Prime Minister John Howard and Philippines President Gloria Arroyo have signed an agreement allowing the two countries to do joint counter-terrorism exercises.
The "status of forces" agreement paves the way for joint military exercises and means Australia will help develop a fleet of high-speed gunboats to combat terrorists in the southern Philippines.
With no less than five distinct terrorist organizations (The Moro National Liberation Front, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Abu Sayyaf, Jemaah Islamiyah and the New People's Army) operating in the region, coordinated marine patrols will likely impede terrorists' ability to operate freely while gathering intelligence regarding their intentions.
2
Australians are doing Filipinos a huge favor. Unfortunately, some Philippine nationals see this as colonialist.
Posted by: NorthernCross at May 31, 2007 02:25 PM (7MbG3)
3
Filipinos need all the help they can get from radical islanmic fanatics
Posted by: sandpiper at June 01, 2007 10:50 AM (oCdmx)
4
NPA is pesky and that is about it, and IIRC from DJB's Philippine Commentary blog Jose Maria Sison the leader of the NPA is starting to annoy his hosts in the Netherlands.
Of the four remaining none of them are a serious threat to Malacanang, one of them (IIRC MILF) is trying to improve its relations with Manila but the other three are truly vicious terror/criminal gangs. The MNLF restricts itself pretty much to creating an independent Islamic homeland consisting of Mindanao, the other two are more international in character especially JI. JI & Abu Sayyf operate regionally and are the main two in the crosshairs of the Aussie patrols.
While there might be some NPA activity in Mindanao NPA mostly limits its operations to Luzon and some Bisayan Islands.
Posted by: Marcus Aurelius at June 01, 2007 02:03 PM (Aj6tl)
Philippines Honor Slain Peace Corps Volunteer Julia Campbell
Updating a previous report, the suspecteded killer of murdered Peace Corps volunteer Julia Campbell has surrendered, Campbell's remains have been cremated and flown back to the U.S., and Campbell is being decorated by the Philippine government.
The House of Representatives will honor martyred US Peace Corps volunteer Julia Campbell with the Congressional Medal of Achievement, its highest decoration, in recognition of her invaluable services and personal sacrifices for the Filipino people, especially the poor.
Speaker Jose de Venecia initiated the tribute to Campbell and said the Award for the well-loved volunteer teacher cum social worker was "accepted with gratitude" by the US government and the US Peace Corps.
De Venecia said the Award -- the highest decoration from the House -- will be presented in June to the US Peace Corps, represented by its director, Ronald Tschetter in Washington, and a representative of Campbell's family, in ceremonies expected to be graced by the top Philippine and American officials and leaders of civil society in Manila.
MANILA (Reuters) - Muslim separatists in the southern Philippines are holding Manila's military chief, the head of the government's truce panel, a colonel and an undetermined number of soldiers hostage, senior military sources said on Saturday.
Members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) were refusing to let Brigadier-General Ben Dolorfino, commander of military forces in the capital, and Ramon Santos, an undersecretary of the peace process with the MNLF, leave their camp on Jolo island, 950 km south of Manila, until their jailed founder was released.
Dolorfino, who had flown to Jolo for talks with the MNLF, told reporters via a text message that he was safe. A military spokesman declined to comment.
Those on the left who think that we can just sit down and "dialog" with these types, and all of our problems will be solved, should take heed. This is what happens when you try to negotiate with Islamofascist terrorists.
Eh, they'll find a way to blame Bush, conveniently ignoring the fact that Muslim aggression in the Philippines goes back hundreds of years.
Posted by: templar knight at February 03, 2007 09:51 AM (LFjVi)
3
Who wants to kick in for a plane ticket for them "dialog" types to take a trip to the Philippines? They will only need it "one way".
Posted by: Phillep at February 03, 2007 11:15 AM (21YQP)
4
Hell, I'll pay for a plane ticket for you to come on over and "dialog" with me, Phillep. One way.
Posted by: templar knight at February 03, 2007 11:18 AM (LFjVi)
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Sorry, Phillep, misinterpreted your very wise remarks. Someone kick me!
Posted by: templar knight at February 03, 2007 11:27 AM (LFjVi)
6
White people who want only to be left alone are persecuted and murdered
by our government, and the media calls them "supremacists", but
islamofascists who murder innocent people are simply "seperatists". All
lefturds need to be exterminated along with pretty much every parasite
in government. If you're not with us, then you're as good as an enemy.
Posted by: Improbulus Maximus at February 03, 2007 12:02 PM (eGb9y)
How true IM. How true. In my neighborhood all we want is to be able to live without murderous scum of the 9th ward of New Orleans moving into our neighborhood. We must break the law in ensure that our life style isn't invaded by drug dealing blacks. So far, we are successful but who knows what this government may demand. None of us would think about moving into their neighborhoods. Why they insist on attempting to move to ours is a mystery. Of course I really do know. They screwed theirs up and are to stupid to know why.
To the subject: YOU CANNOT TRUST A MUSLIM. That is why I say we must OUTLAW ISLAM.
Posted by: greyrooster at February 03, 2007 12:59 PM (0W1Sk)
8
Did they take the Islam out of the M.I.L.F. to gain more support? MNLF doesn't have the same ring to it
Posted by: Pete at February 03, 2007 06:44 PM (lmVx8)
Abu Sayyaf Leaders Janjalani, Solaiman Dead
(Manila, Philippines) President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo of the Philippines announced spot promotions for troops involved in last September's firefight death of Abu Sayyaf chieftain Khadaffy Janjalani. Also, receiving spot promotions were troops involved with the killing of No. 2 Abu Sayyaf leader, Abu Solaiman, aka Sulaiman. Both men were wanted for planning and conducting terrorist bombings and kidnappings throughout the Philippines. Thankfully, both are history.
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