I would like to share this link to everyone to remember how everyone loves General Danny Lim and shares his vision for the future salvation of this country from its very sons and daughters who once treaded the crooked path.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Historic November
Weather experts say, expect a chilly morning and early afternoon throughout the country come November. I dare say, expect a very hot and tumultuous month.
First off, the Aquino administration is hell bent on punishing the aswangs of the past administration. Those who enslaved this country for nine years and earned millions in the process, are frantic, looking for a crevice to hide themselves in. The People's Justice will catch them wherever and whenever.
Justice, sweet justice, will be in the hands of the Filipino People soonest than usual. Those who corrupted themselves and corrupted society in the process, will be meted the proper punishment.
Aquino's political will is strong. He wants to cleanse this bureaucracy of misfits, of grafters and of big-time operators who used the resources of the State to enrich themselves and law's infirmities to get monies from the People's Treasury.
The era of grafters and immoral thugs ends by November. This administration will use its iron hand to mete the proper punishment to those who led this country towards the baluktot at tuwad na daan.
Those who even prostituted the voice of the People will get their just desserts. They will shout themselves hoarse in very cramped cells where they await the verdict of the People's Judges.
Those who struggled against a despotic regime, such in the likes of General Danny Lim, Sonny Trillianes IV, Dado Valeroso, Sonny Melencio, Teddy Casino would be delighted to hear that those who wielded and abused Power, would now spend Christmas in jail.
First off, the Aquino administration is hell bent on punishing the aswangs of the past administration. Those who enslaved this country for nine years and earned millions in the process, are frantic, looking for a crevice to hide themselves in. The People's Justice will catch them wherever and whenever.
Justice, sweet justice, will be in the hands of the Filipino People soonest than usual. Those who corrupted themselves and corrupted society in the process, will be meted the proper punishment.
Aquino's political will is strong. He wants to cleanse this bureaucracy of misfits, of grafters and of big-time operators who used the resources of the State to enrich themselves and law's infirmities to get monies from the People's Treasury.
The era of grafters and immoral thugs ends by November. This administration will use its iron hand to mete the proper punishment to those who led this country towards the baluktot at tuwad na daan.
Those who even prostituted the voice of the People will get their just desserts. They will shout themselves hoarse in very cramped cells where they await the verdict of the People's Judges.
Those who struggled against a despotic regime, such in the likes of General Danny Lim, Sonny Trillianes IV, Dado Valeroso, Sonny Melencio, Teddy Casino would be delighted to hear that those who wielded and abused Power, would now spend Christmas in jail.
Friday, October 28, 2011
The Lacierda Logic: Give 5 million pesos to future murderers of soldiers
According to Palace spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, giving 5 million pesos to the MILF is justified. Let me quote what he told palace reporters on this issue.
What Lacierda said is that, MILF rebels, young ones at that, need management training after undergoing years of war.
Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the project, which was agreed upon during the Arroyo administration, is “worth pursuing.”
Two questions:
1. Is it the role of government to fund the education of would-be rebel commanders and ergo, enemies of the State? So, the government is concerned with the management style of the rebels, that they need more efficient learnings so that in the future, they would be able to manage themselves?
2. Why are soldiers and their families not given the same privilege as that provided by government to Bangsamoro rebels?
Hay naku. I'm sick and tired of this administration justifying their foolishness.
So now, the role of government is fund rebels to be able to prolong the conflict and after some years, give them enough money to manage themselves when these rebels win the war and is in good standing to build their own government, a secessionist one at that.
Whoa. Such a logic coming from a lawyer.
Edwin, please go back to the private sector or just keep blogging ka na lang. You're digging a deeper hole for Noynoy.
What Lacierda said is that, MILF rebels, young ones at that, need management training after undergoing years of war.
Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the project, which was agreed upon during the Arroyo administration, is “worth pursuing.”
“The whole idea here is from a decades-old conflict, the Bangsamoro members would be trained to assume leadership roles in areas where they might be needed. That’s the whole purpose of the funding and it was found to be worth pursuing,” Lacierda said. “Imagine mo, kunwari 20 years kayo nagbabakbakan, nagi-giyera, so ‘yung training mo is war rather than management. So you need to establish a management institute for them, catered to the uniqueness of the Muslim culture and the Bangsamoro culture.” see link: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/10/28/11/palace-defends-p5m-aid-milf
Two questions:
1. Is it the role of government to fund the education of would-be rebel commanders and ergo, enemies of the State? So, the government is concerned with the management style of the rebels, that they need more efficient learnings so that in the future, they would be able to manage themselves?
2. Why are soldiers and their families not given the same privilege as that provided by government to Bangsamoro rebels?
Hay naku. I'm sick and tired of this administration justifying their foolishness.
So now, the role of government is fund rebels to be able to prolong the conflict and after some years, give them enough money to manage themselves when these rebels win the war and is in good standing to build their own government, a secessionist one at that.
Whoa. Such a logic coming from a lawyer.
Edwin, please go back to the private sector or just keep blogging ka na lang. You're digging a deeper hole for Noynoy.
General Lim's guy continues to besmirch General's name at the Bureau of Customs
 |
| Paje during the SLAMMATLORD party shortly after 2010 elections. This was held in Quezon City |
It is confirmed by the intelligence community that General Lim does not tolerate corrupt practices and does not receive any single cent from locators, smugglers, or foreign importers. He does not maintain any bank account for this purposes nor fixes papers for big-time smugglers.
The thing really is, there is a very close friend of the General who claims to represent him. Who is this guy? He goes by the name of retired Colonel Alan B. Paje.
Paje reportedly collects monies from big-time locators and players at the Bureau of Customs. Unknown to Paje, there are tons of evidence already collected against him and it is just a matter of time before the forces of Reason and the Tuwid na Daan guys bust him out.
Paje was formerly Lim's campaign manager during the 2010 elections. He, like Lim, is a member of the Reform the Armed Forces Movement or RAM. He's a Bicolano, and once studied at the Marcial Ranola Memorial High School in 1967.
Paje was one of several civilians who filed for amnesty before the DND. This includes my friend, Atty. Jose Belmonte, and several others namely, Jose Albert, Jimmy Regalario, and Jason Paul Malajacan. (that was last March 22, 2011).
Paje runs an office at Teachers' Village. This is the office he uses in illegally transacting with big-time locators and smugglers. Fact is, one of the meetings where he called those smugglers was held in this office.
Paje also transacts business with these smugglers and big time players in one of the hotels within the vicinity.
Paje uses a certain "emman" to handle media attacks against him. This emman writes for General Lim.
General Lim, if reports are to be believed, already scolded Paje for using his name in soliciting protection money from Customs smugglers.
(I am not at liberty to divulge current efforts against Paje because it could compromise operations)
There is another guy, R. Sacramento, who is also now involved in the big-time rackets game at the Bureau who was initially thought of, as Lim's Chief of Staff. Sacramento is involved in the Tina Yu smuggling business which is the reason why he was ousted by the Bureau in the first place.
A certain Mary Salvacion and this Sacramento guy liaises with big players at the Customs and collects monies from them. These monies, in turn, they give to Paje. Salvacion brags that she can protect the asses of those smugglers because she has the backing of General Lim.
General Lim should immediately disassociate himself with these stupid characters and this space is open for the above named individuals to issue statements clearing their names.
The fight against corruption at the Bureau of Customs should never stop! This bureau is the microcosm of Philippine society and if these people who now hold the relm of power there are useless and weak, what more to do, Mr. President?
Notorious BOC smuggler Tina Yu collects for Aquino Cabinet Official
Corruption still reeks at the Bureau of Customs.
Who is this Cabinet official who regularly receives grease money from smugglers at the Bureau of Customs?
This Cabinet official of the Aquino administration receives millions of pesos from a certain "Tina Yu".
Tina Yu is one of eight big-time players at the Bureau of Customs. She is actually not a pure Chinese-Filipina but a Filipina by the real of Maria L. Vilal.
Vilal reportedly maintains a bank account with a branch in Aurora, Notre dame with a savings account number of 20112232_. (Sorry guys for the missing last number. I did this to protect myself and my family)
This savings account is being used to pass the grease monies to Vilal, onto the accounts of the Cabinet official and another former high-ranking official of the Bureau of Customs.
The practice is--big players deposit amounts to this bank account and in turn, Vilal does a funds transfer to maintain the balance at 250,000 pesos. Daily transactions run by the thousands and the millions even.
These amounts have been negotiated by Vilal (aka Tina Yu) in the millions. With her, are a group of notorious big-time fixers within the bureau namely M. Santos, D. Dee and M. Chang. Another former BOC official by the name of R. Sacramento is also part of this syndicate.
These same characters were the ones involved in the big time smuggling of onions, believed to have carried millions of pesos worth of illegal drugs to the country.
NPR got the information that illegal drugs are being smuggled here, in this country, using onion shipments.
Paging the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Anti Money Laundering Council! Please scrutinize this controversial bank account.
Who is this Cabinet official who regularly receives grease money from smugglers at the Bureau of Customs?
This Cabinet official of the Aquino administration receives millions of pesos from a certain "Tina Yu".
Tina Yu is one of eight big-time players at the Bureau of Customs. She is actually not a pure Chinese-Filipina but a Filipina by the real of Maria L. Vilal.
Vilal reportedly maintains a bank account with a branch in Aurora, Notre dame with a savings account number of 20112232_. (Sorry guys for the missing last number. I did this to protect myself and my family)
This savings account is being used to pass the grease monies to Vilal, onto the accounts of the Cabinet official and another former high-ranking official of the Bureau of Customs.
The practice is--big players deposit amounts to this bank account and in turn, Vilal does a funds transfer to maintain the balance at 250,000 pesos. Daily transactions run by the thousands and the millions even.
These amounts have been negotiated by Vilal (aka Tina Yu) in the millions. With her, are a group of notorious big-time fixers within the bureau namely M. Santos, D. Dee and M. Chang. Another former BOC official by the name of R. Sacramento is also part of this syndicate.
These same characters were the ones involved in the big time smuggling of onions, believed to have carried millions of pesos worth of illegal drugs to the country.
NPR got the information that illegal drugs are being smuggled here, in this country, using onion shipments.
Paging the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Anti Money Laundering Council! Please scrutinize this controversial bank account.
Philippine Government in perpetual hostage: Are we so weak a State?
Is the State so weak, that we have to always give money to the rebels to maintain peace and order? Are we saying that this Government is always in a state of perpetual hostage by its enemies? That mere talk and diplomacy are two useless terms meant to justify the use of public funds without being accounted for by government?
Malacanang is in a quandary on how to explain to the public the thing they did. Is this a practice already when it comes to revolutionary groups, that the State is always being coerced by these enemies of the State, and the best way is to pander to their wiles and caprices?
During the time of the late president Ramon Magsaysay, there was no report of the State giving monies to the troops of Luis Taruc. Magsaysay, however, encouraged them to consider land. Some of those who fought the wars, asked to be relocated in Mindanao, to start life anew.
Ferdinand Marcos did not move an inch nor surrendered any inch of the Republic's territory when he was at the helm of power. There were concessions made during the 1979 Tripoli Agreement, but these concessions neither violated any existing laws nor the Constitution. Everything was made within the rules of Diplomacy.
You can only compromise with an enemy if you are in a vulnerable state, but even if you're weakened, there is still a small semblance of strength in you.
Don't tell me that this government does not trust its military and police that much that it decides or elects to just give money to rebels just so that peace be maintained?
Just like before, the Aquino administration blamed the previous dispensation for entering into an agreement with the Moro rebels and giving in to the request of 5 million pesos.
Peace negotiators should have "re-negotiated" this and pointed out that this giving of "donations" is violative of the law. Atty. Marvic Leonen is one of our brilliant lawyers and yet, this thing passed him? Why was there no respect of the law by the very ones who are mandated by law to implement it?
Don't blame Arroyo for this--blame the Aquino administration's peace advisers who are ready to compromise everything, even the kitchen sink, just to pander to the rebel's demands.
Heads should roll for compromising the very integrity and security of this Republic.
Malacanang is in a quandary on how to explain to the public the thing they did. Is this a practice already when it comes to revolutionary groups, that the State is always being coerced by these enemies of the State, and the best way is to pander to their wiles and caprices?
During the time of the late president Ramon Magsaysay, there was no report of the State giving monies to the troops of Luis Taruc. Magsaysay, however, encouraged them to consider land. Some of those who fought the wars, asked to be relocated in Mindanao, to start life anew.
Ferdinand Marcos did not move an inch nor surrendered any inch of the Republic's territory when he was at the helm of power. There were concessions made during the 1979 Tripoli Agreement, but these concessions neither violated any existing laws nor the Constitution. Everything was made within the rules of Diplomacy.
You can only compromise with an enemy if you are in a vulnerable state, but even if you're weakened, there is still a small semblance of strength in you.
Don't tell me that this government does not trust its military and police that much that it decides or elects to just give money to rebels just so that peace be maintained?
Just like before, the Aquino administration blamed the previous dispensation for entering into an agreement with the Moro rebels and giving in to the request of 5 million pesos.
Peace negotiators should have "re-negotiated" this and pointed out that this giving of "donations" is violative of the law. Atty. Marvic Leonen is one of our brilliant lawyers and yet, this thing passed him? Why was there no respect of the law by the very ones who are mandated by law to implement it?
Don't blame Arroyo for this--blame the Aquino administration's peace advisers who are ready to compromise everything, even the kitchen sink, just to pander to the rebel's demands.
Heads should roll for compromising the very integrity and security of this Republic.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Malacanang--danger to public security!
Stupid, so stupid.
Let me clarify what many people are asking--why give money to the rebels? Even if this was the "commitment of the previous administration", if you think that giving funds betray the very Republic which you serve, you must consider other options.
Presidential adviser on the peace process, Atty. Marvic Leonen is a constitutional expert. He should have exercised prudence and rendered a more judicious decision. Giving money even if it means funding a so-called "institute" for rebels, is treasonous.
So, then, is this now the policy of this government to give funds to rebels? Then, why not give money also to the Communist Party of the Philippines and the RPA-ABB?
How about the small groups who are also militating against the administration? They should be given funds too?
Where is the office of this institute? How stupid of Leonen to even ask the COA to audit those funds!
Are they saying that the Republic has a territorial or jurisdictional coverage over the MILF? The last time I heard, the MILF is seceding from the Republic.
So, then, is Leonen saying that the MILF will now account where the funds went? So stupid!
Let me clarify what many people are asking--why give money to the rebels? Even if this was the "commitment of the previous administration", if you think that giving funds betray the very Republic which you serve, you must consider other options.
Presidential adviser on the peace process, Atty. Marvic Leonen is a constitutional expert. He should have exercised prudence and rendered a more judicious decision. Giving money even if it means funding a so-called "institute" for rebels, is treasonous.
So, then, is this now the policy of this government to give funds to rebels? Then, why not give money also to the Communist Party of the Philippines and the RPA-ABB?
How about the small groups who are also militating against the administration? They should be given funds too?
Where is the office of this institute? How stupid of Leonen to even ask the COA to audit those funds!
Are they saying that the Republic has a territorial or jurisdictional coverage over the MILF? The last time I heard, the MILF is seceding from the Republic.
So, then, is Leonen saying that the MILF will now account where the funds went? So stupid!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Noynoy Aquino gave 5 million pesos to MILF?
Yesterday, reports that President Benigno Aquino III gave 5 million pesos to MILF head Al Haj Murad quickly spread among media outlets.
Reports say that the amount was given by Aquino as "goodwill money" to Murad during their meeting in Japan.
Question that everybody is asking---if this is true, why? Why give that kind of money to the supposed enemies of the state?
This is plain and simple treason. It is also like giving money to criminals.
Malacanang should clarify this report immediately. The palace is not empowered to use public money to fund insurgencies. It is so stupid a thing to do, feeding the hand that will eventually strike or bite you.
This also shows how weak our negotiators are in treating matters with the MILF.
The palace should give further details on the matter since this is an incendiary issue which, if people hear of it, would surely inflame emotions, especially from those surviving kin of the 19 or so soldiers who recently died in Basilan.
(By the way, those who died were on a "test mission"--meaning these are trainees, not hardened combat veterans. It is entire plausible that this test mission was, in reality, a suicide mission. It was planned.)
Reports say that the amount was given by Aquino as "goodwill money" to Murad during their meeting in Japan.
Question that everybody is asking---if this is true, why? Why give that kind of money to the supposed enemies of the state?
This is plain and simple treason. It is also like giving money to criminals.
Malacanang should clarify this report immediately. The palace is not empowered to use public money to fund insurgencies. It is so stupid a thing to do, feeding the hand that will eventually strike or bite you.
This also shows how weak our negotiators are in treating matters with the MILF.
The palace should give further details on the matter since this is an incendiary issue which, if people hear of it, would surely inflame emotions, especially from those surviving kin of the 19 or so soldiers who recently died in Basilan.
(By the way, those who died were on a "test mission"--meaning these are trainees, not hardened combat veterans. It is entire plausible that this test mission was, in reality, a suicide mission. It was planned.)
10,000 people flee their homes in Mindanao due to conflict
More than 10,000 people flee their homes due to the ongoing air strikes and ground battles between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and lawless elements in Zamboanga Sibugay. Government forces pounded suspected rebel lairs with bombs from OV-10s to weaken enemy forces and allow a company-size assault team to finish off the rebels. These families reside in the remote towns of Payao, Alicia and Talusan. More than a thousand families also left their homes in Basilan, fearing more government retaliation after insurgents killed 19 soldiers there a few days ago.
Two soldiers and four rebel troops have died after the two day strikes. More are expected to risk or lose their lives due to the fighting.
A company of soldiers have already punctured rebel positions. The military is trying to arrest Waning Abdusalam, a notorious kidnapper, whom the MILF claims is no longer a member of the rebel group.
Another group, this time the group of Putot and Ogis Jakaira, notorious kidnappers as well, had fled to Basilan.
The MILF has protested the air strikes, saying that the military is targetting their men, a charge which the AFP denied. The MILF also said that the AFP is using poison gas, another charge which the AFP finds incredulous.
President Aquino, while not declaring all out war, has given 10 billion pesos to further fund the modernization of the AFP. The fund is expected to further fuel the conflict in Mindanao.
Two soldiers and four rebel troops have died after the two day strikes. More are expected to risk or lose their lives due to the fighting.
A company of soldiers have already punctured rebel positions. The military is trying to arrest Waning Abdusalam, a notorious kidnapper, whom the MILF claims is no longer a member of the rebel group.
Another group, this time the group of Putot and Ogis Jakaira, notorious kidnappers as well, had fled to Basilan.
The MILF has protested the air strikes, saying that the military is targetting their men, a charge which the AFP denied. The MILF also said that the AFP is using poison gas, another charge which the AFP finds incredulous.
President Aquino, while not declaring all out war, has given 10 billion pesos to further fund the modernization of the AFP. The fund is expected to further fuel the conflict in Mindanao.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Manny Pacquiao liable for violating RA 6713? Flaunting wealth in times of great economic distress
 |
| Is this "Para sa Bayan" crap? |
Article 25 of the Civil Code of the Philippines, says, and I quote:
Article 25. Thoughtless extravagance in expenses for pleasure or display during a period of acute public want or emergency may be stopped by order of the courts at the instance of any government or private charitable institution.
Manny Pacquiao is not an ordinary citizen now. He is a Congressman. He cannot just flaunt his wealth like that because Section 4 (h) of Republic Act 6713 expressly prohibits the extravagant or ostentatious display of wealth:
Section 4. Norms of Conduct of Public Officials and Employees--(A) Every public official and employee shall observe the following as standards of personal conduct in the discharge and execution of official duties:
(h) Simple living.--Public Officials and employees and their families shall lead modest lives appropriate to their positions and income. They shall not indulge in extravagant or ostentatious display of wealth in any form.
Pacquiao should know this and cognizant of his responsibility as a public servant always. Now, you know why I don't believe that usual crap PR line of this man always telling us that he is fighting for the country?
INstead of buying a Ferrari, Pacquiao should have given that 12 million pesos to charity or to Jay Jaboneta in support of his project to provide boats to school-age children who swim every single day just to reach school.
That 12 million pesos could have provided the money to build more boats for these children. By the way, read Reader's Digest and know about the Philippine Small Fund for Kids.
Contrast that with what Manny Pangilinan did with his money--he bought five (5) Toyota Altis worth at least maybe roughly 5 million pesos and gave it to those who truly need it.
And don't ever tell me that that Ferrari will escape Customs eyes just because "Congressman" Pacquiao is the one driving. If Pacquiao intends to bring this Ferrari here, he should be made to pay the right taxes and duties.
God Save the Queen Plot
Former general Danilo Lim urged soldiers not to be swayed by talks of a coup. Essentially, he was saying that there is no revolutionary situation, no need to go out of your barracks to militate against the existing administration.
True, soldiers' morale may be low, as confirmed by Senator Antonio Trillianes IV, but there are no cause to support an extra-constitutional enterprise. The Administration is not a despotic one, says Lim.
True, there is no cause for revolt. However, there is now, a revolutionary situation brought about by the confluence of forces both social, political and economic.
On the social front, the peace and order situation is really worsening to a point of despair. And it is not the fault of the PNP leadership, oh no. This is expected since rising costs of goods and the absence of any available alternative provides the sociological fodder for dissent in the form of commission of crimes.
Political because certain groups who are protecting the former dispensation are moving and are using the Basilan incident as a platform to reach out to soldiers and support their coup.
This plot is similar to God Save the Queen, except that this plan tries to protect the former president from being incarcerated. Remember that this government vowed to file charges against the Arroyo couple this November.
There is a tenuous relationship between the ringleaders of this plot with that of a more ideological group opposed mainly with the present Aquino administration. This ideological group is motivated by the desire to really pursue genuine change, which, to their mind, the Aquino administration has already abandoned.
A big event in Metro Manila will happen late this month which would be used to mobilize people from an urban community to support troop movement.
This event will involve an urban community which is being ousted by government from their land somewhere near Trinoma. Violence is expected there because both parties, the government and the urban poor, refuses to bulge. This will spark this so-called extra-constitutional action.
Note: this group is trying to agitate the soldiers for more "numbers". however, it failed several times. Now, they are using this issue, especially the Basilan massacre to reach out. The question really is---are their numbers enough to be mobilized against a clearly prepared state?
Another question--why is this official so impatient? Is he afraid that he'll be seventy plus come 2016, the oldest contender for the top plum? Is he or she aspiring to become another Gloria?
True, soldiers' morale may be low, as confirmed by Senator Antonio Trillianes IV, but there are no cause to support an extra-constitutional enterprise. The Administration is not a despotic one, says Lim.
True, there is no cause for revolt. However, there is now, a revolutionary situation brought about by the confluence of forces both social, political and economic.
On the social front, the peace and order situation is really worsening to a point of despair. And it is not the fault of the PNP leadership, oh no. This is expected since rising costs of goods and the absence of any available alternative provides the sociological fodder for dissent in the form of commission of crimes.
Political because certain groups who are protecting the former dispensation are moving and are using the Basilan incident as a platform to reach out to soldiers and support their coup.
This plot is similar to God Save the Queen, except that this plan tries to protect the former president from being incarcerated. Remember that this government vowed to file charges against the Arroyo couple this November.
There is a tenuous relationship between the ringleaders of this plot with that of a more ideological group opposed mainly with the present Aquino administration. This ideological group is motivated by the desire to really pursue genuine change, which, to their mind, the Aquino administration has already abandoned.
A big event in Metro Manila will happen late this month which would be used to mobilize people from an urban community to support troop movement.
This event will involve an urban community which is being ousted by government from their land somewhere near Trinoma. Violence is expected there because both parties, the government and the urban poor, refuses to bulge. This will spark this so-called extra-constitutional action.
Note: this group is trying to agitate the soldiers for more "numbers". however, it failed several times. Now, they are using this issue, especially the Basilan massacre to reach out. The question really is---are their numbers enough to be mobilized against a clearly prepared state?
Another question--why is this official so impatient? Is he afraid that he'll be seventy plus come 2016, the oldest contender for the top plum? Is he or she aspiring to become another Gloria?
Bombings are really GRP-AFP-MILF CC initiated attacks against BFFM
President Noynoy Aquino yesterday ordered a swift bombing of critical areas within MILF control considered as sanctuaries of lawless elements there. The target? A remote village in Zamboanga Sibugay where lawless elements are believed hiding from the law. And when we say, "lawless elements now" these include rogue MILF members responsible for the ambush of soldiers there. Another operation is now being conducted in Basilan, where 19 soldiers were believed killed by MILF and Abu Sayyaf Group members.
Notice that government is now distinguishing two sets of MILF members: one, those who are under the control of the Central Committee and the other termed as "rogue". Who are these elements?
It seems that they are mostly members of the splinter group, Bangsamoro Freedom Fighters Movement (BFFM) who separated from the main group when it disagreed with the main position of the MILF, that is, talk peace with the Philippine government. Without really describing them as BFFM, government seems to be conducting a psywar operations meant to hide the real problem right now---the rising strength of the MILF splinter group who want nothing but secede from the Philippines.
Former MNLF chief Nur Misuari is right---seventy percent or even more of the members of the MILF are now with Imam Ambril Umbra Kato, the commander who severed his ties with the Central Committee and refuses to honor what the MILF had committed with government.
Former US ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney already predicted this late last 2007 during her visits to the camps. The main problem is not the MILF leadership agreeing to a peace process, says Kenney, but its capability of enforcing such agreements to the bulk of MILF members who were indoctrinated by former MILF head Imam Hashim Salamat to accept nothing more than independence from "Imperial" Manila. This space already articulated this problem in 2009-2010, shortly prior to the transition to a new administration.
What is occurring now in greater speed is the severage of communication and ideological links between ground troops critical of the MILF Central leadership and the Murad-led group controlling the formal structures of the rebel organisation.
For most MILF members, Murad is not being recognized as an effective and trust-worthy leader. Murad is a political operator, a player in the true sense of the word. He is perceived to be playing in the hands of Manila's negotiators. He is being compared with the late Imam Salamat who is an ideological, political and military leader. According to MILF members, the late Imam is an epitomy of a true Bangsamoro leader.
Imam Umbra Kato has now taken the leadership position insofar as MILF ground troops are concerned because of the inability of Murad to provide effective leadership. Like Salamat, Kato is a political, ideological and religious leader. What's more--Kato also fights with his MILF troops. He is a complete Bangsamoro fighter, based on the perception of many MILF members.
The thing about Kato is he is not politically pliant. He has one thing in his mind--independence from Imperial Manila.
The solution is really provide a most acceptable framework for the MILF. There are really three (3) options left for the GRP to solve the Bangsamoro Question.
First, do not appoint a political player as helm of the ARMM. Transform the ARMM into a highly effective and efficient organisation which would be the platform of the Bangsamoro in changing the socio-economic and political environment. ARMM is still a viable alternative to existing structures provided that those who will lead it will not have the same mindset as those from Manila, and that is, use the ARMM as a political tool only and not an economic tool, which is what it is.
Second, provide for a mechanism where "rogue" elements of the MILF and the MILF Central leadership would be able to iron out their differences. This mechanism could be provided by third party mediators such as the US, Malaysia or even Great Britain. Kato should be convinced by the Central Leadership to abandon such an enterprise so that whatever agreement the Bangsamoro leadership enters into, it will be respected by MILF ground troops as well. Otherwise, it is useless talking peace with these Moro rebels, since de-militarization will not take place after all the talks.
Lastly, consider the possibility of an all-out, drawn out, protracted war.
Notice that government is now distinguishing two sets of MILF members: one, those who are under the control of the Central Committee and the other termed as "rogue". Who are these elements?
It seems that they are mostly members of the splinter group, Bangsamoro Freedom Fighters Movement (BFFM) who separated from the main group when it disagreed with the main position of the MILF, that is, talk peace with the Philippine government. Without really describing them as BFFM, government seems to be conducting a psywar operations meant to hide the real problem right now---the rising strength of the MILF splinter group who want nothing but secede from the Philippines.
Former MNLF chief Nur Misuari is right---seventy percent or even more of the members of the MILF are now with Imam Ambril Umbra Kato, the commander who severed his ties with the Central Committee and refuses to honor what the MILF had committed with government.
Former US ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney already predicted this late last 2007 during her visits to the camps. The main problem is not the MILF leadership agreeing to a peace process, says Kenney, but its capability of enforcing such agreements to the bulk of MILF members who were indoctrinated by former MILF head Imam Hashim Salamat to accept nothing more than independence from "Imperial" Manila. This space already articulated this problem in 2009-2010, shortly prior to the transition to a new administration.
What is occurring now in greater speed is the severage of communication and ideological links between ground troops critical of the MILF Central leadership and the Murad-led group controlling the formal structures of the rebel organisation.
For most MILF members, Murad is not being recognized as an effective and trust-worthy leader. Murad is a political operator, a player in the true sense of the word. He is perceived to be playing in the hands of Manila's negotiators. He is being compared with the late Imam Salamat who is an ideological, political and military leader. According to MILF members, the late Imam is an epitomy of a true Bangsamoro leader.
Imam Umbra Kato has now taken the leadership position insofar as MILF ground troops are concerned because of the inability of Murad to provide effective leadership. Like Salamat, Kato is a political, ideological and religious leader. What's more--Kato also fights with his MILF troops. He is a complete Bangsamoro fighter, based on the perception of many MILF members.
The thing about Kato is he is not politically pliant. He has one thing in his mind--independence from Imperial Manila.
The solution is really provide a most acceptable framework for the MILF. There are really three (3) options left for the GRP to solve the Bangsamoro Question.
First, do not appoint a political player as helm of the ARMM. Transform the ARMM into a highly effective and efficient organisation which would be the platform of the Bangsamoro in changing the socio-economic and political environment. ARMM is still a viable alternative to existing structures provided that those who will lead it will not have the same mindset as those from Manila, and that is, use the ARMM as a political tool only and not an economic tool, which is what it is.
Second, provide for a mechanism where "rogue" elements of the MILF and the MILF Central leadership would be able to iron out their differences. This mechanism could be provided by third party mediators such as the US, Malaysia or even Great Britain. Kato should be convinced by the Central Leadership to abandon such an enterprise so that whatever agreement the Bangsamoro leadership enters into, it will be respected by MILF ground troops as well. Otherwise, it is useless talking peace with these Moro rebels, since de-militarization will not take place after all the talks.
Lastly, consider the possibility of an all-out, drawn out, protracted war.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Oust Leonen as negotiator
Instead of hastily calling for a war, President Benigno Aquino III did the right thing---release 10 billion pesos to fund the AFP modernization program.
Aquino is sending a message: before he releases the dogs of war, these "dogs" should be armed to the teeth first. Nice decision.
That is not shows firm leadership--but shows wise judgement as well. In the mind of the President, these lawless elements can be surgically removed from Basilan with an AFP equipped with the right equipment, training and supplied with the proper materiel.
This is entirely possible with modern technology in warfare. Why surge now when soldiers are poorly armed, inadequately trained and lacks the proper motivation for attacking such a "bastion" like Basilan.
Improvements in intelligence gathering should also be prioritized by the AFP. Proper analysis of ground intelligence is paramount in every offensive action.
Aside from this, the President should also oust Atty. Leonen as head of the Government panel negotiating with the MILF. Atty. Leonen should be held responsible for these humiliating attacks.
Had Leonen been firm in his negotiations with these insurgents, they will not be as brazen in their attacks as what they did in numerous places in Mindanao.
Leonen should be replaced by someone who knows the terrain, the psychology and the organisation of the MILF. Leonen, according to sources, is perceived as a weakling. This man should never be allowed to represent the State in any negotiations with "toughies".
Aquino is sending a message: before he releases the dogs of war, these "dogs" should be armed to the teeth first. Nice decision.
That is not shows firm leadership--but shows wise judgement as well. In the mind of the President, these lawless elements can be surgically removed from Basilan with an AFP equipped with the right equipment, training and supplied with the proper materiel.
This is entirely possible with modern technology in warfare. Why surge now when soldiers are poorly armed, inadequately trained and lacks the proper motivation for attacking such a "bastion" like Basilan.
Improvements in intelligence gathering should also be prioritized by the AFP. Proper analysis of ground intelligence is paramount in every offensive action.
Aside from this, the President should also oust Atty. Leonen as head of the Government panel negotiating with the MILF. Atty. Leonen should be held responsible for these humiliating attacks.
Had Leonen been firm in his negotiations with these insurgents, they will not be as brazen in their attacks as what they did in numerous places in Mindanao.
Leonen should be replaced by someone who knows the terrain, the psychology and the organisation of the MILF. Leonen, according to sources, is perceived as a weakling. This man should never be allowed to represent the State in any negotiations with "toughies".
Sunday, October 23, 2011
On Manny Pacquiao fighting for the glory of the Philippines in his every fight---crap
 |
| Fighting for the country's glory? Then, donate all your earnings to government and charities |
Manny Pacquiao is not fighting for the Philippines, oh no. He is fighting for big bucks for those Payper views and purse monies, and of course, millions of dollars from sponsors.
Tell me now, if Pacquiao is fighting for us, why did he keep his winnings in his bank account? If he's really fighting for the country, why not donate the entire thing, US$ 30 million at that, to the government or to a foundation?
What contributions did this guy ever did to this country? Land us in the top pages of boxing magazines? What else? Make other nationalities proud and create the perception that we are a people prone to violence?
What benefits us if the world perceive Manny Pacquiao as the greatest fighter of the world? None. What benefits us if the world perceive us as a country of scientists, of specialists, of experts in the field of economics, of bankers and stuff? Many.
Tell me now, did our lives improve after watching a Pacquiao fight? Policemen says crime drops when Pacquiao fights. Is that it? Are there other things that happen when he fights? Well, we feel good knowing that he won, or a fellow Pinoy won against a foreigner. What else?
Anything that changed the lives of the poor shortly after the fight? Any part of the earnings or the entire amount given to charity or to government or to the AFP to purchase guns to fight lawless elements? None.
Is Pacquiao fighting to save the homeless from the state, or the poor from poverty or the workers from greedy capitalists or the Moros from those who want to own their homeland?
Really now, Pacquiao is fighting only for his own glory and for the glory of his handlers, who get big bucks every single time he fights. Who benefits from his winnings? Not just his wife and kids, but also sabungeros.
And now the AFP says he deserves that Lieutenant Colonel rank. Tell that to the Marines and the Special Forces who died in Basilan.
President Noynoy grows up
President Noynoy Aquino was'nt able to hide his dismay over the brutal killing of fifteen soldiers in Basilan. He was so angry, Noynoy wanted to vent his anger by having just one round in a shooting range. He's desirous to use his Gold Cup and pump some bullets into the paper targets. But, there will be no shooting practices today.
This is state business. Fifteen soldiers, the best of the Special Forces group, were brutally mowed down. Some were mutilated, others bore close encounter wounds. What was not reported or played in the media was the fact that most of the troops were caught by the rebels. Six or eight of them were arrested. Instead of freeing them, the rebels had a field day chopping off their heads. It was like a repeat of the 2007 incident where Marines got the bitter end of the rebels' anger. It was a butchery, the scene like those chain saw massacre movies.
Official AFP reports say the troops were overwhelmed by the sheer number of rebels, that even women took part in the killing of the soldiers. More than 200 fighting a measly group of about 20 or so. It was an unequal fight but in war or even in battles, you can't tell the enemy to fight in an even kneel. You can't tell the MILF or the ASG to just deploy an equal number of people like what you have, that's too much video wargaming.
Noynoy stood before his advisers, knowing full well that every word he says today could change the fate of this nation. A knee jerk reaction, like a declaration of war, could mean going down the road of no return. A lame statement, like what one of his advisers did, Atty. Leonen, that this is just an isolated case, could further enflame emotions on the ground. Choosing the right words is crucial. He must say the right things; otherwise, the risks of playing in the hands of the enemy is too much even for a bachelor to handle.
" NO war, just pursue the perpetuators of this dastardly crime and put them in the bar of justice, " says the President, shocking and disappointing to the ears of war materiel suppliers and contractors of war, but music to the peace lovers, like Presidential adviser on the Peace process Teresita Deles.
Deles should feel utterly responsible for this especially deploying a veritable amateur, Atty Leonen, as the government's chief negotiator with the Moro rebels. Atty. Leonen is a very popular lawyer, a star in his profession. Yet, he has no business dealing with rebels. Moro rebels see him as a lackey, a man yet not a man, and a gullible negotiator.
What his men lacks, the President compensates. That shows you firm leadership.
Even if he plays video games, so what? When it comes to affairs of the state, Noynoy is not acting like a spoiled Atenean. Ninoy is probably smiling in heaven right now.
This is state business. Fifteen soldiers, the best of the Special Forces group, were brutally mowed down. Some were mutilated, others bore close encounter wounds. What was not reported or played in the media was the fact that most of the troops were caught by the rebels. Six or eight of them were arrested. Instead of freeing them, the rebels had a field day chopping off their heads. It was like a repeat of the 2007 incident where Marines got the bitter end of the rebels' anger. It was a butchery, the scene like those chain saw massacre movies.
Official AFP reports say the troops were overwhelmed by the sheer number of rebels, that even women took part in the killing of the soldiers. More than 200 fighting a measly group of about 20 or so. It was an unequal fight but in war or even in battles, you can't tell the enemy to fight in an even kneel. You can't tell the MILF or the ASG to just deploy an equal number of people like what you have, that's too much video wargaming.
Noynoy stood before his advisers, knowing full well that every word he says today could change the fate of this nation. A knee jerk reaction, like a declaration of war, could mean going down the road of no return. A lame statement, like what one of his advisers did, Atty. Leonen, that this is just an isolated case, could further enflame emotions on the ground. Choosing the right words is crucial. He must say the right things; otherwise, the risks of playing in the hands of the enemy is too much even for a bachelor to handle.
" NO war, just pursue the perpetuators of this dastardly crime and put them in the bar of justice, " says the President, shocking and disappointing to the ears of war materiel suppliers and contractors of war, but music to the peace lovers, like Presidential adviser on the Peace process Teresita Deles.
Deles should feel utterly responsible for this especially deploying a veritable amateur, Atty Leonen, as the government's chief negotiator with the Moro rebels. Atty. Leonen is a very popular lawyer, a star in his profession. Yet, he has no business dealing with rebels. Moro rebels see him as a lackey, a man yet not a man, and a gullible negotiator.
What his men lacks, the President compensates. That shows you firm leadership.
Even if he plays video games, so what? When it comes to affairs of the state, Noynoy is not acting like a spoiled Atenean. Ninoy is probably smiling in heaven right now.
Failure in intelligence seen in Basilan massacre
Demoralization has indeed set in among the ranks, and quite understandably so. Several sources revealed that most soldiers are dismayed with the decision of the political leadership. However, some junior officers whom I was able to share lunch with, have a different perspective: they agree with the decision of the President not to declare war. For one, it is foolhardy for the AFP to attack now since the enemy expects such a retaliatory move and two, war would inevitably worsen the situation.
Come to think of it, this is the second time that soldiers were massacred in that area. It is not that there was a lapse in communicating their presence with MILF and warlords in that place--it is utter stupidity for someone to order an amphibious attack against a well-prepared enemy. The AFP should have known better since several years ago, a group of Marines were killed and beheaded by the enemy in that same place.
That supposed dawn operation should not have taken place. It was the responsibility of the ground commander to assess the situation first on the ground, before any order of attack. Why would you order such a mission, knowing fully well that you're entering an enemy territory. It is always presumed that an enemy territory has more firepower and enjoys a tactical advantage. Why would you order a group of specialists to go there in the area in surreptitious mode, knowing that such an action would merit a disastrous retaliation?
These groups in Basilan are territorial. They are always on the lookout for strangers or what they term as mushrikuns in their area. It is already common knowledge that outsiders are killed or executed not just in Basilan but also in Tawi-Tawi and Sulu. When I covered Sulu a decade ago, Tagalog-speaking soldiers and policemen are mowed down even by the common people when they enter markets to buy food.
Good intelligence is the best means of avoiding such disasters. And of course, common sense.
Come to think of it, this is the second time that soldiers were massacred in that area. It is not that there was a lapse in communicating their presence with MILF and warlords in that place--it is utter stupidity for someone to order an amphibious attack against a well-prepared enemy. The AFP should have known better since several years ago, a group of Marines were killed and beheaded by the enemy in that same place.
That supposed dawn operation should not have taken place. It was the responsibility of the ground commander to assess the situation first on the ground, before any order of attack. Why would you order such a mission, knowing fully well that you're entering an enemy territory. It is always presumed that an enemy territory has more firepower and enjoys a tactical advantage. Why would you order a group of specialists to go there in the area in surreptitious mode, knowing that such an action would merit a disastrous retaliation?
These groups in Basilan are territorial. They are always on the lookout for strangers or what they term as mushrikuns in their area. It is already common knowledge that outsiders are killed or executed not just in Basilan but also in Tawi-Tawi and Sulu. When I covered Sulu a decade ago, Tagalog-speaking soldiers and policemen are mowed down even by the common people when they enter markets to buy food.
Good intelligence is the best means of avoiding such disasters. And of course, common sense.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Declaring war without thinking---stupid idiots
Is there a plan to overthrow the Aquino administration by using Mindanao as a staging ground for more violence? It seems like it.
Who are these forces maneuvering to oust this government? Are these forces linked with the former dispensation? Are these forces linked with Big Business names now dragged into alleged misfeasances committed during the past regime?
Several sources want the Aquino administration to engage the enemy by declaring war. War only benefits the rich, particularly those involved in selling arms and ammunition. It is the people who bear the brunt of human cruelty during wars.
When violence is met by violence, it sparks an endless cycle of hatred, despair, and human isolation. Humans forget their humanity during wars and commit endless violations of rights that last even after the war.
Obviously, those who call for war are just sitting in their armchairs, thinking of the benefits of war to themselves and not really mindful of what would happen to freedom-loving citizens, Bangsamoros and non-Bangsamoros in those areas. Think about the children who will lose their fathers and their mothers in a war of attrition. Think about the destruction of properties and of nature if war is declared.
Obviously, those who want to replace this government, want this government to engage more closely in a war where no one really wins. If the Aquino administration harkens to these hawks, a war would divert its attention from the greater task at hand---hauling grafters and big-time thieves to jail and correcting the structural errors of the bureaucracy.
Don't tell me that those who support a war there are probably supporters of Big Business and BIg-time grafters and smugglers whose lives are being constantly threatened by the successful anti-graft and corruption fight of this administration?
Don't tell me that those who want Noynoy to commit the error made by Erap before, want him replaced by Binay?
What happens if, say, this administration decides to deploy more troops in Basilan, a place where most people are armed to the teeth? More misery, more deaths and more destruction will take place.
These people who call for war are making these suggestions from the hip. They are not thinking straight.
A further deployment of troops there will escalate the tension and transform the place into a regional battlefield of causes and ideologies---a very dangerous proposition. Basilan does not have an overlord such as Maguindanao and any other place in Mindanao. There is no strong hegemon there, only petty rulers and overlords who are very territorial and command small armies. When you deploy outsiders there, they will be killed.
A war will affect the national economy, especially the stock and money markets. This will further weaken the state and will affect economic growth.
In a time where the country has been wrecked by natural disasters in the North and interacine conflict in the South, a war is such a foolish thing to do.
Who are these forces maneuvering to oust this government? Are these forces linked with the former dispensation? Are these forces linked with Big Business names now dragged into alleged misfeasances committed during the past regime?
Several sources want the Aquino administration to engage the enemy by declaring war. War only benefits the rich, particularly those involved in selling arms and ammunition. It is the people who bear the brunt of human cruelty during wars.
When violence is met by violence, it sparks an endless cycle of hatred, despair, and human isolation. Humans forget their humanity during wars and commit endless violations of rights that last even after the war.
Obviously, those who call for war are just sitting in their armchairs, thinking of the benefits of war to themselves and not really mindful of what would happen to freedom-loving citizens, Bangsamoros and non-Bangsamoros in those areas. Think about the children who will lose their fathers and their mothers in a war of attrition. Think about the destruction of properties and of nature if war is declared.
Obviously, those who want to replace this government, want this government to engage more closely in a war where no one really wins. If the Aquino administration harkens to these hawks, a war would divert its attention from the greater task at hand---hauling grafters and big-time thieves to jail and correcting the structural errors of the bureaucracy.
Don't tell me that those who support a war there are probably supporters of Big Business and BIg-time grafters and smugglers whose lives are being constantly threatened by the successful anti-graft and corruption fight of this administration?
Don't tell me that those who want Noynoy to commit the error made by Erap before, want him replaced by Binay?
What happens if, say, this administration decides to deploy more troops in Basilan, a place where most people are armed to the teeth? More misery, more deaths and more destruction will take place.
These people who call for war are making these suggestions from the hip. They are not thinking straight.
A further deployment of troops there will escalate the tension and transform the place into a regional battlefield of causes and ideologies---a very dangerous proposition. Basilan does not have an overlord such as Maguindanao and any other place in Mindanao. There is no strong hegemon there, only petty rulers and overlords who are very territorial and command small armies. When you deploy outsiders there, they will be killed.
A war will affect the national economy, especially the stock and money markets. This will further weaken the state and will affect economic growth.
In a time where the country has been wrecked by natural disasters in the North and interacine conflict in the South, a war is such a foolish thing to do.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Ping and Pong call for war in Mindanao--stupid
The "Ping and Pong" tandem at the House is surely one of the most comical groups there is in Philippine politics right now.
Senator Panfilo Ping Lacson wants the Aquino administration to wage war against the MILF by suspending the talks and engaging elements involved in the killing of the 19 soldiers in Basilan. Ping even told Aquino to do "an Erap", by mobilizing all armed troops and attack the biggest armed forces apart from the AFP.
His counterpart at the House, former AFP chief of staff and senator Pong Biazon concurs, saying that it is time to wage war against the insurgents.
How stupid these Ping Pong characters in the House are. I am not surprised why we are in a rut.
I think Noynoy is not the suicidal type. He's not the type of leader who will head towards unchartered waters without thinking of the lasting consequences of such acts.
When Erap's minions occupied MILF camps, he did so within a few weeks. Unknown to him, the MILF purposely left their camps to shift tactics--from regular army formations to guerilla. Had the war lasted, it could have been disastrous for the Philippine government because of the expected casualties such a mindless enterprise would have entailed.
Besides, what happened to Erap shortly afterwards? Erap was ousted. He spent a fraction of the treasury to fund his war machine, which affected the economy. The economy fell, and many people blamed Erap for the direct effects of war---untold death, misery, and poverty.
Erap's political capital was also spent, to a point where most of his supporters shifted allegiance because of the amount of flak he got from the people. He eventually got isolated. When his isolation was complete, Erap got a taste of what no other Philippine Leader experienced in their careers---a humiliating exit.
A war against Muslim insurgents would amount to nothing. Fact is, it would further enflame the region with calls of separatism.
A further escalation of conflict would realize the dream of pan-Asiatic Islamic terrorists---transform Mindanao into a regional battlefield, like what the US did to Afghanistan and Iraq.
A war will worsen the state of affairs of the Philippines. With an underperforming economy, a breakout of war would deeply affect the economy.
Likewise, it would also break the focus of this government. The Aquino administration is concentrating on the anti-graft and corruption fight. Don't tell me Mr. Senator and Mr. Congressman that you want nothing more than divert the attention or path of this government?
A war would surely divert the attention of this administration. Instead of firming up cases against grafters, most certainly, against the Arroyos, what would happen in case war breaks out, is that all resources of government would be mobilize to strike the enemy. It would also create chaos within the Aquino organisation in such a very high level that it would not be able to concentrate on more pressing and more major issues of repairing the problems caused by the 9-year old rule of the Arroyos.
The time is not ripe for war. The Aquino administration is in the right path. It is transfiguring the bureaucracy. It is concentrating on correcting the monumental errors within the superstructure. It is repairing even the political system.
A war would just create more problems and would just divert the attention of this government. Instead of fighting drug lords, smugglers, jueteng lords, and big-time economic saboteurs, the Aquino administration will be constrained to spend public money fighting an enemy whose mission is to prolong the conflict so that they achieve what their ancestors longed for--a truly independent Bangsamoro republic.
Senator Panfilo Ping Lacson wants the Aquino administration to wage war against the MILF by suspending the talks and engaging elements involved in the killing of the 19 soldiers in Basilan. Ping even told Aquino to do "an Erap", by mobilizing all armed troops and attack the biggest armed forces apart from the AFP.
His counterpart at the House, former AFP chief of staff and senator Pong Biazon concurs, saying that it is time to wage war against the insurgents.
How stupid these Ping Pong characters in the House are. I am not surprised why we are in a rut.
I think Noynoy is not the suicidal type. He's not the type of leader who will head towards unchartered waters without thinking of the lasting consequences of such acts.
When Erap's minions occupied MILF camps, he did so within a few weeks. Unknown to him, the MILF purposely left their camps to shift tactics--from regular army formations to guerilla. Had the war lasted, it could have been disastrous for the Philippine government because of the expected casualties such a mindless enterprise would have entailed.
Besides, what happened to Erap shortly afterwards? Erap was ousted. He spent a fraction of the treasury to fund his war machine, which affected the economy. The economy fell, and many people blamed Erap for the direct effects of war---untold death, misery, and poverty.
Erap's political capital was also spent, to a point where most of his supporters shifted allegiance because of the amount of flak he got from the people. He eventually got isolated. When his isolation was complete, Erap got a taste of what no other Philippine Leader experienced in their careers---a humiliating exit.
A war against Muslim insurgents would amount to nothing. Fact is, it would further enflame the region with calls of separatism.
A further escalation of conflict would realize the dream of pan-Asiatic Islamic terrorists---transform Mindanao into a regional battlefield, like what the US did to Afghanistan and Iraq.
A war will worsen the state of affairs of the Philippines. With an underperforming economy, a breakout of war would deeply affect the economy.
Likewise, it would also break the focus of this government. The Aquino administration is concentrating on the anti-graft and corruption fight. Don't tell me Mr. Senator and Mr. Congressman that you want nothing more than divert the attention or path of this government?
A war would surely divert the attention of this administration. Instead of firming up cases against grafters, most certainly, against the Arroyos, what would happen in case war breaks out, is that all resources of government would be mobilize to strike the enemy. It would also create chaos within the Aquino organisation in such a very high level that it would not be able to concentrate on more pressing and more major issues of repairing the problems caused by the 9-year old rule of the Arroyos.
The time is not ripe for war. The Aquino administration is in the right path. It is transfiguring the bureaucracy. It is concentrating on correcting the monumental errors within the superstructure. It is repairing even the political system.
A war would just create more problems and would just divert the attention of this government. Instead of fighting drug lords, smugglers, jueteng lords, and big-time economic saboteurs, the Aquino administration will be constrained to spend public money fighting an enemy whose mission is to prolong the conflict so that they achieve what their ancestors longed for--a truly independent Bangsamoro republic.
Moammar Gaddafi killed---what now Libya?
Moammar Gaddafi, once the strongman who defied the West, lay half-naked in the pavement, dead due to bullet wounds in the body. It is still uncertain how the 59 year old "King of Kings" of the African nations met his death. Fighters say he was in a convoy which fled a hideout in Sirte. The convoy was fired upon by French warplanes, demolishing 50 of the vehicles and killing scores of Gaddafi's supporters.
Gaddafi survived the onslaught and with his bodyguards, they tried to hide in one of the culverts in the area. A report says that one of his bodyguards shot him in the body. Another says, he was discovered by fighters shortly after one of his guards called for help.
Fighters accounts say that Gaddafi hid in the culvert, and when all of his bodyguards were killed, he emerged with a golden gun and a Kalasnikov. Fighters spotted him and shot him in the legs and shoulder. Shortly after that, Gaddafi breathed his last.
Al Jazeera and several pictures however, showed a group of fighters approaching a fatally wounded Gaddafi. Gaddafi was hauled in a jeep and when the jeep crossed an area where fighters and pro-Gaddafi forces were engaged, the strongman was hit with a bullet in the head. He died instantaneously.
Footages also showed Gaddafi's half-naked body being dragged by jubilant fighters. Several of his personal belongings were stripped of him, taken as souvenirs. One of the younger fighters got his golden gun and kept it for his own.
Gaddafi who ruled Libya after launching a coup against the monarchy, met a violent death at the hands of a people whom he ruled and dominated for over forty years. Scenes of his battered body being dragged by fighters show the level of lawlessness that has pervaded since alleged pro-democracy forces rallied against his rule six months ago. When Gaddafi tried to contain the rebels, that sparked a brutal fight which now, hopefully, ended with the death of the Strongman.
The question is---where will Libya be, post-Gaddafi? Surely, this interim government would veer towards the West, since NATO and US forces provided critical armed support to the rebels in their fight against Gaddafi.
What happens now with Africa? Who will stand up against those who oppress these impoverished nations? Who will now criticize the West for its aggressive policy in the MIddle East?
Likewise, Libya is now a heavily militarized country. Thousands of high powered weapons were distributed among the populace. One problem Post-Gaddafi is the peace and order situation. The new government would find it extremely hard to purge Libya of these weapons.
Since this government came about from violence, with a highly militarized Libya, it would not surprise me if, months from now, this government would also meet its end. There will be an endless cycle of violence because the State itself perpetuated violence. The only question now is, what would happen to the oil industry? Who now controls Libyan oil? Who benefits from all these confusion and the state of lawlessness? Big business.
Gaddafi survived the onslaught and with his bodyguards, they tried to hide in one of the culverts in the area. A report says that one of his bodyguards shot him in the body. Another says, he was discovered by fighters shortly after one of his guards called for help.
Fighters accounts say that Gaddafi hid in the culvert, and when all of his bodyguards were killed, he emerged with a golden gun and a Kalasnikov. Fighters spotted him and shot him in the legs and shoulder. Shortly after that, Gaddafi breathed his last.
Al Jazeera and several pictures however, showed a group of fighters approaching a fatally wounded Gaddafi. Gaddafi was hauled in a jeep and when the jeep crossed an area where fighters and pro-Gaddafi forces were engaged, the strongman was hit with a bullet in the head. He died instantaneously.
Footages also showed Gaddafi's half-naked body being dragged by jubilant fighters. Several of his personal belongings were stripped of him, taken as souvenirs. One of the younger fighters got his golden gun and kept it for his own.
Gaddafi who ruled Libya after launching a coup against the monarchy, met a violent death at the hands of a people whom he ruled and dominated for over forty years. Scenes of his battered body being dragged by fighters show the level of lawlessness that has pervaded since alleged pro-democracy forces rallied against his rule six months ago. When Gaddafi tried to contain the rebels, that sparked a brutal fight which now, hopefully, ended with the death of the Strongman.
The question is---where will Libya be, post-Gaddafi? Surely, this interim government would veer towards the West, since NATO and US forces provided critical armed support to the rebels in their fight against Gaddafi.
What happens now with Africa? Who will stand up against those who oppress these impoverished nations? Who will now criticize the West for its aggressive policy in the MIddle East?
Likewise, Libya is now a heavily militarized country. Thousands of high powered weapons were distributed among the populace. One problem Post-Gaddafi is the peace and order situation. The new government would find it extremely hard to purge Libya of these weapons.
Since this government came about from violence, with a highly militarized Libya, it would not surprise me if, months from now, this government would also meet its end. There will be an endless cycle of violence because the State itself perpetuated violence. The only question now is, what would happen to the oil industry? Who now controls Libyan oil? Who benefits from all these confusion and the state of lawlessness? Big business.
War to break out in Basilan ahead of Hataman appointment as ARMM OIC Governor
Two points on the ambush slaying of 19 soldiers in Al-Barka in Basilan. First, the attack proves that the Central leadership of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has failed in managing its forces in that area. This is a clear example of what would happen if the MILF and the GRP conclude a peace deal. Chances are, some or even most of the ground troops would not honor such a commitment.
Second point, it is most believable that this is an attack prompted by the military. Most of those who went in that killing zone, were special forces amphibian troops. Meaning, they had a deployment mission. This could have been communicated with the MILF commander in that area. The military should have been smarter now than before. Four years ago, a similar attack happened.
Anyway, what is certain is that Basilan, and the rest of the island groups of Tawi-Tawi and Jolo are becoming more and more dangerous, because people have now armed themselves. Warlords, crime groups, and rebels have taken refuge in that area. There is no chance for government to exert itself in an area such as Basilan and the rest of the island groups.
Imagine the prospect of appointing someone who has a death warrant from groups in Basilan and Jolo at the helm of the ARMM. That would enrage warlord groups there, and that would also justify further militation and militarization of the area. Don't tell me that ARMM troops would attack Basilan to pacify these incalcitrant elements?
An attack against rebels and extreme elements in Basilan led by someone who has a well publicized feud with the major armed group in the area would just be interpreted as a political rather than a peace and order solution.
For example, we all know that Mujiv Hataman has a long-standing feud with the Akbar warlord clan in Basilan. The center of attention right now is that province where Mujiv once served as Congressman.
If a war would erupt in the area, Hataman has no choice but to deploy troops in Basilan. Even if the reason is laudable, meaning, deployment is made to quelch militants, this would just be misinterpreted as a purely political move meant to give power to Hataman to neutralize his political enemies.
This early, peoples from Basilan and Tawi-Tawi are quite anxious of the prospect of Hataman becoming ARMM OIC governor. Many see this as an attempt by government to create its own warlord in the area. There is relative peace there because Hataman has been stripped of his power. Appointing him as Governor is sure to be interpreted as giving Hataman another stab at power.
With power, Hataman's moves would only be interpreted by his enemies as giving him an opportunity at consolidating his power for another chance at dominating politics in Basilan.
Hataman's appointment would further worsen the peace and order situation at the ARMM. If the area becomes extremely violent, how then can government realise what DILG secretary Jesse Robredo vows to do--that is, implement serious reforms in Mindanao? There will only be an endless stream of violence.
Second point, it is most believable that this is an attack prompted by the military. Most of those who went in that killing zone, were special forces amphibian troops. Meaning, they had a deployment mission. This could have been communicated with the MILF commander in that area. The military should have been smarter now than before. Four years ago, a similar attack happened.
Anyway, what is certain is that Basilan, and the rest of the island groups of Tawi-Tawi and Jolo are becoming more and more dangerous, because people have now armed themselves. Warlords, crime groups, and rebels have taken refuge in that area. There is no chance for government to exert itself in an area such as Basilan and the rest of the island groups.
Imagine the prospect of appointing someone who has a death warrant from groups in Basilan and Jolo at the helm of the ARMM. That would enrage warlord groups there, and that would also justify further militation and militarization of the area. Don't tell me that ARMM troops would attack Basilan to pacify these incalcitrant elements?
An attack against rebels and extreme elements in Basilan led by someone who has a well publicized feud with the major armed group in the area would just be interpreted as a political rather than a peace and order solution.
For example, we all know that Mujiv Hataman has a long-standing feud with the Akbar warlord clan in Basilan. The center of attention right now is that province where Mujiv once served as Congressman.
If a war would erupt in the area, Hataman has no choice but to deploy troops in Basilan. Even if the reason is laudable, meaning, deployment is made to quelch militants, this would just be misinterpreted as a purely political move meant to give power to Hataman to neutralize his political enemies.
This early, peoples from Basilan and Tawi-Tawi are quite anxious of the prospect of Hataman becoming ARMM OIC governor. Many see this as an attempt by government to create its own warlord in the area. There is relative peace there because Hataman has been stripped of his power. Appointing him as Governor is sure to be interpreted as giving Hataman another stab at power.
With power, Hataman's moves would only be interpreted by his enemies as giving him an opportunity at consolidating his power for another chance at dominating politics in Basilan.
Hataman's appointment would further worsen the peace and order situation at the ARMM. If the area becomes extremely violent, how then can government realise what DILG secretary Jesse Robredo vows to do--that is, implement serious reforms in Mindanao? There will only be an endless stream of violence.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Mindanao conflict claims 19 soldier's lives
Condemnable. Stupid. Humiliation. Crap.
Scores of soldiers went on a suicide mission, attacking an outpost of the MILF. There are conflicting reports on what really happened. Some say, the soldiers were fired first. Others say, it was the soldiers that first fired their weapons.
The result: nineteen soldiers killed, many others wounded.
The AFP says the MILF violated the peace agreement. The MILF responded by saying that it was the AFP which first moved against their forces. Whoever did what, it is clear that someone should be held responsible for this killing.
Mindanao is a tinderbox ready for the burning. And pro-war hawks dance like crazy Baccalian girls, believing that the scent of war is in the offing.
Basilan's peace and order situation is worsening, due to the continued perpetuation of warlordism and the absence of government. There is no solution in sight because, until now, this government refuses to provide a concrete and long-lasting solution to the Bangsamoro Question.
There will forever be clashes between Filipinos in those areas. Foreign funds will forever pour into that violent region due to the continued struggle of the Bangsamoro for recognition of their lands.
The solution lies in the revival of the autonomous region concept. If government really intend to solve this problem, the solution is simple: prove to the Bangsamoro people that autonomy works and that it intends to solve their problem thru honest governance and not politics.
The very prospect of Mujiv Hataman's appointment as OIC Governor proves once more that politics, and not lasting peace, is the true motivation of government in asking for the postponement of the ARMM elections. By appointing a political ally, how then, can government claim that they seek true reforms when they know that Hataman is now perceived as a very dangerous enemy of the Akbar warrior clan in his very own province, Basilan.
How then can the ARMM be successful in its mission of development? Surely, the peoples of Basilan will militate against Hataman because first, he stands accused of masterminding the death of former Congressman Wahab Akbar and second, his stature has been diminished in the eyes of the MILF, the main militant and rebel group in the area.
Surely, by appointing Hataman, government intends to secure the ARMM as a solid LP or Liberal Party territory, something which every administration did. Everyone knows that ARMM is a big game changer in every election, despite its relative poverty.
President Aquino should sacrifice politics over peace, something very hard to do for someone who refuses to listen to the people and only listen to his close advisers who have their own political and economic interests in mind.
If Aquino wants to leave a legacy, solve the Bangsamoro Question. There is still ample time to do it.
Appoint someone who knows the problems and is known throughout the ARMM as a pious Muslim and a respectable person? Look at the list and you'll find out that most are politicians. There is only one there that looks promising---Atty. Eid Kabalu. Kabalu deserves the post because his heart is in the right place.
Scores of soldiers went on a suicide mission, attacking an outpost of the MILF. There are conflicting reports on what really happened. Some say, the soldiers were fired first. Others say, it was the soldiers that first fired their weapons.
The result: nineteen soldiers killed, many others wounded.
The AFP says the MILF violated the peace agreement. The MILF responded by saying that it was the AFP which first moved against their forces. Whoever did what, it is clear that someone should be held responsible for this killing.
Mindanao is a tinderbox ready for the burning. And pro-war hawks dance like crazy Baccalian girls, believing that the scent of war is in the offing.
Basilan's peace and order situation is worsening, due to the continued perpetuation of warlordism and the absence of government. There is no solution in sight because, until now, this government refuses to provide a concrete and long-lasting solution to the Bangsamoro Question.
There will forever be clashes between Filipinos in those areas. Foreign funds will forever pour into that violent region due to the continued struggle of the Bangsamoro for recognition of their lands.
The solution lies in the revival of the autonomous region concept. If government really intend to solve this problem, the solution is simple: prove to the Bangsamoro people that autonomy works and that it intends to solve their problem thru honest governance and not politics.
The very prospect of Mujiv Hataman's appointment as OIC Governor proves once more that politics, and not lasting peace, is the true motivation of government in asking for the postponement of the ARMM elections. By appointing a political ally, how then, can government claim that they seek true reforms when they know that Hataman is now perceived as a very dangerous enemy of the Akbar warrior clan in his very own province, Basilan.
How then can the ARMM be successful in its mission of development? Surely, the peoples of Basilan will militate against Hataman because first, he stands accused of masterminding the death of former Congressman Wahab Akbar and second, his stature has been diminished in the eyes of the MILF, the main militant and rebel group in the area.
Surely, by appointing Hataman, government intends to secure the ARMM as a solid LP or Liberal Party territory, something which every administration did. Everyone knows that ARMM is a big game changer in every election, despite its relative poverty.
President Aquino should sacrifice politics over peace, something very hard to do for someone who refuses to listen to the people and only listen to his close advisers who have their own political and economic interests in mind.
If Aquino wants to leave a legacy, solve the Bangsamoro Question. There is still ample time to do it.
Appoint someone who knows the problems and is known throughout the ARMM as a pious Muslim and a respectable person? Look at the list and you'll find out that most are politicians. There is only one there that looks promising---Atty. Eid Kabalu. Kabalu deserves the post because his heart is in the right place.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo stands frail yet ready to face the verdict of History
She sits in her chair, almost catatonic, a friend of hers related. She lost several pounds. She's frail, and rarely speaks, unusual for someone whom Times Magazine once referred as one of the most powerful women of the world.
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo rarely eats nowadays, says her doctors. She reportedly lost her appetite after her third surgery. Someone close to her said that she should not have allowed doctors to operate on her because surgery is really not required as a solution to her back pains.
Doctors know best, and knowing Gloria, she always follow what an expert tells her. That's part of her leadership style. She listens and dispenses decisions based on expert advise.
I once shared supper with her in 2002, two years before that historic elections where she now stands accused of rigging. I, along with several other people's organisations, presented a twelve point agenda for change. I represented the Youth and after I spoke, she asked me if I was a graduate of the University of the Philippines which I answered yes.
After that dinner, she spoke with me and alongside several others, including former Congressman Pichay and former security and defense chief Bert Gonzales. She promised to implement several of what we proposed to her. To her credit, she did order several government agencies to implement some, not all, of our recommendations.
A year later, I saw myself militating in the streets and publishing the first labor newspaper calling for her ouster. I did it along with Sonny Melencio. We were the very first ones who called for her ouster from power, two or three years before anyone did.
History now prove that we were right. Shortly after the 2004 elections, several of her strongest allies resigned and militated against her.
I was one of the last ones to sign the last impeachment complaint against her, with Edwin Lacierda. That impeachment complaint was historic because it involved members of the growing online community.
Before the 2010 elections, there were rumors that Gloria wanted to announce martial rule. It was averted.
Gloria, for nine long years, dominated the political scene. She, along with her husband and sons, flaunted extreme power. They are game changers yes, but in a most difficient and most venal way.
Gloria used her power for her own advancement. It was nine long years of darkness. Next month, President Aquino promised to file several charges against her and her family. Will justice be served this time around?
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sits in her hospital chair, ready to face the verdict of History. She's weaker, and thinner than usual. She rarely speaks. For someone whom even the most vile gentlemen of this country consider as the strongest woman alive, seeing her unable to speak is still, unbelievable.
Like what a cab driver told me, God is All-Knowing. Look, most of our politicians, those who betrayed the people's cause, died either violently or thru a lethal disease. Those senators who died, they died due to cancer. Those who served government but betrayed the purse of the people, died either by a lingering illness or violent means. That is God speaking.
Will Gloria finally speak with her God?
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo rarely eats nowadays, says her doctors. She reportedly lost her appetite after her third surgery. Someone close to her said that she should not have allowed doctors to operate on her because surgery is really not required as a solution to her back pains.
Doctors know best, and knowing Gloria, she always follow what an expert tells her. That's part of her leadership style. She listens and dispenses decisions based on expert advise.
I once shared supper with her in 2002, two years before that historic elections where she now stands accused of rigging. I, along with several other people's organisations, presented a twelve point agenda for change. I represented the Youth and after I spoke, she asked me if I was a graduate of the University of the Philippines which I answered yes.
After that dinner, she spoke with me and alongside several others, including former Congressman Pichay and former security and defense chief Bert Gonzales. She promised to implement several of what we proposed to her. To her credit, she did order several government agencies to implement some, not all, of our recommendations.
A year later, I saw myself militating in the streets and publishing the first labor newspaper calling for her ouster. I did it along with Sonny Melencio. We were the very first ones who called for her ouster from power, two or three years before anyone did.
History now prove that we were right. Shortly after the 2004 elections, several of her strongest allies resigned and militated against her.
I was one of the last ones to sign the last impeachment complaint against her, with Edwin Lacierda. That impeachment complaint was historic because it involved members of the growing online community.
Before the 2010 elections, there were rumors that Gloria wanted to announce martial rule. It was averted.
Gloria, for nine long years, dominated the political scene. She, along with her husband and sons, flaunted extreme power. They are game changers yes, but in a most difficient and most venal way.
Gloria used her power for her own advancement. It was nine long years of darkness. Next month, President Aquino promised to file several charges against her and her family. Will justice be served this time around?
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sits in her hospital chair, ready to face the verdict of History. She's weaker, and thinner than usual. She rarely speaks. For someone whom even the most vile gentlemen of this country consider as the strongest woman alive, seeing her unable to speak is still, unbelievable.
Like what a cab driver told me, God is All-Knowing. Look, most of our politicians, those who betrayed the people's cause, died either violently or thru a lethal disease. Those senators who died, they died due to cancer. Those who served government but betrayed the purse of the people, died either by a lingering illness or violent means. That is God speaking.
Will Gloria finally speak with her God?
President Aquino should appoint a non-Politician as ARMM OIC Governor
In the field of diplomacy, body language is the most important thing. If you know how to read another's body language, you'll be able to act accordingly.
Why do I say that body language is important? Well...
Malacanang, thru Secretary Jesse Robredo says that much needed reforms would now be implemented in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao or ARMM once President Benigno Aquino exercises his appointing power and designate Officers-in-Charge before October ends.
The Supreme Court just voted 8-7 agreeing with the Executive that the President and Congress have the powers to postpone the ARMM elections and designate OICs to manage the ARMM for two years.
Robredo says the government intends to implement serious reforms at the ARMM to be able to prove to the world that autonomy is still the best solution to solve the Bangsamoro Question.
Right now, government and even peace advocates offer no alternative solution to calls for independence. A group of pro-independence advocates already formed their own group, the Bangsamoro Freedom Fighters Movement (BFFM). This formation throws back years worth of negotiations between government and the MILF, once the biggest and the most formidable foe of government in achieving lasting peace in the region.
Now, government has finally been given the power to prove that ARMM still works. The question is---how serious really is government in this?
Look at the list of possible appointees for the posts of OIC Governor and Vice Governors and you'll notice that majority of these candidates are or were involved in one way or another in traditional polities.
Mujiv Hataman, a good friend of mine, was once elected Congressman of Basilan. He is a strong ally of the President. However, he has a long standing feud with the ruling Akbar clan. Sources say he is the strongest candidate for governor.
If Hataman is elected governor, it just proves that government is not really interested in reforms, it is just interested in securing the entire region for the eventual victory of the ruling political administration party come 2013. Hataman is a strong ally of the Liberals and of President Noynoy Aquino.
Think---why would you appoint Hataman when he has a standing warrant of arrest for alleging masterminding the killing of Congressman Akbar? Surely, the Akbars would militate once Hataman assumes power, even bigger than what he has before.
Government should appoint a non-politician, and reading the names in the list, I dare say that only former MILF spokesperson Eid Kabalu, deserves to be the OIC Governor.
First, he does not have any pending or standing criminal case against him, and second, he is a non-politician. If government really wants reforms in the ARMM, Kabalu is the best candidate for the post.
Why do I say that body language is important? Well...
Malacanang, thru Secretary Jesse Robredo says that much needed reforms would now be implemented in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao or ARMM once President Benigno Aquino exercises his appointing power and designate Officers-in-Charge before October ends.
The Supreme Court just voted 8-7 agreeing with the Executive that the President and Congress have the powers to postpone the ARMM elections and designate OICs to manage the ARMM for two years.
Robredo says the government intends to implement serious reforms at the ARMM to be able to prove to the world that autonomy is still the best solution to solve the Bangsamoro Question.
Right now, government and even peace advocates offer no alternative solution to calls for independence. A group of pro-independence advocates already formed their own group, the Bangsamoro Freedom Fighters Movement (BFFM). This formation throws back years worth of negotiations between government and the MILF, once the biggest and the most formidable foe of government in achieving lasting peace in the region.
Now, government has finally been given the power to prove that ARMM still works. The question is---how serious really is government in this?
Look at the list of possible appointees for the posts of OIC Governor and Vice Governors and you'll notice that majority of these candidates are or were involved in one way or another in traditional polities.
Mujiv Hataman, a good friend of mine, was once elected Congressman of Basilan. He is a strong ally of the President. However, he has a long standing feud with the ruling Akbar clan. Sources say he is the strongest candidate for governor.
If Hataman is elected governor, it just proves that government is not really interested in reforms, it is just interested in securing the entire region for the eventual victory of the ruling political administration party come 2013. Hataman is a strong ally of the Liberals and of President Noynoy Aquino.
Think---why would you appoint Hataman when he has a standing warrant of arrest for alleging masterminding the killing of Congressman Akbar? Surely, the Akbars would militate once Hataman assumes power, even bigger than what he has before.
Government should appoint a non-politician, and reading the names in the list, I dare say that only former MILF spokesperson Eid Kabalu, deserves to be the OIC Governor.
First, he does not have any pending or standing criminal case against him, and second, he is a non-politician. If government really wants reforms in the ARMM, Kabalu is the best candidate for the post.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)