tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-250412792012-01-24T19:48:45.068+08:00Journalism is a passion; writing, a gift. Neither should be an avenue to distort truth, nor shield deceit. -Frencie L. Carreonblueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.comBlogger941100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-67045788929848980222010-07-10T18:09:00.003+08:002010-07-10T18:20:23.352+08:00

I couldn't believe this. It's been quite a time since I last posted here, and here I am, sitting beside MindaNews editor Carol Arguillas, doing what we both love to do: writing. Or rather, typing and 'encoding' thoughts.We're both in Sydney, as she is on a visit to Australia's entertainment capital for a five-day conference which I myself have attended: the International Peace Research

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-84688545136924300322009-05-25T01:57:00.002+08:002009-05-25T02:00:26.106+08:00

Should i tell myself, 'Welcome back'?It's been five months now since I last posted an entry in this blogsite. Although i have viewed this twice or thrice in between today and that date, I just didnt feel like putting in here any of my other entries.Not until today.But then again...there is always a reason for everything.im getting up. that's it.

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-62810484419274761162008-12-24T08:08:00.000+08:002008-12-25T02:41:44.910+08:00

As the world celebrates Christmas Day tomorrow, Documented Features greets all readers of Zamboanga Today a happy Christmas. I wish the best and the merriest for all my friends and colleagues in Zamboanga Today--Miracel Calvo, Rachel Elumbra, Eugene Lasprilla, Monch Follosco, Hader Glang, Nonong Santiago, Mila Arieta, Romil Arieta, Cecil Abuy, Bro. Rafael 'Boy' Santos, Cez Abuy, Rolly San Juan,

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-44679024868203695692008-12-23T23:05:00.000+08:002008-12-24T00:35:09.805+08:00

by Frencie L. CarreonOne observation that foreigners have of the Philippines is the nation’s period of celebration of Christmas. “Your Christmas here starts as early as October, just when we are still looking forward to Thanksgiving Day (in November),” an American once remarked. And I thought he was only considering Zamboanga City, especially when the festivities for the season actually kick

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-91351489508562574192008-12-23T16:29:00.001+08:002008-12-23T23:31:59.943+08:00

by Frencie L. CarreonElements of the Polomolok Municipal Station led by Supt. Supiter engaged with a group of suspected rebels of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in a firefight at daybreak today at Sitio Basak, Barangay Sumbakil, Polomoloc town in South Cotabato.Police authorities said they were serving a court-issued search warrant on a residence in the area but the armed men violently

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-73738160297604570902008-12-21T14:45:00.000+08:002008-12-23T23:46:01.505+08:00

This probably would be the first Christmas for kidnap victim Joed Anthony Pilangga, a nursing student of Ateneo De Zamboanga University who has been in captivity by lawless elements since October 17th this year.His family has been struggling to raise the amount demanded by the kidnappers, allegedly members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), and the reported figures varied from P72 million, to P20

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-7915993282892608042008-12-10T09:03:00.000+08:002008-12-24T00:04:59.916+08:00

Holding hands once more for some hundreds of children from families from five barangays, the Kiwanis Club of Arriba Zamboanga, Kiwanis Club of Metro Zamboanga, Kiwanis Club of Viva Zamboanga, Midwifery Club, the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines with the Western Mindanao Command, and the academic community of Mein College spent time for off-work volunteer service. It was their

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-26903925253846062802008-12-07T22:23:00.001+08:002008-12-08T02:02:37.918+08:00

by Frencie L. CarreonAs Manny Pacquiao, a reserved master sergeant of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, won over Oscar dela Hoya in yesterday's so-called 'Dream Match', Filipino soldiers who were watching on and off duty, whether inside military camps in gymnasiums of military headquarters, or simply in their own respective homes, felt proud that the Armed Forces of the Philippines' reserved

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-9065916183275227082008-12-07T07:36:00.000+08:002008-12-07T07:38:57.175+08:00

Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Regional Director Atty. Manuel Mamauag yesterday addressed some members of Philippine media who are based in Zamboanga City on human rights and international law in relation to conflict-sensitive journalism."You threaten the media; you threaten the people," Mamauag stressed, thus inspiring participating media.The short discussion was done at the solidarity forum

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-53492367642862702612008-12-07T06:21:00.000+08:002008-12-07T22:22:58.122+08:00

Philippine Senator Mar Roxas arrives today in Zamboanga--a return, so to speak, after he has joined Wednesday our City Government leaders headed by Mayor Celso Lobregat and Vice-Gov. Manny Piñol in a ceremony that saw the furling of the streamers that voiced out the protests of some people against the Memorandum of Agreement on the Ancestral Domain.Roxas has an itinerary programmed by his

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-63907814820908340262008-12-04T13:27:00.002+08:002008-12-05T21:51:53.306+08:00

ZAMBOANGA CITY--16-year old Iligan City Sangguniang Kabataan Federation Chair Erika Rae Cruz bagged the championship in the Mindanao-wide feature writing competition organized by the Voice of Mindanao. "Mindanao can be likened to a caged bird. It cannot spread its wing and fly. It can't hover above the trees and sing. It can never be free, unless we do something about it. We Mindanaoans can

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-73076536402543866362008-12-04T10:32:00.000+08:002008-12-05T09:23:57.708+08:00

ZAMBOANGA CITY--Airmen of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Tactical Operations Group-9 and US military service members last weekend presented soccer equipment, school supplies, clothing, and toys to the first and second graders of the Sheik Mustafa Elementary School in Bus-bus, Jolo, Sulu.“AFP’s PAF TOG-9 Airmen visited their “adopted” school, Sheik Mustafa Elementary School, to emphasize the

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-54972112933890667552008-12-03T10:24:00.000+08:002008-12-05T09:22:37.446+08:00

(ZAMBOANGA CITY)--Some US military medical personnel recently teamed up with members of the Philippine National Red Cross-Zamboanga (PNRC) Emergency team, the medical professionals from Notre Dame Jolo College, the Sulu Integrated Provincial Hospital, and the Jolo Rescue Network colleagues for back-to-back sessions of the Basic Life Support and the Advanced Cardiac Care Course.The visiting

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-52604176476706644542008-11-29T21:38:00.000+08:002008-12-05T21:41:09.134+08:00

(ZAMBOANGA CITY--29 November 2008) A U.S. Army soldier temporarily assigned to the U.S. Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines here was awarded the Soldier’s Medal for risking his life to save three college students from drowning on September 30, 2007. When calls for help were heard that day along the shores at Naval Station Zamboanga in the Southern Philippines, U.S. Army Staff

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-74020930637419167032008-11-26T22:48:00.000+08:002008-12-05T21:49:42.116+08:00

I was browsing through my photo files yesterday when I saw the photographs I took when I was in Bohol last week, along with media “classmates”—we call ourselves the ‘Buang Club’. I thought they were too good to be just left in the archives—as the lines I could very well share about each scene just were too interesting.I was impressed with Tagbilaran City’s concern over its solid management

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-42573583064848715392008-11-25T13:25:00.000+08:002008-12-05T09:27:21.011+08:00

We had a four-day break at one of the Philippines’ best vacation sites, the island of Bohol, where natives really speak with a stress on their ‘j’s.On the contrary however, far from the “ija-ija, aho, aho” impression you might think we had, the Boholanos who welcomed us were demonstrating classic Filipino hospitality.It was a learning experience for us journalists, four among whom came from

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-76914796454105520582008-11-21T11:15:00.000+08:002008-12-05T09:17:33.472+08:00

An Environmental Field Trip in Panglima Sugala town in Tawi-Tawi was recently completed with Mayor Nurbert Sahali himself and his wife Annabelle leading the group of 92 graduating biology students, teachers, and the principal from Bato-Bato National High School, and employees from the Local Government of Panglima Sugala, particularly those from the Municipal Fisheries Office. The activity,

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-39668292807566879442008-11-02T21:17:00.001+08:002008-12-05T09:20:27.806+08:00

(ZAMBOANGA CITY/02 Nov 2008/Frencie L. Carreon)--United States Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTFP) Commander Col. William Coultrup on Friday afternoon (October 31) delivered some 3000 books from Books for the Barrios to Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat. "It is an honor and privilege to donate these schoolbooks on behalf of 'Books for the Barrios' and the people of the

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-91715726737025170912008-10-10T12:33:00.002+08:002010-06-14T13:04:51.617+08:00

“I want a Mindanao where people are not judged by their religion or group, but by the kind of lives they live based on righteousness and truce. Thus no discrimination arises, leading to animosity—a Mindanao which serves as a haven for one people, the Filipinos—whoever they may be and wherever they are from.”This is the vision of 15-year old Raiza Jumdani Estino, a senior high school student of

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-26027394044965231502008-10-01T14:33:00.000+08:002008-12-23T23:35:03.640+08:00

Biazon, Cuenco, Fabian lead groupby Frencie L. CarreonA delegation from the Philippine Senate and the House of Representatives, along with some members of the Philippine Committee on the Visiting Forces Agreement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Office of the City Mayor of Zamboanga, are arriving this morning to visit the soldiers of the United States Joint Special Operations Task

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-76726655029476867602008-10-01T08:42:00.002+08:002008-10-08T22:26:29.789+08:00

Zamboanga City District 1 Congressional Rep. Maria Isabelle "Beng" Climaco yesterday denied published statements citing her name in reference to the presence of American forces in the city.In an exclusive interview with Zamboanga Today, Climaco stated, "I would like to categorically state that I am not expressing my objections to the continued presence of U.S. troops in Zamboanga City. As a

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-33633214384213706182008-09-24T23:58:00.000+08:002008-12-23T23:59:36.038+08:00

There are two Mindanaos in this country. One is straining at the leash, eager to spring forward and live in a world of peace and prosperity. The other Mindanao is holding on to the leash. One Mindanao wants peace; the other Mindanao plagues us with violence. One Mindanao lives in the optimism of our hearts; the other Mindanao lurks in the skepticism of our minds. One Mindanao hopes and

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-22001841523007695792008-09-23T16:48:00.001+08:002008-09-23T22:48:38.709+08:00

By Frencie L. CarreonThe US military has no intention to put up a base in Zamboanga or any part of southern Philippines, a military spokesman said to Zamboanga Today.“The United States has no plan to establish a base here,” Western Mindanao Command deputy spokesman Captain Rommel Miguel stressed, saying that such is the official statement on the part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).“

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-76137444804662401922008-09-22T18:32:00.001+08:002008-09-24T00:23:53.188+08:00

by Frencie L. CarreonThe reactions of a few citizens of Sulu province over the development projects ushered in by the United States Government puzzle citizens outside of the conflict-stricken province who ask, 'How can they resist assistance when they themselves can not lift themselves up on their own?'One group said they cannot forget what the Americans had done in the Bud Dahu War, an incident

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-25582552217992840162008-09-22T01:22:00.000+08:002008-09-23T16:55:13.913+08:00

‘It’s same process with AFP tour of duty’—WesMinCom chiefBy Frencie L. CarreonZAMBOANGA CITY--The United States armed forces being temporarily deployed to southern Philippines are due for rotation for the next two to three weeks.This is the statement of Marine Lt. Gen. Nelson Allaga, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, in a phone interview with Zamboanga Today.Allaga stressed that “the US

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-62827818302803847882008-09-20T01:23:00.000+08:002008-09-23T17:26:07.427+08:00

By Frencie L. Carreon"When you invest in any ASEAN country, you are in effect investing in Asia."This is the now the campaign of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretariat, as it encourages businessmen all over the Southeast Asian region to explore limitless possibilities, and build businesses and business relations not only in one's home country, but even in other Southeast

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-21476050157875818032008-09-14T23:13:00.001+08:002008-09-14T23:15:16.597+08:00

by Frencie L. Carreon(Published in Zamboanga Today's Documented Features on 16 September 2008.)This week began with a turn-over ceremony of some P300,000-worth of supplies for government troops in Mindanao at Camp Basilio Navarro, here in Zamboanga City.The gesture by the Zamboanga Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Inc. led by Wee Sion Ben and Mayor Celso Lobregat was well-received by Armed

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-23937387287361130672008-09-14T13:54:00.001+08:002008-09-14T13:57:21.339+08:00

by Frencie L. Carreon(Published in Zamboanga Today on 15 September 2008.)Some sectors are now picking up on the issue on the stay of the American forces in the Philippines, particularly in Zamboanga City and Sulu—some making pronouncements armed with information, many armed with misinformation and lack of correct background, and others just making statements for the sake of grandstanding and

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-27376628267372243052008-09-14T13:21:00.005+08:002008-09-14T13:53:26.294+08:00

by Frencie L. CarreonThe two-week journalism course that I recently completed in Jakarta is one of those challenging and definitely great learning episodes. Today’s feature sums up the experience, and brushes aside questions on where I had been, and perhaps speculations on alleged resignation from Zamboanga Today—a thought I wouldn’t even entertain, especially since I’ve been part of the

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-54707532376791880422008-09-14T09:17:00.000+08:002008-10-08T22:25:09.589+08:00

(Published on 15 September 2008 in Zamboanga Today.)As the school year began, Education Secretary Jesli Lapus issued an order directing schools offering basic education to plant trees within their campuses as part of the department's effort to lessen the effects of global warming.When Arbor Day was observed by the entire country, a number of schools here in the city participated with the

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-58985671554551805452008-09-12T11:39:00.001+08:002008-12-23T23:41:02.632+08:00

by Frencie L. CarreonThe distinguished members of the City Council yesterday deferred the passing of the resolution formally adopting former Task Force Zamboanga commander now Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Alexander Yano as “Hijo de Zamboanga”.This, following a question raised by Councilor Charlie Mariano in yesterday’s session on what Yano has done during the 2001 Siege

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-553703433535547682008-09-12T10:48:00.000+08:002008-09-14T23:50:26.076+08:00

The distinguished members of the City Council yesterday deferred the passing of the resolution formally adopting former Task Force Zamboanga commander now Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Alexander Yano as “Hijo de Zamboanga”.This, following a question raised by Councilor Charlie Mariano in yesterday’s session on what Yano has done during the 2001 Siege at Cabatangan, where

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-46135115005123439132008-09-11T00:15:00.001+08:002008-09-11T00:17:27.025+08:00

If you saw a school the pupils of which studied in a campus with dilapidated building structures, the middle-class Filipino parent would be quick to attest that such environment would not provide a suitable learning ambience for his or her child. Such was the situation months ago in one of the elementary schools in Sumisip, Basilan.Cabcaban is one of the 29 barangays in Sumisip town in the

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-23011730194126681362008-09-09T08:13:00.000+08:002008-09-11T00:15:26.056+08:00

A joint medical civic action project was done a fortnight past at Imam Sapie, Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi, where more than three hundred residents in one of the southernmost islands in the Philippines availed of the free health services provided for by the combined civil-military forces of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines.Done on August 30 this

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-55622649088719152822008-09-03T04:42:00.000+08:002008-09-11T00:23:51.453+08:00

by Frencie L. CarreonThe USS Rentz, one of the US Navy frigate ships that is in countrytoday, leaves Philippine waters this weekend, after two months of itspersonnel working together with Filipino soldiers in humanitarianservice activities in Zamboanga Del Sur and Tawi-Tawi provinces."The Rentz was here to conduct military-to-military training withcounterparts from the AFP and worked with the AFP

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-36011624269223110782008-08-31T17:53:00.000+08:002008-09-11T00:41:17.718+08:00

For a quiet community in Batu-Batu, in Panglima Sugala town in the province of Tawi-Tawi, watching a movie is a luxury. No one in the local village hardly owned a television nor a video system, so that bringing over to the community a movie for children is more than a treat.Last August 8, soldiers from the Philippine Armed Forces and the United States Joint Special Operations Task

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-12160787392563567752008-08-28T08:36:00.000+08:002008-09-11T00:31:11.249+08:00

by Frencie L. Carreon(Published in Zamboanga Today, 30 August 2008.)JAKARTA—When a Filipino journalist joins a small circle of colleagues in the profession coming from Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, and Singapore, one finds in bonding moments, notwithstanding differences, commonalities which I believe should not be taken for granted.There had been earlier

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-11479494254831600862008-08-24T03:54:00.000+08:002008-09-12T00:10:15.748+08:00

It was a pre-scheduled Quarterly Assembly of the 98-member strong Liga ng mga Barangay of Zamboanga City, a duly recognized government organization of heads of the smallest political units in the Philippines. But it was more than timely, as it convened to discuss, among others, its stand against the then too controversial Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE).Whether it was to directly manifest

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-8199459298113758842008-08-20T22:42:00.000+08:002008-09-11T00:34:33.735+08:00

It was a cool concert. Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano was his usual outstanding self as he performed one song after the other in 'His Love', a two-hour show with his sons Paolo and Gabriel, the brothers Jayson and Joshua Zamora of The Manouvres, and The Powerplay Band on July 25 this year at The Summit Centre, here in Zamboanga City.As I came straight from press work, I arrived at the venue at

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-359639018416235352008-08-17T16:35:00.000+08:002008-09-11T00:36:44.780+08:00

After two succeeding unpleasant experiences with flight attendants of Cebu Pacific, I had always said to myself that I will never take a flight on board Cebu Pacific that I had to spend personally money on. Yet, for the number of years that I was a business, then feature, and finally editor-in-chief of Zamboanga Today, I had never closed pages on Cebu Pacific—that is, all their press releases

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-67511730912947712462008-08-15T15:53:00.000+08:002008-10-18T15:56:46.728+08:00

Today, many in the City of Zamboanga are set to join the protest and wear red, display red ribbons, and even paint signs of protest in red. It's the Zamboangueño's way of "painting" the city red.However, one has to admit that there will still be a minority who would not join the protest, as they would most likely favor the geo-political change with the creation of the Bangsamoro Juridical

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-74551692636952725822008-08-15T10:41:00.000+08:002008-12-23T23:43:19.586+08:00

by Frencie L. CarreonToday, many in the City of Zamboanga are set to join the protest and wear red, display red ribbons, and even paint signs of protest in red. It's the Zamboangueño's way of "painting" the city red.However, one has to admit that there will still be a minority who would not join the protest, as they would most likely favor the geo-political change with the creation of the

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-84850968042020828062008-08-10T08:34:00.001+08:002008-09-12T00:07:39.730+08:00

(Published in Zamboanga Today on 10 August 2008.)In February 19 this year, United States Ambassador Kristie Kenney, Zamboanga's La Unica Hija, visited the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in its Camp Darapanan, making a record as the first American ambassador to the Philippines to ever step into the MILF bailiwick.Kenney then said that it was a "private visit" even as she met with MILF

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-35396727310240266402008-08-07T21:11:00.000+08:002008-09-12T00:15:11.776+08:00

Bueno man tamen cay ya puede sigue el joven Consejal. Como mucho cosa puede hace cuento, ya pedi el Zamboanga Today un hora para sabe cosa el ya pasa na viaje official. It was June 23, 2008. Councilor Rogelio "Gerky" Valesco bid his family and friends a farewell as he was joining the official delegation of La Ciudad de Zamboanga to the official signing of a twinning agreement between the

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-40995372353589657892008-06-21T01:31:00.001+08:002011-03-02T20:15:25.094+08:00

by Frencie L. CarreonMedia colleagues Ces Drilon, Angelo Villarama, and Jimmy Encarnacion are finally free again and are back in the company of their families.What are some of the lessons that we may ponder on as part of the 'experiential learning' then?First, through all the brouhaha, we realize that the 'No ransom' policy is paper stuff. It does not reflect reality.Second, we learn that 'ransom

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-23406001995492002322008-06-08T23:46:00.002+08:002008-06-08T23:52:54.036+08:00

(Published in Zamboanga Today on June 9, 2008.)Julhambri Misuari, the man whom a good number of citizensfrom Zamboanga wanted his blood for having led the rebelforces of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) at thehistoric hostage-taking in Cabatangan, is now dead.He finally succumbed to cardiac arrest, after having suffered long from hypertension and related health complications.Who

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-67022883586527093052008-06-08T23:42:00.001+08:002008-06-08T23:45:22.715+08:00

(Published in Zamboanga Today on June 1, 2008.)When the Filipino nation's basic staple food wentup, most of the news reports on tri-media wereessentially, like the fastfood chain commercial, 'Allrice.'As an impact to the unprecedented sudden riceprice hike, we experience a different economicscenario, that is, 'All rise.'The domino effect is non-stoppable these weeks and the Filipino

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-61964578476850136782008-06-08T23:40:00.001+08:002008-06-08T23:42:00.641+08:00

(Published in May 29, 2008.) The order of President Gloria Arroyo to reactivate the Presidential Task Force on Energy Contingency (PTFEC) is both a tongue-tying and speech-stirring action. Supposed to be a move to come up with more measures to reduce the economic agony inflicted by the high price of oil especially to the Filipino poor, PTFEC seems to be just another layer of pretense on

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-84004306852877396132008-06-08T23:34:00.004+08:002008-06-08T23:39:34.901+08:00

(Published in Zamboanga Today on May 26, 2008.)It was former President Bill Clinton who in a 1998address said, "Global warming is real; the risks itposes are real; and the (American) people have aright to know it and a responsibility to do somethingabout it. The sooner Congress understands that, thesooner we can protect our nation--and ourplanet--from increased flood, fire, drought, and

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-14605501903864754042008-06-08T23:31:00.000+08:002008-06-08T23:33:40.711+08:00

(Published in Zamboanga Today on 17 April 2008.)Many persons seem to be armed with generalizations on the press, at times verbally equipped with foul and demeaning words towards mediamen who are rigorously reporting to make a living, to fulfill a commitment to voice out the truth, or to simply let journalism live on because such is their passion. Even among members of the Fourth Estate,

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-34168568802551826782008-05-21T23:54:00.004+08:002008-05-22T03:55:05.784+08:00

(Published in Zamboanga Today on May 21 and 22 issues.)"Thank you for entrusting the AFP mission to a Mindanaoan." This statement of Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Alexander Yano was affirmed by many from Mindanao, among them House of Representatives Speaker Prospero Nograles. I distinctly remember telling Gen. Yano when he was still a Colonel then, that I would

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-77905346602200481382008-04-17T12:01:00.001+08:002008-04-17T12:03:24.037+08:00

Frencie L. Carreon(Published in Zamboanga Today on April 17, 2008)Many persons seem to be armed with generalizations on the press, at times verbally equipped with foul and demeaning words towards mediamen who are rigorously reporting to make a living, to fulfill a commitment to voice out the truth, or to simply let journalism live on because such is their passion.Even among members of the Fourth

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-28030006563580927562008-04-17T11:55:00.002+08:002008-04-17T11:59:39.217+08:00

(Published in Zamboanga Today on April 15, 2008.)Yesterday as the news on the twin explosions went across the nationand international waters, certain sectors in the city started pointing a finger at mediamen as the'culprit' for accordingly tarnishing the good name of Zamboanga.Media has a duty to inform the public what is going on, and a factualreport would also be preventing further damage. The

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-23829927332028459562008-02-29T00:02:00.001+08:002008-02-29T00:04:56.059+08:00

(Published in Zamboanga Today on February 28, 2008.)It was far from a loyalty check, but a commander’s visit to his troops on the ground—thus said Lt. Gen. Alexander Yano when asked about the purpose of his visit to the Army Brigade in Zamboanga Sibugay.“I have not doubt that the soldiers in the area will remain loyal tothe chain of command,” he had said, likewise stressing that the“Filipino

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-33984269480855780752008-02-21T12:56:00.001+08:002008-02-21T12:58:13.238+08:00

(Published on February 6, 2008 in Zamboanga Today.)"Yes."This was the vote of Zamboanga City's Congressional Representatives Ma. Isabelle Climaco of District I and Erico Basilio Fabian of District 2 on Tuesday evening as the House of Representatives elected for change in the House leadership and consequently unanimously voted as a body for Davao City Representative Prospero Nograles as the

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-45292415353952309742008-02-18T23:14:00.001+08:002008-02-18T23:16:48.601+08:00

(Published in Zamboanga Today on February 19, 2008.)The arrival of Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines Luis Arias Romero as keynote speaker on the occasion of the 71st Dia de Zamboanga celebration on February 26, is an affirmation of Zamboanga as the lead Hispanic city in the Philippines.As the city marks its charter anniversary, Zamboanga takes more daring steps towards progress, as its

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-72047873613242910862008-02-18T23:11:00.001+08:002008-02-18T23:14:03.371+08:00

(Published in Zamboanga Today on 14 February 2008.)Councilor Abdurahman Nuño, who still sits at the City Council as the president of the 98-strong force of the Liga ng mga Barangay in Zamboanga City, can now breathe a sigh and flash a smile at lawyer and former councilor Cesar Jimenez who had earlier filed a quo warranto suit against the former before the Office of the Solicitor

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-83292347940514295192008-02-18T23:10:00.001+08:002008-02-18T23:11:53.328+08:00

(Published in Zamboanga Today on 12 February 2008.)Some students have expressed concern over the growing number of incidents involving cellular phone loss through snatching at the downtown area of Zamboanga City, and parents are getting alarmed over the seeming non-action of the local police force. The Zamboanga City Police Office under Col. Manuel Barcena however has not been totally lax

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-48679620512064096962008-02-18T23:07:00.001+08:002008-02-18T23:10:00.140+08:00

(Published in Zamboanga Today on February 10, 2008.)The widow of Private First Class Ibnon Wahid and some other local residents of Barangay Ipil, Maimbung, Sulu claim to have seen one to four American soldiers in Monday's killings at said area. These testimonies are raising furor among local folk who now say that US soldiers should not be allowed to be in any part of Sulu province.Yesterday,

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-65381326643609925942008-02-14T09:40:00.002+08:002008-02-14T09:43:34.806+08:00

(Published in Zamboanga Today on February 14, 2008.) “I don’t agree with the sweeping generalization. In fairness, we have many soldierswho got promoted out of merit.” This was the immediate pronouncement of Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Alexander Yano to a remark made by Zamboanga City reporter Jun Feliciano that the Philippine military is “highly politicized”. “We have many

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-54038121008558607372008-02-14T09:34:00.002+08:002008-02-14T09:38:25.488+08:00

(Published in Zamboanga Today on February 5, 2008.)DENTAL TOURISM, HUH! Robin Emmott of Reuters recently reported that a number of Americans go to Mexico for dental treatment as costs are about four times cheaper than it is in the United States. Similarly, some of them come over to the Philippines for laser eye surgery because it is also entails about four times less the costs compared to the

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-25241848935555506282008-02-12T00:04:00.000+08:002008-02-12T00:08:15.158+08:00

(Published in Zamboanga Today on February 5, 2008.) If the national leadership refuses to figure out what being ready to be the regional seat means, then Zamboangueños who are employed in the regional offices will have no choice but to bear the unreasonableness in implementing a law so harsh and seemingly inconsiderate of reality. The ordered transfer of the regional center from Zamboanga

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-12946557055296633112008-02-02T12:17:00.000+08:002008-02-02T12:24:04.748+08:00

(Published in Zamboanga Today on February 2, 2008.)Now renowned healing priest Fr. Fernando Suarez is being sought after by many Filipino Christians who believe that he is God's instrument inperforming healing miracles. Thousands flock to every mass he celebrates in any part of Luzon. Observers who are not too religious, or are non-Catholics, are amazed at the reaction of the 'multitudes' that

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-10725150970995742202008-02-02T12:15:00.000+08:002008-02-02T12:17:08.889+08:00

(Published in Zamboanga Today on February 1, 2008.)The news from Washington, D.C. that the head of the United States’ lead global poverty-fighting agency pronounced America’s serious considerations in slowing down the aid for the Philippines in view of the our country’s corruption indicators impacts some Filipinos with mixed reactions: relief, disappointment, and surprise.Millennium Challenge

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-23098142830900634422008-02-02T12:05:00.000+08:002008-02-02T12:15:15.608+08:00

(Published in Zamboanga Today on January 29, 2008.)The verbal exchange among two leaders of two powerful groups among local barter traders yesterday fuels more tension at the commercial institution that has been part of Zamboanga's history.Barter trading is an age-old practice of buying and selling goods without using any currency but the products themselves. The term however no longer 'exists in

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-61361191313502571772008-01-27T14:14:00.002+08:002008-02-18T23:07:15.719+08:00

(Published in Zamboanga Today on January 28, 2008.) Lt. Gen. Alexander B. Yano is named as the successor of the present Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Lt. Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, who shall soon reach retirement age, but shall, by the will and power of the president as Commander-in-chief Gloria Arroyo, extend military service by another three months. Yano deserves

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-13699684997244625652008-01-26T17:11:00.000+08:002008-01-27T14:34:45.265+08:00

(Published in Zamboanga Today on January 27, 2008.)The creation of a naval detachment in Tabawan Island, South Ubian, Tawi-Tawi Province by the Naval Forces of Western Mindanao under the command of Rear Admiral Emilio Macaraeg, Jr. deserves a commendable salute.However, some sectors react that this decision should have been done years ago.The presence of naval forces to guard coastlines and

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-64652921791503861322008-01-26T17:09:00.000+08:002008-01-26T21:07:05.332+08:00

P5M of IDB Sulu scholars’ allowances allegedly deposited in his account(Published in Zamboanga Today on January 26, 2008.)The whereabouts of an engineer who has been missing since last year remains unknown, as police intelligence operatives in Sulu and the region said that he was last seen in Sulu on October 30, 2007.Jolo Police Station chief Sr. Inspector Usman Pingay said that police

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-78131150537210177672008-01-23T23:40:00.001+08:002008-01-25T21:29:19.333+08:00

(Published in Zamboanga Today on January 24, 2008.)Police authorities are now eyeing the Abu Sayyaf Group under commander Murphy Ladja, a certain ASG member with alias Seven Colors, and a retired policeman (name withheld pending further investigation) as the perpetrators behind the killing of Oblates of Mary Immaculate priest and Notre Dame School of Tabawan director Fr. Jesus Reynaldo Roda and

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-30916435815003801212008-01-23T23:37:00.000+08:002008-01-23T23:38:55.869+08:00

(Published in Zamboanga Today on January 22, 2008.) Smoke belchers are actually banned—in Shanghai, China, and if we were to consider that there is such a thing as the Clean Air Act of the Philippines, yes, ladies and gentlemen, indeed, smoke belching is actually banned in any part of the more than 7,100 islands in the Philippines, be it low or high tide. Hence, by virtue of this

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-55724152535658059092008-01-23T23:35:00.000+08:002008-01-23T23:37:17.613+08:00

(Published in Zamboanga Today on January 21, 2008.) It was such a big issue that United States Ambassador Kristie Kenney missed the annual ‘vin d’honneur’ that Malacañang Palace hosted for all diplomats and dignitaries in the international community officially residing within the Philippines. Calls came through Zamboanga Today, which covered the recent visit of the American envoy, and

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-38124582447173709522008-01-23T23:34:00.000+08:002008-01-23T23:35:38.906+08:00

(Published in Zamboanga Today on January 20, 2008.) It was in 2004 during the change of command in the Armed Forces of the Philippines when President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said that corruption is strangling the Philippines, and called on all of us Filipinos to “join hands to root out this evil.” The President’s rhetoric also mentioned that ill-gotten wealth would be seized from corrupt

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-76621791009488894872008-01-23T23:30:00.000+08:002008-01-23T23:34:25.951+08:00

(Published in Zamboanga Today on January 19, 2008.)Many Zamboangueños are complaining over the fare hikes imposed by tricycle drivers from their passengers, even when the distance is short. A visitor relates her experience with one of the tricycle drivers in Zamboanga, when she was charged an incredulous fare of one hundred pesos from the airport to Santa Maria. A teacher once related that

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-6094016370663992892008-01-20T16:20:00.000+08:002008-01-20T16:31:33.894+08:00

(Published in Zamboanga Today on January 21, 2008.) “They are huge fans of the Filipinos.” This was how US Ambassador Kristie Kenney described the two distinguished visitors of Asia’s Latin City when she presented them before an audience-packed Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology Gymnasium. A COMBAT HERO As it was not his first time to be in Zamboanga,

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-77669008432835962072008-01-19T15:13:00.000+08:002008-01-19T15:20:48.237+08:00

United States Senators Dan Inouye (Hawaii) and Ted Stevens (Alaska) visit Zamboanga City in the Philippines. Photo shows the two senators, with host project site Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology president Dr. Enrie Caraecle. Frencie L. Carreon (Published in Zamboanga Today on January 19, 2008.)

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-42061980979749139912008-01-17T23:06:00.000+08:002008-01-17T23:31:35.003+08:00

I saw this spray of flowers near the restaurant at Sepang Gold Coast in Malaysia weeks ago. Am not keen on flowers, but the colors were too.....femme! I couldn't resist the chance of taking a snapshot. I wished to be like the candle--feeling cool, surrounded with lovely blossoms.

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-2569814050933349812008-01-16T21:22:00.000+08:002008-01-16T21:29:04.257+08:00

(Published in Zamboanga Today on January 17, 2008.)The recent kidnapping then killing of Fr. Jesus Reynaldo Roda, OMI, in Tabawan Island, South Ubian town in Tawi-Tawi province revives apprehension from residents of southern Philippines who now suspect that there is truth to the statement of an eyewitness who said he met Abu Sayyaf Leader Khadaffy Janjalani on May 20, 2007 in one of the

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-57891343479860081122008-01-16T15:41:00.000+08:002008-01-17T23:45:00.083+08:00

Sayyaf seen as behind killing of Notre Dame director(Published in Zamboanga Today on January 17, 2008.)(Bongao, Tawi-Tawi/16January2008)-- A school director of an educational institution run by priests under the missionary order of the Oblates of the Mary Immaculate (OMI) was abducted then killed by, after showing resistance to, his captors on Wednesday morning in Tawi-Tawi province, police

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-86166396689637124392008-01-15T14:55:00.000+08:002008-01-15T15:04:42.416+08:00

(Published in Zamboanga Today on January 16, 2008.) As observed from previous months, one has yet to see an honest-to-goodness, true environmentalist from among this batch of local legislators that we presently have in the Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Zamboanga. The natural environment is a great come-on for Zamboanga to boost the growth of tourism in the city. Some outsiders ask, ‘what

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-66046242537179552922008-01-15T14:52:00.000+08:002008-01-15T14:55:05.908+08:00

(Published in Zamboanga Today on January 15, 2008.) In Saturday’s forum organized by the Silsilah Dialogue Movement where different parties were heard on their opinions on the mining activities within the Ayala Watershed, the City Council was represented by the Honorable Lynnette Marcos-Abarro, a former beauty queen and television anchorwoman and the only lady councilor in the first district.

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-18735642547420094342008-01-13T13:40:00.000+08:002008-01-13T13:46:19.368+08:00

(Published in Zamboanga Today on January 14, 2008.)Tzu Chi Foundation-Zamboanga City president Dr. Anton Mari Lim yesterday expressed appreciation to the United States Joint Special Operations Task Force Philippines for the immediate response to a request for blood donation to one of its patients due for surgery.Tzu Chi-Zamboanga made a request to JSOTFP the other day for a blood donor of RH

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-64499946671004650752008-01-13T01:20:00.000+08:002008-01-13T01:40:32.042+08:00

I found these children in the hills of Zamboanga, hiding behind the lush greens in La Paz...They are the children of the Ayala Watershed. FRENCIE L. CARREON

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-66710390708279033582008-01-09T23:03:00.000+08:002008-01-13T22:02:11.878+08:00

(Penned on January 2, 2008; Published in Zamboanga Today on January 3, 2008; Posted in this blogsite January 9, 2008.)“The US government has had no role in any discussions or decisions about the opening hours of the Panamao District hospital. US Soldiers have not been involved in keeping the hospital closed or open,” said US Embassy spokesman Rebecca Thompson when asked about the reported closure

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-4476527167584298332008-01-09T16:42:00.000+08:002008-01-13T01:02:18.465+08:00

(Penned on January 9, 2008; Published in Zamboanga Today on January 10, 2008.)The Philippines does not need six thousand more troops to address the insurgency and lawlessness problems in the country today. What Filipinos need is a stronger and smarter existing defense force. The recent pronouncement of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro seeking the approval of the Commander-in-Chief

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-43056952740755517902008-01-09T16:34:00.001+08:002008-01-09T23:19:43.948+08:00

(Penned on January 8, 2008; Published in Zamboanga Today on January 9, 2008.)One of the most wanted Indonesian terrorists who goes by the name of Dulmatin remains elusive to this day, despite the efforts of the Philippine military in scouring the islands where he is suspected to be in. Dulmatin, an alleged member of the Jemaah Islamiyah terror group and reported to be the brains behind

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-80244381665453670212007-08-29T00:52:00.000+08:002007-08-29T01:00:08.644+08:00

As a media report on the United States Government surreptitiously re-building a foreign military base within Philippine territory stirred a hornet's nest, reactions—favorable and otherwise—compounded like dominoes, dropping one after the other.Yet, following that, the US Embassy in Manila had not released an official statement categorically denying so. It took a visiting team of US legislators to

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-85619107505181484332006-08-21T15:51:00.000+08:002008-09-15T22:52:50.548+08:00

by Frencie L. CarreonThe Philippine Armed Forces based in Indanan, Sulu this week overran a long-established and recently-abandoned explosive-making facility of the local terror group Abu Sayyaf Group, that also serves as the camp where Jemaah Islamiyah.accomplices conducts training for ASG members. Military authorities said that improvised explosive devices (IED) that were essential for

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-82318840537453890282006-08-08T03:18:00.000+08:002008-09-15T22:49:52.935+08:00

by Frencie Carreon · Mon Aug 7 09:28:11 2006Assistance from the American people is helping to improve local economies and education for residents in some of the Philippines ' most remote regions.U.S. Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney visited one such place, the island of Tawi-Tawi in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, on July 27 to inaugurate projects that were made possible by U.S.

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-8364302966226573522006-08-05T20:53:00.000+08:002008-09-15T22:51:15.865+08:00

Frencie Carreon · Sat Aug 5 09:47:40 2006At least 20 members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) yesterday formally gave up their arms and surrendered to military authorities at the Southern Command Headquarters, this city.The MILF surrenderrees, led by Commander Len Siddik, are: Mannan Galbon, Wahab Mustafa, Saudi Mahalip, Sabtan Ladja, Asman Asti, Jason Tukmol, Arton Mustafa, Amsani

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-68643517906132418472006-06-10T23:01:00.002+08:002008-09-14T23:13:14.290+08:00

An interview with Task Force Zamboanga commander, Col Alexander Yano by Frencie L. Carreon(As reprinted from Zamboanga Today dated 14 April 2002)It was shortly before 7 in the morning and my phone rang. The ringtone was enough to tell me the caller was a friend, and a military officer. With eyes half-closed and after a sleepy "hello", the voice on the other end said, "Frencie, I just read today's

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-1143706178848474532006-03-30T16:06:00.000+08:002006-03-30T16:09:38.850+08:00

(Zamboanga City/28 March 2006)--Four soldiers of the United States Joint Special Operations Task Force (JSOTF) yesterday morning donated to the Blood Bank of the Zamboanga City Medical Center to help save a 3-year old girl suffering from anemia with respiratory distress complications.Frail Donneth Silo of Kauswagan, Baliguian, Zamboanga del Norte, has been confined at ZCMC for the past week after

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-1143705904922876722006-03-30T15:50:00.001+08:002006-12-31T01:04:25.830+08:00

(PATIKUL, SULU/29March 2006) --The 3rd Marine Brigade of the Philippine Marines Corps today turned over a water system project to the people of Barangay Danag in Patikul, Sulu.3rd MB Commander Col. Juancho Sabban in an interview said the Danag water system, which was inaugurated yesterday is an 8-tank system that runs through an approximate total distance of 10 to 11 kilometers, serving Barangays

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-1143705441973656582006-03-30T15:50:00.000+08:002006-03-30T15:57:21.983+08:00

(Zamboanga City/30March 2006) Former Southern Command Chief (Ret.) Gen. Delfin Castro was the resource speaker in today's lecture organized by the School of Education, Arts and Sciences of the Universidad de Zamboanga, with hundreds of students and teachers in attendance at the Summit Centre.The lecture, centered on "Conflict in Mindanao: The Prospect for Peace", is part of the series planned

blueforkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04861490690152428682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25041279.post-55494488758986899202006-01-19T03:43:00.000+08:002008-09-15T22:46:00.824+08:00

(Published in Zamboanga Today on Wed Jan 18 08:54:31 2006)by Frencie L. CarreonThis is an exclusive interview with His Royal Highness, the Paramount Sultan of Sulu and North Borneo, Dr. Ibrahim Bahjin-Shakirullah II, on the evening of 16 January 2006-with special thanks to the Sultanate Prime Minister and Chairman of the Sultanate Heritage Movement, Datu Albi Julkarnain, for the

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