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Author: Ellen

Ang mga bakwet

Click here (VERA Files) for an article and podcast of Siti.

Siti
Siti
Nakilala namin si Babu Siti Sanday, 57 taong gulang na Maguindanaon, na ngayon isa sa mga ‘bakwet’ sa Datu Piang, sa 5th Mindanao Media Summit sa Cagayan de Oro noong Linggo.

Ang ibig sabihin ng ‘bakwet’ at naglilipat ng tirahan. Kadalasan ito ay dahil sa may tinatakbuhan katulad ng giyera.

Patapos na ang 5th Mindanao Media Summit na ginanap sa Marco Hotel nang dumating siya dahil mahaba rin ang kanyang binyahe mula sa evacuation center kung saan magda-dalawang taon na sila doon nakatira kasama ang mga 300,000 na kapwa bakwet.

The Source Code

It’s good to be back in Cagayan de Oro after so many years.

The 5th Mindanao Media Summit, held last weekend at the Marco Resort Hotel, a 30-minute ride from downtown CDO, has for its theme, “Election 2010, Vote for Change, Vote for Peace.”

I’d like to thank James Jimenez, Comelec’s information officer, for giving me his power point presentation for media in the 2010 elections. I and the participants in the media summit found it very useful.

The Media Summit was made possible by the Asia Foundation, USAID, Embassy of Canada, 7107 Island Cruise, Center for Community Journalism and Development, VERA Files, Smart and Coca-Cola Export Corporation.

It’s a pity that Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento was not able to make it although he sent his prepared speech. I had wanted to ask him about the “Source Code” which he mentioned in his written speech.

Dapat klaruhin kung kalaban o kaibigan ang MILF

Grabe itong nangyari sa ating mga sundalo sa Tipo-tipo, Basilan.

Ayon sa mga report, sobra 40 ang patay sa engkwentro ng pwersa ng pamahalaan at magkasanib na Abu Sayaff at MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) noong Miyerkules sa Basilan.

Sabi ng military na sa 23 na patay sa kanila, 19 ay Marines, tatlo ay Army (Scout Rangers) at ang isa ay pulis. Ang ibang patay ay sa panig ng Abu Sayaff at MILF.

MILF – Abu Sayyaf alliance causes heavy casualty on government troops

Update from the Inquirer:Dead soldiers mutilated

This statement by Dolorfino raises the question on the government’s policy towards the MILF:

Philippine Star:

Dolorfino later told a briefing in Zamboanga City that the government suffered 23 killed and 22 others wounded.

He added the Abu Sayyaf were aided by gunmen belonging to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

He said 10 of the rebels killed during the firefight have been identified as MILF guerrillas.

Composer dropped by Arroyo from National Artist Awards underwent surgery

Update on Dr. Ramon P. Santos, National Artist Nominee

Extremely delicate 11-hour surgery of Dr. Ramon P. Santos is over. He is still in the recovery room in the Philippine Heart Center. His family members appeal for your prayers. Supporters are seeking more volunteers to donate Type O blood. Donations to help cover the cost of hospitalization, operation and medicines will be truly appreciated. Money may be sent through his daughter Waya (contact 09178438432). Or perhaps through the Office of Chair Emily Abrera, Cultural Center of the Philippines.

ramon-santos2

Members of the artists community who denounce Gloria Arroyo’s denigration of the National Artist Awards dub what she did as “Dagdag-Bawas” in reference to her rigging of the 2004 elections with the help of then Comelec Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano.

The name that she removed from the original list of four was that of Ramon Santos, described by fellow artists as “excellent musician and mentor of musicians.”

Santos, 68, underwent surgery yesterday at the Philippine Heart Center for aneurysm.

Family friend Anna Leah Sarabia said Santos experienced severe headache the other day and the CT scan revealed something very serious. Her daughter’s text message to friends said, “I just talked to the doctor. May intramural hematoma si Dad. Mas rare daw yun sa aneurysm. Namumuo ang blood sa ‘wall’ ng ugat o heart.

Ex-envoy to US confirms military rule plan

By Albert Del Rosario
Philippine Daily Inquirer

At the bishops-businessmen’s conference a few weeks ago, the possibilities of a declaration of emergency rule or an imposition of martial law were among the topics discussed.

In that regard, I am prepared to sadly confirm that our incumbent national leadership would indeed be capable of placing our democracy at great risk in pursuit of its survival.

The past week, our nation found itself deeply mourning the immeasurable loss of our beloved former President Corazon Aquino, who was responsible not only for ousting a dictator but also for restoring our democratic institutions.