Pagadian can't match Zamboanga

    June 2, 2001 will always be a memorable day for Father Cirilo Nicordia, parish 
priest of St. Peter Parish in Lamitan, Basilan.
    This was the day Fr. Nacorda saw money changing hands between the 
military and the Abu Sayaf rebels inside the church in Lamitan. 
     The rebels who were inside the church have no place to hide or to escape 
because the Philippine military had cordoned the area.
     The local residents were all waiting for the capture of the rebels but a 
miracle happened inside the church, the rebels were able to walk freely out of the 
military cordon and back in the jungles of Basilan. 
      Don’t tell me these rebels are ghosts.Those responsible for the escape of the 
rebels included a general, a colonel and a major cannot give a sound answer as to 
why the rebels were able to slip away. 
      The military court cleared the three military officers involved while the Senate 
findings signed by 20 senators found the three guilty of colluding with the Abu Sayaf 
rebels. The house committee on National Defense has no decision yet. So, its very 
clear already that these three will be cleared. 
      Poor Fr. Nacorda: your waiting will be in vain and your quest for a fair trial will 
never be realized and the truth will not prevail in this case. Just continue praying 
father.
      The clearing of the three military officers involved by the military court will put 
them on hot water. The ignoring of the findings by the Senate investigation committee 
is undermining civilian supremacy over the military. 
       Are we under Martial Law now? Is this how our government under President 
Arroyo running the affairs in southern Philippines? Is our military supreme over civilians? 
Madam President the people will give you their answer in 2004.

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      The transferring of all regional offices from Zamboanga City to Pagadian is not acceptable
to all La Bella residents. 
      Employees from all regional offices will really find it difficult to relocate as they will be separated
from their families. The schooling of their children will be affected and also they will have to look for 
a place to rent and stay.
      Historically speaking, Zamboanga City is well known since time immemorial as the melting pot in 
western Mindanao. We have an international airport, a big pier, modern amenities, reputable colleges 
and universities and we are accessible to all types of transportation. 
      Our communication system are now all digital and we have nice tourists spots for visitors. We have 
over two dozen banks in the city. We have the Southern Command for protection and practically two-
thirds of the nation's military are based in the city. 
      Does Pagadian have all these? 
      I am not putting Pagadian down but we are now in the computer age. We are far advanced than Pagadian in everything so why relocate to Pagadian? 
      Ma'm Caling please fight to keep the regional offices in the city. Zamboanga residents will also 
fight for you.

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      Zamboanga City should not accept Filipino deportees from Sabah as they will just add problems 
to the city. We already have enough problems like housing, peace and order, drugs, jobs and school shortage.
      Donde pa man kita el pone con estos maga refugees? My suggestion is to send them back to 
where they came from. Anyway they are not Zamboangueños.

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  Balagunero Tidbits: Welcome to L.A. Mr. Bob Jaldon. He's in town to visit his daughters. Ginel’s, 
the boutique shop of Nezzy will unveil his collections in December and there will be new designs for 
men and women. Mylene is thinking of coming back but this time wants to go to the east coast. I
heard she hates L.A. Good luck Mylene and game na. The married girl that I used to mention in this 
column who was playing around is back again with her bad sexual habits. This time she is more 
aggressive than before. Maka miedo ya ese. My advice tiene lang cuidao. Birthday Greetings to Lita 
Viloria, the wife to be of Bobby Reyes.