ZAMBO DAILY WIRE

BASILAN PROVINCE - - Al-Qaeda linked Abu Sayyaf militants demanded P20-million ransom in exchange for the safe release of a Filipino-Chinese, owner of a resort and restaurant in in this province, according to official. The demand was contained in a letter sent to the family of captive Hilario delos Santos alias Larry Font which was forwarded by the Abu Sayyaf group under Puruji Indama. The ransom was divulge after the militants reportedly demanded payment for proof of life for Delos Santos who was abducted last Dec. 16 in his mountain resort in Isabela City, capital of Basilan.

DAVAO CITY/(10TH ARMY DIVISION) - - Memilyn was a typical 13 year-old girl who on her spare time helps her mother in house chores and just like any other girl of her age, weekend is a welcome respite from school and a time to play. Her Sunday should have been wonderful just like the previous week as she is about to play after her family took their breakfast but the succeeding events proved the contrary. While the rest of the neighborhood and perhaps the whole world are enjoying Valentines’ day with their better half, Memilyn’s foresight is the delight the whole day would bring but her joy was short-lived when violent burst of bullets from automatic rifles suddenly rang and came. When the smoke of gunfire subsided, Memilyn Moreno lay dead. Her lifeless body sprawled on her own blood. A blood-red Valentines gift coated in full metal jacket from the New People’s Army (NPA). Memilyn lives in the Village of Sibajay in Boston town in Davao Oriental province. A place which local terrorists fr...

A message from U.S. Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney: “On behalf of the U.S. Embassy, I would like to express our most heartfelt condolences to the Aquino family and to the people of the Philippines on the death of former President Corazon Aquino. After her husband was assassinated in 1983, President Aquino's determined leadership of the peaceful 'People Power' revolution restored democracy to the Philippines. Her courage in the face of tragedy and the peaceful restoration of democracy made her an icon for freedom-loving people everywhere. President Aquino's example and memory will inspire generations to come. For the past twenty years, President Cory worked closely with the U.S. Embassy in helping to select the annual recipients of the Ninoy Aquino Fellowships given for public service and journalism. We will deeply miss her personal warmth and her tireless zeal on behalf of talented Filipinos emerging as leaders in those fields. ...

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman _____________________________________________________________________________ For Immediate Release July 31, 2009 2009/806 STATEMENT BY SECRETARY CLINTON Statement on the Passing of Filipino President Corazon Aquino I extend my deepest condolences to the Aquino family and all the people of the Philippines on the death of former President Corazon Aquino. Cory Aquino was beloved by her nation and admired by the world for her extraordinary courage after the assassination of her husband, and later, during her service as president. She helped bring democracy back to the Philippines after many years of authoritarian rule with a faith in her country and its people that never wavered. Like millions of people worldwide, Bill and I were inspired by her quiet strength and her unshakable commitment to justice and freedom. We join the American and Filipino people in honoring her life and memory.

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary ________________________________________________________________ July 31, 2009 Statement from White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs The President was deeply saddened by the death of former President of the Philippines Corazon Aquino. Ms. Aquino played a crucial role in Philippines history, moving the country to democratic rule through her non-violent “People Power” movement over twenty years ago. Her courage, determination, and moral leadership are an inspiration to us all and exemplify the best in the Filipino nation. On behalf of the American people, the President extends his deepest condolences to the Aquino family and the nation of the Philippines.

DAVAO CITY --- With the rising concern on global issues like climate change and its impact on biodiversity and marine resources, member countries of the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-the Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) are deliberating on a draft framework for joint fisheries development in support of policies that call for the sustainable management of tuna spawning grounds in the Coral Triangle. With the help of the German Technical Cooperation, an initial draft of the MOA prepared by the Philippine EAGA Working Group on Fisheries is now being reviewed and finalized by the member countries. The proposed framework, in the form of a Memorandum of Agreement, will establish the concept of a fisheries consortium among fishing industry stakeholders in the BIMP- EAGA. The proposed consortium is seen as a forum that facilitates discussion of issues on fisheries development as well as opportunities such as access to technology, access to market, access to funding, capaci...

DAVAO CITY—Young Mindanao leaders with a unique experience in the forefront of national policy formulation and lawmaking met here to draft their action agenda in support of peace and development in the region. Alumni of the Congressional Internship Program for Young Muslim Leaders (CIPYML), a partnership project of the Philippine House of Representatives and the U.S. government, gathered for their first-ever reunion to focus on how they can play a more effective role in peace-building and economic growth in their communities. “Community is where it all begins,” said former CIPYML intern Abdelnur Campong. “It’s where we can make a difference, right here, right now.” This is the first reunion for the former interns, who come from different areas of Mindanao and from various Moro tribes. Although they regularly contribute to the CIPYML e-group, this was the first time that alumni from different batches had gathered together under one roof. “This was a chance to see how we can converge ou...