sulu gazette february2009

No. 2 Patikul, Sulu, Philippines February 2009 

Over a thousand Tausug 

join peace rally in Sulu 

Gov. Tan and all sectors vehemently condemn violence! 

JOLO, SULU — It was a day full 

of hope and promise for the war 

torn province of Sulu where over 

a thousand joined the rally calling 

for peace and condemning the 

atrocities and violence that have 

beleaguered the province for decades. 

Various civil society organizations 

gathered in front of Jolo Municipal Hall 

around 2 p.m. Saturday to show support 

to the government’s efforts on 

peace and security as government 

troops continue to pursue the Abu 

Sayyaf bandits responsible for crimes, 

including kidnappings. 

It was participated in by all sectors 

including the business, education 

and religious sectors and was fully 

supported by the local government 

units led by Sulu Governor Abdusakur 

M. Tan who was a major actor in attendance 

along with the different municipal 

mayors. 

Tan called for unity and urged the 

people to support the police, military 

Turn to page 15... 

First Harmony Post Inaugurated in Sulu 

A reminder for Peace... 

The 6-feet tall marble pyramidal post 

situated right in the center of the 

sprawling Provincial Capitol Ground 

is a reminder for peace in Sulu. 

MULTI-SECTORAL - 

Governor Sakur Tan of Sulu 

province and Mayor Hussin 

Amin of Jolo town and 

Marines Major General 

Juancho Sabban led multisectoral 

rally headed by the 

Sulu People’s Congress on 

Saturday, February 14, 2009 

in denouncing the atrocities of 

the Abu Sayyaf group and the 

kidnappings of three Red 

Cross workers Swiss national 

Andreas Notter, Italian 

Eugenio Vagni and Filipino 

Mary Jean Lacaba. More than 

a thousand people attended 

the rally. Abu Sayyaf terrorists 

have reportedly demanded as 

much as $10 million for the 

safe release of the hostages, 

who were seized on January 

15, 2009 in Sulu’s Patikul 

town. A Sri Lankan peace 

activist, Umar Jaleel, of the 

Nonviolent Peaceforce, was 

also taken by suspected Abu 

Sayyaf terrorists in nearby 

Basilan province on February 

13, 2009. (Sulu PIO) 

‘Operation Maglanuh’ Program launched 

PATIKUL, SULU - Due to the pressing concern on solid 

waste management in the MetroJIP area of the province, 

Sulu Governor Abdusakur M. Tan, together with 

THE unveiling of the Silsilah Harmony 

Post came after a simple ceremony at the Municipal Mayors of Jolo, Hussin Amin; Indanan, 

the Area Coordinating Center (ACC) Hussin Ahajan; Patikul, Kabir Hayudini; and Major 

Building, Capitol, on January 10, 2009, Larry Daley (CO Task Force Sulu) and MGen Juancho 

which featured cultural presentations Sabban (Commander of Joint Task Force Comet) had 

and messages delivered by Atty. Erwin launched the “Operation Maglanuh” program last Feb. 

Q. Tan who represented Sulu Governor 5, 2009 in an opening ceremony at Capitol Site, Patikul, 

Abdusakur M. Tan; Silsilah founder, Fr. Sulu. 

Sebastiano D’Ambra; Silsilah Forum Talking before a more or less 500 crowd of participants 

from the academe, NGOs, CSOs, line agencies, 

Jolo Director, Datu Yldon T. Kiram; Ms. 

Aminda Sano, Prof. Juludy A. Elam and Sulu Prov”l Government, and residents of Sulu, Gov. 

Ms. Nur-In Sahibil of the Notre Dame Tan thanked all for the concerted efforts and involvement 

in the program. He said that the idea originated as 

of Jolo College, with other multisectoral 

representatives in attendance. proposed by the Task Force Sulu headed by Maj. Larry 

In his message, Gov. Tan expressed Daley which the SPG firmly stands in partnership for 

the significance of the launching as the good of the province. 

Turn to page 15... Turn to page 15... 

Gov. Tan leads the ‘Operation Maglanuh’ Program in Sulu with 

the concerted efforts and support of the MetroJIP Mayors, Task 

Force Comet, Task Force Sulu, PNP and NGOs, CSOs and other 

sectors of the province, during the opening ceremony at Capitol 

Ground, Patikul, Sulu.

2 February 2009 

1,200 new School Chairs from Vice Gov Lady Ann 

THE Province of Sulu is still shackled in chronic poverty. This is 

one reason why the province lacks educational opportunity which 

leads to difficulty in economic growth and progress. This societal 

dilemma affects the quality of education of the Tausug youths particularly 

in the elementary level, not to mention dilapidated school 

building structures and other needs of the schools. 

New school chairs are very much needed by the pupils to replenish 

old and worn out ones. Vice Governor Lady Ann believed 

that “Education is very crucial in people’s lives especially in a community 

like ours that is ridden with poverty”. 

Upon seeing the young pupils in this dire condition, the 

honourable Vice Governor in her effort immediately asked assistance 

to the good ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Ampatuan 

in addressing this problem. Then Assemblywoman, Hja. Nurwiza 

Sahidulla Tulawie, daughter of Vice Governor Lady Ann, in her part 

endorsed and followed-up the said request. The honourable ARMM 

Governor immediately acted to the request of Vice Governor Lady 

Ann and Assemblywoman Tulawie and donated outrightly 1,200 

pieces of monobloc school chairs for Sulu school beneficiaries. 

The chairs were then distributed to different schools and received 

by its principals and heads of different municipalities. 

The distribution to the recipient schools was personally delivered 

by Honourable Vice Governor Hja. Nur-Ana I. Sahidulla and 

assisted by the Joint Task Force Comet headed by Major General 

Juancho M. Sabban and Colonel Eugenio Clemen, Commanding 

Officer of the 3 rd Marine Brigade. 

Honorable Lady Ann Sahidulla extends her gratitude and ap- 

preciation to the men in uniform especially the Task Force Comet 

for the privilege given her and be part of this noble endeavour. 

Their men indeed tirelessly helped in transporting the chairs by 

land and sea to different municipalities, VG Sahidulla said. 

The school teachers, heads and parents, most especially the 

pupils who benefitted are pleased and have extended their gratitude 

to the beloved ARMM Governor Datu Zaldy Ampatuan, Vice 

Governor Lady Ann and Twinkle for this accomplishment. 

MGen. Sabban said that the military in their part will never be 

tired and it is their honor in delivering what is due to their constituents. 

Their duties and responsibities are bound in safeguarding 

the lives and properties of the Filipinos and their development. 

These are our primary objectives, MGen Sabban said. 

Vice Gov Sahidulla, in her words, said that “by continuously 

working hand in hand with the ARMM Governor we can solve 

problems confronting our communities”. She encouraged the school 

children to capitalize on education, study hard and be productive 

to uplift their living condition. She stressed that, “Sulu is gifted 

with fertile agricultural lands, abundant coastal and sea resources 

and all we need is to educate ourselves, learn from others and apply 

the knowledge for the benefit of our own people”. 

She reiterates further that, the ARMM Regional Governor 

Ampatuan and in her capacity as the vice governor of Sulu, are 

committed to their mandated tasks, and with the support and cooperation 

of the public, we can effectively address the ills in our 

society. The ARMM government efforts do not only focus on peace 

and order, but also in the development initiatives of the said region, 

VG Sahidulla said. (Reported by: Ms. Nur-In A. Amin) 

Recipient-Schools are as follows: 

RECIPIENT -SCHOOLS MUNUCIPALITY 

Mohammad Tulawie Central School Jolo 

Kasulutan Elementary School 

Patikul 

Datu uddin Elementary School 

Patikul 

Lugus Elementary School 

Lugus 

Talipao Elementary School 

Talipao 

Pata Elementary School 

Pata 

Panglima Estino Elementary School Panglima Estino 

Tongkil Elementary School 

Banguingui 

Panamao Elementary School 

Panamao 

Calinggalan Caluang Elementary School Calinggalan Caluang 

DepEd II holds Athletic Meet 2008 

EVEN it was late, the event was nevertheless 

successful by any barometer. 

This was how we described the holding 

of Sulu II Division Athletic Association 

Meet 2008. The meet was supposed to 

be held last year, but due to change in 

leadership of DepEd II and some security 

problems, it was delayed. The meet 

took place from January 12 to 16, 2009 at 

Camp Andres Central Elementary School, 

in the Municipality of Luuk. All school 

districts sent their delegations. 

At the opening program, Governor 

Sakur Tan as ably represented by Hji. 

Fazlur Abdulla, Executive Director of the 

ACC Sulu, conveyed his message to 

all the participants “to unity and work 

for the growth of mental and physical 

knowledge among the young generation 

of Tausug and the preservation of 

the rich cultural heritage of our people”. 

Governor Tan congratulated Hji. Delfin 

Unga, the Schools Division Superintendent, 

for holding the activity even later 

than the regular schedule. He said, that 

we don’t let hurdles get in a way in our 

pursuit to develop the essential of 

sports among the youth.” 

For his part, Mayor Allayon 

Arbison, whose municipality hosted 

the meet said, he was happy that nothing 

untoward incident happened during 

the 5-day activities. He confirmed 

that prior to the meet, there have been 

rumors that some groups were planning 

to attack Luuk to disrupt it. Arbison 

was particularly thankful to Supt. Unga, 

the teachers and students from the different 

districts in Sulu II, who went to 

Luuk and participated in the event, notwithstanding 

the threat. Arbison said, 

he made sure with support from the PNP 

and the MBLT 3 under Col. Antonio 

Rosario, that proper security measures 

were in place to ensure the safety of 

the delegations. 

All the activities went on smoothly 

starting from the grand parade which 

kicked off at Tanduh Batu to the central 

school, to street dancing, were each 

delegation wore native dresses of foreign 

countries and each having their 

own floats. The agro-industrial exhibit 

was opened with booths constructed 

near the DPWH II Offices in Luuk. Aside 

from field demonstrations, cultural presentations, 

academic and sport competitions, 

the meet was also highlighted 

by the Search for Miss Sulu II, the coveted 

award of which was garnered by 

Luuk NHS. The search lasted up to the 

wee hours of the morning, but the late 

hours and bad weather did not dampen 

the enthusiasm of spectators, who 

came not only from Luuk but from other 

neighboring municipalities. 

Behind the success of this athletic 

meet in Sulu II was a dynamic woman, 

the ever active Hja. Fatima Yasmin 

Unga, wife of the Superintendent, who 

was the over-all chairperson for cultural 

affairs. (Love Ilustre – RB Jolo) 

September 2008 LET-passers take oath 

ON December 29, 2008, ninety-two passers 

of the September 2008 Licensure Examination 

for Professional Teachers (LET) took 

their Oath as Professional Teachers at the 

Tabang Sulu (ACC) Building, Provincial 

Capitol Site, Patikul, Sulu. Considering that 

the examination was conducted in Jolo, 

Sulu on September 28, 2008, Gov. Abdusakur 

M. Tan, Al hajj, requested the PRC to conduct 

the Oath-Taking Ceremony in Jolo, 

Sulu. That by conducting it here in Jolo 

would mean less expense for the new professional 

teachers, the governor stressed. 

The request was approved by no less than 

the Chairman of the Professional Regulation 

Commission (PRC) in Manila. 

A delegation of PRC personnel came 

to Jolo to conduct the activity on December 

29, 2008. The team was spearheaded 

by Dr. Flordeliza R. Mayari, Board Member 

of PRC and concurrently the Schools 

Division Superintendent of Marikina City 

who administered the Oath-Taking. With 

her are Atty. Senando Esteban, Regional 

Director of PRC-Region IX, Mrs. Teresita 

Garcia of PRC Manila and Mr. Noel 

Potenciano of PRC Region IX. Since the 

Provincial Governor was out of town for 

very important matter, he was represented 

by the designated OIC of the province, 

the Honorable Board Member 

Mohammad Nur Sitin who delivered the 

Inspirational Message of the Governor. 

Also present during the affair was the 

Chairman of the Education Committee of 

the Provincial Board, the Honorable Hector 

Buclao, Al-hajj. DepED was represented 

by Hji. Eufremio N. Canaria, Education 

Supervisor I, the designated Officer 

In-Charge of DepED Division of Sulu I. 

Of the ninety-two (92) passers, seventy-five 

(75) were from the elementary 

level, while seventeen (17) are from the 

secondary level. It is expected that provisional 

teachers who passed the test would 

now be able to acquire new status of appointment 

from provisional to permanent. 

And hopefully, the new graduates who 

passed the test would be given slots in 

the two DepED Divisions within the Province 

of Sulu as new professional teachers. 

(Hji. Canaria)

February 2009 

3


‘Man’ 

God, the home, religion, all teach only what’s good 

for Man. But by the condition of his freedom, 

Man sometimes construe a creed, tenet, or principle, 

by his own freewill to want what he wants when he 

wants it. It is the nature of Man not of a Christian or a 

Muslim that bear his being and becoming. 

As Man wishes to be guided well, decent home, and 

religion are founded on necessity. Yet, still Man decides 

his own being and of becoming apart from the True Guidance. 

And then they succumbed to the whims and caprices 

of other Men to do the immoral and violent. And as 

they venture at will their dark design, they tear the nation 

apart. 

Kidnapping and other forms of criminality are true 

everywhere in Manila or Mindanao or elsewhere in the 

world. Just like graft and corruption, scams, bribery, anomalies, 

in and out of government, are common in any society. 

If Sulu is just one place where kidnapping or killing 

happens, it could not in anyway be singled out by anyone 

in this country or lump the Tausug down as one and the 

same kidnappers and killers. You are just like “casting the 

first stone” on one when you are a great sinner in yourself. 

Islam does not teach kidnapping just like Christianity. 

Man is good not because for being a Christian or a Muslim. 

But Good Christian or Good Muslim always makes a 

Good Man in himself. 

Crime-punishing laws existed because of Man’s 

wrongdoings whether he is a Christian or a Muslim. But if 

all Men are God-fearing and good, penal laws are not of 

necessity in any Christian or Muslim country. 

It is the Man. And it is better to be a good Man regardless 

of homes, religion, race, culture or country. And 

if you ask: How could we be good and just when many 

are bad and unjust Plato had answered it long time ago: 

“the bad and unjust men bear within themselves the seeds 

of their own destruction”. 

One need not to be bad so that others will be good. 

Good Man must only subjugate the bad in himself so that 

others may follow! 

Message 

Hji. ABDUSAKUR M. TAN 

Provincial Governor 

Assalammu Alaikum…My greetings of Peace to All! 

I truly regret the wrong things happening in our province of Sulu which again put us on media’s hot pages here and abroad. I know you and 

I don’t want this malady. But some of our people think so different and act as they wish with total disregard to the consequences they would bring 

that demean and destroy not only our image as Tausug but the name of Lupah Sug in general. 

I returned as Governor of Sulu in 2007 after six years out of politics. From my assumption and two years now of my term, I have faithfully 

sworn myself with the commitment to reform and strengthen Sulu’s local governance to see to it that the Province of Sulu acquires a new dimension 

of peace and development as a forward-push to progress and rebuilding our image that had been destroyed by unfortunate circumstances. 

With your support and sympathy, the present administration I lead with humbleness had indeed achieved considerable gains this time. But some 

segments have been profaning the current leadership of the Provincial Government only distracting our main focus to improve our one and only 

Lupah Sug. And I know I can’t allow this as you do. 

Instead amidst this peril, we have to stick more together route the right direction we should take more so this time it is needed the most. As your 

Chief Executive, I can do my part when you truly play your roles in protecting the good image of Sulu. 

I call upon you all to CONDEMN in the Strongest Term all forms of Criminality that debase our reputation and obstruct the future we deserve 

for our children and the next after them. 

This is not Politics that I mean but Progress. I mean Unity despite our diversity. And I mean Sincerity in spite of our differences. As Allah is 

our Witness, my move is as good as yours fellow Tausug! Let us move forward and stay vigilantly undistracted by all meaningless violent enterprises 

happening around us. Our future matters the most that we have to think about and act on it. 

Wassalam and peace be with you! 

Editorial Staff 

Editor-in-Chief : Fred “Concept” Concepcion 

Associate Editor: Alling Arsad 

Desk Editor: Ben Akalal 

Layout Artist: Jerome Domingo 

Sonny Abing 

OIC - Provincial Information Officer 

Writers/Correspondents: 

Celina Unding Love Ilustre 

Yusop Abubakar Nicanor Jacoba 

Kisar Samsuya 

Photographer: Ramon Doronila, Jr. 

Cir. Mngrs: Francis Vilaz 

Edzmier Samsuya 

Encoder: Yasser Yail 

Legal Consultant: Atty. Ryan Jumaani 

The New Sulu Gazette is a monthly publication of the Office of the 

Provincial Government thru the Provincial Information Office 

We accept articles for publication subject to editorial prerogatives. 

Articles should be typed double-spaced and submitted to our 

editorial office at The Capitol, Patikul,Sulu, or email us at 

sulu.pio@gmail.com 

Suggestions and comments are welcome. 

Precedent-setting 

HERE we are again. Moral reform program of Pres. Arroyo to 

end corruption. But this is just another “Smokescreen” and 

nobody believes on it anymore. 

You know, the Americans are proud to say that their political 

history has been made the richer by the assumption of the first 

black American President to the White House. This is so because 

their nation enjoys the development and progress brought forth by 

their government’s leadership tangent to any political dynamism of 

power. But in our context it is not the case. 

I contend with historical empiricism Randy David’s statement 

that the potential for enduring institutional change is always greater 

when people implicitly trust their leaders. Remember our bankrupt 

politics is an evolutionary product of a century of customary corrupt 

practices of both Filipino leaders and people through generations. 

And it takes several generations for this form of culture to be 

overhauled. Significant portion of elite class controls the political 

system and persists in the corrupt practices, while the people 

adopted the culture of tolerance for corruption. 

Principled politics is an apostasy now in most leaders and 

people. While the good and honest travails, these corrupt leaders 

prevail. How to still trust our present government’s leadership to 

bring progress is a dilemma and fanciful. Because ourselves we 

dare not to go out of our disciplinal cage of tradition in putting 

down corruption. Its “badness” had ceased because majority does 

it. Just because old and modern governments commit corruption 

we dare to deny its newness and disregard its alarming level till it 

adversely affects our society due to omission and failure of government 

provide publis service. 

Most of our leaders view the people only as voters rather than 

hearts and minds of society. Their cataclysmic approach to government 

corruption is only seeking bigger scandals or anomalies wirth 

the view to defeat officials in the next elections. They see failure 

celebratory, selfish advancement praiseworthy. 

The powerful puts premium on wealth as “ultimate value”. So 

no matter how they preach honesty and protest against corruption 

still they prefer “dishonest wealth” than honest “decent living”. To 

these government officials, infrastructure is the only measurement 

of development. So much money has been spent wrongly by their 

terms of skewed urban modernism while the rural poor stagnate. 

More money goes to the pocket, less quality of development are 

there. 

Turn to page 13...

February 2009 

The only hope to progress 

BARACK Obama is the first Black American President of the 

United States of America. But, will he be making history in 

the White House Will there be change in the U.S. Diplomacy 

Can peace finally reign in the Middle East with the Obama 

Presidency Or will he just continue the Bush legacy Well, that 

remains to be seen! 

- o 0 o - 

The bloody clash in the Gaza strip between the Israelis and the 

Palestinian Hamaz has to be stopped. The U.N. had reacted on the 

issue. But the alleged guardian of peace and democracy – the United 

States of America, did not. What’s holding them Is it because 

Israel is its closest ally in the middle-east Your guess is as good as 

mine. 

- o 0 o - 

We recall in mind that when Saddam Hussien of Iraq was reportedly 

bullying its Kurdish citizens in the north of Iraq, the U.S. 

had acted instantly like a quick brown fox jumping over the lazy 

dog. Even when the world objected to its invasion, the U.S. and its 

so-called “Coalition of the Willing” went ahead with the plan, while 

the world stood still. 

- o 0 o - 

Not only that the U.S. is the most powerful and influential 

nation in the world today, but it also dictates the political tone for 

the rest of the world. 

- o 0 o - 

So, for as long as the United States of America will not talk 

against the Israeli government, no matter what the world may say, 

the Israelis can do what they want to do at will to its weaker neighbors, 

even without compunction. 

- o 0 o - 

Another issue that needs serious and immediate concern is the 

so-called climate change, brought about by rapid modernization 

that eventually damaged mother earth. This can threaten food security, 

as global warming could reduce global food supply; causes 

higher temperatures and intense hydrological cycles and heightens 

effects of drought or dry spell which could ultimately reduce 

water supply, according to the Mon & Mawi Service Association 

(MMASON),Inc. 

- o 0 o - 

Similarly interesting is the VFA. Will President Obama terminate 

this agreement and recall all the U.S. Forces dispersed all over 

the country especially in Mindanao to return to base 

- o 0 o - 

Allegedly, the presence of the U.S. Forces in Mindanao is to 

help the AFP fight terrorism. Technically that is. Can’t the AFP on 

its own, fight local terrorists Can’t the AFP leadership pool resources 

with the local executives where so-called terrorists abound 

and quell them to smithereens…and finally, kiss them goodbye 

- o 0 o - 

The U.S. had contributed much to the development in the country 

in recent times. But considering their history in the Common 

Wealth Era in the country (see the Parity Rights or the so-called 

Laurel-Langley Agreement), the U.S. government does not usually 

give development funds for nothing, even to its staunch ally like 

the Philippines. 

- o 0 o - 

In the National scene, almost every political party is busy in 

choosing their would-be presidentiables one year prior to election. 

Yet as of now, not even the Administration party had chosen their 

standard bearer for 2010. 

- o 0 o - 

There is a conflicting view of pronouncement of the rice issue 

between the NFA and the IRRI. While the IRRI’s view is alarming 

hinting unscrupulous businessmen to project a worst scenario to 

rake in huge profit, the NFA side tends to mitigate, cautioning the 

public not to panic with the assurance of enough supply of the 

staple. But which is which In either way, the people can have the 

choice. But what if our businessmen will resort to rice hoarding and 

declare a “Rice Shortage” Will they not ultimately raise the price of 

rice into a meteoric height Can we impose price control 

- o 0 o - 

In the province of Sulu, aside from the dynamic leadership of 

Governor Abdusakur M. Tan, Mayor Hadji Munib Estino of the 

Municipality of Panglima Estino, is making headway. Aside from 


Reminiscence 

By Dr. Nick Jacoba 

JUST like any native Tausug of my generation they would always 

say that Lupah Sug was relatively the most peaceful 

province in the country in the 50s to the early part of the 70s. 

My vivid boyhood recollection of the place takes me back to every 

corner of the town where one can wander from one end to the 

other or to any point of the province without any fear for your 

safety. 

The downtown Jolo was full of life and vibrant because it was 

a bustling center of commerce and trade. The people were kind, 

hospitable and full of hope. The basic services and facilities were 

available at that time and in peak condition. The electricity from 

Aboitiz was perfect and seldom can we experience brownout. Water 

service was 24 hours and rarely can you see people in the street 

fetching or storing water in their containers. Tap water was abundant 

and can reach the length and breadth of every household in 

town. The port of Jolo was full of activity with big commercial 

boats coming from Cebu, Manila and other countries loading our 

copra and hemp for export. The airport was a major entry point of 

local and foreign visitors because big airlines like PAL, Swiftair 

were having two regular flights in and out of Jolo. 

It was a magnificent place, unruffled by the changing time 

where everybody knows everybody. What I love most was the 

pristine beaches of Patikul (Quezon beach and Igasan). These 

exotic beaches were frequented by local tourists and foreign visitors 

alike. If you are in town, you can lazily stroll to the market that 

opens until ten in the evening followed by the night market lining 

the stretch of Asturias and Riverside. Chinese restaurants were 

everywhere and pansit canton was always wrapped in banana leaf 

at 50 cent. Traffic was not a problem because the common transport 

in the town was the tricycle. We do not experience flooding in 

downtown Jolo probably because the maintenance division of the 

DPWH was always there cleaning the waterway and esteros and 

there were no illegal structures blocking these outlets. 

How can I forget the 5 movie houses (Ever, Jolo Capitol, Victory 

and Perlas) showcasing tagalog and western movies in double 

Zealotry or Jealousy 

OFT-repeated over time and seemed immemorial, Sulu is regrettably 

a regular recipient of whiplashes of generic vilification 

by the prejudicial Sulu outsiders, in most cases, 

wrongdoings perpetrated by few Sulu insiders, who mastered the 

demonic art of calumny. Yet then let this be known to the entire 

humanity — none would make Tausugs prouder other than to combat 

injustice and oppression, either done to themselves or unto 

non-Suluic! 

Aha, the actions of the few Sulu insiders tuwih! Yes, their avid 

patronizing fans would say it is done for freedom and bannered as 

pro-Providence, so that supposed unheard voices of the secluded 

minority of Tausugs’ truth bearers could be known the world over. 

Yet, the truth of the matter, in many instances in the past, highlighting 

such act reared only temporal celebration of materialistic gains, not 

even nobility of purpose, though at least in the end when every 

ample gem and grain is consumed, may shy down with godliness. 

What an injustice to significant industrious majority of the Tausugs! 

Whew, awn pa actions of other few Sulu insiders! Indeed, serenity 

brought by the current leadership made some partisan pothunters, 

projecting themselves as better alternative; unhappy and bantered 

such gains could only belong to their advent. So expectedly they 

chisel their rock into stumbling blocks than as stepping stones, and 

raise high-fives when their targets grimace even just of an ant bite. 

Nowadays, it is an outright insult to the intellect of the Raayat 

Sug, regardless how diversified, to justify misdeed as rightful way 

and raise harm to anybody who may contradict. Remember, it is wrong 

notion that only non-Tausug can do injustice to people in Sulu. It is 

not unusual that some native sons or daughters feuded with own 

program. I can still remember how we skipped our classes just to 

sneak into our favorite movies because the ticket was just 10 or 20 

centavos. Can you imagine gasoline was just 40 cents a gallon at 

that time In fact, the last trip from tiangge to Luuk was twelve 

midnight allowing the people from gimba to relax and see their 

favorite idols in widescreen up to the last full show. 

Transportation was not a problem. The mammoth Americanmade 

Ford truck that could accommodate as much as 50 passengers 

was the king of the road and the most reliable mean machine 

in going to Camp Andres and other nearby municipalities. Those 

leaving near Bud Tumangtangis or Indanan can either hitch ride in 

an open truck or hike by foot without any fear from kidnappers, 

criminals or any bad element. 

The Tao gimba that I know then were basically peaceful and 

courteous especially when you meet them in their farms or along 

the road. They only come to the town to sell their harvest or 

goods and to buy their needs. The town was a “panaboan” and 

they do not usually stay overnight because they were preoccupied 

with their work in the farm. 

Life in the hinterland was simple because the tao gimba have 

work, they were free and there was relatively peace all around. 

Leadership in the community was based on seniority. The wise 

and sensible eldest member of the kau man becomes the tao maas 

and local governance was basically public service (Pag sangsa). 

Yes! The palatable fruit season was everybody’s past time. 

The Tabu was the fruit paradise of the south with Durian, Lanzones, 

Mangosteen, Rambutan and other tropical fruits in abundance. 

Sulu’s agricultural land is so fertile that anything you plant will 

grow. Coffee, coconut, hemp, sugar cane and rice were just some 

of the commercial crops the farmers cultivate. Equally blessed was 

the coastal water of the nearby islands teeming with marine life 

from blue marlin, tuna, sea cucumber to rare marine species including 

the oil deposit in the deep Sulu sea. It was the “land of the 

current” (Lupa Sug) and “the home of the warrior” (Gagandilan). 

The people were so proud of their historical past that dates 

back to the 13 th Century Sultanate of Sulu. The Tausug warriors 

have fought the longest war against the Spainish intruders and 

later with the colonial government of the U.S. The Tausug history 


siblings and near kins, and so forth, for reasons to include trivial 

matters, to the detriment of Sulu’s peace and prosperity. 

Take note: downright inaction against perpetrators, due to fear 

of reprisals and preservation of consanguinity, defeats the call for 

justice. The faithful has never learned from the wisdom of theological 

traditions when divine prophets Adam to Muhammad (peace be upon 

them) earned the varying ire and disavowal of their own bloodkins 

for serving out the Truth, yet justice was put forward despite vigorous 

heavy emotions. Without it done, the flocks would be in disarray. 

The state would earn only anarchy, or relentless disturbance. Sulu 

could not be exempted from this probability, unless by itself collectively 

undergo conscious affirmative reversion. 

Is there anyone, from those who aim that one day Sulu would be 

a re-State and lead authorities, ask if he/she resort to inaction due to 

same situations as earlier mentioned Of course, some retorted and 

assured firmness of action when that day comes. That’s the problem 

dear kampung! Real action is thought to be reserved by many when 

that day comes. What is that day! When will that be in the calendar 

That’s probably the time longed depending which school of thought, 

or persuasion, or political party, or promised help, or seers’ predictions, 

or finalization of the final, or ….Masha Allah! Everything and 

everybody seem on standby waiting for their shift of duty and just 

fence-sitting while incumbents grapple with crisis. Even words uttered 

and wishes waged all sought for the abrupt fall of their sitting 

rivals. 

Sulu with so many masters jealous of each other is geared toward 

uncertainty. Sulu with countless splintered zealots is bound to 

suffer chaos. Sulu with apathetic populace is destined to retrogress. 

Sulu with haughty neighbors and vulturine passersby is fated as 

reactive. Sulu unfairly castigated by the outside world is ordained for 

isolationism. 

BUT, to the frustration of the calumniators, heavily divided 

Sulu suddenly, though not surprising, unclenched their fists and grasps 


The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by 

some authors / writers in this newsletter do not necessarily 

reflect the opinons, beliefs and viewpoints 

of the The New Sulu Gazette Newsletter, its staff 

or that of the Publisher! 

5


Narrative Report: Destructive storm surge that ravaged 

the coastal areas of Jolo and other municipalities 

ON January 12, 2009, as reports were steadily pouring in about the 

unusually high tide and gale force wind brought about by the worsening 

global warming and climate change, the D’ ALERT Disaster 

Team, begun to mobilize and henceforth staged a nightly watch on 

the worsening weather situation. Members were constantly monitoring 

the coastal areas, in tandem with the JERN operatives. The 

Hon. Mayor Hussin U. Amin, in one of his sorties to the different 

coastal areas, was impressed and amazed to find the D’ALERT Disaster 

Team, anywhere he goes. 

On that fateful January 14, 2009, at about 5:45 P.M., Dr. Jodl 

“Navigator” Isahac of the Jolo Emergency Rescue Network (JERN), 

broke into the D’ ALERT frequency, informing that at about 11:00 

P.M. that night, an unusually high tide ranging from 3.00 ~ 5.00 

meters and gale force wind is expected, and that a violent storm 

surge would hit the coastal areas with devastating effects. Consequently, 

the Philippine Coast Guard issued an order to ground all 

sea-going vessels, big and small, especially the small fisher folks in 

their out-rigger bancas. “Navigator” asked the help of the club in 

disseminating the information to other Radio Clubs, and they in 

turn would relay the same to their members and the residents of the 

coastal areas in their locality. The message was received by Darimar 

“Kruger” Lakibul, and was disseminated to all the 41s at 8:00 P.M. 

during our regular netting period. Immediately thereafter, the D’ 

ALERT Disaster Team, headed by In-Coming President, Salip Wahid 

“Skywalker” Haiver, sounded the call to monitor the situation and 

be ready for any eventualities. The team, throwing all cautions to 

the wind, braving heavy rains, gale force wind and roaring big tides, 

then formed into groups and dispersed to the different areas likely 

to be hard hit by the impending storm surge. 

By 10:00 o’clock, reports were steadily coming in about certain 

areas being pounded by strong waves and were on the brink of 

collapse. Residents were warned to vacate their homes to avoid 

being washed away and transferred to safer grounds. Big crushing 

waves begun to pound the coastal areas, the Jolo Wharf, sending 

knee-high water into the streets all the way to the gates of the wharf 

in Port Area, threatening the Barter Trade stalls. At about 11:00 

o’clock, the storm surge was at its worst, crushing the cement marker 

along the break water of the wharf, tossing it like a rag doll to the 

center of the road. The D’ALERT Team in the area has to leave, 

fearing big waves and damaging their communication units. By 

then, many houses along the coast, from Mauboh, Lambayong, 

Bus-Bus, Port Area, Chinese Pier, Takut-Takut, Zones I and II of 

Barangay Tulay and Tanjung in Indanan were either totally damaged 

and washed out, or were in such a bad shape, that residents 

have no other choice but to flee. 

‘Mother nature’s fury’ 

The Sulu ACC and staff, headed by its Executive Director, Hji. 

Fadzlur-Rahman “Paduka” Abdulla, and personnel from the DSWD, 

spearheaded by Christopher “Dracula” Lee, were coordinating with 

the D’ALERT Team, in rescuing and monitoring the situation, calling 

in units from the JIDF to ferry victims from the scene to the ACC 

building in Jolo. The timely intervention and early warning relayed 

by the D’ALERT, JERN and other Radio Clubs, prevented what 

could have been a major catastrophe, in terms of collateral damages. 

Nevertheless, hundreds of families were affected, losing not 

only their homes, but what little belongings they have. 

At around midnight and beyond, the weather somewhat subsided, 

as most of the victims were moved to safer areas, and were 

cared for by the concerned National Government Agencies, DSWD, 

The Sulu ACC, the Jolo ACC and other NGOs. 

By the break of day, the damage caused by the storm surge 

was painfully evident, with piles of rubbles of what was once the 

abode of so may of our brethrens strewn all along the coast. A 

speedboat was damaged and washed ashore, as stunned residents 

surveyed the area. 

Data gathered by the D’ALERT on the extent of damage and 

the number of IDPs in Jolo and adjacent Municipalities: (Source – 

DSWD & JERN, January 15, 2009) 

Houses Totally Houses No. of Families 

Damaged Partially 

Damaged 

Jolo 

Zone I & III, Bgy. Tulay 19 134 152 

Bus-Bus Lambayong 180 4 613 

Port Area 120 22 185 

Chinese Pier 5 36 36 

Takut-Takut 5 1 6 

Indanan 

Buansa 5 1 6 

Pangutaran 

Sinbahan 85 107 207 

Patikul 

Mauboh 25 25 

Tanduh Baguah 33 33 

Taglibi 16 16 

In the morning of January 17, 2009, at 10:00 A.M. Relief Goods 

consisting of 629 Food Packs, from the First Lady of the Town of 

Jolo and the Sulu ACC, were distributed to the victims of the storm 

surge in Bus-Bus, with the D’ALERT Disaster Team assisting. 

A total of 2,196 persons from 439 families were the recipient of 

the relief operation. 

The D’ALERT Disaster Team, have to beg off from the relief 

operations afterwards, that afternoon being the 10th Induction 

Ceremonies of the new sets of Officers, Marshals and Members 

of the Board of Directors.

February 2009 

7

Photos by Ram 

8 

February 2009 

Sulu Guv Tennis T 

JOLO - The 2 nd Gov. Sakur Tan tennis tourney was a resounding 

success and the sports program of the Sulu provincial government 

is gaining more supports from different groups here. 

The tennis cup, which was recently held, attracted many 

sports enthusiasts from around Sulu and the governor himself, 

Sakur Tan, a known sportsman, led an exhibition game. 

The tournament was held at the Jun D’ Lan Tennis Club of 

Chinese Pier. Tennis is one of the most popular sports in Sulu. 

Tan regularly plays tennis with local government officials and 

members of sports clubs here. 

The Jun D’ Lan Tennis Clu 

clubs from Zamboanga City, Ba 

to participate and make the tou 

“There is no better way for a 

sports. Play tennis regularly 

healthy. Our sports program is 

youths joining our efforts to p 

Sulu,” Tan said.

February 2009 

9 

ourney Successful 

b has invited interested tennis 

silan and Tawi-Tawi provinces 

rnament a regional event. 

healthy mind and lifestyle, but 

and your body and mind stay 

very good and we have a lot of 

romote sports development in 

He said his sports program has been an effective tool to 

lure the youths and those who are out of school away from 

illegal drugs. “Sports is the best way to fight illegal drugs,” 

Tan said. 

He said aside from tennis, swimming, basketball and badminton 

are also among the sports widely played in Sulu. Tan 

also constructed an Olympic size swimming pool at the Sulu 

Sports Complex with the support of Regional Gov. Zaldy 

Ampatuan. 

on Doronila, Jr.


AFP dev’t programs resume 

despite ASG threats in Sulu 

JOLO, SULU- The military maintains 

its humanitarian and development 

programs in Sulu despite the threats 

and attacks paused by the terrorist 

Abu Sayyaf Group, JTFC Commander 

M/Gen. Juancho M. Sabban 

affirms. 

The bandit group has demanded 

the cessation of military’s security operations 

in the province and even 

lobbed mortar rounds towards the military 

camp in Brgy Busbus last 09 February, 

hitting the said barangay that 

resulted to the wounding of innocent 

civilians. 

M/Gen. Sabban admitted that 

building Sulu in the midst of security 

threat can be a daunting task, however, 

with optimism and sustained unity of 

efforts among the military and all the 

peace and development stakeholders, 

economic upsurge will surely continue. 

“We cannot allow terrorism to triumph 

and just let them destroy the 

people’s peaceful way of life. The military 

troops will stay and are focused to 

continue what have been started for the 

betterment and development of the 

communities we serve. The gains we 

SPG awards 24 cassava graters with pressure to deserving beneficiaries 

PATIKUL, SULU- The Sulu Provincial 

Government under the leadership of 

Gov. Abdusakur M. Tan awards twenty 

four cassava graters with pressure to 

deserving beneficiaries in a ceremony 

last December 2008 at Capitol Site, 

Patikul, Sulu. The recipients are coming 

from Agri-Marine Cooperatives, 

Farmers Associations, Local Government 

Units, whose livelihood deals with 

cassava production. 

The awarding of the same to qualified 

beneficiaries is a joint program of 

the Sulu Provincial Government and the 

Support to Emergency Livelihood Pro- 

M/Gen. Juancho Sabban 

gram (SELAP) to fast track livelihood 

program and activities to agri-farmers 

in order to improve productivity for 

improved income. 

It is worth to mention that the main 

thrust of the Sulu Provincial Government 

focuses on Agri-marine advancement 

and development. The program 

dubbed as “Food Sufficiency For Sulu 

Through Cooperative Farming” is the 

pilot project of Gov. Tan in his desire to 

address food crisis particularly cassava 

and vegetables which most often are 

brought from nearby provinces like 

Zamboanga and Tawi-Tawi. 

SULECO’s consumers set to avail power subsidy from ‘GMA’s Pantawid Kuryente Program’ 

JOLO, SULU—The Sulu Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SULECO) is set to 

release 10 million power subsidy to lifeline consumers in Sulu. Among 

the municipalities in the province, the only energized town like Jolo, 

Indanan, Patikul, Talipao, Parang, Maimbung and Luuk will avail the 

Pantawid Kuryente: Katas ng VAT Program of the national government. 

In an interview with SULECO General Manager upon her return 

from the ceremonial signing of the said program with the National 

Electrification Administration (NEA) in Manila, Ms. Peraida Akalal said, 

the program is a one-time P500 subsidy to the poorest sector of society 

to help them pay their electric bills. 

She said, recipients of this program are those residential consumers 

with consumption of maximum 100 kilowatt-hour and less or a maximum 

daily average consumption of 3.33kwh. 

Ms. Akalal further said that the qualified consumers will be given 

credit memorandum stating that the amount of P500 shall be applied 

starting March 2009 and future billings. 

“The amount shall be treated as advances which will be reflected 

in the consumers billing until the total subsidy has been fully accounted 

for,” the manager also said. 

SULECO has more than 16,000 member-consumers. 

Based from the May 2008 billing status, there were 11,227 families 

are found to be qualified for the power subsidy. Of the 7 energized 

had established here must not be 

halted,” he stressed. 

Last 06 Feb, ASG burned the 

Solomon Elementary School in 

Barangay Taung, Patikul. 

“The threats and attacks will not 

have any implications on our 

humanitarian development projects for 

Sulu,” the JTFC commander said. 

Projects include: construction of 

roads; building and repair of school 

edifices, wells or water distribution 

systems, health clinics, hospitals, community 

centers, and other donations. 

“Bringing basic services to the 

communities has been the turning point 

in our battle against terrorism. Because 

of these efforts, the people, especially 

those in far flung barangays, felt the 

government’s care. Hence, local support 

has been very difficult to come by 

for ASG. The necessity to boost development 

is anchored on this premise. We 

will continue in our goal to bring development 

in Sulu,” he said. 

The AFP’s holistic approach to terrorism 

stands resilient amid the violent 

resistance of the ASG terrorists. (42 nd 

CRU, 4 th CRG, CRSAFP) 

In the implementation of the program, 

Governor Tan directed his Provincial 

Cooperative Officer who is concurrently 

the Coordinator on Agri-marine 

Advancement, to fast track massive 

farm tractor operation to the different 

municipalities and barangays 

where there are lands devoted to agricultural 

production. The operation 

started in the third quarter of 2008. 

Based on records, we have targeted 21 

Barangays covering the municipalities 

of Indanan, Talipao, Patikul, 

Maimbung, and Parang and with accomplishment 

of 350 hectares being 

municipalities, Jolo has the biggest share with 5,506 qualified beneficiaries 

followed by Patikul with 2,808. 

SULECO Board President Hadji Rogelio Asaali said that for this 

program, SULECO will receive a subsidy of P10 million for the total 

Pimentel files bill seeking to address 

lack of municipal trial court in Sulu 

IN this time and age, not a single municipal 

trial court is operating in the 18 municipalities 

of Sulu Province, said Senate 

Minority Leader Aquilino Q. Pimentel. 

He said that although Sulu is entitled 

to at least four Regional Trial Courts 

(RTCs), not one judge is sitting in the 

multi-island province on a regular basis. 

The judges, more often than not, hold 

sessions in Zamboanga City on the main 

island of Mindanao. 

Pimentel said the judges are afraid to 

hold office and conduct trials in Sulu due 

to the unstable law and order situation 

there. 

To solve this acute problem, Pimentel 

is proposing a law granting a set of incentives 

to attract qualified judges to accept 

permanent appointments to and hold regular 

sessions in the province and concerned 

municipalities. 

Pimentel said that the incentives 

should also cover the court employees and 

the prosecutors concerned. 

As embodied in Senate Bill 3062 filed 

by Pimentel, the incentives involve doubling 

the salaries, emoluments, allowances 

and perks for judges assigned in Sulu and 

other equally hazardous areas. 

In addition, Pimentel said that the 

said judges will be provided security detail 

of not less than five but not more than 

seven police officers or elements of the 

armed forces. 

He said the costs of maintaining the 

security detail will be shared, in equal 

cleared and plowed. Respective land 

owners and farmers covered by farm 

tractor operation have planted their area 

with different varieties of plants and 

vegetables that would enhance production 

and income. 

All expenses incurred relative 

thereto are shouldered by the Sulu Provincial 

Government. 

The above-mentioned program is 

reinforced by organizing the people in 

the area into agri-marine cooperative. 

PCO Amirul had conducted cooperative 

Pre-membership Education Seminar 

as pre-requisite for registration in 

amounts, by and will be taken from the 

budgets of the Judicial department and 

the province concerned in the case of the 

Regional Trial Courts. 

However, the bill provides that the 

judges of all levels of trial courts assigned 

in Sulu and other local government units 

(LGUs) with similar security problems 

will be entitled to the package of incentives 

only if they sit and hold regular court 

sessions in their places of assignment. 

In the event that the judges so assigned 

to these perilous posts get killed in 

the line of duty, the bill provides that their 

heirs will receive double the benefits that 

the heirs of judges who are assigned in 

other places are entitled to under the law. 

Without any courts operating in Sulu, 

Pimentel said there is no effective judicial 

remedy to redress the grievances of the 

people of Sulu. 

“The appalling absence of trial courts 

in Sulu and its municipalities bespeaks 

the troublous times besetting Sulu,” the 

senator from Mindanao said. 

“Without trial courts to arbitrate 

grievances according to the Rule of Law, 

the Rule of the Gun will prevail as it seems 

to prevail today in the province. Serious 

threats to the security and the safety of 

the populace of Sulu, including 

kidnappings, abductions, ambuscades and 

outright killings, appear to be horrendously 

common place in the province,” 

Pimentel said. (Manila Bulletin posted 

Feb. 14, 2009) 

the Cooperative Development Authority 

(CDA). The Provincial Cooperative 

Union (PCU) and Task Force Coop Sulu 

provided primary coops be organized 

with the training and seminar on livelihood 

undertaking skills, knowledge, 

and expertise affecting managing organization. 

Gov. Tan promised to buy more 

farm tractors as part of his continuing 

program to provide livelihood opportunities 

to farmers so that the province 

of Sulu will be saturated with all varieties 

of plants enough to supply the 

needs of the Suluans. (PCO Amirul) 

number of qualified member-consumers. 

NEA has already released the 80 percent of the total subsidy while 

the remaining 20 percent will be upon the liquidation of the first release. 

Aimed at cushioning the impact of the high cost of electricity and 

other prime commodities, it is learned that the program is funded through 

the allocation of P2 billion from oil VAT collection of the national government. 

The DSWD, the Private Electric Power Operators Association 

(PEPOA) and NEA are implementing the program in areas covered by 

119 Electric Cooperatives (ECs) and Private Investors-Owned Utilities 

(PIOUs) nationwide. 

The GM Akalal said, SULECO will be coordinating with partnerageny 

and local government units like the Department of Social Welfare 

and Development, local officials of target beneficiaries and the 

Provincial Government, to ensure the successful implementation of 

this program. 

In an official statement issued by the provincial government, Gov. 

Abdusakur M. Tan said, that the national government initiatives is a manifestation 

of a strong confidence to the local governance in the province. 

“The people of Sulu will benefit and get a fair share from the 

Pantawid Kuryente: Katas ng VAT Program of the national government 

same with other provinces in the country,” Gov. Tan said. (BIA- 

PPDO)

February 2009 

11 

Cooperativism: Answer to poverty incidence and ignorance in Sulu 

By: Hji. Sahiron D. Amirul 

Provincial Cooperative Officer 

COOPERATIVE by definition, comes from two latin 

words, co and operare. Co means together, while 

operare means work. By the principle of fusion, cooperative 

therefore means to work together. 

Cooperative, by operation, is a business enterprise 

owned, managed, controlled, and patronized 

by its members. It is a strategy and a system as well, 

where the low income sector is given the opportunity 

to participate in the two most important aspects 

of business, namely: the Production and Distribution 

of goods and services. 

The Province of Sulu is faced with myriad of 

problems and issues major of which are the high 

incidence of poverty and ignorance, lack of capital 

to sustain business operation, peace and order and 

others. However, study shows, the only alternative 

and rightful medicine that would address the abovenoted 

problems and concerns is the strengthening 

of cooperatives primarily for livelihood and human 

development. It would also enhance and increase 

the participation and involvement of the people in 

the community towards self- reliance, empowerment, 

governance, and improved productivity and income. 

The present dispensation under Gov. 

Abdusakur M. Tan, declares cooperative as the flagship 

program of his administration. In order to fast 

track the implementation of the program, Governor 

Tan issued Executive Order No. 1 Series of 2008, 

creating the Task Force Cooperative Sulu, designed 

to conduct massive information, education, and 

communication campaign through print, radio broadcast 

and television so that the constituents of Sulu 

will become aware of the importance and significance 

of organizing coops and its impact to the 

whole community. 

The Task Force Coop, in coordination with the 

Provincial Cooperative Union and Provincial Cooperative 

Development Office strengthens the cooperative 

program by organizing more cooperatives at 

the Municipal and Barangay level and strengthen 

existing ones in order to become active, operating 

and functional. 

The Task Force likewise, conducts consultation/dialogue 

with leaders of LGU’s like Mayors, 

Barangay Chairmen, community leaders, and civil 

society organizations and provides update on the 

need to organize and strengthen coops in their respective 

area. The Task Force asserts that cooperative 

is the rightful medicine that would address the 

prevailing socio-economic problems of our people 

in the island province of Sulu. 

Statistics shows that countries in Europe like 

France, England, Germany, and many others have 

suffered severe socio-economic problem, however 

the solutions to their poverty and ignorance have 

attributed through the strengthening of 

cooperativism in their area of operation. Today, they 

are now the most developed and advanced industrialized 

countries as they make cooperative a way of 

life of their own people. 

The Sulu Provincial Government in its desire to 

bring unity, progress, to secondary cooperatives, 

has tasked itself to provide technical and financial 

assistance to affiliate coops. Gov. Tan channeled 

loan assistance in the amount of 3.6 million annually, 

through the Provincial Coop Union in order to provide 

augmentation capital to primary coops so that 

in the end they can engage in any livelihood undertaking 

that will uplift the standard of living of coop 

members. The Task Force Coop Sulu, had organized 

and strengthened the following coops by municipalities 

in order to carryout the thrust and programs 

of the SPG. 

NOTE: 

Barangay Tubig Gantang 

* TOTAL NO. OF ORGANIZED COOPERATIVES IN TEN (10) MUNICIPALITIES: 47 

* TOTAL NO. STRENGTHENED COOPERATIVES : 10 

* ORGANIZED PROVINCIAL COOPERATIVE UNION (PCU) 

* CONDUCTED VARIOUS PRE-MEMBERSHIP EDUCATION SEMINAR (PMES)


The Sulu Provincial Government extends its warmest greetings to the Municipality of Banguigui 

in the celebration of their Founding Anniversary from January 27-29, 2009; and to the Municipality 

of Siasi in the celebration of their 105 th Founding Anniversary from February 11-13, 2009. 

May you have all a better and improved Local Governance and Administration 

in the years to come for the benefit of your constituents! 

JICA project at Panglima Estino 

TWO Barangays: Gagguil and Punay in 

Panglima Estino are beneficiaries of Japan 

International Cooperation Agency 

(JICA) funding. A one (1) unit with 2-classroom 

school building for Brgy Gagguil 

and one (1) multi-purpose center for Brgy 

Punay which are soon to be turned over. 

The 2-cycle Potable Water System 

Level I for Brgy. Gagguil and Multi-trade 

center for Brgy. Punay are soon to be 

implemented also. 

Mayor Hji. Munib S. Estino and Hji. 

Tawfik Estino are always supportive to 

give their share as counterpart for Brgy. 

Punay and Zehata Ventura. 

They organized People’s Organizations 

(P0s) in both barangays which were 

mobilized to help in the project implementation 

with the assistance of the Municipal 

Work Team: Adelerma C.. Ngo, — 

DSWD incharge (MSWDO); , Nor-aini 

L. Laimuddin,— Municipal Facilitator; 

and Mdazkur Q. Alam, Municipal Engineer. 

(Nor-aini L. Laimuddin/ Adelerma 

C. Ngo) 

OIC execs named in ‘new’ Maguindanao 

COTABATO CITY – Gov. Zaldy 

Ampatuan of the Autonomous Region 

in Muslim Mindanao has appointed 

officers-in-charge for the 

posts of provincial governor, vice 

governor and provincial board members 

for the “new” Maguindanao after 

the Supreme Court declared the 

creation of Shariff Kabunsuan province 

null and void. 

The officers-in-charge, from provincial 

governor to board members, 

will assume office Monday after they 

took the oath of office before Judge 

Bansawan Ibrahim. 

Maguindanao, which was divided 

into two territories with the creation 

of Shariff Kabunsuan in 2005 

and its subsequent nullification, gave 

birth to a “new Maguindanao,” according 

to Maguindanao provincial 

administrator Engr. Norie Unas. 

ARMM solicitor general Cynthia 

Guiani-Sayadi said “a vacuum of leadership” 

occurred when the Supreme 

Court declared the creation of Shariff 

Kabunsuan unconstitutional. 

“The elected officials of 

Maguindanao in 2007 have no mandate 

to lead the reconstituted province 

since they were voted by only a 

few electorate (excluding those from 

the then Shariff Kabunsuan)”, Sayadi 

said. 

After the Supreme Court decision 

became final, the regional governor 

conferred with the Department of Interior 

and Local Government and the 

Office of the Solicitor General. 

“To avoid the vacuum, 

Ampatuan immediately named the officers 

in charge,” Sayadi said. 

By Edwin Fernandez 

Mindanao Bureau 

She explained that the incumbent 

officials of Maguindanao have no 

mandate to govern the “reconstituted 

Maguindanao”, now composed of 22 

towns from Maguindanao and 11 

towns from the defunct Shariff 

Kabunsuan. 

Appointments 

Ampatuan appointed as acting 

Maguindanao governor Datu Sajid Islam 

Ampatuan, his younger brother, 

and named Mayor Akmad Ampatuan 

Sr., mayor of Mamasapano town, as 

acting vice governor. 

Also appointed OIC provincial 

board members are Russman Sinsuat, 

Asnawi Limbona, Nasrullah Imam, 

Narriman Ambolodto and Talib Abo 

Jr. for Maguindanao’s first district, 

and Sarip Ampatuan, Datu Puti 

Ampatuan, Nuali Ampatuan, Tasmi 

Datumanong and Abbas Pendatun Jr. 

for Maguindanao’s second district. 

Unas said former Maguindanao 

Governor Andal Ampatuan has been 

conferring with his lawyers on the 

matter. He added that the elder 

Ampatuan was convinced he had the 

mandate when he and other officials 

were elected in 2007. 

“That is beyond our province, 

the regional governor can answer 

that,” said ARMM chief of staff lawyer 

Oscar Sampulna when asked why 

the regional governor did not name 

his father, Andal, to act as officer in 

charge. 

Datu Sajid Islam Ampatuan is the 

youngest son of Datu Andal 

Ampatuan and brother of ARMM 

Governor Ampatuan. 

In a speech after being sworn 

into office, Sajid Ampatuan said he 

accepted the appointment with mixed 

emotions. 

“I am happy and sad. Happy because 

I was given the opportunity to 

lead this province, and sad because I 

have to take it from my great father 

[Andal],” he said. 

Unas said the elder Ampatuan 

simply directed his legal counsel to 

study the matter after he was told of 

the situation that they have no mandate 

to govern the reconstituted province. 

“He doesn’t want disagreement 

publicly with his son, but he still believes 

his election was valid and still 

holds water,” Unas said.

February 2009 

Decentralization and the Issue of Devolution 

REPUBLIC Act No. 7160 (The Local Government 

Code of 1991) devolves significant 

functions to the various provinces, cities, municipalities 

and barangays in the country that 

have long been operating under a highly centralized 

system. Local governments essentially 

are the bedrock of Philippine democracy being 

the structures and institutions closest to 

the people and at the frontline of governance. 

Among the LGC’s objectives was to decentralize 

local government units (LGUs) by giving 

them the autonomy to determine the course 

of their own local development. Conceptually, 

decentralization involves “the dispersal 

of power and authority from the central to 

the LGUs so as to allow smooth and unhampered 

flow of government operation”. (Buendia 

1996). This dispersal reduces the control of 

national government over the LGUs in various 

government activities. In the process, it 

also creates organizational structures and institutions 

that can be used as partners in local 

governance. The Code has been described as a 

“landmark legislation in the Philippines” that 

has provided for the highest form of decentralization 

and inspired the most enduring commitment 

possible for any ruling administration 

(Panganiban 1995)”. Many pin their 

hopes to the LGC as a new vehicle for addressing 

people’s needs in far-flung municipalities 

and for democratizing decision-making processes 

and structures at the local level. 

Reminiscence (from p.5)... 

was replete with war epic that transformed 

the people into a warrior class. But inspite 

of the historical animosity of the natives 

to tao guwa (non-natives), there was a 

time in history when non-natives began 

to arrive in Jolo for greener pasture. 

One of the earliest settlers to join 

the exodus to Mindanao was my grandparents. 

Driven by poverty from Leyte, 

my late maternal grandfather became a 

policeman in Jolo before World War II 

until his retirement in the late 50s. It was a 

very tough job for a “waray” to be assigned 

in a strange land like Jolo. But his 

recollection of the people that he met was 

more of a cordial encounter. The natives 

according to him were law abiding especially 

when they are in downtown Jolo. 

Criminality was almost zero at that 

time and the populace sleep soundly at 

night without any fear from intruder. Ac- 

Point of Pin (from p.4)... 

We think small atcs of corruption 

don’t anyway harm government much. 

So corruption is tolerated on the mistaken 

view of degree not the act perse. 

Yet corruption becomes gravier when 

more small acts are committed for all we 

know. 

In other governments, corruption in 

the highest level compels officials resign 

en masse. In our country, officials spend 

much money move heaven and earth to 

eschew culpability via bribery, influence 

and public funds. How can we then tame 

the “jungle in criminal’s head” when government 

itself is the “jungle” of the corrupt 

in the highest level 

Sad to note, many of us ignored the 

true concept of public good. We treat 

public interest as “garbage dumps; government 

transaction an opportunity to enrich; 

and treat the forest and natural environment 

aas private farms. The 

“pakikisama” value destroyed us. We regard 

the corrupt good and the honest 

deviant. Thus the altercation between the 

opposition and administration is not to 

end corruption but only to alternate 

power to corrupt more. 

Corruption is not a remote problem. 

It is real and very painful. Corrupt offi- 

cording to my grandfather there were only 

6 regular policemen in the town during 

his time but they were able to maintain 

law and order. On the other side, my paternal 

grandfather was an Ilocano. He was 

a teacher trained by the “Thomasites” 

and assigned to the islands of Tawi-tawi. 

That adventurous young Ilocano lad was 

one of the pioneers in spreading education 

to the natives of the south. His love 

for the place attracted him to stay for good 

and married a nativelass from Tapul. 

The burden was passed on to my 

father and continued the vocation to educate 

the natives of the south. With all 

honesty, these folks have earned their 

mark in history and invested their productive 

years with sweat and blood to 

serve the Tausugs- the people that they 

learned to love and respect. 

They may be gone but the tradition 

has continued to this day and I am proud 

cials remain in the position and use government 

to protect themselves. What 

pre-occupies them is bickering and precedent-setting 

for more corruption in 

government. Not putting something 

more for the masses to eat on the table, 

nor empowering the youth for a dynamic 

society. 

Let us ergo unmake this sad story of 

our history. Think and feel what is good 

for our nation and our future. To discount 

this tears all of us apart. Frailty flounders 

us and our own story destroys what better 

we should become. Idleness and passivity 

punt our worth. We can make a 

move in the offing reforming ourselves. 

Think of God and Morality. Honesty and 

sincerity are vital. *** 

The way I see it (from p.5)... 

leading his constituents in the cooperative 

movement to a commendable level 

in his municipality, Mayor Estino was able 

to convince donor countries to invest in 

the development priorities of his municipality, 

all because of improved Peace and 

Order in the area. If things will go undisturbed, 

Panglima Estino municipality 

could be the show case of monumental 

development amidst crises, enough for 

other town leaders to emulate. 

- o 0 o - 

The far-reaching provision of the Code 

was Section 17 transferring to the LGUs basic 

services and facilities and allowing them to discharge 

the duties, functions and responsibilities 

of national agencies and offices devolved to 

them. The province for example, has twelve 

basic services and facilities devolved to them 

including the personnel, equipment and resources 

of these agencies. These basic services include 

the following: health (field health and hospital 

services and other tertiary services) and social 

services (social welfare services); environment 

(community-based forestry projectas) and agriculture 

(agricultural extension and on-site research) 

projects and public works undertakings 

(locally funded);education project (school building 

program); tourism activities (facilities, promotion 

and development); telecommunications 

services and housing projects (for province and 

cities); and other services, such as investment 

support. 

Unfortunately, devolution was not implemented 

in the local government units of 

ARMM. In contrast, a non-autonomous municipality 

in Zamboanga del Sur like Ipil, or 

into the farthest north of Aparri has been providing 

these services like health and social welfare 

services; environmental and agricultural 

services; projects and public works undertakings; 

education projects; tourism activities; and 

telecommunication services to their constituents 

because the personnel, equipment and budget 

of these agencies were already devolved to 

them. Almost 80 plus barangays of our neighbor 

Zamboanga City since the enactment of 

this provision, have their own health centers 

catering to primary health care services to the 

population, funded by the city government. The 

problem with devolution or implementation of 

Section 17 of R.A. 7160 in the LGUs of ARMM, 

was the contradicting provision 526 of the 

Code. The transitory provision allowed the 

devolution to take lace in the Regional government 

of ARMM by adopting their own local 

government code. The Regional Gov’t of 

ARMM has enacted its own version of local 

government code as provided in R.A. 6734 

known as the Organic Act for Regional Autonomy 

in the ARMM. Consequently, the devolution 

of the basic services went to regional 

government and not at the local gov’t units of 

the ARMM. It is lamentable to note that a lessdeveloped 

province like Sulu, was deprived of 

these basic services because of conflicting provisions 

in the LGC. On the other hand, the 

failure of the ARMM regional government to 

devolve services to the LGUs which R.A. 6734 

does not prohibit, was purely political in nature. 

First, they do not have direct clients because 

the end users of these services are found 

in the provinces of ARMM. Second, the Reional 

Government has a dismal performance in terms 

of the delivery of basic services to the LGUs of 

ARMM, not to mention its track record on 

The Municipality of Talipao, under 

the able leadership of a Lady Mayor, the 

Honorable Hadja Sitti Raya Tulawie, is 

fast gaining recognition. Once a dreaded 

territory before, now, Talipao is a MUST- 

SEE MUNICIPALITY IN THE PROV- 

INCE OF SULU. Anybody now can 

move freely without fear, even in the wee 

hours of the night. All because of the 

much improved Peace and Order situation 

in the area. Lately, the Lady Mayor 

invited representatives from different 

line agencies. Among them is the Provincial 

Cooperative Officer who shed 

light on how to combat poverty in the 

area. She lauded the cooperative movement 

in the province and urges her constituents 

to heed the call of the PCO to 

pool meager resources together and 

make difference in the economic landscape. 

- o 0 o - 

Can the other leaders follow suit 

All they need is the political will to free its 

people from the clutches of armed group 

that only contribute nothing but destruction, 

dislocation of the masses, fear and 

economic stagnation. 

- o 0 o - 

For the record, the Tausug had the 

right to know this: Under the able leadership 

of Governor Abdusakur M. Tan, the 

province had egged-out from the “POOR- 

EST OF THE POOR” category in a very 

graft and corruption at the regional level. Third, 

they do not know the needs of the people of 

the different provinces under ARMM because 

they are detach from the prevailing conditions 

and realities on the ground. Hence, it would be 

counter-productive for them to hold on to these 

basic services and facilities because it would impair 

the very efforts of these LGUs to pursue 

self-reliance and local development in the region. 

Worst, it would entail additional operating 

cost for these poor LGUs to provide these 

basic services and facilities without the benefit 

of devolution. The meager Internal Revenue 

Allotment (IRA) of a poor province like Sulu 

will be stretched thin because they have to provide 

these services as mandated by law. I on’t 

see any logical reason why the regional government 

is obstinate to devolve these services to 

the LGUs of ARMM. Devolution is part of the 

whole process of decentralization and the implementation 

of Section 17 of R.A. 7160 is applicable 

to all LGUs in the country. 

This might be a question of law, but the 

law will always be on the side of the governed 

especially if the intention of that law is to improve 

the state of affairs of the people. Our 

elected local officials have all the reasons in the 

world, to demand the devolution of these basic 

services and facilities to them since it will benefit 

the province of Sulu, the 19 municipalities, 

the 410 barangays and the more than 800,000 

thousand Tausugs. (Nick Jacoba) 

of this legacy. In my entire years I have 

seen the rise and fall of the Tausug people. 

No words can describe the devastation 

they have experienced in the early years 

of Martial Law. 

The once peaceful and serene hinterland 

became the bloody battlegrounds 

of the MNLF and the AFP. Thousands 

have died from both sides and the civilians 

suffered no end and to this day remain 

the victims of the atrocities of war. 

In the words of Plato “only the dead have 

seen the end of war.” But for more than 

three decades now since martial law, we 

the living have not seen the end of war. 

The war that we have witnessed 

since the bloody years of martial law has 

turned into more complicated one. Tackling 

the root cause is probably the most 

convincing way of solving the protracted 

war in Sulu. History will teach us that in 

the late 50s to 70s people in the rural areas 

of Sulu were preoccupied with economic 

activities. They have their farm, 

crops, domesticated animals and they can 

roam the exterior freely. People were busy 

at that time and they have their own 

source of income. 

To put it bluntly, an empty stomach 

respects no law and people with uncertain 

future will be lured to join any group 

just to satisfy their physiological needs. 

Inequality of economic and social opportunity 

and poverty are often underlying 

causes of conflict, so reducing poverty 

and stimulating economic growth and 

achieving general social and economic 

stability in conflict-prone area is the key 

to conflict resolution. 

It might be easier said than done. 

But the question is, when are we going 

to start If you believe we laready started, 

did we start right If not, why don’t we 

re-start 

short span of time, Alhamdulillah. Our 

province is no longer at the nadir of economic 

totem pole. And if our condition 

will improve more – that is gaining the 

economic glory that we once had under 

the Sultanate Government in the immediate 

past, it will not be far-cry to look forward 

to. But, will the recent kidnapping 

of the Red Cross Personnel erode in due 

time the development gains we had 

achieved in Sulu 

- o 0 o - 

In the name of Hulah, Bangsa 

,Agama, (Ulama, politicians, businessmen, 

professionals and other sectors), 

can,t we unite, peacefully without resorting 

to kidnappings and other shenanigans 

to improve our lot God Almighty 

had warned us in His Holy Book: 

“Verily, we will not change the 

condition of man in the community, until 

they themselves change their own conditions.” 

- o 0 o - 

Our only hope to progress therefore 

is nothing but ourselves. Not the Americans, 

nor the GEM, USAID, LGSPA, 

CIDA, UNICEF and others. Unless we 

make amend, we will be doomed to nothingness, 

and our dignity as a people is at 

stake. 

- o 0 o - 

Enough for now, The Way I See It 

will pause now for a reply. 

13 

Civilian Volunteers 

ready to join fight 

vs terrorists in Sulu 

JOLO, SULU – The people here are not 

only enraged with the terrorists, they are 

willing and ready to join the military to 

eradicate lawlessness and violence in this 

war torn province. 

In many municipalities here, civilian 

volunteer organizations (CVOs) are prepared 

to fight alongside the military and 

police to once and for all rid the island of 

terrorists and other lawless groups who 

have tainted the image of Sulu with their 

wanton criminalities. 

Banners calling for the release of kidnap 

victims, particularly the three members 

of the International Committee of 

the Red Cross (ICRC), are scattered all 

over the province. The banners were written 

in the local Tausug dialect containing 

practically the same message calling on 

the kidnappers to release their innocent 

victims. 

The mayors have expressed their full 

support on the military and have committed 

to give all assistance to the extent 

of sending their municipal forces to join 

the hunt against the terrorists hiding in 

the dense forest of the island province. 

Poblacion Indanan Barangay Chairman 

Jalandoni Hassan said the people in 

his barangay are angered by the series of 

kidnappings in Jolo particularly those of 

the ICRC members who were kidnapped 

by the Abu Sayyaf Group led by Albader 

Parad last month. 

He said that they have adopted measures 

to help maintain peace in their area 

and help government efforts against the 

terrorists. He said that they are willing to 

join military operations if they will be 

directed by their mayor. 

Another Barangay Chairman Eddie 

Margarbon of Tubig Parang, Indanan said 

the residents in his barangay are actively 

supporting efforts to rescue the victims 

by cooperating with the military and police. 

He likewise said that they are ready 

to join military operations if required. 

Meanwhile, Sulu Governor 

Abdusakur M. Tan condemned the series 

of kidnappings in his province and lamented 

that it has pulled down development 

gains. However, the governor stressed 

that the whole of Sulu is united against the 

kidnappers and other criminals. 

He noted that the different mayors 

of Sulu have signed together a statement 

of commitment and support in favor of 

the provincial governor, the AFP and the 

police to resolve the kidnappings in Sulu. 

This is because the mayors are confident 

on the leadership of Gov. Tan. 

While the military pursues the kidnappers 

in the hinterlands, the people in 

Sulu are bent to organize some sort of 

activity to show unity and demonstrate 

their support to the government. 

There is a growing clamor within the 

civilian sector to initiate some activities 

to actively participate in the efforts to 

achieve peace. 

In an interview, 4 th Civil Relations 

Group Commander Major Gamal S 

Hayudini, who was in Jolo yesterday, 

said that the military will support any 

activity initiated by the civilian sector as 

long as its objective is parallel and not 

contrary with that of the government. 

“The civilian sector is a major stakeholder 

when we talk about peace and development. 

It is even encouraged that the 

civilian populace be more involved in 

maintaining peace and order in the community,” 

Hayudini said. 

He added that the peace and security 

should be the concern of everybody 

and it requires everyone’s cooperation 

and support. (4 th CRG, CRSAFP)


Gov. Sakur Tan posed before the media to 

condemn in the strongest term all forms of 

criminality in the province of Sulu and calls 

upon all sectors for their concerted efforts 

towards this end. 

Partnership with the American forces stays 

firm in helping on peace and security in Sulu. 

“ALLOW me to begin by saying that I am 

a typical teenager- a teenager who loves 

to hang-out with friends, to chat on the 

internet, to watch movies, and to text 

friends whenever chance permits me. 

Surely, I am like most of my classmates. 

My major focus would be my concerns 

in the University like homeworks, 

projects, how to pass in Pathophysiology, 

how to make a good book review in Philosophy, 

how to have high grades in Microbiology 

and Parasitology, and of course, 

how to pass my 4B Rhetorics. I, most of 

the time, assumes to be no different from 

anyone even by some of my friends. 

However, there is one thing that sets 

me apart from all of you here. It’s my religion. 

I am a Muslim, ladies and gentlemen. 

And I grew up with the cruel and undeniable 

fact that we Muslims are highly discriminated 

among any other ethnic or religious 

communities in our society. 

When I was a freshman student, my 

classmate in Literacy Training Program 

enjoyed lambasting the Muslims for their 

so-called bad behavior for killing people 

and for being the root- cause of the neverending 

war in Mindanao. Obviously, my 

classmate did not realize that I am from that 

background. She did not realize that I grew 

up witnessing the death of my fellow Muslims 

in the hands of the military, most of 

which claim to be followers of Christ. She 

did not realize that I grew up wondering 

why everyone sees us as the antagonists, 

and why can’t there be peace between us, 

Muslims, and you, Christians, when the 

fact remains that we have one God and that 

M/Gen. Juancho Sabban, Gov. Sakur Tan 

and Mayor Hussin Amin still remain 

committed to forego development 

programs for the province amidst violence 

and criminality it is beset with. 

Chairman Nur Misuari expresses his 

utmost concern to peace and development 

of Sulu and stands with willingness to take 

major role in the crisis management team 

as negotiator for the release of ICRC kidnap 

victims. 

The Goal of Living in Peace 

Dayang-Dayang Jehan 

Sacapamo Kiram 

we both believe in Jesus Christ. That I grew 

up wishing that the authorities would address 

the problems accordingly and that all 

of us will agree with one another so that 

there will be no more divisions and that we 

may be united in mind and soul like what the 

Holy Book says. 

Ladies and gentlemen, we are Muslims, 

we are FILIPINOS, WE are not TERRORISTS! 

Believe it or not, WE are lovers of PEACE! 

Now, if it seems like I’m putting all the 

blame on other people or other religious 

groups, then I believe you re not getting my 

point of view. We are just like you .We have 

a heart that bleeds whenever other people 

Sulu Sultanate Agbimuddin Kiram prays 

before thousands of Tausug during the 

peace rally for hope and brighter future 

of the young generation in Sulu. 

The first Harmony Post set-up in Sulu 

reminds the Tausug that Peace is the only 

way to progress in Sulu. 

discriminate us, a mind that has a knowledge 

we would like to impart, and a voice 

that begs to be heard by the whole world. 

It is my greatest dream to wake up 

one day and find that the long war is over. 

That discrimination against us doesn’t 

exist anymore. That we, after centuries, 

are finally accepted and loved completely 

for who we are. I hope to wake up one day 

in a country where it would make sense to 

be happy of the fact that I am a Muslim, 

and here with me is my Mend, a Christian, 

and we are proud BECAUSE and not 

INSPITE of the fact. 

We must work hand in hand, Muslims 

and Christians, in building a better 

community. We must help each other to 

ensure progress in our society and we 

must trust one another to achieve our goal 

of living in a peaceful country. 

Hear me everyone, my voice may be 

small and weak but that won’t stop me 

from telling the whole world that I am and 

will forever be proud to be a MUSLIM. 

Was SalanuAlaikum Warah MatullahI 

Taala Wa Barakatu. May the peace, 

mercy and blessing of God be upon us. A 

pleasant evening to everyone. Thank 

you.” 

Dayang-Dayang Jehan Sacapamo 

Kiram is a product of a Muslim and Christian 

marriage. She is the eldest among four 

siblings and the only daughter of Date 

Yldon Tan Kiram and nurse Myrla Barroga 

Sacapanio, the granddaughter of Sultan 

Mahakuttah Kiram, and great granddaughter 

of Sultan lsmael Kiram I of the Sultanate 

of Sulu. 

In kamatay wai jangkaan 

By Taha A. Jundam 

I 

Bismilla in Tumagnah 

Wai lutang garnah 

Niyat sin huna-hunah 

Pa tuhan hi sampurnah 

II 

In panganjih sin kamaasan 

Nagmamabugah sila patuhan 

Subul maas batah kataan 

Naglilimawakto magsambahayang 

III 

Mahunit in kamatay bang paratungun 

Makabugah in lupah landu tigidlom 

Hangkan subay kaw jukop sin 5 rukon 

Sukol minsan mapatay aun lutuon. 

IV 

Bang in tao mapatay sin atay putih 

Sambil jaga mungkalon landoh mahallih 

Dih maka-os, os mukpuk kaymo sin digpih 

Tagaran dakaw bang makabatih. 

V 

Bang in tao mapatay sin atay sutsi 

Kataan biraddali maglami-lami 

Sibuh salih hi usog hi babae 

Tiya tagamahan kaw asal sin mga nabi 

VI 

Bang kaw sin malaikat dahun 

7 lapis langit untasun 

2 kamo mag-agad magpanon-panon 

Malaikat in ngan apoh mungkalon 

VII 

Bang kaw sin malaikat dahon pa sulgah 

Simasakat pa kamo ha taas kurah 

Saitan ibris dih kaw makawah 

Jaga mo malaikat bukon gantah. 

VIII 

Hangkan sa mga islam kamo kataan 

Mag ibadat na kitaniyo magsambahayang 

Ayaw nama maginom sin kaalakan 

Ayaw magpanganyaya ha kaibanan. 

IX 

Ya allah hurabbi junjungan nabi 

Di kita ha donya maglami-lami 

Bang patayon sin tuhan mag-una huli 

Diton takaw tagaran ha parang bailli 

X 

Ya allah hurabbi junjungan rasul 

Di ha donya tap-tap maglunsul 

Bang patayon sin tuhan mag-urol-urol 

Ditton takaw tagaran ka laum kubol. 

XI 

Tammat na in kalangan 

Sublihan ko na sin daman 

Pa mga maigalan mapatag 

Pamingalan minsan dih taghuyan 

Maun da pa tapuan 

XII 

Jinajalla-jalla ampan 

Himikug lahipan 

Minsan in tataklayan 

Biyah pai lurosan 

XIII 

Manuntun na ako hagdan 

Mangulih binusan misan 

Dih masahud sin untung masahud 

Sin suratan ha pangjung jungan 

Ha panambilawangan magbutang 

Kaipatan wabillahi tawfik 

Walhidaya assalamualaykum 

Warahmatullahi taala 

Wabarakatuhu.

February 2009 

15 

Thousands (from p.1)... 

and government in its effort to 

bring peace and development in 

the province. 

He also assured the civilians 

that the government, including the 

police and the military, is doing 

its best to eliminate lawlessness 

in the province. 

Tan also expressed his gratitude 

for the full support given by 

the civil society organizations 

(CSO’s) of Sulu, now known as the 

Sulu People’s Congress to local 

authorities in combating lawless 

elements in the province. “The 

people of Sulu is now ready to 

move forward, they want these 

criminal acts put to a halt once and 

for all, and I will do everything in 

my power to fulfil the wishes of 

my people” Gov. Tan emphasized. 

A live band welcomed the 

mammoth crowd gathered at the 

rally site giving the event a more 

lively and festive mood. 

The atmosphere in the rally 

was filled with hope that the event 

could be the turning point for Sulu 

and would lead to much needed 

change in the negative mindset of 

the people when it comes to their 

involvement in maintaining peace 

and security in the province. 

Organizers said the rally aims 

to bring Sulu closer to peace and 

development. 

They said the rally is significant 

because it shows the commitment 

of the people to change 

and their willingness to do what is 

necessary to achieve peace. 

The rally was organized by a 

group of 47 civil society organizations 

led by Dr. Samsula Adjuh and 

Isquildo Ishak who have responded 

to the growing clamor of 

the people to take a more active 

role in the peace and security situation 


Likewise, the Sultanate of 

Sulu and North Borneo thru its 

Royal Security Sultanate Forces 

led by its Crown Prince (Datu Raja 

Muda) Agbimuddin Kiram is one 

with the objective of the rally that 

is to strongly condemn the atrocities 

committed by the lawless 

group and called on residents to 

unite against all forms of evil acts 

so that the good image of the 

Tausug will not be tarnished with 

violence and that “peace will once 

again reign upon the province 

and the people can live in tranquility 

like it was before.” 

The Crown Prince said that 

Sulu was once a very famous 

place where people lived in harmony 

with dignity and pride. 

He said that it is not yet late 

to regain that lost prestige as long 

as the people from Sulu will unite 

towards the betterment of the 

province. 

The rally also aims to present 

a united front against violence 

and terrorism with its theme: 

“Walk in Unity Towards Peace.” 

Maj. Gen. Juancho Sabban, 

chief of the Joint Task Force 

Comet, who was also invited to 

speak in the rally, said the military 

has been involved in development 

projects in Sulu such as the 

construction of roads, school 

buildings and water supply. 

Sabban cited that development 

is a major factor in solving 

the peace and security problem 


He emphasized that education 

for the children of Sulu is the 

key for change and towards 

achieving peace in the long run. 

He promised that the military 

will always provide its services 

not only in keeping peace and 

security as well as in development 

related efforts. 

Major Gamal S Hayudini, 

chief of the 4th Civil Relations 

Group (CRG), said the military 

appreciates the support being 

shown by the people of Sulu 

through the rally. 

Hayudini lauded the civil organizations 

for coming up with the 

initiative and acknowledged the 

local government units particularly 

the governor and even the 

Sultanate of Sulu for their concern 

and support to the said civil organizations. 

He condemned the atrocities 

of the lawless groups as barbaric 

acts and vowed that the military 

will not hinder in its effort to neutralize 

the threat groups. (Teofilo 

Garcia -PNA) 

-ooOoo- 

Sulu CSOs took active 

part in the peace rally 

MORE than 47 civil society organizations 

(CSOs) and other 

multi-sectoral groups held a three 

hour-peace rally last February 14, 

2009. 

Held near the Jolo Municipal 

Office, thousands participated 

in the rally bearing placards which 

expressed their outrage at the rising 

tide of criminalities. Because 

of an earlier bomb threat, many 

watched the rally on their television 

sets while others followed it 

over the radio. 

As conceived by the civil society 

organizations, the objectives 

of the peace rally are: to strongly 

denounce atrocities, kidnappings, 

violence, extortions and all acts of 

criminality in the province; to articulate 

the civil society organizations’ 

position that the citizenry 

support the leaders initiatives for 

peace and to enlighten the people 

of the real situation prevailing in 

the province. 

The speakers in the rally included 

Sulu Gov. Abdusakur M. 

Tan, Mayor Hussin U. Amin, 

Major General Juancho Sabban, 

Heir to the Throne of the Sulu 

Sultanate Agbimuddin Kiram, Dr. 

Samsula J. Adju representing the 

Moro National Liberation Front 

(MNLF), and Councilor Mashier 

Tan. Mr Temogen Tulawie gave 

an overview of the rally while Dr. 

Charina I. Isahac and Mr. Al-anwar 

Anzar read the manifestos. 

Gov. Tan thanked the civil 

society organizations for sponsoring 

the peace rally which he 

believes would prove to the 

whole world that the Tausug of 

Sulu are far from happy with the 

present peace and order situation. 

He said that Abu Sayyaf a kidnapping 

the 3 volunteers of the 

International Committee of the 

Red Cross (ICRC) is a heinous act 

and that is unIslamic and has tremendously 

lowered the Tausug 

image including the unborn ones. 

Gov. Tan challenged the 

peace loving Tausug called on all 

sectors of society in Sulu that we 

should put politics aside and 

worked together to resolve this 

issue ones and for all. Let us solve 

the problem ourselves”. In addressing 

the issue of using military 

operation, it should be the 

last resort,” he said. 

Mayor Amin expressed disgust 

at the burning of the dump 

truck and reiterated his call for the 

unconditional release of the driver. 

Composed of three federations, 

the Sug People’s Alliance 

of Tausug (SugPat), the Consortium 

of Bangsamoro Civil Societies 

(CBCS) and the Bangsamoro 

Associations Network for Unification 

and Growth (BANUG), 

called on Gov. Tan at his office 2 

days before the rally to help assess 

the situation and to recommend 

possible solutions. 

Welcoming the support of 

the civil society organizations, 

the beleaguered regional governor 

expressed his relief, “I 

thought that I was alone in this!” 

One of the recommendations was 

for Chairman Nur Misuari to be 

part of the crisis management 

team as negotiator. 

The meeting ended with the 

reading of the manifesto which 

highlighted: a) alarm at the ongoing 

armed encounters between 

the AFP-led troops and the ASG 

which triggered massive displacements 

of civilians, loss of lives and 

properties; b) stress the complexity 

of the situation and which necessitates 

the collective efforts of 

all the stakeholders; c) affirm the 

role of the civil society organizations 

in the promotion of good 

governance, peace and development 

as well as transformation; d) 

urge all concerned authorities to 

defer the on-going armed rescue 

operations of the kidnapped ICRC 

workers until such time as the local 

leaders can better assess the 

situation and map out more effective 

strategies that will put an end 

to the crisis; e) condemn in the 

strongest possible terms the dastardly 

acts perpetrated by individuals 

particularly the kidnapping 

of the ICRC workers; call on 

all sectors in society especially 

the religious groups, community 

leaders, academic communities, 

and media practitioners, to set 

aside differences and to get involve 

in calling for the unconditional 

release of the ICRC workers; 

f)and to request President 

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the 

agencies of national government 

to extend all-out support to the 

alternative approaches and programs 

of the local authorities and 

leaders in the peaceful resolution 

of the problem. (Celina C. 

Unding) 

Harmony post (from p.1)... 

quoted: “That as we erect monuments 

to remind us of the good of 

peace and in advocacy of it, let 

them first rest and reside in the 

breast of everyone that they may 

throb with the pulse and sincerity 

of purpose”. 

Thanking and commending 

the valuable presence and contributions 

given by civil society organizations, 

non-government organizations 

such as Silsilah Dialogue 

Movement for their untiring 

pursuit of the ideals of peace, harmony 

and humanitarian dialogues, 

Gov. Tan remarked that their presence 

should not be underestimated 

for they too have the same stake 

to protect just like the majority of 

the Tausug. 

As regard the media type on 

the peace and order situation in 

the province, he commented that 

“the province in comparison is 

small by any standard, yet it elicits 

such a big attention even with just 

fluttering incidents that in any other 

place will not even deserve a second 

glance”. 

The Chief Executive continued: 

“On a daily rate, more crimes 

and incidents of violence happen 

in Tondo or in the streets of Pasay 

than in the whole of Sulu. Yet, we 

grab the headlines and occupy 

primetime news that seemingly 

picture Sulu as a place under constant 

siege and that isolated incidents 

are blown out of proportion, 

further blurring the vision towards 

seeing the brighter and better side 

of Sulu.” 

He also took that opportunity 

to shed light on the use of the term 

Tausug saying that other terms use 

to refer to the people of Sulu such 

as Joloanos or Suluans are late 

concoctions that can muddle the 

identity of a people who have a 

rich cultural and historic essence. 

According to him, the Tausug, 

wherever fate may take them and 

whatever their religious inclinations 

may be, whether Muslims or 

Christians, take pride in their being 

Tausug. 

The 6-feet tall marble pyramidal 

post is situated right in the center 

of the sprawling provincial 

grounds, with the beautiful landscape 

of flowers and fountains as 

its background. The post serves 

to foster friendship among the key 

persons of the different sectoral 

groups in the town and provincial 

levels; instill awareness among all 

the passers-by the call for peace 

and harmony is a 24-hours invitations; 

and to be a constant reminder 

to all peace advocates to 

continue working for peace and 

dialogue in the midst of conflicts 

and divisions. 

The first Silsilah Harmony 

Post was erected in Zamboanga 

City to commemorate the holding 

of the 3 rd Bishops-Ulama Conference. 

This is a newly inaugurated 

post in Jolo, the only one outside 

of Zamboanga. It took almost a 

quarter of a century for this peace 

icon to come to Sulu and as Fr. 

D’Ambra put it, “His dream for the 

attainment of peace and harmony 

for the Tausug is almost fulfilled.” 

Touched by a deep experience 

of conflict between Muslims and 

Christians in Mindanao, Fr. 

D’Ambra who hails from Sicily, Italy, 

started Silsilah Dialogue Movement 

in May 9, 1984 with a group of 

Muslims and Christian. Silsilah, an 

Arabic word which means chain or 

link, envisions a life-in-dialogue for 

all Muslims, Christians, and peoples 

of other living faiths, in respect, trust 

and love for one another and moving 

together towards a common experience 

of harmony, solidarity and 

peace. 

An organization and a movement, 

Silsilah has local, national 

and international memberships 

and has the following programs 

and initiatives: Silsilah Forum in 

key cities in Mindanao, care for the 

earth-integrity of creation and environmental 

concerns, solidarity 

programs, Silsilah Peace Development 

Services and the Silsilah Dialogue 

Institute for its formation and 

education. 

To broaden its coverage, it likewise 

focuses on inter-faith Muslim 

and Christian leaders, school 

and community and media. The 

summer course which features the 

teaching of both Islam and Christianity 

to Muslim and Christian 

participants is a one-of-its training 

in the Philippines which are attended 

by a wide range of national 

and international groups. 

True to its interfaith spirit and 

dialogue, it has Aminda Sano, a 

Christian as its president and Hja. 

Zenaida T. Lim, a Muslim as its vicepresident. 

As a strong and active 

promoter of Muslim and Christian 

relations, Silsilah enjoys the support 

of its many Muslim and Christian 

religious leaders in 

Zamboanga and in other parts of 

the Philippines. (Celing Unding/ 

Love Ilustre) 

Maglanuh (from p.1)... 

While the MetroJIP mayors 

and the TFComet vehemently pronounced 

their support to the leadership 

of the Chief Executive, Gov 

Tan extended his appreciation also 

in turn for their good performance 

and efforts in helping realize the 

program on the theme: “Basura 

Makamula, Maglanuh Magsamasama, 

Magad ha dan sin Agama”. 

This is the best way of increasing 

the awareness and involvement of 

all sectors of Lupah Sug in the 

proper management of our solid 

waste towards cleanliness and 

sanitation of our surroundings, 

Gov. Tan stressed. 

Taking the opportunity to say 

before his constituents, Gov. Tan 

strongly appealed to all sectors that 

while we clean our surroundings, 

we have also to condemn in the 

strictest term criminality in Sulu 

that had been destroying the image 

and name of the tausug and 

Lupah Sug as a whole. If we can 

show that we can clean our surroundings, 

let us also prove that 

we can be clean too in ourselves 

and conscience, Gov. Tan added. 

Let us support the creation of the 

Civilian Emergency Forces (CEF) 

to help in our peace and security 

efforts in Sulu, he said. 

The operation maglanuh program 

comprises series of activities 

and events which was launched 

in Feb. 5 until its culmination in Feb. 

11, in which it would highlight the 

realization of the proposed summit 

meeting with Gov. Tan, 

MetroJIP mayors and partners in 

the AFP, PNP and American 

Forces and other sectors of Sulu 

regarding the maglanuh program. 

Major part also of the program 

is the involvement of our youth/ 

students thru a slogan competition 

as spearheaded by the IEC Group 

composed of DepEd, IPHO and 

media, according to ACC Exe Dir. 

Fazlur Abdulla. (PIO-Sulu/FC) 

Suluist (from p.5)... 

each other’s warm palms, and expressed 

solidarity realizing that 

despite being polarized by pressing 

issues they still found common 

ground; Sulu is not a haven 

of sinister, and vividly despise atrocious 

entities. 

Probably, that day awaited 

has come for all Tausug. Or else, 

let that day be now! Why not 

Understandably, cessation of 

bitter disengagement amongst 

Sulu’s progenies is all but fragile. 

The dynamic of diversity is healthy 

though. Unity in diversity in Sulu 

is outright unwarranted. The necessity 

is only the maturity within 

diversity. Who said each sector envisions 

ill-fate for Sulu Ah, none! 

All have gargantuan dream of living 

up an elusive Shangri-la in 

Lupah Sug. Yet, Sulu is weak but 

beautiful. Despite high falutin formula 

re-harnessed manifold from 

coffee shop parliaments to the 

world’s endless conferences, this 

small island of almost a million residents 

could hardly recuperate. But 

it is trying to recuperate! 

Intelligence and resilience of 

the Tausug are notable. Tending 

toward personality cults rather on 

principle and purpose-driven, 

Tausug as a people must instead 

lean onto culture of divinelyguided 

change of self. Fear of not 

being credited in the process of 

good work is so human, but so 

much appeal on insecurity. Better 

for those who have confidence, 

whose character is molded with 

sincere heart, his/her right deed is 

largely unannounced and blessings 

shared. 

Hey dear reader, Sulu is better, 

with only your best.


Gov. Tan calls on the D’ Alert Lupah Sug not to give up on Sulu..... 

A very busy chief executive attending the important matters for the province was 

represented as honored guest by ACC Exec. Dir. Fazlur Abdulla, during the 

Induction Ceremony of the D’Alert Lupah Sug, last January 17, 2009. 

“I HOPE that you share my sentiments 

when I say that we should not 

give up on Sulu despite the negative 

impression that destroys Sulu’s image 

and the many suspicions of others 

on every move we make that undermines 

the present leadership”. 

These are some few lines taken from 

the speech of the Honorable Governor 

Hadji Abdusakur M. Tan during 

the l0th Induction Ceremony of the 

new set of officers for the year 2009 of 

The Alert Lupah Sug last January l7. 

“The governor was not able to attend 

the occasion due to the crisis unfolding 

in the province,- the kidnapping 

3 personel of IC of Red Cross”. 

This is the statement of the Executive 

Director of the Area Coordination Center, 

Hji. Fazlur Abdulla who represented 

and delivered the prepared 

speech of Gov. Tan. The governor 

The D’Alert role in CELF - Sulu 

LAST July 31 st and August 1 st 2007, the CELF-SULU, of which, D’ Alert Lupah Sug 

is a member, conducted a two-day seminar on Management Organization at the 

Orosa Hall, IPHO, Jolo. The objective was to create a working committee on the 

forthcoming Mass Drug Administration to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis, slated 

on the 5 th of November 2007. 

The committees created were: 

· Committee on Membership and Networking 

· Committee on Resource Generation 

· Committee on Social Mobilization and Advocacy 

Our Club, together with DXSM, DXMM, PNP, AFP, PCG and MSA-SSC 

was included in the Committee on Social Mobilization and Advocacy. The 

main objective of the committee was to increase awareness of the populace 

on CELF, Lymphatic Filariasis, and to generate enthusiasm and active participation 

in the forthcoming Mass Drug Administration to eliminate LF. 

One of the activities prescribed in promoting awareness on CELF and 

LF, (Aside from the posting of billboards in strategic locations in Jolo) was 

the Bandillo. A sort of tickertape parade around the town with speakers 

continuously broadcasting LF, its causes, treatment and disability management. 

The Chief of IPHO, Dra. Fahra A. Tan-Omar suggested that we should 

involve other clubs and organizations in the campaign by tapping them in 

the Bandillo. This is supposed to start on the 30 th of October until the Grand 

Launching of MDA on November 5, 2007. It was then suggested that we 

should tap the services of the various Motorcycle clubs in town for this 

purpose. 

For one week this would have been the schedule of the Bandillo: 

Oct. 30 Cowboys Motorcycle Club 

Oct. 31 Ycopetenz 

Nov.1 Qbatchers 

Nov. 2 PNP-AFP-CG 

Nov. 3 MSA-SSC 

Nov. 4 D’Alert Network 

Nov. 5 Grand Launching (All CELF Members) 

During that seminar, two of the Tarpaulin which we should have posted in 

strategic location around town was given (by order of Dra. Tan-Omar) to Pangutaran 

and Luuk Municipalities, and the other was to be posted in the vicinity of the 

Provincial Capitol Complex. This is to be posted by us, and is still in the IPHO. 

Another one was donated by “Mahardika” and is with “Aleighn Grin” for posting. 

gave credits by acknowledging the 

various active participation of the 

members of D Alerty Lupah in his governance 

thru their community services 

for the benefit of the Tausug. 

In the meantime, Mayor Hussin U. 

Amin of Jolo had officially inducted the 

new set of officers of the Alert Lupah 

Sug for this year as led by Salip Wahid 

“Skywalker” Haiver, President; Engr. 

Abdel “Guitar” Jalani , Internal Vice 

President; Abdulyakin “Matarese” 

Jamasari, External Vice President; Datu 

Dandahul “Delta Square” Bahjin, 

Secetary; Darimar “Kruger” Lakibul, 

Asst Secretary; Adzhar “Alpha Delta” 

Dandon, Treassurer; Ali “Aleighn Grin” 

Salappudin, Asst Treas; Yashim 

“Kennedy” Yusop, Auditor; Alexander 

“Alpha Romeo” Reyes, Business Manager; 

Zenaida “Sierra Mike” Masong , 

PIO and the two Marshalls are 

Julhassan “Chicago” Maduh and 

Yusah “Kitty Hawk” Hadani. The 7 

Board of Directors are Dr. Ahiron 

“Double D” Hadjiron, Al-Rashid “Foreman” 

Waradji, Sali “Goldfish” Muallas, 

Emmanuel “Hemisphere” Pescadera, 

Mannan “Snowbird” Samgkula, 

Tahassan “Trader” Hadjirul, and 

Aharaja “Worshipper” Hatimil. 

As a manifestation of support to 

the Alert Lupah Sug, Mayor Amin delivered 

his Insprational Speech and 

he made mention that the Alert need 

not to be inspired instead he is the 

PATIKUL, SULU – Amidst recent unfortunate incidents 

in Sulu, Governor Abdusakur M. Tan convened the Provincial 

Development Council Meeting last January 27, 2009 

at the Governor’s Conference Hall, Capitol Site, Patikul, 

Sulu. As PDC Chairman, Gov. Tan presided over the deliberation 

towards the first adoption of 2008 - 2013 Provincial 

Development and Physical Framework Plan (PDPFP). 

Sulu is the first province in the entire ARMM region to 

formulate the plan using the new NEDA guidelines. PPDC 

Engr. Bertrand Chio made a presentation of the plan for 

consideration by the PDC members, and representatives 

of the different agencies in Sulu. A Technical working 

group composed of various government agencies headed 

by the Office of the Provincial Planning and Development 

Coordinator and assisted by NEDA was responsible in 

the plan formulation. 

The PDC meeting is the first ever to be convened by 

a province in the ARMM region. Fifteen (15) municipalities 

participated with eleven (11) municipal mayors, representatives 

of all government line agencies, Task Force 

Comet, PNP, NGOs and CSOs, academe. Vice Governor 

Lady Ann Sahidulla and majority of board members of the 

Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Sulu were also present. 

Gov. Tan stressed the importance of the adoption of 

the plan for the Province of Sulu covering the period 2008 

– 2013. After a thorough presentation of the PDPFP, Mayor 

Hussin Amin of Jolo moved for the adoption by the PDC 

which was unanimously seconded and approved by the 

august body. 

The meeting is also highlighted by the awarding of 

the Certificate of Appreciation by the LGSPA to Gov. Tan 

for the unwavering support and the members of the Technical 

Working Group for their invaluable service in the 

formulation of PDPFP for Sulu. 

Strongly stating what he feels and perceives, Gov. 

Jolo Mayor Hussin Amin posed during a picture taking after having officiated 

the oath-taking ceremony of the new set of officers of D’Alert Lupah Sug. (The 

photo also shows the newly elected and inducted officers of the organization) 

one being inspired by the organization. 

This is due to the fact that they 

have existed for the past 20 years. The 

night before he l;eft for Davao, He was 

with the Alert Lupah Sug assisting the 

victims of sea water surge. 

During the inauguration ceremony 

the newly elected Preisdent 

Salip Wahid ‘Skywalker’ Haiver, divulged 

the secrets of the Alert on why 

it lasted for 20 years now and still 

growing strong. “The organization is 

serving with all their heart, their sympathy 

to the less fortunate”, he said. 

As long as the residents of Sulu need 

help the Alert Lupah Sug will continue 

to exist”, Salip Wahid “Skywalker “said 

in his speech. 

Despite of the crisis that day, 

MGen. Juancho M. Sabban, the highest 

AFP official assigned in Sulu as 

the Commander of the Task Force 

Comet, took his time to grace the affair 

and delivered his testimonial message. 

He made mention of his awareness 

of the existence of the organization 

when he was still a battalion commander 

and became his partner in his 

peace endeavor in Sulu. He believes 

that the partnership will go long way 

thru this year’s theme: Continuing Social 

Services for a better Sulu. 

PDC adopts the 2008-2013 Provincial Development 

and Physical Framework Plan for Sulu 

Gov. Tan convened PDC meeting 

Tan firmly believes that the adoption of the PDPFP would 

serve as a proper guide for the Sulu Provincial Government 

and other sectors to move the province in the right 

direction towards better peace and more development in 

conformity with the vision and mission of the province. 

Concerted efforts of all sectors and proper coordination 

are necessary to achieve the goals envisioned by the new 

development plans, six years from now, the Governor said. 

As Chief Executive of Sulu, Gov. Tan acknowledged 

the efforts and accomplishments of the different mayors 

in their respective municipalities and emphasized the importance 

of peace and security, cooperative organizations, 

health services, agricultural programs in the local levels. 

This is how we could empower our people, he said. 

The new plan envisions the creation of a “Province 

with stable agri-industrial and competitive economy 

driven by self-reliant, empowered culture-sensitive 

people living in an ecologically balanced, peaceful community, 

steered by strong, morally upright and committed 

leaders.” (PIO-Sulu/FC) 

7 Deadly Sins 

Knowledge without Character 

Science without Humanity 

Business without Morality 

Worship without Sacrifice 

Politics without Principle 

Pleasure without Conscience 

Wealth without Work 

-- By Mahatma Gandhi

sulu gazette february2009

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