Some 300,000 Moro peace advocates join Minda-Wide Rally for Peace

COTABATO CITY - Moro peace advocates troop to the city plaza here to call for the resumption of GRP-MILF peace talks and respect the Bangsamoro people's right to self-determination.

The Mindanao-Wide Rally for Peace is organized by Mindanao Alliance for Peace (MAP), an alliance of Moro organizations and individuals, aiming for just and lasting peace in Mindanao.Speakers include Bai Ali Indayla, national secretary-general of Suara Bangsamoro and Ustadz Nurul-am Abdul of MAP.

The MAP estimates almost 300,000 Moro peace advocates gathered all over key cities in Mindanao - Cotabato, Tacurong, General Santos, Davao, Pagadian, Basilan, and towns of Pikit, North Cotabato and Pagalungan, Maguindanao.

Suara, LKM join Minda-wide Mass Rally for Peace; call for resumption of GRP-MILF peace talks

COTABATO CITY – The Bangsamoro people once again come together to press one call – respect Bangsamoro people’s right to self-determination towards just and lasting peace in Mindanao, in a one-day Mindanao-wide mass rally spearheaded by Mindanao Alliance for Peace (MAP) here today.

The Suara Bangsamoro (Voice of the Bangsamoro) and the Liga ng Kabataang Moro (League of Moro Youth) unite with the entire Bangsamoro people on its quest for peace vis-à-vis resumption of peace talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Bai Ali Indayla, national secretary-general of Suara Bangsamoro, believes that the ‘present attitude of the Arroyo administration towards the GRP-MILF peace negotiation is a testament of insincerity in attending Bangsamoro’s welfare.’

“We support the peace negotiation but with the records of human rights violations and disrespect of the government towards signed agreements, there could be no true and genuine peace agreement that could be signed under the US-Arroyo regime,” Indayla said.

The groups also deem that while Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo still in power and with Gen. Hermogenes Esperon as the appointed ‘peace czar’, it is difficult for the Moro people to believe that the talks on Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE) will resemble the Bangsamoro’s vision for a community free from imperialist plunder and warlord domination.

“Should the peace negotiation resume, we demand that Gen. Esperon be removed for he does not bring peace to the Bangsamoro. His records of human rights violations as one of the brains of series of all-out wars towards the Bangsamoro people will surely taint the spirit of peace in the negotiation,” Indayla said.

Further, the groups also challenge the government to stop declarations of all-out war in respect to the impasse of talks, pull-out AFP troops in Moro areas and stop terrorist-tagging to MILF and innocent Moro civilians.

“While we call for the resumption of peace talks, the Bangsamoro people could not afford to stay mum should the government betray once again, we will continue to fight against the attack of our civil and political rights and right to self-determination,” Indayla said. #

On Ces, et al abduction, Suara to CIDG WestMin: Surface Juamil Biyaw

COTABATO CITY – A Moro group here is calling for a probe on Juamil Biyaw, the military asset, who allegedly brought ABS-CBN news anchor Ces Drilon and her two cameramen including MSU Professor Octavio Dinampo to near-demise after they were abducted in Maimbung, Sulu on June 8.

The Suara Bangsamoro (Voice of the Bangsamoro) demands for a thorough investigation to surely pin down the real culprits especially that the Philippine National Police (PNP) has already released evidences that point Indanan Mayor Alvarez Isnaji and his son, Haider, as the masterminds of the kidnapping.

“The PNP quickly tags Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) as the perpetrators where Mayor Isnaji said that behind the kidnapping is an unorganized and nameless group. It is also mind-puzzling that the PNP ignores the involvement of Juamil Biyaw in the abduction,” Indayla said.

“It is very clear, according to Dinampo that ‘Biyaw was the one who made the arrangements including the time and place, and left Drilon’s group.’ Also, Marama Hashim, their driver, said that ‘Biyaw was the one who led the group in a forested area and returned alone.’ With these first-hand accounts, anyone could perceive something and doubt,” Indayla added.

The group has also qualms over the immediate release of Biyaw from the hands of Task Force Comet under the headship of 3^rd Marine Brigade Commander, Brig. Gen. Juancho Sabban after the latter denied the allegations against him.

“Brig. Gen. Sabban is so quick to refute that Biyaw is not a military agent where majority of the people in Patikul, where he is a village councilor, knows that he is,” Indayla pointed.

The Suara Bangsamoro dares the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Western Mindanao to surface Juamil Biyaw and not to white-wash the investigation.

“Let Biyaw speak the truth. It is another high time for the military to prove that there is no truth to military-ASG connivance, especially now that a military agent is the one suspected bringing Drilon and others to their captors, and still at large,” Indayla said.

Furthermore, Suara Bangsamoro challenges the Arroyo administration to be true in their declaration that the government guarantees the freedom of the press, act on the numerous unresolved killings of journalists and continuing human rights violations and ensure the welfare of its people.

“A good government is sensitive to the wellbeing of its people. This government should look and act into the unceasing increase of recruits to rebel groups where minors are the majority members. Poverty and neglect of basic social services pushes people to do crimes in order to live,” Indayla stressed. #

Moro group opposes Sulu oil exploration

COTABATO CITY – The Suara Bangsamoro (Voice of the Bangsamoro) has express dismay and apprehension on government’s ‘comfort and receptiveness’ stance on the programmed exploration of Exxon Mobil Corporation, a US-based oil firm, in the country.

Department of Energy Secretary Angelo T. Reyes bragged that Exxon Mobil, the world’s largest oil and gas company, is set to explore the rich-sea of Sulu – the home to one of the world heritage sites, Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park , for crude oil deposits this year.

Sulu Sea connects the South China Sea and Celebes Sea which serves as route for tuna and other varieties of fishes going in and out the Pacific Ocean.

Bai Ali Indayla, Suara Bangsamoro’s national secretary-general, frets on the imminent aftermath of exploration to the people of Sulu which have had enough of never-ending wars, kidnaps, hamlets and killings since American occupation.

“The affirmation of Secretary Reyes that ‘Exxon Mobil will not go into any area unless the reserves are large scale or large amount of quality of oil’ is a proof that the United States of America has long been probing the vastness and productiveness of the Philippines soil in the guise of Balikatan exercises and humanitarian missions,” Indayla said.

Secretary Reyes also boasts that the oil in the Philippines such as the one produced in Galoc oil field in Palawan Basin owned by Australia-based, Otto Energy Ltd., will be sold to local refineries like Shell and Petron and would translate to a lower price of gasoline.

Moreover, ExxonMobil is into number of global operating divisions such as Upstream (oil exploration, extraction, shipping, and wholesale operations), Downstream (marketing, refining, and retail operations), Chemical division and many others. Thus, Exxon Mobil does explore, produce and sell crude oil, natural gas and petroleum products.

“The government’s claim is a big deceit to the Bangsamoro people and the Filipino people in general. Exxon Mobil is not only into exploration but wants total control to oil-rich nations like it did in several countries like Iraq , Afghanistan , Angola , Sudan , Kazakhstan and Indonesia . In the Philippines , they had started in Galoc which is north of Sulu Sea and has extended in the nearby area, Calauit oil field, also in Palawan Basin ,” Indayla explained.

“The Exxon Mobil’s exploration in Sulu sea , which would spend $110 million for exploration alone, is just a genesis to roster of large-scale explorations in other oil-rich areas of the country. Despite government’s concession to foreign oil companies to explore the Philippine Basin, the country continuously import oil and experience mounting increases of prices in petroleum as well as basic commodities,” Indayla stressed.

The Suara Bangsamoro strongly opposes the exploration of Exxon Mobil in Sulu Sea for it would not only affect and devastate the environment and people’s livelihood, which majority are fishermen, but also a testament to the long-list of documents that Filipino people vend their natural resources to foreign countries.

Indayla added, “Foreign countries especially the US have long been the ones benefiting the wealth of our natural resources. It’s not the Filipino people. We are putting our hands to a tiger’s mouth by allowing them utilize and exploit our own reserves,” Indayla said.

“We are calling the government to safeguard the welfare of the people first before the interest of foreign corporations. With their presence, is Philippine’s economy developing? Did it change the impoverished lives of the Filipino people especially the Moro? But, after all, the Philippine constitution guarantees several provisions and exempts taxes to all foreign corporations like oil companies,” Indayla said. #

Justice for Angeline!

Students and teachers of University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan town of North Cotabato stage an indignation march-rally on March 06 calling justice for Angeline and swift investigation to prosecute the perpetrator.

Suara condemns rape of USM student; demands justice

The Suara Bangsamoro (Voice of the Bangsamoro) here denounce the recent case of sexual violence in Kabacan town of North Cotabato where the alleged perpetrator belongs to an influential family in Datu Montawal, Maguindanao.

According to board mates, 'Angeline' (not her real name), a 17-year old Human Ecology and Food Sciences student in the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), was abducted at their boarding house around 6 in the evening of February 25 by a certain Bianca Montawal Paglas and two male companions.

At 11:00 P.M., Angeline came back with bloodstains on her body which prompted her friends to call the latter's father.

In her affidavit, Angeline narrated that she was brought to Pareng Bong's Lodging House and there, she was raped by Datu Andy Montawal.

Angeline's father along with board mates went immediately to the nearest police station and filed complaint against Montawal and his alleged accomplices.

Bai Ali Indayla, national secretary-general of Suara Bangsamoro, said that they have received reports of numerous rape cases and harassments inside the USM campus but 'only now, a victim courageously speaks out and file a legal case against the well-known perpetrator.'

Together with Indayla's group, various organizations including Gabriela Women’s Party, North Cotabato 1st District Representative Emmylou Santos-Mendoza, lawyers and other individuals have already expressed support to Angeline and her family to get justice and bring the perpetrators to cell.

On March 5, a candle-lighting for justice was held in USM spearheaded by the College of Human Ecology and Food Sciences (CHEFS) local student government and was supported by Kabacan Mayor George Tan and councilors, CHEFS Dean Aleha Plasa Salik, USM Director of Students Affairs Nicolas Turnos, University Student Government (USG) president Junmar Bañas, CHEFS governor Ralph Ryan Rafael and faculty and staff of all Colleges and Institutes of the University.

On March 6, around 7,000 USM students, faculty and staff and concern individuals wore black t-shirts and red wristbands and joined the USG-led indignation march-rally to lobby with the local government unit of Kabacan and calling Regional Trial Court Fiscal Samuel Fajardo to expedite Angeline's case to immediately put the perpetrators to jail.

The group also demands for the closure of Pareng Bong's Lodging House where Angeline was allegedly raped and for police visibility in the entire USM premise for the safety of the students.

Suara Bangsamoro challenges the USM administration, who has not released a condemnation statement since the incident was exposed, to speak out and seek justice for Angeline and other rape victims.

"We dare the administration of USM to stand for justice especially for their student. Angeline’s courage as well as the witnesses is commendable. We appreciated so much the bravery of Angeline's family to cope their daughter's ordeal and took legal action to search justice and prosecute the perpetrators. We appeal to all victims of sexual violence to speak out and fight. Silence will tolerate the horrible and devilish act of these perpetrators," Indayla said.

Suara Bangsamoro strongly condemns all form of violence against women and children and pledge continuous support until justice for Angeline and all victims of sexual abuses will be served. #

Moro group slams US officials’ visit in ARMM; fears Balikatan anew

COTABATO CITY – The Suara Bangsamoro (Voice of the Bangsamoro) here staged a picket rally in front of the Office of the Regional Governor (ORG) compound following the visit of two (2) officials from United States Embassy on March 04 in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Bai Ali Indayla, the group’s national secretary-general, said that her group learned that US envoy to the Philippines Kristie Kenny will be sending officials to talk to members of Regional Legislative Assembly of the autonomous region (RLA-ARRM) on its opposition stance on Balikatan.

“The RLA’s position contradicts with that of the Governor of ARMM. We really appreciate the courageous move of RLA to defy Balikatan for the benefit of its constituents. But, we smell something fishy with this visit. We fear another round of Balikatan is systematically taking place,” Indayla said.

Indayla stressed that ‘the Arroyo administration permitted the US government to take pleasure in using the territory and taking advantage of rich resources of Philippine soil while the Filipino people especially the Bangsamoro suffer from violations of human rights committed by American soldiers.’

Further, the group reaffirms call for the complete withdrawal of US Special Operations Forces in the country ‘like what Filipinos did in 1991.’

Indayla challenges the ARMM assembly not to be deceived by the sugar-coated tongue of US officials who were well-trained in psychological warfare.

“We hope that RLA will stay firm on its position. The Bangsamoro people need officials that could survive fighting for the right to self determination, ancestral domain and national sovereignty,” Indayla emphasized.

Chants such as ‘Unahin ang Bayan, Huwag ang Dayuhan’ (Country first, not the foreigners) and ‘US Imperialist, No. 1 Terrorist’ rock the ORG compound while the group continuously calls all Bangsamoro people to persist in battling for the country's independence and strong resistance to US intervention.

Stand for Truth and Justice!

Nuns belong to Oblates of Notre Dame in Cotabato City join the Candlelighting cum Interfaith Prayer Rally on February 29 calling for truth and justice amid ZTE-NBN scandal.

Suara, JIL, civil society groups hold interfaith prayer rally for truth and justice

COTABATO CITY – The Suara Bangsamoro, Jesus Is Lord Movement (JIL) and other Moro and civil society groups stage an interfaith prayer cum candle lighting rally for truth and justice on Friday evening.

The groups that also compose of Notre Dame Center for Catechesis (NDCC), Mindanao Interfaith for Human Rights Advocacy (MIHRA), Solidarity Network for Justice and Peace (SNJP) and Concern Students for Justice and Peace (CSJP), convene at City Plaza at 4:00 to 7:00 PM, as part of the people’s unyielding quest for truth, justice, accountability and meaningful reforms in governance amid the deteriorating political crisis prodded by the $329-million ZTE-NBN scam.

Danny Vergara, resident pastor of JIL-Cotabato City, said that the interfaith prayer assembly is a dignified gathering of groups, sectors and individuals who are resolute to grasp the genuine truth of the overpriced ZTE-NBN deal and make all those involved, including Ms. Gloria Arroyo, accountable for their abuses and callousness.

Suara Bangsamoro’s national secretary-general, Bai Ali Indayla remarked that the movement calling for Arroyo’s resignation or ouster keeps mounting and intensifying as the political crisis drags on stressing that ‘Arroyo has a lot to answer including the all-out war policies against the Bangsamoro people, organized extra-judicial killings, Hello Garci scandal, electoral fraud and numerous cases of multi-billion peso graft and corruption involving her family and cronies.’

“The pathetic statement of CBCP could not give GMA some relief. Cries of people from all walks of life are intense. She has escaped judgment in the past, but people now decisively say, ‘Enough of Corruption, Enough of GMA!’ Indayla said.

The groups concluded the activity with the singing of ‘Bayan Ko’ that marks the almost every struggle of Filipino people since American and Japanese colonialism to the 1986 ‘People Power’ revolt that toppled the Marcos dictatorship.

Further, the groups emphasized to continue staging series of activities including street education, sinehang bayan (film viewing) and concert for truth to edify the people on the present political quagmire until the downfall of Arroyo’s regime. #

Moro group commemorates EDSA 1, calls for GMA’s ouster

COTABATO CITY – The Suara Bangsamoro (Voice of the Bangsamoro) organization here will commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the EDSA 1 People Power uprising that toppled the Marcos dictatorship on Monday, February 25.

The group will participate in the nationally-coordinated protest lead by Bagong Alyansa Makabayan amid fresh allegations of corruption and calls for ouster facing the Arroyo administration.

Bai Ali Indayla, the group’s national secretary-general, said that the NBN-ZTE scandal is just one of the numerous anomalies scourging President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s administration. Most recent is the massacre of eight innocent civilians in Maimbung, Sulu ‘where as commander-in-chief, she was held responsible.’

“GMA has no heart for the Bangsamoro people. In the guise of chasing after Abu Sayyaf elements, the Moro people are often times the victims. Among cases of killings, not even one was resolved,” Indayla exclaimed.

The group said that their action on Monday will be a build-up towards a bigger mobilization to a “new brand of people power” that was announced by Catholic bishops last Tuesday (February 19).

“Now is the time for the Moro people to be united in kicking out a corrupt and callous president. Under GMA’s tenure, the rate of poor Moro families has continue to increase as well as cases of rights violations and extra-judicial killings,” Indayla stressed.

According to Ibon Foundation, an independent research institute, seven out of 10 Filipinos are poor and jobless. Pulse Asia, on the other hand, reported GMA as the most corrupt president in the Philippine history.

Moreover, Indayla also lambasted the “unity walk” of GMA with her dummies as “a hysterical effort to project an untouchable façade in coping the enraged Filipino people.”

“Their effort shows that their days are counted as the day passes by. Their number continues to decrease every day. Whatever their efforts are, the Filipino people are certain in saying ‘Enough of GMA!’ The Bangsamoro people could no longer endure this corrupt, fascist and illegitimate government,” Indayla ended.

Youth groups heighten call for GMA’s ouster

COTABATO CITY – Youth groups here intensify calls for the ouster of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo amidst anomalies and scandals plaguing the present regime, vehemently stress, “Enough of Corruption, Oust Gloria Now.”

The Alyansa ng Kabataan Laban sa Panghihimasok ng Amerikanong Sundalo (AKLAS) enumerates Hello Garci, National Broadband Network project with China ’s ZTE Corporation deal scam and Balikatan 2008 as major reasons among others to overthrow GMA from her post.

Yousri Usop, spokesperson of AKLAS, is heated over the deepening intervention of United States in the affairs of the Philippines ; most recent are the conduct of Balikatan 2008 all over Central Mindanao and the cover-up of Malacañang on the corruption of ZTE-NBN deal in Senate.

“GMA administration has no political will to set restrictions on the intervention of US despite the unified stand of the people and sound sentiments regarding human rights violations committed especially to Bangsamoro people. Added to this is the limbo investigation on ZTE-NBN deal in the Senate and Department of Justice (DOJ),” Usop detailed.

Liga ng Kabataang Moro spokesperson, Michael Dumamba, also an AKLAS convenor said that the recent anomalies in the ZTE-NBN deal has again proves that GMA and her cohorts has no moral ascendancy to lead the country.

“Aside from enriching themselves with public funds with immunity, GMA is continuously covering the truth to the people. The $130 million-“kickback” (or P5.2 billion in current exchange rate) from the $329-million NBN-ZTE project could have been paid for additional textbooks, classrooms, school seats and new teachers. This government is so inutile to protect our welfare and preserve our country’s patrimony and sovereignty,” Dumamba said.

The AKLAS, comprise of fraternities, student councils, student publications and youth mass organizations, will be conducting series of symposia, fora and film showings in different schools and communities all over Greater Cotabato to intensify the calls for GMA’s ouster.

“We will broaden our ranks to further heighten our call for GMA to step down. We will start in an all-youth leaders’ forum on the 23^rd of February and will participate in a picket-rally lead by GMA Step Down Movement on the 25^th. We will untiringly conduct education and protest actions until GMA will collapse from power,” Usop concluded.

Moro group lauds ARMM Assembly’s strong defiance on Balikatan

PRESS STATEMENT

February 13, 2008

Moro group lauds ARMM Assembly’s strong defiance on Balikatan

COTABATO CITY – A Moro group here commended the strong objection of the Regional Legislative Assembly of the autonomous region (RLA-ARMM) on the conduct of Balikatan exercises on its provinces.

Bai Ali Indayla, national secretary-general of Suara Bangsamoro (Voice of the Bangsamoro) lauded the RLA-ARMM for coming up with a resolution that manifests the strong opposition of the people of Lanao del Sur and Islamic city of Marawi on the forthcoming Balikatan exercises.

“We greatly appreciate the effort of the legislative assembly of ARMM to stand in this dubious endeavor of US to Mindanao. The another round of Balikatan exercises is a big insult to the Bangsamoro people who have experienced rights violations committed by the US troops in their past exercises especially in the provinces of Sulu and Basilan,” Indayla stressed.

She pointed out the case of an MNLF integree, Army Sgt. Ibnul Wahid of Maimbung, Sulu who was killed by the military on February 4 in the guise of pursuing the Abu Sayyaf. Ibnul’s wife, Sandrawina Wahid, said that she saw four US soldiers during the incident prior the military blindfolded her.

Indayla also underlined that the US humanitarian mission is a mere façade to pacify the Bangsamoro people’s unrest and preparation for a grander plan in Mindanao.

“US troops are not here just for military deployment and permanent basing, but are preparing for another war – war to amass all resources in our rich land. That is their long-standing hidden agenda,” Indayla revealed.

Moreover, the Suara Bangsamoro suggests to RLA-ARMM to conduct a separate and thorough investigation on human rights violations committed by US troops in the course of their military exercises. The result would be passed to the Congress to further study the ill-effects of Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) to the Bangsamoro and the Filipino people.

“Our officials in the RLA represent the majority number of Moro people in the autonomous region. By doing so, VFA would be junked and the elusive justice will be savored at last by our Muslim brothers and sisters who became victims of US ruthless intervention in Mindanao,” Indayla concluded.

The Joint RP-US Balikatan Exercises 2008 will be conducted simultaneously in the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao, Cagayan de Oro and North Cotabato on February 18. #