Sunday, August 31, 2008

Headline of the Week: Philippine Air Force C-130 Crash

Air Force: Missing C-130 plane did not carry explosives


MANILA, Philippines - Amid speculations that the missing C-130 aircraft exploded in mid-air, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Saturday said the plane was not carrying any explosives.

GMA News reporter Marisol Abdurahman, in her report over QTV’s Balitanghali , said that according to various accounts of fishermen, the plane hasn’t even risen that high yet when the aircraft exploded in mid-air last Monday night.

Although pieces of body parts, boots, pieces of aircraft material and uniform were found in the sea, the Air Force said that search and recovery teams still couldn’t conclude that the C-130 really did explode.

Kung sasabog ho ang engine, dapat may makikita tayong mga (If it really did explode then we would have seen an) explosion o kung sakali mang sumabog iyon, dapat may (if it did explode) pieces of evidence na marerecover (would be recovered)," said Major General Jobito Gammad, head of PAF’s investigating team, in a press conference.

The Air Force also assured the public that the missing aircraft was not carrying any explosives.

It added that the two army soldiers who were on board the C-130, Corporal Bernie Sabangan and Master Sergeant Remijio Libres, were not carrying explosives either. The two were not included in the first list of passengers given to the media.

Authorities earlier identified those on board the plane were Maj. Manuel A. Zambrano, pilot; Capt. Adrian de Dios, co-pilot; and its crew members — Technical Sergeant Lobregas Constantino and Staff Sergeants John Ariola, Gerry Denioso, Felix Patraica, Pedronelo Fernandez, Patricio Romeo Gaor, and Aldrin Illustrisimo.

Sabangan and Libres were reported to have been only in charge of transporting portable communication equipment from Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija to the Davao International Airport.

Hindi sila bababa dahil ang role nila (They wouldn’t go down because their role) is to go back. ’Yun lang ang ang role nila, mag-escort ng (That’s their only role, to escort) equipment," said Colonel Roy Deveraturda, PAF operations officer.

Meanwhile, Task Force Hercules is focused on the rescue and retrieval of possible survivors and of the aircraft itself. A fish company also recently lent its echo finder to the navy which can help detect entities up to 2,000 feet underwater.

According to the map that the task force plotted, their search would cover the area between Davao Del Sur and Samal, an island city of Davao Del Norte.

A left foot with a pilot’s shoe was found in Davao del Sur while a right foot was found in Samal Island. Tire debris and oil slick were also found, making the task force believe that the crash site might be between the two areas, officials have said.

Navy Captain Arnel Gonzales, in charge of the search operations, said that the debris found may have been carried by the high tide. - Kimberly Jane Tan, GMANews.TV

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/117191/Air-Force-Missing-C-130-plane-did-not-carry-explosives

Missing PAF C-130 plane’s location may have been found - report


MANILA, Philippines - The search and retrieval team on Saturday said that they may have found the location of the wreckage of the missing C-130 plane of the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

According to GMA 7’s Flash Report, the plane’s suspected location was found after a navy ship, attached with an echo sounder, patroled the Davao Gulf on Friday.

However, the group is still not sure if what they found was really the missing plane.

The C-130 aircraft was said to have left the Davao International Airport at about 8:50 p.m. on Monday to pick up people from the Presidential Security Group (PSG) in Ilolilo City and then bring them back to Manila.

The plane carried two pilots, seven crewmen and two army soldiers. Officials reportedly lost contact with the aircraft 10 minutes after its take off and has since then been feared to have crashed.KJ Tan, GMANews.TV

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/117187/Missing-PAF-C-130-planes-location-may-have-been-found---report


US navy to help retrieve downed PAF plane


MANILA/DAVAO, Philippines — he United States’ Navy service ship USNS McDonnell is expected to arrive Saturday afternoon (Aug. 30) to help the Philippine military in the retrieval of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) C-130 cargo plane, which crashed on Monday and is now resting 600 meters below the Davao Gulf.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DoH) assured Davao residents that the risk to marine life and health from the downed plane is close to zero, this after the wreckage of the cargo plane, carrying at least 14,800 liters of A-1 jet fuel, started to leak oil.

Lt. Gen. Pedrito S. Cadungog, commanding general of the PAF, told reporters Friday that the USNS McDonnell, a service ship that is "equipped with side scanning radar," would probably be coming from Hawaii, where the United States Pacific Command (USPACOM) is based.

Side scan radar is used for locating shipwrecks, downed aircraft, drums, tires, pipelines and other items in rivers, lakes, or ocean floors.

The USNS McDonnell will be reporting directly to Col. Isagani Silva, commander of the PAF’s Tactical Operations Group once it arrives.

A statement from the Air Force said the USPACOM move to send the McDonnell was in response to the Philippines’ request for assistance to recover the C-130. Earlier this week, Mr. Cadungog said even with the modern equipment that the divers used in their search, rescue and retrieval operations for the past few days, it still wasn’t enough to reach the bottom of the gulf where the wreck was believed to be located.

He said the depth of the area was about 600 to 800 feet, while divers are only capable of reaching a depth of 200 to 300 feet below sea level.

The wreckage is found between the waters of Barangay Bukana on the Davao shoreline and Samal Island. No health risks

Meanwhile, the health department in the Davao region has assured the public that the toxicity risk to Davao Gulf’s marine life and health due to the crash is close to zero.

Dr. Pauline Jean R. Ubial, regional director of the DoH-XI, said the large volume of water in the Davao Gulf would dissipate the effects of any oil spill before it could pose a danger to the health of the people and marine life.

In fact, she said, the government has not issued a fish ban in Davao City and the fishermen are allowed to continue to catch fish in the gulf. This came after the department had consulted with the University of the Philippines-National Toxicology Center and the National Epidemiology Center.

The Davao Gulf supplies about 22,000 metric tons of fish per year to the local market, data from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-XI (BFAR-XI) showed.

Margarita Moran-Floirendo, executive director of the Save the Davao Gulf Foundation, said that the Davao Gulf remains the second largest in terms of marine biodiversity in the country, with 11 marine mammal species. However, as a precautionary measure, the Health department has issued an advisory asking the public, among others, to: stay at least 25 to 50 meters away from the fuel spill site; not to light cigarettes, torches, or open fires on the shorelines within a 50-meter radius of the site; and stay upwind.

Interviewed by reporters, Councilor Leonardo R. Avila III of the committee on environment said any volatile liquid like high-octane gas would only be dangerous in a small body of water, which is not the case in Davao Gulf. He said the local government unit is coordinating with the Philippine Coastguard and the BFAR-XI to check their monitoring mechanisms to see if there are any adverse effects from the oil spill. Plane crash

The C-130 cargo ship got lost on Monday minutes after taking off from the Davao International Airport. It was supposed to go to Iloilo City to pick up members of the Presidential Security Group to be brought to Manila.

The cargo ship was reportedly carrying two pilots, seven crew members, and two unidentified Philippine Army personnel.

They were pilot Maj. Manuel A. Zambrano, co-pilot Captain Adrian B. de Dios, T/Sgt. Constantino Enrique R. Lobrigas (flight engineer), S/Sgt. John M. Areola (student flight engineer), S/Sgt. Gary T. Dinoso (crew chief), S/Sgt. Felix Pedro M. Patriarca (flight mechanic), S/Sgt. Petronilo F. Fernandez (load master), S/Sgt. Patricio R. Claur, Jr. (load master), S/Sgt. Aldrin A. Illustrisimo (student load master).

No survivors have been found. — Aizel Joyce A. Catipay and Joel B. Escovilla, BusinessWorld

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/117101/US-navy-to-help-retrieve-downed-PAF-plane


Authorities broaden C-130 search to cover Davao del Norte


MANILA, Philippines - Rescuers have now broadened their search area for the bodies of the crew and parts of the ill-fated plane to include waters off Davao del Norte, as search and retrieval operations continued on its fourth day.

In a report aired over QTV's Balitanghali, GMA News reporter Raffy Tima said as of Friday morning, authorities have found more body parts, shoes and parts of the aircraft as authorities abandoned hopes of anyone surviving the crash.

The report noted that aside from the Philippine Navy ships that circle the area, a Philippine Air Force chopper also hovers above the waters twice a day along with a Nomad plane from the Philippine Coast Guard in search for plane debris and the crewmen's remains.

Rescuers are also currently coordinating with the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) following a witness’ statement that a ship passed by the plane’s crash site shortly after the plane plummeted to the waters.

The exact site of the crash may be determined based on the route of the ship, said the rescue team’s commander, Navy Captain Arnel Gonzales.

“So ito ngayon yung vine-verify namin with Commodore Dabin, yung Coast Guard district commander. Makita sana kung anong barko yung time na yun na papasok o papalabas para at least pwede natin makuhanan ng information kasi itong channel na to, piloting waters so most likely manned yung ano niya, yung piloting house. So any incident na diyan sa, surrounding that area, maoobserbahan," said Gonzales.

A separate report by GMA News reporter Marisol Abduhraman said the Air Force has dismissed sabotage and inclement weather as the reasons for the plane crash, saying the weather was stable and security tight during the plane’s take off in the Davao International Airport .

Instead, the Air Force is now investigating possibilities of human error – not just on the crew’s part but also on the team that helped them take off – and material failure.

Authorities will closely inspect the recovered plane parts to determine if there was damage before the plane crashed, said the report.

The report added that the Air Force also confirmed Thursday that two Army soldiers were also on the plane aside from the nine Air Force troops earlier named.

Corporal Benjie Sabangan and Master Sergeant Remigio Libres reportedly got on the plane at Fort Magsaysay and was on it all the way to Manila .

The soldiers reportedly guarded portable communication equipment transferred to Davao .

“We are still in the process of info gathering, pieces we are gathering, wala pang talagang analysis on what we have gathered kasi bits and pieces pa lang," said Major General Jovito Gammad, head of the Air Force investigating team.

In a separate report, GMA News reporter Tek Ocampo said there was no indication that the plane’s fate would be tragic based on the transcripts of communications between the C-130 crew and the control tower at the Davao International Airport .

The plane took off at 8:54 pm Monday, with the crew’s last words to the people at the tower were “Good night, ma’am."

Four minutes later, however, there was no answer from the crew when the tower tried to call them twice. Another call at 8:59 p.m. was likewise unanswered, but “unintelligible sounds" could be heard, said the report.

The tower reportedly shifted to another frequency in its effort to get hold of the crew but there was still no response.

The ill-fated C-130 aircraft was supposed to pick up members of the Presidential Security Group in Iloilo but eventually lost contact with the command center minutes after it took off from the Davao City International Airport .

Authorities said the cargo plane may have crashed about 2.5 nautical miles southeast of Davao City and three nautical miles southwest of the Island Garden City of Samal. - Johanna Camille Sisante, GMANews.TV

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/116912/Authorities-broaden-C-130-search-to-cover-Davao-del-Norte


Search for missing C-130, crewmen continues for 3rd day


MANILA , Philippines – Authorities continued the search and retrieval operations for the missing C-130 aircraft and its crewmembers for the third day, as investigators remain clueless on the cause of the plane crash.

QTV's Balitanghali reported that rescue divers continued their search and retrieval operations for the missing C-130 aircraft and its crewmen despite strong currents that are hampering their operations.

Rescuers used small naval boats with sonar underwater radars to detect the plane’s fragments and the victims’ body parts.

Earlier in the day, rescuers have abandoned hopes of finding survivors as efforts have refocused on recovering body parts of victims.

The report also said the task force overseeing the search and retrieval operations transferred its command center from Bucana village near the crash site to the headquarters of the Philippine Coast Guard at the Sta. Ana Wharf.

This is to ensure better security and a wider space to conduct an inventory of recovered human parts and plane debris, the report said.

Lack of search and rescue facilities also prompted the Air Force to ask from the United States more advanced sonar detectors to fast-track arrangements in acquisition of the plane.

Also, authorities are looking into reports that the aircraft had eleven passengers instead of nine.

The report said that the Air Transportation Office will verify the reports by recovering radio transmissions between the Davao International Airport and the C-130 plane before it crashed.

The C-130 Hercules cargo airplane crashed into the Davao Gulf on Monday evening. The ill-fated aircraft was supposed to pick up members of the Presidential Security Group in Iloilo but eventually lost contact with the command center minutes after it took off at the Davao City International Airport.

Authorities said the plane crash-landed about 2.5 nautical miles southeast of Davao City and three nautical miles southwest of the Island Garden City of Samal.

Authorities earlier identified the plane's pilot as Maj. Manuel A. Zambrano and his co-pilot as Capt. Adrian de Dios. The crew members were Technical Sergeant Lobregas Constantino, and Staff Sergeants John Ariola, Gerry Denioso, Felix Patraica, Pedronelo Fernandez, Patricio Romeo Gaor, and Aldrin Illustrisimo. - Sophia Dedace, GMANews.TV

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/116645/Search-for-missing-C-130-crewmen-continues-for-3rd-day

Lightning may have caused C-130 crash - PAF chief


MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is not dismissing the possibility that lightning could have caused the crash of a C-130 transport plane off Davao last Monday despite the fact that it was equipped with a lightning arrester.

“Although it has an arrester, we will investigate the degree of the lighting... because that is a possibility,” said PAF chief Lt. Gen. Pedrito Cadungog, who flew to Mactan airbase in Lapu-Lapu City Wednesday aboard a commercial plane to personally attend to the grieving family of the pilots and crewmembers of the aircraft.

Cadungog said they will pursue the angle based on an eyewitness account that said lightning struck the area shortly before the burning aircraft was seen plummeting into the water.

“He (witness) said that a lightning struck and he saw the plane into flames before it crashed. All of that will be subjected to scientific expert evaluation by our investigation team,” Cadungog said.

He said other angles that investigators are considering are pilot factor and materiel failure.

The plane, acquired in 1983 through the United States financing program, had taken off from the Davao City airport and was on its way to Iloilo City to fetch personnel from the Presidential Security Group when it met the tragedy.

It was being piloted by Maj. Manuel Zambrano and Capt. Adrian de Dios and had seven crewmembers.

Asked if there was an indication that there was an explosion prior to the crash, the Air Force chief said, “None, none.”....

“Even the eyewitness did not describe it (aircraft) as exploding. What he said is that there was lightning,” he said. - GMANews.TV

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/116438/Lightning-may-have-caused-C-130-crash---PAF-chief


Task force begins underwater search for missing C-130 crew


MANILA, Philippines - A task force searching for missing crew members of a C-130 cargo plane that crashed off Davao Gulf started an underwater search Wednesday morning using a specialized camera to look for traces of the victims.

Radio dzBB reported that as of 9 a.m., members of Task Force C-130 lowered an underwater closed-circuit camera to look for traces of the crew, but have so far found nothing positive.

The task force centered its operations on Davao Gulf, where the C-130 was believed to have crashed shortly after takeoff Monday night.

Earlier in the day, Coast Guard rescuers prepared to dive into the waters of Davao Gulf and received last-minute instructions before starting the search operations.

Listed as passengers of the ill-fated C-130 plane were:

• Maj.Manuel Sambrano, the plane’s pilot;
• Capt. Adrian de Dios, co-pilot;
• Flight Technical Sergeant Constantino Lobregas;
• Staff Sergeant Petronilo Fernandez,
• Staff Sergeant John Arriola;
• Staff Sergeant Gerry Delioso;
• Staff Sergeant Felix Pedro Patriarga;
• Staff Sergeant Patricio Claur Jr; and
• Staff Sergeant Aldrin Ilustrisimo.

Navy Capt. Rosauro Gonzales, who is in charge of the ongoing search for the ill-fated aircraft, had earlier said that the wreck was traced about 2.5 nautical miles southwest of Samal Island and is about 600 feet under water. - GMANews.TV

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/116346/Task-force-begins-underwater-search-for-missing-C-130-crew

PAF grounds remaining C-130 planes for scrutiny


MANILA, Philippines - Following the crash of a C-130 cargo plane off Davao Monday night, the Philippine Air Force has grounded the rest of its C-130 fleet pending a comprehensive inspection.

PAF commanding general Lt. Gen. Pedrito Cadungog said Wednesday he expects the inspection of the fleet, which presently has only one working plane, to be finished within the day (Wednesday).

"(The grounding will be in effect) until such time we have conducted a comprehensive inspection. Probably today matatapos ang inspection (The inspection will probably be completed today)," Cadungog said in an interview on dzXL radio.

He also said the loss of the C-130 plane will have a big effect on PAF operations, especially in the ferrying of troops, cargo and relief goods.

Cadungog said he is "hoping" the grounding of the C-130 fleet will be brief.

"When it comes to emergencies we will immediately perform the mission (but) I'm hoping sandali lang pag-ground (I'm hoping the grounding will be for a short time)," he said.

On the other hand, he said the loss of the C-130 plane will have little, if any effect, on ongoing operations against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Mindanao.

Earlier, PAF spokesman Maj. Gerry Zamudio admitted the loss of the C-130 cargo plane will leave the PF) with only three working cargo planes at most.

In an interview on dzBB radio, Zamudio said said two more C-130 planes are due for repair (and be operational) "in a few weeks and (be operational) in months."

But he said that with the missing C-130 plane, the government will only have three working C-130 planes at most. - GMANews.TV

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/116333/PAF-grounds-remaining-C-130-planes-for-scrutiny


Davao residents report seeing ‘something big’ crash into sea


MANILA , Philippines – In the heels of a military C-130 plane gone missing, two residents of a coastal village in Davao City on Tuesday reported seeing “a huge object" crash into the Davao Gulf but did not confirm it was an aircraft.

In an interview with dzBB, Robert Olan-Olan, village chairman of Brgy. Bucana, said that one resident and one fisherman claimed to have seen the crash incident on Monday night.

“So far, dalawang tao ang nag-confirm ngayon. Yung isa, ilang meters nandoon siya kung saan bumagsak, at saka yung isang mangingisda na taga rito sa amin. Sabi na may nakita doon sa laot (So far, two have already reported the information. One of them claimed being only meters away from the crash site, while a fisherman claimed seeing something in the deep sea)," Olan-Olan said.

"Di na-recognize ng tao dahil umuulan (Many could not recognize it because it was raining)," he added.

As of posting time, search-and-rescue choppers from the Philippine Air Force (PAF) are verifying the information from the witnesses by taking them to the reported crash site.

In the interview, Olan-Olan said based on the residents' reports, debris were found on the surface of the Davao Gulf. “Bumagsak sa hulihan ng isda, sa dinadaanan ng barko ... Malalim, di namin makita kung may lumulutang, wala kaming makita (The plane supposedly fell into the water, but it was too deep. We could not see if anything was floating)," he said.

Olan-Olan said local police rushed to the area to check the reported sighting. But he said many residents could not be sure if it was the plane that crashed because it was raining Monday night.

He added that more authorities arrived in the area to verify the claims that the plane crashed
there.

“Andito ang Philippine National Police City director namin and yung station commander at saka yung mga Air Force, nandito lahat (The city police director is here, the station commander and those from the Air Force. They are all here)," Olan-Olan said.

He added that local officials and policemen are also helping out in the Air Force’s rescue operations. - Sophia Dedace, GMANews.TV

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/116095/Davao-residents-report-seeing-something-big-crash-into-sea


Dureza to militants: Why the silence over MILF atrocities?

08/28/2008 | 10:16 PM
MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang questioned militant groups Thursday on their continued silence over the atrocities committed by "rogue" commands of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Mindanao in recent weeks.

Press Secretary and presidential spokesman Jesus Dureza, in a Palace statement, said militants had been quick to denounce human rights violations only "when it suits them."

"While quick to denounce human rights violations when it suits them, the usual crowd of human rights activists have been strangely tongue-tied on the killings of innocent civilians, including women, children and the elderly in Mindanao by criminal elements," he said.

He said the attacks against civilian populations go beyond mere violation of human rights, but human rights activists have yet to condemn or voice a strong protest against these criminal actions.

Dureza described as "cockeyed" the silence of militants on the human rights violations in some parts of Mindanao committed by rampaging MILF members.

According to him, he was "saddened that militants are silent on the Mindanao atrocities," and that he hoped their silence "will not be concluded as a condonation of these violent acts."

The MILF attacks tapered off only after the military mounted sustained pursuit operations against the rogue members of the separatist movement. - GMANews.TV

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/116768/Dureza-to-militants-Why-the-silence-over-MILF-atrocities

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Headlines - August 18,2008

Death toll in MILF attacks in Lanao, Sarangani hits 28

08/18/2008 | 04:43 PM

MANILA, Philippines - The death toll in the attacks staged by suspected Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels in the southern provinces of Lanao del Norte and Sarangani has reached 28, officials said Monday.

Brig. Gen. Hilario Atendido, commander of Task Force Tabak, said most of the casualties were from the towns of Lanao del Norte attacked by the rebels - 23 civilians and three government soldiers.

In addition, two government troops were also wounded.

Sarangani Governor Miguel Rene Dominguez earlier said two civilians were killed when MILF forces attacked the town of Maasim before dawn Monday.

"They (civilians) were killed when they (rebels) were withdrawing. They used them as human shields. The rebels killed them on their way out. They were killed as if like chicken. That is the report given to us by the civilians," Atendido said.

Atendido said the military in the province will remain vigilant for another atrocities the rebels may launch. "We are still on alert for any possible return of the MILF...They withdrew (from Kolambugan) as the troops were entering the town."

At the National Police headquarters at Camp Crame, the initial list showed 13 fatalities in Lanao del Norte and two in Sarangani province. Three people were also reportedly wounded.

Marine Lt. Gen. Nelson Allaga, chief of the Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said government troops would make sure that civilians would not be caught in the crossfire as pursuit operations are conducted.

"We will continue to perform our mandate as protector of the Filipino people against lawless elements. Your AFP shall always be at the forefront of combating all forms of violence in order to uphold peace and security in the area and bring to justice the people responsible for these despicable acts," Allaga said.

The casualty figures started to rise Monday, a day after suspected MILF troops ambushed a military convoy near the boundary of Mulondo and Buadiposo-Buntong towns in Lanao del Sur which killed seven and wounded 11 others.

The MILF followed this up Monday morning with simultaneous attacks against the towns of the Kolambugan and Kauswagan in Lanao del Norte and the town of Maasim in Sarangani.

The attacks were apparently in retaliation for the stalled signing of the memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain between government and the MILF negotiators.

In Manila, the National Disaster Coordinating Council said that the MILF also bombed and toppled three transmission towers of the National Transmission Corp or Transco which may cause the tripping of power supply in Mindanao.

At the same time, it said that at least 9,350 were displaced by the fighting.

The NDCC, in its 3 p.m. report, also said that the MILF ransacked the pharmacy and town hall of Maasim in Sarangani province, and killed at least two civilians.

NDCC said that in Lapayan village in Kauswagan in Lanao del Sur, the MILF troops burned an undetermined number of houses and that portions of the highway from Iligan to Ozamiz City and Kapatagan remained impassable.

Most of those who have evacuated were taken to evacuation centers in Ozamiz City.- GMANews.TV

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/114426/Death-toll-in-MILF-attacks-in-Lanao-Sarangani-hits-28


Iligan City placed under state of calamity - TV report

08/18/2008 | 11:11 PM

MANILA, Philippines - Iligan City in Lanao del Norte province has been placed under state of calamity as thousands of residents flee their homes for fear that their town will be the next to be attacked by Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels.

In his report in QTV’s News on Q, Ivan Mayrina said the two evacuation centers in the city are currently swamped with families who had fled their homes. He said many of the evacuees are infants and children.

This developed hours after MILF forces under Commander Bravo attacked Kolambugan town also in Lanao del Norte where they held many civilians hostages for several hours.

The local government had also implemented starting Monday a 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew, which the report said will be observed every day until the situation in the city returns to normal.

Mayor Lawrence Cruz believes the threat of attack has a lot to do with his strong opposition to the inclusion of eight of the city’s villages in the proposed Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE) under the memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain between the government and the MILF.

The television report said that military presence in the city was very noticeable due to reports that the threat might come from within and not from outside city limits.

Residents however were warned against arming themselves and taking security matters in their own hands. - GMANews.TV

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/114516/Iligan-City-placed-under-state-of-calamity---TV-report


Puno to MILF: Are we talking to the right guys?

08/18/2008 | 11:02 PM

MANILA, Philippines - Following the attacks by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on some Mindanao provinces, the government hinted Monday night it is having second thoughts about the ongoing peace talks with the rebel group.

Interior secretary Ronaldo Puno, emerging from a meeting of the National Security Council, said the MILF has shown bad faith in their peace efforts in past weeks.

"Are we talking to the correct people? We have been bending over backwards to show good faith (in the peace negotiations with the MILF) but these past weeks, (the MILF has shown) the exact opposite," Puno said in a statement posted on the Office of the Press Secretary website Monday night.

He admitted the government is now "entertaining doubts" and feels that "there has been a breach in the peace/ceasefire agreement."

For his part, defense secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. reminded the MILF it is incumbent on them "not to coddle members who have been sowing terror in Mindanao."

Puno said the MILF's attacks in Lanao del Norte are an "affront to the national government."

He said the treacherous MILF attacks show an "absence of good faith" on the part of the MILF.

But he said government remains "hopeful" that there are still enough elements in the MILF who are interested in a peaceful settlement of the Mindanao conflict.

Still, he admitted the events that took place in Mindanao in the past 24 hours were "not very encouraging."

For their part, press secretary Jesus Dureza and Teodoro said the recent attacks by MILF members led by Umbra Kato in North Cotabato last week, and the men of a Commander Bravo in Lanao del Norte and Saranggani had "absolutely no justification."

"Those attacks were pure criminal acts without any justification," Dureza and Teodoro said.

Teodoro added it was "obvious that terrorism was involved" in the MILF s simultaneous attacks in Lanao del Norte and Saranggani province this morning.

But he assured there are enough government forces on the ground to prevent a repeat of Monday's MILF rampage. The AFP is ready to augment forces in Mindanao if needed, he said.

"When they (MILF) attacked, they took themselves out of the ambit of the ceasefire agreement," Dureza added. - GMANews.TV

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/114514/Puno-to-MILF-Are-we-talking-to-the-right-guys

Philippine troops flush out Moro rebels

08/18/2008 | 10:42 PM
MANILA, Philippines - Bands of Moro rebels stormed into several towns Monday in a bloody daylong rampage that killed at least 26 people and displaced 7,000, triggering a swift military response — and doubts if the Philippine guerrilla movement is in control of its fighters.

About 200-500 Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels cut off a main highway in the troubled south and raided up to five coastal towns in Lanao del Norte province early Monday, burning houses and shooting or hacking to death civilians and taking others captive. Many residents scampered for safety, jumping into small boats to escape.

Troops reacted quickly and flushed out the rebels with tanks and helicopter gunships under orders from President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who issued a televised condemnation of the raids, calling them "sneaky and treacherous."

The retreating rebels took several people hostage in Kolambugan town as human shields, said Brig. Gen. Antonio Supnet, head of an army brigade that drove away the rebels.

Officials said 23 civilians were killed in Kauswagan and in neighboring Kolambugan, including villagers who were taken hostage, a group of farmers and two bus passengers hit by rebel gunfire.

An ambush killed at least three troops, including a lieutenant colonel, the highest-ranking officer to die in combat in three years, army commanders said.

Supnet said more than 20 houses were burned in Kauswagan alone and hundreds of displaced villagers were streaming into evacuation centers in nearby Iligan.

William Sechico, 14, from Kolambugan, said he and his five siblings and parents were asleep when their house came under fire.

"My father died," he said. "We hid in the bushes at the back of our house until 1 p.m. today."

TV footage showed mayhem in one smoldering village as residents ran for cover, jumping over the fences of their roadside houses. Burned-out vehicles littered the street.

Michael Enat, manager of Cosmopolitan funeral homes in Iligan, said an army truck brought the bodies of nine civilians from Kauswagan who had been shot and hacked. At least 7,000 villagers fled their homes, police said.

Rebel spokesman Eid Kabalu said the attack was carried out by a key commander, Abdullah Macapaar, also known as Bravo, without the knowledge of the group's leadership.

Kabalu said the rebels were frustrated over the slow progress in peace talks but added their actions were "illegal and they were ordered by (rebel) leaders to vacate the areas they attacked."

The escalation of fighting on Mindanao island came amid uncertainty over the fragile peace process after the Supreme Court — acting on a petition filed by politicians wary of losing land and power — blocked a preliminary agreement with the rebels calling for an expanded Muslim autonomous region.

The agreement, which was supposed to be signed this month, calls for more than 700 new villages to be added to an existing autonomous region, subject to approval in a plebiscite next year.

Since the court action, a military offensive was launched in a nearby province to dislodge the rebels from several villages they occupied last month. On Sunday, rebel forces attacked a four-vehicle army convoy, killing four soldiers and four militiamen, the military said. Kabalu confirmed the attack but said he was not sure what triggered it.

Several homemade bombs were defused last week, and three explosions Sunday rocked hotels in Iligan, wounding three people.

Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno said the government sympathized with rebel leaders who cannot control their "renegade elements." But "renegade or otherwise, it amounts to an affront to our national government."

He said even the rebel leadership "agrees with us that these renegade groups are breaking the law, and we must make every effort to make sure that these things do not succeed."

But he warned that "if it continues this way, I think there will have to be a need to seriously take a look at the whole situation. Are we talking to the correct people?" - AP

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/114511/Philippine-troops-flush-out-Moro-rebels

Govt hints of having second thoughts in MILF talks after attacks

08/18/2008 | 10:28 PM

MANILA, Philippines - Cabinet officials on Monday night hinted that the government is having second thoughts in talking peace with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) after it attacked the provinces of North Cotabato and Lanao del Norte.

“We have been bending over backwards to show good faith (in the peace negotiations with the MILF) but these past weeks, (the MILF has shown) the exact opposite,” said Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno Monday night.

"They (MILF) have harmed civilians, burned houses of civilians and taken over civilian … I think that cannot be taken lightly," he added.

Puno however said the government remains "hopeful" that there are still enough elements in the MILF who are interested in peace even if the events in Mindanao in the past 24 hours had been “disheartening.”

"At this point although we are alarmed and disheartened by this aggression that’s been shown by some elements of the MILF we are still hopeful that there are some constructive who are still desirous of the peace process," he said.

The DILG chief made the statement in a press briefing in Malacañang following an emergency meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) presided by President Arroyo.

Puno admitted the government is now "entertaining doubts" and feels that "there has been a breach in the peace/ceasefire agreement" with the MILF. He described MILF's attack in Lanao del Norte as an "affront to the national government."

For his part, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said the government will not hesitate to “sift out” those who are no longer interested in talking peace with the government.

“The value of dialogue is always there, but the parameters of dialogue should change to reflect the conditions on the ground. Sift out those who do not want it,” Teodoro said as he reminded the secessionist group that it is incumbent on them "not to coddle members who have been sowing terror in Mindanao."

Press Secretary Jesus Dureza said the recent attacks by MILF in North Cotabato last week and in Lanao del Norte and Sarangani Monday “were pure criminal acts without any justification." - with Aie Balagtas See, GMANews.TV

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/114507/Govt-hints-of-having-second-thoughts-in-MILF-talks-after-attacks

Sun.Star: Troops in Mindanao remain on 'combat alert'

08/18/2008 | 10:16 PM

MANILA, Philippines - Police and military forces in Mindanao remain on "combat alert" to avoid a repeat of the series of attacks by Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) forces, including the takeover of the Kolambugan Municipal Hall in Lanao del Norte Province.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr said pursuit operations are ongoing and there is no need to augment the current police and military forces.

Presidential political adviser and Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno said the government has successfully retaken the Kolambugan Municipal Hall, but advised the people, especially from the affected areas, to exercise caution.

Puno also advised the people against the use of arms, assuring that government forces are there to defend them as instructed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

He added that charges are now being readied against Commander Bravo for leading the attack in Lanao del Norte, similar to cases set to be filed against Commander Umbra Kato after his men forcibly took over several barangays in North Cotabato Province last week.

He said once warrants of arrest for the two MILF leaders are issued, they would seek the help of the MILF central committee to serve them.

Teodoro, who said the North Cotabato and Lanao del Norte incidents are biggest ceasefire violations since he assumed the defense portfolio last year, said authorities are also looking at possible cohorts of the two Moro rebels especially Bravo.

He also branded the attack in three towns in Lanao del Norte as a terrorist act which is unjustified and only intended to sow terror. - Sun.Star

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/114504/SunStar-Troops-in-Mindanao-remain-on-combat-alert

Does the government need more reasons? More innocent civilians killed or displaced? More houses burned? More devastation? More atrocities committed before declaring an All Out War against the MILF?

Everything that happened since last week are already proof enough that the MILF are not sincere in peace..They are just using the cease fire as a way to get the military caught off guard. This has happened since last week, the military has not learned from the lessons of last week's conflict in North Cotabato. And now in Lanao del sur.

I think it is time to really eradicate the MILF..These so called moro fighters are merely hoodlums..thieves..killers..

Monday, August 11, 2008

Estrada says govt must stand firm in dealing with rebel groups

08/09/2008 | 05:29 PM

MANILA, Philippines — Former President Joseph Estrada warned the government on Saturday that the country could break apart if it continues with its policy of appeasement with the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Estrada said the prevailing tension in Mindanao only proves that his “all out war" policy against the MILF.is more effective that President Gloria Macapagal’s appeasement policy.

He said the Arroyo government has no one to blame except itself for returning the 43 camps of the MILF that government troops seized when he declared an full-scale offensive against the separatist group in 2000.

“We had successfully overrun 43 camps of the MILF, including Camp Abubakar, but they (Arroyo administration) returned it to them. That is the main cause of our problem right now," he said, adding that the continuing secessionist movement and insurgency problem makes investors hesitant to business in the country.

“None of this would have happened if Malacaňang had followed through on my lead in rebuilding any and all attempts to cut up the Republic of the Philippines, and in restoring Philippine sovereignty in areas and camps previously claimed to be the exclusive domain of the MILF," he said in an interview.

Estrada said his declaration of an “all-out war" against fellow Filipinos had been one of the most difficult decisions he made in his short-lived presidency.

“But it was a necessary step in preventing further chaos in Mindanao and in pushing through with a genuine peace and development initiative in the region," Estrada said.

He said the Arroyo administration must be firm in its resolve to address the peace and order problem in Mindanao and must also be at all times transparent in dealing with MILF or any other rebel group.

“We all want peace, but at what price? There was no transparency, no respect for the people’s right to be informed about an agreement that would affect their future," he said.

He was referring to the memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain between government and the MILF that was stopped by the Supreme Court. - GMANews.TV

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/112609/Estrada-says-govt-must-stand-firm-in-dealing-with-rebel-groups

This time I'll agree with MR. Erap. The government is not in the losing end here, any why all of the sudden give way to their Ancestral Domain demand? This is serious shit here..

No to the Ancestral Domain..No to expanded ARMM..

Headlines - August 10,2008

North Cotabato fighting displaces 116,880 - NDCC

08/10/2008 | 09:32 PM

MANILA, Philippines - At least 116,880 people have been displaced due to fighting between government forces and Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels in North Cotabato province, the National Disaster Coordinating Council said Sunday night.

In its 5 p.m. report, the NDCC said this includes 16,057 families, 14,061 of which (83,207 persons) are staying in 31 evacuation centers.

"Engagements between government forces and armed groups resulted to escalation of number of displacement," the NDCC said in its report.

NDCC said the villages affected included five in Midsayap, six in Aleosan, three in Libungan, 12 in Tulunan and five in Pikit.

Most of the affected families were in Tulunan at 10,819 or 88,220 persons, the NDCC report said. - GMANews.TV

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/112754/North-Cotabato-fighting-displaces-116880---NDCC


22,000 flee fighting in Aleosan, Pikit in North Cotabato

08/10/2008 | 08:45 PM

DAVAO CITY, Philippines—Residents of the municipalities in Aleosan and Pikit, North Cotabato, have started leaving their homes since 5 p.m. Sunday, the Bantay Ceasefire said.

"Based on the initial counts of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), there are 22,000 evacuees already coming from barangays Silik and Katilaka, Pikit and barangays Tudok and Langayen, Aleosan," Rexall Kaalim, coordinator of Bantay Ceasefire, said in a telephone interview.

"The evacuees here are on the roadsides since there are no permanent evacuation centers," Kaalim said. "It has been raining here, and people are starting to cook even though they lack kitchen utensils," he added.

As of Sunday, Bantay Ceasefire reported of eight rounds of aerial bombings of OV10 planes in the perimeters of Pikit and Aleosan. "There were also ground shelling in Takudok [that targeted] MILF rebels under Commander Ombra Kota," Kaalim said.

A child was also hit by a 6x6 Army truck along the Pikit highway, Bantay Ceasefire said. - GMANews.TV

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/112751/22000-flee-fighting-in-Aleosan-Pikit-in-North-Cotabato


Soldiers attack MILF rebels occupying NCotabato towns

JIM GOMEZ, Associated Press Writer
08/10/2008 | 06:51 PM

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine troops attacked Muslim guerrillas Sunday, setting off fierce exchanges of machine gun and artillery fire in a southern province after hundreds of rebels defied an ultimatum to withdraw from Christian villages, officials said.

At least six soldiers were wounded in clashes with Moro Islamic Liberation Front guerrillas in the farming villages in Aleosan and Pikit, two of four rural townships of North Cotabato province where fighting erupted, said army Col. Diosdado Carreon of the 40th Infantry Battalion.

The clashes have displaced up to 100,000 villagers in North Cotabato. The conflict comes at a time when the predominantly Christian agricultural province of more than a million people is still recovering from Typhoon Fung Wong, which ravaged farmlands last month, Gov. Jesus Sacdalan said.

"We haven't fully recovered from a natural disaster and now we're again being battered by a man-made calamity," Sacdalan told The Associated Press by telephone.

The Muslim guerrillas looted newly harvested rice, stole cattle, destroyed farms and set fire to 82 houses in the villages they occupied in Aleosan and Midsayap in recent weeks, forcing many residents to flee, Sacdalan said.

The government had given the estimated 800 to 1,000 Muslim guerrillas until 10 a.m. Friday to vacate several villages they had occupied in violation of a 2003 cease-fire. Instead of withdrawing, the rebels spread into other areas and are now in about two dozen North Cotabato villages, he said.

The rebels were ordered by their leaders to pull back from the occupied villages after discussions between MILF and Philippine officials on Saturday, but the rebels later complained that their withdrawal was hampered by government troops and armed villagers. Rebel spokesman Eid Kabalu said some pro-military militias have sporadically fired at them.

Brig. Gen. Jorge Segovia, in a statement issued by the military Sunday, said rebels in the villages "degenerated into a plain bandit group."

"All peaceful avenues have been exhausted to resolve the conflict," Segovia said. "We are now compelled to resort to the application of proportionate and justifiable force so that peace and order may be restored in North Cotabato."

Segovia stressed that the government assaults were not directed against the whole of the MILF, which has a truce with government troops.

Military vice chief of staff Lt. Gen. Cardozo Luna told reporters that army and police forces were bracing for a long battle with the defiant rebels.

A DZBB radio journalist reported fierce artillery exchanges in Baliki in Midsayap. Several residents fled to safety by foot and vehicles, the journalist reported from the scene as gunshots and explosions rang in the background.

The new fighting came at a crucial point in peace negotiations between the government and the MILF rebels, who have been waging a decades-long insurgency for self-rule in the southern Philippines.

The two sides had reached an agreement covering the territory of a future Muslim homeland but the signing of the accord was stopped last week by the Supreme Court, acting on a petition filed by Christian politicians in North Cotabato. - AP

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/112735/Soldiers-attack-MILF-rebels-occupying-NCotabato-towns


5 hurt in govt-MILF clashes in North Cotabato - report

08/10/2008 | 02:40 PM

KIDAPAWAN CITY – Five people, three of them Army troopers, were injured when government forces and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels traded bullets and mortars in Pikit, North Cotabato.

This was according to an Oblate missionary assigned in the area who said that the major clashes between military troops and MILF forces started at about around 5:30 a.m., Sunday.

At least 12,000 individuals from the villages in Pagangan, Dualing, Tapudok, and Dungguan in Aleosan, and Culambog in Pikit, evacuated to nearby villages in Ginatilan and Poblacion in Pikit, according to priest Eduardo Vasquez, director of the Inter-Religious Dialogue (IRD) of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate.

Vasquez said the wounded troopers were first treated at the Cruzado Medical Hospital in Pikit and later sent to the division headquarters of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division in Datu Odin Sinsuat town in Shariff Kabungsuan, some two hours travel north of this city.

The casualties identified as Private Salman Bantas, Corporal Jennes Freinella and private first class Carvelo Tavares, all from the Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion of the 602nd Brigade sent to the remotest villages in Aleosan town to secure villagers while the MILF rebels were withdrawing from the area, Vasquez said.

A 10-year old girl identified as Naima Lakim, one of the many evacuees from Barangay Tapudok in Aleosan, was hit by a military truck while fleeing from the area at the height of the mortar shelling. According to Vasquez, the vehicle was carrying wounded soldiers and was on its way to Cotabato City when it hit the girl.

A19-year old student identified as Robert Malagia dela Pena was hit on his left foot by a stray bullet, Vasquez said.

At least five mortars landed in Barangay (village) Culambog and nearby areas since 530 a.m., the priest said.

“We felt the ground moved after each mortar shelling," he said.

Vasquez said the evacuees were temporarily housed at the parish gym of the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral in Pikit. Some were in schools, but most of them had set up camps along the highway.

“They have no food, no extra clothes to wear, beddings, and others. They just carried themselves and fled on foot from their village to Pikit," said Vasquez.

Also, some 200 families from Barangays Pupuyon and Dungus in Tulunan fled to Barangay Sibsib and Poblacion, fearing that clashes might erupt after armed MILF rebels were sighted in the area, reports from Tulunan Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office said.

The AFP-MILF clashes broke out a day before the holding of the automated elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Pikit and Aleosan towns are next to Datu Montawal and Pagalungan towns in the northern part of Maguindanao, while Tulunan is adjacent to Buldon and Datu Paglas towns, on Maguindanao’s eastern side.

Despite the fighting, election officials in Maguindanao said the automated polls would go on as scheduled. - GMANews.TV

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/112710/5-hurt-in-govt-MILF-clashes-in-North-Cotabato---report

(Update) Mayor claims MILF homeland deal will cover 1,459 villages

08/10/2008 | 01:53 PM

MANILA, Philippines - Not only 700, but a total of 1,459 villages in several provinces in Mindanao will be under the turf of the Muslim separatist group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) if its homeland deal with the Philippine government is approved.

This was according to Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat, who told radio dzBB on Sunday that the expanded MILF territories could be found in the annexes of the proposed ancestral domain agreement between the government and the MILF that would establish the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE).

Lobregat said that aside from about 700 barangays (villages) in the agreement’s Annex A that will be under the BJE’s supervision, other villages contained in Annex B will also be included in MILF territories, expanding the group’s home turf to 1,459 villages.

He said Annex B areas were described in the agreement as “special intervention areas" where a plebiscite will be conducted after 25 years of the approval of the agreement “to determine the question of their accession to the BJE."

Lobregat said that while these “are subject to further negotiations by the parties, (the areas included) in the annexes (nevertheless) are integral part of the framework agreement."

He said at least 40 villages in Zambonga City are included in the said annex, as well as several villages in the provinces of Sarangani, Zambonga Sibugay, Zambonga del Sur, Zambonga del Norte, North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Lanao del Norte.

Lobregat said many local government units were protesting the inclusion of their areas under the proposed deal with the MILF, whose implementation was stopped last August 5 by the Supreme Court through a temporary restraining order.

The mayor said he was informed by Zambonga del Norte Governor Rolando Yebes that he would file another petition at the High Court against the inclusion of his province from the proposed MILF turf.

Lobregat said he was also told by the governor that mass actions against the homeland deal would be staged within the week. - GMANews.TV

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/112705/-(Update)-Mayor-claims-MILF-homeland-deal-will-cover-1459-villages


Military justifies operation vs MILF 'bandit group' in N. Cotabato

08/10/2008 | 01:27 PM

MANILA, Philippines - The military is now considering the unit of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in North Cotabato as a bandit group for refusing to vacate the villages they allegedly occupied by force.

This was according to Brig. Gen. Jorge Segovia, acting chief of the Armed Forces’ command center in the area, as he justifies the shelling of certain villages in North Cotabato Sunday morning.

“With the defiance of the MILF 105th base command to pull put from illegally occupied areas in North Cotabato, the group has degenerated into a plain bandit group and considered as lost command,” Segovia said.

The military official said Sunday morning’s operation was not covered by the ceasefire agreement between the government and the MILF since the enemy faction involved is working “outside (of) the MILF organization.

“The ceasefire agreement cannot be binding on any group outside the MILF organization especially when such group is committing unlawful acts,” he said.

The Military had aerlier reported taht two soldiers – Cpl. Jennes Freinella and Pfc. Carvelo Tavares – were wounded when an undetermined number of MILF members harassed the troops from the Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion in Piki, North Cotabato.

The attackers suffered an undetermined number of casualties, the report said.

Segovia said their operations were not directed to the MILF as an organization but only against a certain MILF faction who continues to defy the order to vacate unlawfully occupied areas.

“All peaceful avenues have been exhausted to resolve the conflict since the 24-hour deadline last Friday has expired and we are now compelled to resort to the application of proportionate and justifiable force so that peace and order may be restored in North Cotabato,” he said. - GMANews.TV

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/112703/Military-justifies-operation-vs-MILF-bandit-group-in-N-Cotabato


RP troops attack Muslim rebels refusing to leave southern villages

08/10/2008 | 12:56 PM

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine military says it has launched an attack on Muslim rebels who defied a Friday deadline to pull out from several southern Christian villages.

Officials say troops and rebels have been exchanging gun and artillery fire on Sunday.

Police Senior Superintendent Casimiro Medes says at least two soldiers were wounded by snipers of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in the village in Pikit, one of three farming townships of North Cotabato province still occupied by the rebels.

The military says several hundred guerrillas have continued to occupy townships after the government's Friday ultimatum to withdraw, but that they are considered bandits and "lost command." - AP

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/112699/RP-troops-attack-Muslim-rebels-refusing-to-leave-southern-villages

MILF to occupy 1,459 villages under homeland pact - mayor

08/10/2008 | 12:41 PM

MANILA, Philippines- Not only 700, but a total of 1,459 villages in Mindanao will be under the turf of the Muslim separatist group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) if its homeland deal with the Philippine government is approved.

This was according to Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat, who told radio dzBB on Sunday that the expanded MILF territories could be found in the proposed ancestral domain agreement between the government and the MILF that would establish the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity. - GMANews.TV

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/112695/MILF-to-occupy-1459-villages-under-homeland-pact---mayor

Govt forces, MILF faction clash on eve of ARMM polls

08/10/2008 | 08:48 AM

(Updated 5:20 p.m.) Major clashes between government forces and a "breakaway group" from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have erupted in some villages in North Cotabato province on the eve of the elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Radio dzBB's Benjie Liwanag on Sunday reported that according to Col. Diosdado Carreon, the 40th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army fired howitzer shells into the position of MILF rebels who had continued to stay in some areas in North Cotabato.

Liwanag said residents of Baliki village in Midsayap town fled the area amid shelling of mortars by the military. Sniping attacks in Baliki were also reported but it was not clear if it came from the government forces or the MILF.

The military said the MILF "breakaway" forces in North Cotabato that occupied 22 villages in five towns had been considered as a "bandit group" after they refused to vacate the villages.

The MILF's "lost command" is headed by Commander Umbra Cato who reportedly controls about 1,500 men, according to the military.

“With the defiance of the MILF 105th base command to pull put from illegally occupied areas in North Cotabato, the group has degenerated into a plain bandit group and considered as lost command," said Brig. Gen. Jorge Segovia, acting chief of the Armed Forces’ command center in the area.

The military official said Sunday morning’s operation was not covered by the ceasefire agreement between the government and the MILF since the enemy faction involved is working “outside (of) the MILF organization.

Liwanag said that based on information he gathered from the military, gunfire exchange started before 8 a.m. Sunday.

"Walang tigil ang putukan. Dumadagundong ang lupa. (Shooting doesn't stop. The ground is shaking with the reverberating sounds of gunfire)," said Liwanag who was told by a Baliki resident only identified as "Dodong" that the area where Liwanag was staying was just about 200 to 500 meters from the site of the clashes.

"Ngayon ang narinig kong pinakamatinding putukan (Today I heard the loudest gunfire exchange)," a male Baliki resident told Liwanag in an interview, adding that the clashes had been going on for the last two weeks.

Wounded soldiers

At about 11 a.m., Liwanag said he received reports from Major Armand Rico, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Eastern Mindanao Command, that two soldiers were injured in another AFP-MILF clash in Kolambog village in Pikit town.

He said AFP-MILF clashes were also happening in the Gayunga area.

The casualties were initially identified as Corporal Jennes Freinella and private first class Carvelo Tavares. A report from the military said the two were hit by MILF sniper and M-203 grenade launcher fires. Freinella and Tavares were rushed to the Cruzado Medical Hospital in Pikit.

But according to North Cotabato Vice Governor Emmanuel Piñol, four soldiers have already been injured from the clashes in Tapodoc village in Aleosan town, and in a village in Pikit. Piñol said one of the soldiers was seriously wounded in the head.

Piñol confirmed to dzBB that encounters between the AFP and the MILF had started in the towns of Aleonan, Tigkawayan, and Libungan.


Continuous shelling

MILF spokesperson Eid Kabalu, in an interview with radio dzBB on Sunday confirmed reports on the "continuous shelling" from the military. He also confirmed that there were MILF contingents in Baliki but "it's small."

He said the continuous shelling had "interfered" with the MILF's move to vacate the areas in North Cotabato, which was earlier ordered by the government.

He said there was already preparations for the reposition of MILF troops from Cotabato. He did not elaborate.

Last Thursday, the Philippine government issued a 24-hour ultimatum for the MILF to pull out its forces from Aleosan.

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/112671/Govt-forces-MILF-faction-clash-on-eve-of-ARMM-polls

Monday, August 04, 2008

Headlines - August 4,2008

Militiaman hurt in North Cotabato clash - officials

08/04/2008 | 12:14 PM

KIDAPAWAN CITY, Philippines - A government militiaman was wounded when 30 suspected New Peoples’ Army (NPA) rebels raided their detachment in Temporan village in Magpet town in North Cotabato province early Monday morning, officials said.

Inspector Luis Pederio, chief of Magpet police, identified the wounded militiaman as Rogelio Sagucom, 51, of Binay village from the said town.

Pederio said a bullet from an M14 rifle hit Sagucom on his left shoulder.

Based on the initial police reports, the rebel attackers were led by one Commander Dayo of the NPA Front 53 whose areas of operations include towns of Magpet and Makilala in North Cotabato.

At the time of the attack about 5 a.m., two Cafgu teams and two regulars from the Philippine Army were manning the detachment, Pederio said.


http://www.gmanews.tv/story/111246/Militiaman-hurt-in-North-Cotabato-clash---officials

Moro groups want deal on Moro homeland inked

08/04/2008 | 10:45 AM

MANILA, Philippines — A group of Moro organizations pressed for the immediate signing of the Memorandum of Agreement for a Moro homeland and called for the postponement of elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The Ranaw Bangsamoro Civil Society Organization called on the government to hasten the signing of the MOA on ancestral domain and put the gains of the peace process in place.

In a resolution signed over the weekend, the groups also said it is wise to postpone the August 11 ARMM elections until a Bangsamoro territory is established. They said that if the election is held, the security and well-being of the people in the area will hang in a balance.

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/111229/Moro-groups-want-deal-on-Moro-homeland-inked

MILF sends 50 delegates to signing ceremony in Malaysia

08/04/2008 | 08:53 AM

MANILA, Philippines - The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) sent some 50 delegates to Malaysia over the weekend to attend the signing of an agreement on ancestral domain on Tuesday.

A statement on the MILF website posted Monday morning said the government also sent 90 delegates to the signing ceremony.

"In term of significance, the MILF views this signing ceremony as at par with the signing of the Tripoli Agreement of 2001 in Tripoli, Libya, but based on the number of public officials attending and publicity, this one in Malaysia has the edge and ranks first." the MILF said.

The MILF said its 50 delegates include its peace panel, secretariat, technical committee, and representatives of its nominated non-government organizations (NGOs).

Members of the technical committee include former members of the MILF technical working group (TWG).

Chief MILF negotiator Mohagher Iqbal will head the MILF peace delegation, which will be billeted at the Marriott Hotel or in cottages nearby.

Heading the government delegation is government peace panel chairman Rodolfo Garcia.

Senior members of the Arroyo Cabinet in the government delegation include Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo and National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales.

Also with the government delegation are members of the Philippine Senate, House of Representatives, local government chief executives, and members of the diplomatic community.

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/111210/MILF-sends-50-delegates-to-signing-ceremony-in-Malaysia

MILF fends off opposition, says domain pact a product of over 10 years of talks

08/04/2008 | 08:44 AM

MANILA, Philippines - The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Monday downplayed protests by residents in areas affected by a deal on ancestral domain, saying the deal is already an official government act.

In a radio interview, MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu said the draft agreement was a product of more than 10 years of negotiations between the government and MILF peace panels.

Kabalu also indicated that residents of these affected areas should blame the national government if it failed to consult them on the ancestral domain deal.

"Karapatan nilang magsabi ng ganoon but ito, official na act ng gobyernong ito, itong ginawang ito. More than 10 years na ang negotiation na ito (It is their right to protest the pact, but this is
an official act of the national government. Our peace talks have been more than 10 years in the making)," Kabalu said in an interview on dzXL radio.

He also appealed to the Christian and Muslim leaders and residents of Zamboanga, North Cotabato and other areas affected by the deal to keep an open mind.

On the other hand, Kabalu said the MILF is assuming that the government has already made the proper consultations with the areas concerned on the agreement on ancestral domain.

Peace negotiators of the government and the MILF are to sign the agreement in Malaysia on Tuesday.

"I don't think so na yung panel ng gobyerno kulang sa paghimay sa issue na ito... Sinubmit pa ito sa legal groups para mapag-aralan. Tapos sabihin mo hindi nakonsulta, hindi maganda? I don't think so (I don't want to think that this government did not consult the people on the matter. It also submitted the documents to its legal panel for study. Now are we being made to understand that there was no consultation? I don't think so)," Kabalu said.

Kabalu also branded as "disinformation" the claims that some areas in Zamboanga City are to be included in the proposed Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE).

Kabalu said the general idea is that the core territory of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are to be included in the BJE.

But Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat insisted a copy of a "confidential" document obtained by Rep. Isabelle Climaco indicated some villages in the city will be included in BJE.

Lobregat, Climaco and Rep. Erico Basilio Fabian signed a full-page advertisement in the Philippine Daily Inquirer opposing the city's inclusion in the BJE.

"We are for the end of any and all armed hostilities... However, as one free people of different faiths and cultures we do not favor the creation of a juridical entity based on religion or segregation," the ad stated.

"We manifest our unflinching opposition to the inclusion of Zamboanga City or any of its 98 barangays in the BJE and Bangsamoro Homeland under the memorandum of agreement to be entered into by and between the government of the Republic of the Philippines and the MILF," it
added.

It warned that including the city or any part of it in the BJE would affect the city's territorial and political integrity, cause its dismemberment and extreme prejudice to the people of Zamboanga.

Lobregat, in an interview on dzBB radio Monday, said they will hold mass actions to oppose the deal.

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/111208/MILF-fends-off-opposition-says-domain-pact-a-product-of-over-10-years-of-talks

SC wants GRP panel to justify draft domain agreement with MILF

08/04/2008 | 08:26 AM

MANILA, Philippines - The Supreme Court has given government peace negotiators until Monday noon to submit their comments defending an agreement on ancestral domain with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

In a radio interview, North Cotabato Vice Governor Emmanuel Piñol disclosed this Monday, as he voiced optimism the High Court's quick action may yet prevent Tuesday's signing of the deal in Malaysia.

"We filed our petition last week and today at 12 noon binigyan ang GRP panel to submit their comments. Right now we are happy a lot of people are seeing things our way (We filed our petition last week and the high court has given the GRP panel until noon today to submit their comments. We are also happy many people are seeing things our way)," Piñol said in an interview on dwIZ radio.

Last week, Piñol questioned the deal before the High Court, saying there was a lack of consultation with residents of the areas to be covered by the "ancestral domain."

Piñol said he asked the High Court to compel the government to explain the contents of the agreement, and defer the signing of the agreement on Tuesday while the explanation is "pending."

"The good thing is, mabilis din ang Korte Suprema (The good thing is that the Supreme Court acted quickly)," Piñol said, adding that he is optimistic the High Court will act quickly enough to issue a temporary restraining order against the signing of the agreement.

"Under our Constitution kaming mamamayan may karapatan to information (Under our Constitution the people have a right to information). Nothing should be kept secret from us," he added.

Piñol said they have yet to get an assurance from the MILF that after it has been given so much concessions, "walang panibagong grupong sisibol pa at maguumpisa ng kaguluhan (there will be no new group that will come out and wreak havoc)."

"Di dahil pangulo o mataas na opisyal they can decide for us (Just because you are a president or high official does not mean you can decide arbitrarily)," Piñol said. - GMANews.TV

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/111200/SC-wants-GRP-panel-to-justify-draft-domain-agreement-with-MILF


Zambo Christians told to fight Muslim ancestral domain deal

08/03/2008 | 07:08 PM

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Christian residents in Zamboanga are being agitated to protest the inclusion of several Muslim enclaves here in a proposed Islamic homeland in Mindanao.

Local Catholic priests in their homily Sunday also urged residents to join a protest rally on Monday. In their homily, the priests said two villages largely populated by Christians would be included in the proposed Muslim homeland demanded by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which is negotiating peace with Manila.

Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat also criticized Manila for including several Muslim villages here to be part of the MILF ancestral domain, including two villages where the century-old City Hall and the Fort Pilar, an open-air Catholic shrine are situated.

Lobregat, who was invited Saturday night at a Lion's Club convention here, spoke lengthily about his opposition to the ancestral domain and the inclusion of Christian villages in the proposed Muslim homeland. He said residents had twice rejected plebiscites in the past to include the city in the Muslim autonomous region.

Government and rebel peace negotiators have reached a deal on the ancestral domain and would sign the agreement on Tuesday in Kuala Lumpur, which is brokering the seven-year old talks aimed at ending more than four decades of Muslim secessionist wars in Mindanao.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's peace adviser Hermogenes Esperon said there is need to amend the Constitution to allow referendum on areas under the ancestral domain that would make up the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity.

Esperon also denied Lobregat's claim and said only Sacol Island, about 18 nautical miles, is included in the ancestral domain. "Only Sacol is included in the ancestral domain and islanders would be given a chance whether to be part of the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity or not," he told GMANews.TV.

He said: "Included in the proposed plebiscite are the villages in Sacol Island and none in mainland Zamboanga City. We should hear the voice of the people of Sacol, which is populated by Muslims. Any plebiscite will be pursuant only to an enabling law which will be enacted by Congress."

Sacol is one of 25 island communities largely populated by poor Muslims, mostly fishermen and seaweed farmers. Many Muslim enclaves in Zamboanga have little or no development projects at all and villagers rely mostly on foreign aid for its water and electricity sources, despite the city's more than P2 billion savings in banks.

US government agencies such as the USAID, AMORE and GEM and the US military have been very active in providing Muslim villages in Zamboanga City with various infrastructure projects, medical missions and solar-power technology that provides electricity to homes, among others.

Cell phone text messages were also spreading about the inclusion of Zamboanga City in the Muslim ancestral domain. One text message urged citizens to resist the ancestral domain and to join Monday's protest rally.

Many commercial stores here, mostly owned by influential Chinese businessmen and supporters of Lobregat, said they will all close at 11 a.m. on Monday to protest the inclusion of the villages to the ancestral domain. Even some journalists, who are supposed to stay neutral, have joined calls to resist the ancestral domain.

Lobregat said many Muslim village leaders are also opposed to the inclusion of their communities to the Bangsamoro homeland. However, most of these leaders are also the mayor's allies and supporters.

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/111170/Zambo-Christians-told-to-fight-Muslim-ancestral-domain-deal

MILF deal with gov't to fail if polls in ARMM push through

08/03/2008 | 04:16 PM

MANILA, Philippines - The proposed agreement on ancestral domain between the Philippine government and the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) set to be signed on Tuesday will turn out to be a dud if the elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) pushes through on August 11.

This was according to MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu who warned that the MILF leadership might not be able to stop its people from causing tension or even trouble in Mindanao if the Philippine government conducts the ARMM polls.

In an interview with radio dzBB on Sunday, Kabalu said that even if the MILF and the government sign the homeland deal on August 5, the pact would become useless if the polls would be held in the ARMM.

He said the deal “will be sacrificed" with the ARMM polls that would give a three-year fresh mandate to elected officials.

Pag nagkapirmahan, and then you want to implement the agreement…eh hindi po natin maisasagawa sapagkat kung matutuloy ang elections. ‘Yong mga tao diyan ay makakakuha ng fresh mandate na three years, fixed po ‘yan. So hindi po puwede na gagalawin ‘yan. Masasakripisyo ‘yong pagkapirma doon sa agreement, magiging balewala...sapagkat di po mai-implement," said Kabalu.

(Even if the deal is signed, we won’t be able to implement it if the elections push through. Those who will be elected will be given a fresh and fixed mandate of three years. We won’t be able to touch that even with the signed agreement. The signing of the deal will be sacrificed and will become useless because we won’t be able to implement it.)

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/111163/MILF-deal-with-govt-to-fail-if-polls-in-ARMM-push-through

Iligan nixes inclusion of 8 villages in 'new' ARMM

08/03/2008 | 11:42 AM

ILIGAN CITY, Philippines - Iliganons will wear red and flock the streets Monday to protest the signing of a deal between the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) regarding additional areas that will be included in the expanded Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The protest was hatched after Mayor Lawrence Cruz informed the Sangguniang Panlungsod that eight upland villages in their city will be included in the final draft of the ancestral domain aspect.

Cruz said he learned this after he was able to obtain a copy of the supposedly confidential memorandum of agreement that is set for signing on Tuesday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The eight affected villages – Rogongon, the biggest barangay in terms of land area; Panoroganan; Mainit; Dulag; Lanipao; Kalilangan; Hindang; and Diigkilaan – comprised about 66,502.1464 hectares or 82 percent of the city’s total land land area, which is 81335 hectares.

Cruz said these villages are lead communities responsible in agricultural food production and beholder of sustainable forest development protection and management of rainforest in the city.

"Why should we be included again in another referendum when Iligan City have proven twice before as we rejected the move to include Iligan City in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao(ARMM)," Cruz said.

Statistical records show that on November 19, 1989 ARMM referendum, Iliganons decided and voted "NO" to ARMM with a total of 61,983 votes (96.8 percent) and "YES" votes garnered only 2,044 votes (3.1 percent).

The second plebiscite on expanded ARMM, Iliganons overwhelmingly voted "NO " with a total votes of 61,472 (97.4 percent) while "YES" votes got only 1,604 (2.5 percent).

"We are not against the peace process nor we are against the expansion of ARMM, however we can not allow that the harmonious relationship between Muslim, Christian and lumads will be divided," Cruz said. - GMANews.TV

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/111145/Iligan-nixes-inclusion-of-8-villages-in-new-ARMM

Cops still clueless on whereabouts of kidnapped nurse in Basilan

08/03/2008 | 10:32 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Suspected bandits who kidnapped a nurse last month are likely moving her from island to island in Mindanao to avoid detection and capture, Basilan police said Sunday.

Basilan Police Chief Sr. Supt. Salik Macapantar said they are still trying to pinpoint the location of the kidnappers and their hostage, Precious Feliciano.

"Malamang palipat-lipat ito sa mga islands (It appears they are moving her from island to island)," Macapantar said in an interview on dzXL radio.

Feliciano's abductors had reportedly threatened to kill her if they do not get a P25-million ransom by Monday.

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/111140/Cops-still-clueless-on-whereabouts-of-kidnapped-nurse-in-Basilan

MILF to govt: Don't listen to Piñol's ‘childish’ statements

08/03/2008 | 09:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), currently talking peace with the government, urged the Arroyo administration to not listen to North Cotabato Vice Governor Emmanuel Piñol who it said was sowing hatred and mistrust in the peace process.

MILF Secretariat Chairman Muhammad Ameen called on the people of Mindanao to promote trust, understanding and cooperation and not hatred and mistrust.

"(Piñol's claims) are childish statements and should not be heeded seriously by the national leadership," Ameen said in a statement on the MILF.

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/111130/MILF-to-govt-Dont-listen-to-Pi&ntildeols-%E2%80%98childish%E2%80%99-statements

Suspected Sayyaf bandit captured in Zambo City

AL JACINTO, GMA News.TV
08/02/2008 | 10:21 AM

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Police have arrested an alleged Abu Sayyaf rebel in this southern Philippine port city on Saturday, reports said.

Police told local radio stations suspected militant Ahmad Edris was cornered at the port of Zamboanga on Friday shortly after he disembarked from a ferry that came from Basilan province, where security forces are hunting down other members of the Jemaah Islamiyah-linked terror group.

No details were made available about Edris' arrest on Friday and little is known about the man that police said is included in the government’s most wanted list. It was unclear how Edris was able to flee from the island without being detected, but police in Basilan said they have no reports about the man's arrest nor it was information about his background.

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/111042/Suspected-Sayyaf-bandit-captured-in-Zambo-City

MILF won't disrupt ARMM polls in August - spokesman

08/02/2008 | 07:34 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Even if its bid to postpone elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) would fail, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) promised Saturday not to disrupt the electoral exercise on Aug. 11.

MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu insisted the MILF has had no history of interfering in electoral exercises, and that it does not intend to break that "record."

"Wala tayong history sa ganitong klaseng activity na nanggugulo tayo (We do not have a history of disrupting elections)," Kabalu said in an interview on DZXL.

"Hindi tayo magpa-participate officially pero hinahayaan natin itong nagaganap na hindi nagmumula sa atin ang kaguluhan (We won’t participate officially in the election but we will make sure any disruption won’t come from our end)," he added.

The MILF wants the Aug. 11 polls postponed to make way for a peace pact with government, where some areas will be added to the ARMM's territory.

Citing lack of time, some senators seem not to show interest in crafting a counterpart bill of the measure filed at the House of Representatives, seeking postponement the ARMM polls.

On the other hand, Kabalu hinted that Congress could do better than just go through the motions of crafting a law that may not be passed in time to halt the Aug. 11 elections.

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/111025/MILF-wont-disrupt-ARMM-polls-in-August---spokesman

=======================================================
Opinion:

I will say it again, NO to the ancestral domain issue on the MILF-GRP agreement. Iligan and Zamboanga Cities have already voiced their opposition alongside with North Cotabato. I am not against peace BUT I strongly suggest another route. As we have seen in the past, the MILF are just a bunch of lying and greedy pigs. The reason of ancestral domain cannot be applied to the current situation. If they are basing ancestral domain due because their ancestors live there before us christians, then it would be awarded not to them but to the pagan tribal people before their ancestors..and I might add, before they were wiped out or forced to convert by them. The current situation here is that while the MILF-GRP panel are talking, the MILF brass commanded their so called "Lost Commands" to do havok on the villages that are included in the plebiscite, why? So that when the plebiscite comes, no one will vote because no one will live there anymore..This is the situation here..on the ground..The MILF are using force to scare away the christians..Do you know why they wanted these lands? Because the christians have toiled so much this lands that they earn good. The christians farmers here earn good..and here comes the muslims..they are just jealous of the fact that they can't earn that much compared to a christian..The muslims wanted the christians out because they wanted their land..the land the christians toiled..the land christians have invested much..With this in mind, you'll see that the MILF reason of ancestral domain is pure BULLSHIT. As I speak my mind out..a couple of attacks on the villages in North Cotabato are already being done.. They talk Peace but they walk War..they talk Peace but they walk Greedily, the talk peace but the walk and talk more than Liars.

And that reaction from the MILF that Mr. Pinol is childish? I think Mr. Pinol knows more than just being childish, he has seen much of that chaos the MILF has brought into North Cotabato, he has seen the greediness of the MILF..And this is why he will act in this way..He is not childish, he is just being what a government official should act..TO ACT ON THE PEOPLE'S INTEREST!!! I think the childish here is on the MILF spokesman that reacted to it..He knows Mr. Pinol is right..He knows what plans the MILF have..that is why he is afraid of Mr. Pinol..

I hope the government sees the whole issue, I hope the Supreme Court will nullify or stop this agreement..

NO TO THE ANCESTRAL DOMAIN!!!

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