A soldier pulls out a body from a backhoe which also [...]]]> MANILA, Dec. 5 — A lawmaker on Saturday said the decision of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to declare martial law in Maguindanao province due to the mass killing of close to 60 people, including at least two dozen journalists, was not a knee-jerking reaction.

A soldier pulls out a body from a backhoe which also unearthed several vehicles, including a UNTV van, from a hillside grave in Ampatuan, Maguindanao. AP

Lakas-Kampi-CMD (Christian, Muslim, Democrats) spokesman and Nueva Ecija Rep. Antonio Alvarez said that the President “should have declared it a long time ago as signs point to lawlessness in the area.”

“But the delay proves that it was a well-thought-of move, not precipitate, and carefully calculated,” he said.

Alvarez also allayed fears that the province would be a no-man’s land as what critics of the government are saying.

“Human rights groups have nothing to fear as this pocket martial law has an expiry date, that it will be lifted once the situation normalizes which, given the unchallenged presence of government forces in the area, would come soon,” he said.

Critics said that President Arroyo’s declaration of martial law in Maguindanao in the wake of the massacre last November 23, which allegedly involved a powerful clan in the area, sets a “most dangerous precedent” for the nation.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said that while it wants justice for the victims of the massacre, it cannot support a measure that is “both dangerous and questionable.”

On the other hand, the Black and White Movement also questioned the declaration of martial law, saying that it does not believe the massacre warrants its imposition.

“Is the government so weak that it cannot enforce the arrest of those implicated without it (martial law)?,” it said.

President Arroyo on Friday night declared martial law in Maguindanao.

In a media briefing at the New Executive Building in Malacanang, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita on Saturday morning said the President also suspended the writ of habeas corpus as contained in Proclamation 1959 signed on Friday night.

“Condition of peace and order in Maguindanao has deteriorated to the extent that government mechanisms are not functioning, thus endangering public safety,” Ermita told the media briefing.

He added the Palace will immediately inform Congress about the declaration of martial law in Maguindanao within 48 hours justifying Proclamation 1959.

Atty. Jose Manuel Diokno of the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) and a human rights lawyer, said there should be charges of rebellion as grounds for declaration of martial law.

The Constitution states that “within 48 hours from the proclamation of martial law or the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, the President shall submit a report in person or in writing to the Congress.”

“The Congress, voting jointly, by a vote of at least a majority of all its members in regular or special session, may revoke such proclamation or suspension, which revocation shall not be set aside by the President. Upon the initiative of the President, the Congress may, in the same manner, extend such proclamation or suspension for a period to be determined by the Congress, if the invasion or rebellion shall persist and public safety requires it,” it added.

Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera, in a television interview, said the DOJ “noticed and observed there was a rebellion in the offing” in Maguindanao.

“The local governments in the whole of Maguindanao had been removed from the legitimate authorities. Some of these local government units… had closed down. They ceased to render government services and there was a massing of heavily armed men… it was practically an overthrow of government,” said Devanadera, citing the reasons for the imposition of martial law in the province.

On the convening of both Houses of Congress, Speaker Prospero Nograles said that in this case, both Chambers of Congress “do not indicate any majority numbers with any intention to revoke the proclamation (of martial law by the President), which is only good for 60 days.”

“Both Houses of Congress will convene in joint session only for purposes of revoking but not for approving,” he said.

Besides, he said, majority of lawmakers of the House of Representatives have expressed approval with the President’s decision.

The Speaker said that he himself will author a resolution of support to the imposition of martial law in Maguindanao. By Lilybeth G. Ison (PNA)

At least 30 local reporters were among 57 people killed last week after being abducted and shot in the volatile south of the country, allegedly by the private army of a powerful Muslim clan that rules Maguindanao province.

Other journalists remain in hiding in the south, [...]]]> It’s a sickening time to be a journalist in the Philippines.

At least 30 local reporters were among 57 people killed last week after being abducted and shot in the volatile south of the country, allegedly by the private army of a powerful Muslim clan that rules Maguindanao province.

Other journalists remain in hiding in the south, amid anonymous threats being sent to local media organisations that they will also be killed if they report negatively on the Ampatuan clan that has been linked to the massacre.

The Philippines is now regarded by global media rights groups as the most dangerous place in the world to work — ahead of Iraq, Afghanistan and Somalia.

More than 80 journalists have been killed since President Gloria Arroyo came to power in 2001.

It’s an unacceptable number but each time a reporter dies the government ignores calls to change the culture of impunity among the powerful who carry out the murders.

The reporters killed in Maguindanao were travelling in a convoy of six vehicles with the female relatives and lawyers of a local politician, Esmael Mangudadatu, who were on their way to register him as a candidate for provincial governor in next year’s elections.

Dozens of gunmen stopped the convoy, shot everyone in the cars and buried them in prepared mass graves or dumped them on the side of a road in a remote farming region.

Mangudadatu says one member of the rival Ampatuan clan organised the killings to stop him from running for governor.

Prosecutors have given no motive yet but have charged Andal Ampatuan Jnr, a local mayor who had his eyes on the governorship, with 25 counts of murder so far.

His father, the current governor of the province and an Arroyo ally who was grooming his son to take the post, plus at least four other clan members, are likely to face charges, according to police.

Maguindanao province is part of Mindanao island, where about 150,000 people have died since the late 1970s due to an insurgency by Muslim rebels who want their own homeland.

Parts of Mindanao are lawless and no-go areas for Philippine journalists.

Kidnappings for ransom, political murders and terrorist attacks occur almost monthly.

One of the most infamous groups on Mindanao are the Abu Sayyaf, listed by the United States as a terrorist organisation.

Yet until the November 23 killings, Philippine journalists believed there were a set of unwritten rules in Mindanao.

A media badge would not protect you from the Abu Sayyaf or the most ruthless elements in Mindanao, but it should at least protect you from political feuds.

Certainly, 30 journalists travelling in a pack would not be executed, not even by the Abu Sayyaf.

“The game has changed, a media badge no longer protects you from anyone in Mindanao,” a Filipino journalist told me.

A group of media groups in the Philippines — including the National Union of Journalists, the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines and some daily newspapers — have set up a group called the “November 23 Movement, named after the date of the massacres.

The movement’s aim is to achieve justice for the victims’ relatives, and what I believe is a sadly futile effort to change the putrid mix of corruption, greed and violence in Philippine politics.

“The brutal, indiscriminate mass murder… raises the ultimate challenge of conscience,” the movement said in a statement.

“It carries the culture of impunity at work in this country to such levels of horror that, if it remains unpunished for long, can send the nation into an inexorable descent into absolute dehumanisation.

“The crime thus calls for swift justice, which can only be achieved through a credible and independent process, which in turn can only be achieved without the hand of this government — a government justly mistrusted generally and openly friendly precisely to the very members of the clan accused in the massacre.”

In this blog, journalists of global news wire AFP blog about the news they report and the challenges they face covering events from Baghdad to Beijing, the White House to Darfur. Karl Malakunas is AFP bureau chief in Manila.

I am disturbed by how blatantly the politicians of today go around our own laws for reasons so obvious discussing them here would be a waste of time. However, I am so affected by what is happening I am going about it and write about it anyway! [...]]]> AM I A FOOL? I am saying TAMA NA!

I am disturbed by how blatantly the politicians of today go around our own laws for reasons so obvious discussing them here would be a waste of time. However, I am so affected by what is happening I am going about it and write about it anyway! So I can vent my anger and frustrations and disappointments! Besides, my hope is to knock on your “doors of conscience” … and hopefully, you too will see things the way I see them.

I am saying TAMA NA!

Everyday, as we watch the different television shows of the many television stations in the country, every so often we come across a political advertisement disguised or labeled as “report cards” or “accomplishment reports”, showing political figures telling a story about himself or herself … of accomplishments … personal histories … of values and principles they live and fight for … of talents and skills … of promises for a better life for the people and the country.

I’m sure a lot of people are aware that these politicians are already campaigning. However, it seems that NOBODY has really come out to the open and question all of them. I am saying ALL OF THEM because it’s literally that – be they for the administration, the opposition, or as independent aspirants! They are all one and the same.

I could not help but ask: “are they not somehow violating election rules?”

I am not a lawyer, so I will not claim expertise on the subject matter. But common sense tells me that they are! A local election officer was interviewed this morning in a local television station and was asked the same question. I was taken aback by his answer! He said that since these people have not yet submitted their candidacy, they have not violated election rules.

So what then? Does that justify what they are doing? Does this make them right???

I am totally disappointed and disgusted with all these people who claim to be the answer to our nation’s problem. They are dishonest and without integrity!

Sinong niluluko nila? Sorry, not me!

I hope we as a people realize that as we close our eyes to these practices – this barefaced disregard of what is right and just, we will never progress.

Yes, they have not violated any election law yet … but hey!, we are not that ignorant! Well, I am not! My question is – are you???

I hope we will not “turn the other way” and pretend we did not see … But my worst fear actually? If we say it’s alright … that it’s a-okay because everyone else is doing it … because their intentions are good.

I sincerely hope not!

May I address these politicians who are so brave in facing the nation and promise progress and change: borrowing Mahatma Gandhi’s words: BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO HAPPEN! START WITH YOURSELVES! Please do not make technicalities an excuse for doing the wrong thing. I hope you realize that there is a Moral Law that we as human beings are subjected to: the Laws of God! I believe that God is a just God, and He will not allow mercy to rob justice! One day you will face Him, and He will ask you to account for your stewardship as leaders of this country!

Will He be able to welcome you with his open arms and say to you: “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have glorified me through your deeds!”?

How about us? Are we free from any form of accountability?

There are two ways to sin: Commission and Omission. Commission is when we actually do something which violates a commandment. The sin of omission is just as bad. It is committed when we know that we need to do something right, and we chose not to do it.

Progress … Change … Will these remain a dream for all of us Filipinos?

The answer is in our hands!  by Christina Concepcion

A beggar sleeping at Golden Friendship Park (Divisoria Plaza), CDO.

The gamer, known only as Sal9000, is a big fan of the Nintendo DS romance ‘em up, ‘Love Plus’, in which players attempt to woo their digital paramours with flowers, lavish dates [...]]]> A Japanese gamer has taken the highly unusual step of ‘marrying’ his videogame sweetheart, in what must have been a very bizarre ceremony recently.

The gamer, known only as Sal9000, is a big fan of the Nintendo DS romance ‘em up, ‘Love Plus’, in which players attempt to woo their digital paramours with flowers, lavish dates and such. The behaviour of these in-game girlfriends then changes dependent on how they’re treated. Ah, so true!

Ahem, anyway, Sal9000’s pretend romance came to a frankly worrying conclusion when he eventually plighted his troth to his silicon ladyfriend – a modest lass named ‘Nene Anegasaki’ – during a ceremony overseen by an actual priest and witnessed by dozens of onlookers at a recent technology festival in Tokyo.

Heck knows how Sal9000 is now planning to consummate the marriage – perhaps that’s the substance of an especially twisted Love Plus minigame. However the priest involved has since stated that the ceremony was neither official nor legally-binding. In any case the marriage, such as it is, is likely to end in disappointment, as it turns out that Sal9000 is something of a ladykiller when it comes to digital girlfriends. By all accounts he has a string of similar romances already behind him.

Hmmm, well, there’s a name for chaps like that. Either way, the words ‘only’, ‘in’ and ‘Japan’ are springing all too readily to mind…

Submerged streets of Carmen Public Market.

Street near COC University, Carmen also submerged under flood waters.

Aurora Corazon “Pinky” Aquino graced the MANA maiden [...]]]>

The Muslim Alliance for Noynoy Aquino (MANA) held its 1st general assembly in Metro Manila last Friday night with a declaration to yield at least two million votes outside the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) for the Liberal Party standard bearer and his running-mate Senator Mar Roxas.

Aurora Corazon “Pinky” Aquino graced the MANA maiden assembly on behalf of her younger brother, the LP presidential bet, who she said could not make it due to his delayed provincial sortie in Cagayan.

She acknowledged MANA as one of the biggest groups rallying his brother’s bid, which has been drawing bandwagons of volunteers across the country including different individuals and sectors that, she said, were even chipping in campaign funds.

Pinky echoed her brother’s vow to pursue the visions and missions of their parents, the former Senator Ninoy Aquino Jr. and President Cory, for decent and just governance among all Filipinos including the Muslims’ cry for self-determination.

She swore in the MANA officers and delivered an extemporaneous message in between sobs after lawyer Paisalin Tago, MANA president, announced that the nationwide Muslim group was founded on their strong belief that Noynoy “inherited” his parents’ “big hearts” for the Muslim Filipinos.

Tago said the martyred Ninoy had exposed in the Senate the massacre of young Muslim Filipinos while undergoing secret military training in Bataan to attack purportedly Malaysia, prompting the formation of the separatist Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). By ALI G. MACABALANG

Congratulations Manny and the whole Filipino Community!

“Cotto cried tears of blood once again and his fans  cried a river,” cheered by Manny Pacquiao’s fans. Knocking out welterweight belt-holder Miguel Cotto in a sensational performance November 14, 2009 (Nov. 15 Philippine time), with another “Pinoy Power”  and  Filipino superhero impression again.

When the fight [...]]]> Manny Pacquiao Wins Again!

Congratulations Manny and the whole Filipino Community!

“Cotto cried tears of blood once again and his fans  cried a river,” cheered by Manny Pacquiao’s fans. Knocking out welterweight belt-holder Miguel Cotto in a sensational performance November 14, 2009 (Nov. 15 Philippine time), with another “Pinoy Power”  and  Filipino superhero impression again.

When the fight was first announced, it appeared that just about everybody outside of Puerto Rico was sure that Pac-Man will surely be victorious.

Manny Pacquiao was making another history when he knocked out defending WBO welterweight champion Miguel Angel Cotto of Puerto Rico from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Moreover, Pacquiao is the man with momentum on his side, and the scent in his nostrils of a man who could re-write the history books by becoming the only prize fighter in history to claim seven world titles in seven weight divisions. Manny Pacquiao is the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world, but he’s more than just that to his people. Back in the Philippines, the Pac Man is their Muhammad Ali.

Manny Pacquiao’s unprecedented fame and success on the world stage have made international promoters and matchmakers look closely at the Philippine boxing scene and they found an abundance of talent scattered all over the country.