Update: Gen. Dolorfino admits before the Commission on Appointments they were both hostaged and hosted. CA approved his promotion. Click here.
Was it Ransom for the release of Gen. Dolorfino? Or was it compensation for kin of fatalities in clashes?
What is certain says Regino Bengco, Malaya’s Malacañang reporter, is that government gave money to the MNLF. Here’s Bengco’s report:
Government negotiators yesterday said they gave money to the Moro National Liberation Front but said it was for relatives of MNLF fighters slain during mis-encounters last month, and not for the release from “restraint” of a general and several companions held for two days in an MNLF camp in Sulu.
Jesus Dureza, presidential adviser on the peace process, confirmed the payment during a press briefing in Malacañang after he, Maj. Gen. Mohammad Benjamin Dolorfino, and peace process undersecretary Ramon Santos made a courtesy call to Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita.
Reports said that “goodwill money” of P450,000 was given to the MNLF.
Dureza said he was not privy to the amount given.Government officials earlier said the money was payment for nine high-powered guns recovered by soldiers during the encounters.
Dureza, Dolorfino and Santos met with President Arroyo after the briefing.
Dolorfino, Santos, several Marines serving as security personnel, and staff members of Santos went to the MNLF camp in Bitan-ag in Panamao town Friday morning primarily to discuss concerns about the two mis-encounters between the MNLF and government forces in the province last month.
In one of the mis-encounters on Jan. 18, nine MNLF fighters and three government soldiers were killed.
The MNLF said the military wrongly identified the dead as members of Abu Sayyaf.
After the issue on mis-encounters was resolved, the MNLF group led by Uztadz Habier Malik asked Dolorfino’s group to stay until a date is set for a tripartite meeting among government, the MNLF and the Organization of Islamic Conference.
The tripartite meeting, which was supposed to assess the implementation of the peace agreement signed between government and the MNLF in 1996, was originally set this month but cancelled.
Dolorfino’s group was allowed to leave Sunday after Malik was assured that a meeting will be held next month.
Dureza, in the briefing, said Dolorfino’s group went to Mt. Bitan-ag precisely to give the money to the relatives of MNLF fighters who were killed in the clash with soldiers. He said they already have money when they went up the MNLF camp.
“Kung merong areglo doon, hindi iyon areglo para makauwi sila…May dala silang pera because the reason was to settle it (issue of mis-encounters) and they have already settled this,” he said.
He said he was not a party to the payment because these were arranged by local government officials, MNLF leaders, and the extended families of the slain MNLF fighters.
He said Muslim communities have “an indigenous way of settling” things which is “very sensitive to discuss” and which should just be respected.
He said the ceremony of sorts was delayed because MNLF commander Malik was more concerned about the tripartite meeting.
ONLY P20,000
Dolorfino said P450,000 was too much and that they only brought a “sufficient (amount) to give as initial support for the people.”
He also said it was based on a “minimum rate.”
“Sinagot ng isang local political leader. Parang moral obligation ito on the part of local government officials to give financial assistance so we should look at it positively. It’s our moral obligation to give financial support to those widowed,” he said.
The Armed Forces said Dolorfino gave the MNLF P20,000 for the roast calf they served for their lunch last Sunday.
“This is for the calf they butchered, in payment, and for their preparations,” said Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro, chief of the AFP public information office.
Dureza said there was an exchange of firearms before Dolorfino’s group left the MNLF camp because both the MNLF and Marines seized firearms from each other.
“Iyon ang saulian, iyon actually ang main reason for them (Dolorfino’s group) to go on that Friday,” he said.
Dolorfino said among the four firearms returned to government was a special sniper rifle that the Armed Forces was very interested in getting back. He said government returned two long firearms taken from MNLF fighters.
Dureza and Dolorfino said it is up to the concerned agencies if they want to file a case against Malik for restraining the negotiators.
“That will be left to others to make a determination,” he said.
Extended Workshop
Dolorfino, a Muslim convert, said Malik’s words were, “We invite you to have an extended workshop here.”
He admitted they had to cooperate even if it was against their will because “you have no choice but cooperate because it’s their lair.”
But he said he was not afraid that Malik would order them killed because it is against the teachings of Islam and “Malik is a very religious person.”
Dureza said Dolorfino’s group was “hosted, not hostaged,” although he admitted that there was “restraint” and went to the extent of describing the incident as “a crisis that has been resolved.”
He said the incident has greatly eroded the government’s confidence in the MNLF, although he said Dolorfino and Santos have volunteered to continue their peace work in Malik’s area.
“The level of confidence has realistically been eroded, maybe not shattered but eroded and there is going to be a lot of work to bring that back again to where it was. That’s why I told Malik you should realize this is something that will have a great effect on confidence level or trust…May setback ito sa aming trabaho sa kanila,” he said.
“Let’s not fool ourselves…Next time there will be more precautionary adequate measures to be undertaken,” he said.
Disarming MNLF
Dureza said government will raise the possible disarmament of the MNLF in the upcoming tripartite meeting.
“The preparatory meeting in March that was agreed upon prior to this incident will look into these things…Ano ba ang parameters ng review, agenda items? Ano ang hindi na kailangang review-hin? So this will I think encompass, this will be determined during the tripartite preparatory meeting before the big tripartite (conference),” he said.
That’s what I thought!
I do believe that these stupid officers and govt official were carrying cash.
SOP in the heart of Muslim land to be carrying cash “in case” something happened, ie, to buy your liberty.
If for the sake of argument, it was true that cash on hand was to pay for “relatives of MNLF fighters slain during mis-encounters last month,”, yet the frigging Marines general and his govt official decoy couldn’t leave, it’s because, there’s been some haggling done.
In which case the theory that they were held hostage holds.
Come on, Mr Dureza, don’t try to convince us with this tall tale!
From a retired military officer:
“Hindi kami na hostage”- Gen. Dolorfino
“Hindi kami nagbayad ng ransom. Nagdasal na lang ako.” = Usec Santos.
“The act of the MNLF is unacceptable! We lost confidence – Dureza
ANO BA TALAGA?
““Hindi kami nagbayad ng ransom. Nagdasal na lang ako.” = Usec Santos.”
I believe Usec Santos – that he prayed that the haggling for their release, payment for MNLF fighters or whatever would soon be over so they wouldn’t be hostage anymore.
I believe Santos would have overtly prayed too. Hahahahah!
Mahina rin ang mga MNLF. Dapat pinugutan nila ng ulo si Santos (but not Dolorfino), they would have gotten more from Gloria.
Naku, huwag naman, PV.
Ellen,
Whatever the govt line will be on this hostage issue, don’t believe it. MNLF believes govt owes them more than 450 Gs; Santos and Dolorfino got out unscathed for a miserly amount.
Also, I wouldn’t be surprised if some of Dolorfino’s Muslim relatives ended up with a bundle of cash.
“hosted, not hostaged,”, FOOLS! hahahah!
“The act of the MNLF is unacceptable! We lost confidence – Dureza
Kaya pala nagbayad sila ng P450,000. Nagtatapang-tapangan pa!
Next time MNLF, si Direza ang i-host ninyo, ha?!
450 Grand only? Nah! Gloria will have instructed one of the Chinese guys there to shell out more and be done with it.
Now, Gloria will owe that Chinese more than just a high speed boat! Hahahahahha!!!!!
Oopps, Dureza pala. Baka hindi mahanap ng MNLF Kung Direza. heheh!
You bet, for smuggling!
Chi,
They will not hold Dureza hostage because it’s through him that they can get more money. MNLFs aren’t stupid. They know which one to behead and which one not to. Hah!
For 450T only ? Is this the official amount ? Could be it be possible that the amount was more ? Who got a cut ? What an embarassing government !
Chabeli,
One of Gloria’s mainstayers in the South is a Chinese fellow who owns a fleet of high speed boats. He will have been asked to shell out more. 450??? Even with all the best will in the world, hard to believe that. Come on! Hahahahah!
I know, only P450K! Ang mura naman ng buhay nila! hahah! Kaya pala hindi sila tinuluyan. MNLF, get FATSO! It’ll be worth your effort. heheh!
We must keep the eye on the ball, most especially during election time. Could this “kidnapping” been a diversionary tactic only ? I can’t help but be skeptical. This woman will do any-thing to claw to power. She is also, among others, a master of deception.
PV,
Ganun ba?! Sige, si Fatso na lang!
Fatso will not be harmed by the MNLF even if he goes to Muslim land except if he starts eyeing another Vicky Toh look alike.
The MNLF will not want to go for an all out war again at this point and know that if they take Fatso hostage, it will be an all out war that will include the US and the rest of the Aseans. Too high profile, too close for comfort.
Dolorfino was in on this one, rest assured although not overtly. My take was that he was being let go because of his wifey connections but he wouldn’t leave because of Santos.
The real hostage was Santos and not Dolorfino.
Chi,
Hay, kung kinidnap si FATSO, hero na ang MNLF ngayon, diba ? Sayang, they got the wrong guy.
Chabeli, Chi,
Besides Muslims don’t eat baboy!
Seriously, Dolorfino being “hosted” by the MNLF is a huge slap to the Republic ! I blame the government of Gloria. It is so bad that even a terrorist group like the MNLF does NOT respect the pint-sized Gloria. It has come to this point that even the bad puke Gloria. Something has got to be very, very wrong.
Philippine Vigil,
That’s right, they don’t eat pork ! Heheh.
Sasabihin ng MNLF, give us P100 million OR we will release Fatso!
I remember one military officer during Macoy era, who after marrying too many women and got caught by his mistress and to avoid being charge with polygamy and lost his commission, he converted to Islam. Can’t just remember his name, but he was one of the witness during the congressional investigation of that failed attempt to invade Sabbah.
So Dolorfino may have converted for the same reason other than faith. But anyways, I don’t bleieve any of the confusing statements that’s coming from all corners. After a while, can no longer distinguish the truth from falsehood. ayayay..
Yup, Chabeli. Wrong guy they got!
PV, is Fatso that relevant?! Just kidding, heheh!
Hahahaha! Right you are Ellen: “OR we will release Fatso!”
Ellen,
My hunch was right!
Just called a friend: Santos WAS the real hostage!
Dolorfino was being asked to leave but he wouldn’t – oo nga naman – ano na lang ang sasabihin ni Esperon if he left without Santos!
Kaya silang dalawa ang naging hostage – hehehe!
The guy who was supposed to be hostaged said that he was not hostaged. I believe him, but there must be some scenario prepared by the crooks in the bogus government to make the people in charge of releasing funds from the coffers to release more than the amount quoted above, and make it look like some what? It cannot even be called kidnapping or anything else but yes, “Lutong Makaw!”
How many times do these crooks have to do this to make everyone know that this is a hoax? In fact, the only thing real in this is the amount of money said to be paid to the MNLF actors!
# Chabeli Says:
February 5th, 2007 at 11:08 pm
For 450T only ? Is this the official amount ? Could be it be possible that the amount was more ? Who got a cut ? What an embarassing government !
The usual suspects! In other words, all of them involved in the negotiations kuno!
Yuko, Which “guy”? Santos or Dolorfino?
Govt spin masters made a mix: some truth and some lies and peppered with some omissions. In that respect there was “Lutong Makaw”.
The fact that if you restrained a guest from leaving and not allowed the guest to leave until cash had exchanged hands, then that’s tantamount to hostage taking.
One of the military officers was let go to inform HQ that govt panel was being restrained coz of the differences over cash. In this case, we can safely assume the “restrainer/host” was satisfied that cash term was met and so allowed them to leave the party.
When that happens, what can one call it?
Re “Dureza and Dolorfino said it is up to the concerned agencies if they want to file a case against Malik for restraining the negotiators.” Let’s see if SiRaulo GunggongGonzalez will file charges against Malik.
Ang kwento na ito galing sa bibig ng mga taong under-de-saya ng tiny ugly lady who pretends to be president of (I)RP is so F&*%$#@ unbelievable! Ang mga Kwentong Kutsero, nakakaaliw! Itong kwento ni Glueria, nakakabaliw!
PV:
This is nothing new as a matter of fact. Can’t remember when this similar tactic was employed, but there was this kind of gimmick in the negotiation that really nauseating when I heard of it. There was similar passing of bucks and a lot many AFP brasses involved. There was even an American involved in that case.
Another was the kidnapping of tourists at some Palawan resort and the Abus blamed for it. Then, we heard of the passing of bucks with the Abus being allowed to escape after paying some soldiers part of the booties, but when Magsaysay was sent there to investigate for months, he came home with nothing!
But then, is that unusual? Kaniya-kaniya nang nakawan in fact. As a friend in the AFP once told me, “Maaawa ka sa sarili mo kung honest ka nga, wala ka namang kotse!”
PV says,”Govt spin masters made a mix: some truth and some lies and peppered with some omissions.”
PV, what do you think are “some truth”? The P450T is half-truth. The hosted-hostage story is half-truth!
Kalakalahati lang yata ang story nila to fit the half-sized height of the kumander-in-cheap! hahah!
Yuko,
You speaking f the Sipadan Hostage crisis back in Erap’s time?
The boat used by the hostage takers to go to Sipadan belonged to the wealthy Chinese Businessman in Zamboanga.
From the first set of payment, the Chinese businessman who helped to do the go-between was paid en toto + so-called “damages”.
The boat that was used for the hostage taking was eventually used again and again by AS bandit group. One of their leaders was killed in that same boat by the Navy Seals/Swag team in 2001 during a hunt.
The commander of the navy command then decided to go ahead and hunt the AS team without approval from the SOCOM commander because it would stymy his efforts – he knew the whereabouts of the AS and went for the kill – the navy asked US for sattelite directions and borrowed NV goggles for the occasion.
AS bandits got killed but they got the leader alive although he died while in custody of the military during the interrogation two days after the encounter – of “heart attack”.
That’s why I like the Navy, silent service they call ’em but they can be absolutely LETHAL!
From the Inquirer:
“At the same time, Jesus Dureza said a review of the existing pace agreement with the MNLF was called for, including the disarming of the former Muslim rebels.
“”It may not be shattered, but the level of confidence is realistically eroded,” Dureza said in a news briefing in Malacañang Monday, a day after Brigadier General Benjamin Dolorfino and Ramon Santos, undersecretary on the peace process, were released by a group of MNLF rebels, led by its Commander Habier Malik, who held them hostage for some 50 hours in the island province of Sulu.
“”Dureza, Dolorfino, and Santos met with Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita and were scheduled to see President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo later in the day.
Dolorfino and Santos said they had talked to the President early Monday upon arriving in Manila and that she had expressed relief that they were safe.”
There you are folks! Gloria expressed relief!
Ah, shades of when Odong Mahusay was “saved” by Mike Defensor!
Take note: This followed the 9 killed so-called AS bandits in military clash with MNLF on Jan 18.
No, Anna, not that case. All the kidnappings I was told of and/or read about happened after the power grab, and the Midget tried hard to get pogi points by tagging the perpetrators as terrorists instead of merely calling them as “criminals.”
Ellen,
This is the most absurd spin I’ve ever heard (courtesy of Inquirer):
“Marine Brigadier General Benjamin Dolorfino, who led the peace mission, said his objectives for Sulu were outlined in his paper, “Sulu Road Map, A Journey to Peace and Development.””
A 2-star general of the Philippine Marines on a peace mission? Tell that to the marines!
You don’t put the commander of the Marines in that role. His mission is to give the enemies of state no let up. What he states as HIS MISSION is in total contradiction with the mission of his position. That’s pure baloney.
Let another general handle that mission if ever there is to be a mission of the kind but a MARINES commandant – BIG BULL!
If that really is the case, then the AFP has gone further down to the level of the cats (no longer just to level of the dogs)… much like when we call naval officers who failed to earn their command badge: they are called SEA CATS as opposed to SEA DOGS!
Relieve this stupid idiotic Marines commander – he ain’t fit to command the Marines! Let the Army do the peace-keeping and apply the “winning of hearts and minds”.
Damn fool!
In short, there must have been this fantastic connivance between the AFP and MNLF, so why does Malacanang says that some people have been hostaged?
Bayaran lang ng pabuya, with some people getting extra by trying to make some people look heroic and incredible!!! Kailangan ang publicity stunt to make the Burot’s claim of succeeding in her fight against the ASG and NPA terrorists! Kaso palpak. Bistado agad!
Ellen,
I mean it. If Dolorfino has forgotten that he belongs to the killing machine faction of the military, then he must be relieved of his command; besides which he got “RESTRAINED” by the MNLF. There should be no second thoughts about his being relieved of his command in the south.
Esperon, if he has any more military pride left in him, should assign Dolorfino to man the all women naval corps.
Damn fool!
PV: “Let another general handle that mission if ever there is to be a mission of the kind but a MARINES commandant – BIG BULL!”
*****
You bet. It’s called “conflict of interest.” But then, this is another of a sure case of “Lutong Makaw”!
Re: “all women naval corps.”
It’s been in existence since 2000.
Yuko,
“But then, this is another of a sure case of “Lutong Makaw”!”
AFP, specialized in lutong makaw? Geez, no wonder our military is rated Third Rate at best.
If all they can do is to be good in the galley, well, we can very well say that our military leadership are all macao-trained.
Ellen, Yuko,
It’s very hard not to write expletives when you read about the stupidity of a 2-star Marines commander.
Believe me, am trying hard (and am succeeding – ugh!) not to publish my beautiful, highly descriptive and appropriate vocabulary concerning Esperon, Dolorfino and the AFP Sea Cats!
I had a run in with a DND Usec a few years ago and called him SOB to his face. He was stunned and got really mad. Talked to Edong Ermita about it but Edong told him to lie low. Even Joey Calimlim got wind of the incident and laughed aloud.
BTW, JdV has announced that Joker Arroyo, Ralph Recto and Edgardo Angara are joining the administration’s senatorial slate. So what? I cannot understand why they have to make a big fuss of this, when in fact, this is a welcome treat for those who want the United Opposition to come out with the best option!
Good riddance as a matter of fact. At least, the Filipino voters know now who among the politicians will be willing to deal even with the devil just so they can get elected.
Angara is asking for 48 hours to make up his mind (daw)!
Kurakutan galore! Pwe!
Speaking of that USND, we met again in a Royal Air Force flying exhibit of the Red Arrows in Villamor Air Base.
I purposely went up to him and he had no other option but to say “Hello” then immediate about face. Benjie Defensor was just laughing coz he’d heard of the SOB name calling and so did the British Defence Attaché. Hah!
Re: “Angara is asking for 48 hours to make up his mind (daw)! Kurakutan galore! Pwe!”
You mean, Angara would negotiate with Gloria re election per diem? Hahahahah!
We shouldn’t really believed both camps. Remeber, each camp has a role to play. Kung sino ang bida at sino ang kontrabida sa Moro-Morong ito, sundan lang natin ang mga kabanata na magtatapos tiyak sa election. Siyempre, producer si Tiyanak ng Malakanyang!
It reminds me of the on-going story during the pre-Martial Law days, between the soldiers assigned in Cotabato at that time and the local “Muslim rebels.” It was said that after an encounter, an army would shout to the enemy camp: “Hoy, mga kapatid! !Cease fire muna tayo! Break muna tayo! Mamayang gabi na naman. Tutal IISA lang naman ang nagbabayad sa ‘tin!” Di kaya, their play in Sulu now is based on this story, medyo ginagawang kunyari more colorful, dahil may pa suspense pa sa mga tao. For example, the public is still made to guess, Was it ransom ba or was it a payment for the kins fatallities? One thing that we should watch out carefully: Is the Tiyanak with her evil intention to stay in power, preparing us for a similar end, like what happened in the ’70’s? Huwag po nating kaligtaang panoorin ang mga susunod at kapanapanabik na mga kabanata!
A photo caption of the “released MNLF guests” says, “Undersecretary Ramon Santos (center, facing) gets a hug from Sulu Gov. Benjamin Loong at Camp Bautista after being freed by a Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) band that kept him and 20 others for two days. AFP PHOTO/THERENCE KHO”
Ellen, PhilVigil, Ystakei, atibp.
isa lang post ko dito, sana ma-summarize ng
reaction ang message na mga palitan ninyo.
I missed the days, pero baka inabot ninyo
sa backyard namin, tiya ko meron inahin, alaga
niya sunod ng sunod sa kanya, mga cute, ang
gaganda. Huhuli ako ng isa to admire ang lambot ng katawan, makulay na balahibo, tinutuka ako
pero parang maliit na kalabit lang. Alam nyo
ba ang hinahangaan ko yung SISIW. HENERAL NATIN
MGA SISIW.
If the ransom was been paid-off,that’s only mean the AFP are incompetent.The AFP are condoning the enemy and showing a weakness of men in uniform.
Mrs. Gloria Arroyo and her military clique may have miscalculated the tactical alliance between Abu Sayaff and MNLF in Sulu. The ASG and MNLF are the same in Sulu archipelago. The Philippine Marines in Jolo reported that they have killed 9 Abu Sayyaf men in an encounter in Timpuuk, Patikul, but, actually they MNLF men.
The government paid P450, 000 “areglo money” for the mis-encounter in January 18, 2007. It’s actually a ransom money if it’s given as payment as precondition for their release. Why Maj. Gen. Mohammad Benjamin Dolorfino and Usec Ramon Santos are negotiating with MNLF? The Arroyo government considered Misuari and MNLF are spent force. It’s in contrast what the government claim.
Why Malik’s guerilla camps still exist if the government really in control? What went wrong with GMA’s Strong Republic? A hundred armed MNLF partisans are enough to cause trouble in Sulu. Government negotiators are detained for two days as leverage to pressure Malacanang the release of Nur Misuari to attend tripartite meeting among the Philippine government, MNLF and the OIC in Jeddah.
Trust is always a two way street and there is not much trust between the MNLF and the government forces since then and nothing much has been done to bridge the gap and it just getting wider. It is just a matter of who gets the upper hand and take advantage of the situation, and the generals, especially this Dolorfino are not known to think with their heads, but instead, you know what (unmentionable) and this time they got the short end of the stick and they can’t tell the public how it felt getting outsmarted by the people they so underestimated. Must be embarrassing. Honourable men should resign their posts.
Vic, if I remember right the guy who was involved in the Sabah adventure was a certain Martelino.
Message from a Marine officer:
Another message:
“Ngayon lang ako nakakita ng hostages na abot tenga ang mga ngiti na para bang kinikiliti.”
Dahil siguro sa P450T!
Based on the above message, Usec Santos and Dolorfino are fakes and unglorious, too?! Binili ba ni Santos and kanyang Gold Cross?! Magandang hulaan blues ito!
magkano kaya ang komisyon ng mga gunggong at abot tenga ang mga ngiti at mukhang kinikiliti? naku ha! hindi maitago ang kasiyahan at kumita na naman.
ABS-CBN banner: Marine general: We were hostaged
FINALLY, Marine Brig. Gen. Ben Dolorfino has admitted before the Commission on Appointments that he and the peace mission sent by the government to Sulu were hostage by the Moro National Liberation Front faction loyal to Nur Misuari. Gen. Dolorfino faced the CA for the hearing on his promotion to the rank of major general. DZMM reported.
The Commission on Appointments should block Brig. General Dolorfino’s promotion to two star general for disseminating lies to the public. Making a false official statement is a conduct unbecoming an officer and gentleman. Pareho sila sa kanyang Commander-In -Thief na puro kasungalingan ang nasa bukang bibig.
As I’ve said, Dolorfino had no business leading a peace mission – a total contradiction to his calling as Marines commander. He belongs to the killing machine of the AFP and as their commander, he’s supposed to give the enemies of the Republic no let up.
If he’s up to winning the hearts and minds of the Muslims, which is a good and sound tactical principle, then he must ask for transfer to the Army and not to be the Marines commander in the South.
He cannot with one hand, kill the enemy and purport with the other hand to win him over. If he opts for that sort of strategy, both his self formulated missions are doomed to fail. Proof, he, a supposedly 2-star rank gets pinned down by the enemy, forced to stay put at his enemies “request”.
What kind of Marines general is that? Moron!
His mission is one and one thing only: KILL THE ENEMIES OF THE REPUBLIC and until that tenet changes, he must perform the mission of his position to do just that and nothing else.
Let the other elements of the AFP do the thinking! Moron!
Ellen,
If the CA confirms Doflorino’s 2nd star, Pinas military can say goodbye to anything.
When a marines general becomes hostage because of his own clumsy, stupid, moronic thinking, he is NOT IN ANY MANNER FIT to be AWARDED a second star. NO WAY! He’s not even fit to be awarded ANOTHER COMMAND, let alone AWARDED a second star.
Roy Golez, if he’s with CA must jump on the occasion to PIN DOWN this moron!
P450T !!! hindi lang yan, kulang yan…Siguradong sigurado ako may kumita riyan.
Bob,
P450T kapag pinaghatian ng lahat ng ganid na kasali sa negotiation ay tig-katiting na lang sila. But for these people, basta pera ay kumikinang! Mabilaukan sana ang mga hinayupaks, pera ng bayan ang halagang ‘yan, di ba?!
katarantaduhan ang sinasabi ng mga lukuluko na “a good muslim is a dead muslim”. nabanggit ko na ito noon pa sa mga naunang talakayan. at ako ang makapagpapatunay na mas tao silang kaharap at kasama kung ikukumpara sa mga sinungaling at magnanakaw na nagpapanggap na tagapagtanggol ng kapakanan nilang mga kapatid nating muslim. partikular itong mga tao-sug ng sulu. sila ang tribu ng mga muslim na madaling pakibagayan at pakisamahan. wala silang tanging hangad kundi ang igalang ang kanilang kaugalian at pakikipagkapuwa tao. hindi sila marunong magkunwari at tapat sa kanilang salita. kung ayaw sa isang tao, hindi sila ‘yung makikipagplastikan.
ilang ulit nang ipinakita at pinatunayan ng mga MNLF kung ano ang tunay nilang paraan sa pakikipaglaban. halimbawang maiuugnay dito ang nangyari kina bgen teodulfo bautista at mga kasama noong october 1976 sa danag, patikul, sulu kung saan pinapaniwala sila ng pangkat nina usman sali na makikipag-usap nang maayos, subalit walang awang minasaker. isang kabo lamang ang nakaligtas sa naturang insidente nang magtago siya sa ilalim ng mga patay na kasamahan at nagkunwaring patay na rin, si corporal oliver calsada ng 1st signal battalion.
ikalawang patunay ang nangyari sa kayawan, pata island, sulu noong february 1981 kung saan ang mahigit isang kumpanya ng 31st infantry battalion, sa pamumuno ng kanilang battalion commander, ltcol jacinto sardual ay parang mga manok na dinapuan ng peste nang ibaba ang kanilang mga sandata upang diumano’y mag-usap tungkol sa pagsuko ng mga miyembro ng MNLF. dalawang draftee ang nakaligtas nang magkunwaring mga patay na sa mga tinamong sugat.
personal kong naranasan ang mga patunay ng katapatan nilang makisama at kumilala sa kaibigan noong naka-assign ako sa matatal, maimbung sulu bilang detachment commander kung saan ilang pagkakataon na hina-harass at tinatambangan ang mga nasa paligid naming detachment samantalang hindi nila kami ginagalaw sa kabila na alam nilang mahigit sampu lamang ang aming bilang.
naranasan ko rin ang minsang maglakad ng kulang dalawampung kilometro dahil walang pampasaherong masakyan mula tagbak, indanan patungong maimbung kung saan nadaanan ko ang mga sandatahang MNLF sa mga ilang na lugar at hindi nila ako ginalaw kahit kilala nila akong isang sundalong nakatalaga sa matatal detachment. ligtas nila akong pinalampas at kumakaway pa ang bawat isa at nagsasabi ng “su’ung na kaw, bagay” (mabilis ang pagbigkas ng “bagay” o kaibigan) na “tumuloy ka lamang, kaibigan” ang ibig sabihin.
ganito rin ang pangyayari noong july 1985 habang nasa kasagsagan ang aming operations upang iligtas ang tatlong dayuhang consultant ng NIA na dinukot ng mga MNLF sa indanan, sulu. nagsamasama ang halos buong puwersa ng mga rebelde buhat sa iba’t ibang panig ng sulu upang i-pin down ang aming grupo sa may paanan ng mt tumatangis, subalit nang malaman ng mas nakararaming pangkat nina kumander ronnie na kami ang naka-engkwentro ng kanilang kasamahan, kusa silang lumihis ng landas at kung nangyaring tumulong silang makiharap laban sa amin, siguradong para kaming mga daga na hindi malaman kung saan susuling sa dami ng aming magiging kalaban.
sa kasong ito nina mgen dolorfino, nakakatawang isipin na ginawa niyang tanga ang lahat upang papaniwalain na sila ay hinostage nina ustadz malik samantalang maliwanag na pinigil lamang sila upang pag-usapan ang mga bagay na hindi mabigyang kahalagahan ng pamahalaan. kung tunay silang pinilit, bakit hindi sila nagmatigas gayung meron namang matataas na kalibre ng armas ang kanilang security detail sakaling gamitan sila ng dahas? out numbered sila? naku naman, paano siya naging heneral kung hindi siya marunong mag-plano kung paano lansihin ang kalaban? aminin ng umakyat sa lalamunan ang kanyang bayag at mas unang inisip ang mga naghihintay pang “sarap” sa kanyang pagiging heneral.
dahil sa kanyang kasinungalingan hindi karapatdapat si dolorfino na magtaglay ng estrelya sa kanyang mga balikat at lalong hindi siya nararapat itaas ng katungkulan.
an unbecoming of a flag officer in a lowest level of cowardice.
I personally never believed that a good muslim is a dead muslim.
I believe in the tenet that was devised by the Tiger of Malaya “win hearts and minds”.
But this is not the role of a 2-star marines officer.
If ever, and in the scheme of military roles, that’s a role that should be fulfilled by a PROPER CSAFP (of course not this supot CSAFP) or the CG SOCOM and not by the killing machine of the AFP. Doesn’t make sense, wrong dogma, poor performance, horendous results.
I do accept that by the nature of their calling ALL soldiers are considered part of the State’s killing machine but in the AFP, the MARINES WHEREVER THE TROOPS LAND (Scout Rangers have a similar role) are given the PRIMARY roles of performing that function, hence a 2-star general cannot deviate from that mission.
Mrivera Says:
February 7th, 2007 at 9:01 pm
katarantaduhan ang sinasabi ng mga lukuluko na “a good muslim is a dead muslim”.
***
Kaya pala hindi nila ma-solve ang problema sa Mindanao dahil hindi nila naiintindihan ang kultura at sentiments ng mga kapatid na muslim. Ano ito, kundi racism on the part of the government!
hence a 2-star PHIL MARINES general cannot deviate from that mission (see what happens when he does that?).
Complete moron. He can write his paper on peace, “winning hearts and minds”, etc., his thesis, but he need not put the entire contingent’s mission in jeopardy to prove he is right.
Complete moron.
HAHAHAH! Botch something and blame it on third party, what a bunch of incompetents:
“Dureza blames media for ‘triggering’ MNLF hostage crisis in Sulu” reports the Tribune.
PV,
Hahahahah talaga si Dureza! Media triggered MNLF hostage crisis in Sulu! Baliw!
Baliw talaga.
From a marine officer:
ellen, magkasing kulay nga sila ni pulburon at parehong sipsip!
dapat sa ganitong uri ng mga opisyal, binabarena sa ulo at gawing alkansiya para may pakinabang.
Philippine Vigil Says:
February 7th, 2007 at 9:51 pm
I personally never believed that a good muslim is a dead muslim.
I believe in the tenet that was devised by the Tiger of Malaya “win hearts and minds”.
PV, kung natatandaan mo, i posted a quote from bgen mariano miranda, tungkol dito sa winning the hearts and minds of the people? ito ang naging guiding principle namin during his tenure as commanding general of the first infantry division na naging matagumpay subalit hindi nagawang ipagpatuloy ng mga sumunod sa kanya. kita n’yon nga at bandang huli ay nagsulputan ang abu sayyaf?
Chabeli,
One of Gloria’s mainstayers in the South is a Chinese fellow who owns a fleet of high speed boats. He will have been asked to shell out more. 450??? Even with all the best will in the world, hard to believe that. Come on! Hahahahah!
probably the tan clan in jolo? hmmmm. ayaw ng mga tulawie ng ganyan.
sabi ni dura-za (gwrrrk, pwe!) padidis-armahan niya ang MNLF dahil sa nangyaring pagpigil kina dolorfino upang hindi na maulit ang katulad na insidente.
gago! tanga! utak ipis!
ano ‘yun, parang mga batang aalisan ng laruan? papayag na lang basta pasukin ang lugar nila gayung wala namang nilabag na kasunduan? paano ang mga pinalabas nilang mis-encounter na kinamatayan ng ilang tauhan ng MNLF na pinalabas nilang abu sayyaf upang maging lehitimo ang kanilang operation? pu#@ng in^ng mga gago!
luma na ‘yang style n’yo! bulok na ‘yan matagal na!
maka-iskor lang at makapag-report ng accomplishment kahit peke, hindi na isinasaalang alang ang damdamin ng mga namatayan, pamilya ng mapatay na miyembro ng MNLF at mga naulila ng tatlong marines na nagbuwis ng buhay hindi sa tunay na tawag ng tungkulin kundi dahil sa bulok na sistemang umiiral sa bawat sulok ng huwad na administrasyon.
Magno,
“sabi ni dura-za (gwrrrk, pwe!) padidis-armahan niya ang MNLF dahil sa nangyaring pagpigil kina dolorfino upang hindi na maulit ang katulad na insidente.”
Let him try! Mapugutan pa siya ng ulo!
Magno,
re: “ito ang naging guiding principle namin during his tenure as commanding general of the first infantry division na naging matagumpay subalit hindi nagawang ipagpatuloy ng mga sumunod sa kanya.”
I’ve always been for winning the hearts and minds of the insurgents, rebels, whatever. I’ve said that many times in this blog even vis-a-vis the NPA.
However, a comprehensive plan devised for the purpose should be drafted and not just by a one-man team, particularly not by a Marines general. It wouldn’t work.
The tenet “winning hearts and minds” was devised by a British general during the communist insurgency in Malaya. He didn’t go about killing communists, he quarantined them and offered those who would come out of hiding, home, food, job. That’s the essence of winning hearts and minds.
I’ve also mentioned here that I used to go to the South. I was one of those who worked with Erap’s govt to bring about the required investments – for putting up railroads, hospitals, schools, etc.
I hosted Nur Misuari in Paris on his way to the OCC back in 1996 (right after he was caught in an embrace with FVR) and together with French govt concerns, we outlined plans to modernize Muslim land.
Magno, am not new to this concept of winning hearts and minds but a 2 Star Marines general must not think out of his backside – when he does that, he must be relieved of his command.
PV, allow me to re post that guiding principle set by bgen mariano miranda:
“i shall judge your performance not so much in terms of the number of combat engagements you may have with the enemy; nor by the number of enemies killed; nor by the number of firearms arms captured, but more in terms of the number of living friends you shall have won over to the government side and even more in terms of the number of temples of goodwill you shall have erected in the hearts of our fellownmen”.
Mariano obviously is not thinking of his backside.
Mariano obviously is not thinking OUT of his backside.