RedCross Workers Nabbed on Jolo Island

Gunmen abducted three Red Cross workers from Italy, Switzerland and the Philippines on Jolo island.  The Philippine National Red Cross chairman, Senator Richard Gordon, said the three were in a car on their way to Jolo airport.

The group of red cross workers were visiting a jail they were intercepted  by a group on motorcycles, Gordon identified the three red cross members, as a group from, “the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) as Swiss Andreas Notter, Italian Eugenio Vagni and Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba.”

The ICRC team had been at the Sulu provincial jail, Gordon said they had been workiing on a water and sanitation project to improve the conditions of detainees. The ICRC team traveling with Philippine National Red Cross Sulu Chapter personel when they were abducted not far from the gate of the jail. “They had been carrying out a water and sanitation project to improve the condition of detainees,” Gordon said.

Senator Gordon said that local red cross workers’ a driver and two others were released and reported the incident, “I Pam appealing to the Abu Sayyaf to free those people, because they are neutral in any conflict,” Gordon said. “They do not realize this but these people help them if they get wounded and get them out of the conflict areas,” he said. Prison visits have been done previously on a regular basis by ICRC in various detention facilities in Sulu provincial jail.

IED attack on Governors convoy in Masbate 2 hurt

While this is not the first time a IED has been used in violent assasination attempts in the Philippines – but the roadside bomb attack is mostly confined to Mindanao and may indicate a new level of threat as other groups adopt tactics that ussaully have been the handwork of insurgents in other parts of the country.

The was the highly visable attack on congress a while back – does first come to mind as one of the most recent attempts outside of areas of conflict in Mindanao where bombs have been used. But this attack does raise concerns of safety and securty as well as a new threat form in use.

Masbate does have a history of politcal violence – clan warfare there has stunted development as well as a active insurgent presence that has detered investors.i But reports about the attack on the governor this relatively remote Philippine province in which Governor Elisa Kho and a security aide hurt in the attack where two Improvised explosive devices went off on a road as their convoy passed, does have Police looking at many possible threat sources.

Governor Elisa Kho was in Gahit village, Cataingan town Police Provincial Director Senior Superintendant Reuben Theodore Sindac, in a report to Manila said “Two bombs went off on the left side of the road as Governor Kho’s cars drove through the area,”

“The governor was slightly wounded on her eyebrow’ due to glass particles from the shattered windshield,” Sen. Supt. Sindac said. both Kho and her escourt were given first aid and have been isolated in a secure location to keep them ‘ safe from harm’ at a beach resort. Police EOD and Investigation officersare at the scene of the blast investigators hope to “track down the perpetrators, as investigators look into a motive for the attack on Gov. Kho.” Sen. Supt.Kho said in a radio interview in Manila.

Police note further that “possible motives are political rivals, as well as that communist rebels are involved,” Communist guerrillas of the New Peoples Army have been fighting in Masbate for over three decades they Police say are group with the technical knowhow to carry out a IED attack. NPA rebels have used IED’s in other parts of the central Philippines as well as landmines in recent attacks on Government forces.
Earlier a rebel command had issued directives for increased attacks in the central Philippines after plans were announced of a joint US-Philippine military excercise in the nearby Bicol region.

The attack on the governor however security experts point out is more likely to have been politcal in nature since Masbate politics has a history of violent past attacks on public figures and political leaders. Elections are scheduled in the Philippine in May of 2010.
Political violence is often a tactic used in provinces where political private armed security forces often are better equipted than those of the local police, military, or rebel groups.

Burma crisis: Whitehouse announces sanctions

Crackdown underway in Burma hundreds arrested

September 26th, 2007 · 1 Comment

Reports trickle out of Rangoon on the situation and protests spreading throughout the land its military rulers call Myanmar. Here in Manila there are calls for the Military in Yangoon/Rangoon to follow the will of the people and restore democracy. But the rest of ASEAN is silent as always.

[] Security forces have launched a crackdown against thousands of protesters in Myanmar’s central Yangon city. Early reports suggest two Buddhist monks were killed and between 80 and 200 people arrested. Police launched tear gas and fired above the crowds as up to 10,000 protestors pushed their way through barricades towards key protests points. The continuous protests against the military regime have been triggered by sharp rises in food and fuel prices. – Panos London []

News agencies and other organizations have a difficult time getting information out. But the death toll is rising and so are reports say the number of people being detained.

Four killed in Myanmar protest crackdown
Witnesses say 3 shot in Myanmar protests Los Angeles Times
Jerusalem Post - NPR - Inquirer.net - Times of India
all 2,964 news articles »

My own report on the crisis has mostly a view that the turmoil could lead to a flood of Yaba and other drugs across the borders into Thailand and Bangladesh:

CRISIS IN BURMA: DRUG FLOOD FEARED:

The US State Department released its yearly International Narcotics report for 2008, which has warned that the political problems in Burma are leaving drug production centers unchecked, and, corruption problems in government mean it has become Asia’s central distribution area for meth pills.

Production point for many criminal trafficking groups. “Burma’s military regime has not made the necessary efforts to curb production and has also been very lackluster in the areas of demand reduction,” Christy McCampbell , Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs told reporters at a briefing.

Worse even prior to the crisis, there seemed to be little effort to stem the trade and the US DEA believes this may indicate large scale participation of security forces in protection of production center, “We think are important, interdiction that’s very important and combating corruption. ” McCampbell added.

CRISIS DEEPENING TENSION RISING:

On the streets of what the Military Junta calls, Yangoon, Myanmar there is fear, Thursday night, reports of arrests and a death has surfaced as a crackdown versus over 100,000 people daily filling the streets in protest.

(more on www.pacificnewscenter.com)]

WHITE HOUSE REACTION:

President Bush Addresses The United Nations General Assembly
At the United Nations today, President Bush expressed the outrage of the American people at the continued oppression of the people of Burma. The people of Burma deserve to enjoy basic liberties such as freedom of speech, assembly, and worship. The United States calls on the Burmese regime to engage in a genuine dialogue with its own people, including the leaders of the pro-democracy movement and ethnic minority groups, on a transition to a civilian, democratic government. The Burmese regime should release those who have been arrested for peacefully expressing their views, including Aung San Suu Kyi, and should also exercise restraint in the face of peaceful protests.

President Bush called for a series of steps to help bring peaceful change to Burma. The President urged the United Nations and all nations to use their diplomatic and economic leverage to help the Burmese people reclaim their freedom.

President Bush announced that the United States will tighten economic sanctions. Sanctions against Burma were first imposed in 1997 with the issuance of Executive Order 13047. These sanctions were augmented on July 28, 2003 by the enactment of the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act and the issuance of Executive Order 13310.

• The tightened sanctions will block the property and interests in property of certain senior leaders of the regime and individuals who provide financial backing for the regime.
• Under the current executive orders, the assets of a limited number of named entities are blocked, but the United States Government has not designated specific individuals. These new designations will identify members of the regime who are responsible for violations of human rights and for impeding the nation’s transition to democracy.

President Bush also announced that the United States will expand the current visa ban.

• The United States will impose an expanded visa ban on those individuals responsible for violations of human rights and those individuals aiding, abetting, and benefiting from the regime’s efforts to impede Burma’s transition to democracy, as well as their family members.

President Bush instructed his Administration to step up efforts to support the work of humanitarian groups that are alleviating suffering in Burma. Burma is experiencing a crisis on many fronts, including in health and education, and these humanitarian groups carry out important work to help in these areas.

• The United States will review existing policies to ensure that we do all we can to facilitate the work of humanitarian groups, which face significant opposition from the Burmese regime.

GUAM: Pacific News Center picking up the pace of guam news on-line

Guam News Site pacific News Cneter is pick-up in the island’s news on-line market Breaking stories and news reports have brought new urgency – take a look..

Guam Bond Debate: Calvo and Blas ‘No Holds Barred’
PNC Staff Reporter 10.SEP.07
4:44p.m. K57 Exclusive – In an interview Monday on News-Talk K57, Sen. Eddie Calvo and Sen. Frank Blas Jr debate the issues over the administration’s plans for a bond float.
[more]

Guam Real Estate: ‘Conference To bring International Focus To Island Investment Options’
PNC Staff Reporter 10.SEP.07
3:30p.m. K57 Exclusive – Nick Captain talks with News-Talk K57’s Ray Gibson, about the upcoming Micronesian Real Estate Conference and local issues that affect the island’s property market. [more]

Dr. George Macris Defends Guam’s M.D.’s, GMH Overcrowding
PNC Staff Reporter 10.SEP.07
3:10 p.m. K57 Exclusive
Dr. George Macris, on Ray Gibson’s Breakfast Show on News Talk K57, says he wants the public to understand that there is “A limited hospital bed shortage on Guam.” [more]

Jamaican Grill: Honors First Responders On 9/11 6th Anniversary
PNC Staff Reporter 10.SEP.07
12:25 p.m. – For the last 5 years, the Jamaican Grill has quietly honored those who lost their lives during the rescue efforts of 9/11 in New York City through a luncheon dedicated to members of Guam’s local police and fire departments. [more]

Camacho: To Proclaim September ‘National Preparedness Month’
PNC Staff Reporter 10.SEP.07
11:20 a.m. Guam Governor Felix Camacho will proclaim September “National Preparedness Month” on Guam. The Governor says this is part of remembering the events of September 11, 2001. Reminding everyone to always be prepared for any calamity, man made or natural. [more]

Police Busy Over The Weekend Investigating Collisions, Stabbings
PNC Staff Reporter 10.SEP.07
9:26 a.m. Police received several reports of auto-pedestrian collisions and stabbings over the weekend. [more]

Lawmakers Continue Scrutinizing FY-08 Budget
PNC Staff Reporter 10.SEP.07
9:23 a.m. Lawmakers go back in session today and are counting down the days before the end of the fiscal year and the expiration of the current budget. [more]

A/C Woes Top Agenda For Education Board Meeting
PNC Staff Reporter 10.SEP.07
9:22 a.m. The Guam Education Policy Board will meet yet again this week to talk about the air conditioning woes in the schools. [more]

Navy Hospital Under Investigation
PNC Staff Reporter 10.SEP.07
9:15 a.m. The U.S. Navy is trying to defend the deaths of two infants and a maternity patient at the Guam Naval Hospital in a story that has gained national attention. [more]

www.mikeinmanila.info

 

Beheadings in Basilan: Peace the real victim

Peace is real victim of the 10 hour gun battle that left scores dead and injured in Tipo – Tipo, Basilan – the battle started as an ambush – media observers say after a seven truck convoy passed through a village that had already evacuated – indicating – locals knew something bad was about to happen.

Blogger – Nancy Reyes wrote that the attack on Philippine Marines in the jungles of Tipo-Tipo on Basilan Island is about to see a major escalation of violence in ‘payback’ terms for the beheading of Marines – either wounded or already killed – 11 of the headless torso’s the MILF spokesman there told the Philippine Daily Inquirer – the MILF says were the alleged ‘after effect’ of rage over the brutal killing of a local Imam in the area.

[… Officially, the government is saying that they are not going to blame the MILF for the attack, but only seek justice in finding the “rogue elements” who helped the Abu Sayyaf kill and mutilate the Marines. In reality, it’s payback time….] finestkind clinic and fishmarket

But, even those in peace movement ranks see the attack as major escalation of brutality in the area. The Philippine Daily Inquirer which like many in Philippine media have often been critical of the Military in a recent editorial condemned the acts of beheadings – it went too far- whatever goodwill the MILF leadership had earned with rescues and help in defeating kidnappers in other areas has largely been lost by the statements made by local western Mindanao elements of the Moro rebel group on Basilan.

[…Last Tuesday’s ambush of a search-and-rescue military convoy in Albarka, Basilan -- 14 Marines looking for kidnapped Italian missionary Fr. Giancarlo Bossi were killed, 10 of them beheaded -- was a bestial act, the work of savages. To this deliberate provocation the national leadership must respond with both iron fist and open mind….] PDI Editorial Savages on the loose

However enraged and justified it may have been in the jungle concept of ‘justice’ for the alleged killing of a local Imam – it went too far for the public at large. The five to one ambush by some accounts goes beyond the normal.

The Catholic Church upset already over kidnapping of Fr. Brossi further has been enraged by the beheadings.

[… This is inhumanity at its worst. This is barbarism at its best. Even people in the deep far jungles of distant parts of the word are already becoming gradually conscious of how they should relate with one another for their own good and their common welfare….] viewpoints 

More stern words from a Archbishop below almost give a blessing for Government in the 90 per cent catholic country to not ‘turn the other way. That justice must be sought for those killed so brutally.

[…”The atrocity rightfully demands the recourse and application of commutative justice. No, it is definitely not to answer barbarism with an equally barbaric move.”] Archbishop Oscar Cruz

Locals worry on Basilan, which they say has barely just come back from the ravages of years of brutality of the ASG on the island. Now, Basilan, faces the strong possibility of renewed heavy fighting on a scale not seen since the days of the battles for hinterland areas that led to the by and large defeat of the ASG on Basilan.

The MILF has in the past condemned terrorism and fought against criminal elements – gaining their cause some public sympathy from even those fighting against them in the Military even for cooperation in the past versus criminal gangs.

If the MILF leadership does not want this action to get out of hand it should do its best to find those responsible and punish them. They say they will. But action is need now before new battles rage that may spin the situation out of control. Something holdouts and hardliners wanting to derail the peace process could use to escalate the clash into renewed fighting.

Mind you – several of those held hostage by the ASG in the past – noted that they were often held in areas near rebel camps – some of the MNLF others of the MILF – the rebels often did little but provide food for those taken hostage and try and ‘talk sense’ into the hard-line ASG members – who were often better armed than thier own fighters – fearing also internal infighting among relatives on the extremist and moderates side allowed safe passage for the ASG through their areas.

It is [possible that in the heat of battle – ASG members – or sympathetic to them could have entered the area or even teamed up with those fighting government forces. It as happened before in other parts of Mindanao. It is the most plausible explanation for the bestiality and brutality of the dismemberment of the corpses.

If indeed as some are saying in media reports from Zambo – some of those men were alive and wounded when they were beheaded – something that pathologists or forensic experts could easily prove – then the acts go into violations of the rules of war and conflict an area where the MILF for the most part has had a relatively good record of treating enemy wounded and later ‘trading’ them for thier own.

But in the overall scene of things – beheadings in the Mindanao conflict zone are not unheard of – covering the 2000 assault on camp abu bakar in Maguindanao province reports of beheaded corpses were among those killed were found areas of the battles..

Going further back the acts were also seen in other zones of the fight in all areas of Minsupala – Mindanao – Sulu – Palawan that the Moro rebels have fought in versus Philippine government forces.

But that was in the 1970’s and 80’s – and even further back during World War II – my mother who spent the War years protected by our relatives along with her brothers and sisters on Basilan -remembers seeing ’sacks of heads’ of Japanese stragglers and holdouts hunted down by Basileneo’s and others seeking the ‘fifty dollars a head’ bounty set by US liberation forces – a reward later changed to fifty dollars for each prisoner hastily by US forces who were confronted by scores of sacks of heads – some not even Japanese looking anymore after a few weeks.

Basilan has bounced back so far from the kidnappings and reign of terror that raged during the height of the ASG fight. Isabella now even has Jollibee branch and many stores along with plans of small shopping mall and two hotels in the works I am told as well as renewed investments. It would be sad to see such a long suffering island and people – a place I also consider home as my grandfather and great grandfather settled the area at the turn of the 20th century. It’s people are the reason I am here today – their grandparents protected my mother family from Japanese forces during World War II in the time of our grandfathers.

It also is where my Yakan blood flows from in my heart I know a part of me is part of those on Basilan. It is a island of rare beauty of nature – and is peaceful and tranquil charm could see it as major ecotourism destination someday – But as last weeks clashes have shown it is also often threatened by conflict.

Or now as Nancy puts it – ‘Payback’ – but as Christians we are taught that revenge is the Lords – not ours to met out.

Justice however is something people in a democracy seek for those killed in so brutal a fashion. The Mindanao Examiner – perhaps the best source of news down south – reports that the stage is set for a major escalation in fighting.

[… “The government will account for the perpetrators of this heinous attack in line with the rule of law, through the mechanisms of the peace process. The Armed Forces are duty-bound to hunt down and arrest those who treacherously killed and beheaded the soldiers,” President Arroyo …. } Mindanao Examiner

So the real victim is Peace – the brutal acts will be avenged the fighting and cycle of violence renewed. The battles will rage on and fight continue until justice is served and in the inevitable collateral damage that warfare brings with the drums and winds of war th the chance Mindanao has had for peace may be lost anew.

A solution to this would be a clear investigation of the actions perhaps a combined effort of Malaysin peace monitors and representatives of both the AFP and MILF to seek out those who beheaded the marines and as alleged the killers of the Imam.

For all we know they may be one and the same. Let justice be served – and payback could be peace. Something my grandmother’s island deserves after so many years of warfare.

Jemaah Islamiah, World War 3, JI, Abu Sayyaf leaders, filipino-american, abu sayyaf, war on terror, terrorism, Filipino, asia

Global Terrorism: 20,498 killed in 2006

In a report by the US Department of State to the US congress has revealed that terrorism has increased over 25% year on year and fatalities have increased by forty per cent.

The figures put into perspective the figures and deaths that while often inder reproted in media there i a major conflict on at World War Level that many in media often chose to ignore. Some 74,543 civilians were targeted.

[]”… In the annual report to Congress includes analysis from the National Counterterrorism Center, a U.S. intelligence clearinghouse, which found only a slight increase in the overall number of civilians killed, injured or kidnapped by terrorists in 2006. But the attacks were more frequent and deadlier, with a 25 percent jump in the number of terrorist attacks and a 40 percent increase in civilian fatalities from the previous year.

In 2006, NCTC reported, there were a total of 14,338 terrorist attacks around the world. These attacks targeted 74,543 civilians and resulted in 20,498 deaths. …”[]

Iraq: Center of global terrorism action

The report clearly shows that the center of the attacks is Iraq: ” Violence in Iraq accounted for 45 percent of the overall attacks counted by NCTC and 65 percent of worldwide terrorism deaths. Terrorist incidents in Iraq nearly doubled from 3,468 in 2005 to 6,630 in 2006. “

It went on further to say : “Although kidnappings declined by 50 percent internationally, Iraq experienced a 300 percent increase, according to NCTC.” an indication as shown by experience here in the Philippines that KFR and terrorism are linked. Kidnapping for Ransom is often used by terror groups and in some cases insurgents as means to both ensure community ‘cooperation’ and also a means to raise revenue.

The Philippines: ” the ‘Success’ story in war vs. terror’

The 2006 US State Department global report on counter terrorism praises the country citing “‘the Philippines” as among others in the region who are, ” playing leading roles in confronting threats from groups such as Jemaah Islamiyah and Abu Sayyaf.”

[] ” Philippines
The Philippines, one of the earliest supporters of the War on Terror, continued its bilateral and multilateral counterterrorism efforts. In August, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) launched “Operation Ultimatum”, a concerted effort to capture or kill the top Jemaah Islamiya (JI) and Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) operatives on Jolo Island in the South. The operation has been highly successful to date as a number of ASG and JI members have been captured or killed since its inception. Philippine forces recently eliminated both Khadaffy Janjalani, the nominal leader of the Abu Sayyaf Group, and ASG spokesperson, Abu Solaiman. Operation Ultimatum is one feature of a U.S.- assisted strategy to strengthen the rule of law in the Sulu archipelago. Joint U.S.-Philippines military exercises know as “Balikatan” supported the Philippine government’s campaign to separate terrorists from the general population and diminish support for their cause. The Antiterrorism Task Force arrested, captured, or killed 88 suspected terrorists, and seized over 900 kilograms of explosive materials. Philippine authorities also made some progress in tracking, blocking, and seizing terrorists’ assets.

Despite some successes, major evidentiary and procedural obstacles in the Philippines continued to hinder the building of effective terrorism cases. A large and growing case backlog and the absence of consistent trials against terrorists were impediments to the prosecution of suspected terrorists. Despite plans dating back to 2001, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) had yet to introduce a digitized, machine-readable passport. While the Philippines cooperated with U.S. requests for prosecutions for persons who had tampered or altered travel documents, the prosecutions carried low-level penalties for those convicted of such fraud. In addition, there was a reluctance to investigate or charge vendors or users of false documents. Under current Philippine law, the suspect must present the fraudulent document to a Philippine government authority in order for a crime to have been committed. At year’s end, a counterterrorism bill approved in April by the House of Representatives remained in the Senate.

The Philippines experienced 93 bombings, ranging from improvised explosive devices and grenades to landmines, including:

• In February, the bombing of a karaoke bar located near a Philippine military base in Jolo left one dead and 22 injured.
• In March, a bomb exploded at the Sulu Consumers Cooperative in Jolo killing nine people and injuring 20.
• In June, a roadside bombing in Shariff Aguak killed three people and injured eight.
• In August, two bombs exploded almost simultaneously in Kidapawan City injuring three people.
• In September, a bomb exploded at a public market in General Santos City killing two people and injuring six.
• In October, a bomb exploded near the headquarters of the Sulu Philippine National Police in Jolo injuring two persons.
• In a separate October attack, three bombs exploded in Tacurong, Sultan Kudurat; Makilala, North Cotabato; and Cotabato City killing eight people and injuring over 30.

The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) was empowered by the Philippines Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001 (AMLA), as amended in 2003, to investigate and prosecute money laundering. The AMLC is the lead agency responsible for implementing the asset freeze measures called for by the UN Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee. Under current law, however, the AMLC cannot take direct action against suspected terrorists or those supporting terrorism, but must apply for a court order to inquire into bank accounts and direct the freezing of assets and transactions. The AMLC sometimes needed several months to issue the relevant resolution to the Court of Appeals after receiving information about a newly-listed terrorist entity and circulating it to the financial institutions. The AMLC has 91 cases pending in various stages with the courts, including 34 for money laundering, 24 for civil forfeiture, and the rest pertaining to freeze orders and bank inquiries. The slow judicial process hindered efforts by the AMLC to see these cases through to conclusion; a trial can take up to seven years to complete. In April, a bilateral U.S.-Philippines Security Engagement Board (SEB) was inaugurated to address non-traditional security issues, including counterterrorism and maritime security. The SEB set the stage for the “Kapid Bisig” (Shoulder-to-Shoulder) counterterrorism framework that focused on civil affairs, capability upgrades, and support for AFP operations. The United States assisted the Philippines in establishing an interagency intelligence fusion center in Zamboanga City to support both maritime interdictions against transnational criminal/terrorist organizations, and the “coast watch” system in Mindanao, established with Australian assistance. ” []

AFGHANISTAN & South Asia attacks up:

The report also found a 50 percent increase in terrorist attacks in Afghanistan, from 491 incidents in 2005 to 749 in 2006. To defeat the resurgent threat, the report urges the international community deliver promised assistance and continue working with Afghans to build counterinsurgency capabilities, ensure legitimate and effective governance and counter a surge in narcotics cultivation.

” NCTC reported that the majority of terrorist attacks remain centered in the Middle East and South Asia, but noted that overall attacks in South Asia declined by 10 percent. ” so says the State department press release.

Child victims of attacks increase 80% increase in casualties:

Children were increasingly the victims of terrorism in 2006, with 1,800 killed or injured in attacks, an 80 percent increase from the previous year. As in 2005, government officials, teachers and journalists remain the leading professionals targeted by terrorists, according to the report.

VENEZUELA: Hugo Chavez: possible state Sponsor?

The report also claims that Venezuela’s leader may be seen as major figure in state sponsored terrorism soon, ” President Hugo Chavez has strengthened ties with Cuba and Iran and has allowed terrorist groups and drug traffickers from neighboring Colombia to cross its borders. ” says US State Department in its press release.

However looking over the report at length it did cite the cooperation of Venezuelan police in protecting the US Embassy. ” An individual claiming to be a member of an Islamic extremist group in Venezuela placed two pipe bombs outside the American Embassy in Caracas on October 23.” But went on to say, ” Venezuelan police safely disposed of the two pipe bombs and immediately made one arrest.”

The report also cited that. “The investigation by Venezuelan authorities resulted in the additional arrest of the alleged ideological leader of the group. At year’s end, both suspects remained in jail and prosecutors were pressing terrorism charges against them.” yet in other areas of ideological conflict Venezuela still supports or so the US State Department report says – Narco Terrorism and leftist rebel groups who have engaged in terror attacks versus Americans and American companies.

[] “… President Hugo Chavez persisted in public criticism of U.S. counterterrorism efforts, deepened Venezuelan relationships with Iran and Cuba, and was unwilling to prevent Venezuelan territory from being used as a safe haven by the FARC and ELN, effectively flouting UN Security Council Resolutions 1373 and 1540, which form part of the legal basis of international counterterrorism efforts.

Chavez’ ideological sympathy for the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the National Liberation Army (ELN) limited Venezuelan cooperation with Colombia in combating terrorism. FARC and ELN units often crossed into Venezuelan territory to rest and regroup with relative impunity. Splinter groups of the FARC and another designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, the United Self- Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC), operated in various parts of Venezuela and were involved in narcotrafficking.

It remained unclear to what extent the Venezuelan government provided material support to Colombian terrorists. However, limited amounts of weapons and ammunition — some from official Venezuelan stocks and facilities — have turned up in the hands of Colombian terrorist organizations. The Venezuelan government did not systematically police the 1,400-mile Venezuelan-Colombian border to prevent the movement of groups of armed terrorists or to interdict arms or the flow of narcotics.”[]

The full text of Country Reports on Terrorism 2006 is available on the State Department Web site.

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Terror Alerts: C. Mindanao, Germany, & the UK…

Terror threats and alerts have been issued versus plots in areas in the southern Philippines in recent days by the USA, Australia, and Canada. One bombing did go off about the same time a warden notice was issued. A pair of what police are calling would be bombers blew themsleves up before they could plant a device while on a motorcycle.Th Attack which took place in Cotabato City in Mindanao is still being invetigated but evidence points terror cells of Jemaah Islamiah and the Abu Sayyaf.

DND downplays US, Australia travel advisories Bayanihan.org
Philippine Defense Secretary downplays travel advisories by US … People’s Daily Online
Defense chief dismisses travel advisories on Mindanao Sun.Star

Cotabato is also where Al Qeada suspects stand accused in the UK of funneling funds for the setting up of a crude Biological weapons lab -  the facility closed now for a logn time provided a very specific insight into the ties groups in Europe, Asia, and Japanworked closely together on plots. The UK terror plot warning for example is traced to groups or cells planing something ‘bigger than 911″ for London. Or so say news reports and blog sites like nooneinparticular.

[]“…Al-Qaeda ‘planning big British attack’ nooneinparticular. Tags: terrorism

TimesOnline (UK):  Spy chiefs warn that one operative had said he was planning an attack on “a par with Hiroshima and Nagasaki” in an attempt to “shake the Roman throne”, a reference to the West.  … “[]

 

Meanwhile Plice and Military units in the Philippines are on the verge of declaring a rebel leader to the level of terrorist – as fighting grows worse in Mindanao with more attacks on civilians.

Fighting has raged at least on one part the southern Philippines – on Jolo island where heavy gunbattles are raging between a rebel faction that was once part of the Moro national Liberation Front which made peace with the philippine government.

Battle between Marines and MNLF captured on video

07:40 PM 04/23/2007

 

  The divereted attention has allowed at least one band of Abu Sayyaf fighters to use the divirsion by the renegade group of MNLF fighters according to the military to allow the Abu Sayyaf to sow terror with the beheadings of seven six workers on foreign funded government road projects in a southern area of the province.

Beheadings shocking reminder violent Abu Sayyaf still around
 MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf guerrillas, largely written off as a crippled force after a US-backed offensive killed its top two …
Philippine Army Vowed to Crash Abu Sayyaf Militants after Beheadings
The Irrawaddy News Magazine, Thailand - Apr 20, 2007
The notorious group is on a list of US terrorist organizations and has a reputation for bombings, mass abductions and beheadings in the Philippines. …

But even off the ‘terror track’ in Germany warnings have been issued about plots and schemes linked to al qaeda and other factions seeking to hit Germany in order to make the Germans ‘run like Spaniards’ not my words – butt to quote al qaeda propaganda with a Madrid styled attack targeting westerners in Germany.

US bases in Europe to conduct security exercises after embassy …
IRNA, Iran -An interior ministry spokesman said there was an “Islamist imension” to the alert but refused to go into specifics of the alleged threat. …
Islamist threats triggered US terror warning in Germany Indian Muslims
Germans monitor possible US base threat Stars and Stripes

The goal of Al Q on this plot according to media reports citing intel sources of both the USA and NATO is more attacks in Europe to get ’soft’ Europeans to  abandon the fight in Afghanistan and elsewhere.

But, Europe has long done away its lust for blood and wars – a good thing really – considering how much Spain and Germany have contributed to warfare over the centuries. In the short term Al qaeda is a organisation without a secure base to build on thus driving the USA out of Iraq and NATO out of Afghanistan is major goal in the short to medium term.

But atacks on Europe seek to bring back the Teutonic fervor of the crusaders of centuries past by the extremists. If one is look closely – What Al Q really wants or say theorists is to bring back the blind rage and fight of the Crusades – thus allowing Al Q to fuel passions in the Islamic world forcing it to unite and force a fight over the Holy land. Or so reports and analysis of statements and chatter seem to say… if thats the case then looks like our grandchildren will have to settle this thing or even theirs unless peace and understanding makes it somehow in this war that is afterall not one of terror or agianst it. But like all Wars a battle to restore peace.

Peace Corps Teacher: ‘Bludgeoned to death’ in Philippines

A grim picture is developing in the death or alleged killing of a US peace crops volunteer in the Philippines.

[]…Julia Campbell, the US Peace Corps volunteer who was found dead in a grave in Banaue, Ifugao, was bludgeoned by her assailant, ABS-CBN’s “Bandila” reported Thursday….”[] ABS-CBNNews

Police are searching for the husband of a woman who is last person to have been seen alive with Julia Campbell – who police believe is the man who was seen on two occasions and in US police terms would be described as a ‘person of interest’.

One: He was alleged to have been seen leaving the area hurriedly near the dry creek bed where her body was ‘intentionally buried’. – The same man being sought by police- was identified by three separate media reports as the husband of Grace Duntogan – who owns a small store in the area.

The same man it is alleged was reportedly seen carrying her backpack and hurriedly leaving the scene of a shallow grave where she was later discovered by Police, Army, and, civilian search teams.

Media reports from wire agencies and GMA.tv, ABS-CBNnews.com, and the Inquirer.net if put into context all point to one man – as at least having been the last person seen with her alive and also later seen hurriedly leaving her make-shift grave. all 734 news articles »

1. Senior Supt. Raul Gonzales, Cordillera Administrative Region police chief, said that it appeared that Campbell was intentionally buried in the area where her body was found at a dry creek. “There was soil, sand and grass, so the burial was intentional,” Gonzales said.
2. Police are seeking the husband of Grace Duntogan, 24, who recalled Campbell came to her store at around 3 p.m. on April 8 – she sold her a soft drink. Her husband was seen near her grave prior to it being discovered by a 13 yr boy now in police custody. Mr. Duntagum is nowhere to be found according to police Senior Supt. Pedro Ganir, police chief of Ifugao province,
3. Campbell’s (’Julia’) was intentionally buried in the area where her body was found at a dry creek. “There was soil, sand and grass, so the burial was intentional,”- Senior Supt. Raul Gonzales, Cordillera Administrative Region police chief
4. Police are attempting to locate a man who was reportedly seen carrying Julia Campbell’s backpack before the US Peace Corps volunteer disappeared on Easter Sunday.

In hindsight – considering locals statements in the area who claim tourism is a major source of income for them. Most do not believe either robbery or any other reason could be seen as the possible motive for Julia Campbell being killed.

A theory being raised is Campbell slipped and fell while being led by ‘a guide’. That fearing repercussions locals or a local buried her – hoping to hide the body until a time when search teams left the area. Knowing that they would be blamed by locals or fearing perhaps possible criminal problems.

Only a medico legal examination can truly tell – but- Diplomatic officials meddling is what should purely be criminal investigation – per local police in the area who are causing the delay in the reporting of actual scientific findings and ending speculation was at the insistence of US officials at the American embassy that a pathologist chosen from japan by the state department over advice of both US law enforcement officials based in the region and Philippine counterparts. There are FBI and Scotalnd Yard trained forensic exmainers avialble here.

Privately – many forces are at play worried that results of any investigation may affect local tourism in the area also international tourists who do bring in a lot of income to the local community.

Having grown up in a tourist town myself – I know the feeling whenever a crime or accident occurs involving a tourist.

it affects the entire local economy.

The longer the investigation results take and medical findings are released and results are given.

The entire village of Batad – not just one reisident is affected- the Banue community an entire region – not just an individual from there- stand accused of a ‘alleged crime’ and they too deserver the right to know what happened.

As well as the victims family and friends – this makes this tragedy a tougher issue for all parties and to the victim and her memory and good deeds of the past two years she did serving people in under-developed communities like the small village she tragically died in.

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Warden Notice: Warning issued vs. Terror plot in Central Midanao

 

US State Department issues ‘warden notice’ or a terror plot warning for central mindanao in the Philippines.

This alert comes on the heels of a a earlier bomb blast last night in Coatabato City in central mindanao an area of known al qaeda linked Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiah activity.

the threat also comes as increased combat action is taking place between elements of the Philippine military and rogue elements of the Moro National Liberation Front rebels in southern Mindanao’s Sulu Province.

Philippines: 2 dead in IED blast – victims suspected bombers

Reports from Cotabato City in the southern Philippines indicates two would be bombers were killed police say when the IED they were transporting detonated prematurely on the motorcycle they were riding.

WARDEN NOTICE

Need for Caution in Central Mindanao

April 19, 2007

THE EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES IS TRANSMITTING THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION THROUGH THE EMBASSY WARDEN SYSTEM AS A PUBLIC SERVICE TO AMERICAN CITIZENS IN THE PHILIPPINES. PLEASE DISSEMINATE THIS MESSAGE TO ALL U.S. CITIZENS IN YOUR ORGANIZATION OR NEIGHBORHOOD. THANK YOU.

———————————————————————–

The Embassy has information that a terrorist group may be planning to carry out bombing attacks in central Mindanao over the next several days. Although the information does not specify a particular location, U.S. citizens should carefully consider plans to visit central Mindanao.

U.S. citizens living and working in central Mindanao are urged to reassess their personal security and to keep a low profile, and should avoid public gathering places, including high-profile events, such as the “Palarong Pambansa” Games, which will take place in Koronadal City from April 22 – 28, 2007.

For additional information, Americans should refer to the Travel Warning for the Philippines, issued June 16, 2006, as well as the Consular Information Sheet for the Philippines dated June 19, 2006.

American citizens with questions or concerns may telephone the Embassy at (63)(2) 528-6300. In case of an emergency outside business hours, American citizens may reach the Embassy duty officer through the Embassy operator at (63)(2) 528-6300. The U.S. Embassy is located at: 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila, Philippines. The Consular American Citizen Services (ACS) section’s fax number is (63)(2) 522-3242 and the ACS web page is at http://philippines.usembassy.gov/wwwh3004.html.

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“too early to determine if foul play was involved.”: Investigators “Missing Peace Corps volunteer dead”

“Too early to determine if foul play was involved.” – but other reports say that the body which is believed to be of missing Julia Cambell, who is from Fairfax, Virgina and is in the Philippines as one of 137 peace corps volunteers in the country.

News reports coming from the scene say the body appears to have been buried – or covered in debris from a fall. but investigators are still investigating.

Meanwhile. Colonel Victor Felix, commander of the Army’s 502nd Infantry Brigade- describe the place the body was found as a ‘grave’ beside a creek. Col. Felix, said in a radio interview that his team had found the site at around 10:30 am local time.

Philippine National Police and the US Embassy RSO personnel in Manila have set forensic tests to confirm that the remains were indeed Campbell’s.

Cambell’s death is one of the first involving tourists in the area which is very popular with backpackers, hikers, and naturalists.

Accidents however are not uncommon and tourism officials in a published guide book recommend that travelers hire local guides or at least travel in groups for safer enjoyment of the area.