Former RP Governor survived slay try

After the failed assasination attempt against Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan, here comes another news, this time, an assassination attempt (the sixth) against another former governor. Andal Ampatuan, a scion of the powerful Ampatuan clan, survived a roadside bomb attack today. Military sources say, the attack was allegedly perpetuated by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The Ampatuans are allies of Philippine pseudo-President Arroyo. Tan, meanwhile, is also an administration lackey.

Are these wag the dog tactics or just coincidence?

Ex-Philippine governor survives bomb blast, 1 dead Updated May 15, 2009 06:55 PM
COTABATO, Philippines (AP) -- A former provincial governor in the southern
Philippines survived a roadside bomb attack that killed one of his security
escorts Friday, the military said. An army spokesman blamed Muslim separatsts
rebels, but they denied involvement.

Three homemade bombs fashioned from mortar shells exploded seconds apart as former Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan's convoy made its way to his farm in Sharff Aguak township, said military spokesman Lt. Col. Jonathan Ponce.
Shariff Aguak councilor Iyo Kitub said Ampatuan was unharmed but a member of his security detail was killed. Ponce said two other escorts were wounded.
Ponce blamed the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which has been fighting for decades for a separate Muslim homeland in the predominantly Roman Catholic nation's south.
Peace talks between the government and the rebels have been suspended since last year, but a ceasefire appears to be holding.
Rebel spokesman Eid Kabalu denied the group was involved in the attack. He urged authorities to look at other angles like a family feud or political rivalry ahead of next year's election.
Violent feuds and clashes linked to politics are common in the southern region where access to weapons is relatively easy.
Ampatuan’s spokesman Norie Unas says it was the sixth assassination attempt on the former governor.
Three years ago, a car bomb exploded as Ampatuan’s vehicle passed by, killing six people, including two of his relatives.

Religious used as intermediaries for Filipina Hostage Release

Now that one hostage has been released, this indicates a very good chance that the other two, Notter and Vagni are safe and will also be freed soon. Backroom negotiations have indeed started and that's a very good start.

I share the happiness of millions of Filipinos who prayed hard and believed in God. Personally, I am very glad that my initial entries on this issue, that the ASG beheaded these hostages were deemed unverified. At least, these innocents are safe. It is only a matter of time before the remaining hostages are freed.

Gafur Jikiri, the emissary of Cong. Yusof Jiriki, was the one who initiated talks with the ASG. Along with Sulu Vice Governor Sahidulla, they convinced the group to at least free one of the three. We should not talk nor insinuate that money changed hands. For us, it's more than enough that ICRC worker Mary Jean Lacaba is safe and in a few hours from now, would reconcile with her family.

Though the ASG is still keeping high value victims, still, there is now a chance for the state security forces to just keep the status quo and allow these victims to just wait for a while and for both negotiating groups to just continue talking. In hostage situations, assaults and use of violence are frown upon. The best solution is simply continue talking. Find a common or middle ground. Then, work from there.

I think part of the reason why the ASG released Mary Jean is the effective intercession of religious leaders in Sulu. Gafur is a Pious and recognized ustadz in that area. Since last week, religious leaders based in Jolo were already working for the safe release of the victims. Sources there say it must have been some form of understanding between the religious and those in the jungles that caused the observance of the initial agreement between Sen. Gordon and "Al Bader Parad".

That should start a reinvigoration of a movement in Jolo, Sulu for more proselyzation or what Muslims call "dawah". There must be an active involvement of all religious groups in Sulu to strengthen the iman or religious faith (actually, there is a more accurate description of iman than religious faith) especially the Muslim youth there. People in Sulu should fully understand what Jihad really means and how it is used only for the glory of God.

Next week, I would have completed my scholarly article on Islam and the Bangsamoro Struggle. I'll publish it here for initial comments. Being a historian and scholar, I deemed it necessary to contextualize our Bangsamoro brothers and sisters philosophical world-view and where they're coming from. Understanding Islam is the best thing. Understanding cultural influences is also key to peace in Mindanao. Not force of arms. Nor instigating religious hatred.

Spengler's "Clash of Civilizations" is not self-evident in Mindanao. There is no clash of civilizations. There is only one ascendant "civilization" there. The war is simply a continuation of attempts at intruding on the ascendant civilization which started centuries ago.