Basilan fighting leaves 23 soldiers dead while Palace plans to buy 1 billion jet plane

“How many more wives will lose their husbands, how many more children will
lose their fathers, how many more will be next? How many more soldiers will
sacrifice their lives for a war without end?”
-----quote from a wife who lost her husband

Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is going to Zamboanga for a command conference. She wanted to know what happened why twenty three soldiers died while scores of others injured when fighting broke out between AFP forces and Bangsamoro rebels in Tipo-Tipo Basilan.

While Arroyo tries to commisserate with the soldiers, a palace spokesperson revealed that the palace intends to buy a billion peso airplane while field soldiers suffer from lack of equipment and ammo.

The AFP blamed the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) when some of them ambushed the reinforcement of those Marines who first attacked the camp of the Abu Sayyaf Group, an international terror group. Eighteen Marines died in that encounter.

Without that ambush, Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner Jr. said, the soldiers would have overwhelmed the 20 or so Abu Sayyaf Group rebels in the area. The AFP is planning to file a complaint before the Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities but Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Avelino Razon already said that the incident was an "isolated" one and does not affect the proposed peace negotiations between the government and the MILF.

Of the 21 recovered bodies of the rebels, eleven of them were members of the 114th Base Command of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The fighting began when soldiers staged an attack at the camp of the Abu Sayyaf Group in Barangay Silangkum, a known ASG lair. Based on AFP intelligence, the place was a bomb training camp.

Based on accounts, the soldiers were surprised when they spotted ASG members already waiting for them. Fierce close and hand-to-hand fighting began in the morning and lasted up to the wee hours of the night. Reinforcements were sent but these too were ambushed, this time, according to accounts, from combined elements of the MILF and the ASG. When the smoke of the fighting cleared, 23 soldiers lay dead, most with hack wounds and scores injured.

This is the worst war casualty so far sustained by the Philippine military in the fight against Bangsamoro rebels in Mindanao.

Vagni beheaded by ASG?

Was Eugenio Vagni, the last remaining International Red Cross volunteer kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf in Jolo executed last June 13? There are persistent reports that Albader Parad, an ASG sub-commander, reportedly beheaded Vagni, a few hours after a bloody encounter with the military which resulted to the death of one of Dr. Abu's son. Parad's wife and brother were also killed.

Vagni was reportedly buried in a shallow grave somewhere in Indanan Sulu. The last time that Vagni was reported alive was on June 2, the day he last called his wife.

A member of the Bangsamoro Civil Society said that Vagni's death could be true since attacks from the military have intensified. Probably, that led to the ASG surmising that government is not concerned with the safety of Vagni anymore.

Vagni has been held hostage for more than six months already. Talks have bogged down between government emisaries and the ASG.

The last encounter between the ASG and the military resulted to the death of seven Marines and about 15 suspected ASG members.

Is this the reason why Mrs. Arroyo hurriedly left for Japan and why the military intensified its military operations against the bandits?

For the latest Philippine and Asian news and updates visit Filipino Times at http://filipinotimes.wordpress.com.

Part 2: The Arlyn dela Cruz Kidnapping

In Part two of the interviews, Philippine journalist Arlyn dela Cruz talks about the root causes of the Sulu problem. She explains why people in Jolo continues to defy government forces in their island province.

Arlyn talks from experience, she having covered Sulu since the beginning of the Abu Sayyaf Group or the Al Harakatul Al Islamiyah. Arlyn explains that those Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members are doing propaganda campaigns to highlight the sad plight of the Tausugs, the majority group in Jolo, Sulu.

For centuries, Bangsamoros have been fighting for a separate homeland. Tausugs are part of this Bangsamoro homeland. In the 1970s, a young Tausug professor by the name of Nur Misuari established the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). This force grew and led the anti-Marcos armed rebellion in the South which killed hundreds of thousands of Filipinos. In the 1990s, Misuari entered into negotiations with the Ramos administration. Some parts of Mindanao were turned into the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). ARMM was an experiment in self-government.

Lack of support, scarcity of funds and unfulfilled promises from the national government weakened the ARMM. With the weakening of ARMM, Islamic dissident groups reinvigorated the Bangsamoro movement in Mindanao. A branch from the MNLF broke off and became what is now known as the ASG or the Abu Sayyaf Group (formal name Al Harakatul Al Islamiya or the Bearers of the Sword).

The ASG was founded by an USTADZ, an Islamic scholar named Abdurajak Janjalani, who fought side by side with the Afghans in the Afghan-Russia war. When the Russians were annihilated, Janjalani went back to his native Bangsamoro land and formed the ASG, along with some Muslim engineers and Islamic scholars.

The elder Janjalani was killed by police in Zamboanga, believed to have been betrayed by a Muslim convert, Edwin Angeles (also killed in Zamboanga City). The brother of Janjalani assumed the leadership and led the ASG's most famous hostage capers. He has since been killed by government forces, along with original ASG members such as Commander Robot, Commander Abu Sabaya and others. Only Dr. Abu remains.

ASG has a new emir by the name of Yasser Igasan, a staunch believer of Islam and a very religious man. Igasan is said to have assumed the leadership of the group and made it closer with the regional terror group, Jemaah Islamiyah.

Arlyn dela Cruz saw the birth of the ASG and was there as a close spectator when it grew into what it is now---the most feared, and the most dreaded jihadist group in the entire Asia-Pacific region.

Mrs. Arroyo's Secret Negotiator

Mrs. Arroyo's birthday came and went without a whimper from the Abu Sayyaf Group regarding their two remaining foreign hostages. Philippine senator and administration ally Richard Gordon on Saturday said the fate of these hostages depend on Mrs. Arroyo. He was quickly rebuked by Defense secretary Gilbert Teodoro who countered that government should not be bullied by these "thugs", even suggesting that government should pursue its initial plan, that is, make an assault. No word from the kidnappers, who, says Gordon, remain open to negotiations although it's apparent that Dick is now out of the loop. Government announced that it has a new negotiator. And that new negotiator happens to be....Cong. Yusof Jikiri.

Unknown to many, Jikiri has been working for the release of the hostages. He's the palace silent operator. He tapped his brother, Al Gafur Jikiri to be his link with the ASG. Jikiri is widely respected in Jolo as a religious scholar and it is believed that Yasser Igasan listens to him. Igasan, by the way, is the ASG's recognized Amir. Another ASG head, the person whom the military calls "Dr. Abu" also listens to Jikiri.

The name "Jikiri" is not an unfamiliar name. During the time of Erap, Jikiri was also tapped as a government negotiator, having served in Misuari's MNLF force during the anti-Marcos war. Jikiri is a former MNLF commander, highly respected in Sulu and the rest of Mindanao.

Jikiri is also close to Sulu governor Abdul Sakur Tan. As this is being written, constant back and forth and back-channelling are being done to reach an agreement for the release of the remaining hostages. And the chances are very good. There is a possibility that Notter and Vagni would be released within this week.

Now, if Tan is right, then, this shows that the influence of the Singaporean militant who is believed to be with the group is slowly waning. For this JI member, beheading these two high-profile and valued hostages is the final and right option.

If this is correct, then, what Sulu Vice Governor Lady Nurhanna said is right---most of the members of the ASG want to turn a new leaf. They want a livelihood program set for them. This also belies the fact that this branch of the ASG is really the military-controlled one since their acts are dissimilar with the previous history of the group.

This is getting deeper my friends. There is that possibility that some members of the military is manipulating this hostage taking and for what? A synchronized move? For what?

BY the way, a former ASG hostage victim reacted in one of my entries here. If you're reading this, send me an email at mangubat.patricio@gmail.com. I'll be happy to post whatever you want to say.

An Appeal to Release the Red Cross Volunteers

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah!

Bismillahi Rahmanir Raheem

It has been months since the Al Harakatul Al Islamiyah or what we popularly know as the Abu Sayyaf Group kidnapped the three Red Cross aid workers in Jolo, Sulu.

There are reports that the military has engaged the ASG members in a gunbattle. An alleged wire report says that newly designated ASG spokesperson Al Bader Parad has been wounded.

I appeal to our Muslim brothers holding these three aid workers, especially to Ustadz Yasser Igasan, the new Amir of the Al Harakatul Al Islamiya to release them immediately.

You are placing innocent lives in danger. If you want to engage the military into open confrontation in the name of the Banner of Islam, then, do so without compunction.

However, not at the expense of these Red Cross aid workers who simply were there in Jolo, Sulu to take care of the welfare of our fellow Muslim brothers and Muslimah.

It does not bode well for the Banner of Islam to be associated with such activities. Better if the Slaves of Allah kidnap combatants; not those involved in humanitarian work.

If any one of you could point to me any Surah in the Noble Qu'ran or even in the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that justifies these, then, let him come forward and say it openly.

The Banner of Islam is pure. It is a struggle against evil. It does not justify any action taken against innocents.

ASG escaped a tight military dragnet? Probe this Teodoro!

Something tells me that it will only be a few more weeks, maybe even two, before the Abu Sayyaf Group finally release their Red Cross captives.

Recent news confirms fears that these captives have been broken up into two groups--one ASG unit holding the Filipina engineer volunteer while the other, in a more secure place, holding the two Italian Red Cross workers.

Question--how did the ASG managed to break up their captives into two groups inspite of the alleged "tight military dragnet" thrown at them by the AFP?

Just recently, ASG sub-commander and appointed spokesperson Albader Parad went on air, and asked that the military withdraw its troops near their camps, which was rejected flatly by the AFP. Don't tell me that after that televised exchange, the AFP finally succumbed to the ASG demands?

Government should investigate this. It's highly uncanny for the ASG, which the military described as "trapped" already in one place, to again, move to another location, even further complicating the already confused and complicated hostage crisis.

Was there another "compromise" with the military, given that the ASG reportedly demanded 50 million pesos as ransom?

Muslimin Sema, one of the Tausug MNLF commanders and now part of government, told Mindanao journalists that the ASG is asking for 50 million pesos as ransom. No official statement has been heard from the ASG on this amount.

What is certain, given a study on the movements of the Abu Sayyaf Group in recent past, is when they break up their hostages into groups, it is either they are preparing for an open battle with the AFP; or they are in near completion of their negotiations with government or non-government emisaries. Something tells me that these captives are now being prepared to be released.

The question everybody is asking is this---who convinced the ASG to release the Red Cross workers and for how much?

Something tells me, these captives were given as "gifts" to buttress the announcement of a presidential bid. Whose bid?

How to handle a true Abu Sayyaf kidnap coverage

As a former journalist who covered the Sipadan and the Dos Palmas kidnapping capers by the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu and survived, let me give those colleagues of mine some tips on how to handle this situation:

1. If you're assigned in Jolo, it is best to live inside the PNP camp, a few meters away from the city center or the capitol town. The camp is gated. It is safer there.

2. Now, if you don't have money to spend in the air-conditioned rooms of the PNP camp, try Helen's lounge. It's cheap. It's decent and clean. However, one tip---when you wake up in the morning and you find kids asking for alms or food, give them some money. And be consistent. Make friends everywhere, even in the Jolo public market (the public market is a place where Christians just find themselves shot in the head, especially if you're a soldier or a cop).

3. Keep your distance. There are many people who will approach you and will offer assistance or information on the whereabouts of the victims. Don't be misled. These people are scammers. If the contact is legit, you'll know by your gut.

4. Never give in to the lures or demands of the kidnappers. When I covered the Sipadan hostage crisis, a known contact from the ASG demanded from us ten (10) sacks of rice as "fee" to cover the foreign hostages. I simply said no. I just reasoned that if I give 10 sacks of rice, then, the group will have food to eat and that will simply prolong the situation, ergo, I just have to stay there in Jolo longer than usual.

5. Try to understand the local culture. There are many former Christians now Muslims living in the town center. They speak Tagalog. Befriend them. Buy something from their stores. Be curious about their thoughts. Ask them the reason why all these things are happening in Jolo. Then, file your reports.

6. Live as they live. The Jolo town center teems with ASG spies and sympathizers. In fact, you'll find two kinds of people in Jolo---those legit ASG's and military spies. They mingle with the population. They pose as your friends, when they are simply spying on you. Always be attentive and mindful of your surroundings. Try to prevent from being spied on and listed as a prospective victim.

7. Never agree to go to the ASG camp. This is a very bad move. Okey if you're deeply trusted by the ASG. But, if you're not and your just there for a brief moment, don't sacrifice your life for that exclusive. It's always best to just get your news from the AFP and civilian sources. But, getting first-hand info? Nah. That's just a coverage. Not worthy to give your life to.

8. Don't get caught between crossfires. Stay clear of military operations, unless you are allowed and the military thinks that it's safe for you to cover it. Safety is your utmost concern. Don't embarrass yourself, your family and your news company if something happens to you. Publicly, they'll not reprimand you. Privately, getting injured or killed when there's actually a safer way to get the info is at most, stupid or worst, reckless.

AFP-backed ASG behind Red Cross Kidnapping?

Sulaiman Te, the notorious sub-commander of the Abu Sayyaf Group, is reportedly the one leading the group of eight men who seized three aid workers of the International Red Cross in Jolo Capital, Sulu Philippines. Sulaiman, as reports say, is also the one who masterminded the kidnapping of ABS-CBN anchorperson Ces Orena Drilon. Latest reports reveal that the victims and their kidnappers are somewhere in the hinderlands of either Patikul or Talipao, two strongholds of the dreaded terror group.

This is actually the fifth time that the so-called terrorist organisation staged a kidnapping of foreigners visiting the island of Jolo. The first time was the Sipadan hostage crisis. It was followed by the Dos Palmas kidnapping, then the Schilling kidnapping. The kidnapping of an Italian priest was also attributed to the Abu Sayyaf Group. Then, this. So, all in all, there are at least five times that the ASG successfully staged a kidnapping of foreigners.

As a former journalist who covered the Sipadan and Dos Palmas hostage crises and an academic interested in the resolution of the problems in Mindanao, I've noticed something very important:

1. First, all recent kidnappings after 2001 have been short-lived affairs. Why is it important to point this out? Because if the group behind the kidnapping is serious in milking every propaganda or publicity value from these events, they will prolong the kidnapping. The Sipadan crisis took months to resolve. Same as the one in Dos Palmas and the Schilling incident. Simply put, if they are serious in showing their solidarity with Al Qaeda, the ASG always squeeze every publicity out of the kidnapping and prolong the time to also lengthen their media mileage.

Second, the kidnappings in 2000 were all propaganda stunts. Unlike the previous high profile ones staged by the notorious group of supposed bandits, the Italian priest and the kidnapping of Ces Drilon lack one signature of the ASG---that of announcing their reason behind the kidnapping caper. Normally, the ASG will issue a statement, saying that this is all about jihad against Christians and "Imperial Manila". For the highly clerical-led ASG in years past, the present ASG did not issue any statement even close to the ones issued by Commander Robot or even that ASG spokesman who reportedly died off the coast of Sulu.

Third recent kidnappings staged by the ASG all involve insinuations of ransom being paid. In previous ones, there were also rumours of ransom. But, these were unfounded insinuations. The Italian priest was released after ransom has been paid. Same with the Ces Drilon kidnapping, money reportedly changed hands.

So we see a distinct difference between the kidnappings done by the ASG in 2000 and those they staged in 2008-2009: new ones are short-lived, lack ideological undertones and always involve money transfers.

What am I saying?

These things indicate or validate earlier prevalent reports from Sulu residents themselves---that the REAL ASG is no more and the group posing now as "ASG" is actually an armed group controlled by the AFP. Why do I reveal this sensitive information now? And what prompted me to reveal this now?

One, as early as 2004 or 2005, there are indications that the AFP already neutralized the core of the ASG with the killing of its spiritual, military and propaganda leaders. Second, the AFP already neutralized old core members of the ASG, including the young contact person of Arlyn dela Cruz. And third, the support base of the ASG has been effectively contained and eliminated by the special ops of the AFP. After the successful arrest of most of its top command, the ASG members simply disappeared, as reports reveal.

So, if the top command is no more and its members scattered or living normal lives in Sulu or in some other parts of Mindanao, who now is this group claiming to be "ASG"? If this group is neither ideological or religious, then, who the hell is this group of this so-called Sulaiman Te who allegedly heads the new ASG?

Just one explanation--this group is a pseudo terror group controlled and being managed by the AFP. Silly or outright illogical? In the military, there is this thing called " special ops." The ASG is one serious underground and special project of the military to flush out the real foreign terrorists making contact with the former ASG.

Dark clouds loom at the OIC meet in Philippines

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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.

Followup on Ces kidnapping

Malacanang did the right thing when it enjoined other media outlets to keep their silence on the kidnapping. That's a correct move. Terrorists like the ASG want nothing more than publicity. Money is just a secondary thing for them.

That's why its most imperative for bloggers to be responsible also like mainstream media. Everyone who knows something about this abduction should cooperate with government in solving this issue, if this, indeed, was an abduction. If Ces was abducted by the legitimate ASG members, chances are, she's okey. However, if pseudo members of the group masterminded this caper, then, its a totally delicate situation which must be approached with extreme caution by everyone. Why?

Because Ces could be used as a political pawn by those who want to destabilize the government. She could be killed. Or she could be harmed.

I ask our fellow Muslim brothers in Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Basilan--help secure the safety of my friend Ces Drilon. Help convince her abductors to turn Ces over to the civilian authorities in that area. Tell her to call the ABS-CBN desk and assure her bosses that she and her crew are safe and sound.

A safe and unharmed Ces Drilon will prove to the world that in that part of the world, civility and humanity are still being exercised by the Slaves of Allah SWT.

Puno Mohadji and the Death of a Filipino Patriot

Post war traumatic stress. That's the explanation given by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in explaining the cause of death of a Patriot, Col. Caldeo. This 1983 cavalier died, allegedly, by committing suicide. His family and mistahs said that he was disturbed by what happened between him and his superiors during the Puno Mohadji incident against the bandit group, Abu Sayyaf.

That Puno Mohadji incident was some of the defining moments of the Philippine Army. First, it was both a victory and a defeat. Caldeo's unit suffered serious casualties yet inflicted major damages on the Abu Sayyaf. They were'nt able to save the foreign hostages, though.

I distinctly remember the Sipadan hostage crisis because I was assigned there as a television reporter. I spent a considerable amount of time covering that incident. Like my other colleagues, it was a career-defining moment. Sandra Aguinaldo of GMA 7 and I spent some time at Helen's lodge which is in the heart of the city of Jolo. That place is just a few meters away from the Jolo Cathedral where some years back, a priest was killed. So, like the rest of the police and military there, we were also under constant threat from the civilian supporters of the ASG. There were reports that the ASG would conduct kidnappings of foreign and local journalists. Fortunately, I was not kidnapped. But the ABS-CBN crew was.

In Isabela, Basilan where Col. Caldeo was assigned, the tension was also palpable. The ASG unit there was reportedly a ferocious lot. Trained in Afghanistan, these ASG fighters vowed to resist the incursions by the "mushrikuns" into their territory.

My colleague Alvin Alburo, who now writes for GMA 7, saw that battle first hand between Caldeo's group and the ASG. Jun Veneracion (who was then a ABC 5 reporter) and another GMA7 reporter also were there, when some of the soldiers were beheaded by the ASG. I think (if my memory serves me right) about 15 soldiers died during that Puno Mohadji battle. Accounts say that the group of soldiers were ambushed when they were walking along a shallow river bed between two hills. Without air support, the soldiers did not stand a chance against the insurgents.

That battle was a major defeat. And it was a humiliating one.

After Puno Mohadji, the Army and the Philippine Marines suffered a series of defeats in the theatre of war in Mindanao. Hundreds of soldiers died in Mindanao already. It was not superior firepower that defeated these soldiers.

They were defeated due to the inefficiency of their superiors which affected their morale.

Whatever AFP Spokesman and 1983 baron Col. Daniel Lucero would try to picture it, the AFP of today is demoralized and fragmented. It has been politicized by Mrs. Arroyo and her ilk so much that it has been turned into their private army.

Proof? Look at what ex-General Jovito Palparan did just recently. He occupied a mining firm in Bulacan using the resources of the AFP, soldiers of an Infantry battalion assigned there. In what authority, you may ask? None but his!

Palparan's act shows how generals and ex-generals treat soldiers--they're their personal security force, their own private armies.

Palparan is a disgrace to the profession. If he's a Cavalier, his mistahs should immediately summon the courage to oust him from their class. Imagine, somebody without authority using the resources of the state for his own personal gain?

I am totally disgusted by this Palparan guy. He thinks that he's so powerful that he can use the AFP as his prop. Without his soldiers, will Palparan stand a chance against the New People's Army? I doubt it.

Palparan shows us how abusive someone can become given the license to kill enemies of the state.

This shows you how shabby our military has become since this administration took charge. Where's the professionalization of the ranks. Mrs. Arroyo?

You and your propagandists call for the military to remain apolitical and the Patriots to stand their ground against you. Yet, you and your mafia continue to abuse and use the military for your own personal power trip!

Where, oh, where are the Patriots whom the people love? Where are the True Cavaliers whom we, the People, supported and sacrificed our hard-earned monies just to hone them on the fine ideals of Truth, Honesty, Integrity and Honor?

Where are the others who will stand against this evil regime come what may? Where are they who will sacrifice their lives and their futures to correct the wrongs of this administration? Has corruption totally erased idealism from their hearts?

I shudder to think of other Col.Caldeos taking their own lives because they think they're helpless in abatting the continued slide towards disgrace of the military. Don't take your own lives, true Patriots of the New Generation. No.

Do something. Don't sulk in your chairs or in your camps whenever you see something wrong with the organisation. Exhaust all possible means to change the defects of the system. Then, you'll realize that these wrongs are symbols of a bigger problem, that of a system so corrupt and so decrepit that it makes you puke.

Don't puke. Do something. Stand up, you Patriots of the New Generation. Take charge. Act now.

You'll be doing it for the people. You'll be doing it to secure the futures of your children.

The loss of such fine gentlemen and officers like Col. Roberto Caldeo should stop now. The loss of such corrupt men like General Jovito Palparan should begin.

Terrorism being used by Arroyo for political purposes

Now, my fears have been validated. The desperate Arroyo administration is using the terrorism bogey to deflect its political woes. That's the problem of having an administration like this. How can you now believe the seriousness of their anti-terror campaign when its quite obvious that factotums and slum-bags of this government is using every Muslim cadaver that they can find to make "papogi" (beautify) before the international community! A regional anti-terror expert Sidney Jones does not believe that a cadaver exhumed in Tawi-Tawi is that of Dulmatin. We are also not in a position to really determine if that body is indeed that of Dulmatin, but even if it was, look at the lame reaction of the people. Nothing! Even the US government doubts the authenticity of the government's claim that it was indeed the terror leader's body.

This is the effect of having a beleaguered government leading the fight against terrorism in this country. Reputation and integrity are two of the most important things that every government needs to really and seriously lead the fight against terror.

I believe it is in the best interest of countries like the United States and Britain to support moves to oust or replace this government. As I wrote in previous blogs, this administration remains as the weakest link to the fight against terror in the region. This government is just good in terrorizing its citizens; it is helpless in really combatting the spread of terrorist ideology in its territory.

It is time for the US to really convince Arroyo to step down. A stronger government is needed to really counter terrorism in the Philippines. Without this, it would be very hard for the global community of nations to claim victory over Jemaah Islamiya or ASG or Al Qaeda because there's one very weak link in the fight against terrorism.