‘2 Rebels Killed, 6 Others Wounded’

From the Negros Daily Bulletin (Sep 17): ‘2 Rebels Killed, 6 Others Wounded’

Two suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerillas were reportedly killed, while six other rebels were allegedly wounded in three encounters in Toboso and Sagay City last Saturday and Sunday.

This was disclosed yesterday by Major Ray Tiongson, head of the Public Affairs Division of the 3rd Infantry Division, who also said in a statement that they based their reports on fatalities and injured rebels from the statements of civilians who witnessed the encounter, as well as the personal accounts of government troops who saw bloodstains in the general direction of the rebels.

The encounters happened on Saturday at 4:45 a.m., a few hours after at 7:30 a.m., and on Sunday at 5:30 p.m., 1Lt Jimrhic Obias, civil-military operations officer of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, said.

In the Saturday’s encounter, the government troops captured two suspected rebels, namely Rene Villarin and Richard Gallego, who were left behind by their comrades while fleeing, Obias said.

In Sunday’s encounter, government troops recovered four more high powered firearms after another five-minute encounter with the fleeing rebels.

The troops were conducting follow-up security operations at Sitio Dahlia Brgy. Puey in Sagay when they encountered the rebels.

The encounter yielded three M-14 and an AK-47 rifles, 114 rounds of ammunition for M-14 rifle, 32 rounds of ammunition for AK-47 and a backpack with personal items, Obias reported.

All in all, the government troops recovered a total of nine firearms.

"The rebels scampered in different directions leaving behind their firearms. They did not expect to be traced in their encampment but civilians gave away their position," Lt. Col. Efren Morados of 62nd IB said.

Morados, who led the security operations, said the rebels panicked and left their firearms and belongings in sugarcane plantations and abandoned huts.

Civilians who saw the rebels running away from the encounter site gave away the location of the firearms to responding government troopers, Obias said.

No one was injured from the government troops, which is composed of members of the 62nd Infantry Battalion of the Army and the 6th Special Action Battalion of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

ENCOUNTERS

On early morning of Saturday, the troops were conducting peace and security patrol in Sitio Magtuod Brgy. Bug-ang in Toboso and Sitio Dahlia Brgy. Puey in Sagay City when about 17 NPA rebels allegedly opened fire at them, Obias said.

The second encounter happened at 7:15 a.m. also of Saturday while the troops were in pursuit of the fleeing rebels, Obias added The second firefight lasted 10 minutes, afterwards the rebels withdrew towards Sitio Vergara and Sitio Magtuod of Brgy. Bug-ang in Toboso, leaving behind their two comrades, he said.

The two captured NPA members, while having no injury, were treated humanely and apprised of their constitutional rights, he added.

They were immediately brought to Brgy. Bato Clinic in Sagay City for medical check-up, Obias said.

They are now under the custody of the Toboso police station, awaiting filing of appropriate charges, among them is the illegal possession of firearms, Obias said.

LOW MORALE

Col Jon Aying, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said the rebels were stung by the incident.

"We have reports that they (NPA) are blaming each other for the encounter. They are in disarray and their morale is really low. Apparently, their commanders have become complacent and ineffective hence they were located by government troopers," he said.

Aying also disclosed that several days before the encounter, the unit’s hotline received anonymous text messages reporting the presence of the armed group in various areas.

"Di na nila kaya ang extortion. Wala na silang maibigay sa grupo. Nagsawa na rin sila kakabigay. (They cannot afford the extortion anymore. They have nothing to give to the group. They are fed- up giving to the rebels)," he added, apparently referring to civilians.

"We call on the rebels to talk peace with us. We will help those who will peacefully turn themselves in to the government," Aying added.

http://ndb-online.com/091713/local-news/local-news-%E2%80%982-rebels-killed-6-others-wounded%E2%80%99

Soldiers recover more high-powered firearms

From the Visayan Daily Star (Sep 17): Soldiers recover more high-powered firearms

Soldiers of the 62nd Infantry Battalion pursuing the fleeing New People’s Army rebels recovered four more high-powered firearms in another encounter Sunday at Sitio Dhalia, Brgy. Puey in Sagay City, Negros Occidental.

The recovery of three M-14 assault rifles and an AK-47 Kalashnikov rifle brought to nine the number of high-powered guns, including the three M-16 armalite rifles and two .45 caliber pistols, seized by government troopers in two days of sporadic armed clashes at the boundary of Brgy. Puey, Sagay City, and Brgy. Bug-ang, Toboso, military records show.

Lt. Col. Efren Morados, 62IB commander, said yesterday that a group of NPA rebels returned to the encounter site, to retrieve their hidden firearms not knowing that some of his soldiers were still in the area.

Morados said a brief firefight ensued, and the rebels fled, leaving behind the four high-powered firearms, 146 rounds of ammunition and a back pack containing personal belongings.

The encounter Saturday also led to the arrest of two suspected NPA rebels identified as Rene Villarin, alias Ka Juan, and Richard Gallego, alias Ka Jamil, who are now locked up at the Toboso police jail, pending the filing of charges for illegal possession of firearms and explosives against them.

Aside from the nine high-powered firearms, Army soldiers also recovered a rifle grenade, a box full of ammunition for AK-47 assault rifles and an M-203 grenade launcher, among other war materials, military records also showed.

Based on the information of their “asset”, Col. Jon Aying, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, yesterday said that one of the fleeing injured rebels died, due to lack of medical attention.

Aying said he has placed on standby an Army medical team to treat the injured rebels who surrender and seek medical assistance. An Army ambulance is now stationed at the 62IB headquarters in Brgy. Bato, Sagay City.

Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. yesterday commended the Philippine Army for their accomplishment in northern Negros. “That goes to show that they are doing their job”. Marañon said.

At the same time, he reiterated his call for the remaining rebels hiding in the mountains of Negros to join him in the fight against poverty, and not against each other.

Residents of remote sitios of Brgy.Bug-ang, Toboso were among those recently benefitted by the “Marching for Peace, Serving the Countrysides” project of the Provincial Peace and Integration Development Unit, of which the 303rd Infantry Brigade is a member.

Brig. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, 3rd Infantry Division commander, in a statement he issued, thanked residents of the hinterland barangays for providing information, that led to the successful operations against the lawless group.

“As we continue with our follow-up operations, our soldiers are instructed to strictly follow the rule of make the safety of our people a primary consideration,” Baladad said.

At the same time, he encouraged the NPA to lay down their guns, avail of the AFP Guns for Peace program, and join the mainstream society and live peacefully with their families.

Under the AFP Guns for Peace Program, Baladad said the government is paying P200,000 for a light machine gun, P50,000 for a M-16 rifle, P60,000 for a M-14 rifle and P40,000 for a M-203 grenade launcher.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/September/17/topstory1.htm

‘Freed NPA commander led battle’

From the Visayan Daily Star (Sep 17): ‘Freed NPA commander led battle’

An arrested New People’s Army commander, who had been released from jail in July last year, after posting a P40,000 bail for robbery-in-band charges, was the leader of the group of rebels who figured in a recent encounter with Army soldiers at the boundary of Toboso and Sagay City, Negros Occidental, Lt. Col. Efren Morados, 62nd Infantry Battalion commander, said yesterday.

Hernando Llorente, alias Ka Ador, who was arrested in San Carlos City April last year, led about 17 armed rebels who encountered the 62nd IB troopers on Saturday, Morados said.

While Llorente was unhurt during the encounter, Morados said Joey, alias Boboy, and a brother of Llorente, was reported among the three rebels injured in the brief gunbattle.

Llorente was among several key personalities of the CPP-NPA arrested in Negros island who include Romeo Nanta, commander of the Regional Operational Command of the Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros, Rogelio Danoso, secretary of the Northern Negros Front Committee; Nilda Natan Bertulano, secretary of the Central Negros Front Committee, Arturo Moleta, secretary of the Kilusang Larangan South West, who rejoined their comrades in the mountains, after their release from jail, military records show.

Morados said they are still pursuing the fleeing rebels headed by Llorente, in tandem with the 6th Special Action Battalion of the Philippine National Police and 33rd Division Reconnaissance Company.

Llorente was reported by the military to be a platoon leader the Sentro De Grabidad of the NPA Northern Negros Front.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/September/17/topstory2.htm

Blasts hit Zamboanga, fire breaks out

From ABS-CBN (Sep 18):  Blasts hit Zamboanga, fire breaks out

Fighting broke out anew between Moro National Liberation Front rebels and government troops in Zamboanga City Wednesday while a large fire has started in the conflict zone in the city.

DZMM correspondent Noel Alamar said automatic gunfire and explosions can be heard in the area, particularly on Lustre Street in Barangay Santa Catalina, starting at 9:45 a.m.

The skirmishes came more than 12 hours after MNLF fighters killed 2 soldiers during a gunfight Tuesday night. A military official said 20% of barangays Santa Barbara, Santa Catalina and Rio Hondo remain conflict zones.

Fire also broke out in Barangay Santa Catalina Wednesday morning. A firetruck tried to enter the area to quell the fire but had to go back due to intense fighting between the two sides.

Elements of the Regional Public Safety Batallion 10 have barred residents from returning to their homes.

An ABS-CBN news team was also ordered to leave the KJK building in Barangay Santa Catalina on Tuesday due to the fighting.

Gradual constriction

Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, Armed Forces public affairs chief, said the military is implementing a gradual constriction in the conflict areas to root out the MNLF guerillas and save the hostages.

"As we speak we continue to conduct a calibrated military operation and we will not stop until we are able to clear the area," he said in an ANC interview.

He also said the identities of 23 MNLF fighters who supposedly surrendered to Zamboanga police chief Jose Malayo on Tuesday are now being verified.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas earlier said their photos will be shown to released hostages to confirm if those who surrendered took part in the attacks against government troops.

Roxas said the group was invited to join a peace march in Zamboanga but they were caught off guard when the firefight broke out.

"Sabi nga ni Commander Usong Ugong, nung nadinig na nila yung putukan hindi na sila tumuloy at in fact lumayo sila papuntang Barangay Mampang dun sa may pampang sa mangroves at naghintay sila ng baroto para makabalik sa Sasilan. Ayon sa kanila ay sila ay inanyayahan sumali sa peace march. Hindi nila alam na magkakaroon ng putukan dito. Ganun pa man lahat eto ay i-checheck at counter check," he said in an interview on ABS-CBN's Umagang Kay Ganda.

Roxas said the number of Habier Malik's group in Zamboanga City is down to around 50-70 men.

"Sa ngayon, more or less 50-70 estimate mga MNLF rogue under Commander Malik. Nandiyan pa din sila sa Sta. Barbara, Sta. Catalina in an area 2 or 3 hectares kalawak pero punong puno yan ng mga bahay. Madaming structures naka-contain sila diyan at nagkakaroon ng constriction," he said.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/09/18/13/blasts-hit-zamboanga-fire-breaks-out

MNLF rebel stronghold in Zambo falls, but Malik vanishes

From GMA News (Sep 18): MNLF rebel stronghold in Zambo falls, but Malik vanishes



Tanks secure the battle-scarred Lustre St. in Bgy. Sta. Catalina, Zamboanga City on Tuesday, September 17, after government forces retook it from MNLF gunmen after one week of fierce fighting. The three-storey KGK Building at center was believed to be MNLF commander Habier Malik's command post during the siege. Cherali Ajesta, GMA News

(Updated 8:43 a.m.) - Government troops have captured a battle-scarred MNLF stronghold in Zamboanga City, believed to be the base from which MNLF commander Habier Malik was holed up.

The military took control of KGK Building along R. Lustre Street, but the shot-up building was empty, with not even bodies of slain or wounded MNLF fighters found. Government forces have retaken as much as 80 percent of MNLF-controlled areas in the city, a PNP spokesman said, as the standoff there entered its 10th day Wednesday.

 

Philippine National Police deputy director for operations Felipe Rojas Jr. said they are monitoring one area for MNLF presence but did not elaborate.

 

"Kung percentage-wise, siguro mga 20 percent na lang (hawak nila). Ang iba naaresto. Ang iba napatay," he said in an interview on dzBB radio, when asked how much of the city had MNLF presence.

 

The standoff started last Sept. 9 when the MNLF took civilian hostages and holed up in several parts of the city.

 

But in the past few days, several hostages had been either freed or managed to escape, while the government implemented a calibrated response to the MNLF.

 

Rojas said they are just focusing on one area where shots were heard, though not as frequently in past days.

 

"Ang observation natin pailan-ilan ang putok galing doon so there must be few of them," he said.

 

When asked if the PNP has started clearing operations, he said yes. "Tinitingnan kung may naiwan IED [improvised explosive devices]," he said.

 

But he said this does not mean fewer government troops at this time. "Hindi pa ho hanggang hindi natin na-clear ang lugar," he said.

Where is Malik?

On Tuesday, government troops captured a heavily fought over MNLF stronghold in Zamboanga City, believed to be the base from which MNLF leader Ustadz Habier Malik was holed up. 

 

The military took control of KGK Building along R. Lustre Street, but the shot-up building was empty, with not even bodies of slain or wounded MNLF fighters found.

 

A Reuters report on Tuesday quoted Armed forces spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Ramon Zagala as saying MNLF gunmen were fleeing from Zamboanga City and heading to outlying islands. 

 

"Our forces continue to press on and push them out of the city ... We will finish this problem at the soonest possible time," Zagala said, while sounding a note of caution: "The fighting is not over yet."

 

The Philippine Navy on Tuesday intensified its blockade along Zamboanga City's coastlines, state-run Philippines News Agency reported. 

 

The Navy deployed 28 ships and two Islander aircraft for the cordon, but declined to give operational details.

 

Also, teams from Marine Landing Battalion-3 are watching possible escape routes the MNLF may take.

 

MNLF reinforcements reportedly arrived in the eastern section of Zamboanga City on Tuesday and seized the chief of the Zamboanga City police, Jose Chiquito Malayo. 

 

He was freed hours later. 

 

Malayo, however, adamantly denied he had been abducted. Rather, he had walked into the MNLF lines in order to ask them to release the hostages and for them to stop fighting.

 

More banks, stores opening

 

Meanwhile, a separate report by radio dzBB's Benjie Liwanag Jr. said more stores and business establishments opened as of Wednesday morning.

 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/326936/news/regions/mnlf-rebel-stronghold-in-zambo-falls-but-malik-vanishes

Troops retake more MNLF-held areas in Zambo

From the Philippine Star (Sep 18): Troops retake more MNLF-held areas in Zambo

Government security forces have recaptured 80 percent of the coastal areas in Zamboanga City previously occupied by the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) as the standoff enters its 10th day, a ranking police official said.

Philippine National Police Deputy Director for Operations Felipe Rojas, Jr. said that "most" of the MNLF rebels in the area had either "surrendered or had been killed."

"If we're talking percentages, we estimate MNLF presence in only about 20 percent (of controlled areas)," Rojas said in a radio interview early Wednesday.

Although Rojas refused to name the locations where troops are stepping up an offensive, he said they are focusing in places where shots were recently heard.

He added that police have started clearing operations to detect improvised explosive devices in the previously MNLF-held areas.

Some rebels surrender

The surrender of 23 rebels came as government troops implemented a calibrated response to end the standoff and after a local police chief and his staff were snatched by armed men Tuesday.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/09/18/1224411/troops-retake-more-mnlf-held-areas-zambo

Japanese warships dock in Manila port

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 17): Japanese warships dock in Manila port



Captain Tsutomu Iwasa and Rear Admiral Jesus Millan and their staff at the Philippine Navy Headquarters. Photo by Navy

Two Japanese warships have docked in Manila for a two-day port call.

In a statement, the Philippine Navy said on Tuesday that JS Akebono (DD-108) and JS Hamagiri (DD-155) of the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force Escort Six Division headed by Captain Tsutomu Iwasawa arrived at the port of Manila last Sunday. The visit will be until today, Tuesday.

“The purpose of the visit was for re-provisioning and rest of crew before it heads back to Japan,” the Navy said.

Captain Iwasawa and his party visited the Navy Headquarters and paid a courtesy call to the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Jesus Millan. The Navy also hosted a welcome reception for the officers and crew of the ships.

The ships came from counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden near Arabian Sea before it arrived to the Philippines.

The visit was expected to promote stronger ties and military cooperation between the Philippine Navy and  Japan Maritime Self Defense Force.

Both Japan and the Philippines share a rival claimant in China. Last June, defense ministers of both countries met to step up their “strategic partnership in the field of defense, particularly in maritime affairs.

The Philippines is engaged in a dispute with China over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), while Japan and China have a maritime row over Senkaku (known Diaoyu) in the East China Sea.

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/85827/japanese-warships-dock-in-manila-port

Military claims 81 MNLF fighters killed, Malik not among them

From MindaNews (Sep 17): Military claims 81 MNLF fighters killed, Malik not among them

Eighty-one fighters of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) were killed in the nine-day armed conflict here, Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), claimed Tuesday.

In a press briefing, Zagala said 30 more MNLF members were reported killed in the past 24 hours in addition to the 51 body counts reported in the past eight days.

However, MNLF commander Ustadz Habier Malik was not among the 81, according to him.

“We have also rescued a total of 123 hostages,” Zagala said.

He said that government troops have gradually constricted the movements of MNLF fighters loyal to founding chair Nur Misuari.

 

Armed MNLF members laid siege to some coastal barangays in Zambonga Monday last week.

At least 82,000 individuals have been displaced due to the clashes between government troops and MNLF members, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said earlier Tuesday.

Conflicting MNLF fatality figure

In its report posted at 6:32 p.m. Tuesday, the NDRRMC reported that the clashes have killed a total of 88 persons, including seven from the military, three from the police and seven civilians.

The council said that, as validated with the AFP and the Office of the Civil Defense-Region IX, 71 MNLF fighters have been killed, 10 less than what Zagala had claimed.

In the wake of the rescue operations in the past 24 hours, three soldiers were killed and 10 others were wounded, Zagala said.

Zagala attributed the rescue of the hostages to the continued pressure by government troops against the MNLF members.

“Right now, we are still conducting operations, and we continue to constrict the movement of the MNLF [fighters],” he said.

The joint military and police forces conducted operations in the coastal village of Mampang Tuesday morning.

Interior and Local Government Sec. Mar Roxas, who met with rescued hostages and visited debriefing centers Tuesday, said that military operations against the MNLF members will continue until peace and order are restored in the city.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2013/09/17/military-claims-81-mnlf-fighters-killed-malik-not-among-them/

Nolcom boosts PH territorial defense

From the Negros Daily Bulletin (Sep 17): ‘2 Rebels Killed, 6 Others Wounded’

Two suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerillas were reportedly killed, while six other rebels were allegedly wounded in three encounters in Toboso and Sagay City last Saturday and Sunday.

This was disclosed yesterday by Major Ray Tiongson, head of the Public Affairs Division of the 3rd Infantry Division, who also said in a statement that they based their reports on fatalities and injured rebels from the statements of civilians who witnessed the encounter, as well as the personal accounts of government troops who saw bloodstains in the general direction of the rebels.

The encounters happened on Saturday at 4:45 a.m., a few hours after at 7:30 a.m., and on Sunday at 5:30 p.m., 1Lt Jimrhic Obias, civil-military operations officer of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, said.

In the Saturday’s encounter, the government troops captured two suspected rebels, namely Rene Villarin and Richard Gallego, who were left behind by their comrades while fleeing, Obias said.

In Sunday’s encounter, government troops recovered four more high powered firearms after another five-minute encounter with the fleeing rebels.

The troops were conducting follow-up security operations at Sitio Dahlia Brgy. Puey in Sagay when they encountered the rebels.

The encounter yielded three M-14 and an AK-47 rifles, 114 rounds of ammunition for M-14 rifle, 32 rounds of ammunition for AK-47 and a backpack with personal items, Obias reported.

All in all, the government troops recovered a total of nine firearms.

"The rebels scampered in different directions leaving behind their firearms. They did not expect to be traced in their encampment but civilians gave away their position," Lt. Col. Efren Morados of 62nd IB said.

Morados, who led the security operations, said the rebels panicked and left their firearms and belongings in sugarcane plantations and abandoned huts.

Civilians who saw the rebels running away from the encounter site gave away the location of the firearms to responding government troopers, Obias said.

No one was injured from the government troops, which is composed of members of the 62nd Infantry Battalion of the Army and the 6th Special Action Battalion of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

ENCOUNTERS

On early morning of Saturday, the troops were conducting peace and security patrol in Sitio Magtuod Brgy. Bug-ang in Toboso and Sitio Dahlia Brgy. Puey in Sagay City when about 17 NPA rebels allegedly opened fire at them, Obias said.

The second encounter happened at 7:15 a.m. also of Saturday while the troops were in pursuit of the fleeing rebels, Obias added The second firefight lasted 10 minutes, afterwards the rebels withdrew towards Sitio Vergara and Sitio Magtuod of Brgy. Bug-ang in Toboso, leaving behind their two comrades, he said.

The two captured NPA members, while having no injury, were treated humanely and apprised of their constitutional rights, he added.

They were immediately brought to Brgy. Bato Clinic in Sagay City for medical check-up, Obias said.

They are now under the custody of the Toboso police station, awaiting filing of appropriate charges, among them is the illegal possession of firearms, Obias said.

LOW MORALE

Col Jon Aying, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said the rebels were stung by the incident.

"We have reports that they (NPA) are blaming each other for the encounter. They are in disarray and their morale is really low. Apparently, their commanders have become complacent and ineffective hence they were located by government troopers," he said.

Aying also disclosed that several days before the encounter, the unit’s hotline received anonymous text messages reporting the presence of the armed group in various areas.

"Di na nila kaya ang extortion. Wala na silang maibigay sa grupo. Nagsawa na rin sila kakabigay. (They cannot afford the extortion anymore. They have nothing to give to the group. They are fed- up giving to the rebels)," he added, apparently referring to civilians.

"We call on the rebels to talk peace with us. We will help those who will peacefully turn themselves in to the government," Aying added.

http://ndb-online.com/091713/local-news/local-news-%E2%80%982-rebels-killed-6-others-wounded%E2%80%99

Soldier hurt in NPA ambush

From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 17): Soldier hurt in NPA ambush

Army troopers from the 74th Infantry Battalion figured in an encounter with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Sitio Matalahan, Barangay San Vicente Silangan, here, last Monday, wounding one soldier, the military’s Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) reported (Tuesday) September 17, 2013.

Lt. Col. Domingo B. Gobway, Solcom acting spokesman, said the soldiers, on patrol operations to address complaints of alleged rebel extortion in the village, were fired upon by the rebels.

The name of the soldier wounded in the first volley of fire was with held by the Solcom, but assured that he is already undergoing medical treatment at Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Medical Center in Quezon City.

“The NPA continuously violates human rights by conducting ambuscades, attacks against civilians, threat and intimidation for those not paying revolutionary taxes, assassinations and even kidnapping against soldiers conducting peace and development missions in the countryside,” said Lt. Gen. Caesar Ronnie F. Ordoyo, Solcom commander.

http://www.mb.com.ph/soldier-hurt-in-npa-ambush/

DAY 10 | Govt forces retake 80% of MNLF-held areas in Zamboanga City - PNP

From InterAksyon (Sep 18): DAY 10 | Govt forces retake 80% of MNLF-held areas in Zamboanga City - PNP

Government security forces have retaken 80 percent of the areas earlier controlled by Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) fighters, said Philippine National Police (PNP) deputy director for operations, Deputy Director Felipe Rojas Jr., as the standoff entered its 10th day Wednesday.

"If we're talking percentages, we estimate MNLF presence in only about 20 percent.

Most of the MNLF had either surrendered or had been killed," he said in a radio interview.

Rojas, however, did not identify the areas still held by the rebels.

The standoff started last Sept. 9 when the MNLF took civilian hostages and holed up in several parts of the city.

But in past days, several hostages had been either freed or managed to escape, while the government implemented a calibrated response to the MNLF.

Rojas said they are just focusing on one area where shots were heard, though not as frequently in past days.

He also said that the PNP is now starting its clearing operations with search efforts focused on homemade bombs.

Followers of MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari entered the city early morning of Sept. 9 in what the local government of Zamboanga said was an attempt to take over the city.

Earlier in August, Misuari has declared an independent state for Mindanao, turning his back on the peace agreement he has forged and signed with the Philippine government, which is now currently negotiating another peace agreement with an MNLF splinter group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Both MNLF and MILF originally called for an independent Mindanao until they were convinced to negotiate with the government on a peace agreement.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/70970/day-10--govt-forces-retake-80-of-mnlf-held-areas-in-zamboanga-city---pnp

Two suspected rebels captured in Negros

From Business World (Sep 16): Two suspected rebels captured in Negros

Two suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were captured during a series of encounters with government soldiers in Toboso town and Sagay City in Negros Occidental.

Arrested were Rene Villarin alias Juan and Richard Gallego alias Jamil.

Allegedly recovered from them were five firearms and suspected subversive documents.

First Lieutenant Jimrick B. Obias, 303rd Infantry Brigade civil military officer of the Philippine Army, said the captured rebels were immediately brought to the Barangay Bato Public Hospital for medical checkup before they were turned over to the Toboso Police Station for inquest proceedings and subsequent filing of charges for illegal possession of firearms.

Lt. Col. Efren Morados, commander of the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion, assured that the captured NPA members were accorded their human rights.

“I have clear instructions to all of our soldiers conducting security operations to respect human rights at all times. We are very serious in abiding with the International Humanitarian Law and the rule of law,” he said.

Additional troops are now in the area to pursue the fleeing rebels while the members of the Philippine National Police Scene of the Crime Operatives from Sagay City conducted investigation at the encounter site. The government troops were conducting peace and security patrol at around 4:45 a.m. Saturday when they first encountered the suspects.

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=Two-suspected-rebels-captured-in-Negros&id=76575

Palace says Indonesia commits to helping PHL resolve Zamboanga standoff

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 17): Palace says Indonesia commits to helping PHL resolve Zamboanga standoff

The Indonesian government has agreed to help the Philippines in resolving the Zamboanga standoff by opening the lines of communication between the government and the Moro National Liberation Misuari faction, the Palace said Tuesday.

Indonesia has facilitated the review of the implementation of the 1996 peace agreement with the MNLF.

In a press briefing in Malacanang on Tuesday Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda, quoting a statement from Peace adviser Teresita Deles, said it is the Philippine government, which seeks the help of Indonesia in ending the Zamboanga incident by facilitating communication between the government and the MNLF.

Lacierda said the Indonesian government gave instructions to its embassy in Manila on its role.

“Embassy officials explained to us that this meant that their lines would be open to receive and transmit messages, from one side to the other, that they did not see it to be within their role to proactively make a call to either side,” Lacierda said quoting Deles.

“We relayed to Indonesia last Tuesday and to the entire OIC Peace Committee last Thursday our request that they could help in any way in resolving the incident. None of the aide countries present offered a proposal.”

Indonesia has not received any information from the MNLF about its interest to end the standoff, Lacierda said.

Last week, Indonesia received a message from the Misuari group about travel arrangements to attend the meeting in Yogjakarta until they asked for postponement of the meeting last Thursday.

President Benigno S. Aquino III remains in Zamboanga City being the country’s commander-in-chief.

Lacierda said the President continues to give support and directions as well as boost the morale of soldiers fighting the MNLF.

The President is confident that the armed forces could soon end the crisis. The people of Zamboanga appreciate his presence there, Lacierda said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=566688

Stronger AFP-PNP partnership seen in E. Visayas

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 17): Stronger AFP-PNP partnership seen in E. Visayas

A stronger partnership between the military and the police will benefit the people in Eastern Visayas and will usher prosperity and progress, the region’s top police official said.

“The convergence of efforts between the Philippine National Police and our counterparts in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, together with the active support of other stakeholders, will ensure a peaceful atmosphere and will drive economic development,” said C/Supt. Elmer R. Soria, director of Police Regional Office 8.

He added that he will closely coordinate with Brig. Gen. Jet Velarmino, the newly installed commanding general of the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, in neutralizing the insurgency problem and maintaining the peace and order in the region.

Soria and Velarmino belong to the Philippine Military Academy “Sandigan” class of 1982.

“We will be working together to crush terrorist and criminal activities which undermine peace and stability in Eastern Visayas,” Soria disclosed.

The police official also lauded the achievements of Maj. Gen. Gerardo T. Layug, Velarmino’s predecessor, in addressing the insurgency problem during his 17-month stint as the region’s top military official.

“We wish Sir Layug the best on his retirement. With 37 years of dedicated service to our country and the Filipino people, he certainly deserves a grand vacation and relax with his family,” Soria added.

It was during Layug’s watch that the province of Eastern Samar was declared as “Manageable Conflict-Affected and Development Ready Province” on March 25, 2013.

Meanwhile, the litmus test for the strengthened AFP-PNP partnership will be the barangay elections next month when some 2.6 million voters from this region will select their village leaders.

“Just like in the May midterm elections, we will be working closely with the military in various security operations to ensure a peaceful barangay polls,” the police official averred.

This joint effort include the establishment of joint AFP-PNP checkpoints, the campaign against loose firearms and neutralization of wanted persons, to include members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

The PRO8 and 8th ID PA have also jointly conducted several internal peace and security operations in the past that led to the neutralization of several NPA leaders, including the arrests of Maricar Adlao alias Diwa/Apple,Political Officer of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVPRC); Allie Tafalla alias Macao, Secretary of Section Committee of Central Samar, Samar Provincial Party Committee (SPPC); Juan Paolo Rodrigo Verzosa alias Kokoy, Intelligence Officer of the SPPC and his wife Grace alias Lenon, Staff of the Reproduction Bureau, EVRPC in Brgy Fortune, Marikina City and Esther Belicario alias Edna Montes, Secretary of Provincial White Area Committee in Eastern Samar.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=566562

Roxas: Gov’t to file cases against MNLF intruders

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 17): Roxas: Gov’t to file cases against MNLF intruders

The government is filing a string of criminal cases against the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels involved in the incursion of this city.

The case will include violation of Republic Act 9851 otherwise known as the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) aside from murder, arson, hostage taking, kidnapping and serious illegal detention and others, according to Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas, II.

Roxas said R.A. 9851 penalizes people who intentionally direct attacks against civilians, properties and people involved in humanitarian and peace keeping missions.

So far, 12 Philippine Red Cross (PRC) staffs and volunteers were wounded while rendering humanitarian services amid the standoff.

Armed Forces’ Public Affairs Officer Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala disclosed that nine government troops were killed while 81 others were wounded since the start of the standoff last September 9.

A total of 81 MNLF rebels were also killed, he added.

The standoff also displaced more than 70,000 individuals, who are temporarily housed at the 26 evacuation centers.

Roxas said R.A. 9851 also penalizes acts committed by an armed group tagged as terrorist or not.

The DILG chief said that a team of prosecutors was sent to this city by Justice Secretary Leila De Lima to gather evidence and testimonies in preparation for the filing of criminal cases against the MNLF attackers.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=566619

Recent twin Davao bombings designed ‘to embarrass Duterte’: MNLF lawyer

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 17): Recent twin Davao bombings designed ‘to embarrass Duterte’: MNLF lawyer

The lawyer of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari branded the recent twin bombings in the city as an act of terrorism designed to embarrass Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

MNLF lawyer Salvador Panelo on Tuesday also denied speculations that the two mall cinema bombings were made to divert attention from the ongoing firefight between the government and MNLF in Zamboanga City.

“They are just trying to embarrass Duterte,” Panelo said.

Panelo said the incident in Zamboanga could not be diverted since it is a continuing occurrence and the people and the media’s attention were focused on the incident.

“Even there’s a series of incidents, you cannot divert the attention of the people from Zamboanga incident, even now,” Panelo said, adding “it is most likely that ‘yong mga terrorists, they are taking advantage of the situation in Zamboanga.”

Panelo said the goal of the terrorist is always to destabilize the place or country they targeted. "They are there to sow fear, panic and confusion among the people," he said.

Panelo theorized that the bombings in Cinema 1 in SM City shopping mall in Ecoland, Davao City and Cinema 5 of Gaisano Mall in Bajada, late Monday evening, were probably the handiwork of terrorists to show that they can penetrate anywhere.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=566641

Bomb threat hits Davao’s biggest land terminal

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 17): Bomb threat hits Davao’s biggest land terminal

Police and military authorities imposed stricter security measures at the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) Tuesday noon after the Emergency Response Center Central 911 received a bomb threat on the facility.

Supt. Julius Silagan, chief of the Talomo Police Precinct, said initial clearing operation yielded negative result of any improvised explosive device.

He said K-9 and Explosive Ordnance Units were immediately deployed in the terminal to detect any suspicious cargo.

Silagan urged the porters and ambulant vendors to be very vigilant of suspicious cargo and individuals to avoid any eventuality.

“We need to heighten our vigilance to prevent any eventuality,” he said.

Silagan urged the DCOTT management to remind all people within the facility through a public address system, every hour about the need to be alert and cooperative to the imposed security measures.

He assured that all points of entry in the facility are already guarded by authorities.

Silagan also said a team of post-blast investigators are still gathering the pieces of evidence from the blast inside the Cinema One in SM City Davao along Quimpo Boulevard to reconstruct the type of improvised explosive device used in the explosion Monday night.

SM City Davao is under the jurisdiction of the Talomo Police Precinct.

He said investigators are also studying the closed-circuit television camera footages on the persons who entered the theater before the explosion.

“We are studying the footages carefully,” Silagan said.

Maribeth Lumactod, chief of the DCOTT, said they were surprised of the presence of more security forces in the terminal.

She clarified that the flash alarm on the bomb threat did not come from them.

Even then, Lumactod thanked the authorities for the immediate action.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=566656

Gov’t troops recover 9 firearms following series of encounters in northern NegOcc

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 17): Gov’t troops recover 9 firearms following series of encounters in northern NegOcc

Government forces from the Philippine Army (PA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) recovered a total of nine firearms following a series of encounters with the New People’s Army (NPA) in northern Negros Occidental over the weekend.

Four high-powered firearms were left by fleeing rebels at Sitio Dhalia, Barangay Puey in Sagay City following a five-minute firefight with authorities late Sunday afternoon.

These included three M-14 and one AK-47 rifles along with 114 rounds of ammunition for M-14 rifle, 32 rounds of ammunition for AK-47, and a backpack containing personal items.

On Saturday, five firearms were seized by government forces during an encounter with the NPA in Barangay Bug-ang, Toboso town, after they captured two rebels identified as Rene “Juan” Villarin, 45, and Richard “Jamil” Gallego, 36.

Found in Villarin and Gallego’s possession were three caliber 5.56 M-16 rifles and two caliber .45 pistols, along with subversive documents and other war materials.

Brig. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, said they are intensifying peace and security operations to protect the people and secure their place from lawless elements.

“As we continue with our follow-on operations, our soldiers were instructed to strictly follow the rule of law and put the safety of our people as primary consideration,” Baladad said, as he thanked the residents of Barangay Puey for providing the necessary information for the successful conduct of military operations in the area.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=566664

US Navy vessels in Subic for PHIBLEX 14

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 17): US Navy vessels in Subic for PHIBLEX 14

Two U.S. Navy vessels carrying around 4,000 American sailors and Marines arrived in this free port Monday to join an upcoming military exercise between the Philippines and the United States.

The U.S. Navy Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD-4) docked at the Alava Pier here alongside the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land, which has been here two weeks ago for a routine port call.

Meanwhile, the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD-18) docked at the Rivera Pier nearby.

The USS Boxer and USS New Orleans, both of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (BOXARG), left their home port at San Diego, California, last August 23.

The two vessels are part of the Philippines–US Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX 14), which will officially kick off on Wednesday .

The USS Boxer and USS New Orleans will stay here until Friday, September 20, while their personnel undertake some community outreach activities in Olongapo City and Zambales.

Subic Bay, which has a sheltered deep harbor and facilities for re-supply and recreation, is a frequent host to US Navy vessels.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=566682

Soldiers, NPA rebels clash in Catanauan, Quezon

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 17): Soldiers, NPA rebels clash in Catanauan, Quezon

A clash ensued between government troops and an undetermined number of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels early Tuesday morning at the vicinity of South Matalahan, Barangay San Vicente Silangan in Catanauan, Quezon.

Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) acting spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Domingo B. Gobway reported that Philippine Army troops of the 74th Infantry Battalion conducted their combat operations to thwart alleged communist terrorists’ presence in the area when unidentified insurgents fired upon them, wounding one soldier.

The residents in the area disclosed the rebels and dissident group have been extorting money and food stuffs from them.

SOLCOM Commander Lt. Gen. Caesar Ronnie F. Ordoyo stated “the NPA continuously violates human rights by conducting ambuscades, attacks against civilians, threat and intimidation for those not paying revolutionary taxes, assassinations and even kidnapping against soldiers conducting peace and development missions in the countryside.”

The SOLCOM commanding general issued marching orders to his troops to intensify their operations against the outlawed NPA.

Lt. Gen. Ordoyo also appealed to the public to provide the military information on the rebels' activities to finally put a stop to this economic and development saboteurs.

He however urged NPA rebels to lay down their arms, return to the fold of law and be part of the developmental and peace initiatives of the government instead of fighting the government.

As of press time, the military forces are still conducting their pursuit operations to capture the fleeing rebels following their encounter in Catanauan’s remote area.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=566737

Army troops encounter suspected NPA rebels in southern Negros Oriental

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 17): Army troops encounter suspected NPA rebels in southern Negros Oriental

Government troops clashed with suspected members of the rebel New People’s Army (NPA) early Tuesday afternoon in the southern town of Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental.

Soldiers of the 79th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, led by 1Lt. Mark Calamba, exchanged fire with more or less 15 armed men believed to be members of the NPA’s Komiteng Rehiyonal Sentral Bisayas-South East Front around 1 p.m. Tuesday at Sitio Nagud-od, Barangay Nagbalaye in Sta. Catalina.

Firefight lasted for about 15 minutes before the suspected insurgents withdrew.

According to Brig. Gen. Francisco Patrimonio, commander of the 302nd Brigade and the mother unit of the 79th IB, the soldiers were conducting security patrol in the hinterland village of Nagbalaye when they received a tip from a civilian on the sighting of armed men in the vicinity of Nagud-od.

The clash erupted after the soldiers acted upon the information relayed to them from the civilian, said Brig. Gen. Patrimonio.

Pursuit operations continue although no casualties were reported at press time.

The Army commander has assured that operating troops are properly observing the rules of engagement “to avoid unnecessary loss of civilian lives and destruction of property”.

Government forces will carry out relentless anti-insurgency combat operations in Negros despite the pull-out of the Scout Rangers who were deployed to war-torn Zamboanguita City, Patrimonio said.

According to Brig. Gen. Patrimonio, they are not letting their guard down especially with the recent encounter between government troops and suspected NPA rebels at the boundary of Toboso and Sagay in Negros Occidental last Saturday.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=566760

North Cotabato officials, MNLF leaders abhor violence during dialogue in Army camp

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 17): North Cotabato officials, MNLF leaders abhor violence during dialogue in Army camp

Officials of North Cotabato province and leaders of three Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) state revolutionary committees in Central Mindanao pledged in this headquarters of the Army’s Sixth Infantry Division to work hard for peace and abhor the use of violence to dramatize their sentiments.

North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Mendoza, joined in by 10 town mayors from her province, enjoyed a cordial atmosphere with an equal number of MNLF sub-commanders during the four-hour peace dialogue here on Tuesday.

Most of the former MNLF leaders are now peacefully working as farmers in their respective places in North Cotabato and neighbouring Maguindanao province.

Both areas play host to three huge MNLF groups, namely the Western Mindanao State Revolutionary Committee, Sebangan State Revolutionary Committee and the Iranun State Revolutionary Committee.

“We maybe happy with the (peaceful) development here, but all of us are undeniably saddened by the ongoing Zamboanga City crisis,” Mendoza stressed.

Amid this, she vowed to strengthen a local approach for equal access to basic services at the capitol for MNLF members as with other constituents in her province.

“The North Cotabato provincial government is also set to pass a resolution next week to ask the national government to look into the plight of MNLF communities in Central Mindanao,” Mendoza added.

Former MNLF commander Mala Lidasan of Matanog, Maguindanao, noted that peace currently prevails in their communities but development remains farfetched in some areas following the 1996 GPH-MNLF final peace accord.

“Peace and development should always go together,” he said.

This developed as Omar Abdullah, chair of the elite MNLF Yaqeen Regional Security Force under Nur Misuari denied any alliance by MNLF-Central Mindanao groups with Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters clarifying that they are now working on the side of the law.

“The BIFF leaders have existing warrants of arrest so would we join them when we are enjoying normal lives now,” he said.

Major Gen. Romeo Gapuz, 6ID commander, said they are more than willing to host any dialogues of such anytime for the advancement of peace in Mindanao.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=566763

PHL to focus on arbitration case and drafting of code of conduct to stop Chinese intrusions in WPS

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 17): PHL to focus on arbitration case and drafting of code of conduct to stop Chinese intrusions in WPS

The Philippines will focus on strengthening an arbitration case against China’s sweeping territorial claims in the West Philippine Sea and the drafting of a regional code of conduct to try to stop Beijing’s alleged territorial intrusions more than filing diplomatic protests, a Foreign Affairs official said on Tuesday.

DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez refused to categorically say if the Philippines has filed a protest against a recent discovery of more than 70 concrete blocks in the Chinese-controlled Scarborough Shoal which Manila fears could be a prelude to the construction of Chinese structures in the disputed fishing region off the northwest Philippines.

Asked if the Philippines still plans to file a protest against China, Hernandez said:

“We think that to address the issue, the action to be taken would be to focus on expeditious conclusion of a legally-binding Code of Conduct on the South China Sea and also to focus on our preparation of our memorial for the arbitration case with China.”

Hernandez refused to give further details.

Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario earlier said the DFA was considering to file a protest over the discovery of the concrete blocks nearly two weeks ago.

“The focus now is to really focus on these two items and we prefer to give full attention to these two items I have mentioned,” Hernandez said.

Hernandez said the Philippine government always consider “what is good for our case and also of how we see would be advantageous to our claim in that areas.”

Manila and Beijing figured in a dangerous standoff in Scarborough last year, but the stalemate temporarily ended when President Benigno S. Aquino III ordered Philippine vessels facing off with Chinese ships to withdraw due to bad weather.

China never left the area and even roped off the entrance to the shoal to prevent Filipino fishermen access and shelter to its vast lagoon.

Philippine officials say Scarborough, a U-shaped rock formation with a sprawling lagoon teeming with rich marine resources, falls within Philippine territory as mandated by international law.

It is called Panatag or Bajo de Masinloc by the Philippines and referred to as Huangyan Island in Chinese.

The shoal is far from China’s nearest landmass of Hainan province, but Beijing claims it is part of its territory along with a huge swath of area in the resource-rich South China Sea even as it overlaps with the territories of smaller claimants like the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.

The Philippines challenged this claim before a United Nations-linked arbitral tribunal, which ordered Manila to substantiate its case in a scheduled proceeding on March 2014.

Beijing formally notified the tribunal last month that it will not join the legal proceedings, dismissing Manila’s case as groundless and legally infirm.

The Philippine government has adopted the name West Philippine Sea for parts of the South China Sea, a strategic waterway where a bulk of the world's trade pass and believed to be rich in oil and natural gas.

Analysts feared the competing claims could spark a military conflict in the region.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&sid=&nid=0&rid=566708

MNLF rebels free Zambo police chief, companions

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 17): MNLF rebels free Zambo police chief, companions

The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels have released Zamboanga City police officer-in-charge Sr. Supt. Jose Chiquito Malayo and his two companions whom they seized earlier Tuesday in this city.

Initial report disclosed that Malayo and his two companions were freed shortly after 6 p.m., several hours after they were seized at Sitio Bagtus, Barangay Mampang, 9 kms east of this city.

The report said that Malayo and his companions were freed in exchange for the safe surrender of the Basilan-based rebels who seized them.

The report quoting Councilor Percival Ramos said Malayo’s group and the rebels boarded on a government-owned bus en route to Camp Batalla along R.T. Lim Boulevard.

Malayo and his two companions were seized by the rebels while the police official was trying to convince a group of rebels to peacefully surrender.

Meanwhile, Armed Forces Public Affairs Officer Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said there were already a total of 123 hostages who were rescued, recovered and released as the troops continue to pounce the rebels.

“This is the result of the gradual constriction on the movement of the rebels,” Zagala said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&sid=&nid=0&rid=566786

Naval blockade intensified off Zamboanga City coast

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 17): Naval blockade intensified off Zamboanga City coast

The Philippine Navy has beefed up its forces conducting a blockade of the Zamboanga City coastlines.

Around 28 ships of various sizes and two Islander aircraft are conducting the naval cordon.

The PN declined to give the specific locations of the ships, citing reasons of operational security.

Aside from the naval and air assets, teams from the Marine Landing Battalion-3 are also conducting a tight watch on the possible areas where the Moro National Liberation Front who have been pounded mercilessly by the military in the past few days might attempt to escape.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=566793

Day 9: Death toll rises to 99 - AFP

From Rappler (Sep 17): Day 9: Death toll rises to 99 - AFP

The death toll from more than a week of clashes between government troops and members of the Moro National Liberation Front rose to 99 on Tuesday, September 17, the military said.

Three soldiers and 30 MNLF rebels were killed during heavy fighting over the past 24 hours, military spokesman Lt Col Ramon Zagala said.

Zagala said of the 99 dead since September 9, 86 were from the MNLF, 9 were from the police and the military and 4 were civilians.

On Monday night, the military declared that 70% of the battle zone had been cleared.

But fresh fighting occured in Mampang village on Tuesday afternoon, prompting residents to flee.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/39156-day-9-death-toll-rises-zamboanga

Zambo siege displaces 82,106, as 64 more hostages rescued

From InterAksyon (Sep 17): DAY 9 | Zambo siege displaces 82,106, as 64 more hostages rescued

Nine days since supporters of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari tried to take control of Zamboanga City, a total of 82,106 residents have been displaced, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Tuesday.

On the other hand, the police said 151 hostages have either escaped or been rescued. The military said among them were 64 rescued from the MNLF rebels.

The number of displaced is equivalent to 16,533 families living in 14 barangays in the city and one barangay from Zamboanga Sibugay province, NDRRMC said on its website.

It said 24 evacuation centers had been set up to serve 13,028 families or 67,845 people.

It added that the death toll as of Monday reached 87, including 71 from the MNLF, six from the military, three from the police, and seven civilians.

At least 165 were wounded, including 86 soldiers, 12 police personnel, and 67 civilians.

Meanwhile, the NDRRMC said at least 20 houses were destroyed while five were partially damaged.

Some P4.5 million worth of properties were destroyed by fires that hit Ayer Village in Sta. Barbara; houses near the mosque in Sta. Barbara; Lustre in Sta. Barbara; Fisheries Compound in Rio Hondo; and Kasanyangan Village.

The NDRRMC said the Zamboanga City Crisis Management Center is continuously trying to provide food and maintain sanitation in evacuation centers.

Hostages

“Early morning today we rescued a total of 64 civilian hostages (39 male, 21 female, and four children) of RME (rogue MNLF elements) in the vicinity of Sta. Barbara, ZC,” the military posted on its official tweeter account @TeamAFP.

Of the number, 36 of the hostages were rescued Monday night and the rest were rescued early Tuesday morning.

The military said the first batch of hostages was rescued by elements of the Joint Special Operations Group of the Philippine Army on Lustre Drive in Barangay Sta. Catalina.

Among them was Isidro Ufana, father of Father Michael Ufana, who was earlier released by the rebels.

The second batch of rescued 10 hostages came after three hours of operation.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Alan Purisima on Tuesday said: “Sa ngayon, 121 na bihag ang nakatakas o nasagip mula kagabi hanggang ngayong araw. Patuloy ang paghanap sa mga bihag.”

“Maingat ang ating mga sundalo sa pag-abante. Ang higit na inaalala ay ang kapakananan at walang masasaktan o mamamatay na sibilyan (Our soldiers are very careful. They are mindful of the people’s welfare and that no civilian will be killed or hurt),” said Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, head of the military’s public affairs.

From five barangays, the military said its forces have already constricted the danger zone areas to only three as soldiers and policemen had already flushed out MNLF rebels from other areas.

The military said all the rescued hostages were brought to Camp Batalla for medical checkup and debriefing.....

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/70882/day-9--zambo-siege-displaces-82106-as-64-more-hostages-rescued

Malaysia to keep out of MNLF conflict

From InterAksyon (Sep 17): Malaysia to keep out of MNLF conflict

Malaysia, chief facilitator in the ongoing peace talks between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), will not be meddle in the ongoing conflict between Philippine forces and those loyal to Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari, it was learned.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman issued a statement on September 11, a couple of days after Misuari’s followers tried to take control of Zamboanga  City, saying it was confident that the Philippine government would restore peace in the area.

"As facilitator to the peace process between the Philippine government and the MILF, Malaysia is committed to resolve the southern Philippine conflict in a peaceful manner that will benefit all, in particular Filipinos in Mindanao,” Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said.

"Malaysia is confident that Manila and MILF will continue working towards long-lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in southern Philippines,” he added.

The statement was forwarded by the Philippine embassy in Kuala Lumpur to media outfits. In reaction, the embassy welcomed the Malaysian government’s expression of confidence in the Philippine government’s resolve to restore peace in Zamboanga and its reaffirmation of Malaysia’s commitment to the ongoing peace process in Mindanao.

The Malaysian foreign minister has said: "Malaysia respects the ASEAN principles and spirit not to interfere in the internal affairs of other ASEAN states.”

At the same time, Malaysia said its Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) has tightened security in Sabah waters bordering the Philippines.

Malaysia is where Misuari fled to in 2001 after leading an attack on a military camp in Jolo, Sulu which led in the death of 100 people and the wounding of many others.

Then governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Misuari fled to Malaysia to evade arrest and the government filed criminal charges against him. But later that year, on November 24, the Malaysian police arrested Misuari and six followers on Pulau Jampiras in Sabah.

On January 7, 2002, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad ordered Misuari deported after six days in jail in Kuala Lumpur on charges of illegal entry.

The Philippines and Malaysia have an unresolved territorial dispute over Sabah.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/70893/malaysia-to-keep-out-of-mnlf-conflict

PH, US to hold war games near disputed West PH Sea territory

From InterAksyon (Sep 17): PH, US to hold war games near disputed West PH Sea territory

The Philippines and the United States will begin war games near disputed West Philippine Sea waters this week, showcasing fast-expanding military ties and likely further stoking tensions with China.

The annual exercises, which involve 2,300 marines from both sides, will take place amid the backdrop of ongoing negotiations to further increase an American military presence and the deployment of its hardware in the former US colony.

They also come three weeks before US President Barack Obama is due to visit Manila, a huge moment for the Philippines as it looks for US support amid a worsening row with China over rival claims to parts of the body of water also known as the South China Sea.

"The Chinese will view these military exercises as yet another example of the Philippines stirring up tensions in the South China Sea and of the US taking advantage of the situation to increase its military presence," regional security expert Ian Storey told AFP.

Beijing, which insists it has sovereignty to nearly all of the South China Sea, has repeatedly railed at the Philippines for refusing to back down in the territorial dispute and seeking to draw the US closer.

Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have competing claims to parts of the sea, which is believed to sit atop vast deposits of fossil fuels, but China has been particularly angered at the Philippines for being the most vocal.

For the Philippines, the dispute will continue to be "the central driver" of efforts to intensify its alliance with the US, according to Storey, a senior fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies in Singapore.

The Philippine-US Amphibious Landing Exercises will begin on Wednesday at a naval base in Zambales, on the western coast of Luzon island facing the South China Sea.

It is about 220 kilometers (135 miles) from Scarborough Shoal, a group of rocky outcrops in the Philippines' internationally recognized exclusive economic zone which has been occupied by Chinese vessels since last year. It is also called Bajo de Masinloc for the Zambales town that owns administrative authority over the shoal.

Scarborough Shoal has become the prime focus of the territorial dispute in recent weeks, with the Philippines accusing China of erecting concrete structures there.
The war games, which will last three weeks, will involve two US warships and live ground fire exercises, according to the Philippine military.

Staff planning exercises will also be held "that will increase the capability to conduct bilateral maritime security and territorial defense operation," the US embassy said in a statement.

Neither side, however, would release the specific locations for the sea drills.

The exercises take place as the allies are moving closer to a planned deal that would expand the US troop presence in the Philippines, which wants the agreement struck before the end of the year.

The pact would allow the United States to bring military hardware on to local bases, and formalize more US troop visits.

The United States had a permanent military presence at two bases in the Philippines until 1992.

The bases were closed amid nationalist opposition, but the current administration of President Benigno Aquino III has rallied pro-US sentiment to counter China.

Even ahead of the pact, there has been a "surge" in recent years of US troops passing through the Philippines, according to John Blaxland, a security and defense analyst at the Australia National University's College of Asia and the Pacific.

This has dovetailed with Obama's strategic "pivot" to Asia, which in turn has fuelled long-held Chinese concerns about the US trying to encircle China.

"The Philippines is one of the most enthusiastic supporters for the rebalancing in Asia, and the US is very happy to have regained routine access, if not formal basing at the naval and air facilities there," Blaxland told AFP.

Storey also said that independent research data showed there had been an increase in US military visits.

The number of US warships making calls in the Philippines "has increased dramatically" to 80 this year, he said.

A Philippine Navy officer, who asked not to be named, confirmed the increase in port calls to Manila as well as in Subic, the former US naval base in Zambales.

AFP asked the US embassy in Manila for data on US military visits to the Philippines in recent years, but no information was provided.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/70901/ph-us-to-hold-war-games-near-disputed-west-ph-sea-territory

Philippine police chief frees self, convinces rebels to surrender

From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Sep 17): Philippine police chief frees self, convinces rebels to surrender



A police chief held by separatist rebels in the southern Philippines have freed himself late on Tuesday and in a bizarre twist of fate convinced the gunmen and their leader to surrender peacefully.

Senior Superintendent Jose Chiquito Malayo, chief of police forces in the besieged city of Zamboanga, led 23 Moro National Liberation Front rebels headed by Commander Zum Ugong out of their hideout in the coastal village of Mampang, where policemen earlier clashed with the group. One officer was wounded in the fighting.

“We had a meeting engagement and held each other position and almost clash, but eventually we negotiated and the rebels agreed to surrender peacefully on the condition that they would be allowed to return to Basilan with their weapons. We are processing the rebels and they will go home,” Malayo said.

Malayo, who was reported captured along with his aides earlier in the day, said the rebels also surrendered their automatic weapons. “The weapons are also being processed and we shall return these weapons to them as agreed during our negotiations,” he said.

Interior Secretary Mar Roxas also met with the MNLF leader inside the tightly guarded Western Mindanao Command headquarters, where President Benigno Aquino has been staying since last week and overseeing the government operations against rebel forces which split into several groups.

Ugong, whose base of operation is in nearby Basilan province, said they were made to believed by the MNLF under Nur Misuari that they would be attending a peaceful parade in Zamboanga City, but hostilities erupted.

“We hid for days in the thick mangrove forest in Mampang and eventually engaged in armed confrontation with the government forces,” Ugong told the Filipino official.

A rebel spokesman earlier phoned a local radio network dxRZ Radyo Agong and confirmed that Malayo and several other policemen were being held captive. The spokesman also demanded an international mediation to end the violence in Zamboanga that had already killed dozens of people.

Rebel forces stormed several villages in Zamboanga on September 9 and took at least 180 people hostage and used them as shield against pursuing soldiers. Authorities said at least 145 hostages had been freed and that security forces are still battling over 100 rebels fighting for independence of the southern region.

The fighting has forced over 80,000 people fleeing their homes for fear they would be caught in the crossfire or taken captive by rebels. The number of refugees had resulted in a humanitarian crisis and food supply is not enough to feed the evacuees now housed in temporary shelters.

MNLF chieftain Nur Misuari, who signed a peace accord with Manila in 1996, accused the Aquino government of reneging on the peal deal and launched a new rebellion, the second in more than a decade. In 2001, loyal forces of Misuari also attacked military bases in Zamboanga City and Jolo town in Sulu province and the clashes killed over 100 people.











Philippine officials say 23 Moro National Liberation Front rebels headed by Commander Zum Ugong, who held the police chief of Zamboanga City, Jose Chiquito Malayo, surrendered peacefully on after being convinced by Malayo on September 17, 2013. The rebels were promised a safe passage to Basilan province. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)

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