UP Ibalon Bicol: Freedom

Showing posts with label Freedom. Show all posts

Missionary Michael Sinnott freed by kidnappers

11/12/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

The 79–year old Columban missionary Fr. Michael Sinnott who was kidnapped in Pagadian City in Mindanao was released by his captors. he was turned over to ambassador Rafael Seguis and peace negotiator Maj. Gen. Reynaldo Sealana.

According to reports, the Irish priest was brought by members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) at dawn to government authorities in a Muslim community. The separatist group had been suspected of orchestrating the abduction. Officials said there was no ransom paid even if $2 million was demanded by the kidnappers especially at the time of election.

Sinnott’s walk to freedom came hours before US State Secretary Hillary Clinton was to arrive in the Philippines. The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP,) was happy upon knowing the religious missionary was set free.

His release brought a sigh or relief after the public was fearful and furious over the barbaric beheading of an elementary school principal in Patikul, Sulu. In a month's time from October 11 to November 11, seven (7) documented abductions were reported in Southern Philippines. This suggested that their kidnapping and that of Sinott'swon't be the last.

Though the old religious worker didn't show physical injuries as a result of his captivity, the emotional harm on the kidnapping victim and his familly could be enormous. It is appalling that innocent civilians, some old enough to be a great grandpa, had been used as pawns in the game the bandits play with the government. (Photo Credit: newsyahoo.com) =0=

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Labels: Fr. Michael Sinnott, Freedom, kidnapping, MILF, Mindanao, ransom, release, Totie Mesia

Recalling Pres. George W. Bush's Message in 911

9/11/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

An excerpt from the speech given by Pres. George W. Bush on the terrorist attack at the Twin Towers and the Pentagon at the Joint Sesssion of Congress on Sept 20, 2009. On this day let us remember the nearly 3,000 who perished in the barbaric attacks by Al Qaeda whose victims included ordinary people of dffferent nationalities, rescuers, and firefighers who heroically came to save lives.

Today, as the bells ring and the names of innocent victims are called to memory, we can just wonder how capable man can be to wage evil on another man. From the dust and debris of the World Trade Center rise our hope and determination to exterminate hate on the face of the aarth. The fight against terrorism is continuing and the world cannot rest without defeating the enemy.---AFM.

“Americans are asking, why do they hate us? They hate what we see right here in this chamber----a democratically elected government. Their leaders are self-appointed. They hate our freedoms---our freedom of religion, our freedom of speech, our freedom to vote and assemble and disagree with each other.

They want to overthrow existing governments in many Muslim countries, such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. They want to drive Israel out of the Middle East. They want to drive Christians and Jews out of the vast regions of Asia and Africa.

These terrorists will kill not merely to end lives, but to disrupt and end a way of life. They are the heirs of all the murderous ideologies of the 20th century. By sacrificing human life to serve their radical visions---by abandoning every value except the will to power---they follow in the path of fascism and Nazism, and totalitarianism. They will follow the path all the way to where it ends; in history’s unmarked grave of discarded lies.

We are not deceived by their pretenses to piety. We jave seen their kind before. They are the heirs of all the murderous ideologies of the 20th century. By sacrificing human life to serve their radical visions---by abandoning every value except the will to power. they follow in th path of fascism and Nazism, and totalitarianism. And they will follow the path all the way, to where it ends: in history's unmarked grave of discarded lies.”---Pres. George W. Bush

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Labels: 911, Al Qaeda, anniversary, Freedom, Muslim, Pres. Bush, terrorism, Totie Mesia, war on terror

Lockerbie bomber goes home to Libya with a rousing welcome

8/21/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

“There's plenty of shame to go around. This is not justice. It's an abrogation of justice," said Stephanie Bernstein, wife of a lawyer who died on the flight blown up by terrorists.

The only person indicted and imprisoned for the 1988 dastardly bombing of the jetliner over Lockerbie, Scotland was released from prison on “humanitarian’ grounds by Scottish officials. Suffering from terminal prostate cancer, Abdel Baset al-Megrahi, a former Libyan operative returned home in Tripoli, Libya on Thursday, August 20, 2009 afte being allowed freedom. He served only 8 years of his lifetime jail sentence and was set free amidst cheers from about a thousand jubilant supporters who met him in the airport as a "hero."

But relatives of those innocent passengers of Pan Am Flight 103 fumed over the decision, some openly expressing their devastation, saying that there is no justice for those 259 passengers who died. Carrying mostly Americans on their way home to New York, the targeted plane was blown up by the terrorist. (Photo Credit: ctv.ca/ AP)

Although it was claimed that compassion was the reason behind giving freedom to the bomber, politics could have played in setting him free from the Scottish prison. The US government expressed its intense disappointment over the decision. The Islamic jihadists and Libyans cheered the unremorseful terrorist. =0=

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Labels: cancer, Freedom, humanitarian, Justice, Libya, Lockerbie, malignancy, prison, prostate cancer, Scotland, terrorism, Totie Mesia, Tripoli

Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi sentenced 18 months more

8/11/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

Burmese Nobel Prize awardee Aung San Suu Kyi received a sentence to serve 18 months of house arrest after the military found her “guilty” of violating her house arrest rules. The added punishment came after an American John Yettaw swam to her residence and stayed there for two days. Yettaw was sentenced to 7 years in jail for violation of Myanmar’s (Burma) immigration laws and trespassing into Aung’s home.

"British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he was "saddened and angry" at the verdict and called the sentence "purely political." The European Union, Australia and France have also condemned the sentence." ---Voice of America (08/11/09, Bayron, H.)

Aung San, the 64 year old political detainee who was unjustly incarcerated for 14 years was returned to her home after the new verdict, originally for three years, was commuted by top general, Than Shwe to 18 month amidst domestic and international outcry in support of Aung San’s human rights and freedom.

In 1990, The lady political leader and heroine of democracy won the election under the National League for Democracy, but the abusive Burmese military did not allow her to govern. Aung San's recent sentence was considered a way to stop her from participating in the forthcoming elections. (Photo Credit: Totaloutnow x 2) =0=

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Labels: Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma, Freedom, house arrest, human rights, jail, John Yettaw, Myanmar, politics, prison, sentence, Totie Mesia

Italian hostage Eugenio Vagni released by Mindanao Abu Sayyaf Bandits

7/14/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

After months of captivity, the International Red Cross Committee (ICRC) volunteer who was abducted in January while assisting the setting up water supply in Jolo, Sulu was finally released. Eugenio Vagni, 62 year- old Italian, the last of the group of hostages taken forcibly by Abu Sayyaf under bandit Al Bader Parad through months of negotiation, intimidation, and coercion.

It was through the two wives of bandit-leader Parad namely Simang Annudin and Rowena Aksan and facilitation by Sulu Vice Gov. Ann Sahidulla. On July 12, 2009 in Maimbung, Jolo, Mindanao, the captors decided to release the Italian captive who was the companion of earlier-freed Swiss kidnap victim Andreas Notter and Filipina Mary Jane Lacaba.

Vagni, tired after the grueling 6-months captivity took rest prior to medical check-up as he prepared to return to Italy with wife Khawanrufan and two daughters Leticia and Norison.

It was assumed that Parad’s group had custody of Vagni, but it was the group headed by Yasser Igasan who freed the hostage. An “Islamic scholar not linked with ICRC abduction,” Ignasan, also Al-Qaeda-affiliated, had been thought to lead a subgroup of rebels replacing killed Islamic militant Khadaffy Janjalini.

Contrary to the no-ransom policy of the government, Sahidulla helped secure Vagni’s release by giving P50,000 worth of cigarettes. Yet, authorities were quick to defend the “goodwill’ gift as "acceptable" in dealing with the law-breakers.

As this developed, Sen Francis Escudero reminded the public of other hostages in Mindanao, particularly the 3 teachers Jocelyn Enriquez, Jocelyn Inion and Noemi Mandi of Bangkaw-Bangkaw Elementary School who were snatched last March 13, 2009 in Naga, Zamboanga Zibugay after their work. One of them, Mandi, was unconfirmed to have died while waiting for a rescue. (Photo Credit: AP/ Al Jacinto) =0=

UPDATE: July 15, 2009---Eugenio Vagni appealed to the Abu Sayyaf militants to abandon their outlawed life and live a normal life. Asked if he wanted to still work in the Philippines, he said its up to ICRC to decide. In the meantime, Vagni was preparing to leave the country, probably to his homeland, Italy.

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Labels: Abu Sayyaf, Albader Parad, Andreas Notter, Eugenio Vagni, Freedom, hostages, ICRC, International Committee of the Red Cross, Italy, Jolo, Mary Jean Lacaba, Totie Mesia, walk free

July 4, 2009: Let Freedom Ring to the Home of the Brave!

7/04/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

Earning liberty from Great Britain in July 1776, the United States of America was formed to become a diverse nation of people that pursue the American dream.

Today we celebrate America’s birthday with gladness and gratitude. We pray that God will continue to guide and shower its freedom-loving citizens with love and care as the country advances into the uncertainties of the 21st century. We call on all brothers and sisters of all nations to share with us the wonder and sweetness of this great land. (Photo Credit: photobunny) =0=

The Defense of Fort McHenry
by Francis Scott Key
20 September 1814

The Star Spangled Banner

Oh, say can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, now conceals, now discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines on the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! O long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has wiped out their foul footstep's pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, for our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner forever shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

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Labels: Democracy, Freedom, In defense of Fort McHenry, independence day, July 4, liberty, Star Spangled Banner, Totie Mesia, US

As Sri Lankan government forces battle Tamil separatists, death toll rises

5/11/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

In the decades-old war that pitted the Sri Lankan military forces against Tamil separatists, fresh fighting caused the death of about 380 civilians in the northern parcel of land in the island nation held by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Aerial attacks and bombardment by artillery fire killed civilians--- a third were said to be children. More than a thousand people suffered injuries in the escalation of violence.

“Sri Lanka's military has cornered the LTTE on a strip of coast and seized 15,000 square km from them in less than three years, crushing the LTTE's goal of forming a separate state for Sri Lanka's Tamil minority. The war started in 1983.”----Stuff.co.nz / Reuters (05/06/09)

“Yesterday the UN and the Government of Sri Lanka announced they are seeking $50 million to address the urgent needs of up to 250,000 displaced persons over the next three months in the areas of food, water, sanitation, shelter, nutrition, health and protection, as well as educational requirements for thousands of children who have been without schooling for months.”----http: //www un.org (05/06/09)

Independent news media are prohibited to enter the war zone by the Sri Lankan forces, making it hard to know who are responsible for the deaths and injuries. Sri Lankan military operatives don’t want a humanitarian ceasefire which may allow the Tamil fighters to regroup and gain strength. These Tamil fighters are waging war to establish a homeland for about 3 million who are the minority. (Photo Credit: Noaman) =0=

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Labels: Freedom, home, Liberation, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, LTTE, refugees, Sri Lanka, Totie Mesia

Miss California’s advocacy against gay marriage takes an ugly turn with the release of “revealing” photos

5/06/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

“We live in a great country; a nation that was built on freedom of speech and freedom of religion. Yet my comments defending traditional marriage have led to intimidation tactics that seek to undermine my reputation and somehow silence me and my beliefs, as if opinion is only a one-way street.”----Carrie Prejean, Miss California, 2009

Well said Miss California!

Twenty one year old Carrie Prejean who emerged as the first runner up in the 2009 Miss USA pageant angered homosexuals for opining that marriage must be between a man and woman during the finals of the beauty competition. It was an opinion that comes from her as a Christian. But she couldn’t be forgiven by her detractors who attack her by releasing a partially nude picture she had as a model when she was in her teens.

“I am a Christian, and I am a model,” Prejean said in a statement released overnight to the media. “Models pose for pictures, including lingerie and swimwear photos. Recently, photos taken of me as a teenager have been released surreptitiously to a tabloid Web site that openly mocks me for my Christian faith. I am not perfect, and I will never claim to be.”----MSNBC.com/ Todayshow.com (05/05/09, Celizic, M)

It’s sad to see this controversy morph into a demolition job against Miss California who obviously is entitled to her belief and conviction. This seems familiar when one recalls the experience of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin who was unfairly put under the microscope and vilified for having the “audacity” to run for vice-president. The biased media dug in for every dirt that could be revealed against the woman and her family. The rest of the story is history.

The intolerance and hate by people in the progressive liberal left against these two ladies are assaults against conservatism and traditional moral values in America----a place whose people like to think of themselves as beacons of freedom and tolerance, yet are bigoted against those who don’t agree with them. (Photo Credit: AP/ Eric Jamison) =0=

For expressing her views against same-sex marriage, pageant officials in her home state are trying to boot out Miss California of her title (which is really not nothing compared to the attention she is getting for expressing her views.) It's outrageous see a woman (who at the onset said she doesn't mean to offend anyone) being singled out because of her traditional Christian point view. Obviously, there are irrational people who want to ram their agenda to people's throats.

RELATED BLOGS: "Miss USA finalist graciously defends her anti-gay marriage position" Posted by mesiamd at 4/22/2009; "Miss California lost because of a politically (in)correct answer in the Miss USA 2009 Pageant?" Posted by mesiamd at 4/21/2009

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Labels: anti-Catholic, Carrie Prejean, Christians, controversy, Freedom, gay marriage, liberal left, Miss California, same-sex marriage

ICRC hostage crisis: Abu Sayyaf’s Swiss captive freed

4/18/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

A sketchy report from Jolo, Sulu disclosed that International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) worker, Andreas Notter, a Swiss national had been freed by Abu Sayyaf bandits who held him captive in Mindanao, Philippines since January 15, 2009.

Along with Filipina Mary Jean Lacaba, Notter is the second of three ICRC hostages to be freed. Abandoned by his captors in Indanan town, the humanitarian worker arrived at the house of Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan on Friday, April 17, 2009, according to Col. Edgard Arevalo, the spokesman of Task Force ICRC.

The details of the release are not yet known. This happy development leaves only Eugenio Vagni, an Italian citizen as the only hostage being held by the dreaded extremists who are linked with the terrorist Al-Qaeda group. It is uncertain whether the $5 million ransom demanded by the kidnappers headed by Albader Parad had been paid. (Photo Credits: Inquirer: AFP/ ICRC) =0=

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Labels: Andreas Notter, Eugenio Vagni, Freedom, Gov. Abdusakur Tan, hostages, ICRC, Jolo, Mary Jean Lacaba, release, Sulu, Totie Mesia

ICRC worker Mary Jean Lacaba freed by Abu Sayyaf bandits

4/03/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

After 78 days in captivity, Filipina hostage Mary Jean Lacaba has been freed by the Abu Sayyaf kidnappers. The fates of two of her companions, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) humanitarian workers Andreas Notter of Switzerland and Eugenio Vagni of Italy are not known.

Though Alain Aeschlimann, regional operations chief for the ICRC, disclosed he doesn’t have information on the condition of the two other hostages, Foreign Minister of Italy Franco Frattini was reported to have said the two hostages are alive.

Thirty-seven year old Lacaba who endured the hostage ordeal since her abduction on January 15, 2009 was abandoned by the Islamic extremists on April 2, 2009. The ICRC worker was fetched in Barangay Palig in the border of Indanan and Parang at about 7 P.M. and was brought to a hospital for evaluation and treatment.

The release of Lacaba comes when government authorities prepare to evacuate an estimated 21,000 residents who may be caught in a crossfire if confrontations between the bandits and the military forces occur. (Photo Credit: AFP/ ICRC) =0=

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Labels: Abu Sayyaf, Andreas Notter, Eugenio Vagni, Freedom, hostages, kidnapping, Mary Jean Lacaba, release, Sulu, Totie Mesia

Iraq unveils a shoe monument

1/31/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

We can forget Imelda Marcos’ shoes for a while. Iraqis are still elated and angered by the shoe thrown at Pres. George W. Bush and Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki last December 2008 by journalist Muntadhir al-Zaidi. A brown shoe sculpture seems a funny retaliation by a culturally sequestered people who appreciate al-Zaidi and boil mad on the former US president even if they have been liberated from Saddam Hussein's tyrannical rule.

Surely, the Iraqis have strong reasons to be mad. The cost of war is high in places of ethnic strife and tribal clashes. Many human lives have senselessly been lost in the name of freedom. 5.1 million people were displaced and about an equal number of children were left without parents.

To vent their anger and send praises for the jailed shoe-thrower who dreams of getting an asylum status in Switzerland, Iraqis and children from the Tikrit Orphanage helped sculptor Laith al-Amiri make a symbolic shoe monument. A brown footware with a raggedly brown surface was mounted on a white cloth so the people could see and ponder.

Whatever thrill one gets in looking at the oversized shoe, the use of children to make a political point is disturbing. There is negatism and darkness young minds can't miss when they see the controversial shoe. The footware is less likely a symbol of disrespect and misplaced rage, but more a reminder of the derision the Muslims have for USA and Pres. George W. Bush.

Lacking gratitude after being saved from Saddam’s terroristic regime, some Iraqis have taken the low road of the warring militants who succeed in teaching generation(s) of children on selective memory and tough love. The faith-based beliefs against the "infidels" are still the driving force of hatred against the Western civilization. There are those who have become one-track thinkers--- intolerant, violent, self-righteous, and unforgiving in their political views. This is one reason why the culture of violence kills the innocents. And peace is so elusive in that part of the world. (Photo Credit: CNN) 0=

UPDATE: Feb. 1, 2009. Iraqi officials ordered the dismantling of the shoe monument in the Tikrit Orphanage. They say government facilities must not be used as a venue to air political views.

Labels: culture, Democracy, Freedom, human interest, Iraq, Middle East, moral values, Muntadhir al-Zaidi, politics, shoe monument, shoe-throwing, Totie Mesia, war

“To make a man and prepare him as a good citizen” in a Bicol town, circumcision is required

1/25/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

In Camarines Norte, there was laughter during the deliberations of the “Tunay na Ulirang Lalake Ordinance” aka TULI or Real Model of Manhood Ordinance.

The piece of legislation was on its second deliberation to make male circumcision in that place mandatory. It was uncertain whether those considering the ordinance were serious or just joking.

According to its author, Provincial Board Member Joeffrey B. Pandi, the circumcision law is important “to enhance the physical well being of a boy or pre-teen, preparing him for early manhood and as a good citizen of his community.”

Really?

There is practically no dissenting opinion against Pandi’s odd proposal. The ready acceptance is a reflection of how we regard circumcision today. Many of us still adhere to the old tribal idea that the surgical removal of the prepuce covering the glans penis is a passage to manhood. Without acrimony, we accept a parochial belief that the uncircumcised deserves to be a butt of jokes, short to being a subject of continual humiliation. In our town, to be uncircumcised is to be identified as “half a man.” As a result, many children grow up in trepidation, believing the myth which their families and friends hand down to them.

Our society to this day still exerts strong pressure against being “supot” (uncircumcised) even if it infringes on our freedom to decide on what to do with our bodies. The TULI ordinance perpetuates myths, indirectly encourages intolerance, and curtails our right of choice even if we fail to see it that way.

How will the law be enforced? What punishments will the lawbreakers get? Who will pay for the procedure? Are we ready for the physical and psychological complications which go with surgery?

There are many conflicting justifications for or against the penile operation. An ordinance to force boys to have the procedure disregards the contrary arguments against it. The minor cutaneous surgery comes not without risks; complications like bleeding, tetanus, infections among others do occur in circumcision. Fortunately, the risks are minor compared to the benefit of keeping genital cleanliness (hygiene,) the usual valid reason for the operation.

It has been argued that circumcision lessens the incidence of HIV, HPV (warts,) and penile cancers. The skin removal is part of the religious traditions of the Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Upon the introduction of the "germ theory" at the turn of the 20th century, the Western World adopted circumcision to keep infections away. Primitive tribes in the Africa and the Pacific, consider it an important cultural milestone towards manhood.

So we know the myriad reasons why most of us agree to circumcision. We consider factors like hygiene, medical reasons, religious beliefs, cultural norms, and individual choice in our decisions. A personal matter which causes no harm on others, the minor tampering of our sexual organs is OK. It goes without saying that going against it is also OK.

But the lawmakers of Camarines Norte might be half-serious. The TULI ordinance unwittingly undercuts our basic liberty to choose. Although it appears, the ordinance gets easy support from the community, I don't think the "funny" ordinance will benefit us in the long haul. Photo Credits: The Passing Strange; Snaphappy4)=0=

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Labels: Camarines Norte, Circumcision, citizenship, culture, Freedom, laws, Legislation, liberty, Totie Mesia, TULI

UP Ibalon Bicol

Missionary Michael Sinnott freed by kidnappers

Recalling Pres. George W. Bush's Message in 911

Lockerbie bomber goes home to Libya with a rousing welcome

Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi sentenced 18 months more

Italian hostage Eugenio Vagni released by Mindanao Abu Sayyaf Bandits

July 4, 2009: Let Freedom Ring to the Home of the Brave!

As Sri Lankan government forces battle Tamil separatists, death toll rises

Miss California’s advocacy against gay marriage takes an ugly turn with the release of “revealing” photos

ICRC hostage crisis: Abu Sayyaf’s Swiss captive freed

ICRC worker Mary Jean Lacaba freed by Abu Sayyaf bandits

Iraq unveils a shoe monument

“To make a man and prepare him as a good citizen” in a Bicol town, circumcision is required

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