An Open Letter Calling for Sobriety, Calm and Dialogue on Sabah

This is our advocacy and our call. Please support this effort by signing on to this open letter or drafting your own calls towards resolving the issue.  Please indicate if you/your organization is signing up by replying to this email.  Kindly help disseminate, even to our compatriots, CSOs in Malaysia.  

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An Open Letter Calling for Sobriety, Calm and Dialogue on Sabah.

On the unfolding tragedy now threatening parts of Sabah, we urgently call upon President Benigno S. Aquino III of the Philippines, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak of Malaysia, the Sultanate of Sulu and its heirs led by Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, together with any and all individuals, organizations and networks who disavow violence and conflict, and who support dialogue as their primary mechanism for peace, to now unite and work towards bringing all the involved parties together in seeking a peaceful resolution to the issues at hand.

We recognize each of the three (3) principals now involved and their commitment to peace in recent history. We commend Malaysia and its facilitative role in bringing peace to much of Mindanao through years of negotiations. We acknowledge President Aquino and his administration’s efforts in calling for dialogue and peace-building in various conflict-affected regions of the Philippines. And we laud the long history of the Sultanate of Sulu in responsibly leading its proud and unconquered people into the present.

While we may feel disappointment that peace has not spread fast enough into the hearts of our fellowmen in the region, we feel that the chance to remedy the Sabah situation is still at hand, granted we act quickly, calmly and with sobriety, remaining steadfast in our commitment to dialogue, negotiations and ultimately peace. The chilling effect on the long hoped-for peace in the region that this event may have spawned should not be allowed to spread, for it impacts on the future of large populations in the region, be they involved in this dispute or not. The threat and deprivation forced upon the lives and futures of the innocent brought on by conflict, particularly those impacting on women and children, remains unacceptable to us in any of the actions and discussions done, or yet to follow. 

The convergence of conditions that engendered this event shows us all that a number of underlying issues may have remained long simmering, out of sight to most of us, and now needs to be addressed sensibly and soon, be it before the public eye or in stages respectful of the sensibilities of all involved. Again, this underscores our advocacy for developing regular venues of dialogue to thresh such matters out.

We also should not let ourselves be swayed by the apparent machinations and apathy of those who selfishly see no benefit for themselves by staying on the path of peace the majority of us have chosen. Yet as we confront this possibility, we must also find as totally unacceptable any “collateral damage” for our innocent brothers and sisters suffering long and oftentimes in silence, whenever we’ve allowed guns to speak loudest.

We feel that that the time for posturing, threats and armed action, no matter how righteous and particularly at the cost of innocent lives, remains unacceptable. That letting stoked emotions roiling pell-mell into violence, at the cost of reason and value for lives, has no place in a future built on crafting peace for ourselves and generations to follow.

Let us remind all involved that history is both perceived by looking at what we’ve done in our past, as well as how we’ve measured up to our future. This future now before us calls us to be globally engaged, to be responsible for one another, to foster an inclusivity that calls upon us all to look at the humanity that unites us, not the differences that divide.

We therefore call on the key actors, from the governments of the Philippines and Malaysia, the Sultanate of Sulu and its heirs, engaged by other stakeholders along with all of us who value peace above all, to sign on in calling for an immediate end to the violence and come together in a dialogue for peace on the issues pertaining to Sabah.

The time for this is now and begins with us. Let us resolve the Sabah issue peacefully, not through arms but through dialogue. The cycle of violence in resolving conflict must end, and the opportune time for it in Sabah is NOW!

Signatories:

Mindanao Peace Weavers (MPW)

Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict-Southeast Asia (SEA-GPPAC)

Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID)

Derepa te Erumanen ne Menuvu (DEM)

Warina Sushil A. Jukuy (Jihad al Akbar Foundation)

==================================

LYNDEE A. PRIETO

Initiatives for International Dialogue

Mobile: 0917-7247579 

Phone: (+63 82) 2992574-75, Fax: (+63 82) 299-2052
E-mail: lyndeeprieto@yahoo.com,  lyndeeprieto@gmail.com
www.iidnet.org, www.mindanaopeaceweavers.org

IID is an advocacy and solidarity institution promoting peace, conflict prevention, democratization and the right to self-determination in Southeast Asia. Our focus areas include Mindanao, Timor Leste, West Papua, Aceh and South Thailand.

Sabah Cul de Sac and Sulu Sultanate: Pinutol na sa Bigkis ng Pambansang Dangal?

 Sabah Cul de Sac and Sulu Sultanate: Pinutol na sa Bigkis ng Pambansang Dangal?
(Has the Tie that Binds National Integrity and Honor Been Severed Off from Sulu Sultanate Re Sabah Claim?)

"Bilang Pangulo, nakaatang sa aking balikat ang buhay, hindi lang ng grupo ni Rajah Muda Agbimuddin Kiram, kundi maging ang kapakanan at kaligtasan ng tinatayang walondaang libong Pilipinong nasa Sabah. Bawat buhay ay mahalaga, at wala tayong ibang pakay kundi ang mangibabaw ang kaligtasan ng mga kababayan natin, nasaang panig man sila ng mundo."

[Adm-08] Please click the link to read the March 4 statement of President Aquino on the situation in Sabah:

http://1.president.gov.ph/speech/pahayag-ni-pangulong-aquino-ukol-sa-mga-kaganapan-sa-sabah-ika-4-ng-marso-2013/

 
With all due respect and begging for your indulgence, I am addressing this commentary/intervention to the President, to all my respected brethren pictured behind him in the photo and to all Filipino citizens who may read this. When we think of the welfare and well-being of the majority; we have to make decisions that are grounded on human rights and justice for ALL. 
 
In this cul de sac that was a defensive stance initially but now has been tackled using offensive engagement by the Malaysian government, we implement solutions by not issuing verdict and judgment without due process of law. When the scales are tipped, and the oppressed are push to the edge, they naturally take drastic decisions which the PRESIDENT must bear in mind that he did not order.
THUS, by virtue of humans patriae as Vanguard of the State, the PRESIDENT of the Philippines must protect the oppressed and the down-trodden be they a measly number of Filipino citizens, nonetheless, they have the right to be protected and defended. 
 
As it is, the PRESIDENT appealed censoriously; he did not exhibit any semblance of compassion for Raja Muda Agbimuddin and his men or for the Sultanate of Sulu’s claim who are in the brink of utter desperation when the President in all probity could have acted as a 3rd-Party Interventionist to protect the proprietary rights of Sulu Sultanate and the lives that are currently endangered.
Can you blame the Sulu Sultan and his royal forces for their stubborn stance? Where there is unfounded injustice, repression and suppression; there is spiral of HRV and concomitant violence. Consequently, there is LOSS OF TRUST and CONFIDENCE in the GOVERNMENT to promote, RESPECT and FULFILL the rights of MUSLIMS. The President’s appeal sounded as an ultimatum and made the Sulu Sultan and his royal forces that their President has relinquished his responsibility on them because it seemed that the President is more concern with bilateral ties with Malaysia. Showing respect for a human being’s dignity is not a sign of weakness even for a State President.
Not only the Filipinos are worth dying for, even Tausugs are worth dying for unless you regard them not as citizens of the Philippines. National integrity and honor and is not endemic to the President unless he is unconsciously severing off the Sulu Sultanate from the ties that bind the Philippine National Security, Intergrity and Honor. Why would he even doubt the legitimacy of Sulu Sultanate’s claim when since 1878 until present the Sultan and his heirs are still receiving the annual lease from Malaysia?
A Google search for the word "Sabah," the state at the center of Malaysia's biggest security crisis in years, came back with a search results page that quotes "Wikipedia" calling Malaysian control of the state "illegitimate." "Sabah is illegitimately considered one of the 13 member states of Malaysia, and is said to be its easternmost state but in fact, it is part of the Sultanate of Sulu," the passage read, shown in a box previewing the Wikipedia entry for Sabah.
 
I respectfully affirm Senator Salonga’s statement that “the contract of lease on the basis of British documents and records cannot be disputed here or abroad and that it contains a technical description of the territory in terms of natural boundaries, thus:

“… all the territories and lands being tributary to us on the mainland of the island of Borneo commencing from the Pandassan River on the NW coast and extending along the whole east coast as far as the Sibuco River in the south and comprising, among others, the states of Peitan, Sugut, Bangaya, Labuk, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Muniang and all the other territories and states to the southward thereof bordering on Darvel Bay and as far as the Sibuco River with all the islands within three marine leagues of the coast.”

Further, that “thousands of years ago, what is now known as the Philippines and what is known today as Borneo used to constitute a single historical, cultural, economic unit…Borneo is only 18 miles away from us today…North Borneo, formerly known as Sabah, was originally ruled by the sultan of Brunei. In 1704, in gratitude for help extended to him by the sultan of Sulu in suppressing a revolt, the sultan of Brunei ceded North Borneo to the Sulu sultan.” [http://globalnation.inquirer.net/66739/salonga-explains-sabah-claim/ excerpts from a speech that Sen. Jovito R. Salonga delivered on March 30, 1963]

 
Where has the President’s bravado gone now? Is this the same Pres Noynoy who spoke of national security and patriotism in clear terms (alluding to Spratlys) during his SONA in 2011? “Kung seguridad na rin lang po ang ating pag-uusapan, di ba’t karugtong din nito ang ating pambansang dangal? Dati, hindi man lang natin makuhang pumalag tuwing may sisindak sa atin sa loob mismo ng ating bakuran. Malinaw ang pahiwatig natin ngayon sa buong mundo: Ang sa Pilipinas ay sa Pilipinas; kapag tumapak ka sa Recto Bank, para ka na ring tumapak sa Recto Avenue.” Does his bravado begin only in Spratlys and terminate on Sabah claim?
 
Perhaps, this is exactly the sentiment that Sultan Jamalul Kiram III and Raja Muda Agbimuddin III are resonating to their State President, to Malaysia and to the rest of the world at the moment: “That like Noynoy, they want peace and they do not have any intention to engage in an offensive skirmish; that they merely wish to proclaim to the world that what is rightfully the Sulu Sultanate’s is the Sulu Sultanate’s; and that they are merely sending a message across that like the President, they are more than ready to defend what is lawfully theirs.”

 "Bilang Pangulo, nakaatang sa aking balikat ang buhay, hindi lang ng grupo ni Rajah Muda Agbimuddin Kiram, kundi maging ang kapakanan at kaligtasan ng tinatayang walondaang libong Pilipinong nasa Sabah. Bawat buhay ay mahalaga, at wala tayong ibang pakay kundi ang mangibabaw ang kaligtasan ng mga kababayan natin, nasaang panig man sila ng mundo." http://1.president.gov.ph/speech/pahayag-ni-pangulong-aquino-ukol-sa-mga-kaganapan-sa-sabah-ika-4-ng-marso-2013/

 

Kung talagang isinasaalang-alang nga ng ating Pangulo “ang kapakanan ng bawat Pilipino nasaan man sila naroroon---bakit kaya ang mga Pinuno ng mga Bansa kapag yaman at pera na ang usapin---hindi na dinadaan sa 4-way test tulad na lang ng pagbibigay pahintulot sa EXXOn-Mobil sa pagbabarina ng pusod ng Karagatan ng Sulu kahit pa magdudulot ito ng malubhang pinsala at panganib hindi lamang sa mismong buhay ng mga mamamayang Pilipino kundi maging sa kanilang kapaligiran-kalikasan at maging sa paglawig ng mismong buhay ng mundo?!? 

 
Maraming mga isyu at katanungan ang nabuksan, maaring masama sa unang tingin pero sadyang may kakambal na katotohanan na siyang nagbalot ng liwanag sa kasaysayan ng Sultanato ng Sulu at ng North Borneo.

 If in exposing historical truth, consequentially would ultimately bring benefit to the progeny of the Muslim Filipinos to enjoin good and forbid evil...and to finally end the centuries-old perpetuation of injustice and historical and economic genocide upon the Bangsamoro, then the Raja Muda Agbimuddin and his men would never have to die in vain after all...

Inna Lillaahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un...Allah indeed is our Sole Protector, The Best To Protect and the Best To Help... this sufficeth more than upgrading one's capability in terms of billions can...

Salonga explains Sabah claim

globalnation.inquirer.net

A few days ago, Sen. Lorenzo Sumulong spoke on the floor of the Senate to air hi...See More

A Truthful Tongue and a Makhmun Heart

Olfactorily Challenged Nos(e)talgia: The Smell of Kalang, Tapul, Sulu

Nos(e)talgia: The Smell of  Kalang, Tapul, Sulu

I just can't figure it.
Couldn't put my finger...ooops my nose...on it... :P
I indeed am olfactorily challenged!
There are times, rare it may be, that I blurt out of the blue: "Hamut Tapul..." (It smells Tapul...)
Funny...I cannot describe exactly the fragrance all I know my olfactory sense signals me...it is Tapul's fragrance that I am suddenly sniffing in the air.
Could be the mist from the sea...the smell of the corals...the sea breeze...the flowers growing the old school's fence...the "sweet rice congee" seasoned by pandan leaves...the sea urchin team-cooked in its own shell...although I love it best steamed wrapped in banana leaves then grilled next... 
Or...if there is such a thing as "the fragrance of ambiance".

Why did old memories 42 years back suddenly come alive?
Resurrected...when our dear Aunt passed away
Inna lillaahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un
Her terminus resurrected memories of scrambled duck's egg
Sizzling "ja" in deep gurgling oil....as light mocha colored batter transcends three layered screen
I hear the staccato of tapping...in time with digital tapping upon my laptop keys
Ja...Yes...Ja...my German friend would agree...NgWL...

I mean one thing and he means another in the affirmative
Such truant thoughts of yesteryears...

STOP! Felonious Forced Disappearances, Extrajudicial Killings

STOP! Felonious Forced Disappearances, Extrajudicial Killings

By Warina Sushil A. Jukuy, HAN-SecGen

"Calling For Justice For Shaykh Bashier Mursalun"

You, who shot him, if he still alive, give him back to us, we will hospitalize him; If he died, return his corpse to us, we shall bury him and return him to Allah. We believe that our Shaykh died as Martyr because indeed he is an innocent preacher.  ~Fwd Text from Concerned Muslims..

                Upon circulation of forwarded text message, PAHRA Chair Max de Mesa and PAHRA SecGen Rose Trajano were the first people among HAN partners to respond promptly. De Mesa advised for a background to be emailed so an urgent appeal can be made locally and abroad. Trajano likewise advised for a documented report albeit a brief one so she can take action and coordinate the case with Task Force USIG of the PNP to enforce NMM or National Monitoring Mechanism on  forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, among others.

                We urgently appeal to our Muslim leaders, the PNP,  human rights groups and colleagues as well as other civil society organizations to join hands and collaborate to render justice to Shaykh Bashier Mursalun and similar others  before him and after him, insha’ALLAH.

                The Philippine Constitution states: “No person shall be deprived of life, liberty and property without due process of law.”  In Islam, to spill a drop of blood without just cause is a crime against humanity. I reiterate our call, in the name of Al Adl and of  Justice:

“…You, who shot him, if he still alive, give him back to us, we will hospitalize him; If he died, return his corpse to us, we shall bury him and return him to Allah. We believe that our Shaykh died as Martyr because indeed he is an innocent preacher. “

LATEST UPDATE:

Based from a call from HAN partner ALNAJIB MAUJON an hour ago, a trusted source  intimated that  a witness survived; plate number of alleged perpetrators’ van was recorded and a spot report of incident is with the Zamboanga City cops; and that a certain Police Abdul of ZC checkpoint  noticed his shaykh inside the van. Surprised he commented that it was his guru but the alleged perpetrators replied that they are from PDEA. HAN partner Maujon’s source also gave information that when van broke witnesses saw switching of perpetrators and abducted Mursalun to another Adventure vehicle.  Contact imparted that cops could not trace the vehicle’s owner because plate number was unregistered. I believe that the original vehicle owner can still be traced through the chassis of the engine which in motor vehicles are stenciled at LTO.

Nonetheless, below is a blogpost, MURSALUN STILL NOT FOUND, written by fellow PAHRA paralegal worker and Han pioneer member.

MURSALUN STILL NOT FOUND
By Gamson Jr Mawallil Quijano, RRT

Families and friends of Ustadz Bashier Mursalun of Zamboanga City are still exhausting all means to find his missing body after he was gunshot by still unidentified perpetrators in barangay Labuan, Zamboanga City. The shooting incident took place lately this afternoon, M...onday, 21 January 2013.

Report says that indeed Ustadz Mursalun was gunshot and allegedly dies, however as yet the whereabouts of his body were remains hidden. Moreover, the motive behind the incident is still unknown.

Via Facebook message, Ustadz Abdulwakil Kasim, a religious elder in barangay Ayala, Zamboanga City, a nearby barangay where the incident transpired, says, “The Barangay Chairman of Labuan are still coordinating with the local authorities about the whereabouts of the body of Ustadz Bashier.”

“As for us, we cannot yet confirm the status quo of Ustadz Bashier since we haven’t seen yet his body. Meantime, I and the rest of Ulama in Zamboanga City are still closely monitoring Ustadz Basher’s whereabouts.” –Ustadz Kasim added.

The Darul Ifta Director General Shiekh Abdulwakil Tanjilil notifies the concern government authorities in Zamboanga City to aid in seeking the missing body of Ustadz Mursalun.

Ustadz Bashier Mursalun was a well known Muslim preacher in Mindanao. He graduated his Islamic education major in Islamic Jurisprudence in Islamic University of Sudan.

A Muslim paralegal member of Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates urges Muslims media to participate in the monitoring of the case.

This happening has also been reached out to the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Secretary Mehol K. Sadain and Commission on Human Rights ARMM Regional Director Atty. Laisa M. Alamia for adequate and expeditious action. (30)

2nd Life: 24 Years Extension Lease of LIFE Allaahu Akbar

Second Life
If ever there was
an extension of Allah's
Lease of Life
SubhanALLAH...

Tahmid
Am thankful
grateful for ALLAH
is great...
remorseful for
what might have beens
Takbir...
Al qadar wal qadaa'
mode breaks that mood

Alhamdulillaahi alaa kulli haal

That moment I have fully grasped
the Most Trustworthy Handhold
that never breaks
YET flailing my Eeman quakes
each weak moment
 I reminisce
of what might have beens
Nastagfirullaah...

Nonetheless
ALLAH never breaks His Promise
That moment I have fully grasped
the Most Trustworthy Handhold
that never breaks
I dread the thought
of letting go...
Secured,
cocooned
in the sweetness
of His Infinite Mercy!
Nahmadullaah wa nashkuruh! 

{Allaah is the Walee (Protector or Guardian) of those who believe. He brings them out from darkness into light. But as for those who disbelieve, their Auliyaa’ (supporters and helpers) are Taaghoot (false deities), they bring them out from light into darkness. Those are the dwellers of the Fire, and they will abide therein forever.} [Surah al-Baqarah (2): 257]

Fruitful Thoughts and Fruitful Blessings...Masha'ALLAH!

Think Out Loud: Links to Hijab/Niqaab issues in the Philippines

Think Out Loud: Links to Hijab/Niqaab issues in the Philippines: These are some links to the Hijab/Niqab ban issues in Philippine Schools and Hospitals.
 http://www.facebook.com/pages/ Hijaab-Niqaab-Advo...
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hijaab-Niqaab-Advocacy-Network/280451248727431?ref=hl

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/370519/in-name-religious-freedom

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/04/07/09/muslims-arms-against-discrimination

http://www.irfi.org/articles2/articles_2601_2650/Hijab%20-%20A%20Symbol%20of%20Liberation%20and%20Not%20of%20Oppression.HT

http://www.irfi.org/articles2/articles_2601_2650/Hijab%20-%20A%20Symbol%20of%20Liberation%20and%20Not%20of%20Oppression.HTM

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20121114081808

http://neocatalyst.blogspot.com/

Neo Catalyst

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

HIJAAB-NIQAAB Compilation of LEGAL Documents and Related Articles

Assalaamu alaikum warahmatullaahi wabarakatuhu!!

Every concerned Muslims (Muslimat) in the Philippines “MUST READ AND UNDERSTAND” all LAWS, MEMORANDA, ISSUANCES, DEPARTMENT ORDERS IN RESPECT FOR THE RIGHT TO WEAR HIJAB-NIQAAB in our country. 

Among the many legal documents:

1.) PRC Memorandum No. 2012-02 Re: Wearing of Veils of Muslim Womens Taking the Licensure Examinations dated January 24, 2012 issued by Commissioner Alfredo Y. Po, OIC PRC:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.297790223602752&type=1

Note:  Moreover, this order is applicable to all Muslimat Niqaabi across Philippines and in all courses that need to take for a licensure examinations in PRC.

2.) NCMF Issuance Re: Legal Guidelines on Hijab by Bureau on Legal Affairs issued by Commissioner Atty. Edilwasif T.Baddiri dated September 20, 2011; Resolution No. 44, Series of 2011 approved and signed by Hon. Bai Omera D. Dianalan-Lucman and Commissioners of National Commission on Muslim Filipinos dated October 05, 2011:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.245916968790078&type=1

3.) NBI Order Re: Memorandum Order No. 28 S. 2008, Guidelines on Photo Requirements and Picture Taking for NBI Clearance Purposes approved by Atty. Nestor M. Mantaring, Director of NBI Central Office, Manila in response to the appeal of Deputy Mufti Shaykh Abdulwakil S. Tanjilil:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.246410378740737&type=1

4.) DOH Memo and Order namely DOH MEMO No. 2009-0107 issued by DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III, MD MSc. (Re:Strengthening the Protection of Religious Rights of Muslim workers, including but not limited to students and trainees in health facilities), which was duly reiterated by DOH MEMO No. 2011-0232dated 16 August 2011 Re: Reiterating Compliance to DOH MEMO No. 2009-0107 by Nemesio T. Gako, MD, MPH, CESO II, Asst Secretary of Health, Internal Finance and Administration Technical Cluster- lobbied by IMAN President Sherjan Kalim, MD:


http://home.doh.gov.ph/dm/dm2011-0232.pdf 

5.) Strengthening the Protection of Religious Rights of Students (DepED Order No. 53 s. 2001 by Sec Raul S. Roco; and CHED MEMO dated 26 August 2008 signed by OIC Dr Nina S. Ricafort):

http://www.deped.gov.ph/cpanel/uploads/issuanceImg/DO%2053_10-29-01_00001.pdf

6.) DFA and among others, SOON, In shaa’ Allah!

HIJAB RELATED ARTICLES


http://neocatalyst.blogspot.com/2012/05/not-merely-uz-even-malacanang-has-no.html 

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/04/07/09/muslims-arms-against-discrimination 

http://neocatalyst.blogspot.com/2011/10/defense-of-muslimat-fortress-no-dearth.html

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/208565/doh-allows-wearing-muslim-head-gear

http://www.pinoypress.net/2008/04/09/the-hijab-a-symbol-of-liberation-not-oppression/

http://www.insidemindanao.com/article52.html

http://abna.ir/data.asp?lang=3&Id=161951



HIJAB RELATED VIDEO/AUDIO

http://insidemindanao.com/radio/SUG_Alun_Limaya_1.mp3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eyc5vLTGT9o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7l9DpT3XmGs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkZzHpHUw6A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqgNg2aaoXQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHY_E6XTrH0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfYdXYnnNSs


HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATION REPORTING:


"HR ALERT! Witnessed a Human Rights Violation? SUBMIT A REPORT NOW" we call this the CSO-PIMM form: find the online submission below it:

http://www.philippinehumanrights.org/index.php?option=com_chronoforms&view=form&Itemid=155

We are thankful that our fervent prayers are granted by The Most Compassionate and Beneficent ALLAH.

This serves as proof which is quite a relief to our frustrations that there ARE still institutions who respect the dignity and inviolable rights of fellow human beings regardless of religious affiliation.

May we continue to uphold and abide the law in consonance with and respect to the inalienable rights of all Muslim Filipinos. 

Aameen Ya Rabb!

Do Not Violate Our Niqaab; Do Not Shatter Our Dreams

Bismillaahir Rahmanir Rahiim
Assalamu alaykum wa Rahmatullaahi wa Baarakatuhu

Truly Allah decrees what Allah wills
And so we accept it, trust Allah solely as we surrender everything to our Rabb
Initially, my candidness got the worst of me.
I was appalled to learn from Atty Apion (AP) via telecom last December 14 that:

1. Judge Estacio (JE) like AP admitted to have spent sleepless nights over the ...stalemate;
2. Stalemate: for reasons of irreparable damage or injury on the niqaabis’ well-being a writ of preliminary injunction (WOPI) was issued by JE against UZ ordering the latter to enroll the niqaabi-complainants YET UZ Pres Atty Linda E. Lim (ALL) stubbornly defied it as she dared court to jail her if it must;
What a shame for UZ-ALL - being an attorney herself- to set a bad example as an educator by acrimoniously defying the WOPI of JE!
3. Why the gall? ALL ludicrous alibi: UZ Faculty is scared of niqaabi enrollees and even threatened to resign if UZ will follow court order.
4. UZ ALL instead offered a demanding compromise:
a. UZ will accept only 2 niqaabi enrollees who are graduating this semester, inshaALLAH;
b. BUT in exchange for A, AP along with complainants must withdraw case against UZ;
5. THUS, considering 1 to 4, JE implored AP to withdraw the case for the ff reaons:
a. JE cannot jail ALL considering she’s elderly and an icon in ZC;
b. IF AP were to pursue the legal battle it will be a useless and fruitless battle;
c. even if niqaabis were to be enrolled, UZ will give it a hard time or subject them to academic pressure;
d. except for two graduating niqaabis, the rest of the complainants were being disqualified for any of the ff reasons:
i. failure to comply with retention policy;
ii. dubious of their capacity to cope up in mid-sem as late enrollees;
iii. medical checkup result;
iv. outstanding balance re school fees;
What a shame for UZ-ALL to vitiate our vulnerable niqaabis of reason and free will by issuing grave threat, intimidation and sowing fear in them!
6. Considering the aforegoing issues, JE deemed it that AP withdraw the case and just pursue the fight thru an institutional response from CHED.
7. CONCLUSION: After consultations among AP, HAN Pres SZO and niqaabi complainants an ijma was reached: they accepted ALL’s offer (refer to item 4).

INTERVENTION:
There is no dearth of laws, memos, and other legal issuances but there is palpable emasculation in matters of implementation of law and its corresponding legal sanction.

In the interest of justice--- the weakened and oppressed must NEVER be deprived of LIFE, LIBERTY and PROPERTY without due process of law- just as in this case where niqaabis who are barred from academic pursuit are suffering grave injustice and irreparable injury. 

The right to Religious Freedom is NON NEGOTIABLE especially so that it is a right to live as Muslims in accordance to our deen, ISLAM. Thus, it must never be compromised.
Truly Allah decrees what Allah wills

And so we accept it, trust Allah solely as we surrender everything to our Rabb. Aameen Ya Rabbal alameen!

Judge Estacio erases bigotry against veiled Muslim women in Zamboanga City

PUBLICATIONS - MINDANAO HUB SOCIAL AND LABOR ISSUES VOL. XIX ISSUE 339
		Philippine court orders university to enroll Muslim students using hijab, niqab

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Regional Trial Court Branch 14 has ordered the Universidad de Zamboanga on Wednesday to admit female Muslim students to enroll in the school which bans students from wearing hijab and niqab.

After they questioned the ban on the wearing of veils at the university, Judge Reynerio Estacio issued a writ of preliminary injunction and ordered the university to allow the students to re-enroll.

The Universidad de Zamboanga banned the use of veil among its Muslim students, saying it is the school’s security protocol. But the students said the ban violated their rights.

Warina Sushil Jukuy, the Secretary-General of the Hijaab-Niqaab Advocacy Network, praised the court order and said Estacio “sets example that Philippine justice can grind swiftly when propelled by astuteness, PROBITY and sincerity.”

“Judge Estacio erases bigotry against veiled Muslim women in Zamboanga City. Judge Estacio re-bonds the once broken veils, shattered dreams of Mutanaqqibat (niqaab wearing students in Universidad de Zamboanga). He brings hope through right to education for our niqaabis who stopped for one whole semester pending resolution of the case,” she said.

There was no immediate statement from the Universidad de Zamboanga.

Aside from the said university, Pilar College in Zamboanga City also banned the wearing of hijab and niqab among its Muslim students. Various Muslim and human rights groups protested the school’s policy.-Mindanao Examiner (November 14, 2012)

http://blackpearl.com.ph/content.php?id=35046 

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20121114081808 

Philippine court orders university to enroll Muslim students using hijab, niqab
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 09:18:08 PM

Two Muslim women wearing niqab walk in Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)

ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Nov. 14, 2012) – A local court has ordered the Universidad de Zamboanga on Wednesday to allow female Muslim students to enroll in the school which bans students from wearing hijab and niqab. Judge Reynerio Estacio, of the Regional Trial Court Branch 14, ordered the school to admit the Muslims students after they questioned the ban on the wearing of veils at the Universidad de Zamboanga. Estacio issued a writ of preliminary injunction and ordered the university to allow the students to re-enroll. The Universidad de Zamboanga banned the use of veil among its Muslim students, saying it is the school’s security protocol. But the students said the ban violated their rights. Warina Sushil Jukuy, the Secretary-General of the Hijaab-Niqaab Advocacy Network, praised the court order and said Estacio “sets example that Philippine justice can grind swiftly when propelled by astuteness, prohibit and sincerity.” “Judge Estacio erases bigotry against veiled Muslim women in Zamboanga City. Judge Estacio re-bonds the once broken veils, shattered dreams of Mutanaqqibat (niqaab wearing students in Universidad de Zamboanga). He brings hope through right to education for our niqaabis who stopped for one whole semester pending resolution of the case,” she said. Jukuy said the court order has lightened up their faith in the justice system and that Estacio’s ruling “sends a message across that peace and pro-activity is a way, and never violence.” There was no immediate statement from the Universidad de Zamboanga. Pilar College in Zamboanga City also banned the wearing of hijab and niqab among its Muslim students. Various Muslim and human rights groups protested the school’s policy. (Mindanao Examiner)

NEWSFLASH: ZC Judge Estacio Rules in Favor of Niqaabi Studes; Orders UZ to Enrol Them

NEWSFLASH: ZC Judge Estacio Rules in Favor of Niqaabi Studes; Orders UZ to Enrol Them

ZC Judge Estacio Shows Philippines that Justice is NOT DELAYED NOR DENIED to Our Muslim Women Students
Judge Estacio Sets Example that PHL JUSTICE can Grind Swiftly when Propelled by astuteness, probity and sincerity
Judge Estacio Erases Bigotry Against VEILED (Hijaab-Niqaab) MUSLIM WOMEN in Zamboanga City
Judg...

e Estacio Re-BONDS the Once Broken Veils, Shattered Dreams of Mutanaqqibat (Niqaab wearing students in UZ)

Judge Estacio Brings Hope thru Right to Education for our Niqaabis who stopped for one whole semester pending resolution of case
Judge Estacio Lightens up Faith in the Justice System
Judge Estacio's Ruling Sends a Message Across that Peace and Proactivity Is a Way and NEVER VIOLENCE
Judge Estacio and the Staunch Defender of Hijaab-Niqaab, ATTY YASER APION, plus our "Hijab Commissioner" EDIL BADDIRI have become instruments by ALLAH's Grace and Mercy to alleviate at times and to remove this time the difficulties of our hijaab and niqaab wearing Muslim women in the Philippines

To all those who joined us supplicate fervently to ALLAH SWT, barakallaahu feekum wa jazaakumullaahu khayran
Patience and steadfastness in times of crisis pleases ALLAH SWT; just as to remain humble and gracious in moments of victory or triumph is indeed a virtue :)
INDEED, good deeds such as safeguarding one's virtue, one's faith, and one's chastity must BE ENJOINED AND NOT FORBIDDEN
May your progeny increase and endure Judge Estacio, Atty Apion and Atty Baddiri, aameen!
Nahmadullaah wa nashkuruh, ipinaabot namin ang aming salamat sa inyong lahat... Allaahu akbar Allaahu akbar Allaahu akbar
Sa mga mutanaqqibat at inyong mga magulang- tunay ngang kinagigiliwan kayo ng ALLAH SWT ♥
ikinararangal namin kayo dahil sa kabila ng mga balakid pinili ninyong ipagtanggol ang inyong deen baarakallaahu feekum kahanga-hanga ang inyong eeman ♥
(PRESS RELEASE by WARINA SUSHIL A. JUKUY, SecGen, Hijaab-Niqaab Advocacy Network)

Ipinakita ni JUDGE ESTACIO, na ang KATARUNGAN ay HINDI IPINAGPAPALIBAN o IPINAGKAKAIT Para sa ATING mga Kababaihang Muslim
Nagbigay ng Ehemplo si JUDGE ESTACIO na ang HUSTISYA sa Pilipinas Maaring Gumiling Nang Mabilis Kapag Pinagana ng katalasan ng kamulatan, kapahaman at sinseridad
Pinawi at Binura ni JUDGE ESTACIO and DISKRIMINASYON Laban sa mga Nakabalot (ang Awrat) na Kababaihang Muslim sa Lungsod ng Zamboanga
Muling Binuo ni JUDGE ESTACIO ang dating Nilabag na HIJAAB-NIQAAB at Pira-pirasong Pangarap ng ating mga Mutanaqqibat (mga kababaihang Muslim balot ang kabuuan maliban ang kanilang mga mata)
PAG-ASA sa pamamagitan ng KARAPATAN sa EDUKASYON ang HATID ng DESISYON ni JUDGE ESTACIO pabor sa mga Niqaabis Di-nakapag aral nitong unang semester dahil ayaw nilang mahubaran ang kanilang dangal at pananampalataya
Binigyang LIWANAG ni JUDGE ESTACIO ang ating dating makulimlim na PANANALIG sa Sistema ng Hustisya sa Pinas
Isang Mensahe ang Napaabot ni JUDGE ESTACIO: Isang MAKABULUHANG PARAAN ang Proaktibidad at KAPAYAPAAN-kailanman HINDI ang KARAHASAN
Para sa aming magigiting na tagapagtanggol Judge Estacio, the Staunch Defender of Hijaab-Niqaab, ATTY YASER APION, pati ang aming "Hijab Commissioner" EDIL nagsilbi kayong instrumento dahil na rin sa awa ng ALLAH ang arRahmanir Raheem upang maibsan at sa pagkakataong ito, tuluyang mapawi ang paghihirap ng ating mga hijaabi at niqaabi sa Pilipinas
Sa lahat ng sumama sa amin upang umusal ng taimtim na panalangin sa ALLAH SWT barakallaahu feekum wa jazaakumullaahu khayran
Ikinatutuwa ng ALLAH SWT ang ating pagiging mahinahon/mapasensiya at masigasig sa panahon ng krisis; at maging ang pananatiling mapagkumbaba at mapagpasalamat sa oras ng tagumpay o pagbubunyi, sadya ngang banal at marangal
Tunay nga, ang gawaing kabutihan tulad ng pag-iingat sa ating dangal, sa ating pananampalataya, sa ating kabusilakan dapat HINDI ipagbawal bagkus ito'y dapat suportahan
Nawa'y lumawig at humaba pa ang inyong salinhali Judge Estacio, Atty Apion and Atty Baddiri, aameen!
Nahmadullaah wa nashkuruh, ipinaabot namin ang aming salamat sa inyong lahat... Allaahu akbar Allaahu akbar Allaahu akbar

May we continue to humbly be of service to ALLAH, as we courageously face head on all obstacles from within and without our midst, as we struggle to practice what we comprehend and what we are obliged to preach, concomitantly as we internalize the meaning of : ♥ ♥ ♥ Verily, my obligatory prayer, my sacrifice, my living and dying is solely for Allah's sake Lord of the Universe. ♥ ♥ ♥
Aameen Ya Rabb ♥

ALLAH Protects NABI MUHAMMAD SAW from EVIL MALIGNERS!

Today in our millennium, the CHARACTER ASSASSINS FAILED just as during The Prophet's (SAW) time they FAILED to either IMPRISON or ASSASSINATE the Seal of the Prophets SAW ♥ ♥ TRULY, as they plot, ALLAH plots, and ALLAH is the BEST of PLOTTERS ♥

 

IBANG: My Grandmother

She was a Muslim woman who was literate in Arabic.
She has the knack for the 3-Rs of Arabic as in Reading, wRiting and aRithmetic.

One time, when Ernie Garilao and AIM colleagues talked about relatively contentious literacy rate in ARMM- I rebutted what "literacy rate" are they talking about? English?

Well, most Muslim Filipinos are generally equipped with functional and even more than that of Arabic literacy. Oh, yes! This includes my Apuh Ibang. She maintained an accounting book in Arabic. She was a "taraysikul" operator, you know. The number of kith and kine that she significantly helped financially in the form of dole-outs, educational sponsorships, sadaqah and zakat is quite impressive.

Ibang was innately a philanthropist.
Self-made woman. Never did she lose her wit till the end. :D
<3 a="a" allaah.="allaah." br="br" buttressed="buttressed" human="human" kinship="kinship" nbsp="nbsp" of="of" pillar="pillar" servant="servant" ties="ties" true="true" who="who"> That's my IBANG.

Salamat Po GMA-7 SONA, Jessica Soho, Liann Amibuan at Tricia Zafra

Alhamdulillaahil ladhi binihmatihi tatimmus saalihat
Allah SWT heard our prayers. :) Allaahu Akbar!



Ms Jessica Soho thru GMA NEWS State of the Nation Rectified Misconception About Hijaab Being "TRADITION" but it is obligatory and part of ...

ibadah.

Baarakallaahu Fiyk and jazaakallaahu khayr for prompt notice, Utuh Alnajib.

Thanks to JS, MS ZAfra and Lian of GMA News. I was RIGHT when I wrote a newfound friend that GMA 7 could NOT be that vindictive, subjective to bandwagon innocent others just because a “small slice of the Muslim Filipino society” chose to express their ire proactively by invoking responsible journalism and giving them feedback. :)



SUBHANALLAAH! I was RIGHT when I wrote a newfound friend that GMA could NOT be that vindictive or subjective to bandwagon innocent others just because a “small slice of the Muslim Filipino society” chose to express their ire proactively by invoking responsible journalism and giving them feedback. :) It responsibly found a way to RECTIFY misconceptions on HIJAAB and to expose Islamic as well as legal bases of HIJAAB.

INDEED, We cannot compromise ISLAM just to sustain the support of MEDIA. Nahmadullaah wa nashkuruh wallaahul musta’aan.

Have faith, Muslim brethren, let us be steadfast and Allaah will answer our fervent supplications for help… let us STRIVE to be among the instruments bi idhnillaah of Allah’s help…
GMA-Jessica Soho helped us expose truths re Islamic and legal bases of HIJAAB… and I reiterate I'd rather lose everything than the HELP OF ALLAH AZZA WA JALLA :) Allaahu Akbar! ")

Allahu Akbar!!! Alhamdulillaahi Rabbil aalameen
:) Thanks to Sis Aleah Dilangalen Dipatuan and Tasneem of OPAPP. Thanks for the jihadul lihsaan of eloquent Ukhthi Wadha Mando, May Riza Ibrahim and feisty Jhums Napii-Estino, and the neo-fierce Lion of the Muslim Youth Alnajib Maujon, and the mujahidul kalam of Sulaiman Tahsin :) Baarakallaahu feekum

SONA: Mga babaeng muslim, obligasyong mag-hijab kapag sila'y nagdalaga

www.youtube.com

CHR Region XI and NCMF XI Join Bangkal Peal the Peace Veils Peace Event

2nd Friday National Month of Peace Consciousness 2012: Ikaw, Ako, Tayo, Magkakaiba, Nagkakaisa sa Kapayapaan
Ipaglaban ang Karapatan ng 10 Mutanaqqibat Mapayapang Makapag-aral sa UZ!

HELP 10 Mutanaqqibat PEACEFULLY Enroll at UZ this 2nd Semester!
Protect their NIQAAB from Being Corrupted!!!

2nd Friday of Peal the Peace Bells for Veils: Let Our Muslim Women Live in Peace.
Shown in Foto (L-R) Aleem Rashid Mamuntuan (Davao Comprehensive Madaris), CHR-RXI Director Atty Alberto B. Sipaco, Aleem Ismail Tahir (Masjidun Noor), Tuan Abubakar Allong (Administrator, Masjdun Noor of Bangkal Muslim Village).