Inside Philippine politics & beyond

Marwan’s e-mails show his closeness to MILF Commander Tundok

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But why gov’t needs to deal with MILF 

Commentary By Raïssa Robles

E-mails between the slain bomber Zulkifli Abdhir, alias Marwan, and his brother Rahmat Abdhir bare a brisk trade in weaponry in the south, even between rebels and soldiers.

One e-mail dated November 2006 claimed:

“Commander A Wahid says that there is a soldier who wants to sell a new .50 caliber, for US$5,000. He said that he can only afford 2K, and asked to find the remaining 3K hehe…”

The e-mails are part of the 40-page indictment filed against Marwan in California on August 1, 2007.It was initially sealed and later made public. I have attached the indictment at the end of this piece.

The e-mails give a rare glimpse of the conflict from the Muslim rebel side.

They also show the ease with which one can order magazines (for guns, not reading materials), scopes and radios from the United States to Mindanao, the way women in Manila order makeup and clothes by mail.

Here’s an example of the actual contents of a box posted to Marwan by his brother in California who is now detained facing charges for aiding a terrorist. You can see Marwan had “stateside” taste. He liked to wear Fruit of the Loom briefs and eat Snickers and Hershey chocolates:

The e-mails have a very matter of fact tone, even when talking about the deaths of “martyrs”.

There is no question from these e-mails that Marwan was engaged in bombings and in teaching snipers.

Or that he was close to at least one Moro Islamic Liberation Front commander – Abdulwahid Tundok who heads the 118th Base Command. It is also Tundok who is being accused of firing at Special Action Force commandos in Mamasapano last month which resulted in numerous deaths. Almost a year ago, Tundok was arrested at a military checkpoint  but released to “a politician” who remains unidentified to this day.

These e-mails are the bases for Senator Rene Alan Peter Cayetano’s declaration that the MILF is a terrorist group. However, nothing in the e-mail directly implicates the MILF leadership in Marwan’s dealings and activities.

Cayetano was even quoted to have said:

“Lahat tayo ay gusto ng  peace. Ang stand ko ay ituloy ang peace process. Huwag sa MILF, humanap tayo ng mga kausap dun na magbibigay ng tunay na peace.”

Let me just say this for  now. There are so many factors that we have to deal with in order to understand and solve the Mindanao conflict. Nothing is as clear cut as simply saying – the MILF is a terrorist group and therefore we should not deal with a terrorist group.

The former government of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo purposely asked the United States to keep the MILF off the international terror list. And even the government of former President George W. Bush dealt directly with the MILF by sending then US Ambassador Kristie Kenney to talk directly to the MILF leadership.

This was even if the Bush government knew the close ties between the MILF and the Jemaah Islamiyah.

The long and short of it is that there is no other group to negotiate with. It’s either the MILF or bust. It is the MILF that has been deputized by most of the Muslims in Mindanao to negotiate the terms of peace on their behalf.

Mosques in Mindanao reserve part of the zakat or Friday collections to sustain the MILF, which is really more like a citizen army. Most of the soldiers are farmers or traders by day and guerrillas during conflict.

You are fighting a people here, and not just a group of armed men. You can rail all you want but that’s the truth.

And the longer the negotiations take, the more Marwans you are bound to attract in Mindanao.

Can you simply erase the Muslims from Mindanao with an all-out war?

Well the Spaniards tried that for 333 years and did not succeed. They only managed to gain a foothold in certain places like Zamboanga City (which explains the enmity between the locals there and the Muslims).

Marcos also tried that and almost lost Mindanao, according to retired General Fortunato Abat who told me a fascinating tale about the day he nearly lost Mindanao.

And there’s another problem. A take-no-prisoners, all out war will open the government to charges of genocide before the International Criminal Court. Which could give Filipino Muslims the needed ammunition to petition for secession.

What I believe the Philippine government can do is to place safeguards in the planned autonomy law that would make Mindanao a much less hospitable place for extremists and discourage secession.

And make them swear by the Quran that the Isis-brand of Islam and similar beliefs will be barred from taking root in the south.

You can read the indictment against Marwan below:

Comments

  1. From Jarius Bondoc article on Feb. 20, 2015. The very reason to review again and again the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). Part of the said article is posted below from Mr. Bondoc’s source, a widow from Cotabato City and hails from a political clan in Maguindanao province.

    “…Cotabato citizens lament that all the government peace negotiators are not from Mindanao. Their families do not reside here. They did not think of the consequences of establishing the Bangsamoro sub-state for the MILF. They thought only of themselves. We ask where Secretary Ging Deles was during the massacre.

    “At a restaurant recently a group of diners ordered fried chicken and waited for it to be readied. Then some burly men walked in and also ordered fried chicken, just as the first order was being brought out of the kitchen. The second group demanded that the platter be served to them, as they were ‘from the Bangsamoro.’ They even threatened to hurt the waiter for arguing that the first group naturally had priority.

    “Several times when there were traffic buildups, goony motorists would counter-flow the opposite lane, honking horns and yelling, ‘Give way, we’re from Bangsamoro.’

    “In the history of the ARMM, twice we citizens of Cotabato were asked if we wanted to join, and twice we voted no. In case we vote no a third time, what will the MILF do under the Bangsamoro Basic Law?”

    http://www.philstar.com/opinion/2015/02/20/1425592/maguindanao-widow-speaks-out-vs-bbl

    • This is akin to those who advocate all out war in Mindanao. They really don’t know what they’re talking about. Even I am clueless of what it is to experience explosions and flying bullets all around, but I do not advocate all out war.

      From the perspective of watching a movie that starred Tom Hanks where they stormed a beach head in Europe, that got me to thinking that war is really that bad, gory, and somewhat scary in a kind of way.

      But for those advocating all out war, here is what I propose to end all wars in the Philippines:

      each family has to to conscript a male or female member to the Armed Forces of the Philippines to fight this all out war in all fronts, be it communist or terrorists. Each family will experience what it is to have a loved one die because of a stupid war.

      We have peace in our hands now. It’s just within reach. Why not give it a chance? Modify the BBL if need by, but give peace a chance.

      • We don’t even know if BBL is the real answer but it’s the right step in my view. I’m against scrapping it but I’m for suspending the talks until the Mamasapano incident has been fully investigated and answered all the nagging questions by the govt & MILF. People have doubts, both sides. Trust should be reestablished.

        Yes, it’s within reach but we need to involve the right people in the talks. I doubt Sec. Deles’ adeptness but not her passion for peace. I see a recalibration if not overhauling major parts of BBL.

        • Yes, Vhin AB, it is within reach. But I think Deles was there for a reason, she was the first peace negotiator after all during the term of GMA, so it’s only fitting that she continues her work towards peace in Mindanao.

        • Yes. Sec. Deles should continue what she has started of course. She is passionate about it as I’ve said. We just need to add another representative/s from the very areas that will be included in BBL. I think it’s just fair aside from close scrutiny from all sectors of our society. Wag lang madaliin. The next president should carry the burden.

        • She’s a member of the peace panel including Dr. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and Sec. Deles. I have reservations when it comes to BBL that they helped crafted. But I’m still positive that it will be sorted out and come up with a win-win solution. By next year or 2017, it will be finally ratified or passed under a new president.

        • I think the draft BBL was crafted because the peace panel knew it would be scrutinized and further changed by Congress through is oversight function. The first step here is to have a dialog and nurture trust between the two parties.

        • Trust is definely in a very low and sad state. But we both agree about talks to continue and nurture it under the terms of both sides. Thanks for the inputs, BFD.

    • It’s a puzzle to me. Perhaps somebody can explain.
      Given that the MILF and BIFF are currently fighting one another, members of the MILF have deserted to the BIFF because the do not like the agreement and the MNLF has woken up and are seeking their own resolution, how can an agreement (the BBL) with the MILF alone bring peace to Mindanao?

      • “How can an agreement (the BBL) with the MILF alone bring peace to Mindanao?”

        Trial and error. Now we saw the error from the death of 44 SAF. Painful error but we all have to move on and adjust. Bring MILF and BIFF to the table, too. Lahat daw sila gusto ng peace kaya isama na natin. That way if implemented they will all surrender their firearms and live in peace. Mahirap naman na kapag may BBL na ay lilipat lang ng MNLF at BIFF ang members kasama ang armas nila. Magkakamag-anak at magkakaibigan ang mga yan at napatunayan na sa naganap na bakbakan.

  2. i am into postponing HOR probe.
    the Reps are unneccessarily revealing a very sad state of our system for the great minds of state’s enemies to feast of.
    at this point in time, only rage and chaos is promoted.

  4. Just saw the entire video of the Feb.18 SBRC hearing and what a show! Cayetano was red hot sticking it to Oreta snd Osmena did a pretty good number on that Marvos relic Bobby Ongpin. Right now I would go for an Alan/Grace ticket for a 2016..Grace under Fire! Heeheehee

  5. The “half-empty” thinkers may say that the higher tax exemption ceiling on bonuses is part of the “bread and circuses” laid out by the Palace for the enraged public as a result of the Mamasapano incident. Never mind if the law was signed just two days before it will lapse into becoming a law on February 14. “Half-empty” thinkers may still say PNoy wants to ‘palliate the damage.’

    However, one may also consider this:

    http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/673879/aquino-surprises-fallen-safs-kin-with-one-stop-welfare-services

    as part of the palliative measures…

    especially that it was announced yesterday that Purisima’s testimony in executive session will be publicized soon.

    As early as Tiesday, PNoy already knew what transpired in that Senate executive session…

    • I must admit, though, I was kind of disappointed when the Palace through its HOR (pronounced with “w” in front and “e” at the end) temporarily stopped one of the circuses.

      Of course, the Mamasapano hearing at the HOR is one circus that defies the Roman’s “bread and circuses” because it tends to stoke even more the public ire rather than appease them…

      • :)

        The reverse of the Roman times i guess. In Roman times the gladiators killed each other and the public was satisfied while here it was the opposite.


        But it is better if Aquino jails the coup plotters, some more corrupt politicians, and let the ombudsman file plunder charges to Binay and the public will be appeased outright! That is the best offerings Aquino can do!

        • Those are circuses worthy of their kind all right!

          Plus prosecute the killers of the police commandos…

      • Palace or LH stopped the WOE HOR circus because the MILF is watching closely and intently. . . how they in the Bangsamoro Parliament will be doing it in their own worst style.

        • Central Gov’t leaving Muslim armed groups to their own shooting war. Personal daw ang dahilan.

          Apathy! No law and order is the theme. But yet such shooting is displacing hundreds if not thousands of families in those areas.

          Is this the national policy now? Don’t interfere with Muslim armed groups in their shooting war? Why? Against the NPAs, Central Gov’t interferes. But not vs Muslim armed groups.

          Selective policy for a good reason or what?

    • This, to me, is a demonstration once more of the power of the President to use the “bully pulpit” where his gestures are covered well; as is his speeches in prime time, if he so choose. (I use that phrase in that sense, not in a negative sense). Strategically and tactically used, the power of the Presidency is not insignificant. (Beware baddies, this President can still show some tricks; and that is only the tip of the iceberg.)

    • The KINS of the SAF 44 Braves got P1M each acc to latest news report.

      How much did each Senator get to convict ex CJ Corona? P50M?

      The rule then is: if you DIE for country you get P1M. If you live to VOTE against one impeached you get – HOW MUCH? p50 million.

      Which would you want to be – Senator or SAF?

  6. Parekoy vs Joeam: Debate on Why Foreigners Should Not Meddle in Other Countries Political Matters!

    Let us hypothetically assume that the venue of the blog is in the United States and a foreigner is meddling in their Political Affairs.

    This is for some fun and let us see who can present his position well. The twist though is that I will be the Foreigner who will argue that I can meddle while Joeam is the American whose position Foreigners should not.

    I will give Joeam the benefit to argue his position first, then I will do mine, but in fairness he will have the last word!

    So Joeam, if you accept this friendly challenge, you can start providing us with your arguments now!

    • Just in case anyone forget, Manny Pacquiao actively inserted himself in U.S. politics. He not only endorsed Harry Reid for senator of Nevada, and made appearances with him, which earned him an invitation to visit the White House, but he also endorsed someone for Governor of California, and another politician in Hawaii.

      Here’s a chance for Parekoy to admonish Manny Pacquiao, publicly in this blog, for meddling in U.S. political matters.

      Cheers!

        • Yes, I have a “puso” for everyone, including our PBK. BTW, I understand the amount is now $250M to be split, not including the pay per view, etc. My-oh-my, is Mayweather just duwag or waiting for more? Even at 60-40 split with 40 for PBK that’s quite a sum. A king’s ransom indeed.

        • @nherrera,
          sorry sir,
          i now start getting mistaken your comments are just postscripts.
          anyways if you’re happy with your new-found mode, keep posting!

        • @vander anievas: Sharp observation there on my mode swing. You are right — lots of postscripts lately. I checked and the last non-postscript item is Post 33 (but that may be a postscript in disguise? Hahaha.) It’s probably the weather. Also, waiting for the literary Muse. And more importantly, I am enjoying reading the posts of the CPMers, including yours. :-)

        • NHerrrera,

          Please find out how we can include wing-dings!

          Keep on leaning!

          :)

          Look at it as bold is full of viagra, and italic when the potency is starting to wane…

          :)

        • sayang. medyo maganda pa naman mall duon. kay Manny ata yun. medyo lang :)

          colorful yung harap unlike the blue/gray/white of Esem :)

      • Yvonne,

        Please don’t coach me, Joeam might misconstrued it that I need help.

        Please read what I wrote, I will be defending the Foreigner that he/she could meddle.

        :)

        • Whoa, whoa, whoa!

          Here is a guy whose concern, as you say, is unwanted, and you are inviting him for an exchange of ideas?

          Really?

        • I know you care so much about Joeam, in fact you chose to publish your article there rather than here in CPM. So I know your priorities are, and loyalty I may say.

        • If you must know the behind-the-scene situation, I offered first my article to Raissa but she wanted me to come out with my real identity complete with my photo. I told Raissa that although I’m willing to do it, the code-of-conduct I signed with my employer prevents me from publishing the article in my reaI name.

          Personally, I was a little disappointed because @baycas can publish his without the same conditions as mine but I did not let it discourage me from actively participating in the discussions here.

          So I made some changes to the article and I emailed Joe if he is willing to publish it under the byline of Yvonne, instead of under my real name.

        • Yvonne,

          Thank you for your clarification.

          But I can only guess what Raissa’s concerns are. If she lets you post it incognito and what you wrote has accusations in it and she sanctioned it by being “up there”, then she might get into trouble.

          That is why whenever I wrote my “piece”, I put it in comments section and Raissa is not burdened by whatever I am writing, whether blind item, satire, accusations, fiction, or whatever. For me it is a win-win, I shared my ideas, she is not party to whatever mistakes or accusations I made. In fact, once we write it in the comments sections, Raissa will not be in hot water!

          Whatever we write in comments section is understood that it is considered fiction though it has non-fiction components and facts in it, meaning pure opinion without basis (wink-wink)!

          I will not take it against Raissa, maybe baycas article according to her judgment will not burden her of any lawsuits!

          Cheers!

        • @Parekoy,

          Oh, I’m not taking it against Raissa, that is why I’m still here.

          I understand the ramification an article can cause that is why I’m very careful with the write-up. Additionally, I said that the article can be edited as needed to address any such concern.

      • Cheers, Yvonne!!!!

        And perhaps he can also criticize Peter Wallace, a columnist in PDI, because he is not also a Filipino. And since I use another country’s passport when I travel, can I also qualify myself as a foreigner now?

        Meddling: To intrude into other people’s affairs or business; interfere. 2. To handle something carelessly or ignorantly; tamper

        This is Raissa’s blog so this is her personal interest. If she has not called Joe America a “meddling person”, then let us respect that.

        Besides, Joe America also contributes to the economy of the government. He pays his taxes and government fees, he spends his money in the country which in effect props up the economy, no matter how small it maybe.

        Please, let us not make Raissa’s blog a place to diminish one another… It’s not proper and it’s not ethical. This is a blog and we are here just to comment and express our ideas. Perhaps, @Parekoy, why not come up with your own blog site and then you can choose who can MEDDLE in your affairs???

        P.S. – Before posting this, I scrolled and I read your comment on Yvonne’s article posted at Joe America’s blogsite. So, if you really hate this guy, why are you sneaking at his own blogsite?

        • First let us be clear!

          I don’t hate Joeam, personally!

          The issue is meddling in our political affairs as a subject of debate.

          Raissa is the final arbiter, and I don’t expect her to ban Joeam!

          I force the issue to evaluate ourselves!

          1. Why do we allow foreigners meddle in our political affairs and that is a fair question! .

          2.Why do majority look-up to them?

          3.Why do majority have more leniency on the foreigner than to our fellow countrymen?

          4. Why do you think we need a Foreigner to educate us in Nationalism and Patriotism?

          5. Why do you think our countrymen defends more the foreigner even when the foreigner is abusive to our countrymen like the case of Laude?

          and many other things that are worth discussing!

          I visited Joeam’s site because a friend of mine who happened to visit Joeam’s blogsite told me I was mentioned by Joeam and I think it was also about you sounding like you are a traitor to Raissa’s site.

          Why should I come up with my own blog site if Raissa already fulfills my needs? Why reinvent the wheel when Raissa offers a lot? CPM is the true voice of our people! We are all represented, not only the snotty ones and snobby ones, but the average citizens as well, even the some weird guys are here, the religious fanatics, the atheists, the crazy ones, the brilliant ones, even a handful of idiots are here, in fact we have plenty here who has colonial mentality, and a lot of nationalist too! So there is no need for me, in fact you can’t find any of my postings except here! You know why, I know which one is worth my while!

          Did I trash you before? Did I trash anybody here before? I did it once to my countryman, Mariano Renato Pacifico, when he was trolling us here, but I still want him back because I know that even from his “special mind” we can get some gems, and I did too to Joeam for his out of line of accusing Laude of raping Pemberton and other times he needed some beatings! I am fully aware that the “colonialist” will hate me for it, but I am not her to be liked but to agitate!

          And you know what, I sometimes bait those who dislike me so that your anger could be liberated and by arguing with me you might leave getting something from the argument no matter how heated!

          Don’t things personally! Rule number one when you visit political forum! Defend your ideas, admit if you make a mistake, and learn from others!

          You can gang-up on me “colonialists”, but I am ready for you!

        • ”5. Why do you think our countrymen defends more the foreigner even when the foreigner is abusive to our countrymen like the case of Laude?”

          You should talk to the bakla community in the area he lived, cheating foreigners everyday pretending to be a woman..most say ”he asked for it sooner or later”
          Pretending to be a loyal fiancee to the German? And at the same time always out, doing miss gay shows etc..?
          Sorry Sir Parekoy, i know Laude in person, dont make him a saint please??

        • He might not be a saint, but accusing the Laude of raping Pemberton is out of line. Especially to a partisan American who was defending Pemberton?

        • “I force the issue to evaluate ourselves”…

          I believe you read that sentence again and again and again and

          THINK! Apply it to yourself. Evaluate your own self. DO NOT INCLUDE ME.

          And please read again what I wrote “Let US NOT make Raissa’s blog a place to diminish one another”…. I did not single you out as diminishing a person.

          What wrote as basis for “evaluating ourselves” are SIMPLY YOUR OWN PERCEPTIONS! Perceptions, not ideas.

        • OPT OUT FROM HERE??????? FROM Raissa’s blog?

          WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE TO TELL ME THAT?
          THAT IS THE ULTIMATE IN MEDDLING INTO A PERSON’S LIFE!

          and yes, the ALL CAPS ARE INTENTIONAL BECAUSE I AM SHOUTING!

          The gall…. too bad, I am not as professional as Joe America.

        • You can opt out from evaluation!

          But you are free to do whatever you want you opt out, whatever fancy you!

          :)

        • You are in my opinion an intrigant..

          ” a person who makes secret plans to do something illicit or detrimental to someone else.”

          Your so called debat with Joe is only to provocate him, for personal reasons..Sorry i will not participate anymore in your plan…Sayang Madam Yvonne left this forum..

        • “You might leave getting something from the argument no matter how heated”

          Translation:

          Para pagkatapos ay may makuha ka sa balitaktakan kahit mainit ang paraan…

        • human nature to mind other people’s business. mga sawsawero at sawsawera tayo since we are sosyal creatures.

          having an opinion on any issue that interests you is not meddling unless you can actually influence the policy-makers of a country or even an organization.

          basta walang personalan and it does not degenerate into name-calling.

          wag na lang dibdibin. ma-ha-high blood lang kayo. lalo na pag philosophy major ang maka-debate nyo ;)

    • Having an opinion is not meddling in political matters. It is known as freedom of speech.

      • Ako ay isa lamang “miron” na nagbabasa sa mga maraming matatalino at may magagandang ideas na sinasabi sa CPM ng mga posters.
        Marami akong natututunan at namumulat sa mga kaganapan sa aking bansang Pilipinas. Kaya naman paminsan-minsan ako ay naiinis kapag nakakabasa ng mga posts na 100% salungat sa aking paniniwala. Pero dahil sa ako’y bisita dito palagi ko isinasa isip na ang karapatan para i-censor o kastiguhin ang poster ay nasa nagmamay-ari ng blog na ito.
        Pwede ako sumali sa usapan, pumuna, tulad nuong andito si rpm.
        Naniniwala ako na hanggat sa hindi naman nanglalait ng pagkatao, nangbabastos at nagmumura lahat dito ay welcome.
        Lahat tayo ay may pagmamalasakit sa ating bayan kaya lahat din ng opinion at idea ay pwede nating pakinggan at mabasa ng lahat.
        Sana tayo ay mag respeto sa gustong sabihin ng iba. Hindi lang ang Pilipino ang pwede magmalasakit sa Pilipinas. Tulad din na hindi lang banyaga ang pwede magtaksil sa ating bansa.
        May sarili tayo pagiisip para alamin at pagnilay-nilayan kung ang isang tao na nagpost dito ay may malinis na hangarin o isang huwad.

    • meddle

      verb med·dle \ˈme-dəl\

      : to become involved in the activities and concerns of other people when your involvement is not wanted

      : to change or handle something in a way that is unwanted or harmful

      med·dled med·dling \ˈmed-liŋ, ˈme-dəl-iŋ\

      Full Definition of MEDDLE

      intransitive verb

      : to interest oneself in what is not one’s concern : interfere without right or propriety

      From Merriam-Webster

      • when your involvement is not wanted

        To me it’s not meddling because I want his opinion or any person for that matter as long as it’s stated clearly.

        • paddle as in rowing or beating?

          If it is the latter, I can bear it, if the former thanks for the support!

        • I, too, welcome his perspective in this blog.

          And if I recalled correctly, during one of those strong typhoons that hit the country when JoeAm was unheard from for several days, many in this blog expressed concern for his safety.

          Raissa hasn’t blocked JoeAm from participating in CPM, so why can’t we respect that?

        • i think, it’s the blogger’s prerogative whom she wants in or blocked here.
          and almost all here is debating.
          it’s a part of healthy undertaking.
          that’s why this is called c.plaza.m.
          hehehe.
          happy debating…:)

    • The only thing that should matter is: Does he make sense?

      Are Americans of Filipino descent who have elected to renounce their Filipino citizenship also suspect?

      • My understanding:

        1. Natural born citizens are given to have a say in their biological mother’s political affairs. Can’t vote.

        2. Naturalized Citizens have the given rights to particpate in political affairs, can even vote.

        3. Foreigners are expected to respect other country’s political affairs are off-limits. Can’t vote. Some countries make it illegal for a foreigner to meddle in their political affairs.

        • rather…

          1. Natural born citizens, who renounced their Filipino Citizenship, are given to have a say in their biological mother’s political affairs. Can’t vote.

        • Sir Parekoy, could you explain first why foreigners can not buy a house and lot in the Philippines and can not have a dual citizenship…
          http://philembassy-uk.org/faq/my-husband-is-a-foreign-national-can-i-include-him-in-the-petition-for-dual-citizenship
          you as Philippine citizen can have dual in other countries…When you are dual you can meddle in politics and have your say…only not allowed to run for a position like mayor etc. i believe? Just asking…

        • sup,

          That is a very good question!

          I am not a lawyer so I can only guess the why. I think our lawmakers when they made the constitution they are quite protective of our lands and according to their wisdom Foreign ownership of our lands is not in our best interest. We are a poor nation, what if foreigners bought a lot of lands and real estate and now own the majority? What is the implication in our politics, economy, and other aspects of life?

          There are exceptions like corporations.Corporations should have a minimum 60% Filipino ownership.

          Those foreigners who married our citizens can buy property but put it under their spouse name.

          But if the Foreigner really loves the Philippines and has full right to participate politically and vote, that Foreigner can prove his love of our country by applying as Filipino Citizen. It means one can’t have it all, one has to choose.

          Others who are well knowledgeable about this can expound.

          PS
          In reality, there are plenty of foreigners acquiring plenty of real estate here. Koreans are now buying our real estate like hotcakes! I don’t know how they go about it but in the Philippines, one can buy anything at a price! Want to buy a baby? A kidney? A sex slave? Sex with kids? Almost everything is for sale!

      • . . . if they felt insulted and not come here for vacation and spend dollars elsewhere, where then would our tourism be? and if they boycott our products, lagot din tayo. and if they give our ofws hard time, lalong lalagot tayo.

        • Foreigners are welcome! In fact everywhere, foreigners are welcome as tourists and investors!

          But in Political Affairs, that is a touchy subject where I think majority of countries do not want a foreigner meddling in their political affairs! It is impolite and some countries like Mexico they prohibit them from forms of political meddling and subject to deportation. Philippines hospitality is par excellence! We have foreigners spitting on our countrymen, we ignore their improprieties and even try to be their apologist! Amazing isn’t it, we were programmed to look-up to them through hunderd of years bering ruled by them!

          Have you noticed that same opinion uttered by a Filipino and an American or other white foreigner, who do you think carries more weight?

          Citizenship is political!

        • and yet, many mexicans try to smuggle themselves and live in USA where the living is good and dollar is great. so many are turned back, but still keep on trying.

          pinoys are far from victims and have victimized foreigners, swindled them, stole from them, dinudukutan pa. burned their businesses, at kini-kidnapped yong iba, killed them other times.

          only those opinions that make sense to me carry more weight, be they be from pigs, mushrooms, amoebas, aliens, etc. parekoy’s opinions included.

        • ippity, ippity, my shorty short comment disappear. I’ll wait a day or two, then I’ll re-post.

        • When the Philippines is going to war with China, or China with the Philippines i guess you are the one cheering most when the US start meddling in that war Sir Parekoy.,..?

        • ”Have you noticed that same opinion uttered by a Filipino and an American or other white foreigner, who do you think carries more weight?”

          Sir Parekoy, tell ”that” to the barangay captain when a ”white” has an argue with an Philippine citizen…

    • doubt very much if joeam will accept. he knows full well americans as foreigners meddle in everything and anything, language, movies, etc. americans are much copied, got embassies in almost all corners of the planet and have treaties with almost anyone. thier interventions much awaited.

    • Two things are mixed up here. One is the thinking process, the other the deciding process. When it’s about my own house, I welcome all good thoughts and I detest all ill advises, regardless if they are from a family member or a creature coming from Mars. In the deciding process the creature from Mars, even with his excellent ideas, has nothing to contribute at all. But I will have to listen to the less creative ideas from my family members.

      What Parekoy is seeing is “forget all good ideas from outsiders, only listen to your family members when you renovate your house.” That cannot be correct.

      • No coaching please!

        Are you aware of my position in the debate?

        Please read my posting before commenting.

        :)

        • There are many facets that need to be look at and you mentioned a couple.

          Great insight! But debatable…

    • @ Parekoy——–Come off it, Parekoy…..you have been behaving like a brat !!! In the democratic world, free speech is sacred. In the Philippines, what is prohibited for foreigners is participation in the electoral process. Expressing opinions contrary to what my Republican friends adhere to has never been considered “meddling.” And I adhere to the Democratic Party platform even if I do not vote.. I remain a foreigner in the U.S. and I pay my taxes. Please do not waste Raissa’s space for your personal idiosyncracies. Thank you.

      Buddy Gomez

      • I think the discusssions in this blog site has been effectively hijacked and I don’t want to be a party to it.

        Thank you everyone. The last three years of my being with CPM has been quite an experience.

        I’m joining Johnny Lin – this is my last post and I’m signing out.

        Good luck everyone.

        • You just finally proven that Joeam’s definition of the participants are mostly AB, Mr. Parekoy. I am a D and you just shot me down and nobody even supported me. I don’t think this is the real Plaza Miranda.

        • Some of those AB types are the ones who can’t fight it out like you, arghel, mano y mano, they are always trying to find someone to depend on, especially relying too much on a foreigner for affirmation of their ideas!

          You have balls, and I salute you!

          This is the real Plaza Miranda! There is nothing like this out there! We discuss a lot of pertinent issues and a lot of visitors are influenced by our exchange of ideas. We have intense discussions where impoliteness does not get in a way of the power of our arguments! We have sense of humor, we have rumors, we have it all!

          You shot me down too and I got up like you did by yourself! That is a show of resolve thatbwe need here!

          Everything is game, no sacred cows, even us!

        • @yvonne, I will miss your postings. I miss the postings of our friend, @Johnny Lin, too. I hope you come and visit the site from time to time; and perhaps some day you may visit and participate again.

          Do not reply. You may break your steely resolve, out of courtesy. Until then, best wishes to you and family. If perchance you have a way to communicate to Johnny Lin, relay my best wishes to him too.

        • One late night years ago, I went to the actual Plaza Miranda in front of Quiapo church and joined the discussion. One guy said something really stupid about my newspaper’s ownership so I told him his remark was well, stupid. We almost came to blows, and had to be pulled apart. Some minutes later the guy came by and bought me a glass of salabat, and everything was cool.

        • They will be back!

          Lick their wounded egos, and realize that our fight for reforms is not about them and realized too that it is bigger than ourselves.

          If you can’t argue here and quit, how are you going to fight the real enemies?

          Peteks pa lang surrender na, ano ba yan…

          Saka problema di muna binabasa ang posting ko, jumped agad sa conclusion dahil mga prejudiced. Di nila alam binibigyan ko si Joeam ng out para makita ang kabilang perspective, then he will appreciate and be humbled that we have people who can argue ideas as equals and unlike those submissive types!

          Filipino pride, represent!

        • @yvonne, please reconsider. You have contributed a lot, Raissa’s blog is a melting pot of ideas. This is one of the blog where we are enriched and made aware of issues whether political, economic, social or religious.

          I’m also hoping Johnny Lin comes back.

          I read Raissa’s blog and the comments as much as I can have time, even giving my own comments occasionally and I tried to be prudent.

          My take is, let’s stick to the objective of this blog, focus our comments on each title of Raissa’s blog and continue having a healthy discussion. I remember, even trolls are welcome here and they simply fade if they can’t defend their views.

        • no yvonne, just slug it out here.
          you are a big part of this cpm community.
          i don’t want you to go.
          johnny lin is just around the corner.
          i know he’s not leaving us…

      • Thank you for your reply!

        Just confirmed my effectivity for others to think!

        Why do you have to spoil the fun? Others might want to contribute!

        By the way, I’m not a brat!

        Why do you think I wasting Raissa’s space? Don’t you think it is not worhty of our time to reflect on matters of Nationalism and Patriotism when it involve foreigners and their role in the process?

        Idiosyncracies of course is personal and guilty as charged. Have not you heard of fillers during down time?

        By the way nice piece in your blog!

        :)

        PS you took why do you have to divulge my arguments? You could save it for last since a lot of traffic is still needed… :(

    • How do you define “meddling”? I certainly don’t agree with everything – even a lot — of what Joe America says, and I certainly do not for a moment believe that he actually represents all or even most Americans, but as far as I’m concerned those are his opinions and well-constructed ones at that. I can read or tune him out as I want.

      I doubt that he’s on the phone to the Pentagon whistling up an airstrike on Mindanao.

      Wait, are you, Joe?

    • Some TIPS:

      ‘Pacquiao praised Reid for his work in the Senate in support of Filipino veterans and immigration, and warmly endorsed him for re-election.

      “I came here to support Harry Reid on his candidacy,” Pacquiao said addressing the crowd. “We are not only to vote but we are supposed to convince our friends and relatives to vote for Harry Reid.” [By Antonio C. Campo, Filipino Reporter/author – Fair,Fearless,Factual, 18Feb. 2015]

      Acc to the Author: “Query: Is it legal for an alien like boxer-turned-congressman Pacquiao to meddle in American politics by campaigning for Reid?”

      Nevada State is bereft of any provision prohibiting aliens to campaign for US candidates for Senators. US Code laws no federal or state law penlizes aliens who engage in aiding candidates for senators or congressional candidates. – acc to same Author.

      In the Philippines, Section 81 of Batas Pambansa Bilang 881, otherwise known as the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines, penalized intervention by foreigners in any election in the Philippines. – by same Author.

      Author checked Section 81 BP 881, that states:
      ‘It shall be unlawful for any foreigner, whether judicial or natural person, to aid any candidate or political party, directly or indirectly, or take part in or influence in any manner, any election, or to contribute or make any expenditure in connection with any election campaign or partisan political activity.’

      What about the case of Mark Jimenez’s conviction in the US for contributing funds for pres’l campaigns (Clinton)? Editor asked. My guess is MJ was convicted for tax evasion on that money contributed to the campaign funds for BClinton.

  8. Send this news link to ANY CORRUPT politicians you know. Baka mahiya-hiya naman sila for once.

    Link: http://news.yahoo.com/tokyo-citizens-hand-28m-lost-cash-police-071208809.html

    On Topic:
    Nakikialam na naman ang simbahan. Kailan kaya nila maiintindihan na hindi lahat ng pinoy ay mga katoliko. Tapos ang gusto nilang ilagay sa pwesto ay yung mga taong nag abot sa kanila ng sobre at SUV’s?

    Ano kaya ang pinagkaiba ng salitang “resign” at “step down” from power na pinagsasabi ni Norberto Gonzales? Kung tutuusin parehas lang ang ibig sabihin tapos mayroon pa siyang suggestion na isang “COUNCIL” dapat ang pumalit sa gobyerno at mag take over.

    Karen Davila: “Who is suppose to choose the council?”
    Norberto Gonzales: “Well you know ito ang problema natin. Baka gusto natin na Diyos na ang mamili.”

    Link: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/nation/02/17/15/norberto-gonzales-itinangging-nagpaplano-ng-coup

    • Norberto Gonzales: “Well you know ito ang problema natin. Baka gusto natin na Diyos na ang mamili.”
      multo pala ang kausap ni karen d.!

      • problema rin ni norberto gonzales yan, he cannot say, I will be choosing the council and be in the council too.

  9. On-going Senate hearing on the Makati City Hall building

    On GMA News TV and at ABS-CBN ANC TV; and at the rappler.com live streaming.

    Lo and behold Sen Angara is present. (Also, Sen Cayetano, who was absent during the immediately preceding Subcom hearing.)

    • Lo and behold indeed. Sen Osmena and Sen Marcos are also present. What gives?

      What is the subliminal message here?

      CURIOUSER AND CURIOUSER said Alice in Alice in Wonderland.

      • Senator Angara’s interest is in protecting the Boy Scouts.

        Senator Osmena was very aggressive attacking both the Boy Scout processes (not handling their fiduciary responsibilities) and Alphaland/Noble execs. His basic premise was also that Boy Scouts got a bad deal because of fiduciary laxity. Vice Mayor Mercado laid blame for the lax process to Binay and the ever missing Limlingan, the supposede “financial wizard” who guided the Boy Scouts on the deal.

        Senator Marcos made weak comments that generally were supportive of Alphaland. Then I think he left.

        The quote of the day went to Osmena regarding Ongpin’s claim that Alphaland was not issuing stock when the financial transaction benefiting Noble was going down. “You’re not telling the truth. What’s wrong with you?”

        The additional attendance clearly did not give Binay much comfort, especially with Cayetano adding all the exclamation points.

        • I missed the hearings and maybe not have time to replay the video for awhile. But based on the Inquirers and ABS reporting, one would think that the Boy Scout resource persons and Ongpin put Mercado on the defensive and the senate panel in check. Was your impression the same and did Binary come out on top overall?

        • Definitely NOT!!!!!
          Right on the first comment/question of Sen. Cayetano, after Ongpin & Oreta made that long intro about their “excellent business deals”, Oreta was put on the spot when he was told that because he claims it as his compensation /commisssion/income (the controversial 5%), then he has tax obligations to the Republic to the tune of 600 million, including penalties & interests.

          The Senators came all prepared (except for the Senator whose presence is to protect the other side) and VM Mercado was in his element – always spot on., No fear in him in contrast to the representatives from BSP. VM Mercado was able to clear the fact that it was then Mayor Binay who introduced him to Oreta of Alphaland / Noble and that before he was brought into the transaction, there were already JV drafts.

          While the hearing is still ongoing, I scanned the newsbits from the “VP-friendly media” and it was all in the contrary what is being reported. So, better watch the video than listen / read to all these commentaries…

        • Oh good! Thanks for the 411, chit! I will definitely wait and just watch the video. Why is there not an anti-Binay widely circulated newspaper in the whole of Manila when such rags like Manila Times and the Standard are available and the Inquirer cannot be trusted to report accurately on these hearings?

        • Exactly the opposite was true. Alphaland execs came across as manipulative and greedy, taking millions and leaving the scouts with nothing. The Scouts were portrayed as rank amateurs doing Binay’s (and Limligan’s) bidding. The Scouts have gotten zero from the deal, and have been cheated at several stages.

        • @Joe America: That covers all the bases then. Yes, while the others — I note Cayetano especially — were handling Ongpin with some kid gloves, Osmena comes out with: “You’re not telling the truth. What’s wrong with you?” Way to go, I thought. But @BFD in Post 34.3.1.1.1 has an explanation. They have a long history of “friendship.”

        • Thanks. That explains a lot.

          It seems to me that both Sonny Angara and Serge Osmena took a bold step by appearing, as their presence cannot be construed as helpful to Binay. Especially Osmena’s sharp questions. Marcos I suspect just showed up to keep his face on television.

      • MORAL SUPPORT!

        Sen Marcos will need his dad’s old cronie friends like Ongpin when he makes his move for the presidency.

      • Only Pimentel, Cayetano, Trillanes, Angara, Osmena and Marcos are present. Right, I do not see Poe.

        • Sen Grace Poe has a ‘peace agreement’ with VP BInay.

          Just like PNoy, she is ‘stand down’ at the VP Binay Senate hearing.

          The others: Anga,Osme and BongBong ran away from Cardi. Vidal, running directly to the Senate hearing!

        • Senator Serge Osmeña and Roberto Ongpin’s “friendship” goes a long way.

          http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2011/1206_osmena2.asp

          Sen. Serge Osmeña, Chairman of the Senate Banks, Financial Institutions and Currencies jointly investigating the anomalous transactions between various Ongpin firms and the old management of the state-owned Development Bank of the Philippines, said details related to Ongpin’s buying and selling of Philex shares in late 2009 were contained in the affidavit of Pangilinan and a letter from the Securities and Exchange Commission, both submitted to Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile.

          That’s the reason the dear Senator Serge was there to “support” his old friend Roberto Ongpin….

        • So, we have here a long history of “friendship.” Yesterday was a continuation of that “friendship” then.

        • Wow @NHerrera, you are putting into practice what you just learned recently. Good for you. I haven’t tried that yet, one of these days maybe. :-)

  10. FRAMING THE MATTER OF RESIGNATION CALL AND THE PRESIDENT’S RESPONSE

    NOMENCLATURE:

    IC — Intensify call for resignation
    LC — Lower the level of the resignation call or stop it altogether.

    MOTIVES — let that be unstated; we are not babes in the woods.

    On the part of the President:

    SD — Step down
    RO — Remain in office

    WHAT IS THE LIKELY OUTCOME?

    @Parekoy may have a game-theoretic view of this. I have, too. But without resorting to such esoteric and most often inappropriate analysis, one may arrive at an almost intuitive result.

    Let us list down the possible outcomes and by a process of elimination get the result (I know, I am wasting Raissa’s Blog space here, but I hope she allows; doing this while having a special kind of coffee — sort of affecting the brain in the process. Hahaha.)

    1. (IC, SD)
    2. (LC, SD)
    3. (IC, RO)
    4. (LC, RO)

    PLAYING THE PRESIDENT GAME

    Let’s play President. If WE (meaning anyone of us CPMers playing the role of President) step down what is the consequence? Correspondingly, if we don’t, what is the consequence?

    If WE step down, the country may likely descend into some sort of chaos and there is the likely contagion in all sectors especially in the economic-financial sector — affecting greatly the poor that all of us, including the critics (kuno) are trying to serve.

    NO, if WE are sane, the SD option is out. That takes out Items 1 and 2, leaving us with Items 3 and 4. Since intensifying the resignation call entails more expense — buying rallies and media hacks, etc is not chicken feed — that leaves us with Item 4 (LC, RO).

    REALLY NO SURPRISE THERE. (OR AM I OUT OF TOUCH? BLAME IT ON THE COFFEE.)

    • Notwithstanding my notes above, there is the argument for Scenario 3 — (IC, RO) for the reason that these guys have money to burn, the objective being not a step down or coup but to dent the endorsing weight of Pnoy on his chosen for the 2016 Election — one of the prevailing thoughts I am echoing.

  11. Bad Juju: Uncle Joe wants Aquino to step down!

    ***
    Guess Who?

    Hint: He is a foooooooooooooool.
    ***

    Give Up?

    Your guess might be wrong but to give you half a point then yes he is another fool!

    Cojuangco said: “No I’m not because I’m not in favor of a coup. I am against a military takeover. But I am in favor of major reforms or change in leadership, especially in the last crucial 16 months before the 2016 elections.”

    Cojuangco’s idea of change jibes with the call of Gonzales for the establishment of a “transition government” through a National Transition Council (NTC).

    Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/673579/uncle-peping-wants-aquino-out#ixzz3S26GtwJZ

    Babaloo’s (Chin on the toilet) call is a testament why we don’t support ousting Aquino! This corrupt brother of Cory was one of the reasons EDSA 1 was a disappointment! PNoy ignored Uncle Joe’s pleadings for juicy position and contracts. Uncle Joe thought that will bring back the good old days when Cory let his Chinfool (pronounced as sinful) Brother unchecked for the corrupt deals, jueteng, and other mob-like enterprise during her term!

    Babaloo as part of the plotters to drop Roxas and supported NoyBi or Binay for VP because of their past lucrative associations wants to have all the cake! But PNoy who knows his Uncle Joe so well since his childhood and the infamous reputation that he dragged the Aquino’s name to shame because of corruptions that dirtied his Parent’s Legacy, has good judgment to distance himself from his infamous Uncle Joe!

    Consequently, Babaloo was mad and disappointed that his nephew did not acquiesce to his request to partake the spoils of winning the presidency. Uncle Joe tried again, he requested PNoy to include his Losyang Wife, whose namesake Tingting is so fitting if she rides a bunch of it while also wearing a black-pointed hat, to be included in the Administration Senatorial Slate, but again his stubborn nephew declined! Uncle Joe decided to declare war against his bloodline! Babaloo blatantly supports Binay and UNA and Binay gladly included The Losyang BWitch in the slate!

    The voters rejected The Losyang BWitch! Uncle Joe was rubbing his chin while fuming mad and promised to make his nephew’s life a living hell! Uncle Joe will support his Tokayo Jojo more vigorously than ever and he will encourage his nieces, The Tres Bwitches, to publicly announced their support for his bosom friend and Tokayo Jojo , and even he succeeded to convince his brother-in-laws, The Trapo Butz , and The Politically Adept Paul (The dad of Bam barambam bam!), to do the Shame! The intent is twofold: To show their allegiance to Binay and to sow perception through deception that the whole Cojuangco and Aquino Clan, which include PNoy, are solid behind Binay! But Uncle Joe’s gambit backfired! Filipinos hated them more and The Aquino Clan had it coming that they are no longer considered in high regard by the Filipinos! In one act of show of support for their family friend Jojo Binay , the goodwill that Ninoy, Cory, and PNoy was squandered! And who is to blame? The Chinfool Uncle Joe!

    After the demise of SAF44 and PNoy’s blunder in handling the arrival rites of the fallen SAF 44 at Villamor, The Chinfool Uncle Joe together with Binay and other usual suspects of power grabbers, huddled together and planned to destabilized PNoy. They smelled blood! With their planted insider Tokayo Jojo Ochoa , they knew how rattled his nephew was and the inside info helped them formulate how to aggravate Aquino’s troubles, so the planned coup or if not successful will sow instability and eventually put Aquino in a more defensive stance, get rattled, confused, and hoping Aquino quits to benefit their lot and install Binay, since he is the next in line anyway!

    But the best laid schemes of mice and men often go awry! Their schemes are discovered and now they have to hatch new excuses. Gonzales did wash his filthy hands The Chinfool Uncle Joe! did the same.

    The Chinfool Uncle Joe! even asserted that he also want his bosom friend Tokayo Jojo Binay to resign as well. But according to the reporter, while The Chinfool Uncle Joe! was talking, his chin got longer and longer which eventually poke the reporter’s chest! Pinocchio will weep being if hefinds out there is a new game in town!

    So, we have to thank The Chinfool Uncle Joe! for his schemes uncovered bolstered our support for Aquino to stay and finish his term!

    As an observation, for some reason amidst our nation’s controversies and scandals, Jojos and Joejoes are abound sowing burden to the Filipino people!

    Jojo Binay, Jojo Ochoa, Uncle Joe, Joe the Foo…L and many others are Bad Jujus!
    I think we need to start wearing amulets, not made in Cavite kind, but made in West Africa kind: The Good Jujus!

    Parekoy

    • Je Je Je. Ju Ju Ju.

      Like your “bolding” the characters fonts for easy reading. (How do you do that. Will writing on Win-word with some bold characters, then copy and paste to Raissa’s Blog comment box do it?)

      • less than b more than b WORD YOU WANT TO BOLD less than slash b more than

        Introducing our new boldstar, NHerrera!

        Introducing our new boldstar, NHerrera!

        Introducing our new boldstar, NHerrera!

        :)

        • Nice one again Parekoy. I have a different perception of the sudden call for PNoy to resign.

          The die-hard supporters of Jojo B are apprehensive that he won’t make it in the 2016 election due to his trademark as “biglang yaman” and the people hate the pork scammers and all kinds of corruption.

          As evidence by his plummeting popularity, the COPA designs so many propaganda to garner support for PNoy to step down – to no avail – due to jojo’s unacceptable credentials as a crooked vp to succeed PNoy.

          PNoy maybe incompetent in the face of emergencies but he is no crook.

        • @ Kalahari,

          Tama po kayo Kalahari, Maging ang mga PARI/OBISPO ay napahiya dahil nagpagamit para sa kanilang pansariling Kasakiman, Noong panahon ni GMA ay bulag,Pepe at Bingi mga ito dahil nakatikim nang SUV at extra Money of the People through illegal and immoral acts? Sana tumahimik nalang mga Bishops/Pari dahil ito ang dapat at huwag pagamit dahil dagdag sa GULO mga ito…

          Bakit kaya kampi mga ito sa Mandaraya at Mandarambong?

        • It’s a known fact here and abroad that a large number of clergy has a secret family/BF to feed and support jejejeje

        • We have the same perception. COPA, NTC, and other power grabbers know Binay is a goner and the opposition can’t hack it at the polls, so the plot to oust PNoy and install Binay!

          Thanks!

        • Thanks, will try that.

          Re boldstar:

          Sorry, no meat on my legs to gawk.

          (Tried bolding boldstar, and the last sentence — by putting less than before boldstar and more than after boldstar; and putting less than slash before the last sentence, and putting more than slash after the last sentence. The above is what I got. Ok lang. Will try again another time. Thanks.)

        • Codes in between .

          b for bold.

          i for italic

          u for underline

          del for strikethrough

          Close tags by using / (slash) before the code.

        • You will note that I wasn’t able to close the html tag for italics that’s why the text succeeding the word “italic” were italicized.

        • In the tutorial above…

          It’s easy to tell the two apart: HTML code always starts and ends with angled brackets, “less than” and “greater than” keys in your keyboard. Anything inside a pair of angled brackets is an HTML tag. Tags are predefined HTML commands that specify how your post will look and behave.

          Here, i used the code in between the angled brackets:

          blockquote for

          quoted text.

          Don’t forget to close the html tag with a / (slash) before the code at the end of each text to be formatted.

        • On my android tablet, the text or alternate editor does not appear.Instead its just a simple no options text box one types into. Maybe those editors work only on laptops?

    • @Parekoy, five years na kasi gutom si Pepe Cockoo-WangwangCoup.

      Idadag ko run so Tengteng-terengteng nag lobby nabsiya any i-appoint na Regional Governor ng ARMM. (Buti na lang si Hataman ang na-appoint at nanalon in sa 2013 elections.) Tapos nung nagkaroon ng regular election hindi rin sya sinuportahan ni PNoy and even Iqbal questioned her residency.

      • Mga masisiba talaga! Dami ng nakurakot at nakulimbat di pa rin nabubusog! Mga glutton sa pera at kapangyarihan!

        Great that you remind us of Tingting’s blatantly inserting herself to be the Gov of ARMM! Parang binabastos yung mga kapatid nating mga muslim, kapal ng mukha, nasobrahan ng Botox! Dapat parusa jan sa mga epal at mga ganid eh pagsasampalin ng ating mga Botox!

        ;)

        • sila din ba ang may ari ng pearl farm sa armm? and to think that iyong isang anak nila ang husband ay apo ni ramon revilla at pamangkin ni bong revilla.

        • ano ba kayo. she has every right.

          she knows how to play the musical instruments and she’s taking Muslim-related post-grad studies or something. nakalimutan ko na kung ano yun but she was quite proud of that fact.

          hayaan nyo na ;)

  12. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/673595/mamasapano-clash-a-breakdown-in-command

    For those who still maintain that Napenas performed admirably in planning and executing OPlan Exodus and should be commended and promoted to perhaps head the PNP, please take a look at the just released report above. While some of the narrative might be colored by AFP/SAF rivalry fueled by accusations that AFP did not exert adequate efforts to reinforce the Fallen 44, there is sufficient evidence of chaos and incompetence at the command level. It is worth noting that no US operatives were observed with Napenas at the tactical command post in Sharif Aguak as had been mentioned in reports about US involvement.

      • guys, I think IV fluids (saline solution) has the right amount of ph (7.6?) corresponding to blood’s ph. medyo salty yan, but it’s okay to drink. in emergency, you can drink any fluids, radiator fluids included, hwag lang yong treated with coolant. drinking your own urine is fine too, survivors of plane crash have done that and survived. you’ll die if your body is deprived of oxygen for 30 minutes, 4 days without water or liquid, and 30 days without food.

        saf, being trained men, can tolerate a degree of dehydration. I still find it difficult to believe they got disoriented and confused but not disoriented enough as to run towards the enemy and engaged in more firefight. not confused enough to put themselves in danger but hankered down and wait for reinforcement to arrive. most often, pilots who are confused and disoriented end up crashing planes and killing almost all on board. 84th saf who were supposedly confused and disoriented were coherent and did not put themselves in harm’s way. they were not found wandering, but stayed as a group, cognizant of one another. incompetence, I can understand, but disoriented and confused, I’m not comfortable with that.

        I’m happy though, they met their objective and got marwan.

        • probably the stress manifested after the battle and the soldiers were already there to help them. and not during battle. it happens. wala nang adrenaline and they could afford to let go ika nga.

      • It was a very protracted stressful life-and-death ordeal and very physically draining as well. Almost nothing went as planned except neutralizing Marwan and delivering the proof. Acting confused and disoriented and neglecting to thank the army unit that rescued them is understandable and excusable for the Seaborne team give their excruciating ordeal.

        • I would not have thanked them too, maybe even snubbed them for not coming at once when asked to come. I would not have minded have they come in their pajamas! their faces unwashed, their hairs uncombed, so long as the equipments they come with are well oiled and ready to engage, their minds sharp, their webbings in tow, he, he, he.

    • Normally, a very sensitive mil or police opn will require DRY RUN or practice for a number of times.

      Did the PNP SAF forces do that? I did not hear nor read anything about this in any one’s REPORT or it does not need to stated?

      It was planned poorly but was executed bravely with high casualties. Main points: No helicop or air support; no reinforcement ASAP; chain of command lousy; inconsistencies of the facts what really happened – due to orders from higher UP.

      Could that Marwan and Usman houses have been just bombed if grid coordinates were available? Yes, I believe so. Peace agreement or not, those houses were infiltrated contrary to the peace agreement anyway. So, what is the problem about that if the houses were just bombed? None at all.

      The MILF so far has not make any demands for the return of Marwan’s finger?

      The SAF weapons taken from the SAF commandos killed were ‘returned’ but acc to the news reports, many parts were replaced with worn out or old parts. If True and Confirmed by PNP officials. is this something good to proceed with the Bangsamoro bill?

      Little by little, the actuation etc. of the MILF leadership and their forces after the battle, is showing the poor side or mistrust on the part of the MILF. Can the Central Gov’t honestly say they are trustworthy for a separate juridical or political entity?

      Can 100% trust be expected from the MILF? Or is it okay for less than 50% trust?

      • @leona
        Siguro kaya hindi nila binomba na lang yung hut ni marwan ay dahil na rin sa ongoing peace process. In fairness kay PNoy committed talaga sya dito. Mukhang ayaw nyang magkaroon ng masasabi against him and against the peace process ang milf.

        It’s very sad lang na 44 of our country’s best fighters died. I believe they are in heaven pero at least it is their consolation that they had a very noble death. They actually died FOR PEACE. I think I myself would like to die like that, if given the chance. Kahit pinugutan ako ng ulo afterwards, so what? Patay na naman ako. But that’s just me :)

        • Consider this. Last December 23, General Napenas met at a coordination meeting with top army and air force generals on a plan to get Marwan. This was part of his Senate hearing testimony on events preceding the disastrous Jan.26 operation. The purpose of the meeting was to plan out using a smart bomb to neutralize Marwan. Napenas said the meeting was very short and that it ended when it was found out the AFP did not have nor could get a hold of a smart bomb.

          The point here is that upsetting the MILF or breaking the ceasefire was not considered a big issue.

      • leona, who needs dry run when they all have cell phones with them! they can easily order pizzas and coke with just a press of a button. call ambulance too, maybe call media as well, and call air support to drop them much needed provisions, bullets included.

        bombing marwan’s hut is just too unpatriotic, so not honorable. they need to show off their finesse, their training, their abilities to stalk and capture and surprise the enemy.

        and that milf is bad sport and bad loser, cannibalizing the arms of dead saf, so not respectful, so tasteless. he, he, he.

        • ha ha ha moonie@ . . . no dry run but only a <b? final run ! Hello Angels!

          US bombing terrorists in Pakistan Syria Iraq elsewhere by drones! Phil going for unnecessary alternatives to fight terrorists – like hand-to-hand combats but cannot make it even or work without incurring disasters.

          Just from a two-armed pvt’s opn.

        • They had no dry runs but would you believe a wet walk thru? hehehe….The SAF Exodus force prepared by physical training at La Vista resort owned by the Lobregats. As it turned out, they completely underestimated how difficult it would be to traverse the treacherous rivers and rough terrain needed to reach their planned waypoints on time. It would not be an exaggerration to say that the resulting delay led to the complete collapse of the plan and the calamitous loss of SAF lives.