Philippines: Saddam Supported Abu Sayyaf

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March 19, 2006: Documents captured in Iraq, and finally, three years later, examined and translated, show that, for over five years, Iraq provided financial support for Abu Sayyaf terrorists. The money was delivered via the Iraqi embassy in Manila, and was meant to help buy weapons. Abu Sayyaf is still active in the south, but more as small groups of bandits, than as organized Islamic terrorists. The biggest fear is that other small groups of Islamic terrorists in the south, outside the are being searched by troops, that are making and planting bombs.

March 18, 2006: NPA rebels, disguised as policemen, raided a police station outside the capital, and stole weapons, radios and other stuff. The NPA has done this before, and the police have been unable to come up with a way to stop it.

March 17, 2006: In the wake of last months coup attempt, 25 soldiers (including 16 enlisted men) are under arrest, and 16 politicians and others are being sought. Most Filipinos are unhappy with the inability of the country to deal with the corruption, and lack of economic growth. Something is wrong, because surrounding countries have prospered, while the Philippines stagnates. There is no agreement on what the solution is, other than to immigrate to another country that is better organized.

 

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