The time & date in Clark, Philippines is

Moro rebels oust radical commander

Sunday, August 21, 2011
MANILA — The Philippines’ largest Muslim guerrilla group has ousted a radical commander who staged a mutiny and then formed a breakaway force with hundreds of fighters, a rebel leader said Sunday.
Vice Chairman Ghazali Jaafar of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said the MILF leadership approved a resolution last week dropping Ameril Umbra Kato from its membership after months of efforts to woo him and his fighters back failed.
Kato in an earlier interview said he has formed a new group to fight for a Muslim homeland.
The ouster was announced a day before government negotiators are set to meet with MILF representatives in an exploratory talk in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Monday.
Malacanang is looking forward to the discussion on the real status of Kato in the MILF.
“We hope to give the MILF the government’s proposal on peace talks and the issue on Umbra Kato will be discussed,” Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said during her regular press briefing on government-run Radyo ng Bayan Sunday.
Rebel negotiators will notify their Philippine government counterparts of Kato’s removal when the two sides resume peace talks in Malaysia on Monday, Jaafar said.
Kato has about 200 to 300 fighters in the hinterlands of southern Maguindanao province, a stronghold of the main rebel force, Jaafar said. Asked how the rebels would deal with Kato and his men if they start creating trouble, Jaafar said his group has not made any definite plans.
The infighting within the main 11,000-strong rebel force underscores the complexity of the Muslim unrest that has claimed more than 120,000 lives and stunted growth in the impoverished but resource-rich Mindanao.
Philippine officials have expressed concern over the infighting, which they say casts doubts about the main rebel group’s ability to enforce any future accord in the peace talks brokered by Malaysia.
President Benigno Aquino III said the rebels have acknowledged the infighting and could seek help from the military. But if Kato launches attacks, government troops would have to take steps to protect communities, he said.
Kato, who is in his late 60s, said last week that he left because the main rebel group chose to “waste time” by deciding to negotiate with the government for expanded autonomy instead of fighting for an independent homeland that would liberate minority Muslims from crushing poverty and neglect.
Security officials have accused Kato in the past of providing refuge to members of the Southeast Asian militant network Jemaah Islamiyah, the small but brutal Abu Sayyaf group and Filipino militants. They include Usman Basit, who has been sought by US and Philippine authorities in connection with deadly bomb attacks.
Kato said he and his men lead honorable lives and are ready to die for their convictions if they come under attack. He condemned groups like the Abu Sayyaf, which he described as bandits “who exist for money and engage in forbidden business.”
MalacaΓ±ang earlier said it hopes that MILF would be able to resolve the internal issue on Kato and the peace deal will not be compromised.
President Aquino met with MILF leadership in Tokyo, Japan, on August 4 as a move to show the sincerity of his administration in the ongoing peace negotiations.
The government peace panel and the MILF are scheduled to meet on August 22-24 in Kuala Lumpur for their 22nd formal exploratory talks.
Valte said the Philippine government should clarify with its counterpart the possible implications of the expulsion of Kato to the ongoing negotiations.
Same as the government, majority of Filipinos remain optimistic that a peace agreement between the two parties can be forged soon. (AP/Jill Beltran/Sunnex)

Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2011/08/21/moro-rebels-oust-radical-commander-174486

Tourists and residents of Manila travel out of town to the north on a short getaway look for the best place in Clark for rest and relaxation.

Companies, even organizers, wedding planners and families are looking for Resorts and beaches near Manila for events and retreats. Frequently visited destinations for vacation spots this summer in Philippines are found in Angeles City, Clark, Pampanga, which is very accessible from Manila, Subic and Cebu.

Frequent travelers and visitors staying in Angeles City Pampanga Clark Philippines look for restaurants, coffee shops, bars, pubs, hotels and resorts in Clark that offer free internet connection to guests. There are some highly recommended places in Clark that offer good WIFI internet services.

Where to go in Clark? Hotel Clark Philippines is a De Luxe Hotel in Clark and Subic, a risk free place to stay, cozy and nice ambience, a nice function place for special occasion

You might want to check also the Yats Restaurant is the best restaurant for special dinner, best restaurant for dinner with friends near Manila, also the best place to celebrate special events.

Famous Restaurant in Pampanga, a place to dine with friends in Clark, cozy restaurant with a nice ambience, a nice function place for special occassions

Are you looking for an attractive restaurant or a nice place to eat with friends in Clark, Angeles City Pampanga? Yats Restaurant and Wine Bar is a restaurant with good food and good wines for dinner located at Clark Angeles City Pampanga. Perfect for exclusive dinner venues for groups, recommended for private dinner in Philippines. A Restaurant in Clark for business dinner meeting. Private dinner place or dinner restaurant in Clark Subic Near Manila Angeles City Pampanga. Yats Restaurant is one of the Good Restaurant in Pampanga Angeles City Clark near Manila.

Yats Restaurant and Wine Bar has its own special attraction for January 2010. Featured on the “special” menu are luxurious items that are guaranteed to make the dinners memorable. Saturdays in January are BYOB dinners which means that wine lovers can bring their own bottles to dine at Yats Restaurant without being charged corkage. BYO (Bring Your Own) is a special theme of Yats Restaurant which offers the biggest selection of fine and everyday wines anywhere in Asia.

http://www.YatsRestaurant.com

Looking for a party venue in town?
Clearwater Resort and Country Club is one of the ideal venues for birthday party because it is a risk free venue. Not only Birthday Parties but also a good place to enjoy family reunion. A good place to celebrate special occasions. Clearwater Resort and Country Club is one of the resorts in Subic Clark Angeles City Pampanga or near Manila with activity amenities, place that are nice for celebration.

This web site contains articles and information that will be helpful to visitors, residents and tourists traveling out of town from Manila on a short getaway to Subic, Angeles City, Pampanga and Clark Philippines. There are several web sites that contain information that might also be pertinent to what is happening in North Luzon, Subic, Tarlac, Pampanga, Clark Freeport Philippines.

Looking for interesting hotels near Manila Subic Clark Angeles City Pampanga?
Trouble free hotels and well recognized hotels in Subic Clark Angeles City Pampanga
Clearwater Resort and Country Club offers a good place to stay in Subic Clark Angeles City Pampanga. In offers nice place to have rest in Subic Pampanga outside Manila.
One of the Philippines top hotels in north Luzon.

Wedding couples looking for wedding reception venues and beach wedding venues can log on to this Philippines Wedding Venue web site for free information and assistance:

For assistance with lodgings, accommodations, hotels and resorts near Manila in Subic, Pampanga, Angels City and Clark Philippines log on to http://www.HotelClarkPhilippines.com

While in Clark, one might as well add to the itinerary a visit to the famous Clark Wine Center, the largest wine shop in Philippines which offers over 2000 selections of fine vintage wine from all wine regions, vintages spanning over 50 years covering all price ranges.

http://www.ClarkWineCenter.com

---

If this article about Clark is useful to you, please click here to contact us to tell us what more you wish to know about this article or Clark Philippines, which can be something about Clark investment, about Clark resorts, about Clark Swimming and Leisure or simply general news about Clark.

---

Please send questions to Editor@ClarkPhilippines.com. Leave your name, email address, contact numbers and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Information received will not be disclosed.

---