Maniolas

KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia—The five Malaysian sailors kidnapped off Sabah last week have yet to slip into Abu Sayyaf’s mountainous jungle hideout in Jolo. They are believed to be held by self-proclaimed Abu Sayyaf commander Apo Mike alias Najan Sahidjuan at Pandami Island near Jolo in the Sulu province. READ: 5 Malaysians feared abducted near Tawi-Tawi, Sabah Jolo-based anti kidnapping activist Prof. Octavio Dinampo said they were held at Pandami where the gunmen felt secure as it was the “territory” of another Abu Sayyaf leader Mulphi Jurahmad, a comrade of Najan. Mulphi and Najan were said to be among the kidnappers of the 21 Malaysians and foreign tourists from Sabah’s east coast Sipadan island in 2000. “From there, the gunmen will try to bring in the five kidnap victims into Maimbung or Parang in Jolo before taking them to their mountainous jungle lair at Indanan,” Octavio said. He said the abduction of the five sailors from a tugboat on July 18 was carried out notorious kidnap for ransom gang brothers Nikson and Brown Muktadil. The five were then handed over to Najan who is perceived to be “reliable” among the Abu Sayyaf gunmen to guard the hostages and to deal their release. “It’s a case of one success leading to another. He was successful in handling the Indonesian sailors a few months ago and they expect this to continue,” Octavio added. He said there was a delay in bringing the five Malaysian sailors into Jolo amid house to house checks by Read More …

Philippine Daily Inquirer By: Jodee Agoncillo, August 20th, 2015 08:02 AM DSWD Sec. Dinky Soliman receives the US$300,000 donation from Nigeria for the victims of Supertyphoon Yolanda. JODEE AGONCILLO/PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER Amid the United Nations’ criticisms regarding the government’s slow rehabilitation process for victims hit by Supertyphoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan), help from other countries are still pouring in. On Wednesday, the Federal Government of Nigeria turned over to Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman US$300,000 and construction materials for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan or Yolanda. In 2013, Haiyan, the strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines, killed more than 6,300 people and displaced 4.1 million. Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines Buba Tekune has said their government believes the assistance would make necessary impact in the area even after two years the onslaught of Yolanda. “The significance of this gift should not be narrowed down as financial and material gift but rather be viewed from the premise of the desire of the Nigerian government and people to build long lasting bonds with the Philippines. I hope the donation would go a long way to support the commendable rehabilitation efforts of the Philippine government in the affected area.” The donations will be used to buy huge power tanks to serve as water source for people in Tacloban, and start relocating around 1,000 families from bunk houses to permanent resettlement areas. As of the latest report, around 2,000 families are in transitional shelters and bunk houses, according to Soliman, who Read More …

Senator hits PNP’s ‘failure’ to solve student’s killing MILF’s Iqbal shows up at House Mamasapano probe Authorities: Man stashed 2 pounds of heroin in underwear Nonstop scrutiny for Mayweather vs Pacquiao Sandigan denies Arroyo move to junk evidence in PCSO plunder case Mamasapano probe: Lie-detector test for Mangahis, Del Rosario mulled Fil-Am’s video wins Damon and Affleck’s short film award Never again, in this Thai resto MANILA, Philippine — The Philippines has welcomed the recently concluded framework on the nuclear program of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which was agreed upon after talks with six countries in Switzerland last week. “The framework is a positive development that provides an outline in reaching a comprehensive deal on the Iranian nuclear issue,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement. Under the proposed deal which is set to be signed and take effect in June, Iran will reduce its uranium enrichment capability and change to its nuclear facilities. If these are done, existing sanctions on Iran would be lifted. “The Philippines supports diplomatic efforts to address concerns on Iran’s nuclear program with a view to achieving a peaceful and lasting resolution,” the DFA said. The European Union announced the framework agreement on April 3 after eight days of marathon talks in Lausanne, Switzerland, between the so-called P5+1—the US, UK, France, China and Russia plus Germany—and Iran. RELATED STORIES FM: Iran could resume nuclear activities if West withdraws Netanyahu blasts Iran nuclear deal Get Inquirer updates while on the go, add Read More …