CRT) as part of expressing youth voices and hopes of attaining peace through creative artworks. Peace illusions are best conveyed through depictions of reality and imagination. A gallery on how youth can show another facet of peace. This is peace as seen from the eyes of the youth. Experiences as expressed in their belief that peace is attainable.

On the conduct of POP ART 2, the contestants were screened through submission of sample drawings on how they depict peace and promote Sulu tourism as part of the objectives. The said contest aims at: homegrown concept designs of facilities for Mount Bayog Eco-cultural park, Tausug youth talent development, promote Tausug culture, encourage creative thinking and appreciation, and promote local tourism.

Time Timing is everything, as the saying goes and POP ART 2 paved the way for Tausugs “first timers” to have a glimpse of Sulu by visiting Mount Bayog Eco-Cultural Park. Ironic, as it may sound since most of the participants came from the 19 municipalities of Sulu but most haven’t get the chance to see the said park that is their own. It was also the first time for the participants to take a ride on a military vehicle and feel the essence of establishing genuine relations with the security sectors. It was also the very first time for the spectators, contestants and observers to be able to join an art workshop and concept design contest rolled into one.

Exper iential E xper ience xperiential Exper xperience Most of the POP ART 2 participants, organizers, and observers experience a once in a lifetime shared “boodle fight” (a traditional buffet of the security sectors) which served as their lunch during the said activity. The true essence of sharing, brotherhood, unity and harmony were felt amidst the scorching heat of the sun.

The unexpected weather during the day didn’t hamper the conduct of the said contest. An experience of “NO AGE LIMIT” participants was also seen as a youth from 11 year old to a teacher of 52 years old participated.

An ongoing most liked artwork is to be posted in facebook.com so that the world could see the master-peaces of these peace advocators.

Ar EA CE Artt can communicate P PEA EACE Peace is the work of many and this was shown during the activity as a total of almost 200 participants coming from different municipalities, schools, organizations, and other stakeholders drew together their Piece of Peace as embedded in their Magnum Opuses.

Indeed, as A.G Sano once said: art can be a vehicle to advance causes, ideas or philosophies, by turning advocacies and visuals.

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Mar. 25-31, 2013

DID BR UNEI REALL Y cede N or th B or neo to the scent) of the Rajas of torially diminished by island BRUNEI REALLY Nor orth Bor orneo from Pulau S ultanate of S ulu for helping it quell a rrebellion ebellion Br uni', wrote that "by the cession to the Sultan Keingaran and from the Sulu many centur ies ago? IIn n a new twist to the long de- the assistance of a force of Sulu in the north." centuries sea, did not do so. They bate on who rreally eally o wns S abah, no w succeeding from the Sultan of owns Sabah, now CA Majul in his book were terrified by the reS ultans of B e denied that nor ther n Soolok, the forts on the Muslims in the Philip- sistance of Sultan Abdul Brr unei hav have B or neo was giv en to S ulu, and only the w eight of island (Pulau Cermin) pines (1973) referred to a Mubin's forces in Pulau orneo given Sulu, weight S ulu tr adition suppor ts the claim. The w eight of were captured." tradition supports weight letter from Sultan Cermin. It was only after Br unei tr adition challenges it.

Earlier, Sir Hugh Low Jamalul Azam of Sulu to Sultan Muhydin had tradition According to a published article in the Brunei Times, the 1968 Programme Book for the Coronation of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Muizzaddin Waddaulah as the 29th Sultan and Yang DiPer tuan of Br unei Darussalam, had two interesting documents inserted inside. The documents were reproduction of two treaties taken from microfilm kept at the Public Record Office in London.

The first treaty was signed by Brunei's 24th Sultan, Sultan Abdul Momin, who appointed Baron de Overbeck as the Maharaja of Sabah, and Rajah of Gaya and Sandakan, on December 29, 1877.

The second treaty was signed by Sultan Jamalalulazam of Sulu appointing Baron de Overbeck as Dato Bendahara and Raja Sandakan on January 22, 1878, about three weeks after the first treaty was The first treaty (left) was signed by Brunei's 24th Sultan, Sultan Abdul Momin, appointing Baron de Overbeck as the Maharaja signed.

Sabah, Rajah Gaya and Sandakan signed on 29th December 1877. And the second treaty (right) was signed by Sultan So the question now Jamalalulazam of Sulu appointing Baron de Overbeck as Dato Bendahara and Raja Sandakan on January 22, 1878, about is who was responsible three weeks after the first treaty was signed. (Photos courtesy of Rozan Yunos) for Sabah or North Borneo as it was known the latter tried to stop described the negotia- the Governor General of won the battle did the then towards the end of Sultan Abdul Mubin from tion between Sulu and Spain on September 17, Sulu forces landed and the 19th century? That taking his revenge for the Brunei: "The Bataraa of 1879 that the coast area took the opportunity to probably has a bearing death of his son killed by Soolok went up to Bruni from K imanis to seize a number of war on the event now unfold- the son of Sultan and met the Sultan Balikpapan was to pay booties. ing in Lahad Datu in Muhammad Ali. Sultan Muaddin and having tr ibute to the Sultan According to Pehin Sabah, where a group of Abdul Mubin appointed feasted and drank, the which he said proved Jamil, Sultan Muhydin armed men supposedly Sultan Muhydin as Sultan asked the Batara that the Brunei territory refused to cede the terrifrom the Sultanate of Bendahara, but eventu- for his assistance to de- facing Suluk was ceded tories claimed by Sulu.

Sulu and North Borneo, is ally Sultan Muhydin stroy the enemies at the to Suluk.

Pehin Jamil noted that claiming that they are the tricked Sultan Abdul island, promising that if I n t e r e s t i n g l y the area was only rightful owners of Sabah. Mubin into leaving the island should be enough, Pehin Jamil "claimed" and not The Brunei Times re- Brunei for Pulau Cermin conquered, the land Umar writing in his "ceded," as Sir Stamford ported that many of the and appointed himself as from the North as far as book, “Tarsilah Brunei II: Raffles, in his book "Hisearly modern accounts of the new Sultan of Brunei. westward as K imani, Period of Splendour and tory of Java" (1830) had written history in Brunei belong to Fame (2007),” countered noted - "on the northThe two Sultans should noted that Sulu was given fought against each Soolook." all of the above. Pehin east of Borneo proper possession of Sabah or other and Sultan According to Brunei Jamil did not deny the (Brunei) lies a very conparts of Sabah for help Muhyidin finally tr i- Times, HR Hughes- fact that the Sulus were siderable territor y rendered to Sultan umphed, said to be due Hallett wr iting in the invited and promised the (Sabah), the sovereignty Muhydin, the 14th Sultan to the assistance pro- Journal of the Malayan northern Brunei terri- of which has long been of Brunei, who fought a vided by the Sulu Sultan- Branch of the Royal Asi- tory by Sultan Muhydin claimed by Sulu Governcivil war against the 13th ate. Sir Hugh Low, writ- atic Society published in if they helped him win ment," the report said.

Sultan of Brunei, Sultan ing in the Journal of the August 1940 entitled A the civil war against SulIt said Pehin Jamil Abdul Mubin.

Straits Branch of the Sketch of the History of tan Abdul Mubin. How- further noted that acIt said Sultan Abdul Royal Asiatic Society Brunei wrote: "By the be- ever, during the battle cording to the oral tradiMubin usurped the ( JSBRAS) published on ginning of the 18th cen- for Pulau Cermin, the tion, Sulu continued to throne after killing Sul- June 5, 1880 entitled tur y, the kingdom Sulu forces who we re press their claim. In tan Muhammad Ali when 'Selesilah (Book of De- (Brunei) had been terri- supposed to attack the 1775, one of their chiefs

came to Brunei pretending to seek fresh water, but what they really wanted was to seek an audience with the Sultan regarding Sabah. However, the Sultan ordered one of the chief wazirs to see them and he threatened that if they wanted to pursue their intention, he will kill them all.

The Sulus immediately left. Despite that setback, the Sulus continue to maintain their claims.

Br unei Times said the argument that Br unei has not ceded Sabah to Sulu is supported by LR Wright in her book “The Origins of British Borneo (1970).”

She wrote: "Indeed, the legitimacy of the Sulu claim to the terr itor y (North Borneo) is in considerable doubt partly because of the unreliability of tarsilas such as 'Selesilah', which in many cases are nothing more than written-down legends to enhance the status of the royal house which produced them.

The Sulu claim is currently resting on that treaty, but in 1877, the Brunei Sultanate, then still believed and maintained that the territory was in fact still under its control.

Another interesting document is the British North Borneo Treaties Protocol of 1885 signed in Madrid, which is also known as the “Madrid Protocol of 1885,” a copy of which can be found on Sabah State Attor ney General's website. It was signed by the Br itish, G er many and Spain which was the predecessor government of the Philippines. The two most important articles are Article I - British and G e r many recognising the sovereignty of Spain over the Sulu Archipelago - and Article III Spain relinquishing all claims to Borneo.

Br unei Times said the report serves only to point out that past events have repercussions on the present and more so if the past events were not clearly defined as in this particular case.

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