ASG Acts in past:
(6) The May 27, 2001 kidnapping of 20 from Dos Palmas Resort on Palawan. This included three Americans. One was beheaded, one was killed in a gun battle and one survived a year of captivity by Terrorists. Gracia Burnham wrote In The Presence Of My Enemies about her captivity and currently heads up the Martin and Gracia Burnham Foundatiom....(see prior blog entry)
(7)The beheading of 10 civilian men and the shooting of the 11th who fought back in 2001. The beheadings on Basilan followed the kidnapping of men, women and children from their homes. The were marched through the jungle after the ASG burned down the school. The wives were raped , the men killed and after 3 days the living captives were released. Two wives and one child have testified in court against these terrorists.(in spite of many death threats). They have been very brave and are in need of school supplies and tuition costs.
(8)The Lamitan Seige in June 2001 where many were killed. The hospital and Catholic Church next door were attacked and one house was burned. (Eventually more will be written here about this based on written official statements in Lamitan of the Seige)
(9) The 2007 beheading of Philippine Marines after they were tortured.
(18)The 2004 (February) bombing of the Super Ferry leaving Manila and at sea. 63 were dead and 53 were missing.The ASG claimed that this bombing was completed by a suicide bomber. (I have successfully treated 2 adults and one youg child who lost everything in this tragedy, but they did survive. They all were suffering from PTSD.)
(11)The killing of a large group of Marines who were invited to a wedding and instead it was a murder plot.
(12) The kidnapping of many women,children and men in the area. There are currently 4 that are held...one male nursing student and three women. There are almost always brought to Basilan and Tipo Tipo or a camp in the mountains seem to be the hiding places.Many kidnappings of local girls lead to gang raping until they agree to become Muslim. Some are forced to marry one of the Muslim terrorists. Most of these go unreported because the family is ashamed or the women is "propety" or "legally" a marriesd adult.
(13)the shooting and hacking of civilians (some used as human shields to escape from the Military) in 2008. Civilians were hacked with bolo knives.Homes were burnend and there were bombings of markets, hotels, municipal buildings,,churches, buses, movie theatres etc. Attempts were made to bomb elementary schools but the bombs were discovered.
(14)THE FORCED EVACUATION OF 500,000 CIVILIAN CITIZENS OF CENTRAL MINDANAO.THIS WAS THE RESULT OF ATTACKS ON CIVILIANS BY COMMANDERS Bravo and Kato. They are MILF but many think there is no difference between the two groups.
(15) The 2008 kidnapping of two young children on Sulu, an island in the southern Philippines.
(16) The extortion of money and help from many local citizens. (See Extortion letter earlier in this Blog)
(17) The placing of one bomb on Basilan that was discovered and exploded by the Marines. One local was hurt.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
why this blog?
There are several reasons to write :
(1) It was suggested to me that a blog would be a great way to try to help those with no knowledge of conflict and terrorism in the Southern Philippines. People may recrive a first hand account and a bit of history of what is currently happening in this area of the world. As an American I am particularly intersted in the Western World learning more if possible. My friends and colleagues seem interested, especially since there have been no or very few Westerners (Civilians) in this area for yearss.
(2)There may eventually be interest by some news service (paper or Cable) in this communication from S.E. Asia. Terrorism,abuse, conflict and trauma are much more apparent here on the ground than can be understood from afar. The intimidation of local Christian and Muslim people who wish to live in peace is unfathomable. The numbers who have been kidnapped, raped or forced to pay large on-going sums to terrorists is remarkable. Almost every person has a story to tell of a bombing or a kidnapping. Some believe this is more criminal than terrorism but when towns are threatened that their filling stations are going to be bombed, when collages are bombed and children are kidnapped from their front lawns I strongly believe this is terror reigned on a whole population of civilians. How to end terrorism? This is far out of my area of expertise but I do have expertise in trauma and this group of women, men and children, who are not professional soldiers,are traumaized beyond belief. Help is needed to bring PEACE to an area of the world torn by conflict, rebellion and terrorism. Trauma is the name of its impact. (PTSD)
(3) There are tremendous needs for help in the form of school supplies, toys, food and support for tuition for kids to go to school.(Public school has a tuition cost).Some children are hungry. Some children are traumatized. Many adults and children need help. America is doing a fine job of helping with infrastructure projects which are badly needed. The US Military along with the Philippine Military are doing a fabulous job of helping build schools, roads etc. But the poor traumatized individuals, especially children need a great deal of help, encouragement and basic needs for an education. Perhaps some who read the blog will be willing to offer assistance to the Healing House's attempt to help the children and their parents. (for more info on how to help go to the beginning pages of this blog)
(1) It was suggested to me that a blog would be a great way to try to help those with no knowledge of conflict and terrorism in the Southern Philippines. People may recrive a first hand account and a bit of history of what is currently happening in this area of the world. As an American I am particularly intersted in the Western World learning more if possible. My friends and colleagues seem interested, especially since there have been no or very few Westerners (Civilians) in this area for yearss.
(2)There may eventually be interest by some news service (paper or Cable) in this communication from S.E. Asia. Terrorism,abuse, conflict and trauma are much more apparent here on the ground than can be understood from afar. The intimidation of local Christian and Muslim people who wish to live in peace is unfathomable. The numbers who have been kidnapped, raped or forced to pay large on-going sums to terrorists is remarkable. Almost every person has a story to tell of a bombing or a kidnapping. Some believe this is more criminal than terrorism but when towns are threatened that their filling stations are going to be bombed, when collages are bombed and children are kidnapped from their front lawns I strongly believe this is terror reigned on a whole population of civilians. How to end terrorism? This is far out of my area of expertise but I do have expertise in trauma and this group of women, men and children, who are not professional soldiers,are traumaized beyond belief. Help is needed to bring PEACE to an area of the world torn by conflict, rebellion and terrorism. Trauma is the name of its impact. (PTSD)
(3) There are tremendous needs for help in the form of school supplies, toys, food and support for tuition for kids to go to school.(Public school has a tuition cost).Some children are hungry. Some children are traumatized. Many adults and children need help. America is doing a fine job of helping with infrastructure projects which are badly needed. The US Military along with the Philippine Military are doing a fabulous job of helping build schools, roads etc. But the poor traumatized individuals, especially children need a great deal of help, encouragement and basic needs for an education. Perhaps some who read the blog will be willing to offer assistance to the Healing House's attempt to help the children and their parents. (for more info on how to help go to the beginning pages of this blog)
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Gracia and Martin Burnham-the Kidnapping of these U.S. Missionaries by the ASG
Husband and wife were long-term missionaries to the Philippines. You may read about them in Gracia Burnham's book,In the Presence Of My Enemies. As she wrote about her year captured by the ASG, Basilan is an island where"fear and chaos have become the daily reality" (p.81)because of the terrorists. The ASG that captured and held the 20 hostages included: Khadafi Abubakar Janjalani (whose house is near the Healing House location), Ismilan Hapilon who was second in command to ASG leader Janjalani, and Solaiman who was an engineer from a very wealthy family. Also, Abu Sabayo was the spokesman to the media. Abu Sabayo made Martin make a statement to the Radio Station in Mindanao which was friendly to the ASG. Sabayan wanted Martin to say that they were captured by the Islamic Movement but changed the wording for Martin. Martin was told to say that the "Osama bin Laden Group" had captured them. This was before 911 and before most of the world had heard of bin Laden.Gracia Burnham reported this. Martin was eventually killed in a shootout.
Martin was a pilot, bringing me3dication and food to remote areas of the Philippines in his Cessna. He had been offered a promotion by New Tribes Mission.Martin left for the USA to discuss this proposition.Upon his return he and Gracia planned a romantic time at t6he exclusive Dos Palmas Resort on Palawan Island to celebrate their wedding anniversary.The beautiful cottages are built on stilts out over the water.Their three children were left with neighbors in the Philippines.
On May 27, 2001, a loud banging on their resort door resulted in the ASG terrorists breaking into their room with M16s. They were hurried out the door to a 35 foot speed boat with a total of 20 hostages all taken from the expensive cabins over the water as well as two security guards and the resort cook.The Burnhamssoon realized that their captors were Islamic Terrorists (ASG) who had previously kidnapped another American who was Muslim and African American. Mr Jeffrey Schilling had believed as a Muslim he could help the ASG understand the Koran and that terror tactics were not allowed. Naiivel he attempted and was caught as a kidnapped victim until he escaped from his handcvuffs seven and a half months later.
Another Ameriucan was kidnapped with the Burnhams. Guillermo Sobero was a contractor from California who was with his fiance, Fe.All the other captured victims were Philippine citizens who could afford the pricey resort on Palawan. The youngest victim was R.J.,age 8 years.
For five days and four nights the kidnapped and thei Islamic captors lived in primitive conditions on the boat as they sped on the Sulu Sea. Eventually the boat landed to the cry of "Allah akbar" from more ASG waiting on land. The group of 20 HOSTAGES LANDED ON THE HEALING hOUSE ISLAND OF BASiLAN. BASILAN WAS IN 2001 AND CURRENTLY is A HOME BASE AND WELL-POPUKLATED BY MANY ABU SAYYAF.
This is a violent and dangerous Islamic terrorist group known for beheadings.Frquently kidnapped victims from other areas of the Philippines are sold to the ASG on Basilan. They are held captives while the terrorists attempt to receive a ransome. Some are beheaded and or tortureed. Some are raped and tortured until they agree to become Muslim and marry a Terrorist. Gracia and Martin, as Christian Missionaries, were not forced to change religionsnb
and it sounds like Gracia's husband frquently was the spokesman for the captives.
From the boat the captives were driven to my Lamitan Hospital where the Healing House Basilan is located. The ASG terrorists broke the glass and entered our hospital.The hostages were forced into an empty patient room.
In the meantime three hostages did not fit into the jeepney (*bus that is small). Two of the hostages were beheaded and the third escaped aftrer a "botched" beheading attempt. Yhe third American from California ,contractor Guillermo Sobero, was beheaded.
The Philippine Military (not Marines) began to fire on the ASG in the hospital.The ASG did not believe that the Phil. Military would have a gunfight at a hospital (next to the church) that was filled with patients. They believed that the hospital would be a safe place for negotiations for much ransome money.
I have lived at the Guest House of the former medical director and his wife of this hospital.There was an attempted kidnapping of this physician and his wife, reportedly to care for the kidnapped and the ASG. Their trauma during the Lamitan Seige (as this conflict is called)is palpable and I believe they, as so many, suffer from the trauma even today.
Martin was a pilot, bringing me3dication and food to remote areas of the Philippines in his Cessna. He had been offered a promotion by New Tribes Mission.Martin left for the USA to discuss this proposition.Upon his return he and Gracia planned a romantic time at t6he exclusive Dos Palmas Resort on Palawan Island to celebrate their wedding anniversary.The beautiful cottages are built on stilts out over the water.Their three children were left with neighbors in the Philippines.
On May 27, 2001, a loud banging on their resort door resulted in the ASG terrorists breaking into their room with M16s. They were hurried out the door to a 35 foot speed boat with a total of 20 hostages all taken from the expensive cabins over the water as well as two security guards and the resort cook.The Burnhamssoon realized that their captors were Islamic Terrorists (ASG) who had previously kidnapped another American who was Muslim and African American. Mr Jeffrey Schilling had believed as a Muslim he could help the ASG understand the Koran and that terror tactics were not allowed. Naiivel he attempted and was caught as a kidnapped victim until he escaped from his handcvuffs seven and a half months later.
Another Ameriucan was kidnapped with the Burnhams. Guillermo Sobero was a contractor from California who was with his fiance, Fe.All the other captured victims were Philippine citizens who could afford the pricey resort on Palawan. The youngest victim was R.J.,age 8 years.
For five days and four nights the kidnapped and thei Islamic captors lived in primitive conditions on the boat as they sped on the Sulu Sea. Eventually the boat landed to the cry of "Allah akbar" from more ASG waiting on land. The group of 20 HOSTAGES LANDED ON THE HEALING hOUSE ISLAND OF BASiLAN. BASILAN WAS IN 2001 AND CURRENTLY is A HOME BASE AND WELL-POPUKLATED BY MANY ABU SAYYAF.
This is a violent and dangerous Islamic terrorist group known for beheadings.Frquently kidnapped victims from other areas of the Philippines are sold to the ASG on Basilan. They are held captives while the terrorists attempt to receive a ransome. Some are beheaded and or tortureed. Some are raped and tortured until they agree to become Muslim and marry a Terrorist. Gracia and Martin, as Christian Missionaries, were not forced to change religionsnb
and it sounds like Gracia's husband frquently was the spokesman for the captives.
From the boat the captives were driven to my Lamitan Hospital where the Healing House Basilan is located. The ASG terrorists broke the glass and entered our hospital.The hostages were forced into an empty patient room.
In the meantime three hostages did not fit into the jeepney (*bus that is small). Two of the hostages were beheaded and the third escaped aftrer a "botched" beheading attempt. Yhe third American from California ,contractor Guillermo Sobero, was beheaded.
The Philippine Military (not Marines) began to fire on the ASG in the hospital.The ASG did not believe that the Phil. Military would have a gunfight at a hospital (next to the church) that was filled with patients. They believed that the hospital would be a safe place for negotiations for much ransome money.
I have lived at the Guest House of the former medical director and his wife of this hospital.There was an attempted kidnapping of this physician and his wife, reportedly to care for the kidnapped and the ASG. Their trauma during the Lamitan Seige (as this conflict is called)is palpable and I believe they, as so many, suffer from the trauma even today.
al-Qaeda and ASG
(CONTINUE from prior) The ASG were funded by al-qaeda (A.Q) in the 1990's.Mohammed Jamel Khalifa, Bin Laden's brother in law funded this terror group in the beginning.
Khalifa met with the ASG on Basilan. He is thought to be the main source of ASG's funds. He paid for and built a Mosque and Islamic schoolwhich is fairly close to the Healing House on Basilan.
The ASG is religiously fundamental like A.Q. Evidence has been foud by Allied forces in Afghanistan when A.Q. offices were taken over that connects Osaqma bin Laden to the ASG and JI. Also, evidence found in Asian A.Q. offices indicating this connection. ASG and other SE Asia terrorists have been trained in Afghanistan and the Middle East. Funding, weapons and equipment come from Islamic Intern'tl sources. Libya has been particularly helpful to the ASG. There are educational, civic and religious groups and NGO's which are fronts for money laundering from Middle Eastern Terror Groups who support the Jihad. (to be continued)
Khalifa met with the ASG on Basilan. He is thought to be the main source of ASG's funds. He paid for and built a Mosque and Islamic schoolwhich is fairly close to the Healing House on Basilan.
The ASG is religiously fundamental like A.Q. Evidence has been foud by Allied forces in Afghanistan when A.Q. offices were taken over that connects Osaqma bin Laden to the ASG and JI. Also, evidence found in Asian A.Q. offices indicating this connection. ASG and other SE Asia terrorists have been trained in Afghanistan and the Middle East. Funding, weapons and equipment come from Islamic Intern'tl sources. Libya has been particularly helpful to the ASG. There are educational, civic and religious groups and NGO's which are fronts for money laundering from Middle Eastern Terror Groups who support the Jihad. (to be continued)
Monday, October 20, 2008
UPDATE October 20,2008
There is an unconfirmed report of the ambush and killing of a priest and his military escorts on Oct 19. This was told by the Marines. Also, a Marine is hospitalized in the Hospital where the Healing House is located. He was hacked on the neck with a Bolo knife unexpectedly by the Abu Sayyaf at Campo Uno. Double Red Alert continues here on Basilan. The Marines continue to give me 24 hour body guards and I am OK.
The home next to where I am staying is the location where kidnapped Americans (BURNHAMS) were taken and given fresh clothing and allowed to bathe during the Lamitan Seige. This couple were American Missionaries in the Philipippines who were kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf from a resort on Palawan. Many others were also kidnapped at the time, including one American man who was beheaded and a also a Japanese woman . Martin Burnham was eventually killed but his wife survived and resides in the USA. They were held for over a year and the hardships are almost unbelievable. I am the first civilian American to be here since That Rescue. The stories of the locals and the traumas are many and I will try to tell them over time. I will also plan to tell more of the Burnhams' story of their experience in Mindanao with the Terrorists, The Islamic Abu Sayyaf.
Please forgive typos in this material. It is usually written hurridly.
Thanks for reading this information. Please peruse the pictures!!!!
The home next to where I am staying is the location where kidnapped Americans (BURNHAMS) were taken and given fresh clothing and allowed to bathe during the Lamitan Seige. This couple were American Missionaries in the Philipippines who were kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf from a resort on Palawan. Many others were also kidnapped at the time, including one American man who was beheaded and a also a Japanese woman . Martin Burnham was eventually killed but his wife survived and resides in the USA. They were held for over a year and the hardships are almost unbelievable. I am the first civilian American to be here since That Rescue. The stories of the locals and the traumas are many and I will try to tell them over time. I will also plan to tell more of the Burnhams' story of their experience in Mindanao with the Terrorists, The Islamic Abu Sayyaf.
Please forgive typos in this material. It is usually written hurridly.
Thanks for reading this information. Please peruse the pictures!!!!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Reporting of Terrorist Activity
There are not reporters (as far as I can tell) on Basilan where I am located in The Healing House. The Press in Zamboanga reports some events but much is kept silent. Therefore it seems that there is an absense of knowledge of some of what is being written on this Blog. The Weat seems to not be either aware of the struggle against Terrorism in the Southern Islands of The Philippines...Sulu, Basilan, Tawi Tawi and Southern Mindanao. In the Philippines many believe that most violence is in Zamboanga City when, in general, This beautiful City is relatively safe. I will continue to write what I observe and understand. There must be any parts of the World living with this kind of TRAUMA.
UPDATE OCTOBER 2008
Basilan Kidnap attempts were interfered with by Marines.
2 Abu Sayyaf Terrorists Sub Leaders surrendered to the Marines on Sulu.
Police and Military are ready to conduct rescue operation for the two
NGO social workers kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf Terrorists. Abu Sayyaf wanted 1 millin pesos for Proof Of Life for Workers who were helping people on Basilan. Kidnapperrs demand 5 Million for the release of one worker. Worker reportedly ill and needs to be in the hospital. Esperanza Hupida told Sakalahul, Vice Governor of Basilann by phone, that she was very sick according to The Philippine Star Newspaper on October 11th, 2008.
Bomb placed under the house of Moore Jimlani in Brgy Sibuad Proper.
4 children in house traumatized when bomb exploded which destroyed the house . Reportedly bomb placed by Abu Sayyaf. (being Investigated)
Many are writing in newspapers that the MILF commited so many atrocities under the MILF Commanders Bravo and Kato in Central Mindanao and other areas that the MILF should be considered a Terrorist Group just like the Abu Sayyaf (ASG), Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), and Al-Qaeda. All these groups are connected to International Islamic Terrorism. Rogue MILF continue bombings, kidnappings and burning and killing of civilians and their property as well as using civilians as human shields.
Bomb was discovered and detonated in Lamitan, Basilian. Bomb exploded about two or three blocks from The Healing House There was only one person hurt in the explosion.Bomb was placed outside a grocery store inside a container . A bypasser astutely noticed a light flashing and immediately reported it to the Marines. Once again the Marines kept many from being injured by this bomb.
Reports by Intelligence sources that Abu Sayyaf have plans for a major assault on Lamitan City, Basilan, ARMM. Marines are extremely prepared for such an attack with Military in great numbers protecting the town.
Reportedly the Nurse previously kidnapped is held on Basilan and is pregnant as a result of rape by the Abu Sayyaf Terrorists. This has not been verified but sources are reporting. In the past women have been gang raped when kidnapped until the agree to become Muslim and marry a terrorist. This has been told to me by women who have been kidnapped by the Terrorists. Many have had this horrible trauma but do not report it due to shame for the woman and the family. Therefore, many kidnappings of women are not disclosed.
Only recently have I come to understand that when a Demand Letter (See Prior Letter on this Blog) is given by the Abu Sayyaf Terr0rists and a payment is made, the payee also has to make a further commitment to help the Terrorists. This can be food, medical care or any other need that the Abu Sayyaf has. Those who refuse to pay may find their home or work place bombed or their child kidnapped. In my opinion many (both Muslim and Christian) are intimidated and live a life of fear. This beautiful part of the world is devestated by the dangerous criminal actions of Terrorists who will hack children to death with a Bolo and use children and women as a protective shield to escape from the military and police.(See prior updates about actions....most reported here is accurate....the one exception is the report of 1000 children in a school when the number was roughly 34)
God help the victims of Terrorism and hopefully this ongoing daily Terrorist activity will never arrive at the shores of the USA. Please Pray that the Marines continue to protect me and I avoid kidnapping. God Bless The Philippines and GOD BLESS AMERICA.
2 Abu Sayyaf Terrorists Sub Leaders surrendered to the Marines on Sulu.
Police and Military are ready to conduct rescue operation for the two
NGO social workers kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf Terrorists. Abu Sayyaf wanted 1 millin pesos for Proof Of Life for Workers who were helping people on Basilan. Kidnapperrs demand 5 Million for the release of one worker. Worker reportedly ill and needs to be in the hospital. Esperanza Hupida told Sakalahul, Vice Governor of Basilann by phone, that she was very sick according to The Philippine Star Newspaper on October 11th, 2008.
Bomb placed under the house of Moore Jimlani in Brgy Sibuad Proper.
4 children in house traumatized when bomb exploded which destroyed the house . Reportedly bomb placed by Abu Sayyaf. (being Investigated)
Many are writing in newspapers that the MILF commited so many atrocities under the MILF Commanders Bravo and Kato in Central Mindanao and other areas that the MILF should be considered a Terrorist Group just like the Abu Sayyaf (ASG), Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), and Al-Qaeda. All these groups are connected to International Islamic Terrorism. Rogue MILF continue bombings, kidnappings and burning and killing of civilians and their property as well as using civilians as human shields.
Bomb was discovered and detonated in Lamitan, Basilian. Bomb exploded about two or three blocks from The Healing House There was only one person hurt in the explosion.Bomb was placed outside a grocery store inside a container . A bypasser astutely noticed a light flashing and immediately reported it to the Marines. Once again the Marines kept many from being injured by this bomb.
Reports by Intelligence sources that Abu Sayyaf have plans for a major assault on Lamitan City, Basilan, ARMM. Marines are extremely prepared for such an attack with Military in great numbers protecting the town.
Reportedly the Nurse previously kidnapped is held on Basilan and is pregnant as a result of rape by the Abu Sayyaf Terrorists. This has not been verified but sources are reporting. In the past women have been gang raped when kidnapped until the agree to become Muslim and marry a terrorist. This has been told to me by women who have been kidnapped by the Terrorists. Many have had this horrible trauma but do not report it due to shame for the woman and the family. Therefore, many kidnappings of women are not disclosed.
Only recently have I come to understand that when a Demand Letter (See Prior Letter on this Blog) is given by the Abu Sayyaf Terr0rists and a payment is made, the payee also has to make a further commitment to help the Terrorists. This can be food, medical care or any other need that the Abu Sayyaf has. Those who refuse to pay may find their home or work place bombed or their child kidnapped. In my opinion many (both Muslim and Christian) are intimidated and live a life of fear. This beautiful part of the world is devestated by the dangerous criminal actions of Terrorists who will hack children to death with a Bolo and use children and women as a protective shield to escape from the military and police.(See prior updates about actions....most reported here is accurate....the one exception is the report of 1000 children in a school when the number was roughly 34)
God help the victims of Terrorism and hopefully this ongoing daily Terrorist activity will never arrive at the shores of the USA. Please Pray that the Marines continue to protect me and I avoid kidnapping. God Bless The Philippines and GOD BLESS AMERICA.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
