<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?><?xml-stylesheet href="http://www.blogger.com/styles/atom.css" type="text/css"?><feed xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom' xmlns:openSearch='http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/' xmlns:georss='http://www.georss.org/georss' xmlns:gd='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005' xmlns:thr='http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0'><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686</id><updated>2012-01-12T13:45:07.430+08:00</updated><category term='Muslim Holidays'/><category term='Commentary'/><category term='Atty. Camilo &apos;Bong&apos; Montesa'/><category term='GPH-MILF Peace Talks'/><category term='Eid el-Fitr'/><category term='News'/><title type='text'>The Pen Pointers On Line</title><subtitle type='html'>Justice  Peace  Freedom</subtitle><link rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default?max-results=100'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/'/><link rel='hub' href='http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><generator version='7.00' uri='http://www.blogger.com'>Blogger</generator><openSearch:totalResults>87</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex>1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage>100</openSearch:itemsPerPage><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-363672585403784385</id><published>2011-11-04T00:19:00.000+08:00</published><updated>2011-11-04T00:19:37.005+08:00</updated><title type='text'>Statement of Former Chief Negotiator Silvestre Afable on the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute</title><summary type='text'>&lt;!--[if gte mso 9]&gt;     Normal   0               false   false   false      EN-PH   X-NONE   X-NONE                                                     MicrosoftInternetExplorer4                                                   &lt;![endif]--&gt;&lt;!--[if gte mso 9]&gt;</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/363672585403784385/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=363672585403784385' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/363672585403784385'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/363672585403784385'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2011/11/statement-of-former-chief-negotiator.html' title='Statement of Former Chief Negotiator Silvestre Afable on the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-9019962715163381428</id><published>2011-09-06T02:22:00.000+08:00</published><updated>2011-09-06T02:22:20.504+08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='GPH-MILF Peace Talks'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Atty. Camilo &apos;Bong&apos; Montesa'/><title type='text'>2 big elephants in the GPH-MILF peace negotiations</title><summary type='text'>&lt;!--[if gte mso 9]&gt;     Normal   0               false   false   false      EN-PH   X-NONE   X-NONE                                                     MicrosoftInternetExplorer4                                                   &lt;![endif]--&gt;&lt;!--[if gte mso 9]&gt;</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/9019962715163381428/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=9019962715163381428' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/9019962715163381428'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/9019962715163381428'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2011/09/2-big-elephants-in-gph-milf-peace.html' title='2 big elephants in the GPH-MILF peace negotiations'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-5462410258350856924</id><published>2011-08-29T07:27:00.001+08:00</published><updated>2011-08-29T07:32:40.282+08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Muslim Holidays'/><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Eid el-Fitr'/><title type='text'>Aquino declares August 30, 2011 as holiday in observance of Eid el-Fitr</title><summary type='text'>President Benigno S. Aquino III declared August 30, 2011 as a regular holiday throughout the Philippines in observance of the Eid el-Fitr (Feast of Ramadhan) “to bring the religious and cultural significance of the Eid’l Fitr to the fore of national consciousness.” 
Here is the text of Proclamation No. 234, s. 2011 dated August 11, 2011.
Proclamation No. 234, s. 2011
MALACAÑAN PALACEMANILA
BY THE</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/5462410258350856924/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=5462410258350856924' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/5462410258350856924'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/5462410258350856924'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2011/08/aquino-declares-august-30-2011-as.html' title='Aquino declares August 30, 2011 as holiday in observance of Eid el-Fitr'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-5434379003357331668</id><published>2010-04-02T07:22:00.000+08:00</published><updated>2010-04-02T07:22:22.777+08:00</updated><title type='text'>It's a holiday.</title><summary type='text'>Hello. I'm now back into blogging once again.</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/5434379003357331668/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=5434379003357331668' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/5434379003357331668'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/5434379003357331668'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2010/04/its-holiday.html' title='It&apos;s a holiday.'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-3756016982921668841</id><published>2010-03-24T10:30:00.003+08:00</published><updated>2010-03-25T06:14:02.043+08:00</updated><title type='text'>Defense official unceremoniously sacked</title><summary type='text'>By Anthony Vargas (DateLine Philippines)

MANILA, Philippines – A senior official of the Department of National Department (DND) was sacked from his post early this month for still unknown reasons, dateline.ph learned on Tuesday.

Ariston delos Reyes, a retired navy vice-admiral, was sacked last March 9 from his post as the defense department’s undersecretary for internal affairs without citing </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/3756016982921668841/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=3756016982921668841' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/3756016982921668841'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/3756016982921668841'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2010/03/defense-official-unceremoniously-sacked.html' title='Defense official unceremoniously sacked'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-6521787669585236158</id><published>2010-03-24T07:55:00.002+08:00</published><updated>2010-03-24T07:59:59.244+08:00</updated><title type='text'>US Senate confirms new envoy to RP</title><summary type='text'>By Dateline Philippines MANILA, Philippines – The United States Senate has confirmed the appointment of Harry K. Thomas as the next American ambassador to the Philippines, the US embassy in Manila said.The embassy said the Senate confirmation is required by the US Constitution.Thomas, who has been learning Tagalog, is expected to arrive in the Philippines within the coming weeks, the embassy </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/6521787669585236158/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=6521787669585236158' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/6521787669585236158'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/6521787669585236158'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2010/03/us-senate-confirms-new-envoy-to-rp.html' title='US Senate confirms new envoy to RP'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-1252252137713583689</id><published>2010-03-24T05:53:00.004+08:00</published><updated>2010-03-25T05:43:17.263+08:00</updated><title type='text'>PARTIAL LIST OF PARTY-LIST GROUPS AND THEIR</title><summary type='text'>By  TAHER G. SOLAIMAN

As of March 23, 2010, the following are the party-list groups that submitted their nominees to the Commission in Elections (Comelec):

1. Citizen’s Battle Against Corruption (Cibac) 
1. Sherwin Tugna
2. Cinchona Cruz-Gonzales
3. Armi Jane Borje
4. Emil Galang
5. Carlos Muchada Jr.


2. A-Teacher
1. Mariano Piamonte Jr.
2. Julieta Cortuna
3. Nenita Habulan
4. Elizabeth </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/1252252137713583689/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=1252252137713583689' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/1252252137713583689'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/1252252137713583689'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2010/03/partial-list-of-party-list-groups-and.html' title='PARTIAL LIST OF PARTY-LIST GROUPS AND THEIR'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-2785304390226994407</id><published>2010-03-23T17:10:00.002+08:00</published><updated>2010-03-23T17:13:26.794+08:00</updated><title type='text'>Bangit no-show at AFP-PNP meet on election security</title><summary type='text'>By Anthony Vargas (Dateline Philippines)MANILA, Philippines – After his Monday walkout from a media interview in Fort Bonifacio, General Delfin Bangit, newly-appointed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief, was a no show at a joint military and police conference on election security preparations held Tuesday in Camp Crame.Director General Jesus Versoza, chief of the Philippine National </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/2785304390226994407/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=2785304390226994407' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/2785304390226994407'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/2785304390226994407'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2010/03/bangit-no-show-at-afp-pnp-meet-on.html' title='Bangit no-show at AFP-PNP meet on election security'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-6907682957095058592</id><published>2010-03-23T16:53:00.003+08:00</published><updated>2010-03-23T17:00:35.567+08:00</updated><title type='text'>More “bogus” party-list groups exposed</title><summary type='text'>By Dateline Philippines MANILA, Philippines – Four days before the deadline, an indigenous peoples (IP) party-list group submitted Monday to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) its list of nominees while exposing another dubious rival.The KATRIBU party-list bared the names of its five nominees, namely: Beverly Longid, Genasque Enriquez, Nelson Mallari, Karlen Fanagel, and Virgelio Aniceto.“In </summary><link rel='enclosure' type='' href='http://dateline.ph' length='0'/><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/6907682957095058592/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=6907682957095058592' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/6907682957095058592'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/6907682957095058592'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2010/03/more-bogus-party-list-groups-exposed.html' title='More “bogus” party-list groups exposed'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-81034636814271283</id><published>2010-03-17T22:24:00.004+08:00</published><updated>2010-03-17T22:39:21.438+08:00</updated><title type='text'>Hedcor welcomes Duterte’s move to amend city’s Watershed Code</title><summary type='text'>Hedcor this week breathed a sigh of relief following the pronouncement of Davao City mayor Rodrigo Duterte that he will ask the City Council for the amendment of the city’s Watershed Code that could mark the end of the protracted deadlock between Hedcor and the Davao City Water District for the use of the Tamugan River.The Watershed Code of Davao City prohibits the erection of any structure </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/81034636814271283/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=81034636814271283' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/81034636814271283'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/81034636814271283'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2010/03/hedcor-welcomes-dutertes-move-to-amend.html' title='Hedcor welcomes Duterte’s move to amend city’s Watershed Code'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-3463963987501706709</id><published>2010-03-16T12:48:00.002+08:00</published><updated>2010-03-16T13:41:25.980+08:00</updated><title type='text'>2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - Philippines</title><summary type='text'>March 11, 2010The Philippines, with a population of 92 million, is a multiparty republic with an elected president and bicameral legislature. In 2007 approximately 73 percent of registered citizens voted in mid-term elections for both houses of congress and provincial and local governments. The election generally was free and fair but was marred by violence and allegations of vote buying and </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/3463963987501706709/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=3463963987501706709' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/3463963987501706709'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/3463963987501706709'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2010/03/2009-country-reports-on-human-rights.html' title='2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - Philippines'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-1128481079846640271</id><published>2010-03-05T12:54:00.002+08:00</published><updated>2010-03-05T12:56:54.116+08:00</updated><title type='text'>GRP, MILF peace negotiators meet in KL; remain deadlock on approach</title><summary type='text'>The peace negotiators of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) held a one-day question-and-answer session in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur Thursday, March 4.   After the traditional opening remarks from the Parties especially by Datuk Othman bin Abdurazak, the Malaysian country facilitator, the two Parties remained poles apart</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/1128481079846640271/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=1128481079846640271' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/1128481079846640271'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/1128481079846640271'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2010/03/grp-milf-peace-negotiators-meet-in-kl.html' title='GRP, MILF peace negotiators meet in KL; remain deadlock on approach'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-2634941952546064574</id><published>2010-03-05T12:39:00.001+08:00</published><updated>2010-03-05T12:47:47.979+08:00</updated><title type='text'>GRP insists on the ‘inside the box’ approach</title><summary type='text'>(Speech of Mohagher Iqbal, Chairman of the MILF Peace Panel, during the Question-and-Answer Session in Kuala Lumpur on March 3, 2010)    Thirty four days ago today, we were here in Kuala Lumpur for a two-day 17th GRP-MILF Exploratory Talks. We exchanged drafts on the comprehensive compact on the first day, on January 27, but on the second day the Parties had never met directly for reason all of </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/2634941952546064574/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=2634941952546064574' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/2634941952546064574'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/2634941952546064574'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2010/03/grp-insists-on-inside-box-approach.html' title='GRP insists on the ‘inside the box’ approach'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-7975716926858713301</id><published>2010-03-03T22:33:00.001+08:00</published><updated>2010-03-03T22:35:04.307+08:00</updated><title type='text'>Advocates convene for HR Forum</title><summary type='text'>Human rights advocates from across the country convened today for a public forum at the University of the Philippines in Diliman to explore perspectives on human rights and the international humanitarian law.The forum on Republic Act 9851 or the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity discussed the emerging issues surrounding </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/7975716926858713301/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=7975716926858713301' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/7975716926858713301'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/7975716926858713301'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2010/03/advocates-convene-for-hr-forum.html' title='Advocates convene for HR Forum'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-5489453193799446801</id><published>2010-02-27T16:46:00.002+08:00</published><updated>2010-02-27T16:49:32.224+08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='News'/><title type='text'>Mindanao peace group, poll watchdog to hold forum with presidentiables</title><summary type='text'>By  Rick R. FloresDAVAO CITY – Peace votes from Mindanao are crucial in winning the 2010 national elections. And these votes may well account to more than 600,000, a huge number of internally displaced persons, who are keeping their collective support for a candidate who can provide a clear political platform in ending the conflict in Mindanao.   This is the gist of the Mindanao Leaders Forum </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/5489453193799446801/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=5489453193799446801' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/5489453193799446801'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/5489453193799446801'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2010/02/mindanao-peace-group-poll-watchdog-to.html' title='Mindanao peace group, poll watchdog to hold forum with presidentiables'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-1671362177242263004</id><published>2010-02-24T10:54:00.002+08:00</published><updated>2010-02-24T11:03:15.218+08:00</updated><title type='text'>TAF holds ‘Forum on Sustaining a Peace Process: Lessons from Peace Processes in Hard Times’</title><summary type='text'>By The Asia FoundationThe prospect of forging a final peace agreement between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) within the current Arroyo administration is getting slimmer as the national May 2010 presidential elections draw nearer. Talks have resumed but only after a tumultuous 18 months that almost shattered every single gain </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/1671362177242263004/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=1671362177242263004' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/1671362177242263004'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/1671362177242263004'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2010/02/taf-holds-forum-on-sustaining-peace.html' title='TAF holds ‘Forum on Sustaining a Peace Process: Lessons from Peace Processes in Hard Times’'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-8318340281739070569</id><published>2010-02-20T19:11:00.002+08:00</published><updated>2010-02-20T19:14:56.040+08:00</updated><title type='text'>Investigate the Killing of Edwin Bandila, We Pray</title><summary type='text'>By:  TAHER G. SOLAIMAN CARMEN, NORTH COTABATO – “Edwin Bandila, 48 years old, of Ugalingan, Carmen, North Cotabato, cultivated one hectare and harvested 35 cavans . . . With Mal-Mar, now he cultivates five hectares and produces 97 cavans per hectare. Mabuhay, Edwin!”President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, thus, in her 2008 State of the Nation Address that she delivered on July 28, 2008, cited the case</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/8318340281739070569/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=8318340281739070569' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/8318340281739070569'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/8318340281739070569'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2010/02/investigate-killing-of-edwin-bandila-we.html' title='Investigate the Killing of Edwin Bandila, We Pray'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-7780643818283488771</id><published>2009-10-13T12:08:00.002+08:00</published><updated>2009-10-13T12:15:16.856+08:00</updated><title type='text'>NATURE’S AND MAN’S WRATH: A Similitude or Sharp Contrast</title><summary type='text'>By: Mike G. KulatA short recollection of events will tell us of a man’s unleashed fury in Maguindanao province and its peripheries started in August 7, 2008 when now presidential aspirant and National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno issued the “Ultimatum” for the surrender of alleged three “rogue” MILF commanders.A day after</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/7780643818283488771/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=7780643818283488771' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/7780643818283488771'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/7780643818283488771'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2009/10/natures-and-mans-wrath-similitude-or.html' title='NATURE’S AND MAN’S WRATH: A Similitude or Sharp Contrast'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-3905358264073453898</id><published>2009-09-17T19:09:00.001+08:00</published><updated>2009-09-17T19:10:31.887+08:00</updated><title type='text'>Ranking military officials face destructive arson, misconduct raps</title><summary type='text'>By PRIMO HONTIVEROSQUEZON CITY—The Office of the Ombudsman for the Military and other Law Enforcement Offices has filed cases of destructive arson and misconduct against top ranking officers of the 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army based in Tacurong City last September. The respondents included Maj. Gen. Alfredo Cayton, commanding general of the 6th ID, Col. Medardo Geslani, Col.  </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/3905358264073453898/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=3905358264073453898' title='3 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/3905358264073453898'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/3905358264073453898'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2009/09/ranking-military-officials-face.html' title='Ranking military officials face destructive arson, misconduct raps'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>3</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-2368181462654535895</id><published>2009-08-30T19:16:00.003+08:00</published><updated>2009-08-30T19:32:42.934+08:00</updated><title type='text'>Stay the Course, Keep the Peace, Don’t Bite the Bullet!</title><summary type='text'>By PASTOR REU MONTECILLOChairperson, Mindanao Peoples Caucus(A position paper presented during the Public Hearing of the Committee on the National Defense and Security joint with the Committee on Peace, Unification and Reconciliation of the Philippine Senate regarding the Proposed Senate Resolution No. 1281, "Expressing the Sense of the Senate for the Suspension of the Resumption of the Peace </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/2368181462654535895/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=2368181462654535895' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/2368181462654535895'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/2368181462654535895'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2009/08/stay-course-keep-peace-dont-bite-bullet.html' title='Stay the Course, Keep the Peace, Don’t Bite the Bullet!'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-6332809620977724563</id><published>2009-08-23T14:21:00.002+08:00</published><updated>2009-08-23T14:25:42.813+08:00</updated><title type='text'>Grenade blast kills 3, hurts 26</title><summary type='text'>COTABATO PROVINCE - Three persons were killed and 26 others were injured when a hand grenade exploded amidst a crowd watching the performance of a Moro band in a wedding ceremony in Sitio Lanitap, Barangay General Luna, Carmen town, this province on August 20, 2009 at about 2:15 a. m.   The fatalities were Sahid Minanga, who died on the spot; Mama Lumagan and another victim, who died later in an </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/6332809620977724563/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=6332809620977724563' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/6332809620977724563'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/6332809620977724563'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2009/08/grenade-blast-kills-3-hurts-26.html' title='Grenade blast kills 3, hurts 26'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-3145582855884443565</id><published>2009-08-15T17:34:00.003+08:00</published><updated>2009-08-15T17:44:33.979+08:00</updated><title type='text'>MILITARY DID THE FIRST SHOT  IN VIOLATION OF SOMO-SOMA</title><summary type='text'>By Mike G. KulatTen civilian evacuees mostly children were wounded in an explosion believably from a mortar shell at an evacuation center in Dulangan Abid Primary School of Barangay Makasendeg, Pikt, North Cotabato at around 4:30 p. m. last Thursday.A member of the Tiyakap Kalilintad in the area revealed that the explosion happened while most of the children were playing at the school playground </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/3145582855884443565/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=3145582855884443565' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/3145582855884443565'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/3145582855884443565'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2009/08/military-did-first-shot-in-violation.html' title='MILITARY DID THE FIRST SHOT  IN VIOLATION OF SOMO-SOMA'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-9204385803649798074</id><published>2009-08-06T14:08:00.002+08:00</published><updated>2009-08-06T14:14:25.183+08:00</updated><title type='text'>Temporary Restraining Order (TRO): Never Again!</title><summary type='text'>MEDIA STATEMENTAugust 5, 2009WE, the undersigned representatives of civil society organizations and peace advocates in Mindanao, hereby express our grave concern over the recent remarks of Cotabato Vice Governor Emmanuel Piñol who threatens to cite the Government Peace Panel in contempt of the Supreme Court for its July 29 Joint Statement which mentioned in part the “acknowledgment of MOA-AD as </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/9204385803649798074/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=9204385803649798074' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/9204385803649798074'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/9204385803649798074'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2009/08/temporary-restraining-order-tro-never.html' title='Temporary Restraining Order (TRO): Never Again!'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-2582595421412540660</id><published>2009-08-01T11:50:00.002+08:00</published><updated>2009-08-01T11:56:41.513+08:00</updated><title type='text'>NIA worker slain in Carmen, North Cot.</title><summary type='text'>By Taher G. Solaiman/MindaNews Contributor    CARMEN,  North Cotabato (MindaNews/31 July) - At least two unidentified gunmen ambushed and killed a worker of the Malitubog-Maridagao Irrigation Project of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) at around 7 p. m. yesterday in Barangay (village) Ugalingan, Carmen, this province. Samson Mantawil, 44 years old and a resident of Barangay Ugalingan </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/2582595421412540660/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=2582595421412540660' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/2582595421412540660'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/2582595421412540660'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2009/08/nia-worker-slain-in-carmen-north-cot.html' title='NIA worker slain in Carmen, North Cot.'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-2854564450163234290</id><published>2009-07-27T19:41:00.002+08:00</published><updated>2009-07-27T19:48:57.794+08:00</updated><title type='text'>LOOKING FROM A DISTANCE ON SOMO AND SOMA WITH THE IDPs</title><summary type='text'>By: Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS)The Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS), a network and conferential body of some 168 Moro civil society organizations in mainland Mindanao and island provinces, has been actively sharing its part in advocating the rights and welfare of the more than a half million persons displaced by the ongoing war launched by the Philippine government </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/2854564450163234290/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=2854564450163234290' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/2854564450163234290'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/2854564450163234290'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2009/07/looking-from-distance-on-somo-and-soma.html' title='LOOKING FROM A DISTANCE ON SOMO AND SOMA WITH THE IDPs'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-6498714568613846522</id><published>2009-07-26T18:51:00.002+08:00</published><updated>2009-07-26T18:54:15.642+08:00</updated><title type='text'>MPC welcomes SOMA, SOMO; appeals to politicians to support timely truce</title><summary type='text'>By: Mindanao Peoples Caucus (MPC)MALACANANG’s  order of Suspension of Military Operations (SOMO) last July 23, 2009 and the reciprocal declaration by the MILF of Suspension of Military Action (SOMA) last July 25, 2009 signify both parties’ compassion and due consideration to the plight of the hundreds of thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who had been yearning to safely return home.</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/6498714568613846522/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=6498714568613846522' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/6498714568613846522'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/6498714568613846522'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2009/07/mpc-welcomes-soma-somo-appeals-to.html' title='MPC welcomes SOMA, SOMO; appeals to politicians to support timely truce'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-4730637961765636787</id><published>2009-07-26T18:39:00.002+08:00</published><updated>2009-07-26T18:47:36.318+08:00</updated><title type='text'>STATE OF THE BAKWITS ADDRESS (SOBA)</title><summary type='text'>By: The Bakwits (Internally Displaced Persons)   23 July 2009 Eleven months ago, we fled our homes, our villages because we were afraid to get caught in the midst of renewed hostilities between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Philippine government. We do not understand why the war has again erupted when the parties in the last five years had been pursuing peace talks and were in </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/4730637961765636787/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=4730637961765636787' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/4730637961765636787'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/4730637961765636787'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2009/07/state-of-bakwits-address-soba.html' title='STATE OF THE BAKWITS ADDRESS (SOBA)'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-8011991374432842923</id><published>2009-07-25T13:45:00.002+08:00</published><updated>2009-07-25T13:48:10.086+08:00</updated><title type='text'>AI urges President Arroyo to leave a positive legacy of human rights</title><summary type='text'>By: Amnesty InternationalPresident Gloria Macapagal Arroyo must leave a positive legacy of human rights for the peoples of the Philippines during her last ten months in office, Amnesty International said today. On 27 July, she will give her final State of the Nation Address after nine years as president. At the same time a pervasive culture of impunity for human rights violations throughout the </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/8011991374432842923/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=8011991374432842923' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/8011991374432842923'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/8011991374432842923'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2009/07/ai-urges-president-arroyo-to-leave.html' title='AI urges President Arroyo to leave a positive legacy of human rights'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-5672360136678519622</id><published>2009-07-22T13:51:00.001+08:00</published><updated>2009-07-22T13:54:21.328+08:00</updated><title type='text'>ASEAN: Guarantee rights throughout the region</title><summary type='text'>By: Amnesty InternationalAmnesty International welcomes the steps ASEAN is taking, however hesitant, towards regional protection and promotion of human rights. However, the final Terms of Reference for the ASEAN human rights body leave much room for improvement. The establishment of an ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) is a positive development. We now urge ASEAN </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/5672360136678519622/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=5672360136678519622' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/5672360136678519622'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/5672360136678519622'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2009/07/asean-guarantee-rights-throughout.html' title='ASEAN: Guarantee rights throughout the region'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-4307135036702593566</id><published>2009-07-22T13:46:00.002+08:00</published><updated>2009-07-22T13:51:08.586+08:00</updated><title type='text'>PRESIDENTIABLES AND SENATORIABLES: WALK YOUR TALK</title><summary type='text'>By: Mindanao Peoples CaucusAspiring candidates for the presidency and the senate have started selling themselves to the public, spending millions of pesos to look either “pro-poor” or “champion of the poor” so that the poor Filipino masses will vote for them.Aside from the paid ads, these presidentiables and senatoriables have managed to squeeze themselves into noontime shows, showbiz talks and </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/4307135036702593566/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=4307135036702593566' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/4307135036702593566'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/4307135036702593566'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2009/07/presidentiables-and-senatoriables-walk.html' title='PRESIDENTIABLES AND SENATORIABLES: WALK YOUR TALK'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-3670412171479679377</id><published>2009-07-19T12:05:00.002+08:00</published><updated>2009-07-21T14:06:22.319+08:00</updated><title type='text'>JUSTICE FOR ANOTHER BOMBER THAT NEVER WAS</title><summary type='text'>By:  TAHER G. SOLAIMANCOTABATO PROVINCE – For the second time, members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested a fall guy in their desperate efforts to capture Kule Mamagong, a bombing suspect, who is currently facing charges of multiple murder with multiple frustrated murder.Operatives of the PNP Regional Intelligence Office 12 (PNPRIO-12) based in General Santos City arrested Nasrodin </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/3670412171479679377/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=3670412171479679377' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/3670412171479679377'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/3670412171479679377'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2009/07/justice-for-another-bomber-that-never.html' title='JUSTICE FOR ANOTHER BOMBER THAT NEVER WAS'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-6770199858108398173</id><published>2009-07-10T20:04:00.003+08:00</published><updated>2009-07-10T20:10:55.424+08:00</updated><title type='text'>STOP THE BOMBINGS AND OTHER ATROCITIES AGAINST CIVILIANS</title><summary type='text'>By Bangsamoro Youth Leaders Forum (BMYLF)Cotabato CityJuly 10, 2009The Bangsamoro Youth Leaders Forum (BMYLF), the broadest coalition of Moro youth organizations in Mindanao strongly condemns the recent series of bombings in Datu Piang, Maguindanao, Cotabato City, Iligan City and Jolo, Sulu that killed 12 persons  and injured almost hundred of innocent civilians.The BMYLF expresses its sympathy </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/6770199858108398173/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=6770199858108398173' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/6770199858108398173'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/6770199858108398173'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2009/07/stop-bompings-and-other-atrocities.html' title='STOP THE BOMBINGS AND OTHER ATROCITIES AGAINST CIVILIANS'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-953003017973347084</id><published>2009-07-10T14:33:00.002+08:00</published><updated>2009-07-10T14:36:31.850+08:00</updated><title type='text'>Protect the Civilians, Respect the IDPs</title><summary type='text'>Mindanao Peoples Caucus (MPC)July 10, 2009The Mindanao Peoples Caucus calls the attention of the international humanitarian agencies and the United Nations to step up their efforts to protect the civilians and internally displaced persons in Maguindanao and Cotabato in the light of the recent pronouncement by the Spokesperson of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, that these IDPs are the “enemy </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/953003017973347084/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=953003017973347084' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/953003017973347084'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/953003017973347084'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2009/07/protect-civilians-respect-idps.html' title='Protect the Civilians, Respect the IDPs'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-2420104100496483749</id><published>2009-07-10T14:26:00.000+08:00</published><updated>2009-07-10T14:32:29.963+08:00</updated><title type='text'>CBCS condemns spate of bombings in Mindanao</title><summary type='text'>The Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) condemns in the strongest possible terms the recent spate of bombings in Mindanao and makes the following calls and clarifications:   • That a thorough investigation by a credible independent body be conducted on all incidents of bombing (July 4 in Datu Piang, Maguindanao; July 5 in Cotabato City; July 6 in Lanao del Norte; and July 7 in Jolo and </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/2420104100496483749/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=2420104100496483749' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/2420104100496483749'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/2420104100496483749'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2009/07/cbcs-condemns-spate-of-bombings-in.html' title='CBCS condemns spate of bombings in Mindanao'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-8978037604380875402</id><published>2009-07-08T11:36:00.003+08:00</published><updated>2009-07-08T11:40:48.527+08:00</updated><title type='text'>STOP THE BOMBINGS, CEASEFIRE NOW!</title><summary type='text'>By Mindanao Peoples Caucus (MPC)July 7, 2009The Mindanao Peoples Caucus strongly condemns the recent bombing in Cotabato City last Sunday which again claimed the lives of innocent people, young and old.   We grieved with the family of the victims who are still shocked over the death of their loved ones.  We sympathize with those who had been injured and pray for their immediate recovery.  We are </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/8978037604380875402/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=8978037604380875402' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/8978037604380875402'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/8978037604380875402'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2009/07/stop-bombings-ceasefire-now.html' title='STOP THE BOMBINGS, CEASEFIRE NOW!'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-2465870526042182971</id><published>2009-07-04T14:40:00.002+08:00</published><updated>2009-07-04T14:45:49.320+08:00</updated><title type='text'>A CALL TO DEFEND THE PEOPLES’ RIGHT TO KNOW</title><summary type='text'>The State of the Bakwits (S.O.B.), a joint coverage of Mindanao and Manila journalists held on June 29 to July 1, 2009 was intended to focus public attention on a humanitarian tragedy that we believe has not been given the attention it deserves. Coming from different media organizations in Mindanao and Manila, we issue this collective statement in view of the disturbing checkpoint incident on </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/2465870526042182971/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=2465870526042182971' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/2465870526042182971'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/2465870526042182971'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2009/07/call-to-defend-peoples-right-to-know.html' title='A CALL TO DEFEND THE PEOPLES’ RIGHT TO KNOW'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-8061785593501108025</id><published>2009-06-18T19:07:00.002+08:00</published><updated>2009-06-18T19:10:43.323+08:00</updated><title type='text'>2 gov’t troops slain in Davao del Norte</title><summary type='text'>DAVAO CITY, PHILIPPINES – Government soldiers belonging to the 60th Infantry Battalion led by Army Major Arcadio Posada engaged in a firefight at least 15 guerrillas of the New People’s Army (NPA) at about 9:50 a.m. last June 15 in Talaingod town in Davao del Norte.The firefight resulted to the killing of an army officer and an enlisted personnel whose identities were not disclosed in a belated </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/8061785593501108025/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=8061785593501108025' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/8061785593501108025'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/8061785593501108025'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2009/06/2-govt-troops-slain-in-davao-del-norte.html' title='2 gov’t troops slain in Davao del Norte'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-4279987865830213302</id><published>2009-06-10T10:05:00.001+08:00</published><updated>2009-06-10T10:09:53.873+08:00</updated><title type='text'>Moro leaders laud Obama’s speech</title><summary type='text'>By: TAHER G. SOLAIMANUS President Barack Hussein Obama has called for “a new beginning” in the relationship between America and the Muslim World.“I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world,” Obama said in a speech that delivered in the Cairo University in Cairo, Egypt last Thursday.Obama acknowledged the contributions of the Muslims to human </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/4279987865830213302/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=4279987865830213302' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/4279987865830213302'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/4279987865830213302'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2009/06/moro-leaders-laud-obamas-speech.html' title='Moro leaders laud Obama’s speech'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-4203791398067092766</id><published>2009-06-09T17:24:00.001+08:00</published><updated>2009-06-09T17:27:30.756+08:00</updated><title type='text'>Where can you find the soldiers in Datu Piang?</title><summary type='text'>By: ROMY ELUSFA DATU PIANG, Maguindanao - The soldiers here are everywhere – in mosques, school buildings or few meters away from school buildings, and houses of civilians. From Crossing Salvo, the main road that connects the cities of Cotabato and Tacurong in Sultan Kudarat, to this interior town within the Liguasan Marsh, are more than 10 Army check points, some of them are less than a </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/4203791398067092766/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=4203791398067092766' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/4203791398067092766'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/4203791398067092766'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2009/06/where-can-you-find-soldiers-in-datu.html' title='Where can you find the soldiers in Datu Piang?'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-8959101134288655396</id><published>2009-06-09T17:19:00.003+08:00</published><updated>2009-06-09T17:23:54.209+08:00</updated><title type='text'>Peace Mission urges GOs, NGOs to help address plight of refugees</title><summary type='text'>By:  ROMY ELUSFADATU PIANG, Maguindanao – After a week of the ongoing accompaniment mission with the evacuees here, peace groups came up with a dozen set of recommendations to address the plight of the over 30,000 refugees, which include a call for government and private organizations to conduct health missions and trauma healing sessions. The recommendation, which surfaced during an assessment </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/8959101134288655396/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=8959101134288655396' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/8959101134288655396'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/8959101134288655396'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2009/06/peace-mission-urges-gos-ngos-to-help.html' title='Peace Mission urges GOs, NGOs to help address plight of refugees'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-2949565780253028995</id><published>2009-06-06T17:50:00.002+08:00</published><updated>2009-06-06T18:07:34.942+08:00</updated><title type='text'>Obama talks on America's relationship with Muslim World</title><summary type='text'>US President Barack Obama delivered a speech on America's relationship with the Muslim World in Cairo, Egypt last June 4.  Here is the text of President Obama's speech:I am honored to be in the timeless city of Cairo, and to be hosted by two remarkable institutions. For over a thousand years, Al-Azhar has stood as a beacon of Islamic learning, and for over a century, Cairo University has been a </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/2949565780253028995/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=2949565780253028995' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/2949565780253028995'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/2949565780253028995'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2009/06/obama-talks-on-americas-relationship.html' title='Obama talks on America&apos;s relationship with Muslim World'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-3826823211699302522</id><published>2009-06-03T15:07:00.002+08:00</published><updated>2009-06-03T15:14:19.822+08:00</updated><title type='text'>Humanitarian Crisis in Datu Piang</title><summary type='text'> By ROMY ELUSFA DATU PIANG, Maguindanao – As the situation of evacuees in refugee camps here continues to worsen with people starving and dying, another wave of over 200 families fled their homes on May 31, adding to the 6,277 evacuee-families reported last week.The over 200 families fled Barangay Reyna Regente of this town to seek refuge under the trees in the village of Macasendig in </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/3826823211699302522/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=3826823211699302522' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/3826823211699302522'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/3826823211699302522'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2009/06/humanitarian-crisis-in-datu-piang.html' title='Humanitarian Crisis in Datu Piang'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-1981292728393030577</id><published>2009-05-19T11:32:00.002+08:00</published><updated>2009-05-19T11:41:25.777+08:00</updated><title type='text'>IID calls for stop of humanitarian crisis inMindanao</title><summary type='text'>The Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID) issued a statement last May 13 calling for stop of the humanitarian crisis in Mindanao.Here is the statement of the IID:STOP THE HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN MINDANAO13 May 2009We express grave concern on the recent spate of conflict in Maguindanao, one of five provinces under the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) which has forced thousands of </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/1981292728393030577/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=1981292728393030577' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/1981292728393030577'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/1981292728393030577'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2009/05/iid-calls-for-stop-of-humanitarian.html' title='IID calls for stop of humanitarian crisis inMindanao'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-4548837155602699198</id><published>2009-02-25T15:37:00.002+08:00</published><updated>2009-02-25T15:41:53.087+08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Commentary'/><title type='text'>COMMENTARY: MOA-AD documents another injustice against the Bangsamoro – MILF</title><summary type='text'>By Taher G. SolaimanCotabato City/February 25, 2009 -- Asserting that the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain Aspect of the Tripoli Agreement on Peace of 2001 (MOA-AD), having been already initialed by the Parties to the peace negotiations, is a “done deal” and a “living document,” Jun Mantawil, head of the secretariat of the Peace Panel of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/4548837155602699198/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=4548837155602699198' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/4548837155602699198'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/4548837155602699198'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2009/02/commentary-moa-ad-documents-another.html' title='COMMENTARY: MOA-AD documents another injustice against the Bangsamoro – MILF'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-326178609925645528</id><published>2009-02-14T19:23:00.001+08:00</published><updated>2009-02-14T19:26:53.315+08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Commentary'/><title type='text'>Remembering the ‘Day of Treachery’ and Its Implications</title><summary type='text'>By Maulana Bobby AlontoBrother Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, Chairman of the MILF and Amirul Mujahideen, is right in designating February 11 as the ‘Day of Treachery’. This is to remind the Bangsamoro people of what had happened on that fateful day of February 11, 2003, which is six years ago, when the Armed Forces of the Philippines, without rhyme or reason, suddenly unleashed an indiscriminate and </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/326178609925645528/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=326178609925645528' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/326178609925645528'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/326178609925645528'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2009/02/remembering-day-of-treachery-and-its.html' title='Remembering the ‘Day of Treachery’ and Its Implications'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-485337217707626155</id><published>2009-01-06T14:56:00.002+08:00</published><updated>2009-01-06T15:03:21.211+08:00</updated><title type='text'>Philippine Government Should Sever Ties with Israel</title><summary type='text'>By Stop the War Coalition-PhilippinesWe at Stop the War Coalition Philippines, a broad coalition of civil society organizations, social movements, labor unions, political parties, human rights, women's, students, religious and other organizations, strongly condemn Israel's war crimes against the people of Gaza and the international community.These latest attacks are not only disproportionate, </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/485337217707626155/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=485337217707626155' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/485337217707626155'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/485337217707626155'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2009/01/philippine-government-should-sever-ties.html' title='Philippine Government Should Sever Ties with Israel'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-384503625366188053</id><published>2008-12-09T23:38:00.005+08:00</published><updated>2008-12-09T23:41:50.875+08:00</updated><title type='text'>Commentary:  The Incongruity of Interfaith Dialogue in Resolving the Mindanao Conflict</title><summary type='text'>By  Maulana "Bobby" AlontoAfter it has jettisoned the previously initialed MILF-GRP Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) ostensibly in deference to the Supreme Court decision on its ‘unconstitutionality’ coupled with the national uproar generated by political and economic vested-interest groups opposed to a just political settlement of the Mindanao conflict, the Government of the </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/384503625366188053/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=384503625366188053' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/384503625366188053'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/384503625366188053'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2008/12/commentary-incongruity-of-interfaith.html' title='Commentary:  The Incongruity of Interfaith Dialogue in Resolving the Mindanao Conflict'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-7815485005177365834</id><published>2008-12-03T13:11:00.002+08:00</published><updated>2008-12-03T13:15:14.236+08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Commentary'/><title type='text'>Commentary: INCREASING MYSTERIOUS MASSACRES OF INNOCENT CIVILIANS</title><summary type='text'>By Mike G. Kulat The massacre that happened in Sitio Udsodan in Barangay Mudseng, Midsayap, North Cotabato on November 12, 2008 brings the total number into three attacks on innocent civilians aside from the victims of the ongoing military operation in different parts of Mindanao. It should be recalled that in early November a massacre in Magsayasay, Lanoa Del Norte happened that followed by </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/7815485005177365834/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=7815485005177365834' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/7815485005177365834'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/7815485005177365834'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2008/12/commentary-increasing-mysterious.html' title='Commentary: INCREASING MYSTERIOUS MASSACRES OF INNOCENT CIVILIANS'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-1327879436515315257</id><published>2008-11-28T14:27:00.003+08:00</published><updated>2008-11-28T14:40:44.768+08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='News'/><title type='text'>News: Civilians  continue to suffer from  AFP air strikes</title><summary type='text'>By Mike G. KulatFour more civilians, all women were victims of indiscriminate air strikes from the Armed Forces of the Philippines'  OV-10 bombers in Maguindanao areas.In an interview conducted by members of the Tiyakap Kalilintad of the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society with the victims, it was learned that Hadja Sapia Samad together with seven other members of the family were inside their </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/1327879436515315257/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=1327879436515315257' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/1327879436515315257'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/1327879436515315257'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2008/11/news-civilians-continue-to-suffer-from.html' title='News: Civilians  continue to suffer from  AFP air strikes'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-7266031274977602988</id><published>2008-11-17T17:55:00.002+08:00</published><updated>2008-11-17T17:58:34.279+08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='News'/><title type='text'>News: Villar out, Enrile in, as Philippine Senate President</title><summary type='text'>By Taher G. SolaimanSenator Manuel Villar has resigned today from his post as President of the Philippine Senate.Villar said he resigned from his post when learned that he no longer had the support of majority of his fellow senators.Senator Juan Ponce Enrile replaced Villar as Senate President.Villar lost the confidence of his fellow senators after he was implicated in the controversial C-5 road </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/7266031274977602988/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=7266031274977602988' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/7266031274977602988'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/7266031274977602988'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2008/11/news-villar-out-enrile-in-as-philippine.html' title='News: Villar out, Enrile in, as Philippine Senate President'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-1200304999053508859</id><published>2008-11-17T17:36:00.001+08:00</published><updated>2008-11-17T17:40:13.103+08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Commentary'/><title type='text'>Reaction to "Thank you, Supreme Court of the Philippines"</title><summary type='text'>We posted here last November 12 the article, Thank you, Supreme Court of the Philippines by Atty. Fatimah Bin Guerra. The same article was also posted in the www.luwaran.com last November 11.Rahib L. Kudto, the national president of the United Youth for Peace and Development, Inc. (UNYPAD) and deputy secretary-general of the Mindanao People’s Caucus (MPC), sent us his reaction on the said article</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/1200304999053508859/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=1200304999053508859' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/1200304999053508859'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/1200304999053508859'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2008/11/reaction-to-thank-you-supreme-court-of.html' title='Reaction to &quot;Thank you, Supreme Court of the Philippines&quot;'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-4927351408526611433</id><published>2008-11-13T18:29:00.002+08:00</published><updated>2008-11-13T18:33:03.087+08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='News'/><title type='text'>News:  MILF welcomes OIC call, insists MOA-AD signing first before peace talks</title><summary type='text'>By Taher G. SolaimanMoro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal told reporters today that the call of Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) for the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to immediately return to the negotiating table was a “welcome </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/4927351408526611433/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=4927351408526611433' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/4927351408526611433'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/4927351408526611433'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2008/11/news-milf-welcomes-oic-call-insists-moa.html' title='News:  MILF welcomes OIC call, insists MOA-AD signing first before peace talks'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-650680778779662642</id><published>2008-11-13T11:48:00.002+08:00</published><updated>2008-11-13T11:51:55.329+08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='News'/><title type='text'>News: OIC urges GRP, MILF to resume peace talks soon</title><summary type='text'>By Taher G. SolaimanProfessor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, the Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), in a statement released last November 10, warned that the deteriorating situation in Mindanao “empowers undisciplined elements who seek to abort the peace process and fuel extremist feelings” even as he urged “the government of the Philippines and President Maria Gloria </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/650680778779662642/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=650680778779662642' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/650680778779662642'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/650680778779662642'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2008/11/news-oic-urges-grp-milf-to-resume-peace.html' title='News: OIC urges GRP, MILF to resume peace talks soon'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-7444483095920960818</id><published>2008-11-13T09:13:00.004+08:00</published><updated>2008-11-13T09:19:32.551+08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Commentary'/><title type='text'>Commentary: Are the Moros Filipinos?</title><summary type='text'>By Mohd. Musib M. BuatNo. They are not ‘Filipinos’ but they are ‘Philippine Citizens’ by operation of law. And how did that happen? It’s a long story. But let me first narrate its historical antecedents before I will talk about the issue on ‘Citizenship’.Historical AntecedentsThe Moros were once free and independent people under the suzerainty of their sultanates with a definite territory or </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/7444483095920960818/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=7444483095920960818' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/7444483095920960818'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/7444483095920960818'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2008/11/commentary-are-moros-filipinos.html' title='Commentary: Are the Moros Filipinos?'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-1248363007729627944</id><published>2008-11-12T17:07:00.005+08:00</published><updated>2008-11-12T17:21:22.054+08:00</updated><title type='text'>UNYPAD writes Obama on Mindanao Conflict</title><summary type='text'>The United Youth for Peace and Development, Inc. (UNYPAD) has just sent a letter to President-elect Barack Obama of the United States of America (USA) regarding the ongoing conflict in Mindanao, South of the Philippines.We are quoting below the said letter: In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most MercifulUNITED YOUTH FOR PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT, INC. (UNYPAD)Datu Liwa Candao St., Shariff </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/1248363007729627944/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=1248363007729627944' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/1248363007729627944'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/1248363007729627944'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2008/11/unypad-wrtes-obama-on-mindanao-conflict.html' title='UNYPAD writes Obama on Mindanao Conflict'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-2284119573372142942</id><published>2008-11-12T16:54:00.002+08:00</published><updated>2008-11-12T16:58:47.590+08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Commentary'/><title type='text'>COMMENTARY: Thank you, Supreme Court of the Philippines</title><summary type='text'>By: Atty. Fatimah Bin GuerraThank you, Honorable Chief Justice and Associate Justices for showing us how justice works in this country.  Thank you for issuing the TRO on the MOA-AD, for showing to the Filipino people how fast you can actually act upon cases filed by powerful politicians like Emmanuel Piñol and Celso Lobregat.  Indeed, the speediness at which you have acted on this case was </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/2284119573372142942/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=2284119573372142942' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/2284119573372142942'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/2284119573372142942'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2008/11/commentary-thank-you-supreme-court-of.html' title='COMMENTARY: Thank you, Supreme Court of the Philippines'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-3523510480419236092</id><published>2008-11-08T20:11:00.007+08:00</published><updated>2008-11-08T20:32:03.928+08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='News'/><title type='text'>NEWS: Peace advocates ask GMA, MILF to stop war</title><summary type='text'>Peace advocates appeal to government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to stop the armed hostilities in Mindanao after the Supreme Court junked the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) for being unconstitutional.Alarmed over the gravity of humanitarian crisis and the deteriorating condition of these war-ravaged areas, members of the Mindanao Peaceweavers (MPW) wrote </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/3523510480419236092/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=3523510480419236092' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/3523510480419236092'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/3523510480419236092'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2008/11/news-peace-advocates-ask-gma-milf-to.html' title='NEWS: Peace advocates ask GMA, MILF to stop war'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-7416813033042123427</id><published>2008-11-05T19:02:00.004+08:00</published><updated>2008-11-05T19:10:00.656+08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Commentary'/><title type='text'>COMMENTARY:  REVISITING MOA-AD: Mockery of the Century</title><summary type='text'>By: Mike G. Kulat                                                                                                                   The recent squabbles within the whole instrumentalities of the government and the deplorable conditions of over half a million civilians brought about by the aborted signing of  the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) between the Moro Islamic </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/7416813033042123427/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=7416813033042123427' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/7416813033042123427'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/7416813033042123427'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2008/11/commentary-revisiting-moa-ad-mockery-of.html' title='COMMENTARY:  REVISITING MOA-AD: Mockery of the Century'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-5541620614045451009</id><published>2008-11-04T13:44:00.002+08:00</published><updated>2008-11-04T13:47:47.512+08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='News'/><title type='text'>NEWS: Army soldier injured in armed clash with NPA in Cotabato</title><summary type='text'>By Taher G. SolaimanAn army soldier identified as Private First Class Ramil T. Flores was wounded in an armed encounter with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels last Sunday evening in Sitio (sub-village) Talahek, Barangay (village) Bacong, Tulunan, Cotabato, a military officer said today.The soldiers from the 57th Infantry Battalion were conducting patrol when they chanced upon about 30 NPA rebels, </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/5541620614045451009/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=5541620614045451009' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/5541620614045451009'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/5541620614045451009'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2008/11/news-army-soldier-injured-in-armed.html' title='NEWS: Army soldier injured in armed clash with NPA in Cotabato'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-6312583240762839029</id><published>2008-11-03T17:22:00.004+08:00</published><updated>2008-11-03T17:42:49.765+08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Commentary'/><title type='text'>COMMENTARY: Another Rejoinder to "The Philippines: The Impact of Exclusion on the Moro Peace Process"</title><summary type='text'>By Amay MuamarThe best persons to explain why the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) are "shortchanged" in the MILF-GRP consensus points (MOA-AD) are no other than Ms. Paraguya and also Mr. Saliling. Did these two IP leaders read the MOA-AD? Did they have the feeling that the IPs will eventually lose 1 million hectares of their ancestral lands? Did the two IP leaders sell the rights of the IPs to the BJE? </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/6312583240762839029/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=6312583240762839029' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/6312583240762839029'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/6312583240762839029'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2008/11/commentary-another-rejoinder-to.html' title='COMMENTARY: Another Rejoinder to &quot;The Philippines: The Impact of Exclusion on the Moro Peace Process&quot;'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-1594939858291805111</id><published>2008-11-02T19:31:00.004+08:00</published><updated>2008-11-02T19:43:37.342+08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='Commentary'/><title type='text'>COMMENTARY:  A Rejoinder to "The Philippines: The Impact of  Exclusion on the Moro Peace Process"</title><summary type='text'>By Ali AshgarThis is a rejoinder to the article published in  The Mindanao Examiner (www.examiner.com) last October 29, 2008 by the Asian Centre for Human Rights entitled “Philippines: The impact of exclusion on the Moro peace process” that presented the current situation as an effect of the undeclared war lingering in at least six provinces in Mindanao for the past three months. The paper also </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/1594939858291805111/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=1594939858291805111' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/1594939858291805111'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/1594939858291805111'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2008/11/commentary-rejoinder-to-philippines.html' title='COMMENTARY:  A Rejoinder to &quot;The Philippines: The Impact of  Exclusion on the Moro Peace Process&quot;'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-201351250340737228</id><published>2008-10-30T11:45:00.001+08:00</published><updated>2008-10-30T11:49:22.629+08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='News'/><title type='text'>NEWS:  International guarantee first before peace talks resumption -- MILF</title><summary type='text'>By Taher G. SolaimanThe Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is willing to return to the negotiating table when there is "an international guarantee.”This was the statement given to the media early this week by Ghazali Jaafar, MILF vice chair on political affairs.“Any bilateral agreement between the government and the MILF should be made binding before the international community and should not </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/201351250340737228/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=201351250340737228' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/201351250340737228'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/201351250340737228'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2008/10/news-international-guarantee-first.html' title='NEWS:  International guarantee first before peace talks resumption -- MILF'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-6638528136265246732</id><published>2008-10-29T20:31:00.005+08:00</published><updated>2008-10-30T11:50:18.285+08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='News'/><title type='text'>NEWS:   Moro groups lobby the UN Secretary General for Right to Self-Determination</title><summary type='text'>By Samira Gutoc MANILA/29 October 2008 -- If you can't go to United Nations (UN) in New York, wait for the U.N. to come to you. This is what Moro activists lobbying for Moro rights did as they staked the arrival of the UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon here in Manila who was to attend the Second Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) at the Philippine International Convention Center (</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/6638528136265246732/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=6638528136265246732' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/6638528136265246732'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/6638528136265246732'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2008/10/news-moro-groups-lobby-un-secretary.html' title='NEWS:   Moro groups lobby the UN Secretary General for Right to Self-Determination'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-6889171354987970861</id><published>2008-10-29T18:34:00.004+08:00</published><updated>2008-10-29T19:00:06.333+08:00</updated><title type='text'>YOUTH GROUP SEEKS UN INTERVENTION ON MINDANAO SITUATION</title><summary type='text'>Believing that "the situation in Mindanao is now ripe for the direct interventions of the UN peace keeping force to stall the continuing carnage in this Island," the United Youth for Peace and Development, Inc. (UNYPAD) is now seeking the intervention and support of the UN. We are publishing here the letter of the UNYPAD to  His Excellency Ban Ki-Moon, the UN Secretary General. Here is the text </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/6889171354987970861/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=6889171354987970861' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/6889171354987970861'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/6889171354987970861'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2008/10/youth-group-seeks-un-intervention-on.html' title='YOUTH GROUP SEEKS UN INTERVENTION ON MINDANAO SITUATION'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-3803593665485465077</id><published>2008-10-29T11:47:00.005+08:00</published><updated>2008-10-29T12:13:11.455+08:00</updated><title type='text'>INITIAL FINDINGS OF THE NATIONAL INTERFAITH HUMANITARIAN MISSION TO NORTH COTABATO AND MAGUINDANAO</title><summary type='text'>The situation in North Cotabato and Maguindanao has deteriorated since renewed fighting between government forces and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) broke out in Aleosan and Midsayap, North Cotabato last Aug. 8.The Arroyo administration would have the public believe that the renewed skirmishes in North Cotabato broke out following the Supreme Court’s issuance of a temporary restraining </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/3803593665485465077/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=3803593665485465077' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/3803593665485465077'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/3803593665485465077'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2008/10/initial-findings-of-national-interfaith.html' title='INITIAL FINDINGS OF THE NATIONAL INTERFAITH HUMANITARIAN MISSION TO NORTH COTABATO AND MAGUINDANAO'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-765851676285386374</id><published>2008-10-16T13:51:00.003+08:00</published><updated>2008-10-16T14:00:27.945+08:00</updated><title type='text'>COMMENTARY:  Initial Notes and Comments on the SC Decision on the MOA-AD</title><summary type='text'>By Atty. Soliman M. Santos, Jr. (1)Quezon City, 15 October 2008These are initial notes based on the Supreme Court Public Information Office bulletin of October 14, 2008 titled “SC Declares MOA-AD Unconstitutional” and a quick scanning of the 87-page majority Decision of the same date penned by Associate Justice Conchita Carpio Morales based on an 8-7 vote declaring the MOA-AD “CONTRARY TO LAW AND</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/765851676285386374/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=765851676285386374' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/765851676285386374'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/765851676285386374'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2008/10/initial-notes-and-comments-on-sc.html' title='COMMENTARY:  Initial Notes and Comments on the SC Decision on the MOA-AD'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-6126970773042169835</id><published>2008-10-15T19:10:00.004+08:00</published><updated>2008-10-16T11:01:49.869+08:00</updated><title type='text'>COMMENTARY:  SC decision on MOA-AD</title><summary type='text'>By Kaka MikePeace to All!The decision of the eight Supreme Court Justices on the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) as unconstitutional is not at all surprising and is already expected. For no doubt the Supreme Court represents the mindset -- biases, prejudices and chauvinism against the Moro People by the majority of the Filipino people. These harsh feelings against the Moro </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/6126970773042169835/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=6126970773042169835' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/6126970773042169835'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/6126970773042169835'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2008/10/sc-decision-on-moa-ad.html' title='COMMENTARY:  SC decision on MOA-AD'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-741337497795840462</id><published>2008-10-15T18:53:00.004+08:00</published><updated>2008-10-16T11:03:14.100+08:00</updated><title type='text'>COMMENTARY:  PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT LOSING ITS ARMED CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE BANGSAMORO?</title><summary type='text'>By Kaka MikeThe arming of civilian in &lt;?xml:namespace prefix = st1 /&gt;Mindanao seems a desperate move of the Philippine government in order to regain composure in its armed campaign against the Moro People in Mindanao. These were the reactions of different peaceful-minded people amidst the shiver-rush distribution of not less than twenty thousand firearms to Christian civilian Settlers undertaken </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/741337497795840462/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=741337497795840462' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/741337497795840462'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/741337497795840462'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2008/10/philippine-government-losing-its-armed.html' title='COMMENTARY:  PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT LOSING ITS ARMED CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE BANGSAMORO?'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-62504871489771321</id><published>2008-07-01T04:27:00.003+08:00</published><updated>2008-07-01T06:25:07.412+08:00</updated><title type='text'>MANIFESTO OF THE MINDANAO ALLIANCE FOR PEACE</title><summary type='text'>The Mindanao Alliance for Peace (MAP), a broad alliance of civil society organizations, people’s organization and individual peace advocates in Mindanao, strongly believes that a negotiated political settlement is still the best way of resolving the age-old conflict in Mindanao.The alliance believes the prolonging the impasse in the peace negotiations between the Government of the Republic of the</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/62504871489771321/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=62504871489771321' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/62504871489771321'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/62504871489771321'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2008/07/manifesto-of-mindanao-alliance-for.html' title='MANIFESTO OF THE MINDANAO ALLIANCE FOR PEACE'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-1668126818553951117</id><published>2007-12-13T17:26:00.000+08:00</published><updated>2007-12-13T17:32:43.578+08:00</updated><title type='text'>MNLF supports GRP-MILF peace talks</title><summary type='text'>"We are not against the reported draft of peace agreement. We are even supporting it so that the problem in Mindanao will finally have an end."Thus, the inquirer.net quoted Hatimil Hassan, Moro National Liberational Front (MNLF) interim vice chair, today, referring to the ongoing peace negotiations between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/1668126818553951117/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=1668126818553951117' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/1668126818553951117'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/1668126818553951117'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2007/12/mnlf-supports-grp-milf-peace-talks.html' title='MNLF supports GRP-MILF peace talks'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-8868141426997013859</id><published>2007-12-07T00:48:00.000+08:00</published><updated>2007-12-07T08:38:32.671+08:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='News'/><title type='text'>Road mishap kills former ARMM vice governor</title><summary type='text'>Former Vice Governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Mahid Mutilan was killed in a vehicular accident about 5 a.m. Thursday in Sitio Anibongan, Matangkad village in Gitagum, Misamis Oriental.Reports that reached Taher G. Solaiman On Line said Mutilan, also a former Lanao del Sur provincial governor, was en route from Marawi City to Cagayan de Oro City airport when the driver </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/8868141426997013859/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=8868141426997013859' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/8868141426997013859'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/8868141426997013859'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2007/12/road-mishap-kills-former-armm-vice.html' title='Road mishap kills former ARMM vice governor'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-8129997254574050599</id><published>2007-11-23T07:37:00.000+08:00</published><updated>2007-11-23T07:47:48.951+08:00</updated><title type='text'>Kidapawan blast kills 1, injures 5</title><summary type='text'>KIDAPAWAN CITY, PHILIPPINES (11/23/2007) – One person was killed and five others were injured in an explosion that rocked a shopping mall in this city at about 5 p.m. yesterday.The bomb was placed at the baggage check-in counter at the entrance of the KMCC Mall in Kidapawan City, said Chief Inspector Leo Ajero, the city police chief.The police authorities, however, claimed they could not say </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/8129997254574050599/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=8129997254574050599' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/8129997254574050599'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/8129997254574050599'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2007/11/kidapawan-blast-kills-1-injures-5.html' title='Kidapawan blast kills 1, injures 5'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-406860358453501803</id><published>2007-01-10T22:42:00.000+08:00</published><updated>2007-01-10T23:11:29.595+08:00</updated><title type='text'>2 blasts kill 6, hurt 24 in General Santos City, Kidapawan City</title><summary type='text'>Six persons were killed and 22 others were injured when an improvised bomb exploded in front of the public market in General Santos City, Southern Philippines, about 6:10 pm today.General Santos City police chief, S/Supt. Alfredo Toroctocon, told newsmen that police authorities are still conducting investigations to determine who might be responsible for the explosion.The wounded victims were </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/406860358453501803/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=406860358453501803' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/406860358453501803'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/406860358453501803'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2007/01/2-blasts-kill-5-hurt-22-in-general.html' title='2 blasts kill 6, hurt 24 in General Santos City, Kidapawan City'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-6550215154473635251</id><published>2007-01-10T06:45:00.000+08:00</published><updated>2007-01-10T10:11:48.336+08:00</updated><title type='text'>Young Moro leaders air concerns on various Mindanao issues</title><summary type='text'>Aware of the significant roles that they play in shaping the future of the Bangsamoro people, about sixty young Moro leaders attended the Mindanao Young Moro Leaders’ Conference held at Isla Parilla Resort, Bgy. Ladol, Alabel, Sarangani Province on December 20-22, 2006.Lawyer Musib Buat, a member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace negotiating panel, and Dr. Armia Ebrahim, of the </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/6550215154473635251/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=6550215154473635251' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/6550215154473635251'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/6550215154473635251'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2007/01/young-moro-leaders-air-concerns-on.html' title='Young Moro leaders air concerns on various Mindanao issues'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Jyv7F8A2rhs/RaRKOLP0ApI/AAAAAAAAAAg/GzTrmiuFfs4/s72-c/MYMLC+185.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-4615221238911641367</id><published>2006-12-19T10:18:00.000+08:00</published><updated>2006-12-19T10:21:40.065+08:00</updated><title type='text'>CRS peace and recon program turns 10</title><summary type='text'>The Peace and Reconciliation Program of the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) celebrated its ten years of peacebuilding work in Mindanao on December 12-13, 2006 at the Rend Convention Center, Vales Beach Resort, Toril, Davao City.Recognizing that the efforts to promote and build the culture of peace in Mindanao is a journey made with a number of enriching collaborations with various non-government </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/4615221238911641367/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=4615221238911641367' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/4615221238911641367'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/4615221238911641367'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2006/12/crs-peace-and-recon-program-turns-10.html' title='CRS peace and recon program turns 10'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-4877883451368634413</id><published>2006-12-19T06:49:00.000+08:00</published><updated>2006-12-19T06:59:21.685+08:00</updated><title type='text'>MSU officials, Marines connive to cover-up rape case</title><summary type='text'>A reported rape of a Muslim woman involving the Philippine Marine detachment guarding the National Power Corporation (NPC) installation at the Mindanao State University Campus (MSU)in Marawi City is being covered-up by officials of the university and the military, hence, obstructing the investigation currently being made by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front - Coordinating Committee on the </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/4877883451368634413/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=4877883451368634413' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/4877883451368634413'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/4877883451368634413'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2006/12/msu-officilals-marines-connive-to-cover.html' title='MSU officials, Marines connive to cover-up rape case'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-3330928810459469240</id><published>2006-12-06T23:17:00.000+08:00</published><updated>2006-12-06T23:24:46.950+08:00</updated><title type='text'>MILF sees hard bargaining ahead in talks</title><summary type='text'>After the one-day “question-and-answer session” in Kuala Lumpur last December 1, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panel predicted a hard bargaining ahead for both Parties, as they are still glued to the four strands of ancestral domain especially territory. Aside from territory, the other strands are concept, resources, and governance, which the government and MILF peace negotiators</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/3330928810459469240/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=3330928810459469240' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/3330928810459469240'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/3330928810459469240'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2006/12/milf-sees-hard-bargaining-ahead-in.html' title='MILF sees hard bargaining ahead in talks'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-1600073734772940568</id><published>2006-11-22T20:33:00.000+08:00</published><updated>2006-11-22T20:36:12.210+08:00</updated><title type='text'>THE TACUB MASSACRE REVISITED</title><summary type='text'>Written by TAHER G. SOLAIMAN      Thirty-five years have passed since the infamous Tacub Massacre on November 22, 1971. Yet, the memory of the barbarous killing of sixty Moro Maranaos that day still remain fresh in the minds of the Bangsamoro people.      Why and how did it happen?      The national election was held on November 8, 1971. But due to the harassments of the dreaded ILAGA (see box), </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/1600073734772940568/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=1600073734772940568' title='14 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/1600073734772940568'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/1600073734772940568'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2006/11/tacub-massacre-revisited.html' title='THE TACUB MASSACRE REVISITED'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>14</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-52921475948832601</id><published>2006-11-16T19:27:00.000+08:00</published><updated>2006-11-16T19:51:01.524+08:00</updated><title type='text'>The Bangsamoro Struggle for Self-Determination</title><summary type='text'>(Delivered by Guiamel M. Alim, Executive Director, Kadtuntaya Foundation, Inc., a non-government organization based in Cotabato City, Mindanao Island, Southern Philippines, at the European Solidarity Conference on the Philippines, Philippine Solidarity 2000: In Search of New Perspectives, held on 23-25 June 1995 at Hoisdorf, Germany)The Bangsa Moro struggle for self-determination is already a </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/52921475948832601/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=52921475948832601' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/52921475948832601'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/52921475948832601'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2006/11/bangsamoro-struggle-for-self.html' title='The Bangsamoro Struggle for Self-Determination'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-4326614288046423141</id><published>2006-11-16T11:21:00.000+08:00</published><updated>2006-11-16T11:32:36.493+08:00</updated><title type='text'>Muslim-Christian Relations in the Philippines:  Redefining the Conflict</title><summary type='text'>Written by Prof. Datu Amilusin A. Jumaani28 October 2000My Brothers and Sisters in HumanityMy Brothers and Sisters in IslamDistinguished Peace BuildersAbout a couple of months ago, relations between the Muslims and the Christians in the Philippines have once again been provoked into a confrontational stance with the problem over the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF) armed movement for an </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/4326614288046423141/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=4326614288046423141' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/4326614288046423141'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/4326614288046423141'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2006/11/muslim-christian-relations-in.html' title='Muslim-Christian Relations in the Philippines:  Redefining the Conflict'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-6885770623148907748</id><published>2006-11-16T10:44:00.000+08:00</published><updated>2006-11-16T10:47:07.375+08:00</updated><title type='text'>MILF Buffer Force ‘professionalism’ hailed</title><summary type='text'>The buffer force of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) known as the Joint Ceasefire Monitoring Elements (JCME) was commended by the Joint Government Republic of the Philippines (GRP) - MILF Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and by the Malaysian-led International Monitoring Team (IMT). The Joint CCCH and IMT gave credence to the neutrality, objectivity and </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/6885770623148907748/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=6885770623148907748' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/6885770623148907748'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/6885770623148907748'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2006/11/milf-buffer-force-professionalism.html' title='MILF Buffer Force ‘professionalism’ hailed'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-7045452880038207307</id><published>2006-11-16T07:52:00.000+08:00</published><updated>2006-11-16T07:58:24.937+08:00</updated><title type='text'>Four centuries of jihad underpinning the Bangsamoro Muslims' struggle for freedom</title><summary type='text'>Written by Robert Maulana AlontoThe struggle of the Malay Bangsamoro people began almost 500 years ago, when Spain invaded the three independent Muslim principalities - the Sultanates of Sulu and Maguindanao, and the Confederated Sultanates of Ranao - which governed mainland Mindanao and the islands of Basilan, Sulu and Palawan. Mindanao and these islands today constitute what is known as the '</summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/7045452880038207307/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=7045452880038207307' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/7045452880038207307'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/7045452880038207307'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2006/11/four-centuries-of-jihad-underpinning.html' title='Four centuries of jihad underpinning the Bangsamoro Muslims&apos; struggle for freedom'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-4258166042234233792</id><published>2006-11-13T12:51:00.000+08:00</published><updated>2006-11-13T12:54:10.956+08:00</updated><title type='text'>MILF scoffs at low-level truce</title><summary type='text'>A commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) told newsmen yesterday who went up to his mountain base that there is no truth to reports floating in Iligan City and Lanao Del Norte that he had agreed to sign a tripartite low-level truce involving the MILF, MNLF, and Army commanders. Bravo Macapaar, a veteran of the 2000 all-out war declared by Estrada, told Luwaran that the report is </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/4258166042234233792/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=4258166042234233792' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/4258166042234233792'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/4258166042234233792'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2006/11/milf-scoffs-at-low-level-truce.html' title='MILF scoffs at low-level truce'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-7018076634890481458</id><published>2006-11-12T11:31:00.000+08:00</published><updated>2006-11-12T12:22:39.178+08:00</updated><title type='text'>MILF receives GRP proposal on territory</title><summary type='text'>The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), through its chief peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal, has confirmed that it has already received from the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) a new proposal on the strand on territory in the ancestral domain aspect of the on-going peace talks.Asked about the contents of the GRP proposal, Iqbal said, "they just enlarge the ring". He did not </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/7018076634890481458/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=7018076634890481458' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/7018076634890481458'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/7018076634890481458'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2006/11/milf-receives-grp-proposal-on-territory.html' title='MILF receives GRP proposal on territory'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-4298979318317651452</id><published>2006-11-12T10:08:00.000+08:00</published><updated>2006-11-12T10:47:03.881+08:00</updated><title type='text'>Philippine government drops murder charges vs MILF chair</title><summary type='text'>Written by Taher G. Solaiman"We have no direct evidence against Murad. He was just mentioned by the complainants as being one of those who planned the bombings."Thus, Department of Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales told reporters in Manila last November 8 as he announced the dropping of murder and multiple murder charges that the Philippine National Police (PNP) earlier filed against Al Haj Murad </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/4298979318317651452/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=4298979318317651452' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/4298979318317651452'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/4298979318317651452'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2006/11/philippine-government-drops-murder.html' title='Philippine government drops murder charges vs MILF chair'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-8719475375507782001</id><published>2006-11-12T07:39:00.000+08:00</published><updated>2006-11-12T07:43:27.872+08:00</updated><title type='text'>COMMENTARY: GRP should drop criminal charges against MILF chair now</title><summary type='text'>Written by Taher G. SolaimanCOTABATO CITY (MindaNews/30 October) -- “Even if the government can beat the deadline (October 31, 2006) and bring up an acceptable proposition on territory, the talks cannot resume unless the names of  Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and other MILF members included in the criminal complaint in connection with the bombings in Makilala, North Cotabato and Tacurong City will be </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/8719475375507782001/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=8719475375507782001' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/8719475375507782001'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/8719475375507782001'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2006/11/commentary-grp-should-drop-criminal.html' title='COMMENTARY: GRP should drop criminal charges against MILF chair now'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2459551384870637686.post-5490171302590535339</id><published>2006-11-12T07:25:00.001+08:00</published><updated>2006-11-12T07:33:09.898+08:00</updated><title type='text'>PEN POINTERS: Urging GRP and MILF to break the standoff in the peace talks</title><summary type='text'>Written By Taher G. SolaimanCOTABATO CITY (MindaNews/28 September) – When the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) started talking peace with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) on January 7, 1997, the former pushed for a single-point agenda for the peace negotiations, i. e., “How to solve the ‘Bangsamoro Problem’."And there was forged a “gentlemen’s agreement” by the </summary><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/feeds/5490171302590535339/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=2459551384870637686&amp;postID=5490171302590535339' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/5490171302590535339'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2459551384870637686/posts/default/5490171302590535339'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://penpointers.blogspot.com/2006/11/pen-pointers-urging-grp-and-milf-to_12.html' title='PEN POINTERS: Urging GRP and MILF to break the standoff in the peace talks'/><author><name>Taher G. Solaiman</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/02440081121876891300</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry></feed>
