Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Kidnapped humanitarian workers believed to be alive



Image by survivalx.xom


An unnamed senior military official told Reuters that all three hostages are believed to still be alive, despite threats of beheading if government forces did not evacuate the area. Senator Richard Gordon is still waiting on proof that the International Red Cross members are still alive, as text messages ceased Tuesday. The Red Cross has been adamant that they have no money for ransom, and can only help Abu Sayyaf with their complaints against the government. The Sulu Crisis Management Team is taking action to resolve the situation.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Abu Sayyaf at it again

One of the three Zamboanga Sibugay hostages captured by Abu Sayyaf has died in captivity because of lack of medicine after a surgery. Noemi Mandi, 38, had recently had a cyst removed from her uterus prior to being kidnapped, and died because of a lack of the medicine she was supposed to take one daily following the surgery. Jocelyn Inion and Jocelyn Enriquez are still being held captive. The Zamboanga hostages have been held captive for 64 days while the Zamboanga Sibugay hostages have been held for 15 days. Abu Sayyaf is claimed to be responsible for both kidnappings.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Troops Cutting Off Supplies to Abu Sayyaf

Military troops containing the Abu Sayyaf group responsible for kidnapping 3 red cross missionaries in January have decided to cut off supplies and hope to outlast the militants. The military disclosed yesterday that the kidnappers are running low on food and ammunition. Fighting broke out last Monday and Tuesday when members of Abu Sayyaf tried to escape the military blockade, resulting in the diminished supplies of ammunition.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Red Cross Hostages Captured by Abu Sayyaf

Three Red Cross humanitarian workers are still being held captive and a promise to release one if government forces backed off appears it will go unfulfilled. Swiss Andreas Notter, Italian Eugenio Vagni, and Filipina Mary Jean Lacaba are all still being held after their kidnapping while on a humanitarian mission January 15.

Richard Gordon, Philippine National Red Cross Chairman, who is also a senator, has spoken out about how the situation is being handled. A botched rescue attempt last week resulted in three marine deaths, left 19 soldiers wounded, killed only 2 of the kidnappers, and almost resulted in mass beheadings.

Top government officials are expected to meet early this week to discuss what to do next. Abu Sayyaf, despite being the smallest militant group in the Philippines, they are considered the most radical and have been accused of the February 2004 ferry bombing in Manila.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Philippines Claim Islands

The Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed a law affirming ownership of more than 7,100 islands, ranging from the Spratly chain to the South China Sea, according to an AP article released yesterday. “We are sending the message to the whole world that we are affirming our national sovereignty” Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said during a news conference.
The Chinese Embassy is not thrilled with this signing, issuing a statement saying it has “strong opposition and solemn protest” to the law. Vietnam also has reason to worry about losing real estate, as they have long laid claim to the Spratlys.
The Spratly chain not only dots the world’s busiest shipping lane, but is also rumored to be rich in oil, gas, and fish. The UN will be asked to settle the dispute on May 13, when each country claiming ownership of the islands will have to submit the dimensions of their claimed continental shelf. Vietnam, China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei each claim all or part of the low-lying islands.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Manuel Villar for Presidential Candidate

Manuel Villar, a self-made billionaire, has stated that he wants to become the next president of the Philippines. In my opinion he is an excellent candidate because he has a storied business and political background. His family owns a real estate firm worth over a million dollars (48 billion pesos), and he has demonstrated through both business and political careers that he has the ability to lead.
Villar learned his work ethic at a young age, helping his mom sell seafood in order to pay for his schooling. He attended the University of the Philippines and received a master’s in business administration and accountancy. He has owned several businesses, including seafood delivery, sand and gravel business, and he revolutionized real-estate in the Philippines by selling lot and house packages when it was much more common to buy a lot and build on it.
Villar has headed both the Senate and the House of Representatives in his 17-year political career. He has participated on the House’s economic team and is an environmentalist, who has privately funded tree drives throughout his district, as well as solves community issues and improve buildings in major cities.
All of these characteristics would make Villar an excellent candidate for presidency, and with his seemingly infinite supply of money and renowned recognition in the government, he seems to be an early favorite for the May elections.