130903@gmail.com

At last, Pagadian airport will open in January

130903@gmail.com (MASTERMIND) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 05:49:00 +0000

FINALLY and irrevocably, the Pagadian City Airport in Muricay will be
opening up for air traffic on January 2010, Mayor Samuel Co disclosed.

Speaking over the radio last Wednesday during his weekly program, Co
said he was in high spirits after receiving favorable responses from
various air transportation companies he invited to open their flights
here.

Co explained the recent completion of the asphalt overlay, concrete
runway widening with shoulder grade and apron repair has paved way for
the airport opening last Dec. 20.

The mayor added that the travelling public will only have to wait for
the official announcement of the flight schedules from the three
airline companies—Philippine Airlines, Air Philippines and Cebu
Pacific— which showed commitment to fill the Pagadian-Cebu route by
February.

Co said he has finally ascertained the airport's opening after he
received the "Notice to Airmen" (NOTAM), a transmitted dissemination
from the aviation authority addressed to all civil public use airports
that its landing field is already usable.

"So dili na maguol para sa tanan natong mga katawhan nga kanunayng
gasakay og eroplano nga sa dili madugay maabri na gyod ni atoang
airport," Co assured.

He predicted that the resumption of air traffic would increase
business and tourism activities in the regional center again as it
will likely be timed during the city's Pasalamat Festival 2010 which
falls in the third week of January.

The P379.46 million newly upgraded airport development project is one
of the major Mindanao Super Region projects which underwent
improvement since 2006. Last October, President Gloria Arroyo
inaugurated the airport after it was completed two months earlier.

A source from the Air Philippines said their company will probably
operate a Bombardier turboprop aircraft for the Pagadian-Cebu route
while a Cebu Pacific official told this paper they will be having a
probing flight using their A319 planes.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

Irish leader hosts big reception for Sinnott

130903@gmail.com (MASTERMIND) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 05:45:00 +0000

FATHER Michael "Mick" Sinnott celebrated his 80th birthday last Dec.
17 in his hometown in Ireland, a day after Irish President Mary
McAleese held a reception in his honor at the Irish leader's residence
in Áras an Uachtaráin, Dublin, Fr. Seán Coyle, editor of Misyon
magazine, said in his blog.

Sinnott left for Ireland last Dec. 3, weeks away in freedom from his
still unidentified armed kidnappers who snatched the cleric from his
home in Pagadian City and held him captive for a month.

Coyle wrote that McAleese has been close to the Columbans since
childhood when the Irish official "used to sell our magazine, Far
East."

During the reception, McAleese praised the "quiet and modest work" of
Irish religious missionaries and paid tribute to a member of the
Kiltegan Fathers who was robbed inside his home in Kenya and brutally
murdered last Dec. 11.

The Columban Fathers and the Kiltegan Fathers were both founded in
Ireland and are societies of secular priests - not religious.

McAleese said some of the stories of 2009 had brought triumph in the
face of adversity and Sinnott's was a glowing example of that, adding
the story of the priest's captivity "started out very badly; It did
not start out a good story."

"It was a very bad story, the kidnapping of a priest of almost 80 who
was not in the full of his health. It had the potential to be a real
tragedy, with at times it seemed, small chance of a happy ending," the
president said.

Yet, McAleese said, Sinnott had come home fresh and well and was with
his family in the Áras just days before the celebration of his 80th
birthday. "It really is a privilege for this house to welcome a man of
such courage, faith and grace under fire," she remarked.

The President explained it was ironic that Sinnott's kidnapping
provided a chance to learn about the work which Irish priests "do so
quietly and modestly" and that "wonderful work which brings huge
benefit to the people [they] help and [it] also brings rightly high
regard for the Columbans."

"But it also brings, importantly, very high regard for Ireland. You
are the hands of very important work and you are the heart of that
work," she added, recognizing likewise Ireland's Ambassador, Dick
O'Brien and everyone from the Irish, European and Philippine
governments "who had worked so hard to secure Fr Sinnott's release."

McAleese then wished Sinnott "the happiest of birthdays" while Coyle
wrote a message to his fellow priest: "I thank him for his example,
his integrity, his prayerfulness and his total dedication as a priest.
I see in him a man who is truly 'configured to Christ'."

"He is a light in these dark times for the Church in Ireland," the priest added.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

Irish leader hosts big reception for Sinnott

130903@gmail.com (MASTERMIND) — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 11:13:00 +0000

Sinnott left for Ireland last Dec. 3, weeks after he was kidnapped by
still unidentified armed men in Pagadian City and released a month
following government negotiations.

Coyle wrote that McAleese has been close to the Columbans since
childhood when the Irish official "used to sell our magazine, Far
East."

During the reception, McAleese McAleese praised the "quiet and modest
work" of Irish religious missionaries and paid tribute to a member of
the Kiltegan Fathers who was robbed inside his home in Kenya and
brutally murdered last Dec. 11.

The Columban Fathers and the Kiltegan Fathers were both founded in
Ireland and are societies of secular priests - not religious.

"He is a light in these dark times for the Church in Ireland," the priest added.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

Roy leads LP’s reform-oriented bets

130903@gmail.com (MASTERMIND) — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 08:32:00 +0000

THE ranks of the Liberal Party (LP) in Zamboanga del Sur may be few
but it sure is composed of reform-oriented local officials and
candidates led by incumbent Vice Gov. Roseller "Roy" Ariosa.

Ariosa, former ally of Gov. Aurora Cerilles in Lakas-Kampi, is running
against the governor's husband, 2nd District Rep. Tony Cerilles, for
the governorship.

Ariosa ties up with another of Cerilles' former protégé, Lakewood
mayor Domingo "Doming" Ariosa.

"We are ready to face and present to the people our platform together
with my line-up," Ariosa told this paper over the weekend.

He adds LP's platform is to have a "change in the system through the
implementations of new programs and good services to the people
without any political color."

Running against the governor in her bid for the representation in the
second district is lawyer Romeo "Boyet" Vera Cruz, vice chairman of
the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB).

Broadcaster Dinah Marasigan, Cesar "Diolo" Dacal, Mario Fermindoza,
Hope Florendo of Labangan and former NBI agent and lawyer Glen Peralta
compose LP's lineup for the first district provincial board.

Lawyer Tersindo "Dodong" Poloyapoy is running against the governor for
congressman in the second district along with colleagues Emiliano
Deliverio, Andres "Andy" Nacilla, Dr. Lucas Leonardo Jr. of Guipos,
former Tabina mayor Romulo Vic Lomo and former Bayog mayor Emercindo
Fullo as guest candidate for the second district.

"We did not put-up candidate for mayor in Pagadian City except for
lawyer Tata Quicoy and mediaman Anacleto "Boy" Deliverio because we
believe in the leadership of Mayor Sammy Co, his programs and
development for the city," Ariosa justified.

However, the vice governor said that in the municipal level for the
first district, the LP has filled up candidates from Mayor down to the
municipal councilor except in Ramon Magsaysay.

For the second district, they only filled five towns with complete
line-up: San Pablo, Dinas, Tigbao, Tabina and Lakewood while in
Dumalinao, the LP fielded one candidate for vice mayor along with
candidates for the Sangguniang Bayan. The rest of the municipalities
have guest candidates.

"I hope that the people will vote wisely and choose right the person
they believe can give real public service. With the election
automation, I believe that cheaters will have no chances to do their
schemes," Ariosa said.

REPORT BY JONG CADION

Sammy Co’s ‘Fantastic 4’

130903@gmail.com (MASTERMIND) — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 04:52:00 +0000

IN the potpourri of old timers, veteran lawyers and successful
entrepreneurs completing the local slate of Mayor Samuel Co, four new
faces did not escape the eye of the media.

Who are they? Will they hog the headlines and squeeze for voters'
preference in the next year's elections just like the old timers and
the veterans?

First is Alexander "Jun-Jun" Co Jr. The 23-year old is a hotelier and
Mayor Sammy Co's nephew. He is said to be a "substitute" for his
uncle, incumbent councilor Wilson Co, who opted not to run again owing
to health concerns.

A business administration and computer application graduate of La
Salle University in Cebu City, Jun admits he's a greenhorn in politics
and was hesitant at first.

"My uncle taught me the importance of coming out of my comfort zone
and start serving other people. It was an insight and from that time I
thought I am capable of becoming a humble servant," he added.

"In life we had to be determined. Achieving things does not depend on
age but on determination."

"Business wisdom is my forte that I can apply in the political arena
in the interest of public service and maximized potential and develop
to gain more business investors in the city," Co said.

Jun notes that he can make breakthroughs in the tourism, business and
youth sectors.

Next in Co's list is Aniceto Galon, a retired judge and former city
councilor who wants to make a comeback from his long respite.

He says he has reached the highest point of his career and wants "to
go back to his first love," which he mean as the city council.

As a young lawyer then, Galon has served for two terms in the
pre-martial law years before he shifted career and worked his way up
in the judicial courts.

"Akong gibati nga ang pagserbisyo sa lungsod walay kinutuban. Kung
nangandoy ko sa pagserbisyo sa publiko niadtong batan-on pa ko nga
kulang pa ko og kasinatian, labaw na siguro karon mapuslan ang akong
kasinatian nga edaran na ko," he said.

"Kung magustuhan sa katawhan akong tanyag kanila, ang akong gisaligan
sa akong pagpapili ug ang igarantinya ang akong tiunay nga
pagserbisyo," Galon added.

For lawyer Carlos "Caloy" Madarang III, taking his sights on public
service will be a specialty since as a lawyer, for example, he can
offer his services to the council and to the people.

"Being a rookie in the political arena I don't want to brag myself.
The task and work of a councilor will not be new to me. So far I'm
still hopeful and continue to pray for the blessing of the Almighty
and the people so that this bid will be successful," the former
provincial legal counsel said.

Last but not the least is businessman and contractor Roque "Nonoy"
Yamba, who is also the president of the Baganian Broadcasting
Corporation and general manager of DxBZ-AM and DxCA-FM.

"Kung unsa man gani ang tahas nga ihatag sa katawhan, akoang himuon
alang sa kalambuan sa siyudad," was his no-nonsense words.

On the sideline is incumbent board member Baldomero "Baleleng"
Fernandez—a private lawyer and formerly the provincial and city
prosecutor of Zamboanga del Sur.

Banking on his vast experience in law practice and as a seasoned
legislator, Fernandez said that he will focus on the needed
regulations and policies for a more progressive regional center.

"Nagtan-aw ko nga taga-dinhi man gyod ta ug basin aduna tay dako nga
mahimo ug ikatampo sa pagpanday sa balaod alang sa kalambuan sa
siyudad," he stressed.

Fernandez added that he wants to initiate laws that will benefit the
senior citizens, revenue collections and the poor.

For his part, Co said that their lineup went through the rigorous
selection process of their party and that he believes this chosen crop
will help propel the city to make more progress.

The mayor calls them a "teamwork of young, energetic and committed
people" that can lend a hand in propelling the city to sure
development.

"With this lineup, we will try our very best nga modaug gyod ang
tanan," the mayor added.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA & JONG CADION

RP rebels eye deadlock with government

130903@gmail.com (MASTERMIND) — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 03:25:00 +0000

OZAMIZ CITY—Maoist rebels in the country has vowed to achieve a stage
of "strategic stalemate" between its strength and government's within
the next five years as the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)
observes on Saturday its 41st year of founding as a revolutionary
organization.

In its traditional anniversary statement, the CPP's Central Committee
said that if this goal is carried out successfully, "we can look
forward to still greater revolutionary possibilities within the next
ten years…"

The CPP's pronouncement mocks the 2010 deadline set by President
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to reduce into insignificance the communist
insurgency in the country.

A yearend statement of the Armed Forces of the Philippines has placed
the current number of New Peoples Army (NPA) rebels on a decline.

"The CPP/NPA's strength in January 2002 was pegged to be around
12,000. Today, their strength is down to 7,100; a reduction of about
5,000," the statement reads.

"With the sustained operational gains and momentum against the
communist terrorists, the AFP is optimistic of the CPP/NPA's eventual
defeat as their political and military influence continues to
dwindle," the statement continued.

But the NPA counters the Arroyo administration "has utterly failed to
realize its pipe dream of destroying or reducing the armed
revolutionary movement of the people to inconsequentiality."

The rebel group also crowed about its ability to prevail over 14 years
of Ferdinand Marcos' strongman rule "and all the succeeding regimes
that have pretended to be liberal democratic…"

The CPP said its "revolutionary optimism" is based on the lingering
crisis affecting "the world capitalist system," referring to the
global economic depression, and its corresponding burden imposed on
"the domestic ruling system."

The CPP also claimed it has "the sufficient strength and critical mass
to carry out the tasks and plans for advancing from the strategic
defensive to the strategic stalemate (of) the people's war within the
next five years."

The CPP leadership emphasized the need to increase its number of NPA
units and guerrilla fronts "from around 120 to 180 in order to cover
the rural congressional districts and gain the ability to deploy armed
city partisan units in the urban congressional districts."

To achieve this, it said the rebel group "must intensify the
recruitment and the politico-military training of the Red fighters" as
well as "intensify our tactical offensives…"

"The weapons for arming new units of the NPA at the levels of the
district, province and region must be obtained mainly from the enemy
through ambuscades, raids and other operations," the CPP anniversary
statement read.

The local communist leadership also pointed out the key role of land
reform campaigns "to win the steadfast support of the poor peasants,
farm workers and lower middle peasants" and so provide it foothold
into the rural communities.

Organized in 1968, the CPP has been waging four-decade warfare against
the government to impose its socialist-oriented economic ideology and
has since engaged in an on-and-off negotiation for a political
settlement.

REPORT BY RYAN ROSAURO, PECOJON

Cerilles leads Pasko Nato ’09 opening

130903@gmail.com (MASTERMIND) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:32:00 +0000

GOVERNOR Aurora Cerilles led the formal opening of the Pasko Nato 2009
last Dec. 16 at the Agri- Tourism and Heritage Complex (AHC) in Brgy.
Dao amid a big crowd of eager spectators who wanted to take a glimpse
of the blinking fairy lights of the Giant Christmas tree located
within the area.

The Pasko Nato '09 is the third ZamboSur Christmas Festival initiated
by the Provincial Government.

As usual, the lighting of the Giant Christmas Tree coincided with the
AHC Kids Caroling Contest and the first judging of the AHC LGU
Christmas Bazaar Contest that evening.

Cerilles, who is in her last term as the province's chief executive,
said she was happy with the fortitude shown by Zambosurians and
expressed her gratitude to the people for all the support she got.

"Your love, respect and cooperation have been my strength to pursue
big dreams and work even harder for the good of us all," Cerilles told
the crowd.

The governor added that despite the struggles she confronted during
her three terms, these were all conquered and she prevailed because
"we all worked together with one vision and one purpose."

She then congratulated all the Capitol employees, even calling them as
her "extended family who gave their best at the frontlines of
service."

The governor then reiterated her advocacy against illegal drugs and
mentioned her strong condemnation of the Nov. 23 massacre in Ampatuan,
Maguindanao, which killed 57 people including some 30 journalists.

"Let us therefore renew our commitment to work together in restoring
the dignity and peace in Mindanao, making it a land of fulfilled
dreams," she urged.

The opening and lighting activity at the AHC ended with a grand
fireworks display.

Meanwhile, Provincial Tourism Officer Anthony Padayhag said everybody
is welcome to visit the Provincial Government Center's nightly
activities of Pasko Nato '09.

Most of these activities are in collaboration with the National
Commission for Culture and the Arts under the Dance Season program of
the Provincial Tourism Office, he added.

REPORT BY PROVINCIAL PRESS BUREAU

NUJP-Misoc Statement on "Analysis" broadcaster Danny Pilar: Ang pagpapili ug ang kagawasan sa pagpadayag parehong hulagway sa pagtunhay sa demokrasya

130903@gmail.com (MASTERMIND) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 06:14:00 +0000

Disyembre 22, 2009

Ang NUJP hilabihang naalarma ug naguol sa pagpangatake kang Danny
Pilar pinaagi sa usa ka granada nga gilabay sa iyang panimalay didto
sa Taboo, Jimenez niadtong adlaw'ng Dominggo, Disyembre 20, 2009. Si
Danny kabahin sa komunidad sa mga tigbalita sa Misamis Occidental.

Bisan paman nga ang usa ka halalom nga imbestigasyon ang kamulo'ng
gipahigayon kalabot niini, among gipasalamatan ang Philippine National
Police (PNP), ilalom sa liderato ni Supt. Leonilo Cabug, provincial
director sa Misamis Occidental, sa paspas nga pagresponde sa
panghitabo. Hinaut nga masustenir kining paningkamot sa pagsulbad sa
kaso aron makaangkon og hingpit nga hustisya si Danny Pilar.

Dili madiskwento ang posibilidad nga ang pagpangatake adunay
kalambigitan sa pulitika ug ang trabaho ni Danny isip tigbalita.
Nahitabo kini human maplastar ang kandidatura sa mga pulitiko alang sa
nagkadaiyang posisyon. Gani, matud ni Danny, kung adunay nag-interes
sa iyang kinabuhi tungod sa lain pang rason, kaniadto ra siya hamyang
kaayo sa pagpangatake.

Tungod niini, among gihangyo nga unta malinawon nga pamaagi ang
ipatuman sa mga pulitiko subay sa ilang personal nga interes nga
maagni ang katawhan sa pagdapig sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka kandidatura.

Sa maong panghitabo, among giawhag ang mga pulitiko nga mosaad
atubangan sa katawhan nga magdumili sa dugoon nga mga paagi aron
mapalawig ang kinaugalingong pulitikanhong interes.

Ang pagpapili sa pulitikanhong posisyon usa sa mga hulagway sa
pagtunhay sa demokrasya. Kaubang hulagway niini ang kagawasan sa
pagpadayag.

RYAN D. ROSAURO
Chair,
NATIONAL UNION OF JOURNALISTS OF THE PHILIPPINES (NUJP)
Misamis Occidental Chapter

Guns, groans and goad

130903@gmail.com (MASTERMIND) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:35:00 +0000

<div style="text-align: justify;">The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has described the Philippines as the world's "most murderous" country for reporters. But this does not cite a position that any media member under threat may own and carry a gun.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Journalists allowed to carry guns for self-defense in the wake of a growing number of murders of reporters and editors in the country does not in any way score, decrease, cut down or diminish the aggression against members of the fourth estate.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Even the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) could only tell its press members that there are provisions for safety and assistance to media workers under threat but carrying a firearm is practically not one.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The International News Safety Institute (INSI) explains it well. Journalists increasingly are being targeted in conflict largely because they have lost, in the eyes of certain elements, their status as neutral observers.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A journalist with a gun may have removed himself from this premise, as he unbuckles his cellular phone and exchanges it for a holster with .45-caliber pistol and some bullet clips. This clearly breaks the entrenched taboo against journalists carrying—and using—guns. Such a move is not beneficial to the press—or the threatened journalist—it will only place their lives and their peers further in danger.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">True, we journalists have to protect ourselves because the government does not protect us anymore and so the need for guns protruding in our shirts. But wait, this will only open the floodgates of never-ending cycle of attacks against us. Somehow, there are media people also who are slack, immature and reckless, and arming them might only bring harm or injury to their colleague seated next to them.</div>

130903@gmail.com (MASTERMIND) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:33:00 +0000

<div style="text-align: justify;">The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has described the Philippines as the world's "most murderous" country for reporters. But this does not cite a position that any media member under threat may own and carry a gun.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Journalists allowed to carry guns for self-defense in the wake of a growing number of murders of reporters and editors in the country does not in any way score, decrease, cut down or diminish the aggression against members of the fourth estate.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Even the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) could only tell its press members that there are provisions for safety and assistance to media workers under threat but carrying a firearm is practically not one.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">The International News Safety Institute (INSI) explains it well. Journalists increasingly are being targeted in conflict largely because they have lost, in the eyes of certain elements, their status as neutral observers.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">A journalist with a gun may have removed himself from this premise, as he unbuckles his cellular phone and exchanges it for a holster with .45-caliber pistol and some bullet clips. This clearly breaks the entrenched taboo against journalists carrying—and using—guns. Such a move is not beneficial to the press—or the threatened journalist—it will only place their lives and their peers further in danger.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">True, we journalists have to protect ourselves because the government does not protect us anymore and so the need for guns protruding in our shirts. But wait, this will only open the floodgates of never-ending cycle of attacks against us. Somehow, there are media people also who are slack, immature and reckless, and arming them might only bring harm or injury to their colleague seated next to them.</div>

Statement on Ampatuan's ill gotten wealth, election fraud

130903@gmail.com (MASTERMIND) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 07:21:00 +0000

In recent days, military raids in Maguindanao have revealed much more
than high-caliber firearms; the raids have made public 16 homes in
Davao City and 14 mansions in Maguindanao, all belonging to the
Ampatuans.

While the Ampatuans wallow in splendor and grandeur, their
constituents suffer the hardship of squalor and poverty that is
prevalent in the third poorest province in the country.

The question is, where did all this wealth come from? Gov. Andal
Ampatuan's Statement of Assets and Liabilities (SALN) for 2002 shows
only a net worth of P11 million. As public servants, Gov. Ampatuan and
the rest of his family must answer to the people for amassing a
suspicious amount of wealth while in power.

More importantly, the discovery of thousands of voter's identification
cards and other election materials in the home of Shariff Aguak Mayor
Anwar Ampatuan is a tell-tale sign of the source of their wealth, and
is further evidence of the long-standing rumors that the powerful
Ampatuan clan was involved in rigging the 2004 and 2007 elections.

It is no secret that the Ampatuans count themselves as the staunch
allies of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and that the province
where the Ampatuans have wielded their iron grip for more than a
decade is a known bulwark of the administration. The tragedy in
Maguindanao has now shed light into the ghost of electoral fraud that
has continued to haunt GMA's presidency.

We have had enough. We call on the Office of the Ombudsman and the
Department of Justice to conduct an immediate and impartial
investigation into the apparent ill-gotten wealth that is a stark
example of the corruption that has eroded our democracy, and the
fruits of this administration's efforts to deceive our people of its
legitimacy.

ATTY. EDWIN LACIERDA
Spokesperson (0917-6293416)
Presidential Campaign of Benigno S. Aquino III

Slowly digging one’s own grave

130903@gmail.com (MASTERMIND) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 01:20:00 +0000

THE ones responsible for the Maguindanao massacre should be arrested and castigated to the highest terms. Theirs deeds are too barbaric to contemplate, with no human sense and very hideous in the eyes of a civilized nation.

Imagine the new statistics of journalists killed in the Nov. 23 massacre is now at 37 with one more missing and unaccounted. All over the world, the Philippines stand embarrassed with this unfolding within our very eyes—the scattered bodies of innocent civilians, lawyers and journalists—some of whom were tortured, raped before being killed and a handful were buried alive.

We admit that many members of the fourth estate are affected by the deaths of our colleagues. We are not acting pretentious this time nor make exaggeration of this issue. Such deaths deserve our anger and indignation. It deserves our united call for justice.

Since we, as pillars of information, only work for the good of the public, we strive to give professional service for the community's collective interest in knowing what is happening around the world, in our country and our respective neighborhoods. No more, no less, not even politics.

Like our counterparts in other parts of the planet, we express their collective outcry to demand justice for the 31 journalists and media workers killed in Maguindanao. To this administration, let us once and for all stop this culture of impunity in our country, which is contributing to the string of deaths of media practitioners.

We send this statement of protest to President Gloria Arroyo for her to see the persistent episodes of this social malady. It doesn't need to have more than 100 journalists killed in their work desks or beats to rally support for our poor circumstances.

If the Philippines is one democratic country, why are there so many journalists being threatened and killed? We have been expressing this question and outrage for a long time already to no effect despite the fact that we who are left behind find it unpleasant that we too had to slowly dig our own graves. God forbid. God help us.

Pagadian, Ozamiz media light candles for fallen peers

130903@gmail.com (MASTERMIND) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 08:30:00 +0000

JOURNALISTS pledging memberships with the provincial chapters of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), Kapisanan ng mga Broadcaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) and the Zamboanga del Sur-Pagadian City Press Club Inc. (ZPPI) recently held its candle-lighting tribute to the fallen journalists in Maguindanao.

NUJP chapter president Hirohito Cadion said the activity also called to mind the lives and advocacy of the five Pagadian journalists killed in the line of duty since the 1990's.

Cadion identified the five as publisher Billy Yu (1998), Olympio Jalapit (1999), Edgar Damalerio (2001), Edgar Amoro (2005) and Rolly Cañete (2006).

The lighting of candles was done in front of the Jose Rizal Monument near Plaza Luz and joined by members of the Interfaith Forum for Solidarity and Peace, students, churchgoers and some media members from Ozamiz City.

The activity form part of the week-long annual celebration of the Mindanao Week for Peace, which ran from Nov. 6 to Dec. 2.

Cadion, in a statement relayed to this paper, said the condemnation and the protest of Pagadian journalists will not end up with the burial of the 30 working journalists slain in Maguindanao but will continue until justice will be served.

It can be recalled that of the five media practitioners killed in the Pagadian City, only the case of Edgar Damalerio earned justice with the arrest and prosecution of the supposed suspect.

Meanwhile, Ozamiz journalists were also indignant over the killing of their colleagues in Maguindanao and called for the need to initiate a treaty among politicians as a promise not to repeat the gruesome incident.

Led by NUJP chapter president Ryan Rosauro of Philippine Daily Inquirer and Jovencio Godoy Jr. of the national directorate, the journalists gathered for a 30-minute prayer vigil outside the city metropolitan cathedral and voiced out their call.

"Let us try hard not to sacrifice innocent lives in the political process or action. With what was happening in Maguindanao, I think there should be distinction but we saw none," Godoy said.

"Atoang iampo nga maundang ni kay kung magpadayon ni, nagtoo ko nga wala nay mag-media pa nga mubarog ug modala sa tingog sa katawhan kay lungguan man sa ulo og dili mauyunan ang ilang baruganan," he added.

"Atong panawagan ngadto sa mga politiko: di magdayon ang panagbingkil. Mahimo nga ang manag-away karon managsuud sa sunod ug vice versa. Hunongon na nato kini nga cycle of violence nga maoy nagpatigbabaw dinhi sa ato," Godoy continued.

"After all, sa mga politiko, ang pagpapili para man mangalagad, dili ang mohawod sa katilingban. Himuon nato nga matarong. Ang pagpatay s mga kaaway sa politika pagpangalagad lamang sa atong kaugalingon ug sa atong katuyan.

The journalists then called on the community to exercise the same vigilance. "Tabangan ninyo kami kay kung mawala na ang mga mensahero nga nagdala sa inyong mga tingog, mahimo na nga walay bili ang atong pagpuyo niining kalibutan," they said.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

Famed anti-gambling bishop dies of liver cancer

130903@gmail.com (MASTERMIND) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 08:28:00 +0000

A bishop based in Ozamiz City who once spoke his piece vocally against illegal gambling has died of cancer, reports the Malindang Herald website.

News of Monsignor Emie Bienes' death was announced, Dec. 7, by Ozamiz Clergy President Fr. Edgar Canama, who said the 63-year old prelate died in Cebu City last Dec. 4 due to complications of liver cancer.

Bienes is the vicar general of the Ozamiz archdiocese and formerly the parish priest of St. Michael Parish in the neighboring Tangub City.

January, this year, the bishop was suddenly rushed to the hospital after he complained of abdominal pains and blurred vision while in the middle of his homily.

A source from the Bishop's Palace said then that Bienes once confided he has diabetes which also affected his liver.

"The Catholics of the Archdiocese of Ozamiz have lost a kind and dedicated priest, a good friend and trusted member of the board of consultors," Canama followed up his brief announcement.

Born on Sept. 3, 1946, Bienes was ordained priest on April 21, 1976. In his early years as a seminarian, Bienes volunteered as one of the teaching staff of St. Mary's Theologate Seminary in Gango, Ozamiz City.

The late bishop once hogged headlines for his stand against the so-called Small Town Lottery (STL), stating that "gambling breeds laziness and dependence on luck rather than hard work for livelihood."

The archdiocese will offer a nine-day requiem mass for the vicar general in all parishes and has called on priests and religious to include in their intentions the eternal repose of his soul.

At present, the bishop's remains lie in state at the St. Michael Archangel Parish in Tangub and will be brought to his hometown in Tudela on Dec. 14, where a concelebrated funeral mass will be held.

He will be interred on the same day at the San Isidro Labrador Catholic Cemetery.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

ZPPI changes guards

130903@gmail.com (MASTERMIND) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 08:24:00 +0000

AS a matter of urgency and necessity, the Zamboanga del Sur-Pagadian City Press Club Inc. (ZPPI) met last Saturday, delivered all the reports and elected its new set of officers.

Charnyl Albarracin of Pagadian Express was elected president, replacing Elmer Maghanoy of RMN-DxPR who served his full term. Albarracin's executive vice president is ex-board member Maria Dinah Marasigan, also of DxPR.

The vice presidents who will sit in the respective media divisions are Leo Santillan (MIT-RTVN) for broadcast; Jong Cadion (Mindanao Balita Local-Frontline Mindanao Online) for print; and Michael Medina (Zamboanga Peninsula News) for online.

Provincial press officer Radem Gutang was re-elected secretary while Vanessa Cagas of Baganian Broadcasting Corp. (BBC) is the new treasurer and Zamsureco information officer Levi Cabatcha as auditor.

Tony Bayamban (Mindanao Biznews), freelance journalists Leah Agonoy and Lualhati Belen, and Vic del Pilar (Mindanao Balita Local-Frontline Mindanao Online) compose the members of the board, in addition to the three past presidents: Marive Jongco of BBC, Remai Alejado of DA-RAFID and Maghanoy.

In a huddle after the election, Maghanoy told this paper his wishes to the new officers as he exhorted other fellow members: "Unta suportahan nato sila aron mapakita nato nga nagkahiusa ta bisan pa man ug managlahi ang atong outfit nga gitrabahoan."

For Albarracin, Maghanoy has these words: "Normal man sa usa ka organization nga adunay mga miyembro nga dili nato ma-satisfy, kinahangalan nga dawaton nato sa dakong pagpahiubos."

"Usahay lisod lang kayo dawaton ang kamatuoran, pero bisan pa ug unsaon nimo, mangayo lang ta ug pasaylo nga wala nimo mahatag ang tahas isip usa ka leader," he added.

More wishes for ZPPI, this time from Marasigan: "Malaumon ko nga mamahimong usa ka malambuong organisasyon ang ZPPI ug mapadayon ang nasugdan na sa grupo."

Del Pilar butted in: "Charnyl is the timely guy to rule the club. With him, we hope a new image and new challenge will emerge."

For Julius Breva of Mindanao Chronicle and Agonoy, both recognized the fresh and unsullied personality of Albarracin, who, they said, will bring innovation to ZPPI.

"This is a welcome development and Charnyl has integrity to lead. Mas makaayo kini alang sa media in Zambosur. May we practice this sense of volunteerism and always think of development for the group and not for personal interest," they said.

Jong Cadion of NUJP-Pagadian City-Zamboanga del Sur Chapter also said that he is 100 percent supporting Albarracin's leadership. "Aduna siya'y aggressiveness ug isip batan-on pa, he will be idealistic but nevertheless I will support him."

In response, Albarracin said he will try his best to bring together the local media and run ZPPI for the good of all.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

MisOc gets a taste of 3-in-1

130903@gmail.com (MASTERMIND) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 08:20:00 +0000

The battle lines in the top political echelon in Misamis Occidental have been drawn and it's a toe-to-toe, three cornered fight among incumbents who are former allies and acquaintances.

Pitching in for the royal rumble for the congressional seat of the second district is incumbent Gov. Loreto Leo Ocampos, Ozamiz mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Sr. and Tangub mayor Jennifer Wee-Tan.

Also courting the votes of some 321,843 Misamisnons for their gubernatorial bid are Rep. Herminia Ramiro, Vice Gov. Francisco Paylaga Jr. and Ozamiz Vice Mayor Carlos Patricio Bernad.

Except for Ramiro and Parojinog who retained their loyalty with the ruling party, the other politicians mentioned in this report are once strong movers of Lakas-Kampi coalition.

Both Ocampos and Bernad are now pledging memberships with the Liberal Party (LP) while Paylaga opted to be a Nacionalista (NP) and Tan is in the Nationalist Peoples Coalition (NPC).

Cracks in the Lakas-Kampi in Misamis Occidental started to show when Paylaga jumped overboard last March after being recruited by Sen. Manny Villar, followed by Bernad who tied up with Sen. Noynoy Aquino's group last November and Tan crossing towards Danding Cojuangco's camp. Lately, Ocampos' took his turn to bolt out from the ruling party and into LP, joining the surprised Bernad.

Even with this unexpected change, records from the provincial Comelec office shows Lakas-Kampi still reigning with 14 bets, followed by NP with 12, PMP with 8, LP with 4, 6 independents and a lone NPC candidate.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

Statement on the death of 21 journalists in Maguindanao

130903@gmail.com (MASTERMIND) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 04:37:00 +0000

THE hostage-taking and killing of 21 media members in Maguindanao last Nov. 23 is a horrible illustration of a social order gone awry, an inhumane act and unequalled in recent history.

Those working journalists killed in the line of duty were only doing their job as correspondents, innocent of the political rivalry and were not even partakers of the culture of violence already happening in the territory.

We, who felt no safer even as we are away from the same danger, are also distressed and mourn the death of our colleagues who have become victims of this senseless violence and carnage.

We are also alarmed that media can now be a target of blatant assault of political enmities. The fact, that 21 of our colleagues are dead and others still missing highlights the state of political warlordism and their ugly grapple for power still being observed in some areas of the country.

We hope that government authorities will go after the persons responsible for the acts, charge and prosecute them for the crimes. May there be no more knee-jerk response but a permanent commitment by this regime to uphold our democratic ideals and protection of all working journalists.

The media, however passionate we are of our work in spreading news and information, is always neutral. We are public servants and even unfortunate volunteers who sometimes become victims of warring people of influence and power who espouse the culture of impunity, with no sense of responsibility and respect for human life.

MICHAEL MEDINA

Online editor

The Philippine Preview

Board of director, NUJP-Ozamiz City

Pioneer, Misamis Occidental News Bloggers atbp.(MONBA)

Father Mick freed at last

130903@gmail.com (MASTERMIND) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:34:00 +0000

ZAMBOSURIANS are looking forward to a happy reunion with kidnapped Columban priest Michael Sinnot after he was freed, Friday, exactly a month after he was snatched from his home in Pagadian.

Governor Auring Cerilles, who broke the news over DxCA-Bell FM, said the Irish priest was freed by his captors at 4:30 a.m. at Sangali Village in Zamboanga City by members of the task force formed by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and was then turned over to government peace negotiators.

Cerilles, who created and chaired the Crisis Management Committee (CMC) tasked to look for Sinnott, said she welcomed the priest’s release with a glad heart, adding everybody’s prayers for the clergy’s release was heard.

Sinnot, who was brought to the Western Mindanao Command headquarters for medical tests, was described as “disoriented but quite healthy.” He was flown to Manila to meet President Gloria Arroyo in Malacañang.

Sinnott has a history of heart problems and efforts to deliver his medicines were repeatedly pleaded by the Missionary Society of St. Columban (MSSC) during his captivity.

The priest’s release came barely three days after the Abu Sayyaf Group beheaded another kidnap victim, identified as Gabriel Canizares, principal of Kanague Elementary School in Patikul, Sulu, who was abducted last Oct. 19 in Brgy. Tanum.

Sinnott’s freedom also came 12 days after a proof of life video was received by the CMC relaying the abductors’ demand for a P100 million ransom. It was not known whether this demand was met as the government maintains its no ransom policy.

In an interview with journalists, Sinnott said that his captors, who identified themselves as a “lost command,” treated him well and made him sleep in a cot.

As of press time, nothing can be said about the kidnapping as the both the military and the MILF refuse to speak where they found Sinnott or give details about his kidnappers.

In the past weeks, several names were bared by the military, including that of DILG Sec. Ronaldo Puno’s pronouncement, initially linking the MILF to the kidnapping but these only elicited denials from the rebel group.

“The MILF vehemently denied any part in the kidnapping, an act it consistently condemned,” MILF peace panel chairman Mohagher Iqbal said as he disclosed that members of the MILF task force had spoken with relatives of the kidnappers and “applied moral pressure.”

For his part, MSSC regional director Pat O’Donoghue wrote in his blog his reaction to Sinnott’s release.

“Thanks to all who have been praying for Father Michael and thanks to all who have been involved behind the scenes in trying to obtain his release. It is a moment of great joy and relief for all of us who know and love this great priest,” O’Donoghue wrote.

“In the face of all this we are assured that ‘God does not stand in awe of greatness, since he himself has made small and great and provides for all alike’. God’s kingdom continues to permeate the world despite the evil that seems to overwhelm us.”

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

Pagadian police disrupts bomb plot

130903@gmail.com (MASTERMIND) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:20:00 +0000

POLICE authorities have tightened security measures and urged the public to be wary after two improvised explosive device (IED) were found by residents of Brgy. Kawit, a few meters away from a vocational school.

City Police Chief Inspector Michael Palermo said the IEDs were left at the garbage pile on both sides of the road in Purok Bakhaw-B at about 6:30 in the morning, Thursday, Nov. 10.

A passing resident who saw the milk can tried to tinker the package and concluded that it could be an IED after noticing a protruding cord in the can. He then warned the people within the vicinity and immediately reported to the explosive ordinance and disposal (EOD) team.

Policemen along with members of the AFP K9, SOCO and 905th PMG immediately proceeded to the area where the EOD, led by Senior EOD technician Emerson Lumpas later diffused the bombs.

Palermo explained that two cellular phones were used to connect to the IEDs, which are also connected to two blasting caps. He said that had the bombs went off, the extent of damage could reach as far as 150 meters.

The police chief added the two IEDs composed of two containers of 1800 grams of milk cans, three cellular phones, a 60-mm projectile RPG, another two kilograms of aluminum flash powder mix, a flashlight with caps and blasting cord, electrical cord with adaptor and assorted nails mixed with bolts.

Palermo said he cannot elaborate more on the nature of the IEDs for the meantime adding they are zeroing their investigation on the motive behind the bombing attempt.

The Zamboanga del Sur School of Arts and Trades, located a few meters from the area where the IEDs were found, is said to conduct a parade that morning for their English Day celebration.

Palermo told this paper that two witnesses saw three suspicious looking persons sitting inside the shanty near the area two hours before the discovery of the IEDs.

The police official believes the IEDs may have been planted to sow terror among the populace and create an impression that Pagadian City is a dangerous place.

December, last year, authorities foiled a bombing attempt in a passenger bus bound for Cagayan de Oro City after an IED was discovered fashioned out of two 60-milimeter mortar shells.

The attempt was the third foiled within the Westmincom area of jurisdiction after the twin explosions that earlier rocked two commercial establishments in Iligan City that month killing two people and injuring 48 others.

September, this year, a conspiracy to perpetrate bombings in the Zamboanga Peninsula region and in three other provinces by terrorist groups having links with al-Qaeda was uncovered by authorities.

Information from a military source based in Zamboanga City then reported that an unidentified urban terrorist group is targeting to bomb key areas around the region, including Zamboanga and Pagadian cities.

Stepping up operations against the reported terror plots, city police then at once informed local establishments and security agencies to be wary on individuals with suspicious movements.

REPORT BY JONG CADION & MICHAEL MEDINA

Tasking with greater force for Sinnott

130903@gmail.com (MASTERMIND) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:14:00 +0000

FATHER Michael Sinnot's kidnapping brings to fore a lot of lessons for everyone involved for his safe release, including those in the media and the watching public. Such an incident, however recurring it may seem in these parts of Mindanao, needs special attention.

And so is the Irish priest. Whoever is subjected to an evil act deserved to be helped in every way possible, this clear attitude now coming from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which was initially suspected of abducting the aged priest.

The MILF, which has offered to help track down Sinnott's kidnappers, should also welcome the government's request to conduct an internal probe to verify reports that the priest's kidnappers are from its ranks, if they are that sincere in supporting any action towards the solution to this crisis.

And as to the Crisis Management Committee (CMC), all its efforts to help in the rescue of the kidnapped priest must be exerted without endangering the life of the priest. Their objective must be for the harmless return of Sinnott through peaceful measures including negotiations.

As to the media, both the local and national journalists should strive to report with exactness and based on facts alone, rather than destroy an already aggressive image-building effort for Mindanao as a peaceful island. News items come and go but the indispensable factor is the truth and precision of the stories, especially when one is tempted to be careless and report the baseless and the controversial just to beat the deadline..

To the authorities, including the politicians, they should be cautious also not to mislead media with their enigmatic information, as if hiding the reality for a more selfish motive. There have been earlier kidnappings in the past and the media have always been reporting it for the benefit of everybody.

Sure, everyone has boundaries: the MILF, CMC, the police, military, church, politicians and the media. But what is important is that everybody seeks to fast track Sinnott's release and that news gets reported fairly and objectively not through a cheap propaganda mileage and an affront to the current efforts.

Many have said that Sinnott's abduction was unthinkable especially after having served in Mindanao for the past 40 years. We don't know for sure what came into his heartless captors but all we know is that Sinnott has made valuable service in animation and education to mission for Mindanao. Let us therefore repay it by praying for his safe, early return.

Columbans, MILF repeat firm stand on Fr. Micks freedom

130903@gmail.com (MASTERMIND) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:17:00 +0000

TWO groups interested in getting Fr. Michael "Mick" Sinnot back home safely have each declared their strong position regarding the ongoing discussions aimed in attaining freedom for the kidnapped priest.

A press statement issued by Fr. Patrick O'Donoghue of the Missionary Society of St. Columban (MSSC) dated Nov. 1 sternly said that their congregation "does not pay ransom."

"And we believe that it should not be paid," O'Donoghue added, reiterating his earlier call to "all people of good-will who may have ways of influencing those who are still holding Fr. Mick to continue their efforts to enable the abductors to see that the best and simplest way forward is for them to now release Fr. Sinnott without further delay."

The Columban superior declared that he has already seen the video sent by Sinnott's abductors and declared his happiness of seeing his fellow priest still alive and able to take some of his medication.

A $2 million ransom has been asked by the kidnappers for Sinnott's freedom, it was learned.

"However, this video is now eight days old. This past week has been very wet here in Mindanao and living in the conditions that he described can only have had an adverse effect on his fragile health. I hope that he continues to be well," he said.

Meanwhile, Moro National Liberation Front (MILF) Civil-Military Affairs Chief IEid Kabalu said it welcomed negotiations for Sinnott's release although "launching a rescue operation should be a primary option."

Kabalu was referring to an earlier proposal put up by the Zamboanga del Sur Crisis Management committee (CMC) created by Gov. Aurora Cerilles to explore more alternatives for a possible compromise with the group currently holding the 79-year old Irish missionary priest.

Last week, the MILF has declared that it is validating information that Sinnott and his captors are in the surrounding area between Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur.

Two persons who claimed to be involved in the delivery of medicines and others provisions to Sinnott even told a group of local media that the Columban cleric's abductors are holed up in the mountain areas of Sultan Naga Dimaporo, specifically in Sitios Bulandosa, Tuka Alaw, Katipunan, Rombanon and Camangas.

But this information was belied by Lanao del Norte Information Officer Lyndon Calica who said the names of the places mentioned are "non-existing."

More on Kabalu, he stressed that the MILF tends to pick the option of launching a rescue operation "because getting into negotiation is like pampering 'yang mga tarantadong 'yan," referring to the priest's kidnappers, who he refers to as a band of lost commandos, "lesser in numbers but equipped with high-powered firearms."

The MILF official said he is also taking into account Sinnott's health condition and that entertaining another option aside from rescue might further lengthen his captivity. He, however, said that for the meantime their group will just wait for suggestions from the CMC.

This morning, the MILF Central Committee published in its website a retort to DILG Sec. Ronaldo Puno's statement linking the rebel group to Sinnott's kidnapping.

Khaled Musa, deputy chairman of the MILF Committee on Information, described Puno's statement as an attempt to sabotage the MILF efforts to help rescue the priest and put into bad light the very reputation of the very unit tasked by the MILF central leadership to undertake the rescue mission.

"We suspect that Puno has other motives like sabotaging the peace process and perhaps monetary consideration," he said, adding the kidnappers were already demanding $2 million for the priest which will eventually be 'coursed through the DILG'," Musa said.

The MILF said that the Commander Aloy Asree referred to by Puno in television news reports is the head of the MILF 113rd Base Command, which has jurisdiction over most of Zamboanga Peninsula.

Asree and his men, the MILF website added, "are already on the ground to determine the whereabouts of the abducted priest and to jump off if necessary, taking utmost consideration of his safety."

MICHAEL MEDINA
Online editor
+639185304257

News blog: www.micmedina.tk
Alternate email: 130903@gmail.com

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Religious groups denounce Sinnot’s kidnapping

130903@gmail.com (MASTERMIND) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 08:33:00 +0000

RELIGIOUS communities in Mindanao have expressed their grief over the kidnapping of Fr. Michael Sinnot by still unidentified men, Sunday evening, Oct. 11, inside the St. Columban Residence in Gatas District, this city.

Sinnott, a native of Barntown, Co. Wexford, is the coordinator of Hangop Kabataan, a Community Based Rehabilitation for Special Children (CBR) based here.

He was assigned in Mindanao since 1957, briefly left the country in 1966 to return to Ireland then went back in 1976 where he has served in a variety of pastoral and administrative roles.

A report from the city police blotter said that the 79-year old priest was taking a stroll inside the compound after dinner when about five men suddenly stormed in, forced the missionary to board a multicab and whisked him away to a squatter area in Sta. Lucia District.

There, the abductors tried to burn the multicab before fleeing in a pump boat at the coastal area.

A witness, who declined to be named, said she saw the priest being led to a motorized boat wearing only jogging pants. "His front and back were bloodied. He was dragged to a waiting pump boat," she said.

Last Monday, Fr. Sean Martin, fellow Columban priest, appealed to the kidnappers for the safe recovery and compassion on the aged kidnapped clergy, saying Sinnot has a heart ailment and has to take his medicines regularly.

“He may not be able to walk long distances. Nagtoo ako nga aduna pay kalooy nga nabilin sa ilang kaugalingon ang mga mi-kidnap kaniya nga anaa unta siya sa maayong kahimtang,” Martin was quoted as saying in Cebuano.

The same call was also published in the Columban Lay Missionaries-Philippines website.

"Columban Father Fr. Michael Sinnott was kidnapped on Sunday evening in Mindanao. He has worked with the people of Mindanao for more than 30 years because of his love to them. He is old, weak and with heart problem," the website said.

"To those holding Fr. Michael Sinnott, we appeal to you to please handle him with great compassion and care," the appeal went on.

As this developed, the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS)-RMC, Zamboanga Peninsula and the Ummah Fi Salam released a statement condemning Sinnot’s abduction, calling it “an act against the morality of Islam.”

“In solidarity, we join our Christian brethrens in strongly condemning this act. We also pray for his safety and immediate release.

“Even as we say this we also appeal for calmness and sobriety and ask that we work together in solidarity for the early and unconditional release of Fr. Sinnot.”

The CBCS-RMC likewise described Sinnot as “a respected member of the Interfaith Forum for Solidarity and Peace in Pagadian City…who who has contributed a lot in bridging understanding and peace building.”

A report from DxDD-AM, a catholic radio based in the nearby Ozamiz City, also quoted Columban regional director Fr. Patrick O’Donoghue expressing shock and disbelief over the incident. He further said they have no idea as to the motive of the kidnapping and has not received any ransom demand as of press time.

Police Provincial Director S/Supt. Ramon Ochotorena, meanwhile, said they are still validating the kidnapping at the moment and establishing the identities of the abductors. He added that a combined police and military operation has been launched to find the priest.

Sinnot is the third Irish priest kidnapped in the Western Mindanao-Lanao area during the last 12 years.

On Oct. 27, 1997, Fr. Desmond Hartford was abducted in Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte. He was freed days later.

August 28, 2001, Fr. Rufus Halley, another Columban missionary, was shot dead in Malabang, Lanao del Sur, while resisting a kidnap attempt.

In June 2007, gunmen kidnapped Italian missioner Giancarlo Bossi of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions in Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay while rogue MILF rebels of the dreaded Pentagon Gang snatched Fr Giuseppe Pierantoni in Dimataling, Zambosur in 2001.

Sinnott’s kidnapping came almost three weeks after security forces recovered in Basilan the three kidnapped teachers from Zamboanga Sibugay last March.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MEDINA

130903@gmail.com (MASTERMIND) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 08:04:00 +0000

CHIKADORA

CHIKA NO. 1
Nawala na si Mr. Tirada sa usa ka radio station, unsaon man gud bisan kinsa tiradahan basta ganahan siya, karon pagkahagba niya sa duyan wala gyuy misalo niya! Hasta iyang kaubanan sa buhat birahan man gud. Ang pangutana, unsa kahay hinungdan sa iyang pagkapapha sa maong estasyonan!??

CHIKA NO. 2
Observation lang ni….nadungog before nga dunay usa ka prominente nga may chikababe nga iyang gisagop…dayon nagminyo naman ni si chikababe. Pero gisagop lang gihapon ni prominent person. Kinsa kahay gansi: si prominent? o ang husband ni chikababe? Hehehehehe

CHIKA NO. 3
Naay mga tawo karon nga nagpakaaron ingnon nga mga sakop kuno sa Radio Bagting. Ang ideya ani nila, mag sales dayon kadugayan manikbas na. Kung makahibalag gani mo ug ingon ani, pangitae dayon ug ID…

130903@gmail.com (MASTERMIND) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:08:00 +0000

Interest in Scout movement strengthens in Zambosur

THE Boy Scouts of the Philippines-Zamboanga del Sur-Sibugay-Pagadian City Council (BSP-ZSSPCC) is looking forward to make 2009 a colorful and busy year for the scouting movement in Zambosur.

READ FULL STORY

130903@gmail.com (MASTERMIND) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 07:23:00 +0000

Global warming: A threat to our lives

LAST Tuesday’s news worth pondering to was about Sen. Loren Legarda’s appeal for help to save the islands of Maldives and the Philippines from the threat of rising waters due to global warming, specifically caused by heavy and excessive carbon emission from rich and industrialized countries.

READ FULL STORY

130903@gmail.com

At last, Pagadian airport will open in January

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Cerilles leads Pasko Nato ’09 opening

NUJP-Misoc Statement on "Analysis" broadcaster Danny Pilar: Ang pagpapili ug ang kagawasan sa pagpadayag parehong hulagway sa pagtunhay sa demokrasya

Guns, groans and goad

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Slowly digging one’s own grave

Pagadian, Ozamiz media light candles for fallen peers

Famed anti-gambling bishop dies of liver cancer

ZPPI changes guards

MisOc gets a taste of 3-in-1

Statement on the death of 21 journalists in Maguindanao

Father Mick freed at last

Pagadian police disrupts bomb plot

Tasking with greater force for Sinnott

Columbans, MILF repeat firm stand on Fr. Micks freedom

Religious groups denounce Sinnot’s kidnapping

Interest in Scout movement strengthens in Zambosur

Global warming: A threat to our lives

Columbans, MILF repeat firm stand on Fr. Micks freedom