Army captures 7-hectare BIFF lair, hoists PH flag

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 2): Army captures 7-hectare BIFF lair, hoists PH flag



Government forces of 601st Brigade conduct clearing operation after simultaneous shelling of BIFF hideout in Barangay Ganta, Datu Piang, Maguindanao. (Randolf Marconi Casuse)

The military on Saturday hoisted the Philippine flag in the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters’ (BIFF) main camp, which fell to government forces after a week-long offensive against the brigand group.

Col. Dickson Hermoso, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) spokesman, said the Philippine flag was raised at about 9 a.m. at the seven-hectare BIFF lair in Barangay Ganta, Shariff Saydona Mustapha town in Maguindanao.

Officials said thousands of ammunition and bomb making components were found in the seized enemy main camp, which they described as well fortified.

Brig. Gen. Edmund Pangilinan, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, and Col. Edgar Gonzales, commander of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade, led the flag raising ceremony.

After the singing of the national anthem, soldiers offered prayers to the slain BIFF men.

The military earlier said at least 52 BIFF members, including three child soldiers, have been killed, while 49 others were wounded in continuing offensive against the breakaway Muslim rebel group. Some of the slain BIFF men were hastily buried in Reina Regente mountain range in Shariff Saydona Mustapha.

The government, on the other hand, suffered one fatality and 20 injured.
Clashes between government forces and the BIFF broke out one day after the signing in Kuala Lumpur of the final annex of the peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The military said joint police and military personnel were on their way to serve warrants of arrest against certain BIFF personalities when they were attacked by BIFF armed men led by commanders “Bongos” and “Karialan”.

A massive law enforcement operation ensued and was headed by Pangilinan, Gonzales, and P/Senior Supt. Rodelio Jocson, chief of the Police Provincial Office of Maguindanao.

The operation from January 27-31 in Barangays Ganta, Bakat, Dasawao of Shariff Saydona Mustapha and Barangay Damablas, Datu Piang, Maguindanao resulted in the dismantling of BIFF strongholds, including the group’s training and bomb-making facilities.

At the captured BIFF camp on Barangay Damablas, Datu Piang town, soldiers recovered pictures of BIFF child warriors.

On Friday, Hermoso said one of the BIFF commanders whom he identified as Commander Hassan Indal was killed during a close air support at the BIFF headquarters in Barangay Ganta.

An explosion believed perpetrated by the BIFF occurred at Barangay Lower Salbu, Dati Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao. 12 people, including six soldiers, two journalists and four civilians were wounded in the incident.

“They are now desperate because of the losses they suffered from the on-going law enforcement operations. They are now targeting even the civilians,” Hermoso said.

“It doesn’t matter to them who gets hit,” added the official.

http://www.mb.com.ph/army-captures-7-hectare-biff-lair-hoists-philippine-flag/

MNLF denies plan to attack Zambo

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 2): MNLF denies plan to attack Zambo

A senior official of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) has denied that the MNLF is consolidating its forces from Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi (BaSulTa) province in preparation for a coordinated attack on this city.

Lawyer Emmanuel Fontanilla, a spokesman of the MNLF, said the group has no plan to stage an attack, contrary to reports and text messages circulating the city.

Fontanilla also reiterated the MNLF demand for the conduct of an independent investigation of the siege last year that resulted in the death of hundreds of people.

The siege in Zamboanga City started on Sept. 9, 2013 and lasted for 21 days, displacing over 118,000 people who fled their homes after MNLF forces engaged government troops and policemen in fierce gun battles.

The bloody clashes killed more than 200 MNLF fighters, along with more than 20 government security forces, including junior officers of the Elite Light Reaction Companies deployed in the frontline and some civilians. It also paralyzed the economic activity in the city, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi provinces.

Fontanilla said the group that government troops engaged belonged to rogue MNLF elements under the the Sulu State Revolutionary Command led by Ustadz Habier Malik and Khaid Ajibon, whose group continues to recognize Nur Misuari as MNLF chairman.

Fontanilla also distinguished the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which is set to sign a peace agreement with the government, and the MNLF, saying that the MILF wanted greater autonomy, while the MNLF is for full independence.

Last year, Misuari declared the Bangsamoro Republic, in an apparent protest against the peace negotiations between the government of the Philippines and the MILF.

After the Zamboanga siege, Misuari became wanted for violating rebellion and international humanitarian laws.

The founding chairman of the MNLF remains at large.

http://www.mb.com.ph/mnlf-denies-plan-to-attack-zambo/

Invite BIFF, MNLF to consultations, Biazon urges Transition Commission

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 2): Invite BIFF, MNLF to consultations, Biazon urges Transition Commission

The chairman of the House Committee on National Defense and Security proposed yesterday the suspension of warrants of arrests against representatives of “peace spoilers,” including the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) to allow them to join the Mindanao peace process.

Muntinlupa Rep. Rodolfo Biazon said it would be better if all stakeholders were consulted and that the Transition Commission invites the BIFF and the group of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari to join the peace process.

“Isama na nila ang lahat ng dapat nilang isama. Kung sa MNLF mayroon silang kinatawan na walang warrant of arrest. Alam mo kung sila ay papayag, ipo-propose ko na isuspinde muna ang implementasyon ng kanilang warrant of arrest para makapag participate sila sa kunsultasyon,” he said.

“Pero ang suspensiyon ng warrant of arrest nila ay dapat doon lang sa panahon na habang sila ay nasa kunsultasyon,” he said.

The Transition Commission is reaching out to concerned stakeholders as it begins to draft the Bangsamoro Basic law following the signing  of the final annex of the peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Biazon recalled that he made the similar proposal in 1992 when the Ramos Administration was forging peace deals with the rebel military officers of the Reform the Armed Forces Movement (RAM), the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) and the MNLF.

“Pumayag si President Ramos kaya nga nagkaroon ng peace process noon with the RAM, with the CPP-NPA even doon sa MNLF. Pero yong suspensiyon ay habang sila ay nakikibahagi sa peace process. Yan din palagay ko ay pwede i-offer kahit sa BIFF or sa MNLF Misuari faction,” he said.

Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, chairperson of the government panel negotiating with the MILF, earlier asked the BIFF to agree to a dialogue to ventilate its goals and objectives.

Biazon said that while the offer has yet to be extended, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) must continue its offensive against the BIFF, the breakaway Muslim rebel group.

“Kung may offer ang gobyerno at tinanggap nila, pwedeng suspended muna ang operations. Pero hanggang wala pa yan, aba ay kailangang kumilos ang Armed Forces at tapusin na,” he said.

“Tuloy yong operasyon. Then you publicly offer it. Pag tinanggap nila, fine. Pag hindi nila tinanggap yan, aba hindi na nila masisisi ang gobyerno to enforce the law of the land,” he said.

The clashes broke out a day after Manila’s signing of the final annex of the peace agreement with the MILF.

Biazon said with the reported tactical alliance between the BIFF and Misuari’s group, the AFP should reconsider deploying more troops to crush the Muslim rebel groups.

He also expressed the House’s readiness to study the constitutional, legal and moral issues surrounding the eventual enactment of the basic law, including the possible amendments to the 1987 Constitution and the proposed Independent Islamic State.

He disclosed that he would be meeting with Coronel-Ferrer to “engage her in some discussions” about the proposed law.

He said Congress will hear all the concerns of various parties, including legal luminaries and even provincial governors in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

http://www.mb.com.ph/invite-biff-mnlf-to-consultations-biazon-urges-transition-commission/

Bomb planted by BIFF in Maguindanao defused: military

From the Philippine Star (Feb 2): Bomb planted by BIFF in Maguindanao defused: military

Government forces defused today a powerful homemade bomb planted by breakaway Muslim rebels along the highway in Maguindanao a day after 12 people got injured in their bomb attacks, a military official said.

Colonel Dickson Hermoso, spokesman for the Philippine Army's 6th Division, said by phone that local residents reported to soldiers stationed in Maguindanao after they discovered an improvised explosive device left by members of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) along the national highway at Macasampen village, Guindulunagn, shortly after 6:00 a.m. local time.

"Our bomb experts immediately responded to the scene and defused the explosive. This is another attempt to inflict casualties among civilians and soldiers," he said.

On Saturday morning, 12 people, including two journalists, six soldiers and four civilians, were injured in a bomb explosion in Maguindanao.

The military blamed followers of Ameril Umbra Kato, the founder of the BIFF, a breakaway group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), for the attack.

The Philippine government troops have launched offensive operations against the BIFF shortly after the completion of all the four annexes of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro between the government and the MILF on Jan. 25.

The BIFF broke away from the MILF in 2008 and has vowed to continue the uprising because the Malaysian-brokered talks would not lead to a separate Bangsamoro homeland in Southern Philippine island of Mindanao. 

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/02/02/1285834/bomb-planted-biff-maguindanao-defused-military

Muslim council of elders urged

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 2): Muslim council of elders urged

A civil society group on Saturday called for the inclusion of Muslim traditional leadership in the political structure to be created for the new Bangsamoro political entity, whose basic law is set to be tackled soon by Philippine government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) representatives.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/www.opapp.gov.ph

Maradeka, a coalition of Muslim Filipino nongovernment organizations, pushed for the creation of a “council of elders” that would elect a ceremonial head for the Bangsamoro.

The possible composition of the council of elders are “homegrown” leaders such as the Sultans of Sulu, Maguindanao, Buayan and Lanao, as well as leaders of the various Moro tribes, Maradeka secretary-general Nash Pangadapun said in a phone interview.

“The ceremonial head will embody the national values, dignity, heritage and cultural identity of the Moro people as a whole. He can help settle local feuds or rido, rendering solely moral suasion to the government and have no definite functions in running the government,” he told the Inquirer.

Pangadapun said the idea for a ceremonial head was raised at a conference in Makati City last month hosted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), during which foreign experts and observers suggested the replication of the Malaysia model where sultans and rajahs elect for a fixed term the “Yang di Pertuan Agong,” who serves as Malaysia’s head of state.

“We applaud this recommendation because this is a recognition of the Moro ancestors for their role in the centuries-old resistance from colonial rule. Whoever is elected the Paramount Sultan or any other title will serve only as titular and symbolic head of the autonomous government performing only ceremonial functions,” Pangadapun said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/572800/muslim-council-of-elders-urged

Gov’t troops rout BIFF; ‘Operation Darkhorse’ captures four rebel camps, dismantles bomb factory

From Malaya (Feb 3): Gov’t troops rout BIFF; ‘Operation Darkhorse’ captures four rebel camps, dismantles bomb factory

THE Armed Forces yesterday officially ended operations against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters after capturing four rebel camps and a bomb factory in Shariff Saydona Mustapha town in Maguindanao over the weekend.

 

Clashes between government forces and the BIFF men erupted in Sultan sa Barongis town in Maguindanao on January 26 when policemen and soldiers were to serve arrest warrants against BIFF men involved in kidnapping and other crimes.

 

Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, AFP public information office chief, said “Operation Darkhorse,” the campaign against the BIFF rebels, was supposed to end Thursday last week but was extended up to yesterday.

 

The police, supported by the military, would still serve the warrants of arrest on BIFF personalities including its founder, Ameril Umbra Kato, a former commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

 

Zagala said members of the BIFF split into small groups after the operations.

 

But before operation was formally terminated, an improvised explosive device planted by the BIFF went off in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao, injuring 10, including a reporter of TV5 and his cameraman.

 

Zagala said the three-day extension was crucial in applying more pressure on the BIFF as it allowed the military to press further into areas where the rebels were entrenched. It also prevented a possible spillover of hostilities by containing the enemies in the area.

 

“Prior to the approval of the extension, the Army’s 601st Brigade reported that there have been sporadic clashes because the BIFF splintered into smaller groups. There were also many wounded among the BIFF’s ranks and these men were encouraged to coordinate with local officials, barangay officials to have proper medical attention as humanitarian consideration because they are fellow Filipinos,” Zagala said.

 

Zagala said the days of fighting between the government security forces and the BIFF affected 9,465 families (about 35,300 individuals) from the towns of Shariff Saydona, Rajah Buayan, Datu Piang, all in Maguindanao, and in Pikit, North Cotabato.

 

He said displaced civilians can now return to their homes except in communities which were heavily damaged due to the fighting and which have to be rehabilitated. 

 

Zagala said photos recovered by government troops from a BIFF camp in Barangay Damablas, Datu Piang, Maguindanao confirmed reports the group employed “child soldiers.” 

 

The Army’s 6th Infantry Division said at least three child soldiers aged 15 to 16 were killed in the clashes in Maguindanao.  

 

Operation Darkhorse led to the killing of 52 BIFF rebels and the wounding of 49 others. Several firearms and explosives were also recovered from the days of operations.

 

On the government side, one soldier was killed while 20 others were wounded. Eight civilians caught in the crossfire are being treated in various health facilities in the area.

 

INVITE ALL

 

Rep. Rodolfo Biazon advised President Aquino to invite the BIFF and two factions of the Moro National Liberation Front to join the Transition Commission in crafting the proposed Bangsamoro basic law which will pave the way for the creation of a Bangsamoro region.

 

“Para mabuo yong panukalang batas na ‘yon, ay isama sa kunsultasyon ang lahat, pati na yong MNLF lalo na yong pinamumunuan ni Muslimin Sema. Ngayon, invitations can also be extended to the Misuari faction,” he said.

 

Biazon, chair of the House committee on national defense and a former AFP chief, even went as far as proposing that the warrants for arrest of Nur Misuari and wanted BIFF rebels be suspended to allow them to participate in the peace process. 

 

Misuari, founding chair of the MNLF, is now head of one several factions in the group. His followers attacked several villages in Zamboanga City last September. He is against the forging of a peace agreement between the government and the MILF. The MNLF forged a peace pact with government in 1996.

 

Misuari is wanted for the 2013 Zamboanga siege.

 

Muslimin Sema, former vice mayor of Cotabato City, heads another faction in the MNLF.

 

Biazon said other BIFF and MNLF representatives who do not have arrest warrants can also be asked to join the deliberations.

 

Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, chair of the government panel negotiating with the MILF, has invited the BIFF to a dialogue to air their sentiments.

 

The Transition Commission which is tasked to draft the Bangsamoro basic law is expected to submit it to Congress by May this year. Its 15 members were appointed by Aquino last year. The government hopes for the enactment of the law by 2015, and holding of a plebiscite soon afterwards. 

 

Biazon said when he was a senator in 1992, he proposed to then President Ramos that he be allowed to dialogue with the Reform the Armed Forces Movement and the communist group.

 

Deputy presidential spokeswoman Abigail Valte asked the BIFF to give peace a chance.

 

She said many areas in Mindanao are suffering because of the fighting between government troops and the BIFF.

http://malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/gov%E2%80%99t-troops-rout-biff-%E2%80%98operation-darkhorse%E2%80%99-captures-four-rebel-camps-dismantles

Beijing dismisses ADIZ plan as Tokyo ploy

From the Daily Tribune (Feb 3): Beijing dismisses ADIZ plan as Tokyo ploy

The Chinese government shrugged off a Japanese news article about its plan to replicate an air defense indentification zone (ADIZ) it set up on the East China Sea in the more contentious South China Sea accusing Japan of heightening regional tensions with “rumors.”

Foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei said right-wing forces in Japan had repeatedly made such allegations with the intention of shifting international attention from the “plot” to change Japan’s pacifist constitution, the official Xinhua news agency reported.

“We sternly warned these forces not to mislead public opinions with rumors and play up tensions for their own selfish benefit,” he said in a press release Saturday quoted by Xinhua.

Japan’s Asahi Shimbun daily reported Friday that Chinese air force officials have drafted proposals for a new ADIZ that could place the Paracel Islands, claimed by both China and Vietnam, at its core whil encompassing most of the South China Sea, including the Spratly Islands, which are being disputed by China and other Southeast Asian countries including the Philippines.

The US warned Beijing against such a move, with the State Department saying Saturday that it would be seen “as a provocative and unilateral act that would raise tensions and call into serious question China’s commitment to diplomatically managing territorial disputes.”

The US stressed that the rumors were “unconfirmed,” however.

In response, Hong said China had the right to adopt all measures, including setting up air defense zones, to safeguard national security, according to Xinhua.

Beijing claims the South China Sea almost in its entirety, even areas a long way from its shoreline.

Late last year, it caused a storm when it abruptly declared an ADIZ above the East China Sea, including islands at the heart of a sovereignty row with Tokyo.

Three Chinese ships sailed through the disputed waters in the East China Sea on Sunday as diplomatic tension between Tokyo and Beijing intensifies.

Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei and Malaysia all have rival claims to parts of the South China Sea, while Washington is also watching Beijing’s increased assertiveness.

China has occupied the Paracels since a battle with South Vietnamese forces in 1974. It is a cluster of about 40 islets, sandbanks and reefs.

“In a general view, the Chinese side has yet to feel any air security threat from the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (Asean) countries and is optimistic about its relations with the neighboring countries and the general situation in the South China Sea region,” Hong said.

Hong stressed that China and the Asean shares a bright future for their relations.

He said China and the Asean countries are working together to implement the declaration on the conduct of parties in the South China Sea in a comprehensive and effective way to safeguard peace and stability in the region.

In response to reports about US officials’ comments on the issue, Hong said China hopes the relevant parties remain cautious about their words and deeds, maintain a calm and objective stance, make joint efforts with China and make concrete contribution to peace, stability and security in the air and on sea of the region.

Hong said China, as a sovereign country, has all the legitimate rights to adopt all measures, including setting up ADIZ, to safeguard national security in response to the situation of air security. No one should make irresponsible comments on this, Hong said.      

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/beijing-dismisses-adiz-plan-as-tokyo-ploy

Photo: Soldiers check BIFF bunker burned down in Maguindanao air raid

From GMA News (Feb 1): Photo: Soldiers check BIFF bunker burned down in Maguindanao air raid



1st Mechanized Brigade commander Col. Edgar F. Gonzales (center, left) checks the remains of a Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters' lair in Barangay Ganta, Shariff Saydona, Mustapha, Maguindanao on February 1, 2014. Mark Navales

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/photo/53238/soldiers-check-biff-bunker-burned-down-in-maguindanao-air-raid

Child soldiers hard to distinguish when in uniform

From ABS-CBN (Feb 2): Child soldiers hard to distinguish when in uniform

It is not easy for the military to easily distinguish children from soldiers especially when they are already in uniforms.

This, as Malacanang again condemned the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) who allegedly uses child soldiers in launching attacks against the government.

“If everyone puts on the uniform, it’s already hard to distinguish…The military will foremost protect the civilians,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte told radio drzRB.

A report from Agence France-Presse said photographs showing child soldiers were left behind at an abandoned camp of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) breakaway group.

The military launched last week an offensive against the BIFF, whose members made known their disagreement over the peace pact between the MILF and the government.

Valte urged the BIFF to give peace a chance amid the number of deaths rising from the clashes. “Many are suffering. Let’s give the [deal] a chance,” she said, adding the military will also be announcing a “breakthrough” within the day.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/02/02/14/child-soldiers-hard-distinguish-when-uniform

Military to hunt hardline rebels after capturing camps

From BAS-CBN (Feb 2): Military to hunt hardline rebels after capturing camps

Military officials on Sunday vowed to hunt down remaining splinter groups of hardline Muslim rebels after capturing their main camps in a week-long offensive.

The threat posed by members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) has diminished due to the offensive that began last Monday in remote parts of the troubled southern island of Mindanao, national military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala said.

"They have split into smaller groups and further operations must be done to follow up," he told reporters.

These operations will be "smaller in scale," he said, adding that they would also be held in coordination with the main Muslim rebel group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The operation against the BIFF was launched two days after the government and the MILF successfully concluded peace talks aimed at ending decades of fighting that has claimed tens of thousands of lives.

The BIFF broke away from the MILF due to their opposition to the talks and has previously launched attacks to derail the peace process.

At a military camp in the town of Awang, the armed forces displayed items they recovered from the BIFF camps including bomb-making materials and pictures showing young boys being trained as soldiers for the militant group.

This supported military accusations that the BIFF were using child soldiers and that three such youths were among the 53 insurgent fighters killed in the violence.

One soldier was also slain in the fighting which included military artillery strikes of BIFF camps.

A BIFF spokesman had previously denied that the group was using children and said the military were manufacturing the evidence.

Among the other items captured in the camp were camouflage uniforms with MILF labels.

However MILF vice-chairman for political affairs Ghazali Jaafar denied there was still a link between the two groups.

"Those are not MILF uniforms. Anybody can make those uniforms," he told AFP.

Military spokesman Zagala also said there were no signs that the MILF was cooperating with the BIFF.

President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday had previously vowed to crush "spoiler" rebels who were opposed to the peace deal.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/02/02/14/military-hunt-hardline-rebels-after-capturing-camps

IEP: Photo - Proof that soldiers died

Propaganda photo posted  to the Islamic Emirate of the Philippines (IEP) Facebook page (Jan 31): Proof that soldiers died



Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatuLLAHi wa barakatuhu
Ito ang patunay na di lang isa ang namatay sa panig ng sundalo.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=597474470329659&set=a.272752586135184.64480.268897169854059&type=1&theater

AFP terminates 'Operation Darkhorse'

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 2): AFP terminates 'Operation Darkhorse'

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) officially terminated "Operation Darkhorse" Sunday.

Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, AFP public affairs office chief, said the operation resulted in the neutralization of 101 known "Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters" (BIFF) personalities of which 52 were killed and 49 wounded.

"Operation Darkhorse" also resulted in the recovery of several high-powered firearms, explosive ordnance and capture of four BIFF camps and the neutralization of a makeshift IED (improvised explosive device) factory in Barangay Ganta, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao.

The latter factory is responsible for the production of IEDs used in bombings in Central Mindanao.

This success was made possible after the AFP's request for a three-day (72 hour) extension, to go after the BIFF, was granted by the Joint Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The three-day extension was crucial in applying further pressure against the BIFF contributing to their neutralization in the areas of Cotabato and Maguindanao.

It allowed the military to press further into areas where the BIFF were entrenched and prevented the spillover of violence by containing the lawless elements in these areas.

The three-day extension was granted by the AHJAG and the MILF last Thursday as military operations against lawless elements was met with resistance from the BIFF.

Likewise, it showed the commitment of the MILF to rid its communities of the BIFF so that the peace process of the Bangsamoro would be unhampered.

The AHJAG is a joint effort of the government and the MILF to stop lawless elements taking refuge in its communities.

Prior to the approval of the extension, the Army’s 601st Brigade reported that there have been sporadic clashes because the BIFF splintered into smaller groups.

There were also many wounded among the BIFF’s ranks and these men were encouraged to coordinate with local officials, barangay officials to have proper medical attention as humanitarian consideration because they are fellow Filipinos.

On the government side, one soldier was killed in action while 20 others were wounded.

Zagala said eight civilians caught in the crossfire were also wounded.

All wounded casualties are now being treated in various health facilities in the area.

The BIFF has been a constant threat in the on-going peace negotiations between the Government of the Philippines and the MILF for a final political settlement.

The AFP has been successful in restricting the movements of the BIFF and has successfully prevented the spread of violence in nearby areas.

"The AFP’s focused military operations prevented the escalation of violence and were able to effectively limit their capability to sabotage or derail the on-going GPH-MILF Peace Process," Zagala stressed.

However, many of BIFF’s members have standing warrants of arrest and their prolonged evasion will pose threats in communities where the brigands are contained.

Zagala stated that the AFP’s support operations will contribute to the successful arrest of target personalities who continue to be a threat to the peace and stability of communities in Maguindanao and neighboring provinces.

"Operation Darkhorse" was launched late last week by the Army in support of the Philippine National Police (PNP)'s drive to effect warrants of arrest for BIFF personalities involved in various crimes including kidnap for ransom, murder, and other violent activities.

It provided military support to the PNP in their pursuit of BIFF personalities.

Zagala said the police, supported by the military, would still serve the warrants of arrest on BIFF personalities, including its commander Ameril Umra Kato.

"Our primary concern remains to be the safety and security of the civilians residing in the area where BIFF conflict remains, and the prevention of any spillover to other nearby communities," Zagala pointed out.

The heavy fighting between government troops and the BIFF caused the evacuation of 9,465 families consisting of 35,334 individuals from the towns of Sharif Saydona, Rajah Buayan, Datu Piang all of Maguindanao and Pikit in North Cotabato.

Having successfully neutralized the BIFF threat in these areas, it is now safe for these civilians displaced by the fighting to return to their homes and go on with their daily lives.

Some communities have sustained heavy collateral damage due to the fighting and will have to be rehabilitated. This will be the challenge that the AHJAG and the government must now face.

"Having minimized if not completely eliminated the threat of the BIFF in these communities, we foresee their speedy reconstruction which will lead us to the normalization of these affected areas and eventually achieving lasting peace," Zagala stressed.

Meanwhile, photos recovered by government troopers in a BIFF camp in Barangay Damablas, Datu Piang, Maguindanao confirmed earlier reports that they employed children soldiers.

The Army's 6th Infantry Division, said at least three child rebel soldiers were killed in the clashes in Maguindanao. The child soldiers are between the ages of 15 to 16 years old.

The AFP condemns the use of children in armed conflict. The use of child soldiers to perpetuate violence has no place in a civilized society.

Children are a zone of peace and by putting them in the forefront of armed conflict their rights are violated.

"We will continue our efforts to put a stop to the BIFF remnants' atrocities and put them in the bar of justice while we maintain our support to the government’s peace efforts with the MILF who have already chosen the path of peace," Zagala concluded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=611973

Aquino beats generals in shootfest

From Rappler (Feb 2): Aquino beats generals in shootfest

CHAMPION: Armed Forces chief of staff General Emmanuel Bautista leads Team GHQ in winning in the Team versus Team challenge

President Benigno Aquino III – a known shooting enthusiast – won the Game of the Generals annual shootfest held at the Philippine Army headquarters in Taguig City on Saturday, February 1.

The commander-in-chief defended his title as champion of the Man versus Man category, besting 50 generals and a number of their civilian counterparts from the various government security agencies.

In the end, it was between the President and Bureau of Customs officer Junny Guadalupe who competed in the Man versus Man category.

Photos released did not include the President. Media were barred from covering the event held at the Philippine Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacion in Taguig City.

POLICE, TOO: Police chief Deputy Director General Alan Purisima leads Team PNP

The President's own Team Presidential Security Group (TEAM PSG) also dominated the shootfest, according to a press release on the event.

"The teams of PNoy dominated in almost all the stages nabbing a total of 5 special award trophies, 10 gold, 10 silver and 5 bronze in 5 different categories," said Army spokesperson Captain Anthony Bacus.

The team of Armed Forces chief of staff General Emmanuel Bautista (TEAM GHQ) was the champion in the Team versus Team category. He led a team of generals from the military general headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo.

Bautista's team got 2 trophies, 6 gold and 10 silver.

FIRE!: 8ID Commander Major General Jet Velarmino and Commander of the Mechanized Infantry Division (MID) Major General Dolojan

SUCCESSOR? Outgoing Army Chief Lieutenant General Noel Coballes and NOLCOM chief Lt Gen Catapang watch the matches together

TEAM ARMY: Outgoing Army chief Lieutenant General Noel Coballes and his team

http://www.rappler.com/nation/49460-aquino-generals-shootfest

Troops defuse bombs in Maguindanao

From Rappler (Feb 2): Troops defuse bombs in Maguindanao

BREAKAWAY GROUP. Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) standing guard during a clandestine press conference at Camp Omar, in the town of Datu Unsay in Maguindanao. August 2011. File photo by Ted Aljibe/AFP

Government security forces defused Sunday, February 2, a powerful homemade bomb planted by breakaway Muslim rebels along the highway in Maguindanao, a military official said.

Residents reported to soldiers that they discovered an improvised explosive device left by members of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) along the national highway in the village of Macasampen, Guindulungan town, shortly after 6 a.m.

"Our bomb experts immediately responded to the scene and defused the explosive."

This is another attemp to inflict casualties among civilians and soldiers," Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesman for the military's 6th Division, said.

The incident comes a day after BIFF bomb attacks left 2 journalists, 6 soldiers and 4 civilians injured.

On Saturday, February 1, Jeff Caparas, a reporter of TV5, and his cameraman Adrian Bulatao, were among the 12 wounded in the bomb explosion in Maguindanao.

The military blamed followers of Ameril Umbra Kato, the founder of the BIFF – a breakaway group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) – in the attack.

The BIFF has opposed peace talks between the government and the larger MILF, which were concluded over the weekend in Malaysia.

The BIFF broke away from the MILF in 2008 and has vowed to continue the uprising because the Malaysian-brokered talks would not lead to a separate Bangsamoro homeland in Mindanao.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/49490-troops-defuse-bombs-maguindanao

Military ends weeklong offensive vs BIFF

From Rappler (Feb 2): Military ends weeklong offensive vs BIFF

FIGHTING OVER. The Philippine flag is raised in the main BIFF lair in Barangay Ganta, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao after government troops seized it on January 31, 2014. Photo from the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The Philippine military announced the end of its offensive against a breakaway faction of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front meant to remove spoilers in the peace process.

Lt Col Ramon Zagala, chief of the public affairs office of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said in a statement on Sunday, February 2, that is it officially ending its operations against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

The announcement comes a day after the military raised the Philippine flag in the BIFF’s main base in Barangay (village) Ganta, Shariff Saydona Mustapha in Maguindanao. The AFP seized the camp on Friday.

Known as Operation Darkhorse, the weeklong offensive led to the death of 52 BIFF members, and wounded another 49. The AFP said it captured 4 BIFF camps, and an improvised explosive device (IED) factory also in Barangay Ganta where IEDs used in bombings in Central Mindanao were produced.

A soldier was killed and 20 others wounded.

Eight civilians were caught in the crossfire and were wounded, including a reporter and a cameraman from TV5.

The heavy fighting left 9,465 families displaced, consisting of 35,334 individuals from the towns of Sharif Saydona, Rajah Buayan and Datu Piang of Maguindanao, and Pikit in North Cotabato.

The AFP launched the offensive after the Philippine government signed the final annex that forms part of its peace agreement with the MILF last week. The agreement aims to give the MILF wider autonomy through the creation of the Bangsamoro political entity, and to put an end to 4 decades of fighting in Mindanao.

Led by commander Ameril Umra Kato, the BIFF splintered from the MILF and has rejected the peace talks with the government.

‘Shows MILF commitment’

Zagala said the AFP successfully restricted the movements of the BIFF. “The AFP’s focused military operations prevented the escalation of violence and were able to effectively limit their capability to sabotage or derail the on-going GPH-MILF Peace Process.”

The end of the military offensive came after the Joint Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) of the government and the MILF granted the AFP’s request for a 3-day extension.

“It showed the commitment of the MILF to rid its communities of the BIFF so that the peace process of the Bangsamoro would be unhampered. The AHJAG is a joint effort of the government and the MILF to stop lawless elements taking refuge in MILF communities,” said Zagala.

The military said it supported police efforts to serve arrest warrants for BIFF members involved in crimes like kidnap for ransom and murder.

Rehabilitation is challenge

The military said it is now safe for the displaced civilians to return home.

“Some communities have sustained heavy collateral damage due to the fighting and will have to be rehabilitated. This will be the challenge that the AHJAG and the government must now face,” Zagala said.

The Mindanao Human Rights Action Center has said that the fighting hurt the civilians’ livelihood, threatened their safety and took a toll on them psychologically.
The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao government said it has enough funds to provide for the needs of the evacuees.

‘Child soldiers no place in civilized society’

The AFP again condemned the BIFF’s alleged use of child soldiers. The military said it recovered photos in a BIFF camp showing the rebel group used child soldiers.

The Army's 6th Infantry Division said at least 3 child rebel soldiers aged 15 to 16 were killed in the clashes in Maguindanao.

“The use of child soldiers to perpetuate violence has no place in a civilized society. Children are a zone of peace and by putting them in the forefront of armed conflict their rights are violated,” Zagala said.

BIFF Spokesman Abu Misry Mama though has denied that the BIFF used child soldiers, accusing the military of planting or staging evidence against them.

"Those kids who died were not used as soldiers. They were civilians, killed by (military) airstrikes or by their 105 mm howitzers," he said.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/49509-military-ends-offensive-vs-biff

CPP: Video - Saturnino

Posted to the CPP Website (Feb 1): Video: Saturnino



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f65EcutNILg

On December 4, the residents of Saturnino, a farflung barrio in Compostela Valley gathered to celebrate their community's recovery from the devastation wrought by typhoon Pablo. With the Red fighters, the Ang Bayan staff and a number of regional Party cadres, Saturnino's residents hailed the victories achieved by their village with the help of the Party and the New People's Army this past year. The celebration was led by the local Party branch.

Saturnino was severely devastated by the fury of typhoon Pablo. All houses and structures in the community were levelled, including the schoolbuilding. The surrounding forest was denuded, and the residents' newly planted corn and vegetable crops were ruined. Nobody died in Saturnino but the residents knew that many were killed in the neighboring villages that form part of a vast mining area. The reactionary government concealed the real number of deaths in these barrios.

The residents of Saturnino firmed up their resolve to remain in the village despite a campaign by the reactionary state to evict them from the area in the guise of "relocation." The residents knew that such relocation was merely a pretext to allow big mining and logging companies to freely make use of the land and forest in their community. They decided to collectively build their houses and eventually, their schoolbuilding. They built a water system to provide safe and potable water for their school and several clusters of houses. In preparation for another disaster, they also built temporary shelters or "bunkers."

Despite its limited resources, the Regional Party Committee in Southern Mindanao helped in the community's initial rehabilitation by providing materials and food subsidies for the residents who worked full-time to build houses and public facilities.

The Saturnino residents count among their major victories the vast improvements in the productivity of both their individual and communal farms. They now have bigger harvests compared to the period before the storm hit. Despite the difficulty of opening a farm in an area that was strewn with huge trees that had been felled by the typhoon, the residents persevered in clearing more than 30 hectares of land in order to plant rice and corn.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/

CPP/NPA: Dapat kundenahin at labanan ng mamamayang Masbatenyo ang mapanlinlang na sabwatan ng Filminera Mining Corporation–9th ID Philippine Army–PNP Masbate upang higit pang dambungin ang mga yamang mineral ng probinsya

Posted to the CPP Website (Feb 2): Dapat kundenahin at labanan ng mamamayang Masbatenyo ang mapanlinlang na sabwatan ng Filminera Mining Corporation–9th ID Philippine Army–PNP Masbate upang higit pang dambungin ang mga yamang mineral ng probinsya (The Masbatenyo people should condemn and fight against the fraudulent conspiracy of the Filminera Mining Corporation, 9th ID Philippine Army, and the PNP Masbate to further plunder the mineral resources of the province)

Luz del Mar
Spokesperson
NPA Masbate Provincial Operations Command (Jose Rapsing Command)

 

Pilit na nagbibihis-banal ang mga kaaway ng mamamayan sa kanilang pakanang magsagawa ng misa ang mga sundalong pari ng 9th ID Philippine Army sa mga barangay. Kakumbina ng mga nasabing ilulunsad na misa ang armadong pagsalakay ng mga militar at pulis sa mga taumbaryo, na ang ultimong layunin ay ang hawanin ang daan para sa higit pang pagkulimbat ng Filminera Mining Corporation sa yamang mineral ng Masbate na dapat sana ay para sa pakinabang ng mamamayan. Binabalak ng sabwatang Filminera Mining Corporation–9th ID Philippine Army–PNP Masbate na isagawa ang mga misa panimula sa ikatlong distrito, na sa kalaunan ay sasaklaw na sa natitira pang mga bahagi ng probinsya.
Tatangkain ng mga isasagawang misa sa mga baryo na pagmukhaing mababait at maka-Diyos ang mga sundalo’t pulis, at pagtakpan ang ginawang mala-halimaw na pagwasak ng Filminera Mining Corporation sa mahigit walong libong ektarya ng kalupaan sa bayan ng Aroroy. Ngunit sa katunayan, sa likod ng maskara ng kabanalan ay ang pag-agaw sa lupa ng mga magsasaka na kanilang napagtagumpayan sa matagal na panahong pagbuwis ng pawis at dugo.
Ito ang mukha ng Oplan Bayanihan sa Masbate. Ang panlilinlang ay isasakatuparan ng mga sundalong pari, at ang armadong pagsalakay naman ay isasagawa ng mga Division Recon Coy at mga pwersang panagupa ng PNP. Samantala, tuloy-tuloy naman ang paniniktik laban sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan ng mamamayan. Gagamitin din ang iba pang ahensya ng pamahalaan, katulad ng DepEd at mga LGU, upang katulungin sa pagkuha ng impormasyon laban sa mamamayang lumalaban at pagpapakalat ng mga kasinungalingan. Katulad ng intensyon sa buong bansa, layunin ng Oplan Bayanihan na hadlangan ang pag-abante ng pagrerebolusyon ng mamamayan, at bigyang daan ang buwelong pagsasamantala ng malalaking kapitalista.
Nanganganib kung gayon ang buhay at kabuhayan ng mamamayan. Nananawagan ang Jose Rapsing Command sa mamamayang Masbatenyo na labanan ang napipintong muling pagsalakay ng Filminera Mining Corporation sa tulong ng AFP at PNP. Huwag nating hayaang muling agawin at wasakin ang ating mga kalupaan, kamkamin ang ating yamang mineral, lasunin ang ating mga tubig, at patayin ang ating yamang dagat. Huwag tayong pumayag na muling supilin ang ating mga karapatan sa buhay at kabuhayan, at paslangin ang ating mga kapamilya at kaibigan. Labanan din natin ang panunuhol at mga pangako ng pekeng pag-unlad.
Nananawagan din ang Jose Rapsing Command sa mga upisyal ng pamprubinsyang gubyerno, mula sa gobernadora hanggang sa mga barangay kapitan, na manindigan sa panig ng mamamayan at huwag pahintulutan ang ibayo pang pananalasa ng Filminera Mining Corporation. Gayundin, hinihikayat namin ang mga taong-Simbahan, mga propesyunal, at yaong mabubuting alagad ng masmidya, na itakwil ang tusong paggamit ng AFP-PNP sa mga misa upang isulong ang mapagsamantalang interes ng Filminera Mining Corporation.
Hindi kailanman mapagmumukhang-banal ng mga isasagawang misa ang kabuktutan ng Filminera Mining Corporation at ng mga tagapagtanggol nitong AFP-PNP. At ang pag-unlad ng probinsya ay hindi makakamit sa pandarambong at militarisasyon. Sa kabilang banda, tanging sa pagtataguyod sa demokratikong rebolusyong bayan maitatayo ang isang tunay na lipunang maunlad at makatarungan, at ang mamamayan ang siyang tunay na nagtatamasa sa yaman ng bansa.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140202_dapat-kundenahin-at-labanan-ng-mamamayang-masbatenyo-ang-mapanlinlang-na-sabwatan-ng-filminera-mining-corporation-9th-id-philippine-army-pnp-masbate-upang-higit-pang-dambungin-ang-mga-yamang-mineral-ng-probinsya

5 injured in grenade attack on Catholic church in Zamboanga City

From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Feb 2): 5 injured in grenade attack on Catholic church in Zamboanga City



A police line outside the San Labrador Church in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner Photo - E. Dumabo)

Five people were injured in a grenade attack Sunday on a Catholic church in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines, police said.

Police said most of the victims were elderly villagers who were having a meeting at the San Isidro Labrador Church. The motive of the attack, which occurred in the village called Talon-Talon, is still unknown, but police said two motorcycle men was behind the blast.

The grenade, lobbed by one of the men, exploded at the door step of the old church. The attackers fled after the explosion.

No individual or group claimed responsibility for the attack and police have launched an investigation into the explosion. The victims, who are all residents of the area, were rushed to hospital and their conditions remain unknown.

Just recently, the house of a village chieftain Mohammad Nur Attang in Zamboanga City was also bombed by men riding tandem on a motorcycle in the neighboring village of Mampang, injuring three people.

Police said the Abu Sayyaf was believed behind the blast.

In November 2009, the church was also bombed, although there were no reports of casualties, but the blast damaged its concrete wall. A letter was also left by the assailant and warned that there will be more attacks in Zamboanga.

Also in 2008, the Immaculate Conception Metro Cathedral in downtown Zamboanga was also bombed, minutes after an explosion in the front of the Vienna Kaffe Haus along Veterans Avenue. A powerful bomb explosion also injured at least 20 people in Zamboanga City in August 2007. The bomb was planted at a public square in downtown Zamboanga.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2014/02/5-injured-in-grenade-attack-on-catholic.html