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Current Human Events & Stories

MILF kills Muslim bomber Abdul Basit Usman

COTABATO CITY, May 4, Updated — In the end, it was not the government forces which will prove successful in eliminating the country’s most wanted bomber who had eluded arrest for several months already. Abdul Basit Usman, who had a one million US dollars reward for his arrest, died in […]

Ameril Umra Kato, BIFF founding chairman dies of cardiac arrest

COTABATO CITY, April 14 — The founding chairman of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) is dead, rebel leaders and local officials today confirmed. Mohaqher Iqbal, chief MILF negotiator, said Uztadz Ameril Umra Kato died at about 2 a.m. Tuesday. He could not say where. BIFF spokesperson Abu Misry […]

PH government peace panel admit knowledge Iqbal is a nom de guerre

MANILA, April 8 — The Philippine government has been negotiating and dealing with a fictitious person representing the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. “Mohagher Iqbal is a nom de guerre and Mohagher Iqbal is the official name that has been used in negotiations ever since the negotiations with the Philippine government […]

OPPAP’s Deles statement rhymes with MILF’s Iqbal

MANILA, March 29 — OPPAP’s Teresita Quintos Deles on Friday expressed hope that the peace process will emerge stronger despite recent challenges it faced particularly after the tragic Mamasapano incident. “I admit we are bruised and feeling battered but we are here to proclaim we still stand firm (in pushing […]

MILF’s Iqbal positive on passage of proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law

MANILA, March 29 -– Chief peace negotiator of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Mohaqer Iqbal on Friday said that the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law is “battered but not yet out.” The statement was made by Iqbal at the book launching marking the first anniversary of the signing of the […]

Xavier University honors MILF’s Iqbal, ignores government negotiators

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 26 –- One way to push for, and attain peace is recognizing the people that are key to its realization. This could be one reason why the Jesuit-run Xavier University here will confer an award during a “convocation ceremony” today at the university gym to […]

OPAPP Sec. Deles appeals to ASEAN for support on Bangsamoro Law

CEBU, March 20 — Even the experts, or the learned among us sometimes “bark” on the wrong tree. Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Secretary Teresita Deles appealed to ASEAN-member states for support on the Bangsamoro Law during the opening of the two-day workshop on “Strengthening […]

DBM explains, justifies funding issues of proposed Bangsamoro entity

MANILA, March 16 — Speaking on the funding issues surrounding the proposed Bangsamoro region, Department of Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said, “We must consider the prevailing conditions in the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The region requires strong and consistent funding support to lift it out of poverty.” […]

The PNP- Board of Inquiry report on the Mamasapano incident

Executive Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations in the PNP-BOI Report on the Mamasapano incident MANILA, March 15 — Following are the complete texts of the Executive Summary, Conclusions, and Recomendations contained in the Philippine National Police – Board of Inquiry report on the Jan. 25 2015 Mamasapano incident: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY On […]

MILF reps negotiating with gov’t peace panel are Malaysian citizens?

MANILA, March 15 — Is the Philippine government peace panel negotiating with Malaysian citizens masquerading as representatives of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front? This is the gist of the concern brought forward by a Davao city congressman. Congressman Karlo Alexei Nograles on Saturday called on the Ad Hoc Committee on […]

Call to change members of gov’t peace panel fall on deaf ears

MANILA, March 13 — There will be no change in the composition of the government peace negotiating panel even with the urging of a senator to replace the peace adviser Teresita Deles and chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer for talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. In a privilege speech on […]

Senate gives P100-K to kins of fallen SAF44, other troopers

MANILA, March 12 – The Philippine Senate gave P5.1 million worth of financial assistance to the SAF troopers who were killed, wounded and survived the Mamasapano incident last Jan. 25. Before the Senate session ended Wednesday night, Senate President Franklin Drilon announced the financial assistance worth P100,000 each to the […]

More additional funds for lawmakers to support BBL, not true – Malacanang

MANILA, March 6 -– When there’s smoke, there’s fire. Malacanang on Friday denied speculations that additional funds will be given to lawmakers who will support the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). ”They might speculate that we will use PDAF. There’s no more PDAF,” Palace spokesperson Abigail Valte said […]

New radical Moro group emerges as splinter from BIFF – Reports

MANILA, Philippines – Reports confirmed that as the Philippine government is hell-bent at passing the much maligned Bangsamoro Basic Law, while military forces are fighting the war with Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom fighters (BIFF) and the Abu Sayyaf Group, another radical Muslim group is emerging as a new player in the […]

Passing the Bangsamoro Basic Law will not solve Moro conflict – Ferrer

MANILA,, March 3 — If we are to believe that passing the Bangsamoro Basic Law into law will not solve the conflict in Mindanao, according to Prof. Miriam Ferrer, then why the heck they still stay at the government peace panel? Professor Miriam Ferrer, who chairs the side of government […]

Philippine Army starts covert offensive to flush out BIFF

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao, Feb. 26 — Since when a military covert operation was announced for public and media consumption? This is one for the record when an army regional spokesperson said Wednesday the Army’s 6th Infantry Division has started covert operations against outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). Capt. Joann […]

Armed men burns hideout of slain terrorist Marwan

COTABATO CITY, Feb. 26 – – Unidentified armed men burned down on Tuesday night the nipa hut of slain terrorist bomber Zulkipli Ibhir alias “Marwan” in Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao. “Yes its true that Marwan’s house was burned,” Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) 7th Brigade commander Haramin said over a […]

Senate ends hearing on the Mamasapano debacle of SAF commandos

MANILA, Feb. 24 – The Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs joint hearing with the committees on peace, unification and reconciliation and finance, wrapped its inquiry on the Mamasapano incident on Tuesday, after five public hearings and four executive sessions, Panel chairperson Senator Grace Poe assured that the […]

Army wipes more than 30 BIFF members in Maguindanao, North Cotabato borders

CARMEN, North Cotabato, Feb. 24 — The two-day Philippine military offensive in the borders of North Cotabato and Maguindanao has likely killed more than 30 members of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), according to a military source on Tuesday. Colonel Noel Clement, chief of the 602nd Infantry Brigade here, said […]

Purisima reads text chat with P-Noy on Mamasapano encounter

MANILA, Feb. 23 – Resigned Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Alan Purisima disclosed on Monday the exchange of text messages between him and President Benigno S. Aquino III during the Mamasapano incident on Jan. 25. At the resumption of the Senate inquiry into the bloody Mamasapano encounter that left 44 […]

Senate might compel Purisima to read text messages with P-Noy – Poe

MANILA, Feb. 22 – The Senate might compel resigned Philippine National Police chief Alan Purisima to disclose his conversation with President Benigno Aquino III and other officials regarding ‘Oplan Exodus’ when he appears in the Senate hearing on Monday. This was disclosed by Senator Grace Poe on Sunday during a […]

Purisima disclosures on Mamasapano may favor the President – Poe

MANILA, Feb. 20 – Senator Grace Poe on Wednesday said the disclosures of resigned Philippine National Police chief Allan Purisima during the Senate executive session on the Mamasapano incident may even favor President Benigno S. Aquino III. The view came in the heels with Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. saying […]

Duterte willing to run for president to save the republic

Duterte willing to run for president to save the republic DAGUPAN CITY, Feb. 19 — Davao City Mayor Rodolfo Duterte on Wednesday said he is willing to run for president of the Philippines in next year’s presidential election “if only to save the republic”. Speaking before students in the lst […]

Gov’t peace panel receives SAF guns from MILF

COTABATO CITY, Feb. 18 – Capt. Joanne Petinglay, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, said the firearms were picked-up by members of the government and MILF coordinating committee on the cessation of hostilities in a remote village in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao at 6 p.m. Tuesday. The symbolic turnover of […]

Farmer returns helmet, military gadgets of fallen SAF commando

Farmer returns helmet, military gadget of fallen SAF commando SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao, Feb. 16( –- A farmer who asked not to be named for security reason returned items of slain police commandos in the January 25 PNP Special Action Force debacle. Police officers in Maguindanao are expecting more personal items, […]

Rivals MILF, BIFF clash displace thousands in Maguindanao

PAGALUNGAN, Maguindanao, Feb. 16 — Rival elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters have crossed their path causing firefight and displacing thousands of residents. The clash involving MILF and BIFF forces has taken its toll on Muslim civilians, the same group these two organizations vowed […]

Robin Padilla, ARMM officials, entertain Mamasapano folks

Robin Padilla, ARMM officials, bring Valentine joy to Mamasapano folks MAMASAPANO, Maguindanao, Feb. 15 – A movie star and his TV personality-wife, together with the ARMM regional governor and his wife, on Saturday gave “extra love” to thousands of Muslim civilians displaced and affected by the Jan. 25 encounter here. […]

More tributes to the Fallen44 of Mamasapano killing fields

More song, slides tribute to the Fallen44 of Mamasapano killing fields Can’t get enough tributes? Here’s more gathered more tributes for the Fallen44, here highlighting one made for the PNP and by a private individual. Good enough the Fallen44 Philippine National Police Special Action Force that saw action in the […]

Best tribute ever to the Fallen44 of Mamasapano killing fields

Best tribute ever to the Fallen44 of Mamasapano killing fields Perhaps, this is one of the best tribute ever for the Fallen44 Philippine National Police Special Action Force that saw action in the cornfields of Mamasapano, Maguindanao province. On the fateful day of January 25th, operating on “Oplan Wolvrine” hundreds […]

Government must study MILF proposal on independent Mamasapano probe

Government must study MILF proposal on independent Mamasapano probe Feb 14, 2015 @ 06:11 MANILA, Feb. 14 — Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal has called for an independent body to investigate the gruesome Mamasapano butchery of 44 men from the PNP Special Action Force byt the […]

Viral video enrages senators, condemns killing of SAF troops

Viral video enrages senators, condemns killing of SAF troops MANILA, Feb. 12 – Various senators react to the Mamasapano, Maguindanao killing of a contingent from the Philippine National Police Special Action Force by the joint forces of rebel groups from Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters on […]

All is quiet in Malacanang with on-going Mamasapano Senate hearing

All is quiet in Malacanang with on-going Mamasapano Senate hearing. MANILA, Feb 11 — Malacanang on Tuesday declined to comment on the on-going Senate hearings regarding the Mamasapano incident. Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said “it may be inappropriate to give comments at this time because the testimonies given by […]

P-Noy vows to capture Usman, urges MILF cooperation

P-Noy vows to capture Usman, urges MILF cooperation MANILA, Feb. 7 — Addressing the nation for the second time since the tragic Mamasapano incident, President Benigno S. Aquino on Friday vowed to capture terrorist Abdul Basit Usman who escaped from the law enforcement operation conducted by the PNP Special Action […]

Lone Bicolano PNP-SAF hero casualty hails from Virac

Lone Bicolano PNP-SAF hero casualty hails from Virac Published on: Jan 31, 2015 @ 07:47 The lone Bicolano casualty in the PNP-SAF, Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters “misencounter” hails from Virac, Catanduanes. Police Senior Inspector Max Jim R. Tria belongs to the Philippine National Police Academy […]

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All is quiet in Malacanang with on-going Mamasapano Senate hearing

All is quiet in Malacanang with on-going Mamasapano Senate hearing. MANILA, Feb 11 — Malacanang on Tuesday declined to comment on the on-going Senate hearings regarding the Mamasapano incident. Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said “it may be inappropriate to give comments at this time because the testimonies given by […]

Farmer returns helmet, military gadgets of fallen SAF commando

Farmer returns helmet, military gadget of fallen SAF commando SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao, Feb. 16( –- A farmer who asked not to be named for security reason returned items of slain police commandos in the January 25 PNP Special Action Force debacle. Police officers in Maguindanao are expecting more personal items, […]

Lone Bicolano PNP-SAF hero casualty hails from Virac

Lone Bicolano PNP-SAF hero casualty hails from Virac Published on: Jan 31, 2015 @ 07:47 The lone Bicolano casualty in the PNP-SAF, Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters “misencounter” hails from Virac, Catanduanes. Police Senior Inspector Max Jim R. Tria belongs to the Philippine National Police Academy […]

Armed men burns hideout of slain terrorist Marwan

COTABATO CITY, Feb. 26 – – Unidentified armed men burned down on Tuesday night the nipa hut of slain terrorist bomber Zulkipli Ibhir alias “Marwan” in Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao. “Yes its true that Marwan’s house was burned,” Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) 7th Brigade commander Haramin said over a […]

Philippine Army starts covert offensive to flush out BIFF

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao, Feb. 26 — Since when a military covert operation was announced for public and media consumption? This is one for the record when an army regional spokesperson said Wednesday the Army’s 6th Infantry Division has started covert operations against outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). Capt. Joann […]

Army wipes more than 30 BIFF members in Maguindanao, North Cotabato borders

CARMEN, North Cotabato, Feb. 24 — The two-day Philippine military offensive in the borders of North Cotabato and Maguindanao has likely killed more than 30 members of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), according to a military source on Tuesday. Colonel Noel Clement, chief of the 602nd Infantry Brigade here, said […]

P-Noy vows to capture Usman, urges MILF cooperation

P-Noy vows to capture Usman, urges MILF cooperation MANILA, Feb. 7 — Addressing the nation for the second time since the tragic Mamasapano incident, President Benigno S. Aquino on Friday vowed to capture terrorist Abdul Basit Usman who escaped from the law enforcement operation conducted by the PNP Special Action […]

MILF’s Iqbal positive on passage of proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law

MANILA, March 29 -– Chief peace negotiator of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Mohaqer Iqbal on Friday said that the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law is “battered but not yet out.” The statement was made by Iqbal at the book launching marking the first anniversary of the signing of the […]

The PNP- Board of Inquiry report on the Mamasapano incident

Executive Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations in the PNP-BOI Report on the Mamasapano incident MANILA, March 15 — Following are the complete texts of the Executive Summary, Conclusions, and Recomendations contained in the Philippine National Police – Board of Inquiry report on the Jan. 25 2015 Mamasapano incident: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY On […]

DBM explains, justifies funding issues of proposed Bangsamoro entity

MANILA, March 16 — Speaking on the funding issues surrounding the proposed Bangsamoro region, Department of Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said, “We must consider the prevailing conditions in the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The region requires strong and consistent funding support to lift it out of poverty.” […]

Duterte willing to run for president to save the republic

Duterte willing to run for president to save the republic DAGUPAN CITY, Feb. 19 — Davao City Mayor Rodolfo Duterte on Wednesday said he is willing to run for president of the Philippines in next year’s presidential election “if only to save the republic”. Speaking before students in the lst […]

OPPAP’s Deles statement rhymes with MILF’s Iqbal

MANILA, March 29 — OPPAP’s Teresita Quintos Deles on Friday expressed hope that the peace process will emerge stronger despite recent challenges it faced particularly after the tragic Mamasapano incident. “I admit we are bruised and feeling battered but we are here to proclaim we still stand firm (in pushing […]

More tributes to the Fallen44 of Mamasapano killing fields

More song, slides tribute to the Fallen44 of Mamasapano killing fields Can’t get enough tributes? Here’s more gathered more tributes for the Fallen44, here highlighting one made for the PNP and by a private individual. Good enough the Fallen44 Philippine National Police Special Action Force that saw action in the […]

Robin Padilla, ARMM officials, entertain Mamasapano folks

Robin Padilla, ARMM officials, bring Valentine joy to Mamasapano folks MAMASAPANO, Maguindanao, Feb. 15 – A movie star and his TV personality-wife, together with the ARMM regional governor and his wife, on Saturday gave “extra love” to thousands of Muslim civilians displaced and affected by the Jan. 25 encounter here. […]

MILF reps negotiating with gov’t peace panel are Malaysian citizens?

MANILA, March 15 — Is the Philippine government peace panel negotiating with Malaysian citizens masquerading as representatives of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front? This is the gist of the concern brought forward by a Davao city congressman. Congressman Karlo Alexei Nograles on Saturday called on the Ad Hoc Committee on […]

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PH government peace panel admit knowledge Iqbal is a nom de guerre

MANILA, April 8 — The Philippine government has been negotiating and dealing with a fictitious person representing the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. “Mohagher Iqbal is a nom de guerre and Mohagher Iqbal is the official name that has been used in negotiations ever since the negotiations with the Philippine government […]

Gov’t peace panel receives SAF guns from MILF

COTABATO CITY, Feb. 18 – Capt. Joanne Petinglay, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, said the firearms were picked-up by members of the government and MILF coordinating committee on the cessation of hostilities in a remote village in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao at 6 p.m. Tuesday. The symbolic turnover of […]

More additional funds for lawmakers to support BBL, not true – Malacanang

MANILA, March 6 -– When there’s smoke, there’s fire. Malacanang on Friday denied speculations that additional funds will be given to lawmakers who will support the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). ”They might speculate that we will use PDAF. There’s no more PDAF,” Palace spokesperson Abigail Valte said […]

Lone Bicolano PNP-SAF hero casualty hails from Virac

Lone Bicolano PNP-SAF hero casualty hails from Virac Published on: Jan 31, 2015 @ 07:47 The lone Bicolano casualty in the PNP-SAF, Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters “misencounter” hails from Virac, Catanduanes. Police Senior Inspector Max Jim R. Tria belongs to the Philippine National Police Academy […]

Ameril Umra Kato, BIFF founding chairman dies of cardiac arrest

COTABATO CITY, April 14 — The founding chairman of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) is dead, rebel leaders and local officials today confirmed. Mohaqher Iqbal, chief MILF negotiator, said Uztadz Ameril Umra Kato died at about 2 a.m. Tuesday. He could not say where. BIFF spokesperson Abu Misry […]

Duterte willing to run for president to save the republic

Duterte willing to run for president to save the republic DAGUPAN CITY, Feb. 19 — Davao City Mayor Rodolfo Duterte on Wednesday said he is willing to run for president of the Philippines in next year’s presidential election “if only to save the republic”. Speaking before students in the lst […]

Senate gives P100-K to kins of fallen SAF44, other troopers

MANILA, March 12 – The Philippine Senate gave P5.1 million worth of financial assistance to the SAF troopers who were killed, wounded and survived the Mamasapano incident last Jan. 25. Before the Senate session ended Wednesday night, Senate President Franklin Drilon announced the financial assistance worth P100,000 each to the […]

P-Noy vows to capture Usman, urges MILF cooperation

P-Noy vows to capture Usman, urges MILF cooperation MANILA, Feb. 7 — Addressing the nation for the second time since the tragic Mamasapano incident, President Benigno S. Aquino on Friday vowed to capture terrorist Abdul Basit Usman who escaped from the law enforcement operation conducted by the PNP Special Action […]