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Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

12 Vietnamese poachers, arrested in Sulu

By Report from ABS-CBN News


12 Vietnamese arrested for allegedly poaching in the Sulu Sea Area Pangutaran.

recovered in the Vietnamese now confined to Sulu Provincial Jail are black corrals and turtle shells.

With this interacts with the police Bureau of Immigration ( BIR) for the case isasampang foreigners.





Tan sets sights on developing Sulu tourism industry

By Hader Glang


Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan approved recently the formulation of a Provincial Tourism Master Plan aimed at establishing a clear direction and provide the necessary information and strategies to develop a viable tourism industry in Sulu.

"My administration and the Provincial Government are now setting our sights in developing tourism in the province," Tan said. He pointed out that the island province such as Sulu has a clear advantage when it comes to tourism due to its natural beauty, unique environment structure and refined white sand beachfronts much sought by local and foreign travelers.

“The people of Sulu are losing so much for years of neglect of this untapped resource, the development of tourism in Sulu can be the biggest source of income and revenue for the province and its people” the governor emphasized.

As an initial phase, a Sulu tourism multi- stakeholders forum was held Wednesday, May 9, 2012, at the Provincial Capitol, Governor’s conference room. The forum aimed at gathering insights into the development and identify potential tourist destinations in the province was attended by Regional Director Mary June Bugante of the Department of Tourism Region 9 and Asst. Regional Secretary Hon. Bai Shalimar Candao , Department of Tourism–ARMM.

Vietnamese nationals facing more illegal fishing charges

By Bettina Faye V. Roc


THE ENVIRONMENT department is set to file additional charges against Vietnamese nationals caught late last month off Sulu for alleged poaching of endangered and threatened marine species.

"This is a clear violation of international and local laws on wildlife, especially since most of the species caught are considered endangered, and they were killed or collected in the Sulu Sea Marine Ecoregion, which is a protected area," said Environment Secretary Ramon Jesus P. Paje in a statement.

The Vietnamese fishermen were aboard a Malaysian-registered vessel when they were caught by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Philippine Coast Guard on April 22 off Pangutaran Island.

Upon inspection, the vessel was found to be loaded with five bundles of black corals, 87 pieces of hawksbill turtles and around 600 kilograms of hammerhead fish, lapu-lapu (grouper) and squid.

The poachers have been detained at the Tawi-Tawi provincial jail. The BFAR had earlier filed charges against the fishermen for violating Republic Act (RA) No. 8550, also known as the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.

The code prohibits the catching and taking of fish and other aquatic products by foreign fishing vessels in Philippine waters.

Violators will be fined P100,000 to P200,000 in addition to the confiscation of catch, fishing equipment and vessel. They could also face imprisonment of 12 to 25 years.

Meanwhile, collecting, hunting or possessing wildlife, their by-products and derivatives are violations of RA 9147 or the Wildlife Act.

"It is important that those caught be punished accordingly to send a strong signal that we are serious in protecting our marine resources," said Mr. Paje.

The department also noted that the nabbed poachers had used an improvised lighting system to hunt at night in areas where the turtles were otherwise feeding or living undisturbed, which enabled them to catch the other marine species and handpick the corals.

"The poaching and killing reduced the numbers of key players in the marine environment. Turtles are considered as a major nutrient transporter and hasten the conversion of one resource to the benefit of many living marine wildlife," said Nilo B. Ramoso, Jr., project leader of the Pawikan Conservation Project of the department’s Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau, in a statement.

2 men making blasting caps killed in blast

By Roel Pareño


ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Two men fabricating blasting caps for fishermen here and in Sulu were killed in a blast that ripped through a slum community this city on Monday, authorities said.

Chief Superintendent Mario Yanga, officer-in-charge of the city police, said the explosion that occurred shortly before 5 p.m. Monday in Sitio Tabuk, Barangay San Jose Gusu killed a certain Alji on the spot while his companion, Alfahad Diminsil, died later in the hospital.

The two fatalities, who hailed from Jolo, Sulu, arrived in this city Saturday and stayed in a relative’s house where they fabricated the blasting caps.

“We got information that the two were engaged in fabricating blasting caps and trading these (in exchange for) marine products from fishermen,” Yanga said.

Senior Inspector Cesar Memoracion, head of the local explosive ordnance disposal unit, said the chemical used in the blasting caps being fabricated by the two was sensitive that it could ignite even with exposure to sunlight.

“Based on our examination, a small amount of exposure of the chemical to sunlight or any static signal can cause a reaction,” Memoracion said.

Tawi-Tawi gov says 2 kidnapped bird watchers moved by Abus to Sulu

By Julie Alipala


ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Tawi-Tawi Governor Sadikul Sahali said the cases of the two European bird watchers abducted in the province in February were no longer under the jurisdiction of the crisis management committee he heads.

Sahali told the INQUIRER by phone on Saturday that Ewold Horn, 52, and Lorenzo Vinciguerra, 47, had been transferred by the Abu Sayyaf to Sulu as early as March.

He said the information regarding the transfer of the captives to the other province was relayed to him by “my friends and contacts with the MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front) in Sulu, including personal friends of mine and friends from local government.”

Sahali said this was the main reason he could not provide updates regarding the abducted foreigners.

“I no longer handle the crisis,” he said.

Senior Superintendent Antonio Freyra, Sulu police chief, however, said there had been no evidence the foreigners were indeed transferred to Sulu. “The two Europeans are not here in Sulu, we have validated this information several times,” he said.

But Sahali said he believed his sources because there were also other indications the captives were no longer in Tawi-Tawi.

“There was no single communication established between the people I tapped to locate them and the people behind the abduction of the two foreigners,” he said.

Another indication, he said, was that officials from the Dutch and the Swiss embassies in Manila had stopped calling him.

“Here in Sulu, it would be difficult to hide the arrival of any non-resident, especially foreigners. But they are not here,” Freyra maintained.

He said the only kidnap incident they were dealing with now is the case of 62-year-old airport employee Carlos Tee, who was kidnapped on April 7.

Horn and Vinciguerra were kidnapped, along with Filipino bird watcher and guide Ivan Sarenas, while heading back to Bongao town after bird watching activities on Panglima Sugala town.

Sarenas was able to escape while two other Filipinos, the outrigger’s operator and a local official serving as their guide, were allowed to go home.

MILF leader buried Friday

By philstar.com


COTABATO CITY , Philippines - The Egyptian-trained military chief of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front who died of cardiac arrest Thursday was buried beside the grave of MILF founder Salamat Hashim in a hill in the hinterland Butig town in Lanao del Sur in keeping with his wishes when he was still alive.

Ustadz Abdulazis Mimbantas was buried Friday in observance of the Islamic tradition of burying the dead within 24 hours after death.

Ghadzali Jaafar, MILF’s vice chair for military affairs, said MILF members in Central Mindanao, the Zamboanga peninsula, and the island provinces of BasIlan and Sulu are mourning Mimbantas' death.

“He was buried beside the spot where our founding chairman was buried, That was the wish of our departed brother when he was still alive,” Jaafar said.

Mimbantas and Hashim, who established the MILF in the early 1980s, both finished a degree in Islamic theology at the Al-Azzar University in Cairo, Egypt.

Mimbantas died of cardiac arrest about 10:30 p.m. Thursday while traveling from Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao , where he and other members of the MILF's central committee stayed two days to discuss peace and socio-economic issues with the president of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Akihiko Tanaka.

JICA has various projects in impoverished communities covered by the ceasefire between the government and the MILF. The Japanese government also has representatives to the Malaysian-led International Monitoring Team, which has been overseeing the enforcement of the government-MILF 1997 Agreement on General Cessation of Hostilities since 2003.

Mimbantas, an ethnic Maranaw, was the MILF’s vice chairman for religious and spiritual affairs, and subsequently its military chief when Al-Haj Murad Ebrahim vacated the post when he was named chairman of the rebel group after Hashim's death in 2003.

Sulu Low-Cost Housing Units Up

By NONOY E. LACSON


BANGUINGUI, Sulu – The municipal government here has allotted a suitable and substantial lot area where some 200 low-cost housing units will be funded and implemented by the National Housing Authority (NHA) for the indigenous people (IP) of this town.

Municipal Mayor Abdulwahid Sahidulla said the local government unit (LGU) here has allocated an appropriate site in Barangay Kahikukuk, which is owned by the LGU for the construction of the estimated 200 low-cost housing units for the native villagers in this town.

According to Sahidulla, a team from the NHA Mindanao Management Office (MMO) will be visiting the intended site on Wednesday to enable them to execute the final assessment for the project.

It was learned that the inspection team will be headed by MMO group manager Architect Ma. Alma T. Valenciano, NHA regional manager for the Zamboanga Peninsula and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Engineer Alfonso L. Borlagdan and Zeniada Serrano.

The officials will be accompanied by their respective technical personnel during their entire sorties in Barangay Kahikukuk, the mayor here said.

Earlier, Sahidulla said that Vice President Jejomar Binay has allotted some 400 housing units for the IPs, and to rehabilitate the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in this municipality.

Sahidulla said the 200 housing units have been allocated to the IPs, while the remaining 200 units have been allocated for the IDPs.

According to the mayor here, the housing project was initiated by his wife Sulu 2nd District Representative Nur Anna Sahidulla, who accordingly, had recognized the need for the government to construct the low-cost housing units for the IPs in this municipality, the chief executive of this town said.

The mayor emphasized that he will continue to pursue and implement the needed socio-economic development in order for the municipality to be at par with other towns and cities in the country.

‘Big brother’

By tempo.com.ph


Manila, Philippines – IN visioning for the national inter est and how the country is best served, “realpolitik“ must guide policy makers and not hollow pride, most particularly when all we can project are provocative slogans and or diplomatic interventions, with no big stick to wave to look credible, in the international arena. We are regionally strategic in economic and military terms for ambitious Asian powers. Unless we become armed forces capable, we need ally with a United States “big brother“, dealing and negotiating with their deliberative representations in government, fully cautious, they have their own selfish interest to serve. Lesson in history, when the Philippine Islands was a colony under the US, Sabah territory (pumping 1M barrels of oil a day for Malaysia) under the Sultanate of Sulu, reference from former President Diosdado Macapagal’s letter May 1/89 was recognized thus: “A note (Nov. 19/1906) to the British Embassy in Washington DC, the US State Department stated, Sabah was not an imperial possession of the British Crown, that the British North Borneo Co. which leased Sabah from the Sultanate of Sulu, did not have national status…and did not have an administration with a standing of government“. During the American Administration of Governor Frank Carpenter (1920), he acknowledged, “The temporal sovereignty and ecclesiastical authority of the Sultanate (of Sulu) beyond the territorial jurisdiction of the US Government especially with reference to Borneo (Sabah) which is the dependency of the Sultanate of Sulu“. Confronted with such US protection, Britain did not dare touch Sabah or such portion of it as belonged to the Sultan of Sulu, until after withdrawal of such American sovereignty and protection. Britain later gave Sabah to Malaysia. When we hosted Clark Air Base and Subic Naval Base, China never made statements or initiated the “creeping invasion“ on the Kalayaan Islands and now the Panatag Shoal. Even a Malaysia is able to stick its finger up in the air in our faces because we are all talk. They know poverty alleviation is more important for government than national defense.

No marine security in Sabah waters

By Azman Habu


TAWAU: Both the state and federal governments are again facing the heat over security conditions on the northern and eastern seaboard of Sabah after an attack allegedly by pirates left a barge laden with goods adrift in the Sulu Sea. Tawau MP Chua Soon Bui said it was surprising that despite assurances of tightened security by Malaysia’s maritime agencies, attacks such as what took place last week were still occurring. “People have always been concerned about the security of our waters,” Chua said after the tugboat Wantas VI, transporting Tenaga Nasional Bhd equipment for the Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd Kubota power plant, was allegedly commandeered by a group of armed men. Several attacks and high-profile kidnappings have occurred over the years in the east coast and in the waters off the northern-most point of Sabah bordering the Southern Philippines, making the area notorious as a danger zone for tourists. The latest attack has again raised questions about security and whether the porous border area that is habitually used as a landing and take-off point for illegal immigrants from the neigbouring Philippines and Indonesia is indeed water-tight. Chua said security was lax and reflected on the Malaysian authorities here who seemed to have no idea about what had happened until they were notified by the Philippines coastguard that a vessel was abandoned and drifting in the waters off Palawan on April 26. “Time and time again, these attacks showed how easily our waters could be breached by pirates and this does not include the numbers of illegal immigrants who come and go without being disturbed,” she said. Last month, a stricken luxury cruise ship with over 1,000 people on board limped into Sandakan port after spending more than a day in waters notorious for pirate attacks. Escorted by two Malaysian patrol vessels, the brightly lit Azamara Quest – an 11-deck cruise ship, carrying 600 passengers, mostly westerners, and 411 crew – suffered an engine-room fire that disabled the engines and left the liner temporarily stranded off the southern Philippines coast. The fact that the crippled ship did not steer towards the closest port of call raised suspicions here that despite Malaysian assurances, the security level in those water is anything but normal for any type of craft including ocean-going vessels. No clue Chua said it was surprising that Malaysian security authorities were unaware that the area was not safe from pirate attacks and questioned how the Wantas VI, which was pulling the barge, was singled out while other tugboats and barges also plying the route were left alone. “The barge was transporting a second-hand 32MW turbine generator which is worth a lot of money and it seemed there was no effort by TNB or SESB to ensure the cargo was secured when it reached the Sulu Sea,” she said. According to news reports, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Sabah commander Admiral M Karumanithi said the seven crewmen of the tugboat – two Malaysians, three Bangladeshis and two Indonesians – appeared weak and dehydrated when they were picked up by Vietnamese fishermen who found them on a raft in the waters off Amboyna in the Brunei Exclusive Economic Zone, about 220 nautical miles northwest of Miri. Karumanithi said the owners of the tugboat, through their agents, would be working out the details of bringing back the crew members from Vietnam and the barge from the Philippines. “At the moment, we do not know what exactly happened. We believe the Vietnamese authorities will be taking the crew’s statement,” he was quoted as saying. Karumanithi believes that the barge was likely to have drifted into Philippines waters after the pirates abandoned it and fled with the tugboat. “Usually pirates go after tugboats,” he said, adding that the owner last communica­ted with the tugboat captain on April 16 when the vessels were passing Batam, Indonesia. The Penang-based tugboat operator had informed MMEA about the loss of their tugboat and missing crew on April 26 after the barge was recovered by the Philippine authorities. Chua said that the latest incident is an embarrassing display that trans-border crime is still rife in Sabah.

Guingona, Hataman commend GPH, MILF for “Decision Points;” ARMM govs, Pinol quiet

By Carolyn O. Arguillas


DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/1 May) – Mindanawon Senator Teofisto Guingona III and ARMM OIC Governor Mujiv Hataman have commended the Philippine government (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels for signing the “Decision Points on Principles as of April 2012,” the framework agreement that would guide their negotiations for a final, comprehensive agreement. But the governors in the five-province Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and former North Cotabato Governor Emmanuel Pinol, have kept mum on the issue. In an April 30 statement, Guingona, chair of the Senate Peace Unification and Reconciliation Committee, commended the GPH and MILF and the third-party institutions involved in the talks, for the agreement signed April 24 in Kuala Lumpur, the first major agreement of the two parties under the 22-month old Aquino administration. As legislator, he said, he would “continue to study the issue and listen to all possible views so that when the time comes that a law will be needed to reflect the aspirations of this entire process, I will be ready to participate in the process of creating such measure.” As Mindanawon, he said he would “continue to participate in and even lead consultations that have been, in my opinion, one of the most important reasons why progress has been made in the negotiations and in the broader aim of addressing the legitimate grievances and claims of the Bangsamoro people.” As Filipino, Guingona said he would “ensure that agreements reached will be beneficial to the Philippines and its citizens.” “The final agreement should be an agreement of the Filipino people and among Filipinos. Dapat maintindihan ng bawat Pilipino ang dahilan at ang hangarin kung bakit ginagawa natin ang mga ito” (Every Filipino must understand the reasons and aims on why we are doing this), he said. The other Mindanawon senator, Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel, told MindaNews in a text message Monday that he had not read the agreement but added that the peace negotiations with the MILF “has to be all inclusive (including the Lumads) to make it binding and government proposal must be based on tried/tested formula to quell violent secessionist movements. That formula is the adoption of a federal Philippines. If not all inclusive, tomorrow another group will rise and claim we were not a part of the negotiations for peace in Mindanao.” One of the 10 “decision points” is that the status quo is unacceptable and the panels will work for the creation of a new autonomous political entity that would replace the ARMM. Election of a new set of officials in the 22-year old ARMM was reset by RA 10153 from August 8, 2011 to synchronize it with the national mid-term elections on May 13, 2013, and to allow for President Aquino to appoint OICs to serve the ARMM until June 30, 2013. The President named former Anak Mindanaw party-list Rep. Mujiv Hataman as OIC Governor to institute reforms in the ARMM. Hataman assumed the post on December 22 last year. In a press statement released by the ARMM’s Bureau of Public Information on April 27, Hataman said the agreement “would shape up for the peace process the parties’ future decisions that they may formulate to eventually constitute a political settlement that is acceptable to both parties.” He said the role of the “reformed ARMM” cannot be downplayed in the government’s efforts to come up with a permanent solution to the Moro question. Weeks before the April 24 GPH-MILF signing, Hataman said the ARMM and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process had come up with “common points of cooperation” in support to the peace process. The press statement added that Hataman “assured that the ARMM remains an essential part of the solution rather than the problem in addressing the Bangsamoro issues.” But Hataman’s elder brother, Basilan Rep. Jim Salliman-Hataman, vice chair of the House Committee on Mindanao Affairs, was quoted by the Manila Standard on April 27 as having said the government’s announcement to create a new entity to replace the ARMM is “premature.” “It is premature at this point in time to focus on renaming the ARMM when the final peace agreement is not yet binding,” he said. The agreement involves not just renaming the ARMM but replacing it with a new entity. ARMM Governors Abdusakur Tan of Sulu, Jum Akbar of Basilan, Mamintal Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur and Sadikul Sahali of Tawi-tawi have yet to respond to the query sent on April 27 and 30, seeking their comments on the signing of the framework agreement. Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu finally replied morning of May 1. “Okay lang yan, basta para sa kapayapaan” (that’s okay, as long as it’s for peace), he told MindaNews in a telephone interview. “Isipin po natin lagi sa buong sinasakupan ng ARMM, basta ito ay makakabuti sa constituents. Alalahanin natin lagi ang constituents ng ARMM ay hindi lang Moro, meron ding Kristiyano at Lumad” (Let us always remember, as long as this would benefit the constituents of the entire ARMM. Let us always remember that the constituents of the ARMM are not just Moro but Christians and Lumads or indigenous peoples), Mangudadatu said. MindaNews asked Pinol for his comment on the framework agreement but he replied through a text message Monday afternoon: “I have not read them yet. You have the link?”

Pinol’s group was among the first groups government peace panel chair Marvic Leonen met in a dialogue at the Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City in late August 2011, days after the MILF peace panel rejected the GPH peace panel’s proposed peace package: the “3 for one formula” involving massive economic development in a reformed ARMM, political settlement and historical acknowledgment. Pinol, a three-term governor of North Cotabato, was vice governor when he pushed for the province to go to the Supreme Court and ask for a temporary restraining order (TRO) to stop the August 5, 2008 signing of the already initialed GPH-MILF Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD). Three years later, Pinol commended President Aquino for the August 4, 2011 meeting with MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim in Narita, Japan to fast-track the peace process. “Christian leaders in Mindanao, who in all modesty look up to me as their champion in defending the Christian population’s position in the negotiations, have frantically texted me asking if President Aquino ‘has betrayed us?’,” he wrote on August 6. “My response was ‘Relax. Let’s give him an elbow room in handling this problem’,” Pinol said, adding Aquino “is a President whose attitude is that of a Big Brother who would like to bring conflicting parties to an honest tete-a-tete, much like squabbling kids who are brought together and asked: ‘Hey, what’s your problem?’ This was what was lacking in the previous peace negotiations effort. It was just too formal and bound by diplomatic protocols and formalities that it hardly moved forward,” he said. Pinol ran for governor in May 2010 under President Aquino’s Liberal Party. He lost to Emmylou Talino-Mendoza. Pinol ended his piece by saying the Aquino administration must consider two important positions which he claimed was “embraced by the majority” of Mindanawons. These are: “No Islamic sub-state and no expansion of the autonomous area” and “Socio-economic solutions must be emphasized.” There is no point expanding a region which is the poorest in the country and where governance is marked by massive corruption and creating a sub-state on the basis of religion could raise another Constitutional question,” Pinol wrote, adding socio-economic solutions “must be emphasized over political arrangements and accommodations.” “No amount of peace agreements could assure that there will be an end to the conflict in Mindanao if the Muslims continue to wallow in poverty and deprivation, if they are not able to send their children to school and if they are not given the services due them as citizens of this Republic,” he said. In Zamboanga City, the Regional Peace and Order Council urged the GPH peace panel to conduct consultations with the leaders of the local government unit (LGUs) in the Zamboanga Peninsula before a final deal is forged with the MILF. “We asked that the peace panel come to us and consult with the governors and mayors of Zamboanga Peninsula to have a true and genuine and transparent peace agreement,” Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat was quoted by sunstar.com on April 29. The GPH panel has repeatedly said it would conduct consultations and in fact met with Mayor Lobregat and other officials in Zamboanga City last year. In his closing statement on April 24, GPH panel chair Marvic Leonen said they look forward to the coming weeks of “more thorough (perhaps, more difficult) conversations with the MILF and various affected sectors, with the understanding that only through peaceful and candid dialogues, open and public consultations and continuous reflections can a sincere, effective and acceptable solution be arrived at.” (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)

PAF general claims Abu Sayyaf Group now leaderless

By Ben Cal


MANILA — The dreaded Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) is now leaderless following the killing of top terrorist leaders in Sulu the past six months, according to a ranking Philippine Air Force (PAF) official. In a phone interview, Maj. Gen. Jose Tony E. Villarete, commanding general of the PAF's 3rd Air Division based in Zamboanga City, said the recent killing of Abu Sayyaf chieftain Gumbahali Umbra Jumdail, along with top Jemaah Islamiyah Malaysian terrorists Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, and Muhamba Ali, alias Muawiyah, during a bombing raid by PAF planes in Indanan, Sulu, was a big blow to the Abu Sayyaf. “The Abu Sayyaf is now practically leaderless,” said Villarete, himself an Air Force fighter pilot. The PAF reportedly used “smart bombs” during the surprise bombing raid in the jungle of Indanan, but Villarete skirted the issue by saying “it was the smart PAF pilots that did it.” “Our pilots are really smart,” Villarete said, adding that the pilots rehearsed thoroughly for several days before the airstrikes took place. The night air raid by PAF pilots flying two OV-10 light aircraft bombers precisely hit their targets -- the three terrorist leaders soundly asleep did not know what hit them. Villarete, like all military officials, maintained that the three terrorist leaders were killed during the airstrikes although their bodies were not recovered, considering the precise bombing of the target where the terrorists were hiding. Up to now, not a shadow of the terrorist leaders has come out in the open to dispute the claim of the military. Also killed during the airstrikes in Barangay Karawan, Indanan town were five Abu Sayyaf terrorists, including Ben Wagas and Apo Mike, both Abu Sayyaf sub-leaders, and Abu Abad. Apparently, the ASG is trying to look for a new leader but at this point, they are leaderless, Villarete said. But Villarete said the military is closely watching the situation, particularly in Basilan and Sulu, known strongholds of the Abu Sayyaf. Among the Abu Sayyaf leaders killed the past 15 years were Abdurajak Janjalani, the ASG founder, his younger brother Khadaffy Janjalani and Abu Sabaya, to name just a few. Abdurajak Janajalani was killed during a routine patrol by policemen in Basilan in the late 1980s while his younger brother was killed during a raid by Philippine Marines on an Abu Sayyaf stronghold in Sulu in 2007. Sabaya, the boisterous Abu Sayaff spokesman, was slain during a sea battle off Basilan Island in 2003. Sabaya’s body was not recovered as he fell into the sea when he was hit by pursuing Philippine Marines during the firefight. But despite the success of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the war on terror the past decade or so, it is not putting its guard down as the Abu Sayyaf could still spring a surprise attack, like the ASG has done in the past, as the war on terror continues without letup. (PNA) scs/RBC/rsm

Wenceslao: A time for peace

By Menardo Wenceslao


THE government is winning not only the war against the Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiyah terrorist elements; it is also winning the hearts and minds of the populace in the island provinces of Sulu and Basilan.

This is what Lieutenant General Emmanuel Bautista revealed in a TV interview in Davao City. The intelligence report they gathered is that the residents in these islands have gotten tired of these vicious elements that have isolated and deprived them to live normal lives and take advantage of the opportunities that could have alleviated their living conditions.

According to General Bautista, they have made an intensified campaign against the terrorist elements encouraged by the information and cooperation that the people in Sulu and Basilan have shown.

The government forces, according to the general, had accounted several top leaders of the terror group as informers had pinpointed their whereabouts. The numbers of terrorists have dwindled and had dispersed but because they are vicious they are not given any quarters by the military to regroup.

Obviously now, both the ASG and the JIs have been isolated. If the support of the civilian populace continues, General Bautista estimated that by 2014 most of their targets and goals to bring normalcy to Sulu and Basilan shall have been achieved.

Indeed, that target is achievable for as long as the inhabitants of the island will continue to collaborate with the government peacekeeping force. The government forces are not their enemy and they should realized that when they started to lose the confidence of investors and businessmen and even aid agencies whose main and sole agenda is only to help them cope with the misery brought about by protracted conflict.

The return of peace and normalcy, however, is still in the hands of the island inhabitants. Our soldiers are at their service whenever they think it is about time to live in peace and quiet in their beautiful islands.






12 Viet fishers nabbed in Sulu Sea

By Joel dela Torre


AMID the ongoing Philippines-China rift over the Scarborough Shoal issue, 12 Vietnamese fishermen on board a Malaysian-flagged fishing vessel were caught by the local authorities fishing in the waters off Sulu.

Joint operatives of the Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources pursued and arrested the Vietnamese.

PCG Lt. Ludovico Librilla, Jr. said they were conducting search and rescue operations for passenger vessel M/L Windolyn when they spotted the Vietnamese fishing boat and three other foreign vessels.

M/L Windolyn had encountered engine problem and was believed drifting somewhere in the area on April 12.

The operatives successfully intercepted SBF-48, one of the four vessels sighted at the area 23 nautical miles off Pangutaran in Jolo, Sulu. The three others fled towards the Malaysian border.

Librilla said they found various high-value reef fishes, shellfishes, 50 pieces of






12 Viet fishers held for poaching off Sulu

By Evelyn Macairan


MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) yesterday said it would file criminal charges against 12 Vietnamese who were caught allegedly poaching endangered and threatened marine species off Sulu this week.

During an inventory last April 24, the PCG said the Vietnamese nationals were reportedly caught in possession of at least 50 dead marine turtles, or pawikan, and five bundles of prohibited black corals.

Also reportedly found onboard the Vietnamese fishermen’s vessel were high-value reef fish, shellfish and other invertebrates, including mameng or Napoleon wrasse.

The PCG is set to charge the 12 Vietnamese with violation of Republic Act 8550 or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, before the regional trial court in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.

For such violation, the fishermen face a fine of $100,000 and jail term of 12 to 25 years.

The fishermen’s Malaysian-flagged fishing vessel was intercepted 23 nautical miles off Pangutaran town in Sulu.

PHL detains Vietnamese fishermen over turtle catch

By Agence France-Presse


The Philippines detained 12 Vietnamese fishermen and their Malaysian-flagged boat for collecting endangered fish and sea turtles and poaching, an official said Wednesday.

The Filipino coast guard intercepted four fishing vessels in the Sulu Sea off the Malaysian state of Borneo late Sunday, but three escaped as the fourth was being boarded, fisheries bureau director James Perez said.

"Unfortunately we apprehended only one because the three other vessels resisted," he told AFP.

Officials found humphead wrasse, an endangered species of fish, on board the detained boat and about 50 sea turtles, including critically endangered hawksbill turtles, already dead and smothered in ice in its hold, he added.

"This is a Malaysian-flagged vessel, but the crew is Vietnamese," he said. "We have filed a criminal complaint against them."

The hawksbill turtle, Eretmochelys imbricata, grows up to 85 centimeters (33 inches) and can weigh up to 75 kilograms (165 pounds).

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) says it is "critically endangered" because it has been exploited for years as the sole source of commercial tortoise shell.

The humphead or Napoleon wrasse, Cheilinus undulatus, which grows up to 2.3 meters and weighs up to 191 kilograms, is one of the world's largest reef fish.

Swiss-based IUCN classes it as "endangered" and says its numbers have fallen hugely over the past 30 years, a situation that it predicts will accelerate further due to rising live fish demand.

Catching or trafficking in critically endangered Philippine species is punishable by a six-year prison term and a million-peso ($23,000) fine, the environment department said.

2 European kidnap victims brought to Sulu - official

By Roel Pareño


ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – The two European bird watchers kidnapped in Tawi-Tawi were reportedly brought to Sulu, a military official said yesterday.

Maj. Gen. Noel Coballes, commander of Western Mindanao Command, said they are verifying reports that Dutchman Elwold Horn, 52, and Swiss national Lorenzo Vinceguerre, 47, were being held in the mountains of Sulu.

“There were reports they were brought to Jolo,” Coballes said.

The military has also confirmed reports that the kidnap victims were brought in a village of Panglima Sugala town in Basilan last Feb. 1.

Coballes did not say if the kidnappers, allegedly associated with the lost command of the Moro National Liberation Front, handed custody of their captives to the Abu Sayyaf.

Authorities led by Tawi-Tawi Gov. Sahali Sadikul have been exhausting efforts to locate the victims for two months now.

Coballes said troops have been searching for the two Europeans along with gasoline station owner Carlos Tee, 62, who was kidnapped last week, also in Jolo.

Tee is an employee of the Air Transportation Office. He was seized by armed men who barged into his residence on Hadji Butu Extension street at around 7:30 p.m.

Coballes said the search also continues for Salug, Zamboanga del Norte Mayor Jeffry Lim who was kidnapped last April 2, and Australian Warren Richard Rodwell, 52, who remains in captivity since Dec. 5 in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay province.

He said police are leading the search while military units are on standby for a rescue mission.

Former Sulu mayor's alleged gunman nabbed

By Michael Punongbayan


Former Sulu mayor's alleged gunman nabbed By Michael Punongbayan The Philippine Star Updated April 20, 2012 12:00 AM 0 comment to this post MANILA, Philippines - Operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) have arrested one of the suspects in last year’s murder of former Maimbung, Sulu mayor Najib Maldisa last week. 

Wally Alama, 42, with aliases Waliul and Wali Uz, was arrested when he, along with four men – Mahamud Mahadali, 32; Salam Usni, 34; Alan Sanong, 44, alias Sanong; and Abrahan Mohamad, 35, alias Cheng; – tried to rescue Nadzul Alih, the alleged leader of the Alih drug syndicate, who was arrested in Zamboanga City.

PDEA director general Jose Gutierrez said PDEA agents disarmed Alama and his companions at the parking lot of the Zamboanga City Hall after agents noticed them following the vehicle transporting Alih.

“We have reasons to believe that these men are guns-for-hire, apparently contracted to aid and facilitate the escape of Nadzul Alih,” Gutierrez said yesterday.

PDEA agents confiscated assorted firearms with live ammunitions and a hand grenade from the suspects. CAFGU identification cards were also recovered from Usni, Sanong and Mohammad, who were wearing CAFGU uniforms.

Mahadali yielded a card identifying him as an agent of Task Force Zamboanga and the Office of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) while authorities seized a sachet of shabu from Alama.

Maldisa was killed in an ambush on June 27, 2011 at the San Roque Cemetery in Maimbung, Sulu by four gunmen.

PDEA Director General Jose Gutierrez Jr. said Maldisa’s wife has positively identified Alama as one of the gunmen.

A new dawn in Sulu

By Menardo Wenceslao


The number of Jemaah Islamiyah and beastlyAbu Sayyaf guerillas had been neutralized since the Philippine Armed Forcesintensified their campaign in February. Among those accounted for werethree known terrorist chieftains identified as Ju Zulkipli bin Abdul Hir alsoknown as “Marwan” and “Brahim”. Also killed in the military campaign wereMuhamda Ali alias Muawiyah or Anjala and the homegrown Abu Sayyaf leaderGumbahali Jumdail a.k.a Dr. Abu. Marwan was considered one of the top JIleaders in Southeast Asia after Umar Patek who was arrested in Pakistan. He isa Malaysian Engineer who was trained in the United States but later became afugitive of the law because of his involvement in terrorist attacks.

Gambali on the other hand is a notorious ASGleader long wanted by the law. A reward money of $2-million or aboutP200-million was earmarked for his capture dead or alive.

What was significant here more than thereward and the elimination of at least 15 terrorist operatives to include thethree notorious leaders during that military and police operations in Parang,Sulu, was the role of the civilian community that helped in pinpointing theexact whereabouts of the terrorists. The American government, through itsReward for Justice Program, is offered a $5-million reward for the captureZulkifli, who was listed as one of the United States’ most-wanted terrorists.Muawiya, who was tagged as among those behind the 2002 Bali bombing, carries a$50,000 reward.

The cooperation of local Sulu residents is aclear manifestation that they had had enough of the terrorist elements in theirarea. They have come to a grim realization that the terror bands are norespecter of religious faith. This awareness is similar to an awakening amongMuslim Imams in Canada who jointly issued a Fatwa against terrorists. TheImams, some 20 of them declared that “any attack by foreign elements shouldalso be considered a direct affront to the 10 million Muslims who call eitherCanada or the United States home.

We want Muslims around the world whowould dare to commit terrorism on our soil to know that we stand together withall Canadians and Americans. We are asking Muslims here not only tocondemn terrorism but to also see these events as attacks on themselves.”

The successful campaign against the unholyalliance of JI and ASG brought relief to residents not only in Sulu but inBasilan. Peace advocates in Basilan were jubilant that the government forces havesucceeded in neutralizing what they termed as evil conspiracy of Godless andideologically empty terrorist elements.

While the people of Sulu and Basilan quietlycelebrate the success of the continued operation against the wicked and insaneextremist fanatics intelligence communities alsoconsider the recent successful strike at the heart of the terrorist s remainingbastion as a very, very serious blow against transnational terrorism.”

For the people of Sulu, this development isa beginning of their liberation from the manacles and trepidation that the JIsand ASG have brought upon them for decades now.

ARMM satellite office eyed in island provinces

By Cong Corrales


DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/17 April) — Acting Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Gov. Mujiv Hataman has named former Sulu Governor Yusoph Jikiri as head of the planned regional satellite office which is intended “to bring ARMM governance closer to the people of the island provinces.” Hataman announced the plan creation of the ARMM satellite office in his speech Monday marking his first 100 days in office. The governor said that in the past administrations, most of the residents in the island-provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi were almost always the last recipients of benefits. Jikiri is presently the chief-of-staff of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). He is also the autonomous region’s Deputy Governor for Muslim Affairs. In an emailed advisory Tuesday, Hataman pointed out that “the appointment of Jikiri proves once again that the MNLF (is) practically on board his goal to change and straighten out the system” in the region. He brushed off allegations that his administration is closely consulting with the MNLF in the implementation of his reform agenda for the autonomous region. Hataman added that the satellite structure will push for a standardized response to security and development issues in all of the five provinces of ARMM. He claimed the policies which will push his administration’s reform agenda “have so far been put in place.” He said the regional government has created a new website where his constituents, including those who are working abroad could monitor his administration’s policies, programs and transactions. (Cong Corrales/MindaNews)






National Agencies Funding Sulu Development

By NONOY E. LACSON


JOLO, Sulu – Three national government agencies have poured financial resources to this province to fast track the development of Sulu and to keep the province at par with other provinces in the country today.

Governor Abdusakur Tan said the provincial government here is confident that the multi-million-peso budget allotted under the stimulus fund drawn from the Office of the President (OP), and funds coming from the Office of the Presidential Assistant on Peace Process (OPAPP) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) could help the province attain the needed infrastructure support for development.

Tan said President Benigno Aquino, lll has released to the province some P480 million drawn from his stimulus fund for the concreting of Jolo-Taglibi-Tigtipon roads.

The road project is now underway and when completed will connect the municipalities of Jolo, Patikul, Panamao and Panglima Estino in this province, targeted to bring economic activities and development in the four towns, Tan said.

Tan said that the project is being undertaken by a private contractor and is strictly monitored by engineers of the DPWH central office in Manila.

Sulu provincial Engineer Abdurasad Baih said the road has a width of 6.7 meters and with a thickness of 9 inches.

Tan added that OPAPP Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles had also poured multi million funds for the construction of support projects and programs in the province.

Tan said DPWH Secretary Rogelio Lazo Singson has also contributed funds to augment other infrastructure development projects and programs in the province.

He said last year President Aquino also extended to the province over P1 billion in stimulus fund for the construction and repair of farm to market road, health centers, including the repair and construction of new municipal markets in some town in the province.

“I thank our president, President Benigno Aquino III for helping our people and the province. The support that the president had given us is a big contribution to the task of the provincial government here,” Tan said.

He expressed believed that the projects when completed will help boost the socio-economic condition of the province, create jobs opportunities, eradicate poverty and insurgency.

Multi-million Infra Projects in Sulu

By NONOY E. LACSON


A consortium of three national government agencies has poured some of their respective financial resources to this province aimed to fast track the development of Sulu and to keep the province at par with other provinces in the country today.

Governor Abdusakur Tan said the provincial government here is confident that the multi-million-peso budget allotted under the stimulus fund drawn from the Office of the President (OP), and funds coming from the Office of the Presidential Assistant on Peace Process (OPAPP) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) could help the province attain the needed infrastructure support for development.

Tan said President Benigno Aquino, lll has released to the province some P480 million drawn from his stimulus fund for the concreting of Jolo-Taglibi-Tigtipon roads.

The road project is now underway and when completed It will connect the municipalities of Jolo, Patikul, Panamao and Panglima Estino in this province, targeted to bring economic activities and development in the four towns, Tan explained.

Tan said that the project is being undertaken by a private contractor and is strictly monitored by season engineers of DPWH central office manila.

Sulu provincial Engineer Abdurasad Baih said the road has a width of 6.7 meters and with a thickness of 9 inches.

Tan added that OPAPP Sec Teresita Quintos-Deles had also poured multi million funds for the construction of support projects and programs in the province.

Likewise, he said DPWH Sec Rogelio Lazo Singson has also contributed funds to augment to the on-going infrastructure development projects and program in the province.

He said last year Mr. Aquino also extended to the province over P1 billion in stimulus fund for the construction and repair of farm to market road, health centers, including the repair and construction of new municipal markets in some town in the province.

“I thank our president, President Benigno Aquino, lll for helping our people and the province. The support that the president had given us is a big contribution to the task of the provincial government here,” Tan said.

He expressed believed that the projects when completed will help boost the socio-economic condition of the province, create jobs opportunities, eradicate poverty and insurgency.

“The projects that we are implementing under the stimulus fund will definitely help us in our desire to move forward toward to attain the much needed socio-economic development of the province,” the chief executive of the province told reporters during a brief conference at the provincial capitol in Patikul, Sulu.

The governor also reported that various infrastructure projects are now being implemented throughout the province aimed to push the local economy forward to attain economic activities.

Gov. Tan said the national government is now taking a serious steps and consideration in developing the province and make it at par with other provinces in the country.

He admitted that the province has been very much behind in all aspect of development particularly in socio-economic and social reform agenda of the national government.

“It is my hope before and until today that the national government will help us develop our province and put it at par with other provinces in the country. Now my hope and aspirations has come true. President Noynoy Aquino has granted us aid drawn from his stimulus fund for the concreting of the Jolo-Taglibi-Tigtipon road which when completed will connect the towns of Jolo to Patikul up to Panamao and Panglima Estino,” Tan told newsmen here.

ARMM get P24m for fisheries

By Othel V. Campos


The Agriculture Department and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources have allotted P24.5 million in fishery and livelihood projects to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, benefiting fishing communities in island towns.

“Our investment (of P24.53 million) was matched by almost the same amount by the ARMM local government units, either in the form of material or labor counterpart,” Secretary Proceso Alcala said in a statement. “This program is providing sustainable livelihood and income to more than a thousand fisher-families.”

Fisheries director Asis Perez said the funding covered motor engines for 67 patrol boats for the ‘Bantay-Dagat’ program to protect municipal waters from illegal fishermen and poachers.

Fisheries equipment were distributed to families along the 288,000-hectare Liguasan Marsh, which is bounded by the provinces of Maguindanao, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.

Perez said the Agency has earmarked a portion of Liguasan Marsh for a center devoted to freshwater fish biodiversity to support endemic flora and fauna that include 92 species of birds, six species of reptiles and five species of amphibians, among others.

Part of the fund was allotted for an aquasilviculture program that included the establishment of five multi-species hatcheries, mangrove rehabilitation, and setting up of 20 aquasilviculture techno-demo farms. Basilan State College, and at four Mindanao State University campuses in Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao and Marawi City have partners with the Fisheries Agency to establish multi-species hatcheries.

Fisheries Agency and several municipalities in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao have jointly planted 225,000 mangrove propagules.

Perez said additional investment is aimed at improving yield.

In 2011, the region has produced 909,320 metric tons of fishery and aquaculture products according to the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics. The volume represents 18.3 percent of the country’s total production at 4.98 million MT.

The region remains as the country’s top seaweed producer. Last year, 686,450 MT seaweed was produced representing 37 percent of the country’s seaweed output.

Zimbabwe: Tuku, Sulu and Amuli Invade Sunningdale

By RICHMORE TERA


ALTHOUGH Friday the 13th is normally associated with gloom and bleakness, others consider it as one of the unluckiest days on the calendar. It will, however, be different when some of the country's leading musicians entertain music lovers tonight.

In what has been dubbed the "Mother of all shows" this weekend, superstar Oliver Mtukudzi will share the stage with Dendera music exponent Sulumani Chimbetu and forgotten sungura prodigy Gift Amuli, at Miami Night Club in Sunningdale.

This is Tuku's second performance at the joint since his maiden gig in February last year but this time around he will be doing a solo act, but fans should not rule out surprise acts from the legend.

It is being whispered that 'Samanyanga' -- Tuku's other stage name derived from his totem of the elephant -- will play some of his tracks backed by Sulu's Orchestra Dendera Kings outfit.

This might give revellers something to savour during the show considering that it will be a blend of two different music genres.

Those in the know can testify that Tuku and Sulu's combination, both on stage and in the studio is nothing short of magic as is evidenced by Sulu's studio work "Kwedu" featuring Tuku, which is carried on his award-winning album "Non Stop".

Interestingly, Tuku's maiden act at Miami Night Club also featured "Mwana Wedangwe" and the duo lived up to their names as two of the country's leading musicians. Both artistes return to the joint with new projects in their music bags and fans expect a memorable night.

With sungura musician Amuli in tow, the show has all what it takes to be a thriller.

Amuli has a style that has endeared him to a legion of music lovers and his inclusion in the line-up is not by default.

"We are expecting fireworks since this is going to be the mother of all shows.

"There will be a lot of surprises from the three musicians and apart from their acts, there will be a wide range of both local and imported drinks as well as a variety of food," Patrick Namalueso, the manager of Miami Night Club, said.

Passage to the South: Zamboanga, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi

By paulgeniusboy.blogspot.com


Welcome to the Sta. Cruz Islands off the coast of Zamboanga City. These 2 pink sand islands, a rarity in the Philippines, are located about 30 minutes away via pump boats. The pinkness is the result of white sands mixed with the powder remains of red corals that are abundant in the area. The bigger of the two, Greater Sta. Cruz Island, is usually where the tourists go. Generally private depending on the season, the beach is ideal for swimming with its gently sloping terrain and crystal clear waters. There are no developments in the island, so be sure to bring food and water for the duration of your trip. Public restrooms are available, as well as cooking and washing areas. Behind the beach lies a thick mangrove forest and on the eastern side lies hidden, a graveyard dedicated to the Sama people (boat builders and seafarers).

The Little Sta. Cruz Island houses a light tower being tended by a fishing family and is usually off-limits to tourists. It also has an extensive mangrove area and a site for migratory birds.

Being one of the important trading ports before and after the coming of the Spaniards, galleons and ships laden with precious cargoes like spices, silk, chinas and the likes, sailed from Zamboanga towards mainland Asia and Europe. It is said that after a storm, one can still find pieces of porcelain tossed up from the sea-bottom scattered along the beach; remains that dated back to the once glorious days of the galleon trade.

Before visiting the islands, you need to register with the local tourism office located near the Paseo de Mar seaside strip. The tourism office will then assign a tourist police to accompany you; this is of course to ensure your security and well being.

Another attraction of Zamboanga City is Fort Pilar. Built under the directive of Gov. Gen Juan Antonio dela Torre Bustamante in 1718 primary for coastal defense and as a staging area, it is presently converted into a museum that showcases Zamboanga’s rich cultural history.

As night falls, Paseo de Mar, that stretch of seaside boulevard, is transformed from a quite park into a bustling hang-out complete with lights, music, food, and yes, beers.

As early as the 16th Century, expeditions against the sultanate were launched by Spain in order to control the lucrative trade routes as well as to curb slave raiding. From then on, there were all in all 16 military campaigns against Jolo, five resulting in occupation and all except the last were short-lived. For more than three centuries, the Spaniards had held Jolo for a short period of three decades due to the resolve of the Joloanos that resisted Spanish intrusions.

Today, the island of Sulu is still embroiled in a fog of war between government forces and the rebel faction. The once mighty sultanate has been slowly eroded by the dynamics of geopolitics and economic interests. Progress has been slow, development come in tickles. It is one of the few places that peace and order are achieved under the barrel of a gun.

Tawi-Tawi is the southernmost province of the Philippines. Comprising of 107 islands and islets, it included the islands of Simunul, Sibutu, Sitangkai, Mapun, and the fabled Turtle Islands near the borders of Sandakan in North Borneo. Tawi-Tawi is home to the Sama, Badjao, Tausog and other close cultural groups. Majority of the islands are covered in thick vegetations, these lush green foliage gave the islands its emerald meaning.

Tawi-Tawi was previously part of the province of Sulu. On September 11, 1973, under Presidential Decree No. 302, the new province of Tawi-Tawi was officially created, with Bongao as its capital.

The name of Tawi-Tawi is a projection of the Malay word “jaui” meaning “far.” Prehistoric travelers from the Asian mainland would repeat the word as “jaui-jaui” to mean “far away” because of the distance of the islands from the continent of Asia. The word “Tawi-Tawi” was picked up to later become the official name of the province.

Compare to Jolo, Bongao is relatively peaceful and secure. There is commerce in the capital, familiar banks have their presence, telecommunication facilities are stable, education is more widespread, there’s the newly constructed airport runway in Sanga-Sanga, and people are generally in a happier disposition. Towering at about 370m above sea level, Bud Bongao or Bongao Peak as it is popularly called, is the tallest and easily recognizable point in Tawi-Tawi. It takes about an hour’s trek to the summit and back. Apart from the spectacular view of Bongao and the nearby coast from above, halfway along the path you’ll get to interact with monkeys! These primates would swing from branches and wires and expect to be given bananas by the trekkers. You can either hand it or throw it for the monkeys to catch. Old saying goes that for your wish to come true, you will need to whisper it into a plastic bag and tie it among the branches near the peak. A trip to Tawi-Tawi is not complete without conquering Bongao Peak. The islands of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi are often referred to as the country’s “backdoor” and connotes a lot of negativity. My sincere belief is, with sustainable effort in tourism development, modern agriculture, better education, and enhanced peace and order; we can make these provinces as the Philippines’ “frontdoor” and partake the benefits for economic growth as well as understanding and tolerance between cultures and religions.





Not enough time for new ARMM voter registration, says Comelec chief

By Charlie C. Señase

Inquirer Mindanao


COTABATO CITY, Philippines—Commission on Elections Chairman Sixto Brillantes said Wednesday that President Benigno Aquino’s wish for a general re-registration of voters in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao might not be fulfilled in time for next year’s elections. Speaking over a local radio station here, Brillantes said this was the initial assessment of the members of the commission who agreed time was running out for the general voter’s list-up in Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Tawi-Tawi, Sulu and Basilan—the provinces that make up the ARMM. “The money for the ARMM electoral reform is not a problem, but what we are confronted with is the limited time to come up with the President’s wish,” Brillantes said. The government needs about P850 million to annul the old voters’ lists and conduct a new general registration but only P450 if the old voters’ lists were to be revalidated and the registration of new voters continued. In explaining how time consuming the general re-registration would be, Brillantes said the Comelec has to start hearing annulment petitions from affected communities. This alone, he said, would already be “time-consuming.” “We will not dare take the risk to proceed (with the general listing) if there’s a problem,” he said. Brillantes said the decision on whether or not to conduct a general re-registration will be known after a special Comelec session in Baguio on Thursday. “Initially, the Comelec is inclined not to proceed with the general registration because it would be difficult to meet the timeline,” Brillantes said. Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu said he wanted the poll body to go ahead with the re-registration process to weed out multiple registrants or flying voters. But Brillantes said even if it wanted to pursue the general re-registration, it would only be possible for the Comelec to finish the process in Maguindanao “but not the whole ARMM.” Aquino had cited the need for electoral reforms in the ARMM when he urged Congress to pass legislation calling off the August 2011 ARMM elections to synchronize them with the national mid-term and congressional elections in 2013.

P480-M Sulu Infra Projects Ongoing

By NONOY E. LACSON


JOLO, Sulu – The provincial government is now in full swing in the implementation of some P480 million worth of various infrastructure and infrastructure support projects funded under the stimulus fund drawn from the Office of the President.

Gov. Abdusakur Tan said the infrastructure projects consist of concreting of major provincial roads and arterial road network; building of a municipal market including market stalls and other facilities; establishment of rural health centers, and implementation of infrastructure support projects and facilities.

Tan said the projects when completed will help boost the socio-economic condition of the province, create jobs opportunities, and eradicate poverty and insurgency.

“The projects that we are implementing under the stimulus fund will definitely help us in our desire to move forward toward to attain the much needed socio-economic development of the province,” the chief executive of the province told reporters during a brief conference at the provincial capitol in Patikul, Sulu.

At the same time, the governor said the various projects now being implemented throughout the province will also help keep the local economy moving forward to attain the much needed development.

Tan thanked President Benigno S. Aquino III for keeping a close watch on the local economy of the province and for helping the provincial government here address the needs of its constituents.

ARMM gov orders PNP to secure release of seized ATO employee in Sulu

By (PNA)

FFC/NYP/EOF


CAMP SK PENDATUN, Maguindanao, April 9 (PNA) - Acting Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to secure the immediate release of an employee of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) seized in Jolo on Saturday night.

Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan also activated the provincial crisis management committee to facilitate the early release of Carlos Tee who was taken by about 10 gunmen at his home at about 7:30 p.m.

Police and military authorities have already launched a province-wide manhunt against the suspects who fled using two motorized pump boats after the kidnapping.

No ransom has been raised and the military and police officials in Sulu believed Tee was taken by the extremist Abu Sayyaf Group.

Tee, who works at the Air Transportation Office at the Jolo airport, also owns a small gasoline station.

Hataman said Governor Tan has taken the lead in finding the where about of Tee who has been working with the government for the past 30 years.

Chief Supt. Mario Avenido, police regional director in the ARMM, has ordered the Sulu police provincial office to coordinate with the Philippine Marines and the local government units to ensure the victim is safe.

DOTC engineer kidnapped in Sulu – military

By Andreo C. Calonzo/KBK, GMA News


An engineer working for the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) was kidnapped in Sulu on Saturday night, the military said Sunday.

Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command spokesperson, said Engineer Carlos Tee was abducted by seven armed men from his house in Jolo at 7:30 p.m.

The kidnappers fled using a yellow Toyota Tamaraw FX toward the Scott Road-Asturias direction, the military official said.

Authorities were still determining the motive behind the kidnapping as of posting time.

The kidnap victim works for the Air Transportation Office, an agency under the DOTC, and also owns a gas station in Jolo, according to Cabangbang.

Sulu to sample new songs

By TINASHE SIBANDA ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER


Dendera music star Sulumani Chimbetu will tonight sample songs from his upcoming album when he performs at a show dubbed “Special Easter Eve” at Megga 1 Bar in Graniteside. The musician and show organisers have promised a lot of surprises during the event.

“The Easter show is definitely going to be massive because for the first time we are going to introduce four songs from our upcoming album set to be released in August,” said Chimbetu’s manager, Knowledge Baighton.

“During the show we are certainly going to prove, through the performances, that Sulumani is continuing with his late father’s legacy and nothing will stop him.”

The musician is expected to unveil songs Njiva and Sean Timba, among the selected four, in addition to introducing new dances, including one titled “Shiba Shiba”.

The musician will take the gig as an opportunity to come together with his fans and thank God for leading him in his career.

“This show will be one of the biggest shows at Megga 1 this year.

“Fans are curious to hear Sulu’s new songs and inquiries about the Easter gig have been overwhelming,” said Megga 1 manager Denias Dengu.

He described Chimbetu as a talented young man who has managed to keep his father’s music alive. Dengu said the show would run until Good Friday morning as fans celebrate Easter through music and dance.

Chimbetu has over the years become a well-respected musician and managed to contest for a place among the country’s top musicians, sharing the stage with gurus like Alick Macheso and Oliver Mtukudzi.

Sulu Projects

By Nonoy E. Lacson


JOLO, Sulu – Sulu 1st District Rep. Habib Tupay Loong has conducted an inspection on Monday of the various ongoing and completed infrastructure support projects in his district totaling to P199 million. Loong said the inspection was aimed to access the stage of completion of each of the projects jointly implemented by the local government units of each municipality and the district office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in this province.

Of the total amount, P90 million comes from the priority development assistance fund (PDAF), P89 million from congressional initiative and the remaining P20 million comes from road board or road users tax, Loong said.

Gov’t ready to sign peace pact with MILF – Leonen

By (PNA)

RMA/RBC


MANILA, April 3 (PNA) – The government is ready to sign a peace pact with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in the soonest possible time. This was the categorical statement issued on Monday by Marvic Leonen, chairman of the Philippine Government (PHL) peace panel negotiating with the MILF, after reports circulated that there were elements of the MILF doubting the possible signing of a peace deal under the Aquino administration. Leonen said that the “government maintains that it is ready to sign a peace pact with the MILF in the soonest possible time,” adding that “we have laid a very pragmatic proposal that will ensure real and genuine autonomy for the Bangsamoro on the table.” He admitted that the last round of talks in Kuala Lumpur last month “have been very difficult, with both parties engaged in hard bargaining on the substantive aspects of the negotiations.” Leonen said that “given the dynamic nature of the negotiations, it has to be understood that there are issues that may be hard to resolve.” “However, government is committed to work hard with its counterparts in the MILF to find mutually acceptable solutions and bring peace in Mindanao,” he said. Leonen said: “Instead of trying to fuel people’s apprehensions, we urge the MILF to work with government and meet our timetable for a peace agreement this year. During the 26th round of formal exploratory talks in Kuala Lumpur, substantive issues, including power sharing on governance and wealth sharing were discussed in earnest. Leonen stressed the need for both the Philippine government and the MILF to be patient in understanding the possibilities that lie ahead to find a genuine and lasting solution to resolve peacefully the Mindanao conflict. The Mindanao war broke out when the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), the forerunner of the MILF, burned the town of Jolo, Sulu in February 1974. But after 22 years of warfare that killed over 150,000 people, the Philippine government and the MNLF forged a peace agreement on Sept. 2, 1996 during the administration of President Fidel V. Ramos. However, the MILF opposed the peace agreement and broke away from the MNLF and continued the war. The government initiated peace negotiations with the breakaway MILF group in 1997. However, fighting broke out anew between government forces and the MIKLF in the summer of 2000 during the administration of President Joseph Estrada. The AFP clobbered the MILF, capturing all 49 rebel camps in Central Mindanao. Peace talks again resumed during the time of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo but no peace agreement was reached after MILF renegade forces launched an offensive in some parts of Central Mindanao following the aborted signing of the controversial Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) in August 2008 after the Supreme Court ruled it as unconstitutional. However, backdoor channeling continued, and formal talks reopened in December 2009. President Benigno S. Aquino III pursued the peace talks and even went out of his way to meet MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim in Tokyo last year to fast track the peace process.

Binay Allots 400 Housing Units

By NONOY E. LACSON


BANGUINGUI, Sulu – Vice President Jejomar Binay has allotted 400 housing units for the indigenous peoples (IPs) and internally displaced persons (IDPs) on this island municipality.

Banguingui Mayor Abdulwahid Sahidulla said that 200 housing units have been allocated for the IPs here, while the remaining 200 units will be allotted to the IDPs relocated in this town.

According to Sahidulla, a team from the Office of the Vice President led by Sandra Hayre Sumail has conducted a site inspection over the weekend where the housing project will be established.

“This is something good for our people here, particularly those who were displaced due to the man-made calamities, and also, the project is good for the IPs here,” Sahidulla said.

The municipal mayor said the housing project was initiated by Representative Nur Anna Sahidulla (2nd District, Sulu) whom he said have recognized the need for the government to construct low-cost housing units for the IPs and IDPs here.

Adding that the inspection team led by Sumail has pinpointed the barangays (villages) of Luuk and Poblacion of this town as ideal site for the twin project, which is expected to cost the national government several millions of pesos.

The local chief executive also thanked Binay for extending the amount of P500,000 for the construction of a building for the senior citizens of this municipality, and about P250,000 worth of assorted medicines that they used to conduct a medical and dental mission in a village here over the weekend.

He said government physicians and nurses who conducted the free medical activities here were aided by municipal medical and health workers.

“In this kind of activity, we should help one another in order for the activity to be successful,” he emphasized.

“Cooperation during any government activity for the people is the key to success,” he added.

Records of the two-day humanitarian medical activities here showed that about 789 residents availed of the free medical services, and about 205 individuals benefited under the dental services, ranging from tooth extraction to tooth cleaning.

“The reason why many of our people here availed of the medical and dental services was because of our good public information dissemination of the activity, the mayor said.

“We will continue to conduct this kind of activity here in the coming days for the benefit of the local residents,” Sahidulla pointed out.

Luxury cruise ship drifting after fire off Philippines

By apnnews.com


Philippines : A luxury cruise ship is drifting near the Philippines with 89 Australians on board after a fire broke out in the engine room. The fire, which broke out on the Azamara Quest on Friday, left four crew members injured and one seriously injured. The fire was contained but the liner was left adrift without propulsion in calm waters in the Sulu Sea. Engineers have now restored limited power and the ship is heading to Malaysia, where it is due to dock at Sandakan within the next two days. The vessel left Hong Kong on Monday with 1,000 passengers and crew on board for a 17-night voyage


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