It is a pleasure to report that the Zamboanga and Basilan leadership met with the Crisis Management Committee (CMCs) of both areas infested by kidnappers for a 3 day intense meeting. Mayor Celso Lobregat (Zambo) and Governor Jum Akbar with Vice-Governor Sakallahul of Basilan, along with Chief Supt. Serapio (DIPO), WestMinCom Military leaders, Basilan Military Officers and Police Leadership from both Basilan and Zamboanga agreed to share sensitive information. They also agreed to urgently request the Philippine Secretaries of the Department of the Interior and the Department of National Defense to provide additional troops in Basilan and Zamboanga for this critical issue.
This CMC resolution authorizes the conduct of Rescue Operations for all kidnapped victims still in captivity. This policy upholds the NO RANSOM policy of the Philippine Government. Peaceful negotiations will continue. With any rescue operation the safety of the victims and of civilians is of the greatest importance. The Police and Military in both areas will attempt rescues while the CMC will negotiate for the multiple release of kidnapped victims held by the Abu Sayyaf or other criminals who kidnap for a fee. No Fee will be paid.
Naval Forces Admiral Alexander Puma assured the focus of the Military will be on the safety of the hostages and non-combattants
This coming together of so many affected parties, agreeing on a strategy and requesting help from the National Government is a major step in the right direction in order to fight Terrorism that is rampant in this area of the Philippines.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Friday, May 8, 2009
Two Kidnappers Taken by Zambo Police and WESTMINCOM Military
Zamboanga City is taking seriously the arresting of Kidnappers For Hire, all those who are
assisting the Kidnappers For Hire, and the dangerous Terrorists (who threaten and carry out
beheadings), the Abu Sayyaf, holding the victims on Basilan. Congratulations to the Military
and Police Intelligence Operatives who took two kidnappers into custody yesterday in
ZamboangaCity.
Doroteo Gonzales of Buenavista, Curan District, Zamboanga City, was kidnapped last week
and taken to the ASG on Basilan by pumpboat. Four suspects were identified. Zanner Jipon
Abdurajak, the operator of the boat, allegedly, was taken into custody earlier. Yesterday
two more were identified and arrested in their homes in Zamboanga City. Memet Akbar, son
of a BRGY Official, and Hiya Asdalin, both residents of BRGY Muti, were arrested for
kidnapping.
The Region 9 Police and the Philippine Military are on the trail in Basilan for the victim
Gonzales who, along with so many other victims, needs to be rescued from the Abu Sayaaf
who are supported by the JI and connected to al Qaeda.
It is wished that more could be done on Basilan to arrest the kidnappers and ASG who are
taking both poor and wealthy citizens into captivity. Frequently the females end up pregnant
from the multiple rapes by the ASG members. The children are traumatized and the lovely
younger women are forced (sometimes) to marry the ASG Muslim Extremists against their
will. All captives live under the threat of death although some ASG/MILF members who are
older are protective and kind. A kind of "good cop"/ "bad cop" situation is set up that
encourages the development of the "Stockholm Syndrome" in these kidnapped victims.
This is a Syndrome that is basic to saving the psychological life of the kidnapped and results in an identification, protection and understanding of the ASG Kidnappers. The entire life of the victim shrinks to the current life and death situation. The traumatic removal of all relationships and normal life activities results in overwhelming loss that must be defended agaist in order to survive. Dependency on the kidnappers is total. The longer the captivity the more empathy, understanding and identification develops without any awareness. The greater the concrete experience of the threat of beheading, shooting, castration, etc, the more severe is the Syndrome. A major part of help to the kidnapped victims, when they are released, is resecuring their identity and understanding what has been done to them psychologically by their captors. Kidnapping is a part of the Psychologcal Warfare of Terrorism in our modern world. Terrorism uses modern techniques that intimidate, disrupt , devestate, and destroy (the goal) the ability of a community and potentially a country to maintain it's organization, lifestyle, religion and legitimate power and control over it's boundaries, peoples and territory.
assisting the Kidnappers For Hire, and the dangerous Terrorists (who threaten and carry out
beheadings), the Abu Sayyaf, holding the victims on Basilan. Congratulations to the Military
and Police Intelligence Operatives who took two kidnappers into custody yesterday in
ZamboangaCity.
Doroteo Gonzales of Buenavista, Curan District, Zamboanga City, was kidnapped last week
and taken to the ASG on Basilan by pumpboat. Four suspects were identified. Zanner Jipon
Abdurajak, the operator of the boat, allegedly, was taken into custody earlier. Yesterday
two more were identified and arrested in their homes in Zamboanga City. Memet Akbar, son
of a BRGY Official, and Hiya Asdalin, both residents of BRGY Muti, were arrested for
kidnapping.
The Region 9 Police and the Philippine Military are on the trail in Basilan for the victim
Gonzales who, along with so many other victims, needs to be rescued from the Abu Sayaaf
who are supported by the JI and connected to al Qaeda.
It is wished that more could be done on Basilan to arrest the kidnappers and ASG who are
taking both poor and wealthy citizens into captivity. Frequently the females end up pregnant
from the multiple rapes by the ASG members. The children are traumatized and the lovely
younger women are forced (sometimes) to marry the ASG Muslim Extremists against their
will. All captives live under the threat of death although some ASG/MILF members who are
older are protective and kind. A kind of "good cop"/ "bad cop" situation is set up that
encourages the development of the "Stockholm Syndrome" in these kidnapped victims.
This is a Syndrome that is basic to saving the psychological life of the kidnapped and results in an identification, protection and understanding of the ASG Kidnappers. The entire life of the victim shrinks to the current life and death situation. The traumatic removal of all relationships and normal life activities results in overwhelming loss that must be defended agaist in order to survive. Dependency on the kidnappers is total. The longer the captivity the more empathy, understanding and identification develops without any awareness. The greater the concrete experience of the threat of beheading, shooting, castration, etc, the more severe is the Syndrome. A major part of help to the kidnapped victims, when they are released, is resecuring their identity and understanding what has been done to them psychologically by their captors. Kidnapping is a part of the Psychologcal Warfare of Terrorism in our modern world. Terrorism uses modern techniques that intimidate, disrupt , devestate, and destroy (the goal) the ability of a community and potentially a country to maintain it's organization, lifestyle, religion and legitimate power and control over it's boundaries, peoples and territory.
Monday, May 4, 2009
US-RP DRIVE AGAINST SE ASIA TERRORISM WEAKENS GROUPS
According to the US State Department Report (Country Report On Terrorism 2008)
counter-terrorism measures have weakened the Ab Sayyaf (ASG), the Jemaah Islamiya (JI),
New People's Army (NPA Communists) and the Rajah Solaiman Movement (RSM) in the
Philippines. The US is supporting the Philippine Peace Process with the MILF while providing
advice to the Philippine Military and also to Law Enforcement. US counterintelligence
assistance includes reconnaissance, intelligence information and surveillance support to their
Forces. Training of security and police personnel in anti-terrorism has been part of this
assistance. This joint effort is combating terrorism in the Philippines.
counter-terrorism measures have weakened the Ab Sayyaf (ASG), the Jemaah Islamiya (JI),
New People's Army (NPA Communists) and the Rajah Solaiman Movement (RSM) in the
Philippines. The US is supporting the Philippine Peace Process with the MILF while providing
advice to the Philippine Military and also to Law Enforcement. US counterintelligence
assistance includes reconnaissance, intelligence information and surveillance support to their
Forces. Training of security and police personnel in anti-terrorism has been part of this
assistance. This joint effort is combating terrorism in the Philippines.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
WESTMINCOM HEALING HOUSE OPENS WITH 3 KIDNAPPED VICTIMS
The WESTMINCOM HEALING HOUSE opened yesterday with its first kidnapped victims
and family. Three females were kidnapped by the al Qaeda related Abu Sayyaf Terrorist Group
in Basilan and were admitted to this new Program located within the Southern Philippine
Military Base in Zamboanga City. (Western Mindanao Command) The victims include one child
and all were treated brutally.
The US has a small encampment within this Base for the American
Military who are advisers to the Philippine Military and who provide much needed humanitarian
aid. The US does not fight the Terrorists within the Philippines and are very restricted by the
Visiting Forces Agreement. (Most Americans are limited to staying only inside the encampment
or being accompanied by Philippine Military when elsewhere.)
The Healing House is located within the Philippine Military area that is private and
very restricted. Therefore, all victims are safe. The victims receive food in a nice but small house
that was recently decorated by the Healing House. Comfortable and attractive furniture in lovely
surroundings brings an atmosphere of healing. Staff from the WestMinCom Hospital are
providing counseling under the clinical direction of the Camp Navarro Hospital Psychologist.
Music, videos, exercise, laugh group and outings are some of the activities offered in this new
Model Program. The Colonel and I are overseeing the project and the Healing House Non Profit
is paying for expenses for a free two week stay for victims of terrorism and war in the areas of
Southern Mindanao, Basilan and Sulu. The identity of the victims are kept confidential but all
have been traumatized by the typical terrorist behaviors of kidnapping, rape, beheadings or the
trauma of Conflict (War). This new Healing House hopes to offer help to children and adults and
their families who are so brutally traumatized in this Philippine Battle against Terrorism.
Updates will be coming
and family. Three females were kidnapped by the al Qaeda related Abu Sayyaf Terrorist Group
in Basilan and were admitted to this new Program located within the Southern Philippine
Military Base in Zamboanga City. (Western Mindanao Command) The victims include one child
and all were treated brutally.
The US has a small encampment within this Base for the American
Military who are advisers to the Philippine Military and who provide much needed humanitarian
aid. The US does not fight the Terrorists within the Philippines and are very restricted by the
Visiting Forces Agreement. (Most Americans are limited to staying only inside the encampment
or being accompanied by Philippine Military when elsewhere.)
The Healing House is located within the Philippine Military area that is private and
very restricted. Therefore, all victims are safe. The victims receive food in a nice but small house
that was recently decorated by the Healing House. Comfortable and attractive furniture in lovely
surroundings brings an atmosphere of healing. Staff from the WestMinCom Hospital are
providing counseling under the clinical direction of the Camp Navarro Hospital Psychologist.
Music, videos, exercise, laugh group and outings are some of the activities offered in this new
Model Program. The Colonel and I are overseeing the project and the Healing House Non Profit
is paying for expenses for a free two week stay for victims of terrorism and war in the areas of
Southern Mindanao, Basilan and Sulu. The identity of the victims are kept confidential but all
have been traumatized by the typical terrorist behaviors of kidnapping, rape, beheadings or the
trauma of Conflict (War). This new Healing House hopes to offer help to children and adults and
their families who are so brutally traumatized in this Philippine Battle against Terrorism.
Updates will be coming
Monday, April 20, 2009
SWISS RED CROSS WORKER FREE!
As probably all reading this Blog know the SWISS International Red Cross Committee
Member is free from the Abu Sayyaf kidnappers on SULU. It appears that Military action with
no firefight resulted in this good news. There are differing accounts of this release. The Military
continues to squeeze the ASG with a cordon surrounding their area with the hope of saving the
last ITALIAN International Red Cross Committee Member who is suffering from a hernia with
other serious physical problems at the hands of the ASG. (Pease see current news and prior info
written here about the first two releases of the Red Cross Workers)
UPDATE: The Vice Governor of Sulu was wanted for questioning ( NOT FOR ARREST) in
connection to reports of her contact with the ASG on SULU before and during the negotiations
for the release of Labaca.
No further information is available at this time. Vice-Governor Lady Ann was located in Manila
seeking treatment for stress as she reported in an interview n ABS-CBN.
UPDATE:
A fairly reliable source reports that the ASG has kidnapped two fishermen who have been taken
to Basilan. This kidnapping had not been, reportedly, told to the authorities. (We reported it)
The ASG is asking 10 million pesos for a Captain and a crew member. The Shipping Company
may be considering negotiating or just paying. Victims were spotted on Basilan.
Member is free from the Abu Sayyaf kidnappers on SULU. It appears that Military action with
no firefight resulted in this good news. There are differing accounts of this release. The Military
continues to squeeze the ASG with a cordon surrounding their area with the hope of saving the
last ITALIAN International Red Cross Committee Member who is suffering from a hernia with
other serious physical problems at the hands of the ASG. (Pease see current news and prior info
written here about the first two releases of the Red Cross Workers)
UPDATE: The Vice Governor of Sulu was wanted for questioning ( NOT FOR ARREST) in
connection to reports of her contact with the ASG on SULU before and during the negotiations
for the release of Labaca.
No further information is available at this time. Vice-Governor Lady Ann was located in Manila
seeking treatment for stress as she reported in an interview n ABS-CBN.
UPDATE:
A fairly reliable source reports that the ASG has kidnapped two fishermen who have been taken
to Basilan. This kidnapping had not been, reportedly, told to the authorities. (We reported it)
The ASG is asking 10 million pesos for a Captain and a crew member. The Shipping Company
may be considering negotiating or just paying. Victims were spotted on Basilan.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
FILIPINA RED CROSS VICTIM FREED
The Abu Sayyaf freed Filipina KIDNAP victim, MARY JEAN LACABA, last evening after the intervention of the Vice Governor of Sulu along with Congressman Hataman of Zamboanga City (see prior BLOG regarding Hataman), Cogressman Gordon of the Philippine RED CROSS, and several other Congressmen and Officials on Sulu. At this pouint there is no understanding about how or why this release took place. The Marines picked Labaca up on an agreed location and she was taken to the Marine Base in JOLO, SULU. Pictures of her appeared likely that she was extremely fragile and exhausted but no further information was released. Labaca was bathed, fed favorite foods and given a Medical Exam in Jolo. She slept and reportedly was to be flown to Manila for debriefing. She was able to speak with her husband by cell phone from Jolo. More information will be reported at a later time.
Swiss Abdreas Notter and Italian Eugenio Vagni, both men and both International Red Cross Committee Members, are still held by the ASG on Sulu.Updates will be made when known.
The Terrorist with the Victims from SINGAPORE is a known member of the JI and has been serving as the translator for ENGLIH/EUROPEAN phone calls from the TERRORISTS regarding DEMANDS by the ASG.
The freed 9 year old boy taken by the ASG is at WESRMINCOM and his family is making plans to move from the danger of LAMITAN, BASILAN, to a safer location after their ordeal. The Mother is grateful that her son is alive.
No News about the 6 teachers kidnapped. Military fighting continues on BASILAN. No news about the Sri Lankan reportedly kidnapped in LAMITAN, BASILAN. There has been fighting agaist MILF Commanders in Basilan. There has been fierce fighting between the MILF and the Military in Central Mindanao after multiple bombings and attacks on civilians. Multiple wounded on both sides. More will be written in an update at a later time.
Swiss Abdreas Notter and Italian Eugenio Vagni, both men and both International Red Cross Committee Members, are still held by the ASG on Sulu.Updates will be made when known.
The Terrorist with the Victims from SINGAPORE is a known member of the JI and has been serving as the translator for ENGLIH/EUROPEAN phone calls from the TERRORISTS regarding DEMANDS by the ASG.
The freed 9 year old boy taken by the ASG is at WESRMINCOM and his family is making plans to move from the danger of LAMITAN, BASILAN, to a safer location after their ordeal. The Mother is grateful that her son is alive.
No News about the 6 teachers kidnapped. Military fighting continues on BASILAN. No news about the Sri Lankan reportedly kidnapped in LAMITAN, BASILAN. There has been fighting agaist MILF Commanders in Basilan. There has been fierce fighting between the MILF and the Military in Central Mindanao after multiple bombings and attacks on civilians. Multiple wounded on both sides. More will be written in an update at a later time.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
WestMinCom Healing House at Western Mindanao Command, Zamboanga
Our WestMinCom Healing House at Western Mindanao Command, Zamboanga
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
WESTMINCOM HEALING HOUSE KIDNAP VICTIM RECOVERY PROGRAM
The General that is the C.O. of the Western Mindanao Command approved our Healing House Kidnap Recovery Program in Zamboanga City on the WESTMINCOM Base. Colonel Joy Turla and I will be Co-Directing this attempt to help the many Philippine and International victims of Kidnapping if they wish the assistance. For two weeks any victim and their close relatives can stay for free on the Military Base with room and board provided. Counseling/therapy and support will be provided. Time to relax and talk with family as well as fun (but appropriate )activities will be provided. We have 11 volnteers to assist, some of whom have counseling training and one who is a physician. One military officer will be on duty at all times. The family will reside on Base where it is safe and protected. The Coordinator for the Program is the well-experienced Psychologist, Mrs Bayan , who is in charge of the Mental Health and Evaluations at WESTMINCOM for all soldiers.
The HEALING HOUSE with physician/Medical Director of Camp Navarro Hospital, Colonel Joy TURLA, will hopefully be making a contribution to the victims and theit families as well as to the further understanding of the TRAUMA of kidnapping. This is a first in the Philippines and could be a Model Program.
The HEALING HOUSE with physician/Medical Director of Camp Navarro Hospital, Colonel Joy TURLA, will hopefully be making a contribution to the victims and theit families as well as to the further understanding of the TRAUMA of kidnapping. This is a first in the Philippines and could be a Model Program.
Friday, January 16, 2009
CALL for Resumption of Peace Negotiations
In August, 2008, the MILF/Phil. Govt. Peace Negotiations broke down. This resulted in terrorist attacks: bombings, murder rampages, burning of villages and homes, using of women and children as human shields and kidnappings of civilians. Both Muslim and Christians were victims. This resulted in 500,000 civilians fleeing to evacuation centers and the Armed Forces of The Philippines tracking and fighting the Muslim Commanders, the perpetators of these many atrocities. (See earlier Posts)
The MILF is indicating a desire for a continuation of Peace Negotiations with Malaysia as the principal mediator. Many are questioning this start up of Talks because the MILF has not been able to stop the three MILF Commanders who have violently killed innocent civilians with IED's (bombs). The Commanders even placed bombs in elementary schools. (not exploded but found by police) Bombings are continuing, including the most recent attack on theTRANSCO Tower 22 that currently is causing blackouts every 2 hours. Atrocities have been extreme in Lanao del Norte, North Cotabato and Sarangani. Military fighting against the MILF has added to the civilian death toll.
MILF Commanders Umbra Kato, Bravo and Pangalian have claimed resposibility for the Terrorist Acts in Zamboanga. They are, reportedly, also known to give sanctuary and support to the JI and Abu Sayyaf Terrorists.
(This support can not be confirmed by this writer but is widely thought to be true)
President Gloria Arroyo has stated her commitment to the Peace Process in Mindanao, but has indicated that thr MILF must gain control of the three renagade Commanders of rogue forces. There is a newly constituted Government Peace Panel and perhaps negotiations will soon continue. However, this is clearly being interfered with by the MILF recent bombings in Mindanao. PEACE IS ESSENTIAL in the Southern Philippines.
The MILF is indicating a desire for a continuation of Peace Negotiations with Malaysia as the principal mediator. Many are questioning this start up of Talks because the MILF has not been able to stop the three MILF Commanders who have violently killed innocent civilians with IED's (bombs). The Commanders even placed bombs in elementary schools. (not exploded but found by police) Bombings are continuing, including the most recent attack on theTRANSCO Tower 22 that currently is causing blackouts every 2 hours. Atrocities have been extreme in Lanao del Norte, North Cotabato and Sarangani. Military fighting against the MILF has added to the civilian death toll.
MILF Commanders Umbra Kato, Bravo and Pangalian have claimed resposibility for the Terrorist Acts in Zamboanga. They are, reportedly, also known to give sanctuary and support to the JI and Abu Sayyaf Terrorists.
(This support can not be confirmed by this writer but is widely thought to be true)
President Gloria Arroyo has stated her commitment to the Peace Process in Mindanao, but has indicated that thr MILF must gain control of the three renagade Commanders of rogue forces. There is a newly constituted Government Peace Panel and perhaps negotiations will soon continue. However, this is clearly being interfered with by the MILF recent bombings in Mindanao. PEACE IS ESSENTIAL in the Southern Philippines.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
PEACE: Friendships Between Christians And Muslims Instead Of War
Muslim and Christians can be good friends and live in the same community in Southern Philippines. Many Muslims,as well as Christians, oppose and are harmed by the Abu Sayyaf Terrorist Group.The Abu Sayyaf (ASG) was founded on Basilan where the Healing House is located. The ASG are linked to Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and al Qaeda. Jemaah Islamiyah is based in Indonesia and believed to have cells in Malaysia and the Philippines. Several members of JI were recently put to death in Indonesia as punishment for the Bali Bombings. In addition the Islamic Jihad Union (IJU) is scattered throughout Central Asia and, reportedly, parts of South Asia. The Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) is also scattered throughout South Asia, Central Asia and Iran. They operate in their terrorist activity in Afghanistan, Iran, Kyrgystan, Pakistan,and Uzbekistan. All these groups in Asia are loosely connected in their prsuit of JIHAD.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
MILF has investigated renegade commanders who burned villages, set off bombs and murdered civilians
The MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) has investigated terrorist activity by it's own commanders after the last Peace Talks and the Memorandum Of Agreement on Ancestral Domain broke down with no Peace Agreement. Both Muslim and Christian communities were ravaged with houses burned, multiple IED's and Bombs and innocents (including children) shot or hacked to death or badly wounded. 500,000 civilians have been evacuated since August 2008.
The MILF, one side of the PEACE negotiations with the Philippine Government, has refused to disclose the details of their own probe into the lawless rebels in the MILF. If the MILF were to bring these lawless elements out into the light of day for all to see their own judgment then it would speak highly of the MILF sincerity in working toward PEACE in the Southern Philippines. The MILF previously indicated (probably true as reported by many) that these rogue lawless MILF leaders would be tried in their own MILF military court and held responsible.
Many have stated that it is important to decommmission high-powered firearms and to begin the dismantling of non-authorized armies so that only the PNP (Police) , the Armed Forces of the Philippines and authorized civilians (CAFGU) are providing protection of peace and order in the area. The well-organized MILF army can be rehabilitated in the generous rehabilitation program in the conflict affected areas. Is this possible?
It is hard to imagine that a real PEACE Agreement can be reached with secrets kept by the MILF about the leaders of terrorist activity in the MILF and a continuation or even escalation of MILF rebellion and harm to civilians (Recent on Basilan) at the same time as agreement is being worked on by legitimate PEACE seekers of the MILF and the Philippine government.
The MILF, one side of the PEACE negotiations with the Philippine Government, has refused to disclose the details of their own probe into the lawless rebels in the MILF. If the MILF were to bring these lawless elements out into the light of day for all to see their own judgment then it would speak highly of the MILF sincerity in working toward PEACE in the Southern Philippines. The MILF previously indicated (probably true as reported by many) that these rogue lawless MILF leaders would be tried in their own MILF military court and held responsible.
Many have stated that it is important to decommmission high-powered firearms and to begin the dismantling of non-authorized armies so that only the PNP (Police) , the Armed Forces of the Philippines and authorized civilians (CAFGU) are providing protection of peace and order in the area. The well-organized MILF army can be rehabilitated in the generous rehabilitation program in the conflict affected areas. Is this possible?
It is hard to imagine that a real PEACE Agreement can be reached with secrets kept by the MILF about the leaders of terrorist activity in the MILF and a continuation or even escalation of MILF rebellion and harm to civilians (Recent on Basilan) at the same time as agreement is being worked on by legitimate PEACE seekers of the MILF and the Philippine government.
Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Police Commission instituted Institute New Directive
The PNP and the National Police Commission instituted a new Directorate Of Integrated Police Operations (DIPO) for Western Mindanao. This body will ensure support and mutual co-operation among law enforcement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other government and non-government (NGO) organizations in Western Mindanao to counter Terrorists, insurgents and other lawless groups. The worthwhile goal is to promote peace and development.
Mayor Celso Lobregat, the Mayor of beautiful Zamboanga City and a strong advocate of Peace that is good for all citizens, welcomes DIPO as a way of stopping the kidnapping for ransom and other terrorist activity.
Mayor Lobregat stated recently (Daily Zamboanga Times, November 28): "We have cited the need for the creation of a special police anti-kidnapping group whose area of jurisdiction is wider than that of the existing Police Anti-Crime Emergency Response Unit"...
The Program will develop a coherent approach to fight terrorists, kidnap for ransom and human trafficking. DIPO would combat these crimes within all of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao. The Mayor of Zamboanga indicated that the kidnapping terrorists have become bolder and they take victims to neighboring provinces (Basilan, where I am) . They are held in the jungle where many other regional (Such as Zamboanga City Police) police operatives have had no jurisdiction.
This DIPO-Western Mindanao would become the answer to this problem. This (hopefully) will lead to an area command for PNP (Philippine National Police) covering all areas in the region similar to the Philippine Military Western Mindanao Command. This will give a centralized cooperative effort to the police to pursue criminals and terrorists all throughout the area including Mindanao, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi Tawi. Perhaps, in this way, the escalating kidnappings and dangerous activity can be limited if not stopped.
DISCUSSION: As I understand this Program, police from DIPO-WESTERN MINDANAO could pursue these illegal activities in areas, such as Basilan, where kidnap victims are taken and other terrorist activity take place. This sounds like a rational approach to an escalating law enforcement problem. We will watch for events to unfold. The PNP and National Police Commission are to be congratulated for this effort.
Mayor Celso Lobregat, the Mayor of beautiful Zamboanga City and a strong advocate of Peace that is good for all citizens, welcomes DIPO as a way of stopping the kidnapping for ransom and other terrorist activity.
Mayor Lobregat stated recently (Daily Zamboanga Times, November 28): "We have cited the need for the creation of a special police anti-kidnapping group whose area of jurisdiction is wider than that of the existing Police Anti-Crime Emergency Response Unit"...
The Program will develop a coherent approach to fight terrorists, kidnap for ransom and human trafficking. DIPO would combat these crimes within all of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao. The Mayor of Zamboanga indicated that the kidnapping terrorists have become bolder and they take victims to neighboring provinces (Basilan, where I am) . They are held in the jungle where many other regional (Such as Zamboanga City Police) police operatives have had no jurisdiction.
This DIPO-Western Mindanao would become the answer to this problem. This (hopefully) will lead to an area command for PNP (Philippine National Police) covering all areas in the region similar to the Philippine Military Western Mindanao Command. This will give a centralized cooperative effort to the police to pursue criminals and terrorists all throughout the area including Mindanao, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi Tawi. Perhaps, in this way, the escalating kidnappings and dangerous activity can be limited if not stopped.
DISCUSSION: As I understand this Program, police from DIPO-WESTERN MINDANAO could pursue these illegal activities in areas, such as Basilan, where kidnap victims are taken and other terrorist activity take place. This sounds like a rational approach to an escalating law enforcement problem. We will watch for events to unfold. The PNP and National Police Commission are to be congratulated for this effort.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
A Healing House New Year's Wish!
The Healing House Wishes For PEACE in the Southern Philippines and hopes
To Continue To Make Some Small Contribution to This Peace Process.
The Peace Loving civilians deserve the freedom to pursue their dreams for themselves and their families. This is true for all no matter the religion or belief.
May 2009 see PEACE and Law and Order in these areas so that individuals can utilize their potential.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
To Continue To Make Some Small Contribution to This Peace Process.
The Peace Loving civilians deserve the freedom to pursue their dreams for themselves and their families. This is true for all no matter the religion or belief.
May 2009 see PEACE and Law and Order in these areas so that individuals can utilize their potential.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
UN Reports That MILF Is Stopping Using Children As Warriors
The United Nations said December 12 that the MILF has agreed to stop recruiting children as soldiers in combat. The Philippine Government is trying to protect children from this practice. The United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-Generral for Children and Armed Conflict, Radhika Coomaraswamy, said "the MILF will enter into an action plan with UNICEF to stop" this use of children in war. ((STAR NEWS, December 13)
This UN Representative had just returned from Central Mindanao where she had observed first-hand measures to protect children in war zones. "The primary purpose of the UN visit was to discuss ways and means of securing the release of children being recruited by the MILF and The New People's Army (Communist NPA). She strongly recommended child protection as part of the PEACE PROCESS so needed in Southern Philippines.
This UN Representative had just returned from Central Mindanao where she had observed first-hand measures to protect children in war zones. "The primary purpose of the UN visit was to discuss ways and means of securing the release of children being recruited by the MILF and The New People's Army (Communist NPA). She strongly recommended child protection as part of the PEACE PROCESS so needed in Southern Philippines.
500,000 Displaced Civilians Due To Terrorism and War
Approximately 500,000 individuals, including approximately 300,000 children, are still displaced and living in Centers after evacuation on Mindanao currently and in recent months. There are thousands more recently evacuated due to fighting and terrorism on the island of Basilan. Tipo-Tipo has been particularly an area of evacuation repeatedly. It is reported that after fleeing most endure poor health services and unsanitary conditions. The children lose days or weeks, or even months of school. It is reported, possibly true, that ASG Terrorists and MILF hide in these evacuation Centers to avoid being located by Government Troops.The Evacuations began in Central Mindanao in August and continue until today.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Nine Labuan Kidnapped and Released On Basilan
According to the Zamboanga Times (December 10) all 9 kidnapped victims from Labuan were released by the Abu Sayyaf. Seven sand and gravel company workers and two children were taken by the Abu Sayyaf last week in Tuburan, Basilan. The relatives of the kidnapped sought help from the city government in their release.
The 9 year old girl and the Nursing Student are still held on Basilan by the ASG.(Abu Sayyaf, the Islamic Terrorists in the Philippines) Large amounts of ransom money have been demanded for their return.
The 9 year old girl and the Nursing Student are still held on Basilan by the ASG.(Abu Sayyaf, the Islamic Terrorists in the Philippines) Large amounts of ransom money have been demanded for their return.
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