Martyrs in Paradise

© 2009, 2012 Peter L. Wong. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 11/7/2012

ISBN: 978-1-4490-0882-6 (e)

ISBN: 978-1-4490-0881-9 (sc)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2009909441

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and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

The author and publishers do not give any assurance that the premises and conclusions of the quoted statements are true and correct. Quotations have been gathered and referenced in good faith and some quotations might be or have been censored out, changed, erased, deleted or taken out of the source Internet sites by authorities, its original source, publishers or owners, who may have changed their company names, even prior to the publication of these manuscripts. And no symbolism of any kind has been intentionally included or injected in the stories. The sincerity and character of the author of quotations, mostly of the infamous, and the truth in its contents, or any false propaganda by such persons or group, are left for the reader’s better judgment.

All characters, places and events depicted in this composition are fictional and a creation of the author’s imagination. Similarity to actual persons, living or dead is purely coincidental. The story, all names, characters and incidents portrayed in these manuscripts are fictitious. No identification with actual places, persons, places, buildings and products is intended or should be inferred. This is the original, unedited version.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER I – ONCE UPON AN ARCHIPELAGO: IN THE ISLANDS; US ALLIANCE VS. REBELS

CHAPTER II – POWER CORRUPTS

CHAPTER III – THE COYOTE AND THE FEDAYEEN

CHAPTER IV – ON BATTLE GROUNDS

CHAPTER V – NYC MEETING

CHAPTER VI – HER BACKGROUND AND ORIGIN

CHAPTER VII – NEW LIFE

CHAPTER VIII – THE MERCHANDISE OF DEATH

CHAPTER IX – WAR IN THE WEST

CHAPTER X – PLANNING & PREPARATION

CHAPTER XI – DELIVERY

CHAPTER XII – EXPOSURE

CHAPTER XIII – OBLIGATION AND CONTRACT

CHAPTER XIV – EVIL WAYS AND GAINS

CHAPTER XV – COMPROMISED

CHAPTER XVI – BESIEGED

CHAPTER XVII – MARTYRDOM

LESSON OF WAR: SURVIVORS AND VICTIMS; AN AFTERMATH

WHAT’S IN SEPTEMBER 11S ANYWAY?

EPILOGUE

WORLD YOUTH AGAINST TYRANNY AND TERRORISM- EURO AMERICAN RESPONSE PROGRAM, LTD.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This

literary work

is lovingly

dedicated

to my dear mother Evangeline, my late grandmother Arcadia, and to

my late grandfather Jorge a.k.a. Major George WWII

guerilla intelligence, and to all those whose courage, determination and

sacrifices have given us the chance and opportunity for a better future.

To the men and women who served and did the ultimate

sacrifice and gave up their lives. And to those who are still

serving unselfishly, and to those who will

serve to preserve democracy,

liberty and freedom

worldwide.

THE MISUNDERSTANDINGS, THE DISAGREEMENTS, THE CONFLICTS, AND EVEN THE WARS AGAINST RELIGIONS AND BETWEEN RELIGIONS ARE AS OLD AS MAN HIMSELF.

FROM ITS BEGINNING, THE U.S.A. HAS COMMITTED ITSELF TO SPREAD FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY AMONG NATIONS. NOT JUST TO AID THE OPPRESSED FOR THEIR INDEPENDENCE AND DEVELOPMENT, BUT RESPOND TO THE REQUEST OF THOSE OPPRESSED, WHO CLAMOR FOR FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY, TO CHERISH INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY. FOR THE PROTECTION OF LIVES, THE PRESERVATION OF LIBERTY AND FREEDOM.

AMERICA HAS NEVER ATTEMPTED TO INTERFERE WITH ANY RELIGION NOR CONQUER ANY NATION AND ITS RELIGION, AS LONG AS THEY ARE NOT DETRIMENTAL TO WORLD PEACE AND ORDER.

EVERYONE HAS THE RIGHT TO LIFE, LIBERTY, PROSPERITY AND SECURITY OF PERSON AND PROPERTY."

Introduction

"Still doubtful of our capabilities? Good. Just wait and see.

We will bring the war that you impose on us to your lands

and seas, homes and streets. We will multiply the pain

and suffering that you have inflicted on our people."

Abu Solaiman (1966 - 2007), Abu Sayyaf Group spokesman

and high ranking terror Commander

(http://www.kaf.ph/pdfdb/119_pub.pdf)

In an age of rapid changes and its uncertainties, this composition could serve as a stimulus for the mind that would try to create an interesting, if not necessary, topic for beneficial conversation at any time and place. Discussions of important topics that would create awareness on worldwide terrorism, of the environment, and the problems affecting our societies at the present that should not be ignored. The kind of awareness that must not interfere with our daily productive lives and routines but help in our security and protection. The authors hope to impart little bits of precaution, preparedness, reason, virtues and values to the reader’s thoughts and mind.

All of the featured scenarios are fictionalized and some based on true to life stories and experiences of people I have met and that of my own. Though the validity of some events may be questionable, hearsays, not completely true and without proven basis and evidence. This literary work does not intend to preach any faith, or go against or disrespect any religion, belief, tradition, culture or principles. There is no intent to prod, spoon feed or force anyone to change or redirect any beliefs and values, but an eye opener to some circumstances that may have happened and were ignored in the pasts, censored, if not covered up, by those in the position to do so.

It may help identify former actions and activities, events and conditions, in some distant places that were supposed to be given more attention than being set aside, not clearly identified by the media before or in any point in time, which after effects are being felt in the present, helped elevate, if not bring about, this current period of uncertainty and contributing to current unfavorable global events, situations and reasoning.

"If you can’t get inside the mind of the enemy,

we will never succeed."

Bassem Youssef, Arab American FBI Agent, 12/04/06

(http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16043513/)

The global community is changing rapidly that adjustments should be made in peoples’ ways, beliefs, understanding, cooperation, reaction and resolutions. These adjustments should serve as a basis of what actions should be taken, how it should be done and when. We must take the right paths to justice and peace for everyone to avoid the fast approaching days of uncertainty that were caused by past misdeeds and wrongful actions. And with all of us doing these necessary traditional, religious, social and self-adjustments, humankind can enter a new favorable direction. Applying it at the earliest moment might prove very beneficial for everyone. These adjustments may in the end lead us towards a harmonious existence, on to the right and correct desirable direction. Idealistic it may seem, it is at the moment and even thereafter, the right and correct attainable civilize course of action.

This novel is meant for mature entertainment and not an instrument of protest against any war. It aspires to help in prodding and awakening the reader to reflect on the issues and events, past and present that would materially affect the fast accelerating future, which must be everyone’s concern, whether we like it or not. Reflections likened to a mirror for self examination, or even those of others, and contemplating on the correct decisions to be applied as a solution to be performed or taken as a course of action, especially by those that are terminating their own lives and taking innocent, unwilling, and unaware others with them.

"I think we will see that in the future – I think it’s inevitable.

There will be another terrorist attack.

We will not be able to stop it. It’s something we all live with."

Robert S. Mueller, III (b. 08-07-1944), 6th Director of the F.B.I.

(http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/011219.php)

A universal recognition of the fact that pride and ignorance fueled by fanaticism is a very dangerous and harmful equation.

Its messages yearn to remind everyone on a few things that we might have been setting aside or forgetting in our struggle to maintain our nationalistic prides and the greatness of our nations, at the expense of our peace, of world peace, the compromise of our freedom and international security. The messages herein might even develop patriotism, love of neighbor and more awareness of the danger and the real intent of those on the other side, the haters of Americans and Westerners, of freedom and democracy. Those that despise our ways, our diversified culture, varied traditions, beliefs and principles.

This prose with its quotations is an expression of a wish for a more peaceful, humane and, if possible, a more strifeless world.

"To fight and conquer in all our battles

is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists

in breaking the enemy’s resistance without fighting."[BQ]

Sun-Tzu (544-496 BC), Chinese general, military strategist

In contemplating on the proverbs and quotations, the reader is hereby advised that every situations differ, so just swallow the good and spit out the bad in comparative situations, past, present or forthcoming. US Presidents Barack H. Obama and George W. Bush may have been quoted more than the others because it was in their office terms and administrations that the wars on global terrorism, in Iraq and Afghanistan were started, intensified, and suspended, if not terminated or resolved. Not all quotations contained herein are from philosophers and respectable people. Persons of ill repute, like dictators Saddam Hussein, Adolph Hitler and others have been quoted for the reader to gauge and be aware that they could also inspire and encourage in the manner that righteous and just people do. Though they, the infamous, have been leaders in their own rights and affected, influenced, if not eliminated and destroyed, the lives of many in their lifetime.

"I’m fighting so I can die a martyr and go to heaven to meet God.

Our fight now is against the Americans."[BQ]

Osama bin Laden (1957-2011), founder of al-Qaeda

Some of the quotations maybe offensive, others humorous and may not relate to the topic, story, paragraph or section where it has been inserted.

Selected quotes of past American Presidents and other leaders, of the world’s key players, plus other celebrities and famous personalities, are utilized as words of wisdom and included to inspire and encourage awareness, to inform and guide with principle and reason.

The quotations in most of the instances or paragraphs may have little to do and have little or no connection at all to the instances or paragraphs preceding or succeeding it, but they are intended as enhancement efforts to the reading experience. Though the authors tried to fit the nearest quotation that could be related to the topic. The quotations are also meant to be breakers to direct and arouse the readers’ minds to related current events and other topics or matters of importance while in the course of reading. Matters concerning life, beliefs, convictions and relations to each other regardless of our color, race, origin, culture, tradition and faith. The messages in the quotations could have been the same that this book wishes to convey but were found to have already been mentioned by and attributed to powerful and influential people. Other proverbs and quotations have also been utilized to express a few general truths. The referencing of quotations may slow down the reader and indentions were made to make way for the speed reader and those who may want to proceed on reading the novel first and forgo or defer the quotations.

"The wisdom of the wise and the experience of ages,

are perpetuated by quotations ." [BQ]

Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881), U.K. Prime Minister,

1st Earl of Beaconsfield

Some of the fictionalized scenarios depicted herein are based subjectively on what the author have heard, read, seen and experienced in his lifetime. Born 10 years after World War II in the then rehabilitant, formerly war ravaged, country of the Philippines and a survivor in some ways, he opted to have the presentation of this book the way some in his generation see how the world became as it is. An eye opener and reminder to the course of some events that may need adjustments to assist in the necessary changes needed for the common good of all. That is up to one’s perception of the matters presented. And changes for the betterment of everyone or the common good must still be considered as a priority in our goal of global harmony.

"The ink of scholars (used in writing) is weighed on the

Day of Judgment with the blood of martyrs and

the ink of the scholar outweighs the blood of martyrs." [WQ]

the Prophet Muhammad (April, 570 - June 8, 632), Founder of Islam

If only people of all races could adapt to the world’s changing needs, through an intense selection of positive morally compelled information networks, the propaganda of peace can spread more and the prevention of terrorism could be more effective, if not totally curtailed. Though this measure needs consensus dedicated volunteers to disseminate information to those that can and wants to promote the love of democracy, freedom and world peace, it is essential in these critical times to cover all angles of our environments, a 360 degrees all angle consciousness and watch.

It may be this novel’s intention to present some stories and events in a fictional manner so both we, and those that have tremendous hate in us, may reach a conciliation point, if not some agreeable compromise. That we may all harmoniously reshape, rebuild and live in a world together that is free from constant fear, constant intimidation, danger and permanent hatred.

"Days will prove that the assassination policy will not finish

the Hamas. Hamas leaders wish to be martyrs and are not

scared of death. Jihad will continue and the resistance will

continue until we have victory, or we will be martyrs."[BQ]

Sheik Ahmed Ismail Hassan Yassin (1927-2004), a founder of Hamas

A world in which every one affected and concerned would come to accept a level of sociological change to attain the needed stage to achieve world peace. And that in doing so, one must sacrifice undesirable characteristics, principles and beliefs and be willing to accept other traits to replace the undesirable or unacceptable deeds and behavior. That the high surfs and tides of hatred may calm down, as it may already be, that a new wave of undesirable high surfs never resurface. That we may make a restarting or restoration point and live peacefully among each other from then on. Of course not to mention, the reparation, reformation and rehabilitation of those that were victimized, those whose lives have been ruined, if not totally jeopardized.

"Though he’s dead, his influence could live on… as death could

make him an even more powerful motivator for his supporters."

Aljazeera obituary for Osama bin Laden

Chapter I – Once Upon an Archipelago:

In the Islands; US Alliance vs. Rebels

"Leaders everywhere appreciate the importance of understanding

the complex and diverse social fabric of other cultures.

A better understanding of the local culture and society

assists immensely in gathering actionable intelligence…

I believe we must understand the character of the irregular

warfare we now face and continue to adapt accordingly."

Major Gen. Barbara Fast, Commander USAIC (ret.)

(http://www.military-information-technology.com/article.cfm?DocID=1347)

September 11, 1972, the Archipelago, early dawn. The sun was rising up in the horizon in the remote heavily vegetated jungle areas of Tawi-Tawi in the islands of Mindanao. Recruits of the Moro National Liberation Forces (MNLF) prepared to train for combat hand-in-hand with other representative radical extremists sent by other local radical extremists’ rebel militia and representatives from other member nations. Moro was the term used by the Spanish conquerors of the 16th century for Moor or the Moorish or non-Christian native inhabitants of the islands. Now, the term means Martyr in the non-Christian Philippines, mostly Muslims and animists. Aside from inspiring each other about their accomplished missions and goals, the native rebels update themselves of first hand news about their network’s efficiency. They were training themselves and educating each other in the art of urban guerrilla warfare, financial and weapons logistics, abduction, survival and blending in with the public techniques, self elimination, subject item transport and smuggling, biochemical handling and disposal and other matters on terrorism. Guerilla tactics were the only way they can use to fight against the government that is ruling over them.

They have meager means and must conserve their weapons, munitions and provisions. Though they were allowed to use and waste all of it as they deemed necessary. Mostly males and a few females, some as young as 13 years of age. There were a few child soldiers who were runaways from home, born into the system or volunteers for various and different reasons like poverty, victim of injustices and other anti government sentiments.

"…We must also reaffirm that the United States is not and never

will be at war with Islam. I‘ve made clear, just as Pres. Bush did

shortly after 9-11, that our war is not against Islam.

Bin Laden wasn’t a Muslim leader.

He was a mass murderer of Muslims.

Indeed al Qaeda slaughtered scores of Muslims

in many countries including our own.

So his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace

and human dignity…"

Barack Hussein Obama (b. 08-04-1961), 44th U.S. President

May 1, 2011 announcement on the killing of Osama bin Laden

by U.S. NAVY Seals in Pakistan

On a safer ground, way above their training perimeter, a group of older rebel women and children were humbly celebrating a child’s 8th birthday party in one of their makeshift classroom made from palm leaves and bamboo poles, small palm shacks called ‘Nipa Huts’. All the furnishings, from benches, beds, tables, and even utensils and house wares, were also of the same bamboo craft. They were having fun playing group games outside in the schoolyard.

Educating children in these remote areas was very informal. Books were a rarity that has to be shared. Paper and pencils were for official use only and accounted for like munitions. The children and kids in these communes knew more of the communists’ Red Book and jungle survival matters than anything else. They knew more of the teachings, ideologies and principles of famous people and leaders who oppose imperialism, capitalism and free enterprise than their knowledge of cartoon characters, muffets’ names and animated super heroes.

Some of the adults were college educated, their jungle survival methods are efficient and their medications were mostly herbal, taken orally or patches of leaves, even for deep wounds. It is usually tranquil in their mountain commune except for the sound of wild birds in a regular day that was free from the occasional rain or the seasonal typhoons. At any time, all the time, their rebel scouts patrolled their perimeters regularly and randomly for surprise visits from government soldiers moving in and other local militia pursuing out their own vengeance or revenge.

"The future of our country is not in our boardrooms,

but in our classrooms."

Michael R. Milken (b. 07-04-1946),

American financier and philanthropist

(http://www.mikemilken.com/quotes.taf)

Suddenly a voice echoed out loudly in the midst of sounds of birds and the jungle leaves and other wild life.

Run! their commander shouted. His hands waving, pointing to different directions. Scatter! Run! To the jungle! Take cover! Run for your life! he continually yelled while searching for cover and trying to make the children and women get to safety.

As the children play and celebrate and the adults train, three U.S. fighter planes zoomed at a hundred feet above them, like lightning from nowhere with ear deafening thunder sound. And in a second separated three ways in the far horizon. The jet fighter planes separated in three directions. The center one made a steep forward climb while the two side fighters made steep turns on the side they’re on. All three made circular maneuvers taking their formation back and again headed towards their target down below. All the rebels on the ground had their eyes fixed above, while running for their lives and taking cover, at the three jet fighters. Suddenly there was chaos.

"We sent planes for surveillance

but we did not stage an attack using drones."

Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. (ret.), former Chief of Staff,

Armed Forces of the Philippines

on claims that U.S. troops in the Philippines staged a drone strike that

targeted internationally linked terrorist Umar Patek

of the Jemmah Islamiyah

(Las Vegas Asian Journal page A5 - July 12-18, 2012)

A rebel soldier threw the book he was reading and jumped in a dug out on an elevated spot, he grabbed their fifty-caliber machine gun, locked and loaded and started firing. Another, though wounded, crawled in to assist him in feeding the machine gun with bullets. He aimed as fast as he could and continuously fired at the attacking jets. Another got hold of a ready and loaded missile launcher by the driftwood, a dead tree rifle stand and prepared to aim at the jet fighters. A whooshing sound was all they heard. It was a little bit too late. Almost all of them were wiped out. Fire had eaten almost all of the surrounding grounds.

"In some villages, when these Mujahedins,

their fathers are Mujahedins,

then they try to train their children on their own.

But there is no formal training for children.

The past experiences of these people they realize that they cannot

spare the children from the violence so they initiate to train them

in order to defend themselves. But we are very strict.

And it is contained in our code of conduct of the military.

We will not admit below 18 years old."

Al Haj Murad Ebrahim (b. 1950),

MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) Chairman

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-H__1j56uI)

At that same moment, in the presidential palace in the city of Manila, a weary, firm and determined looking President comes out of his study room.

Happy birthday, Uncle sir, the presidential aide said. He had been awake with the dictator all the time. The aide was a member of the Presidential Security Unit and a close kin to the President. A family member by consanguinity or blood relations. The son of a first cousin. He was one of the few of the trusted bodyguards that can come close or walk around the dictator. Consanguinity was the main requirement to be physically close to the dictator. Generals and cabinet members and close presidential staff kept a distance of one yard from the dictator. The lesser the rank, a yard was added to the distance they maintained. Nobody could come close unless approached by the dictator or called upon by him to come closer.

The aide had an early message for the dictator. A message that had clearance from the dictator according to the urgency level, which had been learned by the aide by heart. The aide was authorized to use his discretion on where and when to inform his uncle President of any emergencies, schedules, news and updates, or any important matters that could be relayed and discussed at any time, or during breakfast or wait till he got to his office. This was attributed to the preservation of the dictator’s health and other medical reasons aside from his very busy schedules. Though it had always been portrayed that he was in perfect health.

You should have given this to me as soon as you received it, the dictator told his aide softly.

"Whenever you have an efficient government,

you have a dictatorship."[QP]

Harry S. Truman (1884-1972), 33rd U.S. President

I deemed it unnecessary to disturb your rest period. You have already decided on this, it was done and they’re just letting you know, sir. Your decision is no longer needed on it. Therefore, it can wait till you wake up and very well rested, the aide responded with a gentle smile, ready for the day. The commanders of the US bases extend their birthday greetings to you, sir, he added. And as of 9:00 a.m. the southern Mindanao radical extremist rebels’ stronghold in the southern Sulu archipelago has been reportedly eradicated. And it remains as a very highly classified matter. the aide was pleased to have aired his report but seemingly unhappy about it.

I am pleased with their actions, loyalty and generous gestures, but that is not what I want for a present on my birthday. I want to integrate the south as what has happened in the northern regions. I want to integrate our culture to the south and theirs to the north. I want the first mosque built in the heart of Christianity so the non Christians could feel welcome in the nation’s capital and be involved in our internal affairs and conduct commerce and exercise their freedom of enterprise. And I want non Christians in the ranks and hierarchy of the military. I want roads, bridges, infrastructures, manufacturing plants, factories and schools built in the non Christian south to be initially staffed by our friendliest people from the north. Our small nation’s cultural diversity had been united but our traditional tribal beliefs and differences have remained. How can we unite a country with almost 200 dialects, divided by thousands of islands separated by water? the president sighed as he continued to talk.

"United by one of the oldest treaties of amity and peace,

which has been in force since it was signed by

King Mohammed III and President George Washington,

our two countries have fought together unrelentingly for liberty

and the triumph of the lofty principles of humanity."

King Mohammed VI (b. 08-21-1963), King of Morocco

(http://www.moroccousa.com/maroc/moroccousa.cfm)

I have proclaimed martial law to lessen these insurgencies and maintain discipline and order and not for the military to conduct abuses and flex their muscles. I don’t really think that an iron fist, fear, and intimidation might stop these insurgencies, because fear, intimidation, and force are not working on most of our people. And genocide will never be in my agenda. I have labored so many days and nights writing, rewriting and deciding on these Presidential Decrees but only a few seems to care… To induce national progress, order and reintroduce nationwide land reform. And their claim for autonomy would be the last on the list. They need to be educated and reeducated. I have seen the horrors of war and I don’t want to bring it with me in my death bed. These military maneuvers by my cronies must stop. And between you and me, I wasn’t the one who decided on this. This was not my idea… This is beyond me! Do you hear? the President’s face started to blush.

I want an emergency special full meeting with my cabinet, cronies and staff later today, I regret the days I get all these surprises, the President’s words and instructions were being jotted down and noted by the awed aide. Do the US bases commanders know about this? I thought it was a confidential subject open only to our contacts in their ranks? the President asked bewildered. And I have never given any word or any go signal yet.

It is, and known only to those involved. And of course it is just an undisclosed part of the joint military exercise under the Visiting Forces Agreement. At worst a miscalculation or a mistake. And it would remain as it is, undisclosed and a mistake, as they have promised to you… and those who ordered it… on this day. And all of them also wanted to greet you happy September 11th, sir, the aide added and turned around and was about to leave.

"Perhaps it is a universal truth that the loss of liberty at home

is to be charged to the provisions against danger,

real or pretended, from abroad."[BQ]

James Madison (1751-1836), 4th U.S. President

It has been my lifelong desire to unite all of our people from all these tribal differences. The task is getting harder as we move on. Cooperation is being denied by the leaders of these radical factions. The climb gets steeper as we push forward for national unity…, the President paused on his thoughts, Make sure those who participated are rewarded and treated as VIPs while they’re here… make them feel at home and treated as our dear friends. And not a word must leak and reach anyone in the US State Department. I am not stooping now… not without a fight. This incident never happened, he decided and commanded with a firm voice.

Done, sir, the aide responded assuring, he knew what the dictator meant.

There’s a couple of military attaché from two European counties waiting outside. They said their respective ambassadors have already mentioned the matter to you. They want to join our war games and have proposals which they claim have been reviewed by our top generals and the chief of staff. They said they are willing to buy most of our grains and sugar aside from the aids they have already given, plus those they still offer in exchange for the participation in the visiting forces military exercises, the aide added upon remembering the foreign consular representatives waiting out in the official reception area.

Take the proposals and trash it. But tell them that we are going to review it. I have instituted the new land reform program to regain the trust of our farmers, plantations and field workers and peasants and to uplift their livelihood. But instead, we have no more grains and sugar to export and even going thru and experiencing national shortages because there are no more farmers and workers in the plantations and fields, they are all going up to the mountains and joining the rebel insurgencies, the President sadly expressed his instructions and thoughts.

"But in the depths of my desolation.

I discovered my faith and my God.

And it was only then I realized I ‘m nothing.

I realized that all the pomp,

the glory of the senate were a funeral, that wealth, that clothing,

keeping up with the Joneses was not of this world really…

And having discovered that, I’ve lost my appetite for power."

Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. (1932-1983), Martyred Philippine Senator

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hX-jj549esg)

And sir, Madame said just call her when you are ready for breakfast. They are in the conference room preparing for tonight’s meeting on one of her charitable projects, the aide added.

That afternoon, in the presidential meeting room, everyone was all ears as the President starts another topic.

There have been accusations of incidents of massive land grabbing in the south. Can’t we help the plantation farmers and other natives to air their complaints and grievances in the proper courts? Rebellion is on the rise, the insurgency is on a record breaking high, the President said.

Sir, the peasants and farmers do not trust the government. What more of the courts? the Justice Secretary informed the attendees.

They even have their own rebel courts system now, the Defense Secretary added.

"Equality means nothing

unless incorporated into the institutions." [BQ]

Slobodan Milosevic (1941-2006),

3rd President of the Federal

Republic of Yugoslavia

That has been going on covertly for a while. Graft, aside from private armies and corruption in our ranks has grown to despicable proportions that I am forced to do a purging of all the undesirables. There is a need to cleanse our government and the country of these undesirables in all the ranks, they are the hindrances to progress. And I am going to initiate a step for the redistribution of wealth and property. A land reform program so the farmers and the peasants could go back to working on the plantations, farms and fields. I am going to build a new society. We need to educate our people more aside from our children. We need to reach out to them so these insurgencies or insurrections would lessen if not totally suppressed. I am confident that all of you are doing your bests in your respective areas of responsibilities, the President said insistently.

"The road to tyranny, we must never forget,

begins with the destruction of the truth."[TE]

William Jefferson Bill Clinton (b. 08-19-1946), 42nd U.S. President

I think everyone is on top of things. All of us. There is nothing for you to worry about, Your Excellency, one of the cabinet members said to the agreement of the others present.

I hope our measures would lessen the insurgencies arising from radical activism and radical extremism and I leave to the military my trust in the identification, apprehension and interrogation of suspected militant insurgents and left wing radical activists who are proclaiming war against the administration. And be reminded that they are not hardened criminals but mere oppositionists, political rivals and ideological opponents, the President appealed.

We would apply only standard military procedures on interrogations, sir, a general answered.

I hope torture would not be utilized in lieu of detention and forced labor, the President continued.

We would arrange for that as a Memorandum of Understanding among the ranks of the military, sir. Any deviant action by any branch of our armed forces and any member of our troops would be dealt with accordingly, the general added.

"I think the military has come full circle

and they are going to be following the constitution…

They have realized that their business is not to govern."

Asif Ali Zardari (b. 07-26-1955), 11th President of Pakistan

The President ended the meeting with the following statement to his cabinet and cronies, Democracy has been totally used up in our country, things are getting out of control, and it’s time to build up a new society. I need total cooperation from all of you in doing so. We would have ample time for change now since I have declared martial law. For we all know that all the erroneous actions done under my administration would always be blamed on me and my legacy. I don’t want to toss and turn in my coffin after I am long gone and buried six feet under the ground.

The suspension of the writ of Habeas Corpus was ordered out to the Justice Department that same day. The presidential order leaked out quickly to various sectors of the political community right after the meeting. Most communists, pro communist leftist radical front liners, supporters and sympathizers, especially those in the upper echelons, left the country immediately to escape prosecution. They fled to any nation that would accept them as political asylum seekers, before Martial Law was officially declared on September 21, 1972, 10 days after the suspension of the writ. A lot of the anti government hardliners left the country, went to the USA, Europe, some even to communist China, others opted to stay and face the consequences. The ordinary radical activists could only go as far as the mountains to join the rebel groups, while others who wanted to stay near their families meekly braved themselves and confronted the searching soldiers who zoned perimeters and took them to detention centers and camps even without warrants.

"Remember, democracy never last long,

it soon wastes, exhausts and murders itself.

There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide."

John Adams (1735-1826), 2nd U.S. President

letter to John Taylor, April 15, 1814 [M]

Back in Mindanao, the rebels who made it to, or were at, the jungle forest heard the loud blast. Almost everything happened in a few seconds. A big long consecutive boom. The ground dribbled and shook, then everything was in flames. Almost all the people including the aged, sick or infirmed, including women and children on the camp were fatally injured. Almost all of them died except for the women who were gathering fire woods and vegetables from the jungle, two men on their way back from hunting wild poultry and three teenage boys skipping and excused from school for drinking water duties. All of them met at a designated assembly area when emergencies like this happen. The attack did not surprise any of them, they have always anticipated that it could happen anytime. The children were orphans of former rebel soldiers who were so valuable that they cannot simply blend in with the other local communities. They either knew too much information or the Philippine government might use them as exchange hostages for negotiations for other top rebel figures of the MNLF or of the NPA (National Proletariat’s Army). These children hated the government so much, it was imbedded in their young minds since birth, and it is in their blood. They grew up with the hatred and they do not need any rebellious indoctrination. The government even branded a number of radical extremist leaders as members of the armed faction of the Communist Party of the Philippines. They have anticipated that another air assault would happen sooner or later. Another surprise attack, as always. But they never expected something like this to happen. U.S. Air Force fighter jets attacking, killing them and fighting for the Philippine government and military, and without notice.

"I believe that the problem is that dictatorships feed extremism,

and once the United States stops supporting dictators,

we can successfully tackle the extremists problem as well."

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari (b. 9-21-1988),

Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party

on balancing and strengthening ties with U.S.

and keeping relations with Muslims

(http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2008/01/09/turton.germany.polar.bear.itn)

It was called a joint military exercise under the Visiting Forces Agreement of the Mutual Defense Treaty, but to all the rebel factions the US had declared war with the archipelago’s radical extremists groups.

The fighting had toughened the civilian residents of these jungle communities. Their constant exposure to the elements of nature, especially to tropical hurricanes or typhoons and the environmental and economic hardships, not to mention the fighting between local insurgent groups and the government soldiers, have made their livelihood miserable. They have declined relocation for the fear brought about by change and more injustices in the big cities until rebel elements burned their towns for suspicion of cooperating with their enemy militia factions or the government and its American ally. Violence from all sides has caused a lot of civilian sufferings. Some have initiated a call for autonomy, as a result of distrust with the government, and wanted reparation or compensation for lands they claim were once their ancestral domain and grabbed by the more educated unscrupulous business minded migrants from the northern main island.

They love and know their home and its surroundings, the southern islands jungle terrain, more than any group and have despised the old ways of the outsiders. They would not forget the maltreatment imposed to them by authorities like the military and other government agencies before. Even by the Spanish conquerors long ago, centuries ago. Distrust was part of their livelihood. Though free clinics or medical missions by student interns and young professionals were the only ones welcomed and always awaited and slowly gaining their trust.

"We have war when at least one of the parties to a conflict

wants something more than it wants peace."[BQ]

Jeane Kirkpatrick (1926-2006),

16th & 1st woman US Ambassador to the U.N.

The insurgents or rebel groups were so used to mobilization especially on military training season and exercises. Former offensive measures made by the Philippine military were either by helicopters, less sophisticated fighter jets inherited from the USA or foot soldiers accompanied by tanks, amphibious transport vehicles, half-tracks and other assault vehicles mounted with machine guns, mortars and missile launchers. When the government soldiers attack, they would fire indiscriminately in the thickly vegetated jungle. Though almost all of the time the rebels had already been informed, fled and evacuated.

If the rebels already left, the soldiers always have in mind, as standard operating procedure to search and destroy. They make sure and certain that the rebels or other militias cannot reuse the rebel camps as stations, posts or even as temporary resting spots, thinking that in this thick vegetation some rebels or sympathizers might still be hiding, ready to run amuck with only machetes or bolos in hand against any intruders or trespassers. And in those regions, the intruders were mostly soldiers, other rebel factions or bandits. Some rebel factions and cells were also in dispute with each other. Though these disputing factions have a common enemy, in the form of government soldiers.

As in all wars, there would always be innocent civilian casualties, caught in the middle. And accidents and other collateral damages always happen in the confusion. Maybe more of a mistake from one of the fighting groups or mistakes arising from both sides.

"This is appalling. The idea that a person could be punished

because of their religious belief and the idea that

they may be executed are just beyond belief."[TE]

John Howard (b. 07-26-1939)

25th Prime Minister of Australia

Sometimes the mistakes were intentional, inflicting unnecessary sufferings as a form of warning and punishments. Sometimes even personal revenge or vendettas. There were also instances of mistaken identities, atrocities against civilians for suspicion of cooperating or siding and supporting with one of the elements involved. Even the contamination of intelligence information and other misleading organizational maneuvering by aspiring leaders, or the leaders themselves have jeopardized civilian lives or the native civilian populace. Sometimes betrayal for money and power, were not ruled out. The burning of towns, maltreatment and abuse of civilians made the sentiments and anger against the Christian or Catholic administrations to grow.

I have killed peasants men and women, old and young…

Vlad III (1431–1476), Prince of Wallachia [W]

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vlad_III_the_Impaler)

During the period of Martial Law era in the Republic of the Philippines that started in 1972 under President Fernando Marquez, inhabitants in the non-Christian parts of Mindanao, especially in the soldier-zoned and occupied areas, complained about the ways they were treated. They had to bow to government soldiers as a salutation until the soldiers had passed by as they meet in the streets. A sign of respect and approval for the soldiers presence in their provinces, which the local inhabitants despised but afforded the government soldiers, which later became a civil obligation in the war torn, jungle covered islands of Jolo, Sulu and Tawi-tawi or other remote and rebel infested parts of Mindanao. Those that don’t bow their heads to the soldiers were regarded as supporters or sympathizers to the rebels and humiliated with physical punishments. They were sometimes given a hard time by soldiers or beaten up until they obey.

"More than an end to war,

we want to end the beginning of all wars –

yes, an end to this brutal, inhuman and thoroughly impractical

method of settling the differences between governments."[BQ]

Franklin D. Roosevelt, (1882-1945), 32nd U.S. President

They’re obligated to treat these government soldiers well, offer what they asked for or suffer the soldiers’ wrath and erratic manners and temper. The soldiers had total authority and power over the masses in the remote areas then. And according to them, the maltreatments they received worsened.

Rumoredly, civilian treatment in those areas was just like the Japanese occupation of World War II, but then it was mostly in Luzon, the northern island. The Japanese with their forced Korean recruits, though fierce and ruthless, were not able to conquer Mindanao because of the local natives’ much fiercer resistance. The invaders were not able to penetrate deep into non-Christian dominated Mindanao jungles. And the tradition of resistance to outsiders by the different native tribes remained. The rebels could be a friend during the day and a foe during the night or, as the situation required. They could play multiple roles.

"But those who study Islamic Holy War will understand why

Islam wants to conquer the whole world… Those who know

nothing of Islam pretend that Islam counsels against war.

Those [who say this] are witless."

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini (1902-1989),

1st Supreme Leader of Iran

(http://gemsofislamism.tripod.com/khomeini_works.html)

The Spanish colonizers before the Americans were also unsuccessful in conquering the southern islands. The early Americans needed the help of Philippine Scouts to advance to the jungles of Mindanao. They were also not successful in colonizing most part of that southern archipelago. Authorities, experts and observers believed it was the uncooperativeness, hostile and fierce nature of the natives, others say it’s the cluster of islands. The islands are separated by the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean. Not to mention the climate which sometimes offer a whole year round of rain or its unpredictable tropical typhoons.

"I say: the time has come for my courageous and brave people,

after decades of displacement and colonial occupation and

ceaseless suffering, to live like other peoples of the earth,

free in sovereign and independent homeland."[BQ]

Mahmoud Abbas (b. 03-26-1935),

President of the Palestinian National Authority

U.S. President William Howard Taft, the 26th US President, had to commission the .45 caliber pistol to the U.S. Army soldiers and marines in the Philippines to effectively kill the Philippine Moros (non Christian natives), who would still stand, to chop their assailant’s head off, after being shot and wounded with an entire round of .38 caliber bullets from rifles or pistols. This earned the US Marines the moniker leathernecks.

US military experts say that the reason the amuck non-Christian native attackers could still stand after being shot by caliber .38 bullets was because they, allegedly, wrapped their bodies very tight with clothe gauzes and took herbal pain killers. A theory that is still denied and rejected by some of the natives.

"I have decided to leave because, for the first in the history all

over the world, the United States is using food and other things

as a weapon against the Liberian people."[GQ]

Charles Taylor (b. 01-28-1948),

22nd President of Liberia

Now, at the start of the 2000 millennium, US efforts to defeat terrorism in the southern Philippines meant winning the hearts and minds of the Filipino Muslims. At the middle of 2006, the US Armed forces at the request of the Philippine government started to set up one day Medical Camps for the natives of Jolo, Sulu, Tawi-tawi, Cotabato and other parts of Mindanao. They started to build and renovated schools, medical clinics, infrastructures and done road projects. The aim was to get the natives non-Christian populations’ trust so they would stop supporting the terrorist groups. The USA has helped the island archipelago by building bridges to connect these southernmost islands, so transferring from one island to another was made easier and convenient for the locals and the natives. Commerce is now stimulated and the transfer and distribution of products and produce is more efficient, making the southern isdlands connected to the system.

"At times one feels that what is being said in the west is that

the fact that you are a Muslim

predisposes you to this blind, stupid terrorism."[BQ]

Lakhdar Brahimi (b. 01-01-1934), U.N. envoy and advisor

The locals and natives are now somehow convinced that the US has come to propagate peace and commerce and not to invade and conquer.

One sunny afternoon, in the southern part of the archipelago’s clear blue sea, a coin dropped flat on the water as it was tossed, sinking, swinging down to the clear bottom seafloor full of corals.

Underwater, one would see bubbles sparkle, from the rays of the sun, as the bubbles surfaces. In this side of the Pacific Ocean the water temperature is so desirable and the surf is so calm, most of the time people, especially the native children, spend the whole day in the water.

The sun has a big visual effect that when it is not around, the water temperature colds down a bit more than what the inhabitants prefer but are still very used to.

Before reaching the ocean floor, a small but firm hand of a child smoothly caught and grabbed the coin before it hit the bottom. Little Abu Hamza did it, he finally got a coin for the first time. Amongst the skin diving children, catching coins from ferry passengers and tourists, he was the most jolly and playful. This was his first day to dive for a coin. The passengers on the ferryboat would toss a coin to the swimming men and children who gather from their fully colored and decorated skiffs. They would dive and race down the water to chase the prized coins before it hit the bottom of the ocean floor. Some of the tourists would toss a coin or two with big amounts, like a dollar or half, a distant farther away from the divers so they could be entertained by watching the fast and swift movements of the divers specially under water.

"And for Allah is all praise.

The Muslims have acquired an effective weapon,

which is the youth’s enthusiasm for martyrdom operations."

Mullah Dadullah (1966-2007), Taliban senior military commander

(http://blip.tv/file/1382254)

The skin divers would initially dive for pearls, and when they see the ferryboat coming they would board their skiffs and move it closer to its path. They would form two columns as a passage for the ferry. The men and boys would jump to the water and resurface to greet the passengers who would toss coins to the water for them to chase as it submerges.

Other tourist would make it easier by letting the local divers just catch the coin, which most of the time bounces from their wet hands or drops, and also ends up being chased down the water. There were a lot of foreign tourists then. Foreigners were enticed and entertained to see the young boys and men speeding down the clear ocean water to catch or chase their tokes. They were like dolphins, except that they’re much louder, have dentured smiles and brown in color.

By dusk, when the ferry trips were over, the young boys would gather around the shore and show each other their stash for the day. Pearls were abundant in that part of the Pacific Ocean. The tropical waters are warmer even before dawn. Very clean and clear down to the ocean floor. They would even continue to play heads and tails with the coins they earned. But gambling was not appealing for the young Abu Hamza. He was different. He wanted to save his coins so he can buy some of the things he wanted when his parents would take him with them to the town proper on their shopping day. He would give his mother the pearls so she could also get something for herself. Unknown to the little boy, that when the ferry boats return from its destination in the afternoon, especially if the passengers were American and European tourists, some of the local men would go back to pretend to skin dive and would turn to be sea pirates

"Yes we want to give children a military education.

We want to train them against cruel invaders and infidels.

So we need them, they will join the struggle.

We want to use children to behead infidels and spies

so they will become brave."

Mansour Dadullah, senior Afghan Taliban commander

(http://blip.tv/file/1382254)

They would rob the ferry boats’ passengers, armed with homemade shotguns and locally made pistols, machetes and knives.

Abu learned about it at a very young age, when he was seven years old, right after the massacre of his father’s military exclusive non-Christian brigade in a supposed training camp in a smaller island, in the main island of Luzon.

Abu’s father wanted to be a career military man in the army. He was a new commissioned officer and a platoon leader in a brigade created by the government solely for non-Christian Southern Mindanao Army Scout Rangers. His father told them that they were to train for new jungle fighting tactics for their commando unit in a special training ground by the main island in the north. That he would be away only for a little while and would be back as soon as he can. A promising career in his mind and a brighter future prospect for his family was all his father could think of. All of the men in their unit initially believed that it was honorable for them to wear the military uniform. That they were making a difference because aside from owning guns, which would command respect and power in their communities, they would have a better chance to defend their tribes from bandits and other invaders, local or foreign. Plus the dignity, honor and pride to protect not only their communities but the country from invasion. They have long waited to be given a chance to prove themselves worthy and be part of the government.

"Piracy, like terrorism, is a disease which is against everybody,

and everybody must address it together."

Prince Saud al-Faisal (b. 01-02-1941), Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia

On hijacked Saudi supertanker Sirius Star

with $100 million in crude oil.

(http://news.aol.com/article/hijacked-ships-holds-100-million-in-oil/250596)

A few weeks after, news came out that his father was one of the fatal victims in a massacre of military exclusive non-Christian cadres of commando trainees whose mission was to attack and annihilate all the inhabitants and occupants of a disputed island in the southern part of Mindanao.

Investigations of the massacre reported that the exclusive non-Christian trainees committed mutinies against the government military they would serve. Treason was one of the excuses the government’s military told its constituents and released to the media when the purportedly classified incident leaked. But words from the underground community revealed that the special military non-Christian trainees were sheared down by machine gun fire and killed in an airstrip one early morning because they refused to go on to what they learned would be the annihilating of fellow non-Christians, living peacefully in the disputed island. Aside from belonging to the same faith, most of the inhabitants of the disputed island have relatives and blood relations to most of the soldiers in that special military unit. The thirty refusing soldiers were taken out of their barracks in the early morning darkness, made to form a single line in an airstrip by the shore and was fired upon by machine guns till no one was standing up.

Radical, anti government and underground tabloids and newspapers all over the archipelago showed bodies of the dead non-Christian soldiers spread and half buried in the mud under the morning sun. Almost 28-30 of accused mutineers from the 200 or so recruits were mowed down by their supposed comrades wearing the same uniform they’re on. Non-Christian radical militants claim that at least 200 were massacred. The incident was censored from the nationally circulated newspapers.

One cannot go on business as usual after such a massacre.

Benjamin Netanyahu (b. 10-21-1949), Prime Minister of Israel [TE]

Warren, one of Abu’s friends, saw the pictures and read of what happened when his father, Danny, brought home a couple of copies of the radical underground tabloids, known then as The Free and The Free Press.

As young boys from different backgrounds till their early manhood, they never talked about what their parents did for a living. They want to maintain their friendship and not letting their private lives interfere with their relations. The young boys have already been separated when the tragic incident happened. So Warren, much more another friend Lester, didn’t know of the tragedy that came to Abu’s life. Even having knowledge of the incident, Warren wasn’t aware that it was Abu’s father, the man whose picture was shown almost closed up with face half buried in the mud together with other corpses, he was looking at on the underground tabloid’s front page.

Young Abu Hamza could not believe what had happened. The news was kept from him by his mother and relatives, but he learned about it from his family’s friends anyway. He was shown a newspaper front page picture of the dead men still on the ground in broad daylight. The dead bodies were no longer in formation as they try to duck and avoid the hale of machine gun bullets fired upon them. His father and friends massacred by the army they intend to fight with and betrayed by the government of the country they would be fighting for. His mother and all their family and friends were in grief. Abu Hamza promised all of them, in the funeral vigil for his father and friends, that he would be a great warrior like his father. Not in the military that his father mistakenly joined and the country that it serves, but any militant group or armed forces that is against it.

"In any country there must be people who have to die.

They are the sacrifices any nation has to make

to achieve law and order."

Idi Amin Dada Oumee (1920s- 2003), 3rd President of Uganda

(http://www.thedictatorship.com/)

That era sparked the decade when a lot of non-Christian juramentados (sworn martyrs) or suicide amuck runners started to sprout in all parts of the archipelago. The amok or suicide runner would kill and try to fatally injure anybody he meets on the way in his suicide attack, whether women, children, the aged and bystanders, regardless of age, gender and physique. No mercy and no consideration of any matter. They are to be stopped only by death. These actions are the amok runner’s way to convey to their oppressors, the Christians and other non-believers or infidels, their feelings of lost.

The invasion of their ancestral territories and the disregard and disrespect for their traditions and culture, which seemingly to them, is an insult to their faith, their beliefs, and their strictly adhered religion.

Growing up, Abu would then always be under the watchful eyes of radical extremists militant insurgents, clandestinely blending in with the ever-growing populace. They have a plan for him. He was special and they have chosen him. He was the perfect candidate to be molded and grow up to be the leader of their résistance.

Political unrest and insurgency growth was all over the archipelago that the then incumbent President put the whole country under Martial Law. It was also the era that sparked the solidification of the formation of non-Christian insurgencies in the Southern Philippines.

"The desire for freedom resides in every human heart.

And that desire cannot be contained forever by prison walls,

or martial laws, or secret police.

Over time, and across the Earth, freedom will find a way."

George W. Bush, (b. 07-16-1946), 43rd U.S. President

speech to U.N. General Assembly, September 21, 2004 [QP]

In his initiation to the sea pirating trade, Abu was made the frontline man to stop and board the passenger ferry boats. He commanded every move to be made and made sure everyone dropped their valuables and cash into the collection bags. This first occurrence was during his early age of puberty, right after his fourteenth birthday. When he was already feeling his manhood, circumcised, determined, able and ready.

His comrades noticed the leadership potential on the young man. Abu was slowly growing into the trade from being an observer to being a full time participant. He kept it a secret to his parents and his two best friends. He tried to save ardently by hiding his part of the stash in his private treasure chest, an empty old metal typewriter case hidden in their humble house’s storage.

Aside from fishing, most of the men in Abu Hamza’s family and tribe have one time or the other involved themselves in piracy and smuggling. It has become the way of earning a living for most of the local non-Christian natives, or ‘Moros’ as they are called in the Sultanate. As the case for a lot of impoverished communities, a high school diploma was sufficient enough proof to be called an educated person. Trust in education and the educational system had to be instilled to the local non-Christians by the government and by educated faith missionaries from abroad and