"Muslim rebels sign Philippine pact as step to peace" by Hrvoje Hranjski | Associated Press, October 16, 2012
MANILA — Muslim rebels and the Philippine government overcame decades of bitter hostility and took their first tentative step Monday toward ending one of Asia’s longest-running insurgencies, with the signing of a preliminary peace pact that provides both hope and challenges.
The framework agreement creates a road map for a final peace settlement. It grants minority Muslims in the southern Philippines broad autonomy in exchange for ending more than 40 years of violence that has killed tens of thousands of people and crippled development....
About 200 guerrillas and followers, all in dark business suits, joined the crowd of diplomats, officials, police, and army generals in a chandelier-lit hall to witness the signing. In their southern Philippine strongholds, thousands of guerrillas waved flags and gathered to celebrate.
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Related: Peace deal in works in Philippines
The framework agreement creates a road map for a final peace settlement. It grants minority Muslims in the southern Philippines broad autonomy in exchange for ending more than 40 years of violence that has killed tens of thousands of people and crippled development....
About 200 guerrillas and followers, all in dark business suits, joined the crowd of diplomats, officials, police, and army generals in a chandelier-lit hall to witness the signing. In their southern Philippine strongholds, thousands of guerrillas waved flags and gathered to celebrate.
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Related: Peace deal in works in Philippines
MANILA — The Philippine president on Saturday urged members of a Muslim royal clan from the southern Philippines who occupied a village in eastern Malaysia three weeks ago to surrender, one day after a shootout left 14 people dead. About 200 clan members landed in the village of Lahad Datu in Sabah state Feb. 9 to claim the territory, citing ownership papers from the late 1800s. Philippine President Benigno Aquino III said they should leave immediately or face prosecution at home but the appeals were ignored."
Related: A Minute For Malaysia
"2 Malaysians held for photo that riled Muslims" by Sean Yoong | Associated Press, July 19, 2013
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Prosecutors on Thursday charged two Malaysians with sedition and inciting religious enmity after they posted a photograph on Facebook considered an insult to the Muslim holy month of fasting.
If convicted on both charges, they face up to eight years in prison in the Muslim-majority nation.
Alvin Tan and Vivian Lee, both ethnic Chinese non-Muslims in their 20s, drew criticism when they uploaded a photo of themselves this month eating pork stew while conveying greetings to Muslims for the current fasting month of Ramadan. Pork is forbidden for Muslims.
Tan and Lee had indicated last week that the photo was meant to be humorous.
Both pleaded not guilty Thursday in a Kuala Lumpur court, which refused to allow them to remain free on bail.
Malaysia’s attorney general, Abdul Gani Patail, said in a statement that authorities want them detained because ‘‘they have the potential to upload content that could stir public anger.’’
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"US, Philippines begin joint exercises" New York Times, October 09, 2012
SUBIC BAY, Philippines — Marines from the Philippines and the United States on Monday began 10 days of joint exercises focused on disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, and maritime security.
The exercises, in their 29th year, come amid increased tensions in the South China Sea, with the Philippines and China involved in a territorial dispute over islands lying near rich energy deposits....
Related: A Minute For Malaysia
"2 Malaysians held for photo that riled Muslims" by Sean Yoong | Associated Press, July 19, 2013
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Prosecutors on Thursday charged two Malaysians with sedition and inciting religious enmity after they posted a photograph on Facebook considered an insult to the Muslim holy month of fasting.
If convicted on both charges, they face up to eight years in prison in the Muslim-majority nation.
Alvin Tan and Vivian Lee, both ethnic Chinese non-Muslims in their 20s, drew criticism when they uploaded a photo of themselves this month eating pork stew while conveying greetings to Muslims for the current fasting month of Ramadan. Pork is forbidden for Muslims.
Tan and Lee had indicated last week that the photo was meant to be humorous.
Both pleaded not guilty Thursday in a Kuala Lumpur court, which refused to allow them to remain free on bail.
Malaysia’s attorney general, Abdul Gani Patail, said in a statement that authorities want them detained because ‘‘they have the potential to upload content that could stir public anger.’’
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"US, Philippines begin joint exercises" New York Times, October 09, 2012
SUBIC BAY, Philippines — Marines from the Philippines and the United States on Monday began 10 days of joint exercises focused on disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, and maritime security.
The exercises, in their 29th year, come amid increased tensions in the South China Sea, with the Philippines and China involved in a territorial dispute over islands lying near rich energy deposits....
Some 2,600 US Marines will conduct live fire exercises, a simulated helicopter raid, a demonstration of US aircraft capabilities, disaster preparedness drills, and public service activities.
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I'll go check, but I'm pretty sure I never saw mention of these war provocations in my printed paper.
