Sabah standoff is more than what it appears

Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte is correct---for Malacanan they should study the matter before they act, an indication of the complexity of the problem which is the Sabah standoff.

Two things---what is the nationality of those individuals who went to Sabah? Are they Filipinos?

Based on their own statements, these individuals belong to the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo, a Hashemite Kingdom recognized by the Islamic world. If these individuals claim membership of the Sultanate, then, it follows that they are subjects of the Kingdom rather than of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines.

If the Government of the Republic of the Philippines intervenes and negotiates for their safe passage out of the security cordon laid by the Malaysian government, it will be interpreted as a tacit admission by the GRP that is abandoning its claims over Sabah.

BY recognizing the nationality of these individuals would mean the rejection of the claims of the Kirams over Sabah. The best thing to do in this situation, if I may give my two-cents worth in this is, do nothing. It will be in the best interest of the Philippine government not to intervene in this and allow representatives of both camps, the Sultanate and the Malaysian government, to resolve this standoff by themselves.

However, the complexity lies on the status of this kingdom---is the Hashemite Kingdom that is the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo, a legitimate state in the eyes of the international community?

It claims to have territory, a government, an armed force, a constituency and diplomatic recognition--elements that makes a state. Under international law, this should very well be recognized as a state.

Hence, the very act by these individuals in proclaiming the existence of the Sulltanate of Sulu and North Borneo is an act of rebellion against the GRP which claims political sovereignty over the very lands by which the Sultanate claims as its own.

The solution is therefore drastic---for both contending camps to claim sovereign rights, they may have to fight it out---the Sultanate fighting the colonial Philippine state, unless, of course, the GRP enters into an agreement with the Sultanate recognizing it as a sub-state under the protection of the GRP. And you know what this means if the GRP does this--it will strengthen the claims of the Sultanate over Sabah, which directly will affect RP-Malaysian relations.

Of courses, there is still a diplomatic solution to that---for the Sultanate of Sulu to continue giving lease to Sabah to Malaysia, this time, over a just compensation scheme.

The standoff places both states--the Philippine government and the Malaysian government--in a tight bind.

AFP agents trying to sow terror in South?

News just reached me that several Muslim men have been abducted by alleged military forces in Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi. This is in connection with the on-going anti-terror drive being waged by the Armed Forces of the Philippines against the Abu  Sayyaf. Lately, several people have already died in Mindanao shortly after clashes ensued between Abu Sayyaf forces and MNLF or the Moro National Liberation Front. Seems like the MNLF is making its presence felt, especially during these times when government is talking with its counterpart, the MILF. There is a perception that the MNLF has been left behind.

Campaign or no campaign, the fact is, several forced disappearances have been recorded in Mindanao. Scores of Muslim men, suspected members of the ASG, remain missing or unaccounted for. Many say, these were abducted by military men posing as ASG members.

Several scholars and religious leaders were also abducted and reportedly being kept in isolation rooms. They are being fed food contrary to their Islamic belief, a violation of established rules on prisoners. Prisoners civil rights remain even under incarceration.

Human prisoners are subject to protection under the Geneva Convention on Human Rights. Governor Abdursakur Tan ad government officials should closely monitor this since this has the prospect of derailing peace talks.

That sidee o of the Pacific has been the tradtional hotbed of politically-inspired actions which usually affect not just Sulu, but the rest of the country as well.

                                                                                                                                

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.

Crisis convergence

As I wrote in previous entries, June and July are critical months for the Filipino people. One, food prices are expected to rise further, due to food and oil price speculations in both the global and local markets. Two, despite the expected decrease in electricity rates, water rates are sure to rise due to the falling peso ranged against the green buck. Three, these months are campaign periods for the ARMM elections. With the number of candidates for the ARMM gubernatorial posts and the resumption of armed hostilities against the ASG and criminal elements in Sulu, things could turn really ugly. Lastly, Congress will re-open the ZTE probe and other controversies which definitely would again heat up the political scene.

What is more challenging is the way the local economy has been "fucked up", as described by Economic adviser and Governor Joey Salceda. Recently, in a news report, he bewailed the rising numbers of poor people, estimated to be around 4 million to date, which could be extremely difficult to manage. Cash subsidies could provide some relief but this cannot ultimately solve the crisis. And despite early opposition to government's plan to subsidize some food costs, this could be a feasible solution, given that the real issue behind all of these is the decreasing purchasing power of Filipinos.

Malacanang should pursue Salceda's Noah's Ark plan to at least address the rising economic concerns of the poor. Eliminating VAT is not the answer, since big firms and wealthy individuals are also expected to gain from this instead of the poor. There should be a mechanism to give back VAT to those critical sectors of the economy. Short of subsidies, government should strictly enforce socialized services within a period of six months at the least, to enable poor families to at least weather the socio-economic storm.

Likewise, Malacanan should suspend the ARMM elections to save money and prevent a possible escalation of hostilities in Mindanao. I am glad that Gloria decided to resume peace negotiations with the MILF with some solutions on the thorny issue of ancestral domain. That is the way to go.

By the way, I'm extremely glad that the US will build a US$ 3 million port in Sulu. Kenney is right. That will surely provide enough jobs for the Tausugs there and deter them from doing criminal and stupid things like kidnappings.

Dramatic Ending on Ces Kidnapping Caper?

PNP Chief Avelino Razon Jr. is reportedly in Zamboanga City right now. He's monitoring the situation. There's a lot of buzz that, within the next few days, Ces and her TV crew will be "rescued", courtesy of the PNP. And for what?

For Razon's "senatorial" campaign? Since the start of the year, there are talks that Razon is being primed as a senatorial bet come 2010. I have nothing against Sonny Razon. In fact, he's one of those "nice" guys I would love to see debating against the likes of Lito Lapid who, incidentally celebrated this day as his first day when a bill of his was passed into law (Mark this day--17 June 2008 as the day when Lito Lapid became a legislator). Or, it would amuse us even further to see Razon debating against the erudite Miriam, probably even daring Miriam to go jump over that fabled bridge in Sta. Ana Manila.

Seriously, there's something brewing out there and I think that within the next few days, we will see Razon escorting a tired and stressed out Ces to be presented in Malacanan. Ces has become hot property right now, thanks to a "silent" media. Despite legitimate appeals from Malacanang and Teresita Ang-See, journalists still scrambled to go to Sulu and Zamboanga to cover Ces' kidnapping.

I am sure that within the next few days, Ces, his cameraman and Prof. Dimampo will be released by their young captors. Like those before her, Ces will be hauled immediately to Zamboanga to board a plane for Manila. There, like the rest of the kidnapped victims under this administration, they'll be presented to the president for that precious photo op.

And surely, Razon, the would-be senator, will be there.

Will we see Mayor Isnaji also in Malacanan? Possibly. Or that Vice Governor becoming governor through the funds of Malacanan? This kidnapping stunt added more pogi points for them. The more these things happen in their island, the more powerful these two will become.

Expect surprises, my friends.

Heating Up The Sulu Hostage Crisis

News reports validated our earlier research on who exactly kidnapped Ces Drilon. Mayor Isnaji confirmed our earlier fears--a group of young Tausugs kidnapped the journalist. They are demanding 20 million pesos as ransom money.

As this was going on, the military pounded on some areas of the island. More than 25 bombs were unleashed by the military. At first, the AFP leadership denied it. Afterwards, they admitted conducting those shelling which already wounded one Muslim woman.

This is stupid. Why would the military do such a thing? They are endangering the life of Ces, right? But, come to think of it, these shelling are just to frighten these young thugs so that they'll release their hostages.

Or, it could be the military's way of telling the people that they don't have anything to do with Ces kidnapping. It is beginning to dawn upon people that, indeed, some elements of the military are behind the abduction of Ces because these shellings are diversionary tactics aimed at showing that the AFP is doing something to solve the situation.

Tsk, tsk, tsk, sir, your slip are showing.

It is now very clear that:

1. The military agent helped in the abduction of Ces. This Biyaw character should be arrested and meted Islamic justice.
2. The surrounding information about the abduction clearly showed counter-intelligence tactics which could only emanate from the AFP. These young Tausugs could not have done this sophisticated operation without any "backer".

We are not fools. The AFP masterminded this caper. They should be exposed, whoever are behind this kidnapping of a respected Philippine journalist.

Funny Twist on Ces kidnapping

At last, one of the TV crew of Ces Drilon has been released--unharmed. Initial reports say government negotiators paid P 2 million for the release of Valderrama. There's also some relief that ABS-CBN 2 is in close and constant contact with Ces Drilon.

And I would like to take this chance to apologize to the members of the Abu Sayyaf Group based in Jolo. It seems that, from the information being gathered so far, the group is not really the ones responsible for this kidnapping caper. No.

Based on current information, there's some credibility to the news that other groups, possibly belonging to a military asset, kidnapped Drilon and blamed it on the ASG. The fact that no statement has been issued by the terror group indicates that they are not really behind the abduction.

Nonetheless, I stand by my earlier posts demanding for the obliteration of the name "Abu Sayyaf". I still believe that Muslims everywhere should do their duty to cleanse the name of Islam in Jolo and those of the kind people of Sulu and the Tausugs.

The "brand name" of the Abu Sayyaf has been tarnished beyond repair. Imagine, every lawless element there could just claim to be Abu Sayyaf members and demand a high ransom.

Preserve the purity of the Bangsamoro struggle by forming another group that would push the idea of independence without resorting to terrorism as a means of struggle.

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.

Brewing Revolt In Mindanao--quo vadis Gloria?

While we are so engrossed with the food crisis, a revolution is a-brewing in Mindanao.

Yesterday, a band of Islamic militants staged a rally in Sulu, one of the Southernmost islands of the Philippines (see story below). The rallyists called for independence from Manila, the seat of power. Police were unable to resist the militants, who carry long knives tucked in their waists.

Obviously, this is a mockery of the administration of Mrs. Arroyo. One, it was a defiant act of rebellion. That action was a direct contravention of existing Philippine laws. The rallyists should have been arrested for inciting to rebellion and/or secession since they are calling for independence of Sulu. Police were helpless in arresting the militants, calling the incident just a way to let off steam.

Was that just a way to let off steam? No.

That incident was plain and simple rebellion. If it happened here in Manila, the rallyists could have been arrested, even mauled by police. But no. That one occurred in Mindanao, and our cops are afraid shitless.

Second, that act shows that Islamist are preparing for something bigger than a call for independence. It's just a warning to Manila that Tausugs are again ready to go to war against them. Is Manila ready for war?

Obviously, Manila is ill prepared for another war in the South. That might cause Mrs. Arroyo's quick downfall. Imagine a scenario where hundreds if not thousands of troops being killed in Sulu. Imagine another conflagration similar to the one which happened in the 1970's where Marcos sent his troops to suicide missions in Mindanao.

Government peace panel adviser Jesus Dureza said it might take a while to implement the remaining unmet provisions of the MNLF peace pact. What Dureza meant is this--Manila is not that serious in really institutionalizing peace in Mindanao.

Talks are rife that former MNLF chairman Nur Misuari will join the MNLF panel in OIC talks in Jeddah. Will it appease the Tausugs? No. Remember that only a few weeks ago, Nur has been replaced by a government factotum in the person of Ampatuan. Ampatuan has zero credibility among his people. The entire MNLF Central Committee does not have the personality to influence the remaining MNLF fighters toe the government line.

What about the MILF? Reports say, the biggest Bangsamoro group is split into different factions, due to the inability of MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad to maintain organizational cohesion. Many young MILF fighters vowed not to follow Murad should he proceed with peace talks with Manila. Reports say as many as 3,000 young fighters will continue waging war with Manila even if both sides sign a peace pact.

A revolution in Mindanao could take its toll on this administration, both politically and economically. It could break the backbone of Mrs. Arroyo who cling to power in the barest of threads. Remember that her troops have suffered innumerable defeats in the battlefield against Muslim fighters in the South. The once-feared Marines have been decimated in that area. If war breaks out, how will government explain the expected deaths and casualties of government troops there? How will it cope with the exodus of thousands of families? Is government logistically prepared to face this eventuality?



Monday, April 21, 2008


Muslims march for freedom in Sulu

The Sultanate of Sulu was a Muslim state that ruled over much of the islands off the Sulu Sea

By Al Jacinto, Correspondent

JOLO, Sulu: Hundreds of Muslims turned up Sunday and demanded independence for the province of Sulu, once the seat of power of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo.

With clenched fists and chanting “Allahu Akbar” (God is great), the marchers clad in their traditional garb demanded independence of Sulu, an archipelago in the remote part of the Philippines.

“We want independence. We want our ancestral land back from the infidels,” Datu Ibrahim said. Others assailed the military for alleged violations of human rights of Muslims in Sulu after seven people and an off-duty soldier were killed by security forces in a raid on an Abu Sayyaf hideout in Maibung town in February.

The marchers went around the town of Jolo, many waving red flags emblazoned with kris and other traditional weapons, urging citizens to join them. Policemen guarding the town kept a close watch, but did not stop the marchers, some of them carrying long knives tucked on their waist, a long tradition still practiced in many parts of the island.

“People here are just expressing their sentiments. It is their freedom to express what they believe is rightfully theirs. As long as they don’t break any law, it is fine and police are watching them,” one police sergeant said.

The Sultanate of Sulu was a Muslim state that ruled over much of the islands off the Sulu Sea. It stretches from a part of the island of Mindanao in the east, to North Borneo, now known as Sabah, in the west and south, and to Palawan, in the north.

The Sultanate of Sulu was founded in 1457 and is believed to have existed as a sovereign nation for at least 442 years. The Sultanate of Sulu obtained Sabah from Brunei as a gift for helping put down a rebellion on the Borneo Island.

Mindanao, Palawan, and the islands of the Sulu Sea were colonized by Spain, which ruled the country. Christian settlers later occupied Muslim ancestral lands.

The British leased Sabah and transferred control over the territory to Malaysia after the end of Second World War. Even after Borneo became part of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur still paid an annual rent of 5,000 ringgit to the heirs of the Sultan of Sulu Ismail Kiram. At least a dozen people are claiming to be the real sultan of Sulu and North Borneo.

The MILF, the country’s largest Muslim rebel group, which is negotiating peace with Manila, is also fighting for independence in Mindanao, a region rich in natural resources, but is deep in poverty and torn by strife and terrorism.

However, many politicians whose family owns vast tracks of lands and business interests in Mindanao are opposing the MILF demand for a separate state, saying, it would displace Christians in areas covered by the Muslim ancestral domain.

Peace talks were stalled last year after government and rebel negotiators failed to agree on the scope of the ancestral domain, which is the most important issue before the rebel group can reach a political settlement.