Kuala Lumpur, Jan. 29 - The negotiating teams of the Philippine Government (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) parted ways today following a 2-day exploratory talks sponsored by the Malaysian Government here with each side bringing home with them each other's version of their proposed formula to end the decades-old conflict in Central Mindanao which has caused the deaths of hundreds and the displacement of thousands of families.

North Cotabato Vice Governor Manny F. Piñol will appear before the Special Committee on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the House of Representatives on Monday, February 1, to give his insights on the renewed peace negotiations between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

(Second of two parts)

(The writer is a former journalist, a three-term governor of North Cotabato, and incumbent vice governor of the province)

THE POLITICAL POWER AND influence of Datu Andal Ampatuan Sr. reached great heights in the 2004 presidential election when he engineered a lopsided victory in Maguindanao for President Macapagal-Arroyo against popular actor Fernando Poe Jr.

(First of two parts)

(The writer is a former journalist, a three-term governor of North Cotabato and currently vice governor of the province)

DATU Andal Ampatuan Sr., head of the clan blamed for the massacre of 57 people in Maguindanao last month, comes from a deeply religious family that traces its lineage to a Muslim proselytizer who came to Mindanao in the 16th century.

MANILA, Philippines – Imposing martial law in Maguindanao was a case of “overkill and over-reaction,” a political leader in North Cotabato said, hours after Gloria President Macapagal-Arroyo declared military rule and suspended the writ of habeas corpus in the province.

Nov. 27, 2009 - North Cotabato Vice Governor Manny Piñol today filed his certificate of candidacy for provincial governor at the Commission on Elections provincial office at Amas, Kidapawan City.