Independence Day

Sulu clashes worry Vagni kin, colleagues

MANILA, Philippines—The whereabouts of Italian aid worker Eugenio Vagni remain unknown amid reports of fresh fighting between government soldiers and bandits on the restive island of Sulu, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross. Kristine L. Alave

Arroyo: Preparatory talks with MILF on

POLOMOLOK, South Cotabato—President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said here Thursday night that back-channel talks were going on between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in a bid to resume the stalled peace negotiations amid rising violence in some parts of Mindanao. She said her government was waiting for Kuala Lumpur's advice on when the formal negotiations with the rebels could resume. The Supreme Court eventually declared the agreement, which would have given the MILF a larger area of control under an autonomous government, as unconstitutional. Jeoffrey Maitem

Puno: No reason to celebrate Independence Day

MANILA, Philippines—Amid mounting calls for him to run for president in 2010, Chief Justice Reynato Puno is praying that he be “not led into temptation” but rues about why there is no reason to celebrate Independence Day. “Until we are unable to fix our country, we cannot say that we are truly free. Let us act. Let us heal the land. Let us heal the wound of division. Let us not be too proud, let us not insult each other, let us not throw mud at each other, that is the first step,” Puno said. Tetch Torres