$97,750 paid to free Rodwell

From Rappler (Mar 24): $97,750 paid to free Rodwell

 
SYDNEY, Australia (3rd UPDATE) - Islamic militants in the lawless southern Philippines were paid US$97,750 for the release of Australian Warren Rodwell who survived 15 months in captivity, a report said on Sunday, March 24.

A gaunt Rodwell, a former soldier, 54, was set free at Pagadian, a port city on Mindanao island, Saturday, some 100 kilometers (60 miles) east of where he was kidnapped on December 5, 2011.

Philippine and Australian authorities refused to say if a ransom was paid, but Australia's Fairfax Media cited the key negotiator as revealing the equivalent of $97,750 in pesos was handed over.

This was substantially less than the $2 million the kidnappers, members of the Abu Sayyaf militant group, had initially demanded soon after they broke into the house Rodwell shared with his Filipina wife in Ipil town.

The negotiator, Al Rashid Sakalahul, told Fairfax the kidnappers were demanding some $400,000 when he became involved in the case several weeks ago.

But what they accepted was far less, he said. (The amount verifies Rappler's original estimate on the money paid to free the Australia. Read: The Inside Story: Ransom and Rodwell)

'Middlemen' did not profit from ransom - Sakalahul

Sakalahul said he had succeeded in getting them to lower their demand to P4 million.

"It was really a tough negotiation but in the end, with God's help, we managed to secure the release of Rodwell," Sakalahul, vice-governor of the province of Basilan, told Fairfax.

He said he was revealing how much was paid to douse speculation he benefited from negotiating with the kidnappers and deny speculation from Manila that "middlemen" had pocketed some of the ransom.

"I don't want to be accused by anyone that I benefited from this negotiation -- that's why I came up with this admission," he said.

"My only mission is to save the life of Rodwell by getting him out of the Abu Sayyaf. I am clean. My conscience is clean," he said.

Sakalahul said he did not know where the money was sourced but it was passed through Rodwell's wife Miraflor Gutang and her brother Roger.

He said the negotiations were conducted with an emissary of Puruji Indama, an Abu Sayyaf commander in Basilan feared for beheading and mutilating his victims.

Indama gained prominence after he and other Muslim militants attacked a Philippine military convoy, killing and mutilating 14 marines in 2007.

In November 2009, Indama kidnapped three ethnic Chinese factory workers and beheaded one of them before releasing the other two.

PH, Australia deny ransom paid

Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr said Canberra did not pay any money.

"Just be clear that the Australian government never pays ransoms," he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

"I won't comment on arrangements that may have been made by Mr Rodwell's family and Abu Sayyaf, made through the Philippines anti-kidnapping unit and their police force."

Rodwell was Saturday flown by helicopter to a military base in Zamboanga, one of the major cities in the southern Philippines, where he received medical treatment.

Regional military spokesman Colonel Rodrigo Gregorio also said he had no knowledge of any ransom.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte also could not confirm whether or not a ransom was paid.

"We have no information," she told a radio interview.

However, she stressed that the government's policy on ransom has not changed. "The policy of the government remains that we do not pay ransom."

Australian media said he was expected to remain in hospital for up to a week.

Senior Philippine military sources said he was being cared for in a tightly-secured, special US military enclave within the Philippine base.

A rotating force of 600 US Special Forces has been stationed in the southern Philippines since 2002 to help train local troops in how to combat Islamic militants such as the Abu Sayyaf.

The Abu Sayyaf is one of many armed Islamist groups operating in the southern Philippines, which has been home to a deadly Muslim separatist insurgency that has cost tens of thousands of lives since the 1970s.

It is believed to have only a few hundred members but has been blamed for the worst terror attacks in recent Philippine history. It also has a history of kidnapping foreigners, Christians and local business people for ransom.

Nigel Brennan, an Australian photojournalist who was held hostage for 462 days after he was kidnapped in Somalia in 2008, said Rodwell would find it tough to overcome his trauma.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/24575-ransom-rodwell-kidnapping

Shots fired to thwart Rodwell escape

From Rappler (Mar 24): Shots fired to thwart Rodwell escape



FREE AT LAST. This handout photo taken on March 23, 2013 and released by the Australian Foreign Ministry shows Rodwell (C) being escorted by US military personnel shortly after arriving at a military airbase by helicopter in Zamboanga. AFP PHOTO / Australian Foreign Ministry

  PAGADIAN, Philippines - An Australian ex-soldier just freed by Philippine extremists has recounted how his kidnappers fired shots to stop him escaping during his 15-month ordeal, a police officer said Sunday, March 24.

Even when finally released, Warren Rodwell had to paddle a boat to a distant town and wade ashore through the mud to reach safety, said Inspector Eurem Macasil, the first policeman to meet him.

Rodwell, 54, was abducted from his home in the southern Philippine town of Ipil on December 5, 2011 and was freed by members of the Abu Sayyaf extremist group before dawn Saturday after extensive negotiations.

The militants were paid US$97,750 in ransom, a negotiator said.

Wharf supervisor Nathaniel Campos was the first person to spot the Australian as he waded ashore in darkness in the port city of Pagadian.

A surprised Campos asked the soaked and mud-splattered foreigner if he was a tourist.

"No, I'm not a tourist. I am a kidnap victim. Please help me!" Rodwell replied.

Campos took Rodwell to the nearby headquarters of the Pagadian maritime police where Macasil offered him a cup of coffee.

Rodwell was so weak he could barely bring the cup to his lips, Macasil said.

He told the police officer some of his experiences, like how his captors had repeatedly transferred him from one small island to another to elude pursuit.

Rodwell not shackled or caged

During his captivity, he was not shackled or caged but was always closely watched by the gunmen.

"He said he had several opportunities to escape but was not successful. They would open fire and force him to stop," said Macasil.

"He said he was worried after he heard in a conversation (among the gunmen) that there was an (armed) encounter and that they cut off someone's head," the police officer said.

Rodwell said he was in the southernmost island group of Tawi-Tawi, near the maritime border with Malaysia, when the gunmen took him by boat to Pagadian to release him.

They left him in a rowboat off Pagadian and told him to paddle to safety. But when he reached the shore, the tide was out and was forced to wade through the mud.

Rodwell was later picked up by Philippine and Australian authorities who flew him to the southern city of Zamboanga, where he is receiving medical attention at a major military base.

His kidnappers, the Abu Sayyaf, are a Muslim extremist group that was founded in the early 1990s with seed money from al-Qaeda chieftain Osama bin Laden.

The group has been blamed for the country's worst terror attacks including a series of bombings and kidnappings, mainly targeting foreigners and Christians.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/24620-shots-fired-to-thwart-rodwell-escape

MILF lauds OPAPP for informing UN on Mindanao peace process

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 24): MILF lauds OPAPP for informing UN on Mindanao peace process

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has lauded the effort of the Philippine government to bring to the attention of the United Nations (UN) in New York the latest progress of the GPH-MILF peace negotiation.

A day before the GPH-MILF peace panels meet for the 37th exploratory talks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Mohammad Ameen, head of the MILF Secretariat, said the MILF fully appreciates the effort of Secretary Teresita “Ging” Deles of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) in bringing to the attention of the UN the gains of the 17 year old peace negotiation.

“These efforts redound to the common interests of the government and the MILF,” Ameen said in a statement Sunday.“We are not discriminating in our praise. As long as it is for the people’s common good, we extend it to where it is due,” Ameen added.

During her meeting with Special Adviser and Assistant Secretary-General of Civilian Capacities to UN Sarah Cliffe at the sidelines of the recent 57th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, Secretary Deles underscored the importance of the road map that has been put in place to move the peace process resolutely forward between the GPH and the MILF.

Assistant Secretary-Cliffe oversees the UN's CAPMATCH, a “self-service online platform whose purpose is to better match the demand and supply of specialized civilian capacities for countries emerging from conflict. It is owned and monitored by the UN Civilian Capacities Team."

CAPMATCH focuses on the five areas most commonly identified as the critical capacity gaps for countries emerging from conflict or crisis: safety and security, justice, inclusive political processes, core government functionality and economic revitalization.

Secretary Deles, cited by the OPAPP website, also underscored that capacity building programs were needed to enhance the capabilities of stakeholders but also stressed that such programs should be “stakeholder owned and driven.”

For her part, Assistant Secretary-General Cliffe agreed that vital capacity building programs that would support the Bangsamoro in the Southern Philippines “need to be worked out” by internal stakeholders and that any possible assistance and cooperation would have to be “tailor-made for the Philippine context.”

The website also said that Assistant Secretary-General Cliffe likewise lauded the efforts of the Philippine Government in the peace process and commended areas of expertise and best practices from which other stakeholders in the international community can learn from.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=510145

Palace maintains 'no ransom' policy for victims of kidnapping

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 24): Palace maintains 'no ransom' policy for victims of kidnapping

Malacanang maintained on Sunday that the government’s policy of not paying any ransom for victims of kidnapping remains in effect and “has not changed.”

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte issued this statement in light of reports that the government paid P 7-million for the release of Australian Warren Richard Rodwell, after being held captive by the Abu Sayaf bandits for the last 15 months.

She said that while the government is looking into the circumstances in the release of Rodwell, these reports of ransom being paid remain just allegations.

“The policy of the government remains that we do not pay ransom. Having said that, we have no information or confirmation on that alleged ransom that was paid,” Valte said.

“The policy of the government has not changed,” she added.  Rodwell, 54, was released in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur province, on Saturday.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=510170

Protest permanent presence of US military forces in the Philippines--CPP

From the CPP Website (Mar 23): Protest permanent presence of US military forces in the Philippines--CPP

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today urged the Filipino people to raise their voices in protest against the increasing frequency of US warship dockings in the Philippines that have resulted in the permanent presence of US military forces in the country in total disregard of Philippine sovereignty.

The CPP issued the call following the simultaneous docking yesterday of three US warships in Manila, Subic and Cebu which it described as “a triple slap on the face of Philippine sovereignty.” The USS Decatur naval destroyer docked at Manila Bay, while the USS Ohio submarine docked at Subic and the USS Frank Cable submarine tender at Cebu.

“The simultaneous dockings of these US military vessels clearly demonstrate that the US government and military treat the Philippines as nothing more than their naval outpost in the Asia-Pacific and that Benigno Aquino III acts like an American governor at the beck and call of his masters.”

Just a few days ago, the USS Emory S. Land, another submarine tender also docked at Subic. It was the source of toxic waste dumped off the coast of Subic by a US defense contractor last October 15.
These American military naval vessels came at a time when the grounding last January of the USS Guardian and the widespread damage it has caused to the corals and wildlife at the Tubbataha Reefs protected area remain unresolved, pointed out the CPP.

“The Philippine government has miserably failed the Filipino people in its refusal to make the the USS Guardian personnel and the entire US military accountable for violations of Philippine laws,” added the CPP. “Worse, the US acted high-handedly in announcing the other day that it was seeking the cooperation of the Philippine government in the investigation that it would be carrying out on the grounding of the USS Guardian.”

“In the first place, it is the Philippine government that is supposed to carry out such an investigation. The American military officers and personnel of the grounded USS Guardian should have been remanded to the custody of Philippine authorities pending the investigation of their culpability,” said the CPP.

The CPP said the increasing frequency of the US military naval dockings in the Philippines is exacerbated by the permanent stationing of 700 US combat soldiers under the US Pacific Command’s Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P). The JSOTF-P is based in an exclusive area within Camp Navarro, the headquarters of the Western Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The CPP reiterated the need to abrogate the Visiting Forces Agreement, the Mutual Defense Treaty and other unequal military agreements between the Philippine and US governments.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20130323_protest-permanent-presence-of-us-military-forces-in-the-philippines-cpp

Nur Misuari: Islamic Awakening Poster: The Bangsamoro Liberation War

Posted to the Facebook page of Nur Misuari:  Islamic Awakening Poster: The Bangsamoro Liberation War



The Bangsamoro Liberation War

Very few Muslims talk about Bangsamoro, which is not surprising as very few Muslims even know where it is or what it is. Whilst Palestine, Syria or Iraq are spoken about on the minbars and the Ummah rallies to support the Muslims in those lands, the Muslims of Bangsamoro continue their struggle with little support. The Ban...gsamoro Liberation War stands out among all conflicts in the Ummah if not solely because of its length, the Muslims of Bangsamoro have been engaged in a conflict that has lasted for 490 years, which makes it all the more shameful that most of us have never heard of it.

Bangsamoro is located south of the Philippines and to the East of Malaysia and Brunei. It is comprised of 4 main areas, the island of Mindanao, the islands of Sulu, the island of Palawan and Sabah which is part of the island of Borneo. When all of the smaller islands are counted the total number of islands in Bangsamoro exceeds 7,000. However, the bulk of the land is made up of the island of Mindanao which is the largest island of Bangsamoro.

The name Bangsamoro is derived from the word 'bangsa' which means 'land/nation' and 'Moro' which is the name that the Muslims of the region use to refer to themselves, though the term is ultimately derived from the era of Al-Andalus when the Muslims would be called 'Moros'. Therefore Bangsamoro translates as 'Land/Nation of the Muslims' which is why it earns itself the title of Bangsamoro Darul Islam.

The Muslims of Bangsamoro ruled over all of Mindanao, Sulu and Palawan, Sabah and also the cities of Mactan and Manila (the current capital of the Philippines) until Spanish and Portuguese Crusaders came and fought them, wanting to conquer their lands. The Spanish were led by Ferdinand Magellan, the infamous explorer who was killed by the Muslims in the Battle of Mactan. The leader of the Muslims who fought the Crusaders was Khalifa Lapu (known colloquially as Lapu-Lapu) who is a hero of the Bangsamoro nation.

The Spanish managed to take Manila and Mactan and much of Palawan, however they could never defeat the Muslims of Mindanao or Sulu. For centuries the Muslims remained independent, despite constant attacks by the Spanish. Eventually the British inherited many Spanish lands and became involved, however they too could not defeat the Muslims. Later the Japanese invaded during World War II and were similarly unable to conquer the Muslim populations of Mindanao or Sulu. The next army to come were the Americans who despite being barbaric in their attacks were also unable to subdue the Muslims. Since the Americans entered, the Filipino nation was born, and they, hand in hand with the Americans have fought the Muslims of Bangsamoro, still unable to defeat the Mujahideen.

The region of Sabah was claimed by the British who had conquered Malaysia, however the Muslims of Mindanao never accepted this, and when Malaysia became independent, the new nation made a claim to Sabah, despite the fact that it was not their land, rather it belonged to the Sultanate of Sulu.

The Muslims of Bangsamoro have been fighting for centuries, with very little support from the Muslim Ummah, yet they have never given up. Most recently the Moro Uprising began when the Filipino terrorist army slaughtered 200 innocent Muslims in the Jabidah Massacre, and led by Nur Misuari, the Muslims of Bangsamoro once again laid siege to the invaders to finally liberate the land of Bangsamoro. The struggle continues until today, and the Muslims have formed many groups to fight for their liberation, the MNLF, the MILF, Abu Sayyaf, BIFF and many others, however they are all united in the struggle for the liberation of Bangsamoro.

In the last week, a group of Muslims loyal to Jamulul Kiram III, a claimant to the Sultanate of Sulu entered into Sabah which is occupied by the Malaysian government and a large Christian population who are known for their oppression against Moros residing there. The Malaysian government sent in their Army who attacked the group killing 10 of them, as well as sending in planes to bomb the area of Lahad Datu where they set up base. The MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front) has said that as many as 10,000 of their fighters may be making their way to Sabah to protect Jamalul Kiram and his men.

It must be noted, that the MNLF, led by Nur Misuari have been consistent in their claim since their founding that Bangsamoro must be ruled by the Shari'ah and that the land will be an Islamic state, as it was in the past. The family of Misuari are devout and pious Muslims, his sons studied in Al-Azhar and taught at Islamic centres in the UAE, and his daughters wear the niqab and are covered head to toe. His closest advisors are all Islamically educated, the leader of the MNLF Mujahideen and advisor to Misuari is Ustadz Khabir Malik, a graduate of Madinah University and a scholar as well as a Mujahid.

The Malaysian government on the other hand is an apostate government who does not rule by Shari'ah nor has any desire to do so. Other than PAS (Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party) there is no effort from any political group to implement Islam, and therefore the re-conquest of Sabah by the Mujahideen and implementation of the Shari'ah must be a goal that is welcomed by all Muslims, as well as the entire re-conquest of all Bangsamoro lands.

ARTICLE TAKEN FROM: Shaykh Musa Cerantonio Hafidhahullah
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Musa-Cerantonio

NEVER EVER FORGET THEM IN YOUR DUA... Share & Spread to Increase Awareness!!!

https://www.facebook.com/Nur.P.Misuari#!/photo.php?fbid=355855661186696&set=a.315173421921587.62830.315168201922109&type=1&theater

Bangsamoro Youth Holds Assembly

From the MILF Website (Mar 23): Bangsamoro Youth Holds Assembly



The Bangsamoro Youth Organizations from different schools, barangays and municipalities from eastern part of Maguindanao; Sultan Kudarat and North Cotabato held a one-day Bangsamoro Youth Assembly with a theme “ Youth of Today, Leaders of Tomorrow” last March 19, 2013 at Datu Paglas National High School Covered Court, Datu Paglas, Maguindanao.

The theme symbolizes and categorizes the youth as the hope of the nation; and effective partners in sustaining and promoting the development of communities towards peace and order, social, economic, cultural, political and educational development.

Moreover, Sheikh Khalifa Nando, MILF Supreme Court Justice; and guest of honor stressed the essence and the role of the youth in nation building.

He said “The youth is the mainstream of the community in resolving issues or problems that may arise in the future; defending the nation; and leading advocacies for peace and development, unity and attaining harmonious relationship among sectors of society”.

“It is the basic responsibilities of the youth to correct the injustices committed in the past against its people; promote traditional and cultural practices that are not in conflict with the Islam; and to protect their identity as a nation”. “Through Islamic guidance, good upbringing; proper training and relevant education, the youth shall eventually become good leaders and managers in business and commercial companies; institutions and organizations; and possibly in the government. But the Moro youth shall in all their undertakings be guided by the Holy Qur’an and the tradition of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)”, Shiekh Nando further elaborated.

Thinker says “Let us combine the Vigor of the Youth and the Wisdom of the Elders”. This saying implies that the youth should be molded in their early age to become efficient, effective and productive individuals in the future. The youth is therefore, the power and light of a nation.

The assembly was attended by more or less one thousand participants from different youth organizations; local leaders and representatives from the MILF Central Committee.

http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3161:bangsamoro-youth-holds-assembly&catid=31:general&Itemid=41

Malaysia captures 2 key leaders of Sulu sultan in Sabah

From the Mindanao Examiner Blog site (Mar 23): Malaysia captures 2 key leaders of Sulu sultan in Sabah

Malaysian authorities have captured two important members of the Sultanate of Sulu in separate operations in Lahad Datu town in Sabah where security forces are pursuing the group.

Police said local villagers have tipped off authorities about the two men – one a logistic officer and the other a military strategist – who were part of a 200 loyal followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram.

Authorities said only 50 of the original members of the rag-tag army are being pursued by troops because many of them had been either killed or captured in fierce clashes in Sabah, an island being claimed both by Malaysia and the Sultanate of Sulu.

Malaysia said it killed more than 60 of the sultan’s men and captured over 300 people who were either supporting or aiding the group of Sultan Jamalul, who sent his brother Raja Muda Agbimuddin to Sabah in February to lead the group.

Police said many of those killed in the Malaysian offensive were found carrying amulets or talisman; others had mystic words tattooed on their body believing it would save them from death or give them invincibility and supernatural powers.

But police said many of the sultan’s fighters were not saved by their belief in the supernatural and died from mortar explosions and gunshot wounds.

Mysticism is considered taboo in Malaysia, but in the Muslim provinces in the southern Philippines, many believed in talisman and amulets that supposedly give them supernatural power or ability to be invisible to enemies, among other folktales.

Authorities said Raja Muda Agbimuddin managed to escape the assault in Sabah and has fled to the southern Philippine province of Tawi-Tawi.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/03/malaysia-captures-2-key-leaders-of-sulu.html

Filipino family of freed Aussie man pays P4 million ransom

From the Mindanao Examiner Blog site (Mar 23): Filipino family of freed Aussie man pays P4 million ransom



Basilan deputy governor Al Rashid Sakalahul, who played a key role in the safe release of kidnapped Australian man Warren Rodwell, speaking to the Mindanao Examiner.

The Filipino family of freed Australian man Warren Rodwell has paid P4 million ransom to the Abu Sayyaf in exchange for his safe release.

Al Rashid Sakalahul, the deputy governor of the Muslim province of Basilan, who helped in the negotiations for Rodwell’s freedom, said the money was used to buy the foreigner’s freedom.

“It was Rodwell’s wife who really worked hard for this negotiation to succeed and they paid four million pesos to the kidnappers,” he told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner late on Saturday.

Sakalahul said he did not know where the money was sourced, but the kidnappers initially wanted P7 million and lowered this to P6.5 million and eventually agreeing to only P4 million.

“It was really a tough negotiation, but in the end, with God’s help we managed to secure the release of Rodwell,” he said.

He said he made the admission to douse speculations that he benefitted from the ransom payment made by Rodwell’s wife Miraflor Gutang and her brother Roger.

“I don’t want to be accused by anyone that I benefited from this negotiation that’s why I came with this admission. My only mission is to save the life of Rodwell by getting him out from the Abu Sayyaf,” he said.

Sakalahul said the Philippines or Australian authorities can investigate his claim or even ask Rodwell’s wife about the ransom payment.

“I am clean. My conscience is clean and I swear to God that I never benefited any single centavo from this negotiation, and even in the past where I also negotiated for the safe release of other kidnapped victims, I never got any money for my own. I cannot stomach dirty money and use this to feed my family and God is my witness,” he said.

The Philippines and Australia both have a strict no-ransom policy.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/03/filipino-family-of-freed-aussie-man.html

Kiram men crippled with arrest of 'commander' — Malaysian police

From GMA News (Mar 23): Kiram men crippled with arrest of 'commander' — Malaysian police

Malaysian security forces on Saturday claimed to have dealt followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III in Sabah a major blow with the arrest of one of their "military commanders" early on Saturday morning.

A report on Malaysia's state-run Bernama news agency said the Kiram commander was captured along with his wife in a swampy area in Semporna at 1:30 a.m.

Police Deputy Inspector General Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar did not name the commander but described him as in his 40s.

"With the capture of the commander and a local stooge of the terrorists, I am confident the terrorist group is now crippled," Khalid said, adding residents tipped off the authorities to the commander and his wife.

He also said a supposed "coordinator" of the Kiram followers was arrested by security forces Friday night.

A separate report on The Star Online said the coordinator was arrested along with his wife.

Khalid described the "coordinator" as a local in his 40s, who provided for the needs of the Kiram followers such as "food, drinks, accommodation, transportation and medicine."

The coordinator was caught at 10 p.m. Friday in Kampung Tanduo, and is now being held under the Immigration Act, Khalid said.

"The local coordinator has been identified as the individual who made arrangements for food and drinks, accommodation, transportation and medicine for the terrorists since the early part of the intrusion," he said.

Kiram forces crippled?

Khalid said the capture of the commander and the coordinator will likely weaken and limit the remnants of the Kiram followers, who he said will now be "directionless."

But he said the offensives in Sabah that began March 5 will continue.

He said at least 408 people have so far been detained for offenses, while the number of Kiram followers shot dead remained at 63.

So far, he said 38 bodies of Kiram followers were retrieved from the operation area, including eight which were taken out of Kampung Tanjung Batu Friday.

The bodies were now undergoing postmortems at the Lahad Datu Hospital, he said.

Get your act together

In Manila, a Malacañang official on Saturday urged Kiram's camp to get their act together on the nationality of eight supporters who had been charged before a Malaysian court for their “intrusion” into Sabah.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte maintained that as far as Malacañang is concerned, the eight are Filipinos who will be given the needed assistance.

“They have to clarify their position. Isang araw, that particular side had condemned the filing of charges against eight people, they expressed concern (the) offense may carry (the) death penalty. Today they are singing a different tune, hindi ito (they are not) Filipinos but Malaysians,” she said on government-run dzRB radio.

Asked if the Palace considers the eight as Filipinos, she said that is the Philippine government’s “initial information,” adding, “We have not heard any contrary reports.”

Earlier Saturday, a report on dzBB radio said Kiram’s camp claimed the eight who were charged before a Malaysian court were Malaysians and not Filipinos.

While the eight were charged before a Malaysian court for engaging in terrorist activities, two of the eight face the death penalty after being slapped added charges of waging war against the King.

Valte also said the Philippine government had been granted access to the detained Kiram supporters, and will now focus on providing assistance to them.

“We will be taking the necessary steps to (giving) assistance that is needed,” she said.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/300701/news/nation/kiram-men-crippled-with-arrest-of-commander-malaysian-police?ref=bannerh1

Commander of Sulu gunmen detained: Malaysia

From ABS-CBN (Mar 23): Commander of Sulu gunmen detained: Malaysia

Malaysian security forces have crippled the movements of Filipino gunmen from Sulu after capturing their commander in Semporna, Malaysia's state news agency Bernama reported Saturday.
 
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said the man, who is believed to be in his 40s, and his wife, were caught at around 10 p.m. Friday in Kampung Tanduo and is now being held under the Immigration Act, the agency said.

The commander's name was not revealed.

A local resident who provided the gunmen's needs since last month was also detained by Malaysian security forces, Malaysian authorities said.

"The local coordinator has been identified as the individual who made arrangements for food and drinks, accommodation, transportation and medicine for the terrorists since the early part of the intrusion. With the capture of the commander and a local stooge of the terrorists, I am confident the terrorist group is now crippled," Khalid said.

Meanwhile, many residents in the area of the conflict are still reluctant to return to their homes but authorities say they are taking steps to make sure the area is safe.

Khalil said that to date, 408 people have been detained for numerous offenses, and 63 members of the Sulu royal army have been killed.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/03/23/13/commander-sulu-gunmen-detained-malaysia

Magdalo soldiers to appeal guilty verdict

From ABS-CBN (Mar 23): Magdalo soldiers to appeal guilty verdict

First Lieutenants Rex Bolo and Lawrence San Juan, who were found guilty of committing coup d' etat for their participation in the July 2003 Oakwood mutiny, will appeal their cases.
 
"Definitely we will appeal, kasi alam namin hindi dapat [guilty]," said Atty. Analyn Clarence, lawyer for San Juan and Bolo.

San Juan and Bolo were sentenced to 6 to 12 years imprisonment. They have been in the custody of the military since 2007.

The Oakwood mutiny, led by officers of the Philippine Navy, including now Sen. Antonio Trillanes, protested alleged corruption in the military under then President Gloria Arroyo.

In 2010, President Noynoy Aquino granted amnesty to members of the so-called Magdalo group, including Trillanes, on condition they would no longer return to the armed forces.

San Juan and Bolo opted not to avail of the offer since they wanted to go back to military service. They chose to fight it out in court.

Their lawyer had insisted the takeover of the Oakwood hotel in Makati City's commercial center could not be considered a coup since it occurred inside a private property.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/node/285409

Marines Improve School, Strenthen International Realationships During Pacific Angel

Posted to the US Pacific Command Website (Mar 22): Marines Improve School, Strenthen International Realationships During Pacific Angel



Sgt. William L. Bain, a combat engineer with 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, poses with children at an elementary school in Dumaguete, Philippines, while participating in Pacific Angel, March 3, 2013. Bain, 27, from Portland Ore., helped rebuild a dilapidated school during the 10-day project.

DUMAGUETE, Philippines - One can have no better friend and no worse enemy than a United States Marine. For many in Dumaguete, Philippines, they understand the benefits of such a friendship, thanks to the efforts of the service members who participated in Pacific Angel 2013, an annual joint humanitarian assistance mission.

Pacific Angel had two main efforts: medical and engineering. While medical professionals helped heal Filipino civilians, military engineers repaired and renovated three schools.

The medical portion of the operation was held in a Dumaguete stadium. Doctors with the Army, Navy, and Air Force treated more than 1,000 patients.

Engineers with the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Filipino Army worked together and shared their knowledge of construction projects.

This team included two engineers from 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group.“We went out to three different job sites,” said Cpl. Cameron T. Grant, a combat engineer with Bravo Company, 7th ESB, 1st MLG.

“Each [site] had a number of different branches in it. We had a good opportunity to not just learn about the militaries of other countries but the other services as well.”

The schools repaired were in dire need of renovation. They had no walls, electricity or windows, and the concrete fences around the campuses had dangerous rebar sticking out, according to the Marines.

“Before [the work began] there were no walls,” said Sgt. William L. Bain, a combat engineer with 7th ESB. “After, it had electricity, walls with fresh paint, fans and windows. It was a complete 180.”

“[The Filipinos] were very excited and thankful that we were there. The locals were very helpful,” said Grant, 22, from Denver. “[Pacific Angel] was pretty heartwarming. It wasn’t so much the work we were doing but the time we spent with the people is what made it such a great experience.”

The Marines used their experience as combat engineers to repair the dilapidated school. Because of their integration into the other services, it was both a chance for them to learn and to teach their methodology of engineering.

“Instead of going out and doing something for training purposes, I was actually out there using my expertise,” said Grant. “I was taking what I learned from the military and using it to help out a community.”

Each team of about 20 engineers took about 10 days working on a school. In that time, the locals treated the service members like family.

“It was a short amount of time, but the biggest thing for me was getting to know the people there,” said Bain, 27, from Portland, Ore. “You got a chance to talk to them and learn from them.”

For the two 7th ESB Marines on Pacific Angel, the trip was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a truly rewarding experience.“I loved it,” said Bain. “I wish I could do it again because it was so rewarding helping those little kids out. When we left, the kids were crying, because they didn’t want us to leave.”

http://www.pacom.mil/media/news/2013/03/22-marines-improve-school-strengthen-international-relationships-during-pacific-angel.shtml

Retired cop gunned down in Samar

From the Leyte Samar Daily Express (Mar 23): Retired cop gunned down in Samar

CATARMAN, Northern Samar – A former intelligence officer of the Samar PNP was gunned down last Tuesday by two unidentified suspects near the provincial capitol building in Catbalogan City.

 

The police identified the victim as Police Senior Inspector Severino Solis, 60, a retired police officer and resident of said city. The crime occurred at around 7:15 Tuesday.

 

Police Inspector Romuel Nacar, media relations officer at Police Regional Office 8 (PRO8), said that based on reports reaching their office, Solis was about to leave after playing at the tennis court located just behind the Samar provincial capitol building when two unidentified men approached and shot the victim.

 

The gunmen were in their mid 20’s and could be members of the Special Partisan Unit (SPARU) of the New People’s Army (NPA), the police official said.

 

Police Regional Director Chief Superintendent Elmer Soria immediately sent directives to the Samar PNP to conduct a thorough investigation on the incident.

 

According to Nacar, police investigators are looking on several angles to find the motive behind this latest killing in Samar that victimized a retired police officer.

 

“He (Solis) has neutralized several private goons and illegal drugs pushers in Samar during his time as intelligence officer. Some of those groups may still be holding grudges against him,” Nacar said.

 

The police are also looking at the motive of business competition, as it was learned that Solis has entered into the contracting business when he retired in 2009.

 

http://leytesamardaily.net/2013/03/retired-cop-gunned-down-in-samar/

NEGOR SP SAYS Army in-charge of CAFGU funds

From the Visayan Daily Star (Mar 23): NEGOR SP SAYS Army in-charge of CAFGU funds

The Negros Oriental Sangguniang Panlalawigan has approved the release of the Special CAFGU Active Auxiliary budget directly to the 3 rd Division of the Philippine Army, and not through the town and city mayors as some SP members had earlier insisted.

Board Member Fritzy Lumjod-Zanoria sponsored the request from the Office of the Governor to change the nomenclature in the approved budget for SCAA-Peace and Order Program worth P600,000, and subsidy for peacekeeping activities at P1.5 million to “maintenance of the SCAA for subsistence allowance thru the 3 rd Division of the PA”.

The total budget of P2.1 million will now be directly coursed through the 3 rd PA Division.

BM Melliemoore Saycon said that, at the recent Peace and Order Council meeting, the town and city mayors were asking for the budget for the SCAA operating in their areas, claiming the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit members have been asking for their daily sustenance and uniforms.

Board Member Arnie Teves said it would be neutral to course through the budget to the Philippine Army because it is an apolitical organization and subject to the rules and regulations of the Commission on Audit.

The SCAA men are the force multipliers of the Army in maintaining peace and order in the mountain barangays of the province.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/March/23/negor4.htm