Mamasapano Clash and Why President Aquino should step down: Placing the Peace Process at its most fragile state

The Mamasapano massacre is just one of many serious maljudgements President Benigno S. Aquino III and his cabinet did for the past five years. Aquino's actions in relation to the Mamasapano massacre which left 44 SAF dead and 18 MILF fighters seriously put the entire peace process in danger. Aquino's judgments are faulty and places the State in a perilous condition. He is a danger even to himself.

1. Aquino has put the peace process at its most weakened and its most perilous state since 1992.

First, Aquino opted to listen to the advice of his friend, ARMM governor Mujiv Hataman and some of his friends over at Akbayan led by Presidential political adviser Llamas to appoint Teresita Deles, a self-proclaimed anti-poverty expert, to lead the peace process. Deles does not have a background in conflict resolution and mitigation. Deles has not even taken any course in relation to diplomacy or international relations. She professes to know the Bangsamoro problem but never really dug deep to understand it.

Meaning, Deles should not have been appointed to the post. Deles is even detested by the Reaffirmists side of the Leftist movement for her close association with the deviants, the Rejectionist block of Akbayan.

Second, Aquino opted to deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) alone, which is, again, a very bad judgment. Yes, the MILF is the biggest armed rebel group, but it does not follow that it should be the main party counterpart of the Republic. For one, the GRP has already a standing agreement with its predecessor, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). But, since the MNLF is closely identified with the efforts of the Marcoses, Aquino probably thought it best to deal with its break-away group, leaving behind years of negotiations and peace efforts made by the government with the Bangsamoro people with the MNLF.

What was the cost of this very bad judgment---scores dead, several hundred injured and billions of pesos lost when the MNLF attacked Zamboanga City. Unknown to many, Zamboanga City is still a tent city because of the devastation wrought by war between government forces and the Moro rebels. 

By getting the advice of Hataman, Aquino gave the go-signal to negotiate with the MILF. What Aquino did not know or probably knew but just shrugged it off, those he is talking with on the side of the MILF are personalities who do not enjoy the full and complete support of the MILF fighters on the ground.

The MILF strongly adheres to Islam--a religious philosophical thought system. Salamat Hashim, the former MILF chief, is not just a political animal--he was a certified scholar, even considered an Aleem by many Bangsamoro fighters. Unlike Murad, Hashim's stature was more credible to most MILF commanders and fighters. Many MILF fighters already knew that by the time Murad assumes power, he will compromise the fight for independence of the group. That explains why notable commanders such as Commander Umbra Kato of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) refused to acknowledge Murad's leadership. One of the most striking difference is Murad's compromising stance, something which Salamat Hashim refused to do when he was still alive. Hashim knew that the Bangsamoro Question would only be resolved through the establishment of an Islamic state and being pragmatic, he saw that "Imperialist Manila" would not grant such without a brutal fight.

Besides, why favour talking with the MILF when this group does not enjoy belligerency status? The true partners for peace of the government was the MNLF but because former Professor Nur Misuari was considered an "enemy of the state" (because no effort was made to involve him in the peace talks, convinced of the belief that the MNLF is already a "broken organisation", with several groups claiming legitimacy over Misuari's leadership of the Council), the government decided to deal with the MILF.

Without really studying the true condition on the ground, the government led by Aquino began negotiating with the MILF leadership, even to a point of granting them "belligerency status" with Aquino even visiting MILF chairman Al Haj Murad in Tokyo, Japan.

What Aquino did not consider is the status of Murad in the organisation, something which former US ambassador Kristie Kenney recognised or described as "problematic." As early as 2008, Kenney already know that if the government continue negotiations with Murad, there is a big possibility of an MILF split, something which happened when Kato broke and organised the BIFF.

Kenney asked the most relevant question--if negotiations do arrive at a very favourable prospect, will Murad guarantee compliance of most, if not all, MILF fighters? This is now answered by what happened in Mamasapano which it took the MILF leadership close to 10 hours just to ask for a ceasefire among their fighters.

In Mamasapano, the most relevant question to the MILF is this--during those times, who assumed leadership? Was it the MILF 105th brigade commander or the BIFF commander? This is one question which Murad failed to provide an answer. We asked why it took so long for the committee on the cessation of hostilities to intervene when the SAF command post was just 10 kilometres away from the area of battle. Answer---the order to cease fire was not fully recognised or respected by MILF fighters, much more, the BIFF.

Fact is--the Mamasapano clash is most relevant for the Bangsamoro rebels in the area because for the first time ever, the MILF and the BIFF Bangsamoro fighters stood side-by-side against government forces. Yes, reports say the MILF and the BIFF once more "fought in the arena of battle" shortly after Mamasapano, yet, no reports of casualties--why? These so-called "battles" are described as "mock battles", just to show Peace adviser Teresita Deles that Murad and his group can still command several forces in the disputed areas.

The Mamasapano clash is indicative of a serious command and control problem which was not recognised or identified early on and which no mechanism can ever cure because it is beyond anything---it is a question of legitimate authority which only the MILF can resolve.

Now, with the BBL hanging in the balance, and the MILF issuing strong statements in the form of dictation to the GRP (" No to changes in the BBL"), the possibility of a more intense war in the South looms larger and more serious than years past. 

Why? 

A failure now will effect a unity among disparate forces in the Bangsamoro, which eventually will become a major stumbling block to peace efforts. MILF and BIFF forming one group? Consider the extreme--MILF-BIFF-MNLF and even the ASG as one. 

Aquino blames peace saboteurs behind twin blasts in Mindanao

President Benigno Aquino believes that groups who oppose the peace process in Mindanao are the ones behind the twin bombings in Cagayan de Oro and North Cotabato. The Chief Executive does not believe that Jemaah Islamiyah members are behind the blasts, echoing what the Armed Forces of the Philippines already announced that JI cannot be the ones who masterminded the blasts because the terror group's movements have already been contained.

Who are those who oppose the peace process?

We have as main suspect, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters or BIFF, the splinter group from the MILF. BIFF leader Ameril Umbra Kato actively opposes the peace pact, and wants to continue the legacy of Hashim Salamat, the spiritual-political leader of the MILF who believes in armed struggle.

Another group which opposes the peace pact is a shadowy cabal of Christian groups, whose members include influential people based in Mindanao. This group consists of members of the AFP themselves, both active and retired. Dislocation of Christian communities is what they fear if the peace pact eventually leads to the Bangsamoro sub-state.

The last group is reportedly, the Moro National Liberation Front or MNLF. Nur Misuari, founder of the group, wants government to honor its commitments forged in the 1979 Tripoli agreement. Until now, the Government of the Republic of the Philippines has not satisfied its side of the deal. Misuari warns of an all-out war in Mindanao, if the GRP and the MILF insist on creating a Bangsamoro sub-state.

Some analysts believe that countries with interests in the Philippines are likewise using proxies to effect chaos and confusion in this country.

As what this corner already said several entries ago, war will not end with the peace pact. Violence will continue to affect Mindanao economic and political growth maturation precisely because the region is subject to the interests of several groups. These groups have the means to sow terror. They are determined. They have mass bases.

Don't get me wrong---the idea of a Bangsamoro sub-state is noble. The steps taken by government is worthy of praise. And they can't do anything to obliterate these roadblocks caused by groups with selfish personal interests. These groups are talking about ultimate control of a region rich in natural resources, meaning, a region blessed with riches beyond one's wits.

On the Bangsamoro Peace Deal---a complete revision of the 1987 Constitution is in order

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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!

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. 

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".

Mindanao conflict claims 19 soldier's lives

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Aquino administration facing perilous times

Malacanang's spin doctors were quick to praise President Aquino when the new Pulse Asia and Social Weather Station surveys came out. The palace praised itself for retaining a high approval and trust ratings for the President. 


Studying the results however, shows that there is nothing to rejoice about. Both survey firms say that public approval or trust in the President did not actually rise or moved these couple of months. Meaning, the President is now being closely scrutinized by a confused public whether he is performing at par or not. (see Amado Doronila's article today at the Inquirer)


The firms also admitted that their results could actually be wrong. Meaning, the public sent wrong signals to the inforeceivers of the survey firms. 


Four challenges face the President right this moment:


First, the worsening economic situation. I'll not enumerate the index anymore.
Second, a worsening peace and order situation not just in Metro Manila but also in Mindanao and possible escalation of the conflict there with the Bangsamoro rebels.
Third, escalation of hostilities between the Communists and the Armed Forces of the Philippines and lastly;
Fourth, continuing graft and corruption in the government that worries foreign and domestic investors


Fact is, this is the most dangerous part of Aquino's administration. He is overlooking so many things that this administration does not really know what is truly happening in our country. It is in a state of suspended animation. NOthing moves out there. It is like people inside the palace is waiting for something to happen.

The Real Costs of the Mindanao War

Last September 7, 2008, the Philippine Air Force reportedly bombed a village in Maguindanao, killing civilians, including a pregnant woman. The AFP and the PAF tried to deny that there was indiscriminate bombing. The official AFP statement: these civilians were caught in a crossfire.
Yeah, they were. These civilians were in the air, caught between a flying attack Bronco and MILF rebels firing in the air. Look at these photos sent by a friend. See whose telling the truth.

How about this pregnant woman? What do you think killed her?                             

Was it bullets sprayed by soldiers or those of the Bangsamoro rebels?

Or shrapnels from a bomb which the Air Force dropped there? You'll be the judge. As far as the medico-legal report says, her throat was smashed when bomb shrapnels hit her. 

What killed these kids? Are they just shrapnels or bullets? Were they caught in a crossfire as the AFP says they were? Or they were casualties in a stupid war sparked by a nincompoop of a president? 

Defense secretary Gilbert Teodoro says the AFP still needs at least 80 billion to sustain the war against the Bangsamoro rebels. I ask Mr. Teodoro---how much more bombs will you authorize to drop on these communities in Mindanao? How many more rounds of ammo will you send flying to the direction of innocent civilians? How many mortar rounds would it possibly need for you and the entire government to force these Bangsamoro rebels to their knees? And how much more money do you need to rebuild these lives lost because of this insane war?

When will you and these Bangsamoro rebels stop?

History has shown that government spent billions and billions of pesos waging this decades-old war and it's still there. One thing I learned from history school---one bullet fired by both sides, additional month of war.

Effects of a Full-Scale War In Mindanao

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Mindanao War

As what we have feared, war became the consequence of the apparent `failure' of the peace talks between the government and the MILF. Casualties are mounting.  Destruction of property are affecting the local economy and media is reporting human rights violations left and right. 

Government says they are not going back to the peace table. So, does the MILF. What we have right now is a very critical situation that might affect overall economic growth. The NEDA downgraded GDP growth to a mere 5%. Next year, we expect a lower than average growth for the Philippines, to as little as 3-4%

Both camps are trying to picture these situations as "isolated incidents", but news on the ground shows otherwise. These are low-level, coordinated attacks meant for escalation. An escalation may happen after Ramadhan, hence, we expect further MILF attacks this year and possibly by next year should government refuse to go back to the nego table.

Better go to war than dance the cha-cha

Gloria and her rapacious gang want us to dance the cha-cha. One of her rah-rah boys, former AFP Chief of Staff and now "peace" adviser Hermogenes Esperon says an amendment to the Constitution is needed to hammer out the kinks in the peace pact between the GRP and the MILF.

So, ah, many seems to think, the cat is out of the bag. So, that's it. Gloria again wants to tinker with the Constitution to make herself ruler of this tiny republic of the South China sea. Since 2001, I had a very bad feeling with this midget. She's small alright but she packs a punch. Well, I'm not surprised. Why? Big surprises come in small packages.

Well, if Gloria thinks that she can get away with this, well, she's dead wrong. Her puny mind did'nt consider that even the Bangsamoro People don't want her to use this 40-year old problem as an avenue for her dastardly and selfish plan. The Bangsamoro, though they really want their own government now, can wait. Yes, they will wait only to avoid further escalation of the problem.

Inday Santiago, the chair of the Mindanao Commission for Women thinks that it's better now to pursue the peace process, but the implementation should be undertaken by the next president. Meaning, though the Muslims in Mindanao want this war to end now, they can probably wait for another 3 years if need be.

That's how people nowadays feel about Gloria. They hate her sooo much that everybody is willing to even go to war just to prolong the peace process and prevent her from changing the charter to suit her own puny plans.

So, Gloria, I hate to say it. Though I support the development in the Mindanao peace process, I will not support your government's insidious plan to change this charter. No sirree!

You have caused us so much misery, so much hatred, so much disillusionment and so much damage to all institutions of government and even destroyed the very values of this nation that not even the prospect of a prolonged war in Mindanao can convince us to extend your evil regime.

No, Gloria, we will not dance the cha-cha.

If we do, you might step on our shoes. 

Reason why Kenney is involved in the GRP-MILF peace talks

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Implications of the North Cotabato attack

" If you have it, flaunt it."--Anne Curtis, Philippine actress

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) did exactly that today. They have arms, and lots of it, and they flaunted it by attacking barangays in North Cotabato. Former Congressman Lavina said, the MILF attacked them as early as 18 July, long before the expected signing of the MOA. So this incident, he says, is not a reaction to the botched signing last Tuesday. So, what was it?

What it is is muscle flexing. The MILF wants Filipinos to know that they are worthy of having a belligerent status. Under International law, belligerency means having the means and the power to fight an opposing force. The MILF was granted by this government a status of belligerency. That explains why the MILF was accorded equal status on the negotiating table. To sustain this status, the MILF needs to prove to the world that it has the armed capability to repulse any attack or conduct tactical maneuverings such as this one in North Cotabato. So, they flaunted it.

What the MILF does'nt realize is, they fell into a pathological trap set by this government. By allowing them to neutralize opposition, they are now being pictured as brutes or bullies. Or, more appropriately, bullies deprived of lollipops. That's their image right now.

So now, this attack puts them into a very dangerous and untenable situation. Should they push back, they'll be portrayed by the international community as having weaker or lesser force. If they can't claim what was allegedly theirs now, how can they do so when they sign the pact? Surely, the international community expects them to have enough force or firepower to neutralize those who'll threaten their new state. If they can't flaunt their powers now, they can't do so even if they have their own government.

If they indeed stay, they risk meeting a tremendous force coming from the sponsored armed civilian groups by those politicians, caciques and landowners not only of North Cotabato but even as far as Negros (as what Sen. Mar Roxas reported in the Manila Times). North Cotabato will become a war magnet, attracting anti-Muslim forces from all over the country. Surely, if that happens, that would risk a national war of such magnitude as to ultimately cripple the entire country.

This is the situation that Gloria and the peace panel obviously did not anticipate. For them, it's simple. When push comes to shove, they may need to declare Mindanao under a State of National Emergency, or worst, even suspend the writ of habeas corpus and ultimately martial rule. If that happens, that'll be too late because by that time, the conflict has reached alarming proportions that no amount of state action is enough to regain peace and order.

(as of presstime, the MILF has decided to "reposition" its forces in North Cotabato. Whatever that term means, it means capitulation. They decided to choose a better option.)

War

Philippine security services are on high alert after the Philippine Supreme Court issued a TRO on the signing of the peace agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The Philippine Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are preparing troops to protect areas covered by the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) since elections are just days away.

Meanwhile, North Cotabato vice governor Manny Pinol engaged peace adviser Hermogenes Esperon to a "word war", alleging that the former AFP Chief-of-Staff bullied him into agreeing with the government on the ancestral domain issue. Esperon denied the charge and despite calls from various sectors, that includes a call by Senator Mar Roxas for Esperon to step down, the retired general refused and said that he owns his post to Gloria, not to everybody else. Ho-hum. 

Reports say, the MILF is also readying its troops for a possible showdown with civilian armed groups (CAFGUs) financed by wealthy caciques in the affected areas. Analysts say that these two groups might create violence during the ARMM elections and that's not a far-fetched idea. Apart from this, an electoral group watchdog called Marangal na Eleksyon says that those automated counting machines might bog down during the polls. 

Rumours are circulating now that former generals have activated their so-called "golfing club" sessions in Camp Aguinaldo. This came about after a meeting was held by the AGFO, an association of generals and flag officers of the AFP. We are not privy to what was discussed but surely, our snoops say, it's all about Gloria and the situation in Mindanao.

Another rumor is that Gloria and her family already purchased a "vacation home" in Portugal. Wagging tongues say, it's for their eventual exile, should the situation gets worst. Gloria is slated to go to the Beijing Olympics, along with superstar boxer Manny Pacquiao. Will Gloria again make a sidetrack and go to Shenshen for a golf game?

While hawks are enjoying all of these, common people are engaged in a daily war against high food and fuel prices. Electricity rates are expected to go up next week. And despite lower global oil prices, most oil companies say they'll not lower their pump prices since they still need to recover so-called "losses". Well, if an oil company reported a P 7 billion profit, that, for them, is still a "loss".

Friends, we are encountering a period of instability leading to a "transformative event". Things are getting worst and history has shown us that there's a rupture when these things happen. That social rupture will be upon us very, very soon. We don't need to wait for a singular "casus belli". These events are more reason for us to prepare for an engaged fight for survival. 

As what Senator Rodolfo Biazon commented, these events have been transformed into serious "security issues". And nearly 70 percent of us Filipinos agree.

Breakdown of Peace Talks and AJ's defeat

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Erase the Abu Sayyaf from the face of the earth!

Muslims everywhere should fight the Abu Sayyaf Group

Terrorism is condemnable in all its forms— be it an armed attack against innocent civilians or economic terrorism done in the name of profits. There is simply no justification for the use of terror as a mode of struggle by revolutionary groups. Why?

Terrorism dilutes support from mass bases and alienates any revolutionary group from potential support of the powerful neutrals. Revolutions are more of processes, of a series of armed assaults against state security agencies to weaken defenses. These assaults can be undertaken by small, specialized revolutionary units (as what Lenin suggested) or by regular army formations.

The use of urban insurrectionary activities such as bombings and assassinations are to be selectively chosen based on strategic or tactical necessity; never the centerpiece of any war plan. Nowhere do we find revolutionary leaders advocating terror as a mode of struggle. There is simply no place for terrorist actions in the arsenal of tactics employed by genuine revolutionary movements.

Worst, actions that place innocent civilians in harm’s way and done with money in mind are not only condemnable; it is simply abominable. Codes of conduct and ethics still exist even in war. Revolutionary work done in the name of money is pseudo-revolutionary. Terror tactics, such as kidnappings, are works of thugs, of syndicates, not revolutionaries.

That’s why I cannot understand why some of our Muslim brothers allied with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) would even think of supporting the Abu Sayyaf. Those Muslims who do believe in the Abu Sayyaf Group and support them, think. A pious Muslim should not support evil acts even if done by fellow Muslims. Supporting the Abu Sayyaf will not in any way contribute to the furtherance of the Bangsamoro struggle for total independence.

Whatever other Islamic scholars would say about this group, the ASG has no place in the Bangsamoro struggle. The ASG is an aberration, an anomaly of history, a relic pushing for a distorted and un-Islamic interpretation of the holiness of the Moro struggle.

Since it started its kidnapping campaigns against innocent civilians, the purity of its struggle against Philippine imperialism has been tarnished. Islam has ceased to be the ASG’s main ideology. Its members have degenerated into bandits, monsters and thugs, who claim to worship Allah SWT but has since prostrated themselves before the altar of Baal. They have become men who eat their own vomit.

Throughout its years of existence, did this group ever contributed to the success of the Bangsamoro struggle? None. Their actions not only damaged the image and reputation of Moros everywhere—they are mainly responsible for the total degeneration of the correct Islamic life in the island of Jolo.

Inquirer journalist Arlyn dela Cruz reminded us of a conversation she had with a Tausug leader sometime in 2002. That Tausug leader lambasted journalists for writing bad stuff about Muslims in Jolo. He says that journalists are part of the problem since journalists should write something to help Tausugs improve their lives in Jolo.

I pose a question to that Tausug leader—how would we, journalists, or even anybody, write about the beauty of Jolo and even the beauty of Islam when all we see are these thugs masquerading as mujaheddins? What good would come from these stupid kidnapping capers, such as this recent one involving a respected journalist such as Ces Drilon?

Let me also condemn some journalists who blame Ces Drilon for making that trip to Jolo. Do not be misled. We must condemn and use the strongest possible words we can write against the Abu Sayyaf Group who did this cowardly and idiotic kidnapping, not lambast our colleague. Ces Drilon did what she was tasked to do—go after the story.

I urged every pious Muslim to rise up and obliterate the Abu Sayyaf Group from the face of the earth. The only ones, who can cause the death and destruction of this mockery of an Islamic group, should be those who fully understand Islam.

Pray for the help of Allah SWT in erasing this menace from Jolo and if you are dead serious in your struggle against Imperialist Manila, form a new group that would undertake genuine revolution under the Banner of Islam.

We are at war? Really?

In Chief Presidential Counsel Sergio Apostol's mind, we are in the state of war. That's why the palace needs to extend Esperon's term. Ah, this is new.

Only Apostol thinks that we are at war since he works in a besieged administration. Working for Arroyo makes everybody paranoid. That's why Apostol is again, making a fool of himself.

A declaration of war can only be done by Congress. Since there is no law or resolution declaring war against the MILF and the CPP-NPA-NDF, technically speaking, we are not at war. For if we are, then, why the hell do we have peace talks with the insurgents. If this is the official palace line, then, its time to say to our brothers in the MILF to declare jihad. Why? Because this government is just trying to fool them, making double talk while preparing for war. Likewise, I would like to encourage the CPP-NPA-NDF to undertake full preparations since peace talks with this government will lead to nothing. The Palace is under a state of war.

Apostol is my kababayan. But, I don't admire him one bit. Like In Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales, Apostol represents the worst kind, the most humiliating figures in Philippine history. However, I thank God that we have such people as Apostol and Gonzales. It makes us realize that we indeed, need change.

History repeating itself: cha-cha again

In 1967, Marcos suffered one of four failures in his political career--he failed to amend the 1935 Constitution through constitutional means. The attempt at changing the charter would have fast-tracked his path to glory without shedding any blood. However, the people failed him. It was only in 1972 when he achieved what he wanted--absolute power through a constitutional dictatorship.

Forty years past and now we see another attempt at charter change. Arroyo, the beneficiary of an illegitimate power grab, wants to change the charter, ostensibly to address one major issue--the increasing Bangsamoro insurgency. Spokesmen of Arroyo are now going the rounds, convincing the people of the necessity of changing the charter to honor the commitment of the government in granting ancestral domain to the Bangsamoro people. Peace adviser Jesus Dureza revealed that the administration decided to again revive the Cha-cha train to honor its commitment last November 2007 to the MILF on the granting of ancestral domain.

I studied the Constitution and found that, yes, the GRP needs to amend the Charter to accommodate the ancestral domain issue. However noble the intention is, unfortunately, this cha-cha thing came at the worst time. It came at a time when Arroyo is nearing the end of her term. Obviously, people will suspect the real intention of the government in reviving cha-cha. It likewise verified earlier reports and suspicions that Arroyo and her gang of thieves want to use the Bangsamoro Question to justify a change in the structure of government. And we know who will benefit from such a change--Arroyo.

Marcos used the Communist bogey in justifying martial law. Now, Arroyo is using the Bangsamoro for her own nefarious scheme. It is quite obvious that Arroyo will use all means to justify a change in the charter.

This early, there are reports that government will use its barangay network to again, muster enough signatures for cha-cha. Late January, Congress thru Cong. Ortega (an Arroyo stooge) will revive cha-cha talks on the committee level.

Reports reaching NPR revealed that government is preparing its security forces to provoke the MILF for another round of war. Expect bombings in the name of cha-cha to again hug the headlines. Expect a "rise" in "terrorist" activities, ostensibly to prove to the Filipino people on the necessity of charter-change.

Opposition groups know about this Arroyo scheme. That's why these camps floated the issue about certain personalities running for 2010. What will these groups do in the event that Arroyo, indeed, force her way for cha-cha? Apparently, Arroyo does not want elections in 2010.

What would Roxas and the Liberal Party do? How about the Nationalista Party of Senator Villar? And more so, Lakas?

It seems that 2008 will be quite an interesting year for all political forces because this early, this administration has shown that it will do everything in its power to perpetuate itself beyond 2010.

The Security Situation in the Philippines:2008

In the midst of reports on a coup and the threat of terrorism, the US State Department has invited Philippine secretary Teodoro for a visit to Washington. The invitation came in the heels of the breakdown of talks between the MILF-GRP, possible rise of terror activities, the increased activities of the CPP-NPA-NDF and the purported shot-down of a Philippine trainer plane in the Spratlys. These events are alarming to say the least, but for Philippine defense officials, these events are considered "manageable".

Obviously, the Philippines is an important component of the US homeland and external defense plan. However, reports of a shot-down is quite alarming, especially to the US. The Spratlys area is a critical flash point in the past and such an incident, if it ever happened, expose the weakness of the Philippines in responding to such matters. It shows how weak this country is against foreign threats.

One of the interest of the US is the establishment or building of a forward base in Mindanao, which, according to intel reports, have been established already. This forward base aims to counter any possible Chinese attacks in the mainland. For the US, China remains as a major and serious threat to US national security. Despite its reversion to capitalism, China is still controlled by the Communist Party which, traditionally, has been waging an ideological war against the US.

Likewise, Mindanao continues to harbor terror groups, like the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG). Reports on Dulmatin going in and out of Philippine territory shows how fragile Philippine immigration defenses are. Remember that the Al-Queda just issued a threatening statement against the US, vowing to conduct a more serious one, more lethal that 9/11. There are indications that the Philippines is being used by JI and other regional terrorists as a training ground and these are evident with the increase of bombing activities in the country.

With such serious breaches of both external and internal security of the Philippines, its quite prudent for the US to invite our defense secretary over there. A weakening US economy needs a stringent and more effective defense plan to protect US interests globally. Without the active participation of the Philippines, US interests in Southeast Asia remains vulnerable and weak.