Aquino rejects appeals to apologize to Hong Kong; likens China's rulers to Hitler PAGE 4
Police arrest 2 men linked to human trafficking cases PAGE 3
Tzu Chi begins classroom project in Zambo City PAGE 5
Church grenade thrower identified
Peace in Mindanao tops Aquino priority
PAGE 7
PNoy wants drafting of Bangsamoro Basic Law soon
PAGE 8
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3 ARMM GOVERNORS UNITE TO HELP IN ZAMBO REHAB EFFORTS
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hr ee M uslim hree Muslim ovinces hav e pro have pr banded to suppor v er nportt go gov ernment ehabilitation and ment rrehabilitation humanitar ian effor ts in humanitarian efforts Z amboanga City in souther n P hilippines southern Philippines wher e thousands of war where refugees ar e still suffer ing are suffering in ev acuation ar eas evacuation areas wher e do zens of people where doz had died fr om vvar ar ious from arious diseases diseases.. A second regional leaders’ summit held recently in Zamboanga City have put together the efforts of the provinces of Basilan, Sulu and TawiTawi; and various civil society groups and Muslim organizations and religious leaders to help and assist the refugees. The provinces are all part of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Sulu Vice Governor Sakur Tan was unanimously chosen as lead convener of the humanitarian group which included Governors Jum Akbar, of Basilan, and Nurbert Sahali, of TawiTawi through his father, former governor Sadikul Sahali, who are actively helping the refugees here. The summit was also attended by local government officials led by Council woman Myra Abubakar, who represented Zamboanga Mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar; and Engineer Rodrigo Sicat, of the Zamboanga City Planning and Development Coordinator, among others. It discussed among others the so-called Zamboanga City Roadmap to Recovery and Reconstruction and efforts of the local government in helping refugees cope up with their lives. They were displaced by three weeks of street battles between security forces and hundreds
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The humanitarian group composed of provincial officials of Basila, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi with Zamboanga City officials. of Moro National Liberation Front rebels who occupied villages in a failed rebellion in September last year. The clashes left more than 400 people dead and wounded and forced over 120,000 people to flee their homes. The war left many villages in ruins. Those displaced by the fighting have been herded to a sports complex here, but the poor sanitation in the evacuation site makes it uninhabitable for many, and is also threatening the health of elderly, the women and the children. A technical working group has been organized and headed by Abubakar and Father Albert Alejo, of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University, to further draw up future projects and plans to assist the displaced civilians, many of them are still in dirty evacuation centers
and public schools used as temporary shelters. Tan, a respected politician and philanthropist, said they wanted to help as many refugees as possible to complement local and national government interventions. Common purpose Last December, Tan, along with his son, Governor Totoh Tan, also led the first regional leader’s summit which was supported by lawmakers Maryam Arbison, of Sulu, and Ruby Sahali, of Tawi-Tawi and their mayors. The elder Tan said they are ready to help the refugees in Zamboanga and would coordinate closely with the local government and various agencies to ensure the welfare of the refugees. Tan was among the first to respond to post-crisis emergency and donated in several
Southern Mindanao
Davao
occasions millions of pesos in cash and relief aid collected in Sulu for the victims of the war in Zamboanga. Sahali and Akbar also donated and pledged more aid to help Zamboanga deal with the problems brought about by the displacement of thousands of people who are still in refugee shelters. The previous summit was also attended by over 200 leaders of various Muslims and Christian groups in Zamboanga City. The conveners of the meeting dubbed “Confidence building, Reconstruction and Healing: What Muslim and Christian Leaders Can Do Together,” were the Darul Ifta, the City Government of Zamboanga and the Archdiocese of Zamboanga. Tan said: “We are here to help our refugees and we shall continue helping them in coordination with the
Manila
Zamboanga City government headed by Mayor Beng (Maria Isabelle) Climaco (Salazar), and of course the various groups which share our humanitarian advocacy. We have seen how much suffering the people in the Visayas have gone through as the result of typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), but the whole world is providing that much attention, so I would rather that we do not turn our backs to our people here in Zamboanga and we are very appreciative of the efforts of the people of Zamboanga headed by no less than Mayor Beng Climaco (Salazar).” “Pinagusapan namin ito kung paano kami makatulong dito sa Zamboanga City at nakikita namin ang kahirapan and we feel that it is also our obligation kasi unang-una our people come to Zamboanga
for their medical requirements, our people come to Zamboanga for education, our people come to Zamboanga for their livelihood kaya tingin namin kailangan namin tulungan ang Zamboanga, alagaan ang Zamboanga at hindi natin puwedeng pabayaan ang Zamboanga,” he said. The Darul Ifta of Zamboanga, a grouping composed of Muslim leaders, also vowed to support the efforts in protecting the welfare and well-being of the refugees. Praises Salazar praised the humanitarian efforts of Basilan, Sulu and TawiTawi and thanked the three governors and all those who helped Zamboanga and the refugees, many of them Tausug from Sulu ; Yakan, from Basilan; and indigenous Badjao tribe from Tawi-Tawi province engaged in fishing and other traditional livelihoods – but they were also being relocated to the far villages of Tulungatung and Taluksangay from their original habitat in the coastal villages of Rio Hondo and Mariki and other areas. The Zamboanga government said it has built bunkhouses as temporary shelters to those affected by the violence, but it also warned that villagers who are not natives of Zamboanga would not be allowed to return to their former abode, unless they can provide certificates to show they are landowners. Salazar urged the refugees to transfer to bunkhouses built by the government as they work for the completion of the rehabilitation plan. President Benigno Aquino has ordered the release of nearly P4 billion in funds to rebuild Zamboanga. (Mindanao Examiner)
Zamboanga Peninsula
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Sulu provincial humanitarian group headed by Governor Totoh Tan. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)
Feb. 10-16, 2014
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Police arrest 2 men linked to human trafficking cases PAGADIAN CITY – Police rescued a woman and arrested two alleged human traffickers, one of them a hotel owner implicated in several killings in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines. Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca, a regional police spokesman, identified those arrested as Sattar Ibno and Arraji Kammang, reported owner of Salwa Hotel in Zamboanga City. The duo was arrested in the village of Mercedes where police rescued the woman – a resident of Malabon City in Luzon Island - who has been recruited by the duo. He said police are still searching for other victims who were reportedly being held in one of the islandvillages in Zamboanga. Huesca said Kammang, alias Hadji Alex, had previously used his ferry, ML Weldelyn, to
allegedly transport their recruited victims from Zamboanga to Sabah in Malaysia. He said the duo has been under long surveillance until their arrest. “They were arrested after a month-long and tedious intelligence surveillance being conducted by the task force, thus, an entrapment was conducted which resulted to their arrest,” Huesca said, referring to the Sea-Based AntiTrafficking Task Force composed of the police and military. “The duo is known as notorious human traffickers operating in Zamboanga Peninsula with its based in an undisclosed place in Zamboanga City. Several have become victims of their recruitment. They lured young lasses from the nearby provinces and recruited them with promised of good jobs and of-
fered high salary in Sabah, Malaysia.” “However, while in Sabah, Malaysia, instead of working in decent jobs, they landed on the jobs which were against their will and even exploited them into prostitutions. Worst, the victims cannot file complaint with the authorities since they were undocumented workers,” Huesca said in a report sent out to journalists. He said further police investigation also led to the alleged involvement of Kammang in at least 6 cases of murders and attempted murders which eventually was dismissed by a local court on the basis of an affidavit which claimed that the hotel owner was already dead. “Further investigation conducted has unmasked his involvement in killing incidents, wherein, warrants of arrest for six counts
Figaro coffee business opportuniy in Zambo, Davao ZAMBOANGA CITY Following its successful opening of local and international stores, Figaro - the leading Filipino coffee company plans to complete its 100 stores before the end of 2014 - eyeing Zamboanga and Davao Provinces as one of its provincial franchise location for this year. Zamboanga and Davao Provinces is the perfect location of Figaro’s next branch. Zamboanga and Davao Provinces locals will soon enjoy Figaro’s wide array of beverage and food products from specialty and traditional European coffee, ice blended concoctions to delectable pastries, gourmet sandwiches, pasta, personal sized pizza and salad greens for the health buffs. Figaro’s European store concept and design will soon be built in Zamboanga and Davao Provinces. Figaro will let Zamboanga and Davao Provinces experience the European coffee shop ambiance with a very relaxed atmosphere conducive to short business meetings, social gatherings or simply having your lunch, dinner and night cap. Figaro now plans to offer a semi-fine dining style of service, introducing Filipinos’ love for coffee from the crop to the cup. Its excellent customer service will leave a long lasting impression to its clients and this will complete the wonderful coffee experience that the customers will encounter in a Figaro coffee shop. It is Figaro’s vision to share the passion and love of the Filipino coffee worldwide in its continued global expansion tapping also the Philippines’ locally produced coffee beans to better serve its customers. Sharing the passion to love coffee from the crop to the cup, Figaro had estab-
Photos released by the police to the Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper show suspects Arraji Kammang and Sattar Ibno during processing at the office of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Zamboanga City. of murder and attempted murder were issued against him. However, these cases were dismissed after an unidentified person executed an affidavit and stated therein that Hadji Alex was already dead,” Huesca said. “Likewise, subject was the prime suspect on a shooting incident in Barangay Tetuan, Zamboanga City, which resulted to the death of Hadji Pambit Omar sometime in the latter part of 2013, and the wounding of a woman, who was hit by a stray bul-
let from the firearm of the suspect,” he added. Huesca said the duo has been handed over to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Zamboanga City while charges are being prepared against them. “The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group is conducting a thorough investigation on the involvement Hadji Alex in the killing incidents and taking cognizance regarding the dismissed cases filed against him due to the affidavit
being executed by an unscrupulous individual and attested that he was already dead. Should the affiant turned out to be a hoax, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group will revive the dismissed cases and will make representation with the concerned court to quash the first decision relative hereto,” Huesca said. There was no immediate statement from either Kammang or Ibno over the police accusations. (Mindanao Examiner)
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lished the coffee passion in the Philippines and in other parts of the world to redefine coffee experience. A necessity for people on the go, coffee had grown more than just a breakfast beverage as Figaro continues to share the heritage of coffee making industry in different parts of the globe. Figaro currently has 81 branches including outlets in China, Saudi Arabia, Papua New Guinea and Malaysia. Recently, the Figaro Management signed a Master Franchise Deal for United Arab Emirates making it the 6th international destination for Figaro. Omniscient of the coffee culture, Figaro is the best choice for franchise as they continue to provide continuous comprehensive training and marketing support to all its franchisees. Get a Full Store, Kiosk or a Cart Type to start your dream of an ideal coffee business. Total investment includes franchise fee, site assessment, store design, store construction, equipment, and a comprehensive training for the initial store team. An outstanding comprehensive marketing support entailed at your franchise is guaranteed at Figaro. It is always time for a cup of coffee and we can now start to enjoy. For franchise inquir-
ies, you may visit www.figarocoffee.com or call (63) 917 523 7864 and (632) 632 1526 for more details.
SUGATAN ang isang 4anyos na bata matapos itong tamaan ng bala na dapat sana ay sa kanyang ama na target ng isang hinihinalang hired killer sa bayan ng Kumalarang sa lalawigan ng Zamboanga del Sur. Sinabi ng pulisya na binaril ng di-kilalang lalaki si Feleciano Nemaria, Sr. sa palangke ng naturang
bayan ngunit nahagip naman ang anak nito. Mabilis na tumakas ang salarin ng makitang duguan ang bata. Naisugod sa Kumalarang Health Unit ang paslit upang mabigyan ng first aid at agad rin itong inilipat sa Pagadian City Medical Center, ngunit hindi pa mabatid ang kondisyon ng bata, ayon sa
pulisya. Nabawi rin ng pulisya ang isang basyo ng bala mula sa .45-caliber pistol sa palengke na kung saan ay may puwesto sa meat section ang pamilyang Nemaria. Hindi pa mabatid ang motibo p dahilan kung bakit nais patayin ng salarin ang ama ng bata. (Mindanao Examiner)
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Aquino rejects appeals to apologize to Hong Kong; likens China's rulers to Hitler MANIL A-P hilippine leader B enigno A quino has rreeMANILA Philippine Benigno Aquino jected anew fr esh appeals fr om F ilipino lawmakers and fresh from Filipino var ious gr oups to apologiz e to H ong K ong o ver the arious groups apologize Hong Kong ov death of 8 tour ists in a hostage cr isis in M anila in 2010. crisis Manila tourists Filipino lawmakers 2010 crisis where a dishave been pushing for missed policeman took a Aquino to apologize and so busload of tourists hostage is former President and to demand his reinstatenow Manila Mayor Joseph ment. The policeman and Estrada in an effort to spare Filipino workers from more eight of the tourists were sanctions from the Hong killed in a failed police rescue operation. Kong government. Hong Kong, a former Aquino, in an interview published by the New York British colony, is under Times, said he had no plans China's rule and in the to apologize, adding that same in the same interview, this could create a legal li- Aquino has warned China's ability. He was also quoted efforts to claim disputed as saying that China had territories near the Philipnot paid compensation to pines are like Nazi the families of Filipinos Germany's before World who died in episodes on the War II, drawing a fierce Chinese response branding mainland. The latest sanctions by him ignorant and amateurHong Kong against Manila ish. In an article filed by took effect – a visa requirement on holders of red and Agence France Presse, blue official passports. The Aquino called for world move is expected to affect leaders not to make the only Philippine govern- mistake of appeasing ment officials and not hold- Beijing as it seeks to cement control over contested waers of regular passports. Hong Kong’s de- ters and islands in the stramanded for an apology tegically vital South China stemmed from the August Sea.
"At what point do you say: 'Enough is enough'? Well, the world has to say it -— remember that the Sudetenland was given in an attempt to appease Hitler to prevent World War II," Aquino told the New York Times. Aquino was referring to the failure by Western nations to back Czechoslovakia when Adolf Hitler-led Nazi Germany occupied western parts of the European nation in 1938 ahead of World War II. His comments come less than two weeks after Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe raised the temperature in a parallel territorial dispute with China by
Man who shielded brother from arrest shot in Zambo Sur PAGADIAN CITY – Policemen shot and wounded a brother of man wanted for robbery and homicide after he attacked them while trying to arrest his sibling in Midsalip town in
Zamboanga del Sur province in southern Philippines. Policemen shot Jerry Langilan, 29, who opened fire on lawmen that were pursuing his younger
The Mindanao Examiner Media, Film and Television Productions Maritess Fernandez Publisher/Executive Producer (On Leave) Al Jacinto Editor-in-Chief/Producer (OIC) Ahmed Baldomero Joanna Valerie Wee Graphics/Video Editor Mindanao Examiner Productions Web Master REGIONAL PARTNERS Mindanao Daily Business Week Mindanao Star NEWS/ADVERTISING OFFICES Mark Navales Central Mindanao Richard Suarez Pagadian City Zamboanga del Sur
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CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Richard Falcatan Basilan Province Ely Dumaboc Zamboanga Peninsula The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper is published weekly in Mindanao, Philippines. The Mindanao Examiner Television is broadcast in KISMET Cable TV and Pagadian Cable Television Channel 63. Our business and editorial offices are located at Units 15, 3rd Floor, Fair Land Bldg., Nuñez St., Zamboanga City Phone & fax: 062- 9925480 Mobile: 0917-7103642 URL: mindanaoexaminer.com E-mail: mindanaoexaminer@gmail.com
brother, Romnick, on the rice paddy. Langilan was shot twice and rushed to hospital and police recovered a homemade gun and a bolo from the wounded man. His brother escaped arrest and is being hunted now by the police. Police said the younger Langilan has a warrant for his arrest in the province. Police are also preparing criminal charges against his brother. (Mindanao Examiner)
appearing to compare Sino-Japanese relations with the run-up to World War I. Japan and China are at loggerheads over the sovereignty of disputed islands in the East China Sea, raising fears about a military confrontation between Asia's two biggest economies. China also claims nearly all of the South China Sea, one of the world's most important waterways as it is home to vital shipping lanes and is believed to sit atop lucrative deposits of natural resources. But the Philippines, as well as Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and the Taiwan, have overlapping claims to some of the waters, and those disputes have for decades
made the South China Sea another potential trigger for military conflict. The group called United Filipinos in Hong Kong expressed concern over the diplomatic row between the former British colony and the Philippines, saying it could escalate and affect Filipino workers there. “It is unfortunate that the Philippine government has allowed this issue to drag on, escalate and lead to sanctions that can eventually extend to the Filipino people and impact especially the Filipinos in Hong Kong. President Aquino must urgently and decisively act on the matter before it gets even worse.” “Since it happened, the Filipino migrants and people have expressed sympathy to the victims and their families. We understand the anger of the survivors and the family of the victims over the bungled rescue operation, the perceived insensitivity of Aquino during the hostage crisis, and the disappointing pace of investigation and prosecution. We still sympathise and are one with them in their call for justice,” Eman Villanueva,
the group's Secretary-General, said in a statement sent to the Mindanao Examiner. (With AFP and state media reports)
Gunmen shoot woman in Zambo ZAMBOANGA CITY – Masked gunmen barged in a house in Zamboanga City and shot and wounded a woman before fleeing after the victims husband engaged the assailants in a brief firefight, police said. Police said the woman, Betty Tayco, 22, was in the kitchen when the gunmen barged in the house in the village of Salaan and shot her in the leg. Her husband, Percival, managed to get his gun and clashed with the attackers. The couple then sought ran for cover and sought help from the woman’s family nearby. The woman was rushed to hospital, but the motive of the attack is still unknown. Police said it is investigating the attack to determine the identities of the assailants.
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Photos provided by the Tzu Chi Foundation to the Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper show volunteers working on pre-fabricated classrooms in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines.
Tzu Chi begins classroom project in Zambo City Z AMBO ANGA CIT Y – The Taiwan B uddhist Tzu Chi AMBOANGA CITY Buddhist Foundation is building do zens of semi-per manent doz semi-permanent classr ooms in Z amboanga City in souther n P hilipclassrooms Zamboanga southern Philippines in an effor ess the shor tage of effortt to help addr address shortage rooms in public schools w being used as temposchools,, no now rar y shelters b y villagers displaced b y war betw een ary by by between rebels and secur ity for ces late last yyear ear security forces ear.. The fighting in Sep- tion led by Dr Anton Lim tember – triggered by at- initially handed - in a certacks of Moro National emonial turn over - six Liberation Front separat- classrooms – built in ist rebels - left more than Talon-Talon National 400 people dead and High School – to Mayor wounded and forced over Maria Isabelle Salazar, 120,000 people to flee who praised those behind their homes. The street the humanitarian project. battles last more three “We are building at weeks and left many vil- least 80 semi-permanent classrooms for public lages in ruins. At least 80 pre-fabri- school students in cated rooms made from Zamboanga and this is aluminium and polypro- part of the world-wide pylene are being built or projects of Tzu Chi Foununder construction in dation. We are helping the schools in the villages of students by building Talon-Talon, Tulunga- these classrooms which tung, Taluksangay, Ayala will last for many years in an effort also to deconand Sangali. The Tzu Chi Founda- gest public schools,” Lim
Tzu Chi volunteers headed by Dr Anton Lim are building classrooms in Zamboanga City. told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner. Lim said each prefabricated room costs around $7200 (P326,952)
and this does not include the platform which is about $700 (P32,000). The classroom can hold up to 75 students and is de-
signed with adequate ventilation and soundproof walls. He said Tzu Chi volunteers are helping build the rooms in Zamboanga City. “Tzu Chi volunteers are working on this project in Zamboanga and we are thankful for each and everyone who are working hard for this project,” Lim said. Materials used in the rooms came all the way from Taiwan and were all manufactured by Tzu Chi volunteers. Lim said the Tzu Chi Foundation, founded in 1966 by Dharma Master Cheng Yen, is also eyeing in building at least 1,000 housing units for war victims in Zamboanga many of them are still in temporary shelters and evacuations sites. “We are scouting for
areas where we can build initially about 200 houses, but we are looking at 1,000 units along the way, to help provide shelters to families displaced by the fighting last year,” he said. Just recently, Tzu Chi Foundation also erected dozens of similar classrooms in Leyte province in central Philippines which was ravaged by typhoon Haiyan last year. The project in Leyte is part of the rehabilitation efforts by the Buddhist group which also launched there its cashfor-work and clean-up program, including medical and humanitarian missions. Among Tzu Chi missions include charity, education, humanity, medicine and environmental protection. (Mindanao Examiner)
Man gunned down in Zambo town Pagadian City violence kills 2 PAGADIAN CITY – Police said a 43-year old man was shot and killed by two armed assailants on a motorcycle who tailed him in the town of
Mahayag in the southern Philippine province of Zamboanga del Sur. Police identified the fatality as Leozar Quinto, a resident of Molave
For all your publications and advertisements in Pagadian City and Zamboanga del Sur, please call Richard Suarez 062-2142706 and 0910-7348600
town, also in Zamboanga del Sur. Quinto was traveling on a motorcycle when gunmen attacked him in the village of Kaangayan. Quinto was heading home from Dumingag town when the killing occurred. Police said the victim was shot several times in the head and did not reach the hospital alive. The motive of the attack is unknown, police said. (Mindanao Examiner)
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TWO PEOPLE were killed and two others wounded in separate gun attacks in the souther n Philippine city of Pagadian, police said. Police said two unidentified gunmen shot and killed a former village chieftain Lowell Lalican, 48, and his companion Carlito Catadman, 42, inside a house in the village of Marang in Lison Valley. The attack also wounded a 15-year old student, who was shot in the arm, leg and
body and had to be rushed to hospital. The gunmen escaped after the shooting, police said, adding it is investigating the twin murder. Police said a 33-year old man, Ar win Ugbamin, was also seriously wounded after being shot several times in a broad daylight attack in downtown Pagadian. Ugbamin was shot in the head and body at Agora Market in downtown Santa Lucia area where witnesses claimed that two men on a motorcycle arrived in front of
the market and called the victim, who was then sitting outside, and shot him as he approached the duo. The two men fled after the shooting and emergency medical workers rushed the victim to the hospital. Police said Ugbamin probably knew his attacker. An investigation has been launched to determine the identities of the assailants and the motive of the attack. (Mindanao Examiner)
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NPA rebels abduct auto mechanic in Compostela Valley DAVAO CITY – Communist rebels abducted a man whose wife they had previously seized filed criminal charges against them in the southern Philippines, the military said. Officials said Jerry Mataas, an automotive mechanic working for Santa Maria Bus Company in Compostela Valley province, was taken by New People’s Army rebels from his house in the village of Teresa in Maco town. The victim’s wife, Janice, was abducted by rebels on December 27 and rescued a month later by troops from the 71st Infantry Battalion in Maco town. The woman filed charges against the NPA just recently, according to the military. “The abduction of Mr. Mataas is believed to be an act of threat and intimidation of the NPAs to terrorize the Mataas family and the rest of the community after the wife has filed charges of Serious Illegal Detentionon January 29, 2014 against the New People’s Army,” it said in a statement sent to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
The military also said that the town’s vice mayor Voltaire Rimando has appealed to the rebels to free the woman and to put a stop to the kidnapping of innocent civilians. “The local government of Maco would like to appeal to these NPAs to stop kidnapping innocent civilians and release their kidnap victims immediately. Based from the information we have received, they belong to the indigenous people of the community. The New People’s Army must respect and spare these civilians who want to live peacefully,” the same statement quoted the politician as saying. “Prior to these recent untoward incidents, Barangay Teresa and Masara are known to be one of the peaceful Barangays of Maco. If ever there will be a continuous threat and armed conflict in that area, the economy will be greatly affected especially that 70% of the local income of our municipality is coming from APEX Mining Company. It makes the operation of APEX Mining Company as the heart of our town. Therefore, we
have to make the place peaceful and safe without any threat and intimidations from the New People’s Army,” it further said. Colonel Angelito de Leon, commander of the 1001st Infantry Brigade, has condemned the woman’s abduction and accused the rebel group of human rights violation. “I strongly condemn the NPAs’ abduction of the Mataas couple which is a gross violation of their Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law. “I am also appealing to the members of the populace to continue to unite and stand up against the NPA who continue to cause disorder in far flung communities,” De Leon said in the statement, adding they will file a complaint with the Commission on Human Rights. He said troops were deployed to track down the rebels and rescue the hostage. The NPA has been fighting for decades now for the establishment of a separate Maoist state in the country. (Mindanao Examiner)
Police release a composite image of a suspect in the grenade attack on San Labrador Church in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner Photo - E. Dumabo)
Aquino government supports Church grenade thrower identified proposed amendment on FOI Bill MANILA - The Aquino administration said it is open to proposals that the Freedom of Information Bill currently undergoing deliberations in Congress will include an amendment that would require government officials to disclose all their earnings in order to know how much an official earns, a government spokesman said. This, after Senator
Miriam Santiago proposed an amendment to the FOI Bill that will require all government officials to disclose all sources of income. Secretary Herminio Coloma said the government will wait for the decision of lawmakers on this proposal and will abide by it. "Hihintayin naming ang pagpapasya ng Senate Committee on Public In-
formation at ng counterpart committee sa House. Hihintayin namin yung bubuuin na batas dahil ang pagpapanukala ng batas ay pangunahing tungkulin ng mga mambabatas," Coloma said. "Nananatili ang ating pananaw ng pagbibigay ng sapat na oras sa ating mambabatas para itaguyod yung mga aspeto ng batas," he added.
POLICE have released a composite picture of one of two motorcycle men who tossed a grenade in a Catholic church in Zamboanga City. Police chief Angelito Casimiro said a police team has been deployed to track down the attacker. Five people were injured in the attack on San Isidro Labrador Church. The motive of the attack, which occurred in the vil-
lage of Talon-Talon, is still unknown. The grenad exploded at the door step of the old church. The attackers fled after the explosion. No individual or group claimed responsibility for the attack and police have launched an investigation into the explosion. The victims, who are all residents of the area, were rushed to hospital. Just recently, the house of a village chieftain Mohammad Nur Attang in Zamboanga City was also bombed by men riding tandem on a motorcycle in the neighboring village of Mampang, injuring three people. Police said the Abu Sayyaf was believed behind the blast.
In November 2009, the church was also bombed, although there were no reports of casualties, but the blast damaged its concrete wall. A letter was also left by the assailant and war ned that there will be more attacks in Zamboanga. Also in 2008, the Immaculate Conception Metro Cathedral in downtown Zamboanga was also bombed, minutes after an explosion in the front of the Vienna Kaffe Haus along Veterans Avenue. A powerful bomb explosion also injured at least 20 people in Zamboanga City in August 2007. The bomb was planted at a public square in downtown Zamboanga. (Mindanao Examiner)
Man stabs owns brothers over land dispute in Zambo ZAMBOANGA CITY – Police said a brother stabbed and wounded his two siblings while arguing over a piece of land in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines. Police said the younger Raul Rivera who stabbed David and Joanilo during a heated argument surrendered to authorities. The two brothers were
rushed to hospital and police said the duo is now in stable condition. Rivera said he was mauled by his two elder brothers that prompted him to stab them. It was not immediately known whether the two victims would file charges against their own brother. (Mindanao Examiner)
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Feb. 10-16, 2014
Peace in Mindanao tops Aquino priority MANILA - Filipino leader Benigno Aquino is focused on winning the peace in Mindanao by effecting the needed changes and one of them is the establishment of a new Bangsamoro political entity, a government spokesman said. Secretary Herminio Coloma said the failure to establish the Bangsamoro political entity will not be an acceptable scenario for the government. “Government efforts are focused on winning the peace in Mindanao. The alternative to change is the status quo and the status quo is not acceptable,” he said at a media briefing. At the very least, he said the government will continue to perform its task of ensuring peace and stability and protecting the citizens. Coloma also assured the public the government has enough forces to maintain peace and order in Mindanao from various armed groups. “It is still the primordial duty of the state to maintain law and order,” he said. The government is hoping to bring muchneeded peace to Mindanao with the signing of Annex on Normal-
ization that would pave the way for a comprehensive peace agreement, he said. Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda also said the annex manifests the unshakable commitment of the Aquino government to achieve a genuine and lasting peace in the southern region. “This was the culmination of a process that Secretary Teresita Deles described as one characterized by painstaking deliberation and discussion and internal consensusbuilding. According to her, this process was grounded on extensive consultations with concerned local government units, religious and civil society leaders, and communities especially in the conflict-affected areas,” Lacierda said. “The news was met with an outpouring of good wishes for the Philippines. Advocates of peace here at home and abroad greeted this news with optimism,” he added. Lacierda said the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Switzerland, and international bodies such as the European Union and the
United Nations, praised the Philippines for this achievement. “This milestone gives the entire nation confidence that the next steps in the peace process are on track. The work does not end here. In particular, we look forward to the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. The Bangsamoro Transition Commission is also working on the Bangsamoro Basic Law, which our legislators will enact, moving forward,” he said. The Framework on the Bangsamoro, signed on October 15, 2012, serves as a roadmap for the creation of a Bangsamoro entity that will replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and lays down the groundwork to achieve lasting and genuine peace in Mindanao. “We believe that this achievement signals the unshakable commitment of the Philippines to all stakeholders in the country, as well as people of good will in the world that this process will come to fruition, and that lasting peace and development in Muslim Mindanao are at hand,” Lacierda said.
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Feb. 10-16, 2014
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The Mindanao Examiner
PNoy wants drafting of Bangsamoro Basic Law soon MANILA - President Benigno Aquino has urged the Bangsamoro Transition Commission to draw up soonest the Bangsamoro Basic Law draft so it can be ratified and implemented in time for the 2016 elections. Aquino, who met with members of the BTC at the Presidential Palace, stressed the need for the BTC to be transparent and to reach out to all sectors concerned, including those initially resisting the new political entity. Presidential adviser Teresita Deles also said that Aquino urged the BTC to fast-track the completion of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law to ensure its passage and ratification with enough time to complete the transition tasks in time for the elections. She said Aquino assured the commission of
the national government’s full technical and political support, guidance and advice, as well as budget, and
President Benigno Aquino told them he would give as much of his own time as necessary. She described the atmosphere of the BTC meeting with Aquino as “warm and relaxed,” where the members updated the President on the work they have been doing and the
concerns they are facing. BTC was created in December 2012 to draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law that will pave the way for the establishment of the Bangsamoro region in 2016. It has 15 members appointed by the President, eight of whom were recommended by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and seven were recommended by the government. Peace negotiators have recently signed an annex that would pave the way for a comprehensive peace pact. Deles said the Bangsamoro Basic Law draft is likely to be certified as an urgent bill by Aquino. It would then be submitted to Congress for passage, and subjected to a plebiscite in the areas envisioned to be the new political entity’s core territory.
Man shot, loses bike to armed robbers in Zamboanga Sibugay ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY – Robbers shot a motorcycle owner before fleeing with his bike in the southern Philippine province of Zamboanga Sibugay, police said. Police said Marlon Suico, 27, was shot in the left leg by one of three motorcycle gunmen who fled with his motorcycle just in front of his house in the vil-
Military forces inspect a captured encampment allegedly used by BIFF rebels in Maguindanao province in southern Philippines where fighting betweenn two groups forced thousands of civilian families to flee their homes. (Mindanao Examiner Photo - Mark Navales)
lage of Makilas in Ipil town. Suico told police that he just arrived home when the men appeared behind him and shoved him away from the bike and shot him before fleeing towards neighboring town of Roseller Lim. “The victim sustained gunshot wounds in his left leg and was immediately rushed to Zamboanga
Sibugay Provincial Hospital for medical treatment,” police said in a report. Police said another motorcycle was also stolen in the village of Lumbayao in Kabasalan town near Ipil. Wilfredo Maños, 33, reported to the police that two men stole his motorcycle parked in front of RoAnn’s Pension House. (Mindanao Examiner)
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Feb. 10-16, 2014
FREEDOM FIGHTERS OR TERRORISTS?
MA GUINDANA O – IIslamic slamic fr eedom fighters hav e vvo owed to continue their str uggle for an MAGUINDANA GUINDANAO freedom have struggle independent M uslim state in the souther nP hilippines and called on the B angsamor o people Muslim southern Philippines Bangsamor angsamoro to suppor supportt their cause cause.. The journalists, Jeff Caparas The Philippine military convoy of army and media tagged the Bangsamoro Is- vehicles in Maguindanao. and his cameraman Adrian lamic Freedom Movement He said the bombing near Bulatao, both from ABC TV5, were and its armed wing Rajah Buayan town was the in a separate vehicle when the Bangsamoro Islamic Free- handiwork of the military bomb explosion occurred. The dom Fighters as behind the as part of its propaganda to bomb was reportedly spate of attacks and terror- justify government offen- planted in a parked tricycle ism in the restive region, sive in Mindanao and to in the village of Lower blaming them for the vio- draw support to the peace Salbu and exploded as the lence that had killed many talks between the Aquino convoy passed. The military also administration and the innocent people. But Abu Misry Mama, a Moro Islamic Liberation blamed the bombing to the spokesman for the BIFM- Front (MILF). BIFF - under former MILF “The BIFF has nothing rebel leader, Ustadz Ameril BIFF, said they have not targeted innocent civilians to do with the roadside Umra Kato - which has and is only fighting for self- bombing. It is the military been fighting security determination and rights of which was behind the forces since January 27, a the Muslims in the south- bombing and then blame us day after Filipino peace neern Philippines. “We are for the attack,” Mama said. gotiators signed an accord The 6th Infantry Divi- with the MILF on how the fighting for the freedom of every single Bangsamoro in sion said the powerful blast country’s rebel group would the Philippines and fighting nearly hit two armoured ve- lay down their weapons. for independence,” he told hicles escorting a truckload Manila said troops are of soldiers. There were no re- prepared to address the BIFF the Mindanao Examiner. The government ports of casualties or injuries threats following intellilaunched a massive mili- in the blast, but the army gence reports that rebels tary offensive that had quickly blamed the BIFF may be gearing up for urban killed and wounded dozens and their sympathizers for warfare. “Sa lahat na of rebels and captured their the bombing. pagkakataon, tungkulin ng Filipino journalists, pamahalaan na tiyakin ang encampment in Maguindanao, one of five provinces who were tailing the military kaligtasan ng mamamayan sa under the Muslim autono- convoy, witnessed the pow- kanayunan o kalungsuran (At erful explosion and said they all times, the government has mous region. The 6th Infantry Divi- saw a black smoke billowing a sworn duty to ensure the sion also accused the BIFF from the roadside just sev- safety of Filipinos, whether in of harboring foreign terror- eral blocks away from one of the rural or urban areas),” a Abu Misry Mama. (Mindanao Examiner Photo - Mark Navales) ists who were aiding the the two armoured person- government spokesman rebels in fighting govern- nel carriers escorting the Herminio Coloma said, nior rebel leader, Abdulla have no food or did not get agencies - governmental, adding the police and mili- Macapaar, were both ac- any assistance from the United Nations or other forment forces, but all these re- troops. eign aid agencies, local “It was really powerful tary continues to keep tabs cused by Philippine au- government. ports have been denied by Appeal for aid thorities as behind the seNGOs (non-governmental Mama and branded them and from where we were, we on BIFF movements. The Mindanao Human organizations) who get “The government can- ries of deadly attacks in as government propa- can see a thick black smoke covered the whole highway not tolerate threats to na- Mindanao in 2008 after Rights Action Center funding from donors - with ganda. “We have no casualties and we are just lucky that we tional and local security peace negotiators failed to (MinHRAC), which is in the rice and other resources in the fighting and the mili- were behind - about 100 and the lives and security of sign a Muslim homeland forefront of humanitarian will actually act upon the in the information we share and deal because the Supreme operations tary reports are just propa- meters - from the military our people,” he said Court declared the accord Maguindanao, also ap- provide desperately needed Kato ganda. They cannot even convoy,” said Mark Navales, pealed to the government assistance to the IDPs.” Kato broke away with unconstitutional. produce a single dead body regional chief of the Kato suffered a stroke and various organizations “Those who work for of our casualties and not Mindanao Examiner news- the MILF in 2011 after aceven produced a captured paper, who was with other cusing its chieftain Murad in 2011, but his condition to help those displaced by these agencies may now be comfortable in their air freedom fighter,” Mama television journalists cover- Ebrahim for abandoning remains unknown, al- the military offensive. “MinHRAC doesn't conditioned offices in the said, adding just last week, ing the fighting in their struggle for indepen- though there were reports dence and betraying the that a new commander – have resources. We don't city. It might be good for they have captured a mili- Maguindanao. A roadside bombing MILF when he agreed to a Sheik Mohidin Animbang – have rice or shelters to give them to step out of the comtary base used by pro-government militias in a raid in earlier this month had also secret meeting called by has taken over the com- out to the IDPs (internally forts of their offices and North Cotabato’s wounded 12 people, includ- President Benigno Aquino mand of the BIFF, whose displaced persons). What spend a couple of hours bePigkawayan town. The raid ing a pair of television jour- in Japan in August 2011, members were mostly we do have is our camera ing with the IDPs so that came after the military nalists, tailing a military saying Ebrahim corrupted former fighters of the MILF and our notebooks and our they can experience the rights of the and rival group Moro Na- computers together with hardship of being disclaimed victory over the convoy in Maguindanao’s the the willingness to face cer- placed. This is a simple and Datu Odin Sinsuat town. Bangsamoro people, add- tional Liberation Front. BIFF. The latest military tain levels of risk just to be humble appeal to those Mama said they would Among the injured were six ing the MILF chieftain continue to fight the mili- soldiers and four other civil- should have consulted his campaign have forced able to reach hapless civil- with the resources and tary that he claimed was ians hit by shrapnel from the leaders before meeting with thousands of families to ians. We hope that by shar- mandates to attend to their fled their homes and many ing the images of and sto- fellow Bangsamoros,” it behind a recent roadside blast along the town’s high- the Filipino leader. Kato and another se- of the refugees said they ries from the IDPs, those said. (Mindanao Examiner) bombing that nearly hit a way.
ARMM
Southern Mindanao
Davao
Manila
Zamboanga Peninsula