Was 'Balikatan' A Success?

    The long wait is over. LAZT internet edition is back again and with a new format. Editor and founder John L. Shinn III promises our readers with updated news and events from our hometown and around the world. 
    Zamboangueños who have Internet access can now visit the LAZT website for the latest news. My Balagunero column will come out four times a month. To all LAZT internet readers welcome aboard!

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   The "Balikatan" joint military exercise between U.S. and Philippine troops ended last month. The Americans are going home after six months of training our local troops in Basilan. It was quite an experience for both sides hunting the Abu Sayaf in the jungle of Basilan. The sophisticated weapons and modern communications equipment that the Americans brought were really a big help to our soldiers. The morale of our local troops were really high during the training.
   The local folks of Basilan wanted the Americans soldiers to stay longer because of the improvements the Americans did on the island but sorry folks they must go because their agreement is for six months only, In the six months stay of the Americans in the island they were able to build schools, bridges and roads which the local government did nothing for six years. (And an airstrip, too.  -Editor)
    The departure of the Americans is not for good as there will be new ones who will arrive to replace them as there will be another agreement between both governments. So don’t lose hope folks.

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    The big question now is: Was "Balikatan" successful? Did the Americans accomplish what they came for? Are the residents of the island satisfied? All three questions can be answered with a big NO. 
    The American soldiers together with our local troops were not successful in the war against the Abu Sayaff as their leaders are still alive and still pose a threat to our troops. 
    The report about the death of Abu Sabaya is still a mystery to many of us. So we cannot claim victory for now. The American war on terrolr against Bin Laden is unsuccessful too because Bin Laden is still alive. Their main purpose of rescuing the Burnhams failed too as the husband died and the other hostage, a Filipina (Deborah Yap), was killed too. The residents are happy with the presence of the Americans but they still have fear because the Abu Sayaff and its leaders are still alive. 

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    My condolences to the family of Rene Fernandez---to Becky and children. Rene's death was really a big loss for the Zamboanga Press. May his soul rest in peace. Also to Chito Ignacio whose mom passed away recently.

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  Balagunero Tidbits: Belated Happy Birthday to the July celebrants namely Allan Enciso, Boy Galang, Gino Españo, Ritchie San Juan Francisco, Gines Villa, Balagunero, Benito Viguera, Leslie Thompson and Ronie Macaso. 
   Belated happy birthday also to Marlene Viguera Melicor and Patty Saldivar. 
   The wedding of the year will be in October between Bobby Reyes and Lita Viloria. Gines Villa the new advertising manager is so busy 
these days.