Philippine version of Fallujah

[Warlord]

Well not as hard a55 or Rambo looking as most posted pic here but still these guys get a lot of action.

Our very own way of getting rid of the Muslim extremist scourge. These buggers want to impose Islamic law on a population which is 70% Catholic!

This is their nth ceasefire violation. Which the HRC loves to impose so the rebels can rest and recover.

BTW. Each camouflage is a different branch of service. There's army, marines and a police paramilitary unit.
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Caption:
ZAMBOANGA, PHILIPPINES: A handout photo shiws airforce personnel and marine soldiers securing coffins on board a C-130 military plane in Zamboanga city 12 Feruary 2005, containing the bodies of 10 Marine soldiers who died in clashes with Muslim rebels on the southern Philippine island of Jolo last week. The bodies were flown from southern Zamboanga city to Manila, where they are to be given a heroes' burial. AFP PHOTO
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Caption:
JOLO, PHILIPPINES: Combat ready Philippine Marine troops aboard a military truck make their way in central Jolo island as they head to the war front 11 February 2005. The government is deploying more troops to Jolo to quell a five day-old rebellion by hundreds of Muslim gunmen loyal to jailed former separatist leader Nur Misuari. The fighting has left at least 23 soldiers and about 60 muslim rebels dead. Scores more were wounded while several thousand civilian residents have fled their homes. AFP PHOTO THERENCE KOH
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Caption:
JOLO, PHILIPPINES: An army soldier wounded in a mortar attack in Panamao town is rushed to Sulu provincial hospital in Jolo, 10 February 2005. More tha 100 soldiers and supporters of jailed former separatist leader Nur Misuari have now either been killed or wounded in some of the most intense fighting between government troops and Muslim rebels seen in the southern region for years. AFP PHOTO/THERENCE KOH
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Caption:
JOLO, PHILIPPINES: Fatally wounded Philippine army officer, Lieutenant Colonel Dennis Villanueva is attended by medical personnel at Sulu provincial hospital in Jolo,10 February 2005, followoing a mortar attack in Panamao town. More tha 100 soldiers and supporters of jailed former separatist leader Nur Misuari have now either been killed or wounded in some of the most intense fighting between government troops and Muslim rebels seen in the southern region for years. AFP PHOTO/THERENCE KOH (Photo credit should read THERENCE KOH
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Caption:
JOLO, PHILIPPINES: Armed policemen manning a road block checks passengers in Jolo island, 10 February 2005, as gunbattle between Muslim rebels and government troops raged to its fourth day Thursday increasing death toll to 50. The fighting involved renegade members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) against government security forces. Hundreds of extra troops were rushed to Jolo island, a known stronghold of Islamic extremist, located in southern Philippines. AFP PHOTO/THERENCE KOH
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Caption:
JOLO, PHILIPPINES: A wounded soldier is loaded on a military plane at Jolo airport, 09 February 2005 as gunbattle between Muslim rebels and government troops raged for a third day, leaving 30 Muslim rebels and at least 20 soldiers killed. Jolo island located in southern Philippines, is a known stronghold of Islamic militants. AFP PHOTO/THERENCE KOH
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Caption:
ZAMBOANGA, PHILIPPINES: Philippine marines board a navy landing ship in the southern city of Zamboanga, 08 February 2005, for deployment in nearby Jolo island as fighting between Muslim rebels and troops raged for a second day. The death toll rose to 16 as a raging gunbattle between followers of a jailed former separatist guerrilla leader and security forces were concentrated in four towns in Jolo, a known stronghold of Islamic militants. AFP PHOTO
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[Scottie]

Great pics, very interesting!! woot

[tenda]

great pic's all my respect...!!! ;)

[MARINO]

Nice pics

[Ze]

two of my cousins are down there with the marines.

[Svätopluk]

http://cache.*****images.com/comp/52179594.jpg
I like especialy these painted helmets.

[RGRBOX]

Great Pics. Looks like they have their hands full.

[Wilco]

Good luck to those guys, Rest in Peace to all who were killed. No matter what army you serve under, you face the same, and deserve no less respect(excl. Al-Q, any resistance fighters that are not fighting for a worthy cause and/or killing innocent people).

[scrybe]

I'm not real familiar with the specifics of the situation; is it the rebels that are trying to impose Islamic Law?

Great pics.

[kutter]

I'm not real familiar with the specifics of the situation; is it the rebels that are trying to impose Islamic Law?

Great pics.

Yes, its the rebels who are trying to impose Islamic law. The Philippines is the only predominantly Catholic country in asia.

BTW, I salute those soldiers, hope they get the job done.

[AFG]

nice pics woot
(I'm Filipino too)

[usarfang]

wtf i never knew they had a major terrorist problem in their country

[scrybe]

Looks like their government is keeping them pretty well equipped.

[Rush_die]

wohooo!!!

at last..a pic of the LRC's..im waiting to see their pics... :D

good luck to the guys specially my classmate and my uncle out there..they are in the army...RIP to the fallen...

[Scout Ranger]

These are Scout Rangers, Phil. Marines, Phil. Army and CAFGU.

RIP to Lt. Col. Dennis Villanueva. :(

hope these fu***** MNLF be burned to ashes soon.

ops still continues to hunt down these terrorists.

my cousin used to serve with Phil. Elite Scout Rangers.

[Delta Niner]

I'm not real familiar with the specifics of the situation; is it the rebels that are trying to impose Islamic Law?

Great pics.

What the Islamic rebels really want is to have a separate muslim state of Mindanao. Thereby imposing the Islamic Law to a vast majority of the population which are Non-Muslim.

[Ominae]

I'm not real familiar with the specifics of the situation; is it the rebels that are trying to impose Islamic Law?

Great pics.

Yes, its the rebels who are trying to impose Islamic law. The Philippines is the only predominantly Catholic country in asia.

BTW, I salute those soldiers, hope they get the job done.

Don't forget East Timor too. They're the 2nd most predominant Catholic country in SEA too.

[[AFSOC]]

wtf i never knew they had a major terrorist problem in their country

sigh...

THe Philippines has always has problems in its country...

back when my parents were growing up there it was the communists who were the problem.

and even today they still do stuff

[J-10]

nice pics, thanks share.

I grew up in the Philippines and a half filipino too, LOL there are lots of Filipino's in the forum wondering why... hehe

anyways, yes for Example the Island of Basilan(Mindanao Area) which is always the hot bed of skirmishes is basically 10 Christians to 3 Muslims Ratio. Yet they want the whole Island under their control, have they gone nuts? MILF, Abu Sayyaf, you name it the Philippines got it. I think the military in general is doing an ok job suppressing this rebels, the army isn't so much in the offensive these days, always in the defensive but when they go offensive the rebels "WANT A CEASE FIRE" and the government agrees to it, I do not now why! they should crush them and take the rebellion out of the south once in for all. I remember the American Green Berets being sent here and tried resued the 2 american couples hostages which resulted to the death of the Male hostage, but succesfully rescuing the wife.

[Warlord]

I remember when we used to hide our ROTC ID's under the seat of the bus when we approached a muslim or communist held checkpoint.

I just wish the UN trained Human Rights Commission, media and its lackeys would disappear for about 2 months so the army could go on with its business.

[Rush_die]

I remember when we used to hide our ROTC ID's under the seat of the bus when we approached a muslim or communist held checkpoint.

I just wish the UN trained Human Rights Commission, media and its lackeys would disappear for about 2 months so the army could go on with its business.

LoL...how old are you now?.. :) jus asking anyways coz an older friend of mine told me about that also...

and i agree to ur suggestion...i live in mindanao and i hate this separetist rebels...or shall i say..terrorist..HRC always tells the government to have ceasefire coz of the civilians and i hate it for making the civilians being an excuse...when theres ceasefire the rebels just regrups and attacks another day..**ck them...

GO...GO..GO..AFP... woot

[[AFSOC]]

I remember when we used to hide our ROTC ID's under the seat of the bus when we approached a muslim or communist held checkpoint.

I just wish the UN trained Human Rights Commission, media and its lackeys would disappear for about 2 months so the army could go on with its business.

wow

im flip...didnt grow up there, parents came to Canada in the 80's....

never been there either, maybe one day

[Warlord]

I remember when we used to hide our ROTC ID's under the seat of the bus when we approached a muslim or communist held checkpoint.

I just wish the UN trained Human Rights Commission, media and its lackeys would disappear for about 2 months so the army could go on with its business.

LoL...how old are you now?.. :) jus asking anyways coz an older friend of mine told me about that also...

and i agree to ur suggestion...i live in mindanao and i hate this separetist rebels...or shall i say..terrorist..HRC always tells the government to have ceasefire coz of the civilians and i hate it for making the civilians being an excuse...when theres ceasefire the rebels just regrups and attacks another day..**ck them...

GO...GO..GO..AFP... woot


90 :lol:

[Scout Ranger]

i'm a filipino too. this dilemma happens mainly because of the philippine goverment. they are a bunch of stupid morons! and the receiving end are the innocent civilians in mindanao and the lives of brave filipino soldiers. i dont care about the abu sayyaf, mnlf and milf. they all deserve to die because of their terrorist activities!

nice to hear from a fellow filipinos in the forum. :) more power to you guys!

[CoffeeCake]

Well, this subject touches me very dearly, for I am from the ARMM (Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindinao), more specifically, Cotabato City in Maguindinao.

Basically, there are 3 different Muslim groups that want the same thing but are using different means to do it so. This insurgency has been going on since early 70's. Basically, here are the three groups

Biggest and main one is the Moro (another name for Muslim Filipino, derived from Spanish Moors) Islamic Liberation Front. They want to establish (like most Muslim based groups) an independant Muslim state in the Southern Philippines, covering the Sulu Archipelago and the nine provinces of Western Mindinao. Through the intermidiation of the Libyan government, a ceasefire was established between them and the Philippine government, in return that the Philippine government establish an autonomous area in Mindinao. Granted, it did happen, and now it covers the provinces of

1)Basilan (Jolo)
2)Lanao Del Sur
3)Maguindinao
4)Tawi-Tawi
5)Sulu

They didn't grant autonomy to the other provinces of the west because they didn't have a really large Muslim majority, even Cotabato City (the capital of the ARMM and my hometown) is divided between Christians and Muslims.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front reported they have at least 12,000 members in it, making it the largest group, and possibly the most dangerous. There have been sporadic attacks against government troops lately, but the MILF denies being behind any of them. Only time can tell.

The second group gunning for independence is the MNLF, or the Moro National Liberation Front. These guys are moderate Muslims who split off from the MILF in the mid-70's. There was a crisis between the MNLF and the Philippine Government in 2001 after its leader, Nur Misuari, started to rebel. Of course, me not living in the Philippines, I don't remember the exact details of what happened, but he was arrested and replaced by Parouk Hussein.

The third, and probably most well known group, is Abu Sayaaf. Headed by the Jalajanis, they are the extreme Muslim radicals who kidnap foreigners, as well as natives, for ransom, or else they will execute you, usually by beheading. They split off from the MILF in 1991 after they deemed that they betrayed the cause of the most important thing, independence from the Christians. After 9/11, they suffered the brunt of the anti-terror tactics, and are now, for the most part, isolated on Jolo Island near Basilan. Their members are probably now around 100. These are the guys with PROVEN links with Al-Qaeda, and are on the terror watch list.

The Philippines is one of two Christian majority countries in Asia (other being East Timor), with Muslims (which include me) making a 7-8% minority. The ones who strive for independence believe that ever since the Spanish came to the area in 1521, we have been under oppresive Christian rule. The Muslim Filipinos are for the most part, very secular, but ever since the Marcos regime, we have been searching for an identity, and sadly it had to be religion. Well, if there are any more questions, just ask and I will answer them to the best of my ability.

[ramy]

Well not as hard a55 or Rambo looking as most posted pic here but still these guys get a lot of action.

Our very own way of getting rid of the Muslim extremist scourge. These buggers want to impose Islamic law on a population which is 70% Catholic!

This is their nth ceasefire violation. Which the HRC loves to impose so the rebels can rest and recover.

BTW. Each camouflage is a different branch of service. There's army, marines and a police paramilitary unit.
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Caption:
ZAMBOANGA, PHILIPPINES: A handout photo shiws airforce personnel and marine soldiers securing coffins on board a C-130 military plane in Zamboanga city 12 Feruary 2005, containing the bodies of 10 Marine soldiers who died in clashes with Muslim rebels on the southern Philippine island of Jolo last week. The bodies were flown from southern Zamboanga city to Manila, where they are to be given a heroes' burial. AFP PHOTO
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Caption:
JOLO, PHILIPPINES: Combat ready Philippine Marine troops aboard a military truck make their way in central Jolo island as they head to the war front 11 February 2005. The government is deploying more troops to Jolo to quell a five day-old rebellion by hundreds of Muslim gunmen loyal to jailed former separatist leader Nur Misuari. The fighting has left at least 23 soldiers and about 60 muslim rebels dead. Scores more were wounded while several thousand civilian residents have fled their homes. AFP PHOTO THERENCE KOH
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Caption:
JOLO, PHILIPPINES: An army soldier wounded in a mortar attack in Panamao town is rushed to Sulu provincial hospital in Jolo, 10 February 2005. More tha 100 soldiers and supporters of jailed former separatist leader Nur Misuari have now either been killed or wounded in some of the most intense fighting between government troops and Muslim rebels seen in the southern region for years. AFP PHOTO/THERENCE KOH
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Caption:
JOLO, PHILIPPINES: Fatally wounded Philippine army officer, Lieutenant Colonel Dennis Villanueva is attended by medical personnel at Sulu provincial hospital in Jolo,10 February 2005, followoing a mortar attack in Panamao town. More tha 100 soldiers and supporters of jailed former separatist leader Nur Misuari have now either been killed or wounded in some of the most intense fighting between government troops and Muslim rebels seen in the southern region for years. AFP PHOTO/THERENCE KOH (Photo credit should read THERENCE KOH
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Caption:
JOLO, PHILIPPINES: Armed policemen manning a road block checks passengers in Jolo island, 10 February 2005, as gunbattle between Muslim rebels and government troops raged to its fourth day Thursday increasing death toll to 50. The fighting involved renegade members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) against government security forces. Hundreds of extra troops were rushed to Jolo island, a known stronghold of Islamic extremist, located in southern Philippines. AFP PHOTO/THERENCE KOH
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Caption:
JOLO, PHILIPPINES: A wounded soldier is loaded on a military plane at Jolo airport, 09 February 2005 as gunbattle between Muslim rebels and government troops raged for a third day, leaving 30 Muslim rebels and at least 20 soldiers killed. Jolo island located in southern Philippines, is a known stronghold of Islamic militants. AFP PHOTO/THERENCE KOH
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Caption:
ZAMBOANGA, PHILIPPINES: Philippine marines board a navy landing ship in the southern city of Zamboanga, 08 February 2005, for deployment in nearby Jolo island as fighting between Muslim rebels and troops raged for a second day. The death toll rose to 16 as a raging gunbattle between followers of a jailed former separatist guerrilla leader and security forces were concentrated in four towns in Jolo, a known stronghold of Islamic militants. AFP PHOTO
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I thought the Philipines was 96% catholic ?

[kutter]

Yes, its the rebels who are trying to impose Islamic law. The Philippines is the only predominantly Catholic country in asia.

BTW, I salute those soldiers, hope they get the job done.

Don't forget East Timor too. They're the 2nd most predominant Catholic country in SEA too.

You know, I didn't know that. You learn something new everyday. :)

[scrybe]

You quoted all those pictures to say that?

[Scout Ranger]

actually, there are lots of religions in the phils.

muslim
roman catholic
iglesia ni cristo
jehovah witnesses
born again christians
seventh day adventist

i think for now its roughly 50% catholic. still very hard to speculate.

hi coffeecake, nice to have you on board for the discussion. actually Nur Misuari became the ARMM governor.

[Delta Niner]

Well, this subject touches me very dearly, for I am from the ARMM (Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindinao), more specifically, Cotabato City in Maguindinao.

Basically, there are 3 different Muslim groups that want the same thing but are using different means to do it so. This insurgency has been going on since early 70's. Basically, here are the three groups

Biggest and main one is the Moro (another name for Muslim Filipino, derived from Spanish Moors) Islamic Liberation Front. They want to establish (like most Muslim based groups) an independant Muslim state in the Southern Philippines, covering the Sulu Archipelago and the nine provinces of Western Mindinao. Through the intermidiation of the Libyan government, a ceasefire was established between them and the Philippine government, in return that the Philippine government establish an autonomous area in Mindinao. Granted, it did happen, and now it covers the provinces of

1)Basilan (Jolo)
2)Lanao Del Sur
3)Maguindinao
4)Tawi-Tawi
5)Sulu

They didn't grant autonomy to the other provinces of the west because they didn't have a really large Muslim majority, even Cotabato City (the capital of the ARMM and my hometown) is divided between Christians and Muslims.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front reported they have at least 12,000 members in it, making it the largest group, and possibly the most dangerous. There have been sporadic attacks against government troops lately, but the MILF denies being behind any of them. Only time can tell.

The second group gunning for independence is the MNLF, or the Moro National Liberation Front. These guys are moderate Muslims who split off from the MILF in the mid-70's. There was a crisis between the MNLF and the Philippine Government in 2001 after its leader, Nur Misuari, started to rebel. Of course, me not living in the Philippines, I don't remember the exact details of what happened, but he was arrested and replaced by Parouk Hussein.

The third, and probably most well known group, is Abu Sayaaf. Headed by the Jalajanis, they are the extreme Muslim radicals who kidnap foreigners, as well as natives, for ransom, or else they will execute you, usually by beheading. They split off from the MILF in 1991 after they deemed that they betrayed the cause of the most important thing, independence from the Christians. After 9/11, they suffered the brunt of the anti-terror tactics, and are now, for the most part, isolated on Jolo Island near Basilan. Their members are probably now around 100. These are the guys with PROVEN links with Al-Qaeda, and are on the terror watch list.

The Philippines is one of two Christian majority countries in Asia (other being East Timor), with Muslims (which include me) making a 7-8% minority. The ones who strive for independence believe that ever since the Spanish came to the area in 1521, we have been under oppresive Christian rule. The Muslim Filipinos are for the most part, very secular, but ever since the Marcos regime, we have been searching for an identity, and sadly it had to be religion. Well, if there are any more questions, just ask and I will answer them to the best of my ability.

Bro, it was the MILF that broke away from Misuari's MNLF. Not the other way around. :D

[Warlord]

Well, this subject touches me very dearly, for I am from the ARMM (Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindinao), more specifically, Cotabato City in Maguindinao.

Basically, there are 3 different Muslim groups that want the same thing but are using different means to do it so. This insurgency has been going on since early 70's. Basically, here are the three groups

Biggest and main one is the Moro (another name for Muslim Filipino, derived from Spanish Moors) Islamic Liberation Front. They want to establish (like most Muslim based groups) an independant Muslim state in the Southern Philippines, covering the Sulu Archipelago and the nine provinces of Western Mindinao. Through the intermidiation of the Libyan government, a ceasefire was established between them and the Philippine government, in return that the Philippine government establish an autonomous area in Mindinao. Granted, it did happen, and now it covers the provinces of

1)Basilan (Jolo)
2)Lanao Del Sur
3)Maguindinao
4)Tawi-Tawi
5)Sulu

They didn't grant autonomy to the other provinces of the west because they didn't have a really large Muslim majority, even Cotabato City (the capital of the ARMM and my hometown) is divided between Christians and Muslims.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front reported they have at least 12,000 members in it, making it the largest group, and possibly the most dangerous. There have been sporadic attacks against government troops lately, but the MILF denies being behind any of them. Only time can tell.

The second group gunning for independence is the MNLF, or the Moro National Liberation Front. These guys are moderate Muslims who split off from the MILF in the mid-70's. There was a crisis between the MNLF and the Philippine Government in 2001 after its leader, Nur Misuari, started to rebel. Of course, me not living in the Philippines, I don't remember the exact details of what happened, but he was arrested and replaced by Parouk Hussein.

The third, and probably most well known group, is Abu Sayaaf. Headed by the Jalajanis, they are the extreme Muslim radicals who kidnap foreigners, as well as natives, for ransom, or else they will execute you, usually by beheading. They split off from the MILF in 1991 after they deemed that they betrayed the cause of the most important thing, independence from the Christians. After 9/11, they suffered the brunt of the anti-terror tactics, and are now, for the most part, isolated on Jolo Island near Basilan. Their members are probably now around 100. These are the guys with PROVEN links with Al-Qaeda, and are on the terror watch list.

The Philippines is one of two Christian majority countries in Asia (other being East Timor), with Muslims (which include me) making a 7-8% minority. The ones who strive for independence believe that ever since the Spanish came to the area in 1521, we have been under oppresive Christian rule. The Muslim Filipinos are for the most part, very secular, but ever since the Marcos regime, we have been searching for an identity, and sadly it had to be religion. Well, if there are any more questions, just ask and I will answer them to the best of my ability.

I have been to the refugee camps, where Catholic or government & other NGO's help out without regards for religion or affiliation. The Muslim charity however doesn't do that. My families lands were occupied for a year at one point by Moro's, 2 cousins killed, 2 friend killed. My wifes family home in a village in Zamboanga riddled and razed. Some ther family members who are also militias disappeared. For your identity? If my mom hadn't stopped me from going to the army I'd be one of those guys dead.

I tell you, if your people are poor, the majority of the Christians there are equally poor. If you get off your collective whinning and pick-up the shovel and hoe's instead of leaving your wives to till the feild so you can play Rambo in the jungle. I've seen Muslim kids prefering to bear arms that learn to work the field. My grandma and grandpa bought land in the 50's from some muslim family and turned it into one of the most succesfull farms in the western area with their bear hands. Then one day in some crack head Muslim cordons off the area claiming we stole it. After 40 years!!!!!

If we grant your people full indepence and half or 2/3 of Mindanao. Each Muslim tribe would start killing each other for the right to the old sultanate. The Tausug would of course claim a dominant role then the Maranoas would disagree and internal strife. You couldn't even handle ARMM without it's governors or mayors killing each other.

[Warlord]

actually, there are lots of religions in the phils.

muslim
roman catholic
iglesia ni cristo
jehovah witnesses
born again christians
seventh day adventist

i think for now its roughly 50% catholic. still very hard to speculate.

hi coffeecake, nice to have you on board for the discussion. actually Nur Misuari became the ARMM governor.

86% Catholic. Some denominations reproduce faster than the others. I guess 4 wives + 4 children each against the regular 3 children christian family. :lol:

[CoffeeCake]

Hehe, nice to see other Filipino members on the board.


Well, that's why I'm here in America. I had enough of that tribalism BS, its stupid. I want to improve the place, but its hard with so many idiots around and so many people willing to listen to them.


I tell you, if your people are poor, the majority of the Christians there are equally poor. If you get off your collective whinning and pick-up the shovel and hoe's instead of leaving your wives to till the feild so you can play Rambo in the jungle. I've seen Muslim kids prefering to bear arms that learn to work the field. My grandma and grandpa bought land in the 50's from some muslim family and turned it into one of the most succesfull farms in the western area with their bear hands. Then one day in some crack head Muslim cordons off the area claiming we stole it. After 40 years!!!!!


I say that because in my old neighborhood, all the Muslims were looked down upon as theives, burglars, by the Christians, who were doing substantially better than us. As to the question about who is poorer, lets leave that to speculation.



If we grant your people full indepence and half or 2/3 of Mindanao. Each Muslim tribe would start killing each other for the right to the old sultanate. The Tausug would of course claim a dominant role then the Maranoas would disagree and internal strife. You couldn't even handle ARMM without it's governors or mayors killing each other.

I find that to be somewhat the truth. One of my uncles started a Filipino Muslim association, and no one ever got along. The Maranaos and Maguindinaos aren't in the best in circles right now, I personally don't want to see this place independent of Manila, we can't even get along amongst ourselves!



Bro, it was the MILF that broke away from Misuari's MNLF. Not the other way around. Very Happy

I'm sorry about that, that is true.

The thing that I want to bring across is, there is really no future in that place. Alot of my family members work in Saudi Arabia or work elsewhere in the Philippines (such as Cebu, Manila) because of the mentality that runs around over there. The best bet for the Muslims is not violence, but education, but unfortunately not everyone shares that view. The problem with Muslims there (and sadly to say, Muslims around the world), we don't get along with each other. There is a strong sense of tribal feeling, and that affinity is more important than the religious connection that we all share, and that was our downfall. The ARMM is among the Philippines most poorest places for good reason.

[Ominae]

I remember the American Green Berets being sent here and tried resued the 2 american couples hostages which resulted to the death of the Male hostage, but succesfully rescuing the wife.

WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?

The Americans didn't do it, the Scout Rangers, SWAG and the Light Reaction Company did it and they finished the job.

FYI, Martin Burnham and Deborah Yap (The nurse) both died in the crossfire. Gracia Burnham was the one rescued.

[Scout Ranger]

I remember the American Green Berets being sent here and tried resued the 2 american couples hostages which resulted to the death of the Male hostage, but succesfully rescuing the wife.

WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?

The Americans didn't do it, the Scout Rangers, SWAG and the Light Reaction Company did it and they finished the job.

FYI, Martin Burnham and Deborah Yap (The nurse) both died in the crossfire. Gracia Burnham was the one rescued.

Ominae, i heard from my friend who has a SWAG buddy. he told me that the rescue attempt were composed of Phil Special Forces Units and was participated by US SEALs. I dont know if this is true. can our american brothers confirm if this is true?

[0341]

I remember the American Green Berets being sent here and tried resued the 2 american couples hostages which resulted to the death of the Male hostage, but succesfully rescuing the wife.

WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?

The Americans didn't do it, the Scout Rangers, SWAG and the Light Reaction Company did it and they finished the job.

FYI, Martin Burnham and Deborah Yap (The nurse) both died in the crossfire. Gracia Burnham was the one rescued.

Ominae, i heard from my friend who has a SWAG buddy. he told me that the rescue attempt were composed of Phil Special Forces Units and was participated by US SEALs. I dont know if this is true. can our american brothers confirm if this is true?


OPSEC

[Delta Niner]

I remember the American Green Berets being sent here and tried resued the 2 american couples hostages which resulted to the death of the Male hostage, but succesfully rescuing the wife.

WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?

The Americans didn't do it, the Scout Rangers, SWAG and the Light Reaction Company did it and they finished the job.

FYI, Martin Burnham and Deborah Yap (The nurse) both died in the crossfire. Gracia Burnham was the one rescued.

Bro,
It was the Scout Rangers that made the contact with the Abu Sayyaf group holding the Burnhams and Ms. Ediborah Yap. The LRC was also in the area but was on a different sector. Not so sure about the SWAG though. In all probabilty the US Army Special Forces was running all around Mindanao prior to the recsue of Gracia Burnham. It might be possible that some of those SF guys were with the LRC. As for deniability, the SF recruits guys from the same ethnic background where they might operate/work. I saw a news segment once that shows an SF guy admitting that his father was a former soldier of the AFP prior to migrating to the US. :) Ofcourse I am just speculating just to keep a good convesation going. Sarap ng usapan na ganito kapag may SMB :)

[Scout Ranger]

I remember the American Green Berets being sent here and tried resued the 2 american couples hostages which resulted to the death of the Male hostage, but succesfully rescuing the wife.

WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?

The Americans didn't do it, the Scout Rangers, SWAG and the Light Reaction Company did it and they finished the job.

FYI, Martin Burnham and Deborah Yap (The nurse) both died in the crossfire. Gracia Burnham was the one rescued.

Bro,
It was the Scout Rangers that made the contact with the Abu Sayyaf group holding the Burnhams and Ms. Ediborah Yap. The LRC was also in the area but was on a different sector. Not so sure about the SWAG though. In all probabilty the US Army Special Forces was running all around Mindanao prior to the recsue of Gracia Burnham. It might be possible that some of those SF guys were with the LRC. As for deniability, the SF recruits guys from the same ethnic background where they might operate/work. I saw a news segment once that shows an SF guy admitting that his father was a former soldier of the AFP prior to migrating to the US. :) Ofcourse I am just speculating just to keep a good convesation going. Sarap ng usapan na ganito kapag may SMB :)

DN, i have to confirm that the SWAG was part of the rescue caravan. :)

[[AFSOC]]

:|

I think the LRC was embedded with Green Berets. They knew the location because they used American Drones over the suspected areas. The LRC is a 1 million dollar unit which is a part of the 100 Million Dollar given by the United States on President Joseph Ejercito Estrada's time.

The Americans had the "right" to rescue their own people in foreign land, if the Government of that land cannot really do it or lack the capability. Like they always do in the cover of Military Exercises.

But tips are the green berets went in did much of the killing and LRC comes in to do the rest, by that time Mrs. Durnham has been rescued. There are even reports that Martin and deborah were in BDU's so I don't really know who "mistakenly" killed them. You may use your imagination to connect them all.

[Twombles375]

I dident look through all the posts to see if anyone had asked this question but here it goes---Can someone please Identify what branchs were what Camo?--Marines, Army, etc.. A friend of mine is half Philippine and I usually go over to his family partys.. its pretty interesting watching Filippine woman yelling tagalog (correct me if I spelled it wrong) at the tv (super bowel ;) )

[Delta Niner]

I think the LRC was embedded with Green Berets. They knew the location because they used American Drones over the suspected areas. The LRC is a 1 million dollar unit which is a part of the 100 Million Dollar given by the United States on President Joseph Ejercito Estrada's time.

The Americans had the "right" to rescue their own people in foreign land, if the Government of that land cannot really do it or lack the capability. Like they always do in the cover of Military Exercises.

But tips are the green berets went in did much of the killing and LRC comes in to do the rest, by that time Mrs. Durnham has been rescued. There are even reports that Martin and deborah were in BDU's so I don't really know who "mistakenly" killed them. You may use your imagination to connect them all.

Bro,
You probably have never been to Mindanao. We actually have double and triple canopy in our jungles. We actually have more trees in Mindanao than you have people in Hong Kong. So drones would have had very limited capability in that kind of terrain. The only time that it was put into good use was when they made the hit on Abu Sabaya (Spokesman for the Abu Sayyaf) . The reason why it functioned so well was Sabaya was out in the open sea. They never really knew the exact location of the hostages. Most of the time reliable intel comes from HUMINT.

The $100 million dollar aid is composed of two outdated Huey helicopter,a very old C-130 Hercules and several old 6X6 trucks. They said they will also provide 30,000 pieces of M-4 rifles but they backed out on that too. I am not complaining but if I were given that kind of money I would not turn to the americans to buy that kind of equipment. Besides the total amount of aid never really came near the promised amount. That's Diplomacy 101 for you.

For about 6 months the Americans did try to find the Burnhams. As I said before they were all over Mindanao. But failed to pin down the exact location of the hostages.

As for your tips about the Green Berets doing the actual fighting in that rescue attempt, you must be hearing it from some guy with too much to drink.
Think about it as you said, if the Green Berets was imbedded with the LRC why would the LRC come in and do the rest, playing second fiddle to the Green Berets. Would it be more plausible for them to do it all at the same time.
It was the Scout Rangers man, LRC was in the relative area but too far off to do anything while the fire fight is going on. :)

[Ominae]

I dident look through all the posts to see if anyone had asked this question but here it goes---Can someone please Identify what branchs were what Camo?--Marines, Army, etc.. A friend of mine is half Philippine and I usually go over to his family partys.. its pretty interesting watching Filippine woman yelling tagalog (correct me if I spelled it wrong) at the tv (super bowel ;) )

Bro,

Here's a collection of my country's local camos. They're from a collector, who happens to be a member of the Canadian Army. The guy who provided most of them is a an acquaitance of mine back in Manila.

http://www.geocities.com/canuck_infantry/Australasia.html

[JQ24]

We actually have double and triple canopy in our jungles. We actually have more trees in Mindanao than you have people in Hong Kong.

I never knew there were some filipinos in here :D . I'm a filipino too. I grew up mostly in Mindanao and moved to the US when I was 10. Yes, there are triple and double canopy jungles. I'm glad to see the soldiers wearing modern helmets, but some are still wearing those Vietnam era helmets. Great pics! Thanks for posting woot .

[Scout Ranger]

We actually have double and triple canopy in our jungles. We actually have more trees in Mindanao than you have people in Hong Kong.

I never knew there were some filipinos in here :D . I'm a filipino too. I grew up mostly in Mindanao and moved to the US when I was 10. Yes, there are triple and double canopy jungles. I'm glad to see the soldiers wearing modern helmets, but some are still wearing those Vietnam era helmets. Great pics! Thanks for posting woot .

hi jq24, great to know more fellow filipino on the board. philippine military hardware are slowly developing thanks for the help of the americans during balikatan exercises.

[Slug69]

Great thread guys.

I have always thought the Crusades never really ended. Are we seeing it being played out in the Phillipines or am I being a bit to melodramatic?

Is there any money coming from Rome helping in this fight? Or does the money always go in one direction when the Vatican is concerned? ;)

[seruriermarshal]

God bless Phillipines , kill those terrorists !

woot

[Delta Niner]

We actually have double and triple canopy in our jungles. We actually have more trees in Mindanao than you have people in Hong Kong.

I never knew there were some filipinos in here :D . I'm a filipino too. I grew up mostly in Mindanao and moved to the US when I was 10. Yes, there are triple and double canopy jungles. I'm glad to see the soldiers wearing modern helmets, but some are still wearing those Vietnam era helmets. Great pics! Thanks for posting woot .

Bro,
Here is a little story regarding those helmets, they might look like the ones being issued to the US Military but apparently it was purchased in Hong Kong or China. Goddamn corruption in our little country is a real pain in the ass.
It is a long read but it is better than chismis di ba? :)

Rear Admiral Guillermo Wong

‘It’s an old boys’ club we cover up for each other’

After only three months on the job, Rear Admiral Guillermo Wong, Flag Officer in Command (FOIC) of the Philippine Navy, bows out this week—not by choice but forced out by noisy Marine officers unhappy with his style of leadership. The embattled Navy chief was taken by surprise when Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Angelo Reyes met with him last week and offered him a new assignment, to head the Northern Command based in Tarlac, a clear demotion. He got the message and offered to retire early. Admiral Wong spoke with Newsbreak’s Marites Dañguilan Vitug the day after he got axed.

What really happened?

In my talks with the Marines, I found a strong resistance to the new procurement procedures that I was trying to establish, [stressing] transparency, honesty. I cited to them several anomalous activities. Apparently, they resented this, saying that I told them off in front of their men. According to the chief of staff, there is a conflict in leadership styles. My leadership style is: I am open to my men. In the Marines, apparently, that’s not the case: selective information for the officers, others for the men. The officer corps, they said, lost credibility with their men. For me, credibility to your men is being truthful to them. Can we let the Marines pipe down and tell them to keep quiet? Apparently not. So I have to go.

Some in the Marines participated in past coups

They’re still there, the same guys. They’re the ones complaining. They’re into that behavior.

Weren’t they sanctioned?

They were but then they were given amnesty.

It shows a faulty system in the military.

We’re Filipinos, very forgiving. You know, soldiers fight side by side. One way or another, you owe your life to the other guy.

Did those who complain break the chain of command?

Definitely, there is a breakdown in discipline. People jump into tantrums when they don’t get what they want. That is sad.

What’s the cause of breakdown in discipline?

There was Edsa 1, for one. We can oust leaders.

Are there complaints filed against specific officers?

Yes, there are. They’re being investigated. [Officers with] two stars and below, we investigate. The evaluation began before my term. That’s how long the process is.

How can the Marines be a war-fighting machine when there’s a breakdown in discipline?

There needs to be a reorientation of values. You have to be a marine to understand

Why? What is a Marine?

It’s like a fraternity.

You said the Navy is mature. But doesn’t this speak of immaturity?

Yes, that’s because we have the Marines with the Navy.

Were you taken by surprise?

Yes. I thought the chief of staff would back me up. We were together in Edsa [2].

Do you feel you’re the odd man out?

I’ve always been. In PMA, there is an honor system but it seems to apply only to official acts. In everyday life, it doesn’t seem to work. I won’t say something just to conform. I was labeled as walang pakisama. Individualist. I’m very clear about being truthful. I don’t fit. I’m just too happy to leave. I’ve exerted all my efforts I pay for my food in the mess hall. I eat what the apprentice seaman eats. I show them that I’m no different from them. It’s just that I have stars. Regardless of rank, we have the same rules and regulations.

What signal does this send to the military?

Everyone here knows I did the right thing. Now, I’m being ousted. In trying to initiate reforms, out I go. That’s the signal. Noli Me Tangere [Title of a novel by Philippine national hero Dr Jose Rizal which helped spark the country's revolution against Spain-INQ7.net ed]. Touch me not. Don’t touch the system.

Did you ever find yourself in a similar situation before?

Oh yes. I’ve been kicked around. This is the story of my life. I was head of Ready Force command, a small unit. My attention was called because I did not use up the budget for the quarter. But I performed my mission for six months. The implication was: use up the budget even for personal stuff. Some of my men petitioned for my ouster in 1998 and this was endorsed by the Inspector General. They said I wasn’t giving them allowances, that I didn’t give them sea duty pay. Of course, because they were assigned ashore. But the FOIC [at the time] said I was following the rules. So the petition was dismissed.

How much are the amounts involved in corruption?

P3.8 million in one case involving helmets; 500 were ordered but only 299 were delivered and these were substandard. It’s an old boys club. That’s the training in the Academy, when we try to say the same thing the other guy is saying even if it is not trueÉWe cover up for each other.

— This article appeared in vol.1, no.6 issue of Newsbreak (dated February 28-March 6, 2001).

[Delta Niner]

Great thread guys.

I have always thought the Crusades never really ended. Are we seeing it being played out in the Phillipines or am I being a bit to melodramatic?

Is there any money coming from Rome helping in this fight? Or does the money always go in one direction when the Vatican is concerned? ;)

IMHO the war in Mindanao could not be viewed like the Crusades, it was never like that, trying to convert ones religion to another, that notion is plain stupid. There are Muslim officers and men in our armed forces. Any religion is tolerated by both sides. (well maybe except for the extremist and I guess we have that on both sides too).

No money is coming from Rome or the Vatican.

Hell I think that the main reason why all former Spanish colonies are still third world is because of the Catholic Church. They follow the dictum that all sins have forgiveness. It is not an uncommon practice for our politician and high ranking military officers to accept bribes and acts of corruption and then seek atonement for their sins during Sunday service The root of all this war is corruption and intolerance to some extent. :(

yes, I know about the tree count Vs. people in Hong Kong, Drones could have use Infrared systems and the scout ranger could not have rescued the Burnhams without Americas technological help, right?

If you see that the Burnhams had been held captive for like a year, a year is no joke, so in the cover of Balikatan Exercises, the Americans did their magic, I presume. p-)

[Sloppy Joe2]

good luck to the filipinos there war is as important as ours GP :)

[Delta Niner]

yes, I know about the tree count Vs. people in Hong Kong, Drones could have use Infrared systems and the scout ranger could not have rescued the Burnhams without Americas technological help, right?

If you see that the Burnhams had been held captive for like a year, a year is no joke, so in the cover of Balikatan Exercises, the Americans did their magic, I presume. p-)

Technology is always a big welcome, anywhere and anytime. :)

As for the magic well I wish that it was of a more potent kind. If it was Gracia Burnham would not have been a widow and the Yap family would not have lost a daughter. :(

[swordsman]

Hey guys,

I live in this s@#thole you're all talkintg about,and still do as of this posting,The Land Of Promise as all here would say,but all I could say is that I hope they would KILL THEM ALL AND LET ALLAH SORT EM OUT! These extremists had been pestering this island for decades now,sowing terror and killing innocents. They're a bunch of f@#%ng cowards who coudn't stand up and fight face to face,and instead victimize innocent and hapless civilians,Christians and Muslims alike. A few days ago a series of bombings occured here which killed a dozen of innocent lives. It isn't safe here as you might say,and its all because of this small group of pork-haters who think they're a majority in our population here. :fork:

[Ominae]

Great thread guys.

I have always thought the Crusades never really ended. Are we seeing it being played out in the Phillipines or am I being a bit to melodramatic?

Is there any money coming from Rome helping in this fight? Or does the money always go in one direction when the Vatican is concerned? ;)

How dare you say that to my country!! Our people in the armed forces are not in Mindanao to convert people. Like it was said, the government believes in the Muslim people as the key to Philippine stability (Heck, we got lawmakers, soldiers, police officers and academics who are Muslims).

I once had a Muslim classmate in my college before being sent to Canada and no one bothered with him, so I can say that we treat people with equality, with the exception of those who used Islam as their basis of killing people with bombs and guns.

The Filipinos mainly are very welcoming people, warm hearted, very nice to talk to kind of people, I love them! well the Muslims in the South are very good people too, like normal Filipinos the only difference is the Muslim people who turn radical and join the MILF or Abu Sayyaf, I seriously believe that this problems can be solved by investing more in the area and funding to building new schools and all of that, educating this people in the rural areas, where recruiting is widespread amongst the rice field workers or somewhat near that level, at least make Grade 6 a minimum level for their education. It might not be implemented because of the lack of funding but all we can do is to address it and fix it.

[Slug69]

Great thread guys.

I have always thought the Crusades never really ended. Are we seeing it being played out in the Phillipines or am I being a bit to melodramatic?

Is there any money coming from Rome helping in this fight? Or does the money always go in one direction when the Vatican is concerned? ;)

How dare you say that to my country!! Our people in the armed forces are not in Mindanao to convert people. Like it was said, the government believes in the Muslim people as the key to Philippine stability (Heck, we got lawmakers, soldiers, police officers and academics who are Muslims).

I once had a Muslim classmate in my college before being sent to Canada and no one bothered with him, so I can say that we treat people with equality, with the exception of those who used Islam as their basis of killing people with bombs and guns.

Thanks for setting me straight fellas.

It just seems the fighting in some of those areas has been going on for hundreds of years thats all.

[Warlord]

Great thread guys.

I have always thought the Crusades never really ended. Are we seeing it being played out in the Phillipines or am I being a bit to melodramatic?

Is there any money coming from Rome helping in this fight? Or does the money always go in one direction when the Vatican is concerned? ;)

The PORK BARREL working for the people.

[Warlord]

Great thread guys.

I have always thought the Crusades never really ended. Are we seeing it being played out in the Phillipines or am I being a bit to melodramatic?

Is there any money coming from Rome helping in this fight? Or does the money always go in one direction when the Vatican is concerned? ;)

We still do have plenty of Catholic militias. They are actually more brutal in their ways than the regular soldiers. Some preists are armed. CARITAS and other catholic charities help all refugees. We'll get 'em all someday.

[sowannab]

great pics
never knew we had good m4s around
im an australian filipino
just hope we get to kill and capture all these terrorists finally and live happily with one another

THE END.

[2RHPZ]

http://a740.g.akamai.net/f/740/606/1d/image.pathfinder.com/time/asia/photoessays/phili_military/images/1.jpg

Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (A.F.P.) take a breather at a military encampment on the island of Jolo, the site of ongoing battles with Muslim rebel groups

http://a740.g.akamai.net/f/740/606/1d/image.pathfinder.com/time/asia/photoessays/phili_military/images/2.jpg

An A.F.P. soldier patrols a village gutted by fighting between troops and Islamic insurgent groups the MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front) and Abu Sayyaf. An estimated 26,000 people have fled the fighting on the island of Jolo

Photo essay (http://www.time.com/time/asia/photoessays/phili_military/index.html) (28 photos)

Article (http://www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/article/0,13673,503050516-1056340,00.html) by ANTHONY SPAETH Under the Gun (TIME Asia)


The Philippine military is fighting low morale, poor equipment and stubborn militants. That's a problem not just for the nation but for the entire region