Malaysia expels more Filipinos from Sabah PAGE 2
Ex-Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim convicted of sodomy PAGE 3
1st Mechanized Brigade may bagong commander
Sulu Women's Month Celebration
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Family murdered, buried in shallow grave
PAGE 5
Letters to the Editor: President Aquino's EO 79 and mining woes in the Philippines PAGE 9
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SULU STANDS UNITED FOR PEACE
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O TABA T O CIT Y – ABAT CITY ious sectors and arious Var civil society or ganiorganizations hav e thr own have thro their ts of supportt to the effor efforts their suppor the pr o vincial go v er nment pro gov ernment and local author ities to adauthorities dr ess the peace and or der situdress order ation in S ulu. Sulu. Sulu Vice Governor Sakur Tan presided over the meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council where different issues and recommendations and other measures to curtail activities of criminal groups have been discussed, according to the Sulu Area Coordination Center. It said some of the immediate actions that are being considered are to increase police visibility and security checkpoints and the installation of closed circuit televisions in various towns in the province. The meeting was attended by different town mayors and representatives of various government agencies and law enforcement units, including the business and religious sectors. Emotional appeal One resident of Sulu even used Facebook to appeal to fellow Tausug for cooperation and unity in view of the spate of abductions in the province. In her emotional appeal, she said: “The distressing events that have unfolded over the past few days are intolerable. Sulu is our home. The Tausug people are our brothers and sisters. We are a family and family members are supposed to take care of each other. From one private citizen who is deprived of my freedom to enjoy the beauty of my province because of negative elements that are threatening my sense of security, I plead to my fellow Tausugs to galvanize in unity to thwart the wrong doers.” “Let us be vigilant. Let us look after one another. Let us help the local government, in our own little way, with their efforts to bring back the peace that some are trying to steal
ARMM
The magnificent Tulay Mosque in Sulu Province. (Mindanao Examiner Photo) away from us. Let us not be selfish and think only of ourselves. Let us refuse to live in fear. Let us fight for our right to have a good life. If we work hand in hand, barbarity can never dominate us. Again, Sulu is our home. Let us protect and defend it with our very own life. This province belongs to the majority and not to the very few whose only aim is to wreak havoc. The majority wants peace and that is what should prevail. No amount of bullet can surpass the power of prayers. So tonight let us pray for everyone's safety. As cliché as it may sound but this too shall pass,” she said. Evil acts Authorities have also appealed to the public to cooperate and be vigilant in their day to day activities. “Please report to authorities any suspicious persons or activities in your community. Your cooperation in crime prevention is very important,” the Sulu Area Coordination Center said. “The relentless barrage of evil acts by lawless and dubious
Southern Mindanao
elements against peace-loving communities of Sulu can never cow the Tausug residents and their authorities to stoop down to mimic their ill-fated ways. Some call for oppressive interventions, in clear endorsement to imitate their preferred style, as a mean for reprisal against those criminals. But Sulu's leadership and its network of allies for peace and development will never ever deviate from the rule of law and respect for human rights that is the better option.” “The nemeses are the culprits, not the authorities, no matter deficiencies may have been committed by those in the front line. Help them to be stronger and more effective, not help lawless to strike them down. All are in agreement that more solid actions must be taken, though the current leadership has never been remiss in the collective resolve to combat lawlessness,” the coordinating body said. The Sulu Area Coordination Center - built during the time of then Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan - is
Davao
where various agencies converge to address issues, resolve conflicts and find the best solution to current problems besetting the province. It is headed by local government officials and the military and police as members. It was is a facility established as a proactive, reactive, and post conflict mechanism to address various concerns at regional and local levels of governance and to solve problems of coordination and response. The Sulu Area Coordinating Center also functions both as a system and as a council for planning, integrating, directing, supervising, and implementing line-up government programs and projects particularly on political, socioeconomic, cultural, religious, development, security and information issues. The province has a total of 20 Area Coordinating Centers – one for each of Sulu’s 19 towns and the central headquarters in Patikul town. Anti-kidnapping task for ce force Just in February, police au-
Manila
thorities said it up a Special Anti-Kidnapping Task Force to address the threats of kidnappings and abductions in Sulu. Gov. Totoh Tan Tan said the creation of the anti-kidnapping task force by the police is long overdue “if we take into consideration the spate of incidences in the province, but nevertheless, as they say, better late than never.” Tan has previously said that many kidnapped victims were taken from other provinces and cities only to bring and hide them in Sulu, dragging the province to a situation that gives a bad impression to the local peace and order situation. Black pr opaganda propaganda But while local government officials and multisectoral sectors work hand in hand to address the rising criminality and the threats posed by the Abu Sayyaf, other groups with political agenda have resorted in spreading false reports of kidnappings and killings and other black propaganda in social media, including Facebook, to further scare the public and destroy the reputation of different leaders in Sulu. Locals have condemned and others protested the spate of kidnappings in Sulu and some also launched online campaign in social media to denounce the kidnappings in the province. Police chief Abraham Orbita also confirmed the spread of black propaganda, but said this will not affect law enforcement operations in Sulu. “There is a sudden and massive disinformation campaign and a lot of false reports being spread by unscrupulous people,” he told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner. Orbita said they will continue to protect the citizens from lawless groups and urged locals to support the campaign by helping authorities in providing information about suspicious persons in their community. (Mindanao Examiner)
Zamboanga Peninsula
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The Mindanao Examiner
Mar. 17-23, 2014
Malaysia expels more Filipinos from Sabah TAWI-TAWI – More than 120 Filipinos have been deported from Malaysia and arrived by boat in the southern Philippine province of Tawi-Tawi, officials said. Officials said the Filipinos who were mostly illegal migrants and workers, had been arrested in Sabah for violating immigration laws. The deportees would have to be processed first by representatives from various government agencies before they would be
allowed to return to their places of origin. Tawi-Tawi is one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region and is where deportees are routinely interviewed by social workers. Myrna Jo Henry, who works for the regional government and was sent to document the arrival of the Filipinos, said the latest batch of deportees - 97 men, 19 women and six children - arrived onboard the Mid-East Express 2.
Malaysia has deported over 6,000 Filipinos since last year as part of its regular crackdown on illegal workers, particularly those in Sabah which is just several hours by boat from Tawi-Tawi province. Over five 5 months, officials said some 1,000 undocumented Filipinos in Sabah, which is being claimed by the Sultanate of Sulu, had been deported to Tawi-Tawi. Lawyer Laisa Alamia, who is the Executive Secre-
tary of the Muslim autonomous region, they are working on an immediate solution to process quickly and sent home the deportees so they can be reunited with their families. Various government agencies have set up a center to address the assist the deportees and among them are the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Health, Depart-
ment of Labor and the Commission on Human Rights. Over 600,000 Filipinos are believed to be staying in Sabah, a mineral-rich island and now forms part of the federated states of Malaysia. Many deportees have told tales of human rights violations while in Malaysian jail – from physical abuse to rape – but Alamia said they have not officially receive reports of these complaints, although last
year, there were allegations of human rights violations committed against Filipinos in Sabah. President Benigno Aquino has not ordered any investigation into the issue of human rights violations against Filipinos in Malaysia, which is brokering peace talks between the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels, who are fighting for self-determination in Mindanao. (Mindanao Examiner)
Troops capture rebel camp PAGADIAN CITY – Troops have captured a communist rebel base following fierce clashes that killed a soldier and left 5 more wounded in the southern province of Misamis Occidental, an army spokesman said. Capt. Jefferson Mamauag, of the 1st Infantry Division, said troops occupied the main camp used by the New People’s Army rebels under Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee in the town of Bonifacio. He said troops raided the rebel camp following a military intelligence and information provided by civilians in the area. He said soldiers from the 15th Division Reconnaissance Company and 55th Infantry Battalion stormed the camp and
clashed with rebels until the base has been captured. The camp can accommodate over 100 rebels and surrounded by dozens of bunkers and observation posts. Mamauag said a still undetermined number of rebels were either killed or wounded in the clashes. “The combat operation resulted to the death of one and wounding of five soldiers while undetermined numbers of casualties were inflicted on the enemy side, based on the bloodstain seen at enemy’s route of withdrawal. Medical attentions were given to the wounded. As of now, names of the casualties are withheld pending the notification of next of kin,” he said. He said the fighting
lasted more than 2 hours. “The initial fire fight ensued when the rebels were caught surprised by the soldiers in their main camp. Despite of rigorous and arduous terrain, the tenacity and perseverance of the troops prevailed to pursue their mission,” he said. Mamauag said troops recovered various antigovernment propaganda, munitions and a machine pistol, including bomb component and radio communication equipment. There was no immediate statement from the NPA about the capture of the camp, but the rebels have been fighting for decades now for the establishment of a separate communist state in the country. (Mindanao Examiner)
1 soldier killed in new clashes with rebels in Compostela Valley DAVAO CITY – Fresh fighting erupted between government troops and communist rebels in the southern Philippines and army officials said one soldier was killed in the clashes. Officials said the fighting broke out in the village of Panoraon in Compostela Valley’s Maco town and that three other soldiers were wounded in the battle. “The fighting is still raging, but one soldier was
confirmed dead and three others wounded,” Capt. Alberto Caber, a spokesman for the Eastern Mindanao Command, told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner. There was no immediate statement from the NPA about the latest fighting, but the province is a known stronghold of the communist front. Recently, a rebel spokesman Dencio Madrigal owned up to daring and deadly attacks on po-
lice and military targets in Davao del Sur’s Matanao town that killed at least a dozen people. He said the attacks on a police base and military forces were a punishment for the “reign of terror” against indigenous tribes and other communities opposing mining operations in the province. Those killed in the rebel attacks had been given honors by the military in Davao City. (Mindanao Examiner)
A militia man guards a TVI mining site in Southern Philippines, where Subanen tribesmen are opposing its operation. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)
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The Mindanao Examiner
Mar. 17-23, 2014
Ex-Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim convicted of sodomy
Youth groups stage snake rally at Gaisano Mall of Davao to demand the repeal of Cyber Crime Law. (Jaja Necosia)
Media question controversial provisions
in Cybercrime Prevention Act
MANILA – Media groups have asked the Supreme Court to nullify questionable provisions in the Cybercrime Prevention Act, particularly the controversial clause on online libel. The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines and the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility, including the Philippine Press Institute and other journalist groups, filed a petition that seeks to declare online libel
in Sec. 4 (C) 4 of the Cybercrime Prevention Act unconstitutional because it constitutes prior restraint and curtails basic rights to free speech and expression. It described the online libel provision as an anachronism in an age when, around the world, libel has been decriminalized. The petition also cited the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which the Philippines is a party. The said
covenant upholds the right to free speech and expression, and maintains no defamation law shall be passed stifling these freedoms. The groups likewise sought to invalidate sections which unduly delegated judicial and legislative powers to law enforcement agencies such as the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice.
Police arrest one of Zamboanga Sibugay’s top criminals ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY – Police arrested one of the most wanted criminals in Zamboanga Sibugay following a long surveillance operation the southern Philippine province. Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca, a regional police spokesman, said Uyok Amik was nabbed in the village of Lutiman in Alicia town. He said Amik is facing multiple murder charges and is included in
the police most wanted list. Amik ranks 4th in the wanted list and is part of the gang of Commander Itting Abbas, tagged as behind the series of robbery and extortion in the province. Abbas is one of the trusted aides of Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebel leader Wanning Abdusalam who operated with notorious kidnap-
KISMET Cable Channel 63 Pagadian City
pers Ogis Jakaria, Samang Adih and Talib Asaali in Zamboanga Peninsula. In November last year, policemen led by Senior Inspector Danilo Jore Pailden also arrested one of Abbas’ followers Paraja Atasan, who is also in the same wanted list, in Zamboanga Sibugay’s Talusan town. Atasan was the province 2nd most wanted criminal. Regional police chief Juanito Vano praised police forces for the arrest of Amik. (Mindanao Examiner)
A FORMER MALAYSIAN DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER and now a political opposition leader Dato’ Seri Anwar Bin Ibrahim has been convicted of sodomy, Al Jazeera Television reported. It said the conviction upheld a government appeal against his acquittal two years ago. The Qatarbased Al Jazeera said the Malaysian Court of Appeal ruled that Anwar had sodomised his male aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan in 2008 at the Desa Damansara condominium. Anwar was acquitted by the High Court judge Mohd Zabidin on Jan 9, 2012 of sodomising his former aide. Sodomy is a crime in Malaysia and punishable by a minimum of five years and a maximum of 20 years of jail and whipping. Al Jazeera reported
that Anwar's lawyers are expected to appeal against the ruling at the country's highest court and win a stay of the sentence, but the judgement could affect his plans to run for election in a local state seat this month. Anwar is the most potent threat to the government of Prime Minister Dato' Seri Haji Mohammad Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak. The 67-year old Anwar is the leader of opposition group Pakatan Rakyat and de facto leader of the Parti Keadilan Rakyat. This is the second time Anwar has been found guilty of sodomy. He was first charged in 1998 and was jailed for nine years in prison in 2000. In September 2004, the Federal Court overturned his sodomy conviction. He was also sentenced to six years in prison for corruption in
April 1999. The independent news website Free Malaysia Today said Anwar appeared unfazed the sentence against him. The three-man Court of Appeal panel chaired by Justice Balia Yusof Wahi with Justices Aziah Ali and Mohd Zawawi Salleh ruled unanimously that Kuala Lumpur High Court Judge Mohd Zabidin Mohd Diah had erred in his decision to free Anwar. Anwar said the conduct of the judges was “pathetic” and zeroed in on Judge Aziah Ali, whom he described as showing so much venom and anger. “She’s not fit to be a judge to behave in that manner. There’s no decorum, the appearance of being fair, not biased,” Free Malaysia Today quoted Anwar as saying. (Mindanao Examiner)
Judge’s shooter arrested ZAMBOANGA CITY – Police said it arrested the prime suspect in the killing of a judge in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines. Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca, a regional police spokesman, said Mohamad Alkhalidz Amisali was arrested at Sunrise Drive in Talon-Talon village. He
said three witnesses have identified Amisali as one of two alleged gunman who attacked Judge Reynerio Estacio, of the Regional Trial Court Branch 14. “The suspect was positively identified and pinpointed by three witnesses as the very person who shot and killed Judge Reynerio Estacio,” Huesca
said. He said Estacio was driving his car with his wife Teresita on their way to work when the gunmen ambushed the judge in Tugbungan village. Estacio was rushed to hospital, but died along the way. Estacio had held various high profile criminal cases in Zamboanga – from murders to drugs to politics, among others – and was even cited by the government for his convictions of human traffickers. The Integrated Bar of the Philippines condemned the murder of Estacio. Gun attacks are not uncommon in Zamboanga and among its victims were lawyers, traders and even journalists. (Mindanao Exminer)
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The Mindanao Examiner
Mar. 17-23, 2014
Kidnapped village chieftain freed DIPOLOG CITY Kidnappers have released a village chieftain after three months in captivity in the southern Philippine province of Zamboanga del Norte, reports said. It said Cecilia Alas-as was freed in the town of Sibuco where she had been seized by gunmen in December last year. Her fam-
ily rushed the official to a private hospital in Zamboanga City because of her medical condition. Alas-as was reportedly very weak when kidnappers released her in the village of Malayal. It was unknown how much ransom her family paid in exchange for the politician’s freedom. One of her neighbors
described Alas-as as a kind woman and claimed her kidnappers were probably also from her village. Alasas is the chieftain of Paniran village also in Sibuco town, a known stronghold of Moro rebels. Police earlier reported the capture of Jasser Siddik, one of Alas-as alleged kidnappers, after he was posi-
tively identified by her son. Gunmen barged in the house of Alas-as and seized her. Police also tagged two other suspects as Yusoph Maliki and Jumrani who are all at large. Authorities are still searching for a fish broker Cynthia Caboverde, 48, who was abducted in Ipil town in the neighboring
Zamboanga Sibugay province. One of her abductors, Adznar Chiong, 25, had been arrested in a police operation and has been identified by the woman’s driver and her cousin Ricky Baid Albon. The woman, a resident of Dipolog City, was seized on their way home in Magdaup village where she
and her partner Edrin Agca distributed salaries to employees. The gunmen also seized the couple’s bag containing P800,000 and then dragged the woman to a waiting motorized boat. Caboverde’s partner and Albon were both left behind by the abductors for a still unknown reason. (Ely Dumaboc)
Security forces capture 2 kidnappers in Zambo Sibugay PAGADIAN CITY – Philippine soldiers and policemen captured two members of a notorious kidnap for ransom syndicate during a raid in the southern province of Zamboanga Sibugay. Capt. Jefferson Mamauag, a spokesman for the 1st Infantry Division, said Hajer Dunggan and Alvin Prontosa were captured in their hideout in Tinan village in Ipil town, but three others managed to escape and are being hunted down
by authorities. He said security forces led by Lt. Col. Yegor Rey Barroquillo, commander of the 44th Infantry Battalion, also seized three automatic rifles and two fragmentation grenades, including munitions and detonating cord and three motorized pump boats the gang is using in their illegal activities. Mamauag said the captured men were also involved in the kidnapping of five-year old Alexa Dela Cruz in January this year in
Payao town. The child was released unharmed the next month. “The group is notorious for kidnapping, extortion and piracy in Zamboanga Sibugay province,” he said, adding the gang was again planning to strike in Pagadian City. Maj. Gen. Felicito Virgilio Trinidad, the division commander, commended troops and policemen for the capture of the kidnappers. (Mindanao Examiner)
Police arrest gunman Baby dies POLICE have announced the capture of one of two men who allegedly shot a trader in an attack in Zamboanga city in southern Philippines. Police said Brian Dingal was positively identified by his victim Felix Mosqueda as one of the attackers who shot him in Tumaga village. Mosqueda was wounded in the attack and police had to bring Dingal to the hospital so the victim could identify him, according to Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca, a regional police
spokesman. “An inquest proceeding for the crime of frustrated murder will be filed against Brian Paspie Dingal, who was positively pinpointed and identified by the victim Felix Mosqueda during presentation at the hospital,” Huesca said. Dingal was arrested at Sampaguita Road in the village of Guiwan. Police are still investigating the suspect to determine if he was also involved in other gun attacks in Zamboanga. (Mindanao Examiner)
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
in fire
ZAMBOANGA CITY – An infant has died from a fire that gutted a house in Zamboanga city in southern Philippines, officials said. Officials said the baby’s body was recovered by a fireman in the burned house owned by the Kasim family at Sampaguita Road in Guiwan village. The parents of the child were not in the house when the fire broke out. Authorities were investigating the cause of the fire. A candle was reportedly left unattended in the house. (Mindanao Examiner)
Ang turn-over ceremony ng 1st Mechanized Brigade sa bayan ng Shariff Aguak sa Maguindanao province na kung saan ay itinalaga si Col. Gener Del Rosario bilang bagong commander. Pinalitan nito si Col. Edgardo Gonzales. (Mindanao Examiner Photo - Mark Navales)
1st Mechanized Brigade may bagong commander MAGUINDANAO – Pormal ng itinalaga ng pamunuan ng militar ang bagong commander ng 1st Mechanized Brigade sa Maguindanao province na si Col. Gener Del Rosario. Pinalitan ni Del Rosario si Col. Edgardo Gonzales na inilipat naman sa ibang pamunuan matapos na mag-
silbi sa naturang lalawigan. Sa ilalim ni Gonzalez ay maraming natupad na misyon ang naturang brigade bilang suporta sa Armed Forces sa central Mindanao. Pinangunahan naman ni Brig. Gen. Mayoralgo Dela Cruz ang pormal na paglipat ng command ng nasabing brigade sa bayan ng
Shariff Aguak. Nabatid na magsisilbing deputy division commander si Gonzales sa lalawigan ng Tarlac sa Luzon. Sinabi naman ni Del Rosario na lalo nitong pagiibayuhin ang misyon at programa ng mechanized brigade at suportado naman ito ng mga tropa. (Mark Navales)
Mar. 17-23, 2014
The Mindanao Examiner
SULU WOMEN’S MONTH CELEBRATION ‘Photos in the News’
Sulu provincial officials headed by Vice Gov. Sakur Tan and Hja. Nurunisah Tan, chairperson of the Sulu Provincial Women’s Council lead the celebration of the Women’s Month.
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The Mindanao Examiner
Mar. 17-23, 2014
Sulu celebrates Women's Month
Sulu Provincial Women’s Council Hja. Nurunisah Tan speaks during the celebration of the Women’s Month. SULU – Hundreds of people have joined the celebration of the Women’s Month in the southern Philippine province of Sulu. The activity was led by provincial officials headed by Gov. Totoh Tan and Vice Gov. Sakur Tan and members of the Sulu Provincial Women's Council and representatives of various government agencies. The celebration dubbed with this year’s theme “Indah, ang tatag mo ay tatag natin sa pagbangon at pagsulong,” kicked off with a motorcade around the capital town of Jolo. And it was followed by a program and induction of officers of the Municipal Women's Council and the awarding of the “Search for the Cleanest and Greenest Barangay” in Jolo town by Vice Gov. Sakur Tan. “It is only proper to give tribute to this month because women has become an important, if not the predominant sector of the global population,” he said, adding “In a larger sense, it must be stressed that we are gathered here not only because we recognize women’s predominance in the statistics of gender population, but because of the sweeping social transformation undergone by global societies on the matter of dealing with gender issues.” Vice Gov. Sakur Tan also cited the Sulu Provincial Women's Council for its active role in the protection of women and their welfare. “The Sulu Provincial Women's Council as a nongovernmental organization for the protection and welfare of the women has exceeded the prescriptive bounds of its sectoral mandate. And this is what I mean when I say that woman is the heart of the society. She is a feeling that cannot help being expressed. In exceptional times, she does not discriminate. She reaches out to all victims regardless of gender, age and cultural differences. All in the name of service and humanity. At the risk of belabouring the point, we cannot help but salute all the women behind the Sulu Provincial Women's Council for showing us what the full import of womanhood is all about,” he said. Hja. Nurunisah Tan, the chairperson of the Sulu Provincial Women's Council, also praised the local women for
their hard work and role in peace and development efforts in the province. She said the celebration of Women's Month pays tribute to the strong and resilient “Juanas” or “Indah” or women who brought inspiring changes in the country and across the globe. She said this year’s Women's Month Celebration is the best time to highlight the “drivers of change” who untiringly volunteered themselves in times of disaster, conflict and calamity. The celebration, she said, recognizes the role of women in the rehabilitation process and their overall contributions to progress.” “From the Zamboanga crisis to the pork barrel scandal, the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that hit Bohol and Cebu, and the strongest typhoon history has ever recorded, and many disaster in other parts of the country, the Filipino spirit remains indomitable and unbowed.” “Those words are indeed beautiful and apt and should inspire us to continue with our tasks without expecting any-
thing in return. In Sulu, as much as I would want to see and relish the festivities relative to the celebration and commemoration of the Women’s Month, I cannot afford to keep my eyes shut nor turn a deaf ear to the trauma and sufferings the very sector of our society we are committed to safeguard and protect; the women and children who are held against their will by people whose motives are best known only to themselves,” she said. “The innocence of the children as they are held captives are diluted by the impurities of evil minds and intents. The vulnerability of women is abused and the sanctity of the family is desecrated when they are snatched by force and held in captivity under duress. We cannot sweep such things under the rug and pretend they are not happening. They are, and right before our very eyes. In times of tragedies, calamities and challenges, it has been tried and tested that pointing fingers and shifting blames will only worsen
the situation. Instead, as women and mothers, they expect our people to act as one single family, bonded by common concerns, the primary of which is the safety of our homes and our children. Mangi’ tuud in parasahan bang kita ha laum buga’ na sadja laung nila misan in gumuwa bay na subay tutus in baran. In pag iskul sin manga kabataan na disturb na. We have to break the chains of fear and anxieties that are trampling on our rights. More than ever, the time is now when we must stand as one community and share in the responsibilities of keeping our neighborhood safe and secured. We cannot afford to rely solely on our security sector as their numbers are stretched to the limit; but we do expect them to be professional law enforcers and defenders of our people.” Hja. Nurunisah Tan said despite all the negativities, the Sulu Provincial Council will not be deterred in its programs and plans in the service of the people. “We shall not allow anyone or anything to forcibly detour us from the path we have set our eyes on. We shall continue to work with the Sulu Provincial Government and the different agencies and departments to prevent any destabilizing attempts against our legal entities and the society in general,” she said. In his speech, Gov. Totoh Tan also praised the women in Sulu and their undying dedication in all the things they do – from raising their family to their role in community development – all without hesitation. “Amidst all these, our womenfolk in general, remained the heart, soul and conscience of the nation and the beacon guiding supportive and generous endeavors towards the sites of calamities and tragedies. The Sulu Provincial Women’s Council, and no less than Chairperson Hja. Nurunisah have crossed the seas to deliver assistance from Sulu for our brethren who are still housed at evacuation centers in Zamboanga City, victims of the bloody siege; managed
Vice Gov. Sakur Tan and Hja. Nurunisah Tan and members of the Sulu Provincial Women’s Council.
and collected donations and reliefs for our fellow Filipinos whose lives and properties were devastated by the fury of another lady named Yolanda. It is but fitting therefore, that in more ways than one, we should show our appreciation and recognition of the services our Tausug women have rendered and are continuously rendering in selfless, humane, and compassionate concern for their fellow human being even far beyond our borders,” he said. He said this year’s celebration of Women’s Month and its theme alone underlines the role of women in rehabilitation efforts not only from calamities but from social problems that beset our nation. He said in the Malay language or Bahasa Malaysia, “Indah” means beautiful, pleasing and attractive - it is an adjective that refers only to the female gender. He said the term aptly encapsulates the general traits of women that makes them so endearing to the eyes of the beholder. “The concerns of Sulu Provincial Women's Council Chairperson Hja. Nurunisah Tan which in her opening remarks on the anxieties and trauma parents and children are experiencing due to threats to the people’s safety and security, are valid concerns. We are certain that our security sector is doing its mandated duties and responsibilities to restore sobriety and order especially at times like these. Let us go with our daily routines as normally as possible while at the same keeping presence of mind to discern on the ulterior motives of disinformation to cause panic and confusion which is the true intention of those who are out to terrorize the innocent citizenry for their own selfish ends. Having said that, I hope the Sulu Provincial Women’s Council will continue to partner with the Sulu Provincial Government in its effort to reach many of our people in far-flung areas, especially the marginal and needy sectors of our society,” Gov. Totoh Tan said. (Mindanao Examiner)
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The Mindanao Examiner
Mar. 17-23, 2014
Kidnapped teacher freed, who’s next? KIDNAPPERS have freed a government teacher they seized in Zamboanga City after three months in captivity in southern Philippines, officials said. Officials said Cathy Casipong, who was seized by 10 gunmen in December, had been freed in Ipil town in Zamboanga Sibugay province. Casipong, who teaches at the Sibogtok Elementary School in Limaong Island, was immediately recovered by security forces after her family informed authorities of her release. It was unknown if ransom has been paid to the kidnappers in exchange for Casipong’s freedom. She was brought to the army brigade headquarters in Ipil town where she is reunited with her family. Capt. Jefferson Mamauag, a spokesman for the 1st Infantry Division, said Casipong was freed at a bus terminal in Ipil.“The safe release of the kidnapped victim was done through the efforts of the military and police,” he told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar also confirmed the release of Casipong and said the teacher will have to undergo medical treatment. Salazar gave no further details about Casipong’s release. “Mayor Climaco officially confirms the release of kidnapped teacher Cathy Casipong at 6:40 p.m. in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. This is the fruit of coordination of all concerned. Per instruction of the City Mayor, Casipong will need to have a medical treatment and will allow her to rest.” “This is the new protocol she has set up that a victim be made to undergo medical check up, rest and debriefing and spend time with the family. We are very thankful to the police and the military and all those who have helped and we continue to support the safety of teachers as vital tools to the education of our children particularly in island barangays,” an advisory from Zamboanga City Hall said. (With a report from Ely Dumaboc)
Montero ng negosyante sinilaban sa Pagadian City PAGADIAN CITY – Isang mamahaling Mitsubishi Montero na pagaari ng negosyante ang sinilaban ng 2 lalaking nakasakay sa motorsiklo habang nakaparada ito sa Pagadian City sa Zamboanga del Sur province. Nakaparada lamang ang sasakyan ni Julius Acosta, 39, sa harapan ng Alvin Bazaar sa Fajares Avenue ng dumating ang mga salarin at binato ng boteng naglalagablag ang Montero at saka mabilis na
tumakas. Hindi pa mabatid ang motibo sa atake, ngunit sinabi ng pulisya na si Acosta ay residente ng Barangay Dacanay sa bayan ng Siay sa kalapit na Zamboanga Sibugay province. Ayon sa pulisya ay wala umanong lumutang na saksi upang magbigay ng pahayag sa naganap. Hindi rin nagbigay ng kanyang pahayag si Acosta ukol sa naganap. (Mindanao Examiner)
Man killed in Zamboanga Sibugay ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY – A 54-year old man was shot and killed by two assailants in the southern Philippine province of Zamboanga Sibugay, police said. Police said Nicolas Dologuin was driving his motorcycle with his wife when two motorcycle gunmen blocked their path and shot the victim.
Doloquin’s wife was spared by the killers who attacked the duo in the village of Bella in Alicia town. The assailants fled after the shooting. Doloquin was rushed to the Alicia District Hospital, but died along the way. Police said it is investigating the motive of the shooting. (Mindanao Examiner)
Freed teacher Cathy Mae Casipong together with Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar in this photo posted on the politician's Facebook account and an advisory from City Hall on the woman's safe release on March 11, 2014. And the press conference that followed on March 12 where the traumatized victim is presented to the members of the local media. (Mindanao Examiner Photo - Ely Dumaboc)
Family murdered, buried in shallow grave MANILA – A father and his two sons who were reported missing had been found dead and buried in a shallow grave in the northern Filipino province of Abra. The trio – Rogelio Ligiw, 68; his sons Eddie, 35, and Freddie, 30 – were reported missing since March 1 until the discovery recently of the mass grave by soldiers and locals in the village of Mugao in the town of Licuan Baay. The military has quickly blamed the murder of the trio to the communist rebel group New People’s Army, saying Freddie Ligiw was a former guerrilla who surrendered to the government in March 2011. And that he was murdered by the rebels along with his father and brother for betraying the communist movement. The 41st Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Danilo Domingo said the three men disappeared after a group of rebels were sighted in the village. Josephine Cariño, the village leader, also reported the disappearance of the father and his two sons to the police.
“The discovery of the mass grave was brought about by the trust and confidence of the populace to the army and the police. This is a clear manifestation of Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan that all people are responsible in achieving peace. This only shows that the army and the police are the true protector of the people in Licuan-Baay, Abra,” a military statement said. But the League of Filipino Students and the youth group Anakbayan to which Freddie Ligiw - also known as Fermin - was a member, has accused the 41st Infantry Battalion of murdering him and his family and condemned the brutal killings. “He (Freddie Ligiw) along with his father and elder brother was gagged, tied-up, killed, and then buried in a shallow grave where they were discovered,” Jho Abueg, of the League of Filipino Students, said in a statement sent to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner. Abueg said Freddie Ligiw was supposed to give a testimony on how the
military forcibly used him as a guide and more likely, as a shield, by government troops in their operations against the NPA. “Given the recent attacks in the mainstream media by members of the Philippine military against Anakbayan, there is clearly only one group in the entire country with an interest in assassinating its members and the progressive youth. Under Oplan Bayanihan, the U.SAquino regime continues to perpetuate heinous crimes such as this.” “President Aquino is desperate in quelling the growing discontent and rage of the people bought about by his pro-elite, proforeign, and anti-people policies. Aquino's PR stunts and cheap media gimmicks to fool the youth and the people are not working anymore. This is precisely the reason why, just like his predecessors, Aquino is more than willing to employ violence and rely on the mercenary traditions of the Armed Forces to shut his critics,” Abueg said. Diego Wadagan, a spokesperson for the NPA
in Abra province, alleged that government soldiers had illegally detained and interrogated Freddie Ligiw, a small scale miner, on February 22 and was forced to guide the soldiers to Mount Inuman and held captive near their swidden farm, while other troops illegally searched his thatched hut where soldiers confiscated a shotgun commonly used by locals for hunting before being freed later in the night. Wadagan said government troops also searched other houses in the area and violated the rights of innocent villagers. “These incidents unmasked the never-changing true character of the Armed Forces’ counter-insurgency or internal security operations. Illegal searches, interrogation, detention, and intimidation are acts concomitant with AFP operations, that terrorize the populace and are clear violations of human rights and international humanitarian laws, which are condoned by the reactionary civilian government officials,” he said. (Mindanao Examiner)
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The Mindanao Examiner
Farmers’ cooperative gets new equipment for vermicast production PAGADIAN CITY – More than 1,300 farmers have benefited from the government’s Shared Service Facility program carried out by the Department of Trade and Industry in Western Mindanao. Regional Trade Directress Amina Jain said the farmers, who are members of the Danlugan Farmers’ Multi-Purpose Cooperative, received a set of equipment consisting of a mechanical shredder and separator, and other implements used fertilizer production worth about P468, 000. Vermicast is an organic or natural fertilizer that is created by using composting earthworms. These earthworms are placed in a container which is filled with compost and it makes their way through the food and excretes what is called vermicast. Jain said they handed the equipment to Herminia Magrenia, the
cooperative’s general manager, in the village of Danlugan in Pagadian City. Local mayor Romeo Pulmones and other village officials were also invited during the handover of the equipment. “We are banking so much on the partnership of our local government unit in our project implementation to ensure its viability and sustainability. I also encourage our project cooperators to adopt branding strategies so that both the product and the place get promoted at the same time and help counter the negative impressions people have about our region,” Jain said. Magrenia said at present, the cooperative can only produce around 30 bags a month of vermicast fertilizer which they sell at P300 per 50-kilo bag. With the shredder and other equipment from the DTI, she said production could reach at least 500 bags a month.
For all your publications and advertisements in Pagadian City and Zamboanga del Sur, please call Richard Suarez 062-2142706 and 0910-7348600
“Daku kaayo ang among pagpasalamat sa atong gobyerno pinaagi sa DTI niining mga ekipo nga mauy mopalambu ning among organic fertilizer production project. (We thank the government through the DTI for the equipment that would help enhance our organic fertilizer production project),” she said. Rev. Felix Tigoy, the cooperative chairman, said marketing the vermicast is not a problem because orders for the natural fertilizer come by the thousands. “Market for vermicompost is not a problem. We have standing orders in thousands of bags from neighbouring municipalities which we simply could not deliver, given the manual method using shovels we employ before. By mechanizing our operations through these machineries from the DTI, we should be able to produce more to meet a bigger portion of the burgeoning demand for organic fertilizer in the province,” he said. Provincial Trade Directress Maria Socorro Atay said they regularly extend assistance to the cooperative which is one of the most progressive in the country and a recipient of many recognition and awards.
Mar. 17-23, 2014
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The Mindanao Examiner
Mar. 17-23, 2014
Letters to the Editor: President Aquino's Livestock monitoring made easy EO 79 and mining woes in the Philippines THERE HAVE BEEN mining companies that have applied for permits nearly 1 year ago and permits have not been granted. I can’t imagine what takes one year to review? Yes, mining has been allowed again, yes also nothing has really moved forward. I am an investor, and what upsets me is that I have a lot of my money invested there in the Philippines, and nothing happens. Furthermore, when you have terrible floods, you accept foreign aid, meanwhile doing little to help those companies losing money there which would help your economy move forward and build up infrastructure. You have disrespect for foreign investment while willing to accept foreign aid. The mining bureau is quite irresponsible in every aspect of fulfilling its obligations in a timely fashion. The government’s good intentions are at an extremely slow pace, and so tell us what the average waiting time for a permit is, 1 or 2 years? This is ridiculous. Seriously, what is the average time for issuing a permit since mining was allowed again? In a modern age when a high-rise can be completed in 10 months, the mining bureau takes up to 2 years to issue a permit. Is there corrup-
tion involved, because anything so slow sounds to me like corruption? The mining bureau needs to be interviewed and reviewed personally and ask them why they are so inefficient with disregard for foreign investment. By such low standards one would think the Philippine Government prefers no jobs and poverty for it’s people. You don’t care about education because you obviously don’t care about jobs. You paint one picture in your news reports, but the international community sees another. They see and slow and primitive community full of contradictions unable to make the simplest decisions for the benefit of its citizens. The revisions started by the Philippine government on mining are a financial disaster. They could still be implemented while keeping the industry going, but no, they put a stop on everything leading investors in the verge of bankruptcy. The Philippine government and the mining bureau should be ashamed of placing a con on the world. This is theft. I wrote the bureau of mines last week, but they didn’t write back. You should print my words in your newspaper as the opinion of an investor in mining in the Philippines. (George James Ducas)
3 NPA rebels yield in Zambo Sur PAGADIAN CITY – Three communist rebels have surrendered to the Philippine Army in the southern province Zamboanga del Sur, a spokesman said Monday. Capt. Jefferson Mamauag, of the 1st Infantry Division, said trio – Jenjen, 18; Denden, 20; and Bryan, 25 – all surnamed Noay surrendered to the 5th Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Johnson Jemae Aseron in Bayog town.
It was unknown whether the three were brothers. Mamauag said the three were members of the New People’s Army’s Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee. He said the rebels also surrendered an old rifle and homemade shotgun and a fragmentation grenade. Maj. Gen. Felicito Virgilio Trinidad, the army division commander, assured the safety of the
rebels who are currently being interrogated by the military in the province. “The 1st Infantry Division will work with other stakeholders to ensure the safety and well-being of the three rebels and their families. Again, three lost brothers have been found,” he said in a statement. The NPA has been waging a secessionist war for decades now. (Mindanao Examiner)
MANILA - With the approval of a project that will develop a computeraided remote expert system model, monitoring of animals can be done away from the farm and the project integrates animal and computer sciences to help the swine industry achieve significant improvement in productivity. Funded by Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development, it will be led by scientists from the Animal Sciences and Dairy Cluster of the University of the Philippines Los Baños in collaboration with the operators of commercial swine farms. The swine industry is the second largest contributor in the Philippines’ agricultural gross domestic product (14.28% in 2012). Pork is the most popular meat in the country providing about 60% of the protein requirement of Filipinos. Through the CARE
system model, early detection of stress-related responses such as coughing (respiration), eating, drinking, standing, lying, defecation, body weight, and body condition score of animals in farm houses with and without evaporative cooling systems can be done via a webbased video recording system. Timely detection of behavioral discrepancies among animals can result to appropriate decisions and remedial measures to be implemented. The project will use the radio frequency identification system of tracking and identifying animals along the farm to market channels. This project shall improve swine farm production productivity and efficiency by minimizing the entry of personnel to the farm, thus reducing the risks of disease transfer; and providing early warning protocols that allows real time identification and monitoring of ani-
mals which show signs of behavioral stress. And assisting the farm manager in timing of estrus of sows and replacement gilts. This allows timely insemination resulting to higher sow productivity; achieving a more efficient work output on the part of the caretakers with the use of a monitoring system through a surveillance camera. The surveillance camera linked to a computer software determines and records duration and frequency of specific animal behavioral patterns that are associated with swine reproductive and production performances. This will provide reliable inputs to decision making in the farm. These technological applications shall help achieve a more sophisticated, accurate, and effective farm management towards an improved and productive Philippine swine industry. (Mark Lester Fernando)
7 teenager dinakip dahil sa hazing DIPOLOG CITY – Dinakip ng pulisya ang 7 kabataan dahil sa umano’y hazing matapos na lumutang ang isang teenager na kagagaling lamang sa isang initiation ng grupong X-tribu sa Zamboanga del Norte. Nabatid na pawang mga teenager lahat ng mga inaresto, kabilang ang isang 13-anyos, at residente ng Barangay Siari sa bayan ng Sindangan. Nagsasagawa
umano ng kampanya kontra hazing sa lugar ang pulisya sa pangunguna ni PO1 Carolyn Ubas ng lumutang ang biktima at doon nabatid ang naganap sa kanyang pananakit. Nagsagawa ng kampanya ang pulisya dahil na rin sa mga reklamo ng mga magulang ukol sa mga fraternity initiation sa lugar. Nabawi rin ng pulisya ang paddle na ginamit sa biktima. Agad naman dinala sa
pagamutan ang 16-anyos na bitktima dahil sa tinamong mga pasa sa hita at ibang bahagi ng katawan. Sinabi ng pulisya na ipinatawag na umano ang mga magulang ng 7 kabataan dahil sa paglabag nila sa Republic Act 8049 o ang Anti-Hazing Law. Ibinigay naman ng pulisya sa Department of Social Welfare and Development ang mga teenager. (Mindanao Examiner)
Trucker killed, child wounded in attack in Zambo Sibugay ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY – Police said motorcycle gunmen shot dead a trucker and wounded his six-year old nephew in attack in the town of Diplahan in the southern Philippine province of Zamboanga Sibugay. Police said the gunmen shot Michael Enriquez, 45, in his shop in the village of Santa Cruz.
Enriquez was working on his truck when the attackers arrived and without warning opened fire on the victim with a machine pistol. Enriquez’s nephew was also hit by a stray bullet as the gunmen attacked the victim, who died instantly from multiple wounds. The gunmen escaped in one motorcycle
after the shooting. The wounded child was rushed to Wilfredo Palma Memorial Hospital. Police said it recovered at least 9 bullet shells fired from a KG-9 machine pistol. The motive of the attack is still unknown and police are investigating the shooting. (Mindanao Examiner)
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Mar. 17-23, 2014
DEADLY ATTACKS!
NPA rebels boast, vow to strike at plantations, mining firms
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ommunist rrebels ebels hav eo wned up to dar have owned dar-ing and deadly attacks on police and militar gets in the souther n military targets southern military tar Philippines that killed at least a do zen people doz people.. Dencio Madrigal, a spokesman for the New People's ArmyValentine Palamine Command, said the attacks on a police base and military forces in Davao del Sur’s Matanao town was a punishment for their “reign of terror” against indigenous tribes and other communities opposing mining operations in the province. “The March 10 police headquarters raid and ambush demonstrated the NPA’s determination to punish the fascist AFP and PNP units operating in Davao del Sur and its boundaries. The 39th Infantry Battalion remains as security forces and fascist thugs of Glencore Xstrata - a mining giant poised to continue to exploit the nearly 100,000 hectares of mining-rich ancestral lands of Lumad Blaans and peasants in the region.” “The AFP and PNP units in Matanao and other towns in Davao del Sur deserved to be disarmed and punished because in their defense of Xstrata mining, they have killed, injured, discharged aerial bombs, all part of their reign of terror against the Lumad and settlers communities who have fiercely battled against mining since 1992 when the project was still under the Western Mining Corporation,” Madrigal said in a statement sent to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner. Madrigal said rebel forces seized seven M16 automatic rifles and several ammunition vests, two 9 mm pistols, one .45caliber pistol, and a radio communication set from the police headquarters. He said the raid left 3 policemen and two other lawmen were killed in the fighting that also left two rebels dead. He also accused the police of coddling drug pushers and other criminal syndicates in the province. “They are, thus, legitimate targets of the people’s army at any time of the year,” he said. Madrigal also condemned the arrest of 9 innocent civilians on suspicion they were part of the NPA forces that attacked in Matanao town. “Their failure at intelligence work, notwithstanding, the Matanao PNP trained its eyes against nine hapless civilians, namely, Renante Urot, Joey Alberca, Rufoboy Gama,
ARMM
Subanen natives who are opposing the operations of TVI Resource Development (Phils.) Inc., in Zamboanga del Sur province put up streamers and signs protesting the presence of the firm. Communist rebels threatened to attack huge banana and pineapple plantations and mining firms, including TVIRD. (Mindanao Examiner Photo) Laudemer Gama, Noel Morangit, Roger Natonton, Julio Sales, John Rey Pabillo and Christopher Sales.” “The police tagged them as NPA members and arrested the group after the raid, at 7 in the morning. The civilians were on their way to attend a fiesta at Barangay Savoy in Matanao when they were illegitimately arrested,” he said. Madrigal said 9 soldiers were also killed, including Lt. Ludevico Alejo; and 7 more wounded after rebels remotely detonated a military truck carrying reinforcements in the village of Asbang. He also dismissed allegations by the Eastern Mindanao Command that the NPA has been using landmines. “It is hypocritical for the Philippine government and the AFP to condemn the NPA’s continued use of command detonated explosives as the latter's main weapon of choice for guerrilla warfare. The country’s mining laws and the state’s counter-insurgency policy, the Oplan Bayanihan, have resulted in the massive and indiscriminate pillage of resources, killings, and displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilian communities,” he said, adding mining
Southern Mindanao
companies are legitimate target of the NPA. NP A tar gets NPA targets Jorge Madlos, a regional rebel spokesman, has previously warned mining firms and fruit plantations in the southern Philippines. “Military operations in Mindanao have escalated and have become more extensive with the aim to thwart the ever growing and widespread people’s protest against destructive mining operations and plantations owned by imperialists, the big comprador bourgeois and big landlords. “ “After having ravaged the environment by way of wanton logging, imperialists and the local ruling clique insidiously intend to inflict even greater devastation to the environment; and, to deprive, oppress and exploit further the Lumads, Moro, peasants and workers in order to satiate their greed for super profit,” he said. Madlos said aming their targets are Russell Mines and Minerals, Apex Mining Corp. and Philco in southern Mindanao; Dolefil, Del Monte and Sumifru plantations in northern Mindanao; TVI Resource Development Philippines whose operations in ances-
Davao
tral domain of indigenous Subanen and Moro tribes are being opposed by the rebel group. “If one recalls, more than 400 families were forced to evacuate their ancestral lands because of TVI and the ruthless military operations that ensued to protect it in Buug, Zamboanga del Sur. In order to defend the people’s human rights and general wellbeing, the NPA launched tactical offensives against TVI as well as against units of the AFP-PNPCAFGU protecting it, such as the ambush on February 2012 that hit elements of the army intelligence group operating on the behest of TVI and the imposition of the local government to allow TVI mining operations on Subanen ancestral lands is one of the bases the NPA raided on April 9, 2012 the PNP station in Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur,” Madlos said. NPA rebels also intercepted a group of army soldiers who were using a borrowed truck from TVI and disarmed them in Diplahan town in Zamboanga Sibugay province two years ago. The rebels also burned the truck before releasing the soldiers. “In view of these events, the
Manila
NDFP in Mindanao calls upon the Lumad and Moro peoples, peasants and workers, religious and other sectors to further strengthen their unity and their courage to oppose the interests of imperialist mines and plantations, which are exceedingly damaging to Mindanao, to its people and to the environment. We call upon the units of the NPA in Mindanao to be ever more daring in their defense of people’s interests against the greed and rapacity of the local ruling classes and their imperialist master,” Madlos said. TVI Resource Development Philippines has repeatedly denied all accusations against them. It recently ended its gold mining operation in Mount Canatuan in Zamboanga del Norte’s Siocon town after several years of operations and now has a gold-silver project in the town of Bayog in Zamboanga del Sur province and a nickel plant in Agusan del Norte province. It is among mining companies operating in Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte that had been attacked in the past by Muslim and communist rebels. (Mindanao Examiner)
Zamboanga Peninsula