THE former head of the government peace panel with the Moro
Islamic Liberation Front yesterday warned that the government’s continuing
failure to secure a final peace agreement with the secessionists would give
rise to a new breed of Muslim extremists espousing "jihadist activism."
"We might be seeing a new dimension of conflict inspired by
new jihadist activism," said Rodolfo Garcia, former chairman of the now
disbanded peace panel.
President Arroyo dissolved the panel early this month after
deciding to abandon the memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain with the
MILF. The MOA was supposed to be signed in Kuala Lumpur August 5 but the
Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order. The tribunal is hearing
questions on the constitutionality of the agreement which will create a Muslim
homeland, among others.
THE peso and share prices recovered yesterday following
the decision of the world’s central banks to provide
liquidity in the markets, led by the US Federal Reserves
$180 billion AIG bailout.
But Emmanuel P. Soller of Equitiworld
Securities said the recovery was only a technical rebound
with more losses seen in the next few weeks.
"What is pushing the market is bargain
hunting, speculating that the US bailout would bring
positive results," he said.
THE Army yesterday said it would release two
UP students and a farmer who were allegedly abducted by soldiers
two years ago, if they are found to be in the custody of any
Army unit.
Initial investigation showed the three are
not in the Army’s custody, said Army spokesman Lt. Col. Romeo
Brawner.
The Court of Appeals, reversing a decision it
issued last year, on Thursday said there is sufficient evidence
to prove the Army’s 7th Infantry Division, based in Fort
Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, abducted students Sherlyn Cadapan and
Karen Empeno and farmer Manuel Marino. The three were reported
abducted on June 16, 2006 in Hagonoy, Bulacan.
