UP Ibalon Bicol: Muslim Mindanao

Showing posts with label Muslim Mindanao. Show all posts

Maguindanao bloodbath blamed on Ampatuans

11/24/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

The gruesome massacre which left at least 36 people dead after they were kidnapped in Maguindanao, Mindanao, Philippines had been blamed on political rivalries involving leaders of the powerful Ampatuan clan.

Four survivors whose identities were not disclosed alleged that they heard Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr say the killings were demanded by his father Andal Sr. and older brother Zaldy, the governor of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.

Among the victims was Genalyn T. Mangudadatu, wife of Buluan, Maguindanao vice mayor Datu Ismail “Toto” Manguddatu, the chief political rival of the powerful Ampatuans. Genalyn died with the convoy which included Toto’s two sisters, two lawyers, about a dozen journalists and supporters who did not survive the shootings perpetrated by heavily-armed men. Military authorities set up check-points to find the suspects.

At the time of the killings, the ill-fated group was about to file a certificate of candidacy (COC) for Toto Manguddatu’s run for governor at the Maguindanao Comelec Office in the provincial capital of Shariff Aquak--- a place controlled by the Ampatuan family.

The senseless bloodbath, the most vicious in memory, was condemned by local and international groups such as the Bishops-Ulama Conference, National Union of Journalists of the Philippines and the Reporters Without Borders (Reporters Sans Frontieres).(Photo Credit: wikimedia) =0=

UPDATE: The Philippine government declared a stte of emergency in the place where the massacre occured as the number of causualties mounted. This will allow curfews and searches to be done by authorities as they search for the gunmen that killed 46 people. Press freedom groups and journalists doubt if justice will be served in this ignominious murders.

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Labels: bloodbath, election, killings, Maguindanao, Massacre, Mindanao, Muslim Mindanao, politcs, Totie Mesia

January 6: Amon Jadid and an Incongrous Greeting

1/07/2009 | Posted by myty555 | Edit Post

Yesterday, January 6 was the first day of Muharram, when the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar started, hence the connotation of being the Islamic New Year. However, Muslims around the world are divided on its signifance and on the way they celebrate it.

However, Mrs. Arroyo greeted the local Muslim community 'Happy Amon Jadid', which corresponds to 'Happy New Year'. However the message after the greetings immediately turned controversial. She said and I quote portions of it:

"Amon Jadid...gives Muslims the oppurtunity to look forward to a better future and to live in peace and prosperity....I ask our Muslim brothers to support our resolve in turning the fragile peace in Muslim Mindanao into a genuine and lasting one..."

I am astounded by the disconnect of the greetings to reality. I do not even know if this already amounts to an insult. It is as if Mindanao is not enveloped in war right now. And as if there are no refugees who are mainly Muslims.

Fragile peace? All I know is there's a lull in the fighting because of the holidays. But I am also aware Field Marshal Teodoro is asking for additional budget in order to continue the war. And as if the peace treaty has not been flushed down the drain and the OIC International Monitoring Team and Mindanao aid donor countries leaving and suspending aid.

As of today the Philippine military has already attacked and overran nearly all the MILF camps in Mindanao. But it has failed in its avowed purpose--to bring daw to justice the three MILF 'rogue' commanders.

Did the military "win"? If the yardstick of guerilla warfare is used it seemed it is the MILF that has won because they were able to preserve their forces. Will the military be able to hold on to the territory they gained? Probably not except for selected showpieces (like Camp Abubakar before) because they simply do not have troops for it. And it is occupying hostile territory where the population is nearly 100% Muslim. In fact, the MILF has already stepped up harassment attacks.

The derisive comment of Marines commanding general Allaga that Camp Bilal is wherever Commander Bravo is might ironically turn to be true. MILF camps are much like ordinary villages where the population is the family and relatives of the MILF forces. It moves according to the demand of the situation.

As it is there will be no peace in Mindanao. And it is generally conceded by observers that no peace treaty is possible until the end of Mrs. Arroyo's term in 2010. So I'm really wondering where she picked up those words. Hey, do liars care?

[photo credit:wri.org]

Labels: Allaga, Amon Jadid, Arroyo, Billal, Camp Abubakar, Commander Bravo, Islamic New Year, January 6, MILF, Muharram, Muslim Mindanao, Teodoro

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Maguindanao bloodbath blamed on Ampatuans

January 6: Amon Jadid and an Incongrous Greeting

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