ICC Dispatch - Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Joint military/police authorities create focal group to negotiate for the release of kidnapped ICR humanitarian workers

ICC Cotabato City (21 January) - Top military and police officials met to unify their efforts for the immediate and safe release of three humanitarian workers of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) abducted by Abu Sayyaf members in Sulu last week.

According to PNP-ARMM spokesperson PSSupt. Danilo Bacas, the officials involved in the meeting included PNP-ARMM regional director Bensali Jabarani, PCSutp. Felizardo Serapio of the Directorate for Internal Police Operations (DIPO) and Army Brig. Gen Juancho Sabban of Task Force Comet.

They have agreed to create a focal group to negotiate with the kidnappers of Andreas Notter, Eugenio Vagni and Mary Jean Lacaba, Bacas Abu.

Bacas said, as of the moment. Manhunt operations remain focused on the groups of Albader Parad and dismissed jail guard Raden Abu.

“Sa ngayon, nakatutok and rescue operations sa Indana, Sulu, he said.

Negotiations for the release of the kidnap victims are being undertaken by the Crisis Management Committee headed by Sulu governor Sakur Tan, he said.

So far, Bacas said, the abductors have not made any demand contrary to the reported US$5 million ransom demand.

He also stressed that news blackout is not being imposed as Task Force Comet, Task Force Notter and the Crisis Management Committee have duly designated official spokesperson. (PBC/PIA Cot. City)


Cotabato Lawmaker opposes re-imposition of death penalty in the country

ICC Cotabato City (21 January) - Cotabato 1st district Representative Bernardo Piñol, Jr. expressed strong opposition to the revival and re-imposition of death penalty in the country.

The solon said, he will not support efforts of some lawmakers at the Lower House to revive the death penalty.

For Rep. Piñol, death penalty totally closes the door for death convicts to reform and lead a new life.

“Wala nang pagkakataon ang mga nagkasala na magbago pa,” Piñol said.

He noted that death penalty had failed to serve its purpose and did not serve as a deterrent to the rampant illegal drug business in the country.

Most often than not, he said, only small “fish” are arrested during government operations against illegal drugs.

Prominent and influential individuals suspected to be involved in the illegal drugs business remain scot-free and appear to be untouchable, Rep. Piñol added. (PBC/PIA Cotabato City)


Rebels torched some 40 houses in two farming communities in Kalamansig

ICC Cotabato City (21 January) – Moro rebels believed to be members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front has renewed attacks on farming villages in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat last week firing rockets and burning some 40 houses of Christian and Illongo villagers.

Sources from Kalamansig inter-agency, multi sectoral municipal peace and order council said the rebels mounted their attacks at coastal villages of Barangay Sangay and Paril triggering panic among residents.

Lt. Col. Julieto Ando, spokesperson of the 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division believes that the reported harassments could be a retaliation for the bombardment conducted by the military the other week of Barangays Sangay and Paril to drive the rebels out of the villages they occupied.”

The Kalamansig incidents have posed another security concerns for both the government and various sectoral organizations who had been trying to put together all their efforts for the GRP and the MILF to go back to the negotiating table. (CLC/PIA Cot. City)


DOT-ARMM’s participation to WOW-Philippines successful

ICC Cotabato City (21 January) – Presentation of cultural heritage of the Muslims of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to the recently-concluded WOW-Philippines held in Intramuros, Metro Manila was very successful.

This was disclosed to the Philippine Information Agency Monday by the newly-appointed DOT-ARMM Regional Secretary Madame Mokiin Salic- Malna, Hadja (PhD)..

Showcased in the annual WOW-Philippines were Maranao native handirafts (brass), clothings, (malong) and other indigenous products from Lanao, aside from the cultural dances performed by beautiful ladies from ARMM and watched by both Filipinos and foreigners from different countries.

Some segments of the month-long affair were shown on different cultural programs by a number of national TV networks.

Malna, who represented ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan thanked the Department of Tourism, Region XII under the stewardship of Sohura T. Dimaampao for the joint efforts of DOT-ARMM and DOT-12 that attributed to the successful presentation of not only the Muslim culture, but other tribal groups in Mindanao as well.

Malna also thanked ARMM Regional Governor Ampatuan for the latter’s support for sending her to the prestigious national event.

Malna, who just took her oath of office very recently as DOT-ARMM Regional Secretary, replaced former DOT-ARMM Regional Secretary Bai Sakina Pendatun Berman, who also assumed office very recently as Regional Secretary of DOST-ARMM.

Dr. Nadjema Mokiin Salic-Malna was also the Secretary of DSWD-ARMM during Misuari’s term as Regional Governor of ARMM from 1996 to 2001. DSWD-ARMM, during her leadership has been awarded as “Best Implementor’ agency nationwide.

Malna’s interview ended by her saying, “Mindanao is not only a land of promise, but a land of reality as well. It has very rich cultures.” (Moner C. Dayaan/PIA Cot City)