MSNBC Reports

[Bear]

The US is sending 800 troops and helicopters this week to the Philippine Island of Basilan to train and then support the Philippine Army in combat against the ASG. Although they acknowledge that US troops are not allowed by Philippine law to fight there they say they will return fire if fired upon and they are prepared to go on the offensive if given the nod by Arroyo's government.

BTW, I said this would happen 2 months ago.

Bear

[yc]

... in response to MSNBC Reports, posted by Bear on Jan 15, 2002

n/t

[Bear]

... in response to Curious--Who are the ASG? . . . Thanks n..., posted by yc on Jan 16, 2002

Abu Sayaf Group.  Kidnappers and terrorists.

Bear

[Michael B]

... in response to the ASG are..., posted by Bear on Jan 16, 2002

Oh, kind of like FARC and ELN that we keep talking about on the Latina board, right?

[Hoda]

... in response to Re: the ASG are..., posted by Michael B on Jan 16, 2002


but correct me if I'm wrong. I don't believe ASG are into international drug smuggling. The ASG are driven more on religion (Islam) & having an independent state where as, FARC & ELN just want to keep the drugs flowing & the kidnapping going....

Just my 20 Colombian pesos....lol

[Dave H]

... in response to Kinda...., posted by Hoda on Jan 17, 2002

Hi Hoda,

That's a good summary. However, the ASG is a terrorist group mainly motivated by gaining material wealth, as opposed to the more religous ideals of some Muslim groups in the PI. The ASG enjoys the thrill of killing hostages needlessly. They are more humane in killing their fellow Muslim captives, while Christian hostages are usually beheaded. Priest in particular, are brutally murdered.

[yc]

... in response to Re: Kinda...., posted by Dave H on Jan 17, 2002

What part or parts of the Philippines do these terrorists operate in?

[Hoda]

... in response to Re: Kinda...., posted by Dave H on Jan 17, 2002


Thrill killing hostages? More humane in killing of their fellow muslims captives? Beheading Christian hostages? Dayyum Dave, these guys almost make FARC look like punks. I'm glad to see that the the government is jumping on the ASG azz early with American...ahem technical support (wink-wink). Could you imagine the consequences, if they got as far as FARC in Colombia? My heart goes out to anyone of you who has directly or indirectly, been affected by this.

Peace....

[Jeff S]

... in response to YIKES!!!!....thanks for the info on ASG, posted by Hoda on Jan 17, 2002


They beheaded a guy who lived in Corona, CA, about 8 miles from where I'm typing this message. He was over there visiting a pen pal girlfriend, as I understand it.

-- Jeff S.

[Hoda]

... in response to Re: YIKES!!!!....thanks for the info on ..., posted by Jeff S on Jan 18, 2002


Forgive me for not mentioning this in my other post. But WATCH YOUR BACK...ALRIGHT? I don't have any idea of how well you're blending in with the locals. But 8 miles ain't s***, in terms of a buffer of protection.

Be safe, travel safe...

[Jeff S]

... in response to Only 8 miles away from you?, posted by Hoda on Jan 18, 2002


No - sorry if I gave you the impression he was killed near where I am. He wasn't killed 8 miles from me, he was from a town only 8 miles from me. I'm here enjoying the sunshine in Southern California, and live in one of the top 10 safest cities in America. I really don't know much about the details of his travels or what part of the PI he was in. Maybe some others are more clued in.

By the way, at 6'4" and 275 lbs with blue eyes, believe me, the concept of blending in with the locals is not one that had ever occurred to me anywhere in the far east. )

-- Jeff S.

[Ray]

... in response to Re: Only 8 miles away from you?, posted by Jeff S on Jan 18, 2002

The way I remember it, he was kidnapped along with an American missionary couple and some Filipinos from a resort on Palawan, supposedly a "safe" area.

When the ASG demanded their usual ransom, the U.S. and Philippine governments basically told them to kiss off, no ransom. So, they chopped his head to show they were serious. Still no ransom payments for the others who have been held about 8 months now.

IMO, if they stop paying ransom, the kidnappings in the Philippines will taper off. It’s too bad that one American had to pay the price though. Now if they can just keep Qadafi out of it…

Ray

[Hoda]

... in response to Re: YIKES!!!!....thanks for the info on ..., posted by Jeff S on Jan 18, 2002


But what you've posted is the first, I've ever heard of N.American hoping to find & be found by love, being killed. I don't believe (correct me if I'm wrong) that anyone has been killed going south to central or south america, in their quest for a lifemate. Jeff, the dangers of travel have been posted for long time on all three boards. Do you know of any others? Was this person travelling outside the city? If necessary, please start a new thread, so this doesn't get buried. This is something guys from all the boards should know.

Thanks in advance....Hoda

[Dave H]

... in response to Aww Man, Sorry to hear that..., posted by Hoda on Jan 18, 2002

By far my best protection was my fiancee (now wife). Not only did she keep me out of dangerous areas and situations, but also kept me from doing stupid things like riding atop jeepnies or drinking the water. She also handled most of my monetary transactions, saving me money almost everywhere I went, including the hotel. She was determined to send me home safely in one piece, despite my attempts to do otherwise. I never felt threatened, but she did prevent several minor confrontations from turning ugly.

Dave H.