Sunday, February 16, 2014

Spratlys on way to becoming ‘peace zone’

From the Manila Times (Feb 16): Spratlys on way to becoming ‘peace zone’

PALEMBANG, Indonesia: It is just a matter of time before the territorial rows in the Spratlys are settled peacefully and the region is declared a “peace zone,” a ranking Indonesian defense official said.

After 10 years of trying to convince claimants to come up with a Code of Conduct, Air Chief Marshall Djoko Suyanto, who is also Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Legal, Political and Security Affairs disclosed that the articles of the proposed code are being finalized.

“It took us 10 years to convince our partners to agree to a code of conduct. Finally, after explaining to our counterparts that the zone should be a peace zone and that every country has equal right for joint use for prosperity, the declaration of conduct will be transformed into a more legally binding contract,” Suyanto told the The Manila Times in an exclusive interview.

He said the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) that are claiming parts of the Spratlys can deal with the problem as one united community, especially in the face of a much bigger threat that China poses.

“Asean communities agreed and its leaders agreed that if anything should happen between our countries we should talk about it in the context of being one Asean community. It is easier for us to take the view as one big united group rather than talk about between one country to another,” Suyanto said.

“Should we need to discuss something toward our counterparts outside Asean [like China], we should consolidate first as one big group with the same vision and views,” he said.

Suyanto said that while Indonesia has no claims in the Spratlys, “we cannot stay away from the issue” since it is part of a united Asean front.

“Indonesia’s message that we’re trying to convey is that the region should be free of conflict and there should be dynamic equilibrium. We are for joint use of the area,” Suyanto said.

The proposed code would be more binding and more operational because all claimants will work on its articles.

“The Asean foreign ministers are working on it now. It took a difficult 10 years to convince them to agree on a declaration of conduct. Now, a more binding Code of Conduct is being done,” he said.

He said China is expected to abide by the Code because it has to deal not only with a single country like the Philippines but the Asean as a whole.

“My perception is that now that they agreed on declaration of conduct and code of conduct, the issue has now shifted to how they will manage the articles of the Code,” Suyanto said.

http://manilatimes.net/spratlys-on-way-to-becoming-peace-zone/76173/

14 armed men torch 8 buses at terminal in Batangas

From GMA News (Feb 16): 14 armed men torch 8 buses at terminal in Batangas

At least 14 armed men set fire to buses in Lemery town in Batangas province before dawn Sunday, with police suspecting extortion as a possible motive.
The men wore camouflage uniforms in staging the attack on the facility of Jam Transit, radio dzBB's Paulo Santos reported.

Eight buses were destroyed in the incident, the report said.

Citing initial information, Batangas police spokesman Senior Insp. Dwight Fonte said the suspects, armed with long firearms, fled using white and blue vans.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima's spokesman Senior Superintendent Wilben Mayor was quoted in the dzBB report as saying they are not discounting the possibility the attack stemmed from the bus firm's failure to pay so-called revolutionary taxes.

No one was initially reported hurt in the incident, even as authorities said police are now tracking down the suspects.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/348690/news/regions/14-armed-men-torch-8-buses-at-terminal-in-batangas

Army, police nab alleged NPA leader after meeting with activists in Silay

From GMA News (Feb 16):  Army, police nab alleged NPA leader after meeting with activists in Silay

Government forces have nabbed an alleged ranking leader of the communist New People's Army in Negros Occidental after the latter met with officials of activist group  Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) and human rights group Karapatan in Silay City.
 
Joint forces of the military and the police arrested the suspected NPA leader, identified as Victor Tapang, on Saturday morning in the vicinity of Hacienda Imbang in Silay, Major General Aurelio Baladad, commander of the Army's 3rd Infantry Division said on Sunday. 
 
Tapang is supposedly a member of the taxation bureau of the Northern Front, Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros. 
 
The government troops managed to flag Tapang's motorcycle down after the meeting but his two companions, also believed to be NPA rebels, were able to escape. 
 
The authorities seized a caliber .45 pistol and two rifle grenades from the alleged NPA leader. 
 
Tapang is currently detained at the Silay City police station, Baladad added. 
 
Balalad said Tapang's arrest further proves the link between the NPA and Bayan and Karapatan. 
 
Baladad said the troops nabbed Tapang shortly after a meeting with Christian Tuayon, secretary general of Bayan-Negros, and Clarissa Singson, secretary general of Karapatan-Negros.
 
GMA News Online tried to reach Bayan-Negros for comment but received no response. Bayan Secretary General Renato Reyes said he had no information on the incident.
 
Tapang was arrested by virtue of warrants issued by San Carlos City and Cadiz City courts where he is facing murder and robbery in band charges, respectively.
 
The meeting was held at the house of Silay City councilor Joedith Gallego.
 
"We have no reports that the councilor was there. We are not sure if the councilor was part of the meeting or not...What they (troops) observed is that they (Tapang, Tuayon and Singson) went to his house for a meeting," the army commander said.
 
Balalad said authorities are now investigating Tuayon, Singson and Gallego for possible criminal liability.
 

Lawmen nab ‘rebel leader’

From the Visayan Daily Star (Feb 17): Lawmen nab ‘rebel leader’

Another alleged leader of the New People’s Army, with pending arrest warrants for murder and robbery-in-band, in connection with the 2009 ambush of civilians in Toboso, Negros Occidental, was apprehended Saturday by a combined team of police and military personnel in Brgy. E. Lopez, Silay City.

The arrest of Victor Tapang, former commander of the Sentro De Grabidad Platoon codenamed Cherry Mobile of the Northern Negros Front, who is now a member of the Taxation Bureau of Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros, yielded a .45 caliber Mark IV pistol with a magazine containing six ammunition, while two rifle grenades were recovered from the compartment of his motorcycle, police and military records show.

Two weeks ago, suspected NPA leader Biboy Espinas, a member of the Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros Finance Bureau, who is also facing a murder case, was also apprehended by Army troopers in Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City. A .38 caliber revolver was also recovered from him, military said.

In his report to Senior Supt. Milko Lirazan, provincial police director of Negros Occidental, Supt. Jacob Crisostomo, Silay police chief, said that Tapang was driving an XRM 125 motorcycle with a certain Lorenzo Perolino, alias Tisoy, in tandem with him, when they were intercepted by military and police personnel, composed of the PNP Special Action Force, city police force, Public Safety Company and 303rd Infantry Brigade in Hacienda La Purisima Concepcion, Brgy. E. Lopez, Silay City.

Perolino, however, managed to escape, but Tapang was arrested, with a gun in his possession, and the explosives in his motorcycle, Crisostomo said.

Major Rey Tiongson, Army’s 3rdInfantry Division spokesman, said yesterday that Tapang has a pending arrest warrant for murder, in connection with the killing of two civilians and injuries of two others during the ambush of a civilian vehicle in Sitio Toril, Brgy. Salamanca, Toboso, on July 13, 2009.

The NPA, who claimed responsibility for the ambush, later apologized for the incident, as they had mistaken passengers of the vehicle for paramilitary personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Crisostomo said Tapang has another pending case of robbery-in-band, with bail set at P40,000 by Cadiz Regional Trial Court Judge Renato Munez.

Col. Jon Aying, 303rdInfantry Brigade commander, said the arrest of Tapang will add to the leadership crisis, now being experienced by the KR-Negros hierarchy.

Tapang is now detained at the Silay police jail, pending the filing of charges against him forillegal possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives.

Maj. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, 3rd Infantry Division commander, credited the arrest of Tapang to the timely information fed to them by concerned civilian authorities.

The victims of the CPP-NPA and Tapang have been crying for justice, Baladad said in his statement, adding, “We will ensure that the rule of law will always prevail”.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/February/17/topstory4.htm

NPA leader arrested in Negros Occidental

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 17): NPA leader arrested in Negros Occidental
 
A suspected leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) with arrest warrants for murder and robbery-in-band was arrested by a joint police and military team Saturday in Barangay E. Lopez, Silay City, Negros Occidental.

Arrested was Victor Tapang, a member of the Taxation Bureau of NPA’s Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros.

Tapang, a former commander of the Sentro de Grabidad (SDG) Platoon codename Cherry Mobile of the Northern Negros Front (NNF), was found possessing a caliber .45 Mark IV pistol with a magazine containing six ammunition. Two rifle grenades were also recovered from the compartment of his motorcycle.

Supt. Jacob Crisostomo, chief of Silay City Police Station, said Tapang was on board an XRM 125 motorcycle with Lorenzo Perolino alias Tisoy, when policemen and soldiers intercepted them in Hacienda Imbang, Barangay E. Lopez.

Perolino, however, evaded arrest while Tapang was apprehended while possessing a gun.

Tapang is detained at the Silay City Police Station while charges for illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives are being prepared against him.

Crisostomo said that Tapang’s robbery-in-band case has a bail of P40,000 recommended by Cadiz City Regional Trial Court Judge Renato Muñez.

Major Rey Tiongson, spokesman of the Philippines Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, Sunday said that Tapang is facing a murder charge for the killing of two civilians and injuring two others during an ambush of a civilian vehicle in Sitio Toril, Barangay Salamanca, Toboso, on July 13, 2009.

The NPA, who claimed responsibility for the ambush, had apologized for the incident, saying they thought the passengers were paramilitary personnel.

Before his arrest, Tapang reportedly came from a meeting with Bayan-Negros Christian Tuayon and Karapatan-Negros secretary general Clarissa Singson in the house of Silay Councilor Joedith Gallego, Tiongson said.

Col. Jon Aying, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade based in Murcia town in Negros Occidental, said the arrest of Tapang will worsen the leadership crisis now being faced by the KR-Negros hierarchy.

About two weeks ago, Biboy Espinas, a member of the Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros Finance Bureau, who is charged for murder, was also arrested by Army soldiers in Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=616740

Rebel surrenders to 29th Infantry Battalion in Agusan del Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 17): Rebel surrenders to 29th Infantry Battalion in Agusan del Norte

A New People's Army (NPA) fighter surrendered to troopers of the 29th Infantry Battalion in Agusan del Norte last Saturday, Feb. 15.

Belated reports from Lt. Col. Adonis Ariel G. Orio, the unit commander, identified the surrenderee as Marlon Iligan, 29, and a member of Sentro de Grabidad 21 of Guerrilla Front 21, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

The surrenderee also handed over one AR-18 Armalite rifle and one M-4 Bushmaster automatic weapon.

"I got tired of this worthless operations. The years of fighting with them made us hopeful that they will help our tribe in our situation. Instead of helping us, they deceived us and made us member of their armed group,” Iligan said in Manobo.

Orio said that the surrender of Iligan only manifest that the rebels in his area are experiencing both combat fatigue and social pressures.

Iligan will receive monetary support from the firearms remuneration program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines or the “AFP Guns for Peace Program.”

“This money that shall be given to him is not a reward but is a financial support intended for his new life when he gets back to his family and reintegrated in their community,” Orio added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=616783

MILF: BTC courtesy call ‘unwelcome’ in Zamboanga City

From the MILF Website (Feb 16): BTC courtesy call ‘unwelcome’ in Zamboanga City

 

Even after the schedule for the courtesy call was approved, the Bangsamoro Transition Committee (BTC) still found itself in an unwelcome situation when Zamboanga City Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar decided on the last-hour to meet the BTC in a public gathering instead of her office.
  
It was very noticeable that she and the rest of city officials were lukewarm to the commissioners right from their arrival in the venue at a hotel in downtown Zamboanga.

But amidst the jeering and the harsh questioning, members of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) made through with the February 12 public forum organized by the City Government of Zamboanga.

The commissioners, led by their Chairman Mohagher Iqbal, calmly and rationally answered questions from several sectors of Zamboanguenos.

In what seems to be an orchestrated outpouring of emotions and even a walk-out, the forum revealed the opposition of this city’s officials to the peace process between the GPH and MILF.

No less than the city mayor herself ordered the local government-assembled crowd to physically stand up and shout ”no” to the city’s inclusion to the Bangsamoro.

Contrary to earlier reports that a BTC commissioner “triggered” the uproar, a review of the sequence of speakers shows a wide time gap between the “wish” statement of Commissioner Akmad Sakkam and the uncalled for reaction of the city executive.

Sakkam merely stated his wish for the people of this city to join the Bangsamoro because of the expected socio-economic advantages Zamboanga stands to gain if it is included in the new political entity.
 
This, even as the commissioners belabored the point that democratic processes are to be observed in the formation of the territories of the Bangsamoro.

Almost all the questions raised concerned only contiguity of territories and the plebiscite.

Commissioner Raissa Jajurie explained that the petition of at least ten percent of an area does not automatically include it in the Bangsamoro territory unless it is approved by a majority of qualified voters in a plebiscite.

Iqbal earlier mentioned in his opening remarks that they did not make a presentation for the Zamboanga audience because the city is “not directly part of the equation.”

The BTC visit was also primarily made just to give due respect to the city’s leadership. Since the commissioners stayed here for their 3-day consultations in the provinces of Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Basilan, they considered it a matter of civility to pay courtesy call to the city mayor.


Even then the crowd could not be appeased, as if what they only want is for the commission to categorically state that Zamboanga City would never be part of the Bangsamoro.

Iqbal, noted for his composure, urged the crowd “not to give up on peace.” He asked the pessimists to consider peace as the only option left for all. “If previous agreements did not succeed, it only means that the real solution to the problem has not yet been found,” he said.

As of the 2010 census, Zamboanga City has a population of 807,129. It is estimated that Muslims, particularly of the Tausug tribe, make up 25% of the city’s residents.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/816-btc-courtesy-call-‘unwelcome’-in-zamboanga-city

Police file case against 2 church grenade throwers

From the Daily Zamboanga Times (Feb 15): Police file case against 2 church grenade throwers

Police have forwarded to the city prosecutor office a case of multiple frustrated murder against two persons who lobbed a grenade at the old San Isidero Labrador Church in Talon-Talon last February 1.
 
One of the two suspects was identified as Jun-Jun alias Banezar, a  native of Tipo-Tipo, Basilan. His companion remains unidentified as of press time.
 
The case forwarded was administered by Assistant City Prosecutor Gladdy Bernabe under Case No. IX-06-INV-14B-00063.
 
The identity of Banezar was known during a continuous investigation being carried out by men of the Tetuan Police Station under Chief Insp. Felix Martinez.
 
The MK 2 fragmentation grenade exploded at the entrance to the church around 9:50 a.m. while members of the Talon-Talon Senior Citizen Group were having a monthly meeting thereat. It was lobbed by two men aboard a motorcycle.
 
Five persons were wounded including three senior citizens. Injured were Fablito Mojares, Leonardo Sition, Felecita Tarro, all senior citizens, Ivan Tarro, a minor and Wendelyn Gandawali, passerby. They all sustained shrapnel wounds in the body and were taken to the hospital for treatment.
 
Police were optimistic that the two  suspects will be arrested as soon as the court will issue a warrant of arrest.
 
Several months ago, another grenade attack took place at the same church but no one was hurt.
 
The old church in Talon-Talon is being used by senior citizens for their monthly meeting every first Sunday of the month.
 

Abu killed, many hurt in fresh Sulu fighting

From the Daily Zamboanga Times (Feb 16): Abu killed, many hurt in fresh Sulu fighting

A suspected member of the Abu Sayyaf Group was killed and an undetermined number of others were wounded in an encounter with government troops and Barangay Police Auxiliary Team in Barangay Long Kiaban, Talipao, Sulu around 8:55 a.m. Friday.

The encounter is said to be the result of an continuous joint law enforcement operation of the PNP, BPAT and AFP in close coordination with the Sulu Provincial Government which aims to wipe out lawless elements in the province of Sulu.

Marine Brigade spokesperson Capt Ryan F Lacuesta identified the slain Abu Sayyaf as Jul Asmin Sangkula.

According to Lacuesta, the clash began early morning in Barangay Long Kiaban, Talipao when BPAT engaged the Abu Sayyaf Group while enroute to Mabahay, Talipao.

They were immediately reinforced by government troops that left one Abu Sayyaf dead and several others wounded.  BPAT and AFP suffered minimal casualty. The firefight lasted for about one hour.

The AFP together with the PNP and BPAT are still in pursuit operation to eliminate remaining identified lawless elements in Sulu.

http://zamboangatimes.ph/zamboangatimes/top-news/9816-abu-killed-many-hurt-in-fresh-sulu-fighting.html

Korean Araw Force rebuilds typhoon-damaged house of war veteran in Leyte's Carigara town

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 16): Korean Araw Force rebuilds typhoon-damaged house of war veteran in Leyte's Carigara town

True to their commitment to help in the rebuilding efforts of typhoon-affected Leyte, the Republic of Korean Military Forces (Araw Force) expanded their rehabilitation works from the towns of Palo, Tanauan, Tolosa and Dulag to Carigara.

On Saturday, Segundino Grisola Sr from East Visoria village of Carigara entered his newly-rehabilitated house, complete with a generator set, courtesy of the Araw Force of the ROK.

Grisola was one of the 10 Filipino soldiers from Carigara who were sent to Korea to fight with the South Korean Military forces against the North Korean Army.

Their presence had paved way for the restoration of peace in Korea and consequently earned them the respect of the Korean government and its armed forces.

“This person is a veteran in the Korean War and we wanted to respond to his sacrifice in helping our country,” said Younghwan Eom, commander of the Korean Navy.

Grisola’s involvement in the Korean War was confirmed by the Military AttachĂ© of South Korea after verification of the list of Filipino soldiers that served during the Korean War.

“Many Filipino soldiers died during the Korean War; this is our way of saying thank you to them," Eom added.

The veteran also availed of the services of the Korean medical team that conducted a mission in his barangay over the weekend. Children were given free popcorn and ice cream by the soldiers.

Aside from the house of Grisola, Eom revealed that they will also repair houses of three other Filipino veterans during Korean War in the city of Tacloban, Tolosa and Dagami.

Most of the Korean soldiers who are here to help in the recovery effort of places devastated by the typhoon if not their first time to visit the country have no personal relationship with the Philippines except for 1Lt Dae Heung Hwang. He stayed in the country to study at the University of the Santo Thomas taking AB-BSE Major in Social Science in 2011.

This 25-year old Korean soldier who still understands and speaks little of Filipino said that he volunteered to be part of the team upon learning of his government’s plan to send a mission team to the Philippines to help the victims of Yolanda.

Studying in the country made his heart closer to Filipinos, said 1Lt Dae. He said that he is thankful for the chance of coming back to the country to contribute in the rebuilding of places that were torn by the typhoon.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=616655

Suspected NPA rebels attack terminal, burn 8 buses in Batangas

From InterAksyon (Feb 16): Suspected NPA rebels attack terminal, burn 8 buses in Batangas

Fifteen fully-armed suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) on board two vans raided past midnight Saturday the terminal of Jam Liner, Inc. and burned eights buses in Barangay Palanas, Lemery, Batangas.

Huwag kayong makialam, mga NPA kami, hindi kayo ang pakay namin kundi ang management [Don't interfere with us, we are NPAs, we are not after you but the management],” the employees of the bus company, quoting the rebels, told Lemery police investigator Police Officer 2 Richard Caragay.

Caragay said the rebels did not hurt anyone during the raid that happened at about 12:55 a.m.

While at the terminal, insurgents, who were in camouflage, pointed guns at the security guards from D-Black Pretorians Security Agency and disarmed them, according to Caragay.

"Lahat ng mga natutulog doon ay ginising. Pinalabas ang mga konduktor at drayber na natutulog sa mga bus. Pagkatapos ay binuhusan na nila ng gasolina ang mga bus at sinilaban [They woke up all who were sleeping they. They told all the drivers and conductors sleeping on the bus to get out. After that, they poured gasoline and burned the area],” said Caragay.

Caragay said authorities received reports that the insurgents threatened the management that they would burn their bus units if they continue to refuse paying “taxes” to the revolutionary movement.

Meanwhile, Provincial police director Senior Supt. Omega Jireh Fidel condemned the suepected rebels for also engaging in looting during the raid.

“Bukod sa nanunog na, nagnakaw pa sila [They also engaged in looting other than arson],” said Fidel.

He said the .38-caliber revolver and shotgun of security guards Welijado Banastao, 32, and Marlon Pineda, 27, were also taken away by the rebels.

“The rebels also stole a handheld radio, power supply of a desktop computer and the cellular phone of one of the security guards,” Fidel added.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/80851/suspected-npa-rebels-attack-terminal-burn-8-buses-in-batangas

Suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits seize couple in Sulu

From InterAksyon (Feb 15): Suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits seize couple in Sulu

Six armed men believed to be members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) have seized Sunday morning a couple, who are government employees, just when they were about to enter their house in Barangay San Raymundo, Jolo, Sulu.

Capt. Ryan Lacuesta, civil relations officer of the 2nd Marine Brigade, said the couple identified as Bonifacio and Claire Salinas were forcibly taken at gunpoint to a waiting Tamaraw jeep at bout 5:30 a.m.

“The Salinas couple was working with the Jolo Water District. They arrived at 4:30 a.m. from Zamboanga City via M/V Danica Joy vessel. They hired a tricycle going to their residence located at 10th Street when seized by at least 6 unidentified armed men,” Lacuesta said.

The abductors with their two victims sped towards Barangay Anuling in Patikul town.

“The Marines and police in coordination with concerned government units are conducting pursuit operations to locate and rescue the victims,” Lacuesta said.

Meanwhile, Brigade commander Colonel Jose Johriel Cenabre said the ASG was resorting to abduction of civilians and possibly bombings to divert the attention of the military and police from their intensified operations against them.

Since February 8, almost a dozen bandits, a couple of soldiers, and scores have been wounded from the ongoing military offensive against the Abu Sayyaf.

With the addition of the Salinas couple, the Abu Sayyaf has now more than a dozen kidnap victims.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/80848/suspected-abu-sayyaf-bandits-seize-couple-in-sulu

Gunmen seize couple in Southern Philippines

From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Feb 16): Gunmen seize couple in Southern Philippines

Unidentified gunmen abducted a Filipino couple shortly after they arrived by boat at dawn Sunday in the southern province of Sulu, police said.

Police said Bonifacio Salinas, 54, and his wife, Claire, just returned home from Zamboanga City and were about to enter their house in Patikul town when gunmen seized them.

“We are investigating the motive of the abduction and who were behind it,” Senior Superintendent Abraham Orbita, the provincial police chief, told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.

He said the couple, who works at the Jolo Mainland Water District, were seized in the village of Kasalamatan by five gunmen who dragged them to a waiting jeep.

No individual or group claimed responsibility for the latest abduction, but previous cases in the province have been largely blamed to the Abu Sayyaf, a small, but the most notorious rebel group specializing in ransom kidnappings and terrorism.

In December, police in Sulu arrested an Abu Sayyaf member Haik Asgali alias Abu Aswad who was implicated in the February 2012 kidnapping in Tawi-Tawi province of two European wildlife photographers Ewold Horn, 52, from Holland; and Lorenzo Vinciguerre, 47, from Switzerland.

Asgali, who was captured in Jolo town, is a nephew of Abu Sayyaf leader Radulan Sahiron.

The two foreigners, along with their Filipino guide Ivan Sarenas, 35, were abducted at gunpoint by five men in the coastal village of Parangan in Panglima Sugala town while taking photographs of wild birds, and handed them over to the Abu Sayyaf. Sarenas managed to escape, but the fate of the two foreigners is unknown.

The Abu Sayyaf also kidnapped the provincial treasurer of Sulu, Jess Cabilin, in Patikul town in November and was a released unharmed following a negotiation launched by his family.

Authorities tagged Cabelin's kidnappers as Ninok Sappari and Julli Ikit who were also implicated in the March 2012 kidnapping of Indian national Viju Kolara Veetil and other Filipinos in Sulu, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2014/02/gunmen-seize-couple-in-southern.html