By Hassan Hatab
October 15, 2009 - Angered by the recent bombings of the two mosques located in Indanan Sulu which killed several innocent civilians including two minors and 1 pregnant woman, the people of Sulu have resorted to arm themselves and continue fighting against the government troops.

Reports from the field in Luuk, Sulu disclosed that around 11:00 A.M. yesterday, a fierce fighting broke out in Bitahnag when the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) attacked the civilian-populated area of barangay Bitahnag, Luuk, Sulu.

As of yesterday, two children surnamed Apod were hit by a canon from the AFP and killed on the spot. Both sides suffered casualties as the firefights ensued and escalated to barangay Tayungan, Sulu. Several hundreds of armed civilians participated in war saying that it is the duty of every muslim to defend themselves from any attack against their persons and properety.

Meanwhile, residents in the affected areas hit Nur Misuari for not doing anything about the plight of the Muslims in Sulu who are being attacked by government forces.

Amina Ladjahasan, a housewife and resident of Kuppong Indana, Sulu said, “almost entire population of Indanan municipality have been getting anger for Misuari for not helping the innocent civilians in Sulu who are being attacked by the government forces”. This is the situation that forced the civilians to arm themselves and fight to protect their lives and properties.

By Hassan Hatab
October 15, 2009 - Speaking to newsmen upon his arrival in Zamboanga City last October 12, 2009, Ilocos Norte Congressman Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos stressed the need of settling the Mindanao conflict in order to achieve progress and development in the country.

Marcos said, Mindanao conflict is the main obstacle to the general progress of the whole country that needs to be attended at the soonest possible time. He said that the peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) should resume immediately as he pointed out that it is the best hope of finding a lasting peace in Mindanao .

During the last meeting of the GRP-MILF peace panel held in Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia , both panels agreed to establish the International Contact Group tasked to oversee the on-going peace negotiations between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

People in Mindanao are hoping that the Civilian Protection Mission agreement would be forged by GRP-MILF panel in its next round of meeting. The Mission would be tasked to safeguard the civilians’ populace in the affected areas of war in Mindanao .

By: Mukhlis Mamengkog
October 12, 2009 - Pope Benedict XVI of the Roman Catholic Church commended all groups, organizations, and individuals which are advocating peace. He mentioned particularly the Mindanao Peoples Caucus (MPC) as one of the many grassroots organizations in the Philippines which are taking courageous steps to bring people together in order to foster reconciliation and mutual understanding.

In regions that have been scarred by conflicts, such as Mindanao , Pope Benedict XVI stressed that the work of charity is particularly urgent, especially in times when the name of God is abused by certain groups.

In his welcome speech to accept the Letters of Credence accrediting Mrs. Mercedes Arrastia Tuason as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Philippines to the Holy See, on October 2, together with the two other Ambassadors from the Netherlands and the United States, the pontiff praised the works of MPC, which he described as initiatives that aim at facilitating dialogue and cultural exchange.

The leadership of MPC is surprised but grateful for the inspiring recognition that they have received from the Pope, the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church.

MPC is a grassroots organization established in 2001 that works for the strengthening of the tri-peoples participation in the Mindanao peace process.

MPC authored the Bantay Ceasefire, a grassroots-led ceasefire monitoring mechanism, which is composed of more than 600 volunteers that monitors, documents, and reports violations of human rights and ceasefire agreement.
 
In 2008, MPC mobilized around 300,000 internally displaced persons in different areas in Central Mindanao, to go out in the streets and shout their call for the immediate cessation of hostilities, resumption of peace talks, and for their safe return to their homes.

MPC leadership and its track record earned the recognition, respect and faith not only of both peace negotiating panels but also of the entire civil society peace movements in Mindanao .

This year alone, MPC received awards from Ninoy Aquino Public Service Award and World Vision International Peace Prize - two of the award-giving bodies that recognize leadership efforts in peace-building and conflict resolution.

The pontiff also mentioned the commendable work of Bishops Ulama Conference (BUC) and many other grassroots organizations in working for peace in Mindanao . He encouraged all to persevere so that peace will prevail.

Pope Benedict XVI announced the hosting of the Philippines in December of a Special Non-Aligned Movement Ministerial Meeting on Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation for Peace and Development.

“This also holds out the promise of advancing peace in Mindanao and throughout the world,” the Pope pointed out.

By Muhammad Musa
October 15, 2009 - Pikit, North Cotabato--More or less four hundred individuals from the academe, students, fishermen, farmers, and communities of Pikit, Cotabato and other adjacent conflict affected municipalities gathered altogether for Community Peace Symposium spearheaded by the United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD)-Pikit, North Cotabato Chapter held at Mindanao Islamic Foundation Polytechnic College (MIFPC) Compound, Batulawan, Pikit, Cotabato on October 12, 2009.  

The theme of the activity was dubbed as “Enjoining towards Islamization discipline and Development”. The three-guest speakers namely Ustadz Nhorul-am A. Abdullah, the President of Kutawato Educational and Research Center in the Philippines (KERCP), Islamic Scholar and UNYPAD-National Coordinator on Da’wah (Call) and Education; Ustadz Nasrudin Musa; the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society-Kutawato Region Management Committee (CBCS-KRMC) and the Deputy Secretary General of Mindanao Peoples’ Caucus, Mr. Rahib L. Kudto.

Barangay Captain Alim Labas of Batulawan, Pikit emphasized that the said activity was a venue for better understanding of the communities on the peace process and development efforts of the Government of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as well as the civil societies and all other stakeholders in upholding the supremacy of peace in Mindanao. “We must have a culture of patience and lend more sacrifices until then the final agreement is reached by both parties” Labas said in his opening remarks.

The President of the MIFPC Bai Carmencita P. Aplal, al-hadja, who supported the activity, extended her appreciation to the organizers of the peace symposium. “Kadsukor ku mga pagali ko a pedtanding ko kasunggud na agama Islam endu su kalilintad sa Mindanao,” articulated in maguindanaon vernacular, meaning, giving recognition to her fellow Muslim relatives who exert efforts for the advancement of Islam and observing peace in Mindanao.

Ustadz Abdullah, one of the speakers, clarified to the audience the definition of Islam. “…these are the five pillars of Islam and the six articles of faith,” Abdullah said. He added that by properly observing the tenets of Islam, it could Islamize the development and discipline towards a peaceful community.

Among others, Ustadz Abdullah discussed the tribute to the prophets who has big contributions in the world history and technology nowadays. He has revealed some examples and some Islamic perspective in Islamic history. He said that the first man who was able to circumambulate around the world is not Ferdinand Magellan but Prophet Zulkarnain, and the first ever man who was able to talk directly to the Almighty without using any gadget was Prophet Moses (peace be upon them).

Ustadz Musa gave lecture on the three necessary things that the community must have to have in order to become a peaceful society. First the community needs a good leader that loves Islam, second, ulama or scholars like teachers, nurses and any other profession must learn and practice Islam as way of life, and third, a wealthy man must use his wealth for Almighty Allah and in helping needy victims.

Meanwhile, Kudto shared an updates on the GRP-MILF Peace Process based on his observation as member of the ceasefire watch. He pointed out that Mindanao is the ‘lifeline’ of the Manila government; thus, this is one of the reasons why it’s difficult for the Philippine government to give a parcel of land to the Moro people in Mindanao. “If the government could see and come-up with an agreement between the MILF that   is unfavorable for them (government), they find way to subjugate the agreement” Kudto had stressed.

Kudto also raised questions on the declaration of Malacaňang of the Suspension of Military Operation (SOMO) against the MILF. “Is the SOMO intended for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s State of the Nation Address or SONA?, or for the purpose of her agenda when she met the United States of America’s President Barack H. Obama?, or perhaps, is it for the declaration to end-up war in Mindanao? We do not know exactly the right answers,” Kudto said.

However, Kudto gave positive remarks on the formulation of the International Contact Group or ICG that serves for the international communities as well as the international non-government organizations to oversee the status of the peace talks. He appealed to the parties to religiously observe what was agreed upon in the negotiation and come-up with a viable solution that is acceptable to the Moros so that once and for all, the century-old problem of the Bangsamoro people in Mindanao would be put to an end.

On the other hand, Abdulmonaim Dalid, Municipal President of UNYPAD-Pikit chapter said that the activity was part of the campaign and advocacy program of the UNYPAD in informing its organized chapters nationwide on the social, economic, cultural, health and political issues that could affect the lives of the people.

September 28, 2009 – The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is for peace and nation-building, said Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim.

MILF Chair Al Haj Murad stressed that in recent meetings at Camp Darapanan with diplomats, journalists, and MILF Central Committee, saying the main thrust of the MILF since inception is to achieve and sustain peace, justice and nation-building, especially for the Bangsamoro people.

It is for that reason, Murad said, why MILF puts paramount importance to the ongoing peace process with the Government of the Republic Philippines, and have been training and preparing its people for peace, diplomacy, development and even post-coflict endeavors.

“Let it be understood that the MILF’s military training is not principally intended for waging war but for us to be ready to defend and fight for our rights and aspirations as aggrieved minority Bangsamoro,” the ne said.

The Chairman believes it is for the best interests of both the government and MILF, the Filipinos and the Moros, to ovecome all the obstacles no matter how hard the challenges along the way just to allow the peace process to succeed.

“I will not stop in appealing for support and assistance from our people and the Filipinos, including the international community, in order to push the GRP – MILF peace process forward, be it at the level of the peace negotiations, reconstruction and development of the conflict affected communties, and ceasefire and security,” he said.

While Murad admitted that the next in line in the organization are more radical, but he expressed optimism that if the peace process will be allowed to succeed, especially by the government and Filipino people, then there will be more than a fair chance to finally resolved the conflict in South of Philippines and the Bangamoro problem.

“Our next generation is at their 30’s to early 40’s and this means they were borned with the war and had been raised with the cruelty of the war that has been going on for more than 40 years,” he pointed out.

“If their selfless struggles and sacrifices for peace will turn into deep frustration and resentment, then they will become more emboldened, more radical and that will be the kind of conflict situation and anarchy that we will have from their generation to next,” he added.

Chairman Murad said if the onoging peace process with the government fails then we are afraid that there will be no more peace process as we have today.

“I don’t see the possibility of another peace process to come if we fail because there will be no more control on the situation then,” Murad said, adding “Aside form the MILF now there is no other group that can have relatively strong control and mandate to negotiate for the legitimate aspiration of the Bangsamoro people for freedom and right to self determination.”

 

 

By Muhair Abdullah
October 02, 2009 (Bangkok, Thailand) – The Asia-Pacific Regional Working Group and the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) Steering Committee, Nonviolence International Southeast Asia, held the Regional Workshop for an Arms Trade Treaty at Palace Hotel in Bangkok Thailand on September 26-27, 2009.

The regional workshop which aimed to fully engage civil society working for the ATT was attended by countries such as Malaysia, US, United Kingdom, Canada, Philippines, Fiji, America, India, Nepal, Australia, Pakistan and Thailand the host country for this workshop.

Different experiences and practices were highlighted in the said regional workshop as far as small arms proliferation is concerned, such as cases of killings, shipments of small arms and government’s failures to address large numbers of arms undocumented.

Mr. Alfredo Lubang, Regional Representative of Nonviolence International Southeast Asia, said that it was a good opportunity to build capacities as well as strengthen our solidarity in addressing these issues at the international level.

“The organizers hoped that we will be able to collectively consolidate our strength and hopefully be able to push for common agenda in relation to the future arms trade treaty which hopefully addresses serious violations and substantial risk caused by the unregulated proliferation of arms”, Lubang stressed.

The Nonviolence International Southeast Asia is preparing for the future discussion of the First Committee at United Nations related to Arms Trade Treaty this coming October in New York. “Subsequently, another resolution will be filed hopefully calling for the start of the negotiations,” Lubang added.

Ms Zarah Kathleen Alih, a Moro woman working with AMAN (Asian Muslim Action Network) Regional Office in Bangkok Thailand, believed that with the trends of conflict happenings around the region, weapons and arms are increasingly transported, smuggled & utilized around the Asia-Pacific region.

“It is about time that a regional action through collaboration is initiated for an Arms Trade Treaty”, Alih emphasized.

Mr. Anwar Upahm, UNYPAD representative from Mindanao who attended the said regional workshop, said that the reason why people wanted to buy guns still vary on government’s failure to comply on its real mandate as government of the people, for the people and by the people.

Mr. Nikki Delfin of Gaston Z. Ortigas (GZO) Peace Institute presented a constructive presentation on arms proliferation in the Philippines. Delfin pointed out government’s weaknesses in dealing with large number of illegal small arms. Furthermore, the non-existent laws on marking of firearms and arms brokering to reinforce arm propagation, he added.

Relatively, Ms Rebecca Peters from the International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA) presented some illegal shipments of arms all over the world. “An Arms Trade Treaty may have stopped the illegal arms shipments and have harmonised strong arms transfer laws”, Peters pointed out.

“An ATT must cover all type of transfers not just export and import”, Peters further stressed.

The regional workshop had something to do with the United Nations General Assembly resolution passed last 2007 which signalled the works toward a future arms trade treaty that will define an international common standard governing arms trade. A lot of formal discussions within the UN on various aspects of the future treaty through the Open Ended Working Group (OEWG) have been held.

October 3, 2009 - An intensified war between the people of Sulu, irrespective of groups’ affiliations or loyalties, and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) especially the Marines is brewing up in the island province since Eid’l Fit’r prayers marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan on September 21.

Reports received from the ground, most of the armed groups engaging the Marines are plain armed civilians without affiliation with any revolutionary group.

The common enemy has come and spawning their venom and it is our duty to help thwart them off or let them swim with their blood,” an old combatant told a reporter of this website yesterday.

As fighting intensifies, thousand of innocent civilians have evacuated from the municipalities of Indanan and Luuk.

The government troops claimed that they were operating against the Abu Sayyaf in Indanan, but their OV-10 planes dropped bombs on civilians who were preparing to pray during that global Muslims’ holiday.

Also involved in the fighting are forces of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) under the command of Kaid Ajibun, who spearheaded the attack of the military detachment in barangay Marang. The government forces retaliated by bombing the MNLF camp at Talibang, Bato-Bato, also in Indanan.

On Sept. 28, the MNLF forces under Commander Khaid Ajibun ambushed a convoy of Marines at Lehung, Indanan Sulu killing 8 soldiers and wounding 12 others.

     On September 30, around 11:00 a.m., MNLF forces under the command of Ustaj Habir Malik attacked a military detachment at Panamao Sulu. Both sides suffered undetermined number of casualties. One 90mm recoilless rifle of the MNLF forces was left behind and captured by the government troops.

As the fighting continues, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has asked the AFP to call off their present offensive in Sulu or at least spare the civilians from direct assault or deliberate attack.

Muhammad Ameen, chairperson of the MILF Secretariat, citing the death of two children and one pregnant woman when AFP troops attacked the historic Tumatangis Mosque in on Eid’s day, appeal for the immediate stop to the fighting.

He said it now appears clearly that the AFP is pursuing a policy of attacking the Muslims during their religious holidays, which he described as a direct invitation to convert the war in Mindanao as a war of religion.

OCtober 4, 2009 - The death of two US Servicemen in Indanan, Sulu on September 29, has certainly made their presence in Mindanao more shrouded with mysteries, complications, and it would be hard for Washington and Manila to explain where lies the boundary between direct combat involvement and assisting anti-terrorism campaign given that even in the latter casualties are being suffered.

This was the query sent to this website, www.luwaran.com, by Hasan Hattab, an MILF political officer based in the island province of Sulu, where the two American military men were killed by a roadside bomb.

He said the Moros are not at war with the United States reminiscent of the 1902 to 1913 Moro-American War that led to thousands of Moros dead and certainly will not court one this time or in the future but this death of the two Americans even by the Abu Sayyaf could trigger off a backlash that could affect the larger Moro population.

“Assistance has many shades, levels, and forms, and are mainly designed by the Americans with the Philippine government having very little way to influence the outcome.”

Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner, Armed Forces spokesperson, said a number of American soldiers escorted by Filipino Marines had just inspected a school project in Sitio Laum Saing and were heading back to a Marine detachment in a US Hummer when the explosion occurred at around 8:30 a.m.

The two US soldiers were identified as Staff Sergeant Jack Martin and Sergeant First Class Christopher Shaw. The Filipino soldier was only identified as a Private First Class Estrada.

Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago asked reporters, “Why are [the Americans] in an area where there are land mines?”

She said the attack showed that the Americans were in “a conflict or battle area,” and “absolutely” proved that US troops were taking part in Philippine operations against separatist insurgents.

“What else can you conclude?” Santiago said.

The US Embassy in Manila said the explosion occurred at 8:45 a.m. while the American soldiers were conducting a re-supply mission for a school construction project.

The embassy and the US members of the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines expressed condolences to the families of the killed and wounded.

“They lost their lives serving others and we will always be grateful for their contributions to improve the quality of life on Jolo,” US Ambassador Kristie Kenney said.

According to Kenney, US forces are temporarily deployed at the invitation of the Philippine government to conduct activities such as training exercises, professional exchanges and civic action projects with the Philippine military.

 

By Mukhlis Mamengkog
October 5, 2009 -  (Cotabato City)- The Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy (PCID) held forum  and workshop  October 3 afternoon at the Mindanao State University (MSU) Graduate School, Tamontaka, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao participated by students and some non-government organizations (NGO’s).

The said activity was aimed at discussing the possibility of promoting the “Interfaith Dialogue” in Mindanao between and among Muslims and Christians as it is seen to be of help in the search for lasting peace in Mindanao. The forthcoming 2010 national elections were also discussed.

Prof. Ibrahim Dimarob of PCID presented some commonalities in the Christian and Islamic teachings, which he believes, if understood well by both Muslims and Christians, clashes, which are brought about by differences in religious beliefs, will not take place.

“Belief in the oneness of God, love of God and love of neighbors are among the “common words” found in the Bible (both old and new testament) and the Qur’an,” Prof. Dimarob, an executive Director of the Mindanao Integrated Network (MIND Center), pointed out.

He cited Qur-anic verse that commands Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to invite non-muslims into dialogue so as to be able to find the “common words”.  

Mahdie Amella, Secretary General of the United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD), said that dialogue is the most powerful weapon in combating the challenges of conflict and there is no substitute to it.

“Even a violent war ends in a dialogue and is resolved through it,” he added.

Prof. Moner Bajunaid, one of the conveners of the PCID, facilitated the workshop and the mock election for Presidential candidates.

Bajunaid explicitly explained the need to select the right person to lead the country.

“What peculiar needs and programs for Mindanao and its people would you suggest to a candidate for President” was one of the questions raised in the workshop.

Resumption of the talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to come up with a political agreement that will put Mindanao political conflict to an end, was among other common recommendations from the groups that the next President should include in his/her programs.

“I think we need to talk to all presidentiables and present the result of this workshop,” Datuan Magon, UNYPAD Deputy Secretary-General for Administration, said.

“We should be sure that the Presidential Candidate we would support has a political will and clear peace and development agenda for the Bangsamoro people in order to avoid repeating what the callous Erap administration did,” he added.

In the mock election, Villiar got 18 votes, Aquino had 13, Teodoro got 4, Decastro garnered 2, and 16 others voted for “none of the above”.
 
REP. MARCOS, JR. VISITS MOROLAND
 
Congressman Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos, Jr. of the 2nd District of Ilocos Norte and a son of the late strong Philippine President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr. came to Kabacan, Cotabato via Davao City. He was accompanied by Congressman Didagen "Digs" Dilangalen of the 1st District of Maguindanao.

Congressman Marcos, Jr. graced the 55th Foundation Anniversary of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) Kabacan, Cotabato on October 1, 2009 as the guest of honor and speaker.

In his speech, he pointed out 4 important things: a. He praised the lady Moro founder of USM, Bai Fatima Matabay Plang, for having a vision that caused the coming of many settlers from all over the Philippines, among them were his       fellow Ilocanos to this rich land called the "Land of Promise"; b. The realization of the success in this  "Land of Promise" has been deferred for long years until now due to on going man-made conflicts; c. He challenged the audience and the people of Mindanao to regain their lost dreams for peace and development; and d. He reminded the crowd that the institution, USM is a premier University catering for four functions, namely: instruction, research, extension, production and entrepreneurial services. Its contributions to development which are creating resources and producing income are its uniqueness that many other level 4 universities can not make.
 
Congressman Dilangalen also spoke a little and he expounded that he only came to accompany and make sure that Congressman Marcos, Jr. could come to Kabacan, Cotabato. He stressed that if education is well served to the people, the conflict in Mindanao could be solved even without spending a single shot of bullet.
 
A member of the crowd on his seat whispered that the two Congressmen should help convince the leadership of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines to be more sincere in its peace talks with the MILF. They should sign any compromise deal freely negotiated by the parties like the MOA-AD in the future. -- By Mike Davao and Abu Hajams.

 

 

October 6, 2009 - While the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) is conducting offensive military operations against armed civilians and members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Sulu, the Philippine government in collaboration with Exxon Mobil is also conducting oil exploration in the Sulu sea.
 
Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes said, the exploration is part of the government's efforts to encourage investments in energy sector leading to energy security for the country. The exploration phase will be undertaken at no cost to the Philippine government, with all risks borne by the contractors, Exxon Mobil and BPH Billiton.

 

Exxon Mobil is world's largest publicly traded international oil and gas company. Exxon Mobil Managing Director, Ian Fisher said, the consortium will be spending 100 million US dollars for 100 days of work within the service contract area of Bongao and Mapun Municipalities in Tawi-Tawi.
 
This is not the first time that a foreign company enters and extracts oil from Sulu sea.  Last year there was also an oil exploration in the Municipality of Parang, Sulu but it was not made publicly.
 
The Philippine government is continuously utilizing the natural resources found in the Bangsamoro Homeland. One analyst said, this could be the reason that the government is hesitant in signing peace agreement with the MILF because the government is afraid that it might lose its control over the natural resources in Mindanao particularly in the provinces of Sulu and Maguindanao.