Sunday, July 30, 2006

The Issue over 'Politcal' killings in the country has seen a pair of killings that has raised international concern, Canada's very influentail UCC has brought the issue before the Canadian Government's foreign office in Ottawa.

[].... Canadian Church Calls on UN to Investigate Political Killings
Bulatlat, Philippines - The United Church of Canada (UCC) called on the United Nations to investigate the unabated political killings in the Philippines. ..." []

While North America's United States both government and non-government groups are seeking answers to the killing of a American and the shooting of his filipina wife in Cebu while his two daughters were getting out of a Taxi Cab in Cebu City.

Two story's from the Cebu based edition of Sun-Star;

[] .... "
American shot dead; Pinay companion wounded
Sun.Star, Philippines - Jul 24, 2006
CEBU CITY -- A former American soldier and his Filipina ... a taxicab on R. Duterte Street, Banawa, Cebu City Monday ... Victor Eugene Noe, 68, was killed on the spot ...
US national, Pinay fiancée both shot in the head
Sun.Star, Philippines - Jul 24, 2006
A former American soldier and his Filipina fiancée were ... a taxicab on R. Duterte St., Banawa, Cebu City yesterday ... Victor Eugene Noe, 68, was killed on the spo

The case above is the issue now allegedly being raised by many US based and partner business groups in Cebu, Victor Noe, is something of a well known figure there and the style of the killing coming on the heels of comments the US embassy has made about the death squad type of killings in Cebu seems to have raised more than just the normal level of protest. Washington itself is raising the bar and calling for full disclosure and particioation in the investigation per my US based news sources.

This is all coming as the UNHCR is raising questions on the salvaging and strange killings as well.

reports:

Philippines warned to report rights abuses to UN or face sanctions
JURIST - ... the Commission on Human Rights Philippines (CHRP) [official ... Manila has not complied with UN requirements to ... the number of kidnappings and killings of suspected

Manila may face UN action over rights abuse
Gulf Times, Qatar - ... killings, is expected to defeat the complaints because she has majority support in the lower house of Congress. “The Philippines can be blacklisted by the UN

UN may blacklist Philippines for not reporting HR cases
Sun.Star, Philippines - Jul 27, 2006
... cited the failure of law enforcement agencies to stop killings and abductions of left-leaning activists. “The Philippines can be blacklisted by the UN if it ...
RP courts UN blacklist, warns human rights commission chief
INQ7.net, Philippines - Jul 27, 2006
... Quisumbing said the failure of authorities to stop the killings and alleged ... left-wing activists might also be considered by the UN as a ... "The Philippines can be ...
Philippines May Face UN Sanctions For Rights Abuse
All Headline News - Jul 27, 2006
... She told participants, "The Philippines can be blacklisted by the UN if it ... 2002 to present, the CHR has investigated 68 alleged cases of killings of left ...
Manila may face UN blacklist over rights abuse
Boston Globe, United States - Jul 27, 2006
... killings, is expected to defeat the complaints because she has majority support in the lower house of Congress. "The Philippines can be blacklisted by the UN ...
Manila may face UN blacklist over rights abuse
Washington Post, United States - Jul 27, 2006
... killings, is expected to defeat the complaints because she has majority support in the lower house of Congress. "The Philippines can be blacklisted by the UN

While government has admitted a need to prosecute some elements of the Politcal system and Police and Military - on a individual level - the other side of the coin is rarely seen - abuses by other groups not identified with government at all. A very good perspective often downplayed by rights groups is this story on FYITV.Net click on picture to launch story.

News image
Special Report

About a Boy

…who lost his parents at age 5, grew up believing in the same revolutionary cause he knew they left him for… only to discover 20 years later that his parents were tortured and buried alive by their own Communist Party comrades on suspicion of being Deep Penetration Agents. —Winona Cueva




Thursday, July 20, 2006

Greenbelt 3 Makati Skyline

Just a view from greenbelt at sunset nothing fancy jusy my phone's camera.


Sunday, July 16, 2006

“World War III”: Newt and Mahathir both call it…

July 17th, 2006 Edit

There can be no more opposite views of the ‘realpolitik’ that flows in the world than the former Speaker of the House of representatives and the former Malaysian Prime Minister.

Both seem to be reading from the same page and seem to be saying what most in the world do not want to hear… but both are saying looking at today’s news out of the middle east and Lebanon; that the worst is still to come.

Newt :[] …. “Wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, this week’s bomb attacks in India, North Korean nuclear threats, terrorist arrests and investigations in Florida, Canada and Britain, and violence in Israel and Lebanon as evidence of World War III. He said Bush needs to deliver a speech to Congress and “connect all the dots” for Americans.” Gingrich says it’s World War III by David Postman… “[]

Mahathir: [] “… Mahathir: The Third World War Is Here by Mahathir bin Mohamad TheGlobalist.com is a daily online magazine and think tank publishing features on the key issues, people, companies and organizations shaping global ….[]
Mahathir calls this ‘a phase’ and even more alarming that World War Four is the next major thing the world needs to fear.

All of this makes for interesting reading to political science students, analysts, and others the news makes sence the pronouncement however by major leaders seems to be something they do not want to do.

Americans and Western Europeans are increasingly shying away from news of the current conflict unable to comprehend for many the total globalization of a war that to them seems to be led by a few men hiding in caves - a image they can’t seem to comprehend - considering how with no waiting, instant lives they live and full gratification provided by the lives and technology offered to them this is not what seems to be a popular theme.

The global scale of this thing has yet to hit home for many. It really all started with a fathwah that dates back to 1995. With a Fathwah issued by the cabal this is Al qaeda and stretches to today.

Mahathir and Gringrich have very different views on the causes and solutions:

[]…” Actually we are in the midst of the Third World War, not the war against terrorists but the war between terrorists and the peace loving anti-terrorist alliance, the war between the Axis of Evil and Satan. … ” []

Mahathir bin Mohamad Adding further:

Out-terrorising the terrorists will not work. But removing the causes for terrorism will.

[]… Both sides are convinced that they are right, that theirs is the fight against evil. Evil and Satan must be destroyed.

Frightened, the world is taking measures to secure and defend at tremendous cost. But the main result is not security or freedom from terror attacks. “…[]

To Newt Gringrich in the Seattle Times;

[] “…. the reluctance to put those pieces together and see one global conflict is hurting America’s interests. He said people, including some in the Bush Administration, who urge a restrained response from Israel are wrong “because they haven’t crossed the bridge of realizing this is a war.”

“This is World War III,” Gingrich said. And once that’s accepted, he said calls for restraint would fall away:

“Israel wouldn’t leave southern Lebanon as long as there was a single missile there. I would go in and clean them all out and I would announce that any Iranian airplane trying to bring missiles to re-supply them would be shot down. This idea that we have this one-sided war where the other team gets to plan how to kill us and we get to talk, is nuts.”

There is a public relations value, too. Gingrich said that public opinion can change “the minute you use the language” of World War III. The message then, he said, is “‘OK, if we’re in the third world war, which side do you think should win?” .… [] ” Gingrich says it’s World War III by David Postman”

Obviously the men are playing to different audiences, obviously one speaks for a voice to rally support around a crumbling leadership in the US whose level of public support and perception of a wider conflict could boost that groups leadership position and salvage party rule.

Mahathir on the other hand the elder statesman speaking from the Mountaintop seems to be more clearly trying to address the root causes and get people to wake up and see the light at the end of the tunnel may be glow and fires of new world war coming he calls World War 4.

Many may have a very narrow view of what occurs and many may see these men as politically icons of two very different backgrounds. indeed they are - one a successful leader in Asia who took a backwater former colony of the UK to a economic standard that has made his country one of the few to become 1st world from the SE Asia’s developing world - with growth still rising.

Newt… well he’s seen a global leader in his time slowly lose its industrial prowess and views the world from the shores of the Potomac’s in either blue or red of US Politics- not global real politik- but both calling it as they see it - both calling for people to recognize this War on Terror for what it is - is indeed a clear view my old teachers told me in Journalism, the old two source rule - makes it clearly something to ponder.

So this is World War III? hmmm… If Einstien is to be followed, the next phase as predicted by Mahathir is WW IV, Albert E. said that will be fought with rocks and stones -perhaps now we know why one side is already hiding in caves.

Oh-Boy…. and just when I was learning to like the Internet.

Entry Filed under: Uncategorized, news, News and politics, health, pirates, News Of China, china, war on terror, Views, India, war, Democrats, Afghanistan, immigration, Filipino, Bush, Rants, Raves, Whathaveyou..., freedom of speech, Buhay ofw, protests, republican, border security, free speech, al qaeda, Dubai, Al Gore, Makati, abu sayyaf, fil-am, filipino-american, Jemaah Islamiah, biird flu, Kulam, World War 3


Friday, July 14, 2006

Why I like figaro!

The little coffee shop... that can.


The Anti-Starbucs

Just an ad sample - TRYING TO TEST MY FLASH SKILLS... using a phone camera to see its flow.


Thursday, July 13, 2006

Philippine threat reports show both sides of the ’state of things’

The State of the Nation address security measures seem to speak volumes about the state of the nation. It is “guarded amidst threats” and in a way needing more security as people like those alleged to be engaged in plots and cou8nter plots and threats may be seen to be out to sow terror and create problems.



But in a way it also speaks volume of the ability to have prevent those alleged threats and capture the plotters before the events could take place. So in a way the precautions which are viewed around the world - may seem to seen as guarded or in need of beefing up in order to protect it. It also says, the republic is strong as in views of how if nothing happens precautions and pre-emptive measures are working.



Some may ownder why bottled water is being looked at… well that brings something I read to mind, a few years back, a explosive that looks like water and can be mixed with water even. I won’t go into details - but if police and security forces are taking this step.



[] … “ Filipinos ban bottled water at speech Water Technology Online, NY - MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Amid fears that terrorists might use liquid bombs, bottled water will be banned in the plenary hall of the Philippines House” …[]



Then there is more than a plot by the Magdelo 6, or Filinvest II 8 in the works being looked at - the liquid bomb formula was used in an attack on Japan bound Philippine Air lines flight and that was not the work of locals, but, now captured members of a group that became al qeada.



Overall domestic concerns are still at the top of the picture.



[] “…Security beefed up in Philippines for Arroyo’s annual address Monsters and Critics.com, … ‘We are also concerned on the threats posed by the Communist Party of the Philippines since we have intelligence reports that the leftists will take advantage …[]



I watched my old Karaoke buddy Com. Rex Robles, in an interview on the probe team with Pinky web over the phone (Why Rex didn’t go on camera to be interviewed by Pinky I’ll not understand- Rex never misses the chance to be interviewed by a Beautiful woman!) but his comments did show one thing that the six men who were caught may not be the whole thing as it were.



So precautions are in place and people are working overtime to make sure that the country is more secure. I think there is something more here in many eyes seen as the growing ties and use of bombs and terror as a weapon by fringe groups in the country though - perhaps - it is a global thing.



But, as the worlds focus is on India and Lebanon - one looks and sees what is at stake as attention is focused elsewhere in the world right now. If groups like those of the six leaders at large of the magdelo group are really part of a larger group as earlier interviews by probe have shown then there is something that needs to be looked into.



In a trip into Makati today I had a few interesting conversations, on three cabs - the worried expression that all three told me about the bombs found and the plot to allegedly attack congress. My Dad who ran the Gallop Poll in this country for many years taught me a sure fire quick method to gauge what people are talking about.



Take public transportation - start conversations and speak to people - a easy thing for me- talk to twenty - as them the top two or three things on their mind, often that unscientific sample is a good gauge to look at what is ‘Up’ - my quick twenty survey- resulted in two major topics, the Plot vs. the SONA - and - concern expressed about why don’t people just wait for elections?.



I know its not the best method by try it sometime- a quick twenty people - within a large public transportation area at random - say every six you meet- you get a quick sample - it works really.


Wednesday, July 12, 2006

A FYIRoadtrip into Los Angeles Historic Filipino town

A quick drive through a part of LA home to many Filipino Americans.


Tuesday, July 11, 2006

FYITV.Net road trip to quezon

just a quick plug for FYITV.net


Makati CBD

Corner of Ayala and Buendia (Gil Puyat) in Manila CBD center of Makati.


Monday, July 10, 2006

OFW Hero from the past: Where is Corazon Amurao?

July 10th, 2006

Corazon Amurao where is she now? And did she have any children? Are there more like her willing to come forth after surviving the ordeal of seeing 7 of your roommates raped and murdered to come forth and shock not only a courtroom but the world with how she with her testimony put away one of the worst killers and rapists who terrorized young women and tortured them in Chicago in 1967.

I often wonder how many others like her out there- hero’s we knew from the past and of late are rarely talked about. So much living the present that we forget the past has so many inspirations to follow in this country. Of people not afraid to stand up and be counted- even if for a time they have to survive by hiding in corner of room under a bed - but then are able to come forward and given the chance show the world who did it! Someday perhaps people like this will be looked upon to talk of things happening now - images they see but for survivals sake keep silent.

Perhaps one day- one will be able to see other Corazon’s, Corazon Amurao’s to inspire and show that justice can be at hand when people are not afraid and perpetrators in a crime caught face them and point and say like she did- ” He did- here is the man…”.

[] … Chicago Sun-Times

She was on the witness stand describing how a man with black clothes, marks on his face and a gun in his hand launched a night of horror with four knocks on her bedroom door. The prosecutor asked her if she saw the man in the courtroom. Corazon Amurao unlatched the door to the witness box, stepped down and walked across the room. “This is the man,” she said, her finger nearly touching the forehead of Richard Franklin Speck. …[]

Entry Filed under: Uncategorized, news, News and politics, asia, philippines, immigration, Filipino, freedom of speech, Buhay ofw, Global Warming, Pinoy, border security, free speech, al qaeda, Palawan, Al Gore, OFW, Makati, fil-am, filipino-american, biird flu


Saturday, July 08, 2006

China Southern Airlines’ brand new 747-400 aircraft modern ...
4 Jul 2006 by Administrator
China Southern Airlines’ brand new 747-400 aircraft modern logistics, high
technology and financing as City, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Los Angeles, Manila,
Melbourne. Upgraded Davao City International Airport Is Ready for More Passengers ...
aircraftfinancingnet.com - http://aircraftfinancingnet.com
PAL rebounds, sees hefty ‘04 profits”, Manila Standard, 8 March ...
29 Jun 2006 by Administrator
PAL rebounds, sees hefty ‘04 profits”, Manila Standard, 8 March 2004; Rendi A.
The financing of aircraft, however, requires legal provisions to effectively
protect the legal rights of. Utah Yellow Pages, and Utah Yellow Page ...
aircraftfinancingnet.com - http://aircraftfinancingnet.com
1989 Philippine Statistical Yearbook, Manila, 1989, Tables 3.9 ...
29 Jun 2006 by Administrator
1989 Philippine Statistical Yearbook, Manila, 1989, Tables 3.9 Exceptional
financing -1100: 0: 0: 0: 0: Changes in reserves -37 -1375: 96 - 1 Fighter
aircraft: Northrop F-5A Freedom Fighter: United States: 71. May 21 2003 - News ...
aircraftfinancingnet.com - http://aircraftfinancingnet.com
The online odd couple Rupert & Osama
28 Jun 2006 by MikeCohen-at-large
Two men who understand the Web’s use and future: Osama & Rupert. As I watch about
the WiBro networks launch in Korea on Ariang TV; I think to the odd couple but
both Rupert Murdoch and Osama Bin Laden seem to be preaching thier message ...
Mike in Manila - http://mikeinmanila.blogspot.com
Philippines: feud over land leaves 25 dead
27 Jun 2006 by MikeCohen-at-large
Philippines: feud over land leaves 25 dead. The Talakag, Bukidnon land feud which
has pitched battles between local farmers and tribal groups has developed into
a week long series of pitched battles similar to the old Texas - Oklahoma ...
mike in manila - island life - http://mike-in-manila---island-life.blogspot.com
Philippines: Military reports says “Pirates killed chinese ...
27 Jun 2006 by MikeCohen-at-large
Philippines: Military reports says “Pirates killed chinese fishermen” in disputed S.
China Sea isles. It's official - but long been suspected a couple of months after
the report of the deaths of four Chinese fishermen off the coast of ...
mike in manila - island life - http://mike-in-manila---island-life.blogspot.com
Philippines: American Arrested for recruiting ‘guards’ for Iraq
27 Jun 2006 by MikeCohen-at-large
Philippines: American Arrested for recruiting ‘guards’ for Iraq. The Philippines
has banned the deployment of Filipino workers to Iraq- even though thousands
still are in the country- new recruitment in the Philippines is banned by law. ...
mike in manila - island life - http://mike-in-manila---island-life.blogspot.com
Historic preservation:Petition for Baguio
27 Jun 2006 by MikeCohen-at-large
Historic preservation:Petition for Baguio. Asia Travel blogger - Asia Travel and
other Ramblings. Who describes themselves as - ” Living in the Philippines offers
a chance to explore these islands and get to know the people. ...
mike in manila - island life - http://mike-in-manila---island-life.blogspot.com
NY Times & Bush Admin: 15mins of posing
27 Jun 2006 by MikeCohen-at-large
NY Times & Bush Admin: 15mins of posing. President Bush is up in arms over the
snooping report the New York Times and other media outlets raised on the ’so
called secret” bank transactions snooping on US nationals and corporations to ...
mike in manila- eclectic views - http://mikeinmanila-eclectic.blogspot.com
Mimi for Governor:” the right to bare breasts?” -only in Nevada
25 Jun 2006 by MikeCohen-at-large
Mimi for Governor:” the right to bare breasts?” -only in Nevada. They always say
journalists left alone with a web connection overnight can find the strangest
stories - Sheila is no exception - PCIJ did a great story on a Fil-AM who is ...
Mike in Manila - http://mikeinmanila.blogspot.com

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

  • News image

    FYI News Features

    July 4th, 2006

    From 1946 to the mid-60's, the 4th of July was the day that Filipinos celebrated Independence Day, but for the past 40 years, it has been downplayed to a mere Fil-Am, Friendship Day. But for the American community here, this day marks the two countries' shared values and vision, remembered as intensely as when they fought their common enemies side-by-side. Michael Cohen

  • News image

    Lifestyle Feature

    June 6th, 2006

    Name a favourite spot in the nation’s capital and Baywalk would surely top the list nowadays. This, after the Manila City government did a total make-over of what was once a dimly-lit bicycle lane frequented by shady characters, transforming it into a vibrant park that appeals to people from all walks of life. —Ron Jalmasco

  • News image

    News Feature

    June 1st, 2006

    Around 3,000 Filipinos leave the country every day to work abroad. While government acknowledges that Overseas Filipino Workers are the prime movers of the economy, it is alarmed by the inevitability of a brain drain here at home. —Ces Vitan

  • News image

    News Feature

    June 1st, 2006 Impassioned speeches and slogans filled the streets of Metro Manila and other Philippine cities on Labor Day, as thousands of the country's work force expressed their frustration over low wages and rising prices of commodities, oil and utility services. —Doris Bigornia.
  • News image

    Environment Feature

    May 29th, 2006 It is nice to watch children build their dreams, albeit on sand castles, but to see those dreams fall apart along the banks of a dying river negates the essence of both childlike faith… and dreams. —Ces Vitan
  • News image

    FYI Health Feature

    May 24th, 2006 It need not be a fad to be fit. With stress and unhealthy lifestyles, it still pays to be conscious about one's health and well-being.
  • News image

    News Feature

    May 18th, 2006 Overseas Filipino Workers are often extolled as heroes, but with every cent they remit back home comes an even bigger sacrifice. Save from enduring the difficulties of working away from home, they face the risk of drifting farther from the family they work hard for. –Ces Vitan
  • News image

    FYI Environment Feature

    May 15th, 2006 He could have made it as a bigtime businessman, but Toto Malvar chose to follow God's lead... to go live with His people, nurture them, as they learn to nurture their environment. --By Ron Jalmasco
  • News image

    News Feature

    May 14th, 2006

    A not-so-uncommon sight during rallies is the big number of children and teens participating—perhaps too young to understand the cause that they, or their elders, are marching for. —Erika Guarino


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