From the Sun Star-Bacolod (Dec 23): Abducted RPA member's kin wish for his release
THE family of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army (RPA) member abducted by the New People's Army (NPA) in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, almost two weeks ago are appealing to his abductors to release him in the spirit of Christmas.
Mildred Bagnoran, wife of Cirilo Bagnoran, who met with Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. at the Capitol on Tuesday, said they have no communication with her husband, and have no idea of his whereabouts.
Bagnoran was abducted on December 10 at Hda. Jamandre, Barangay Robles, when NPA rebels raided the cock farm of RPA leader Rene Europa where he worked as his helper.
Bagnoran's wife said that she was also around when the NPA ransacked the farm and that the rebels demanded that they only wanted to get the firearms from Europa.
About 50 rebels conducted the raid and most of them spoke Cebuano, she said.
Bagnoran's wife said they have asked assistance from the Catholic Church and the Commission on Human Rights, and they are hoping for the help of the governor for the release of her husband.
She said that all their six children are in school and they only rely on her husband for their livelihood.
He was sick and limping, and was just released from the hospital when he was abducted, she added.
"I am appealing to the NPA to release my husband so that we could be together this Christmas and New Year," she said.
Marañon also appealed to the NPA to release Bagnoran so that he can return to his family for Christmas.
"Please release him before Christmas. It would be a good Christmas gift if he can return to his family sooner," the governor said, adding that, "whatever his faults are, we will talk about it, if he has to make amends."
The NPA's Leonardo Panaligan Command had announced that it will soon release Bagnoran.
Both Colonel Francisco Delfin, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, and Senior Superintendent Samuel Nacion, officer-in-charge of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, said they have no information yet regarding the possible release of Bagnoran.
Authorities have yet to determine the whereabouts of the abducted RPA member.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/local-news/2015/12/23/abducted-rpa-members-kin-wish-his-release-448503
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Lahad Datu witness: I only want to see my husband
From Malaysiakini/Bernama (Dec 23): Lahad Datu witness: I only want to see my husband
A protected witness in the Lahad Datu intrusion trial told the High Court judge hearing the case that she wanted to look at her husband, an accused in the trial.
When delivering his ruling on whether the woman should be given protection or testify in open court, Justice Stephen Chung said the witness did not mind testifying without being seen by her husband Amir Bahar Hushin Kiram.
"She said it was fine if her husband cannot see her as long as she is able to see him through video link," said Chung.
The judge said that in an interview with her in August last year, the woman said she was not afraid to testify in open court as she did not know the other 29 individuals being tried with her husband in the case.
"(But) she said that a month ago, the prosecution showed her seven photographs (of the accused persons) and upon seeing two of the photographs, she indicated to the prosecution that she did not wish to testify in open court.
"From what she told me, she is afraid of these two accused," he said after interviewing her for the second time, which was conducted this afternoon.
Amir Bahar appeared to attentively look at the judge as he delivered his ruling in which he decided the woman qualified to testify as a protected witness.
The witness told the court that Amir Bahar was a member of the Sulu sultanate's Royal Security Force (RSF) where he was appointed by his father Sultan Esmail Kiram as chief of staff.
However, she said, there was conflict in the RSF because the sultanate's crown prince Agimuddin Kiram wanted somebody else, known to her as General Musa, to be the army's chief of staff.
To a question by deputy public prosecutor Jamil Aripin, the witness said the conflict divided the RSF into two groups.
"One group was led by Sultan Esmail and the other by Agimuddin," she said through a court interpreter who wore earphones to follow the witness's testimony in the Suluk language.
The witness told the court that Sultan Esmail and her husband took a peaceful approach in claiming Sabah from Malaysia by meeting with Malaysian leaders in the state.
On Agimuddin's approach, she said he also wanted to claim Sabah, but "I don't know in what way."
The witness, who came to Sabah legally with her husband in September 2012 at the invitation of friends, recalled her husband being asked to act as a negotiator on behalf of the Malaysian government in the intrusion.
She said Amir Bahar went to negotiate with Agimuddin in Kampung Tanduo on Feb 16, 2013.
In the dock are 27 Filipinos and three local residents who are facing one to multiple charges of being members of a terrorist group and waging war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
They are also alleged to have recruited members for a terrorist group or willfully harboured individuals they knew to be members of a terrorist group.
The offences were allegedly committed between Feb 12 and April 10, 2013.
The hearing, before Justice Chung at the Sabah Prisons Department, continues tomorrow.
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/324285
A protected witness in the Lahad Datu intrusion trial told the High Court judge hearing the case that she wanted to look at her husband, an accused in the trial.
When delivering his ruling on whether the woman should be given protection or testify in open court, Justice Stephen Chung said the witness did not mind testifying without being seen by her husband Amir Bahar Hushin Kiram.
"She said it was fine if her husband cannot see her as long as she is able to see him through video link," said Chung.
The judge said that in an interview with her in August last year, the woman said she was not afraid to testify in open court as she did not know the other 29 individuals being tried with her husband in the case.
"(But) she said that a month ago, the prosecution showed her seven photographs (of the accused persons) and upon seeing two of the photographs, she indicated to the prosecution that she did not wish to testify in open court.
"From what she told me, she is afraid of these two accused," he said after interviewing her for the second time, which was conducted this afternoon.
Amir Bahar appeared to attentively look at the judge as he delivered his ruling in which he decided the woman qualified to testify as a protected witness.
The witness told the court that Amir Bahar was a member of the Sulu sultanate's Royal Security Force (RSF) where he was appointed by his father Sultan Esmail Kiram as chief of staff.
However, she said, there was conflict in the RSF because the sultanate's crown prince Agimuddin Kiram wanted somebody else, known to her as General Musa, to be the army's chief of staff.
To a question by deputy public prosecutor Jamil Aripin, the witness said the conflict divided the RSF into two groups.
"One group was led by Sultan Esmail and the other by Agimuddin," she said through a court interpreter who wore earphones to follow the witness's testimony in the Suluk language.
The witness told the court that Sultan Esmail and her husband took a peaceful approach in claiming Sabah from Malaysia by meeting with Malaysian leaders in the state.
On Agimuddin's approach, she said he also wanted to claim Sabah, but "I don't know in what way."
The witness, who came to Sabah legally with her husband in September 2012 at the invitation of friends, recalled her husband being asked to act as a negotiator on behalf of the Malaysian government in the intrusion.
She said Amir Bahar went to negotiate with Agimuddin in Kampung Tanduo on Feb 16, 2013.
In the dock are 27 Filipinos and three local residents who are facing one to multiple charges of being members of a terrorist group and waging war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
They are also alleged to have recruited members for a terrorist group or willfully harboured individuals they knew to be members of a terrorist group.
The offences were allegedly committed between Feb 12 and April 10, 2013.
The hearing, before Justice Chung at the Sabah Prisons Department, continues tomorrow.
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/324285
Palace denies jihadist camps
From The Standard (Dec 23): Palace denies jihadist camps
EVEN after the military overran a jihadist training camp in Basilan last week and the London tabloid Daily Mail showed a propaganda video of extremists training,
Malacañang insisted on Tuesday that there are no jihadist training camps in Mindanao.
“[The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria] has no training camps in the Philippines,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. told Palace reporters.
“What ISIS-linked personalities have done is to try to link-up with local jihadist/terrorist groups,” Coloma said. “Some of these ISIS-linked personalities, who are really few in number, have also sought refuge in the base areas of these local terrorist groups.”
The Palace issued the denial after the Daily Mail published pictures from a propaganda video boasting of a training camp, purportedly in the Philippines, showing masked men training under the black flag similar to that of ISIS.
But the military said it is not dismissing any information that pertains to terrorism in the Philippines, although Armed Forces spokesman Colonel Restituto Padilla said Tuesday they have no solid confirmation that the bases were indeed in the Philippines or elsewhere.
“We take all video materials that have come out in the Internet seriously,” Padilla said. “Not one of them has been put aside and all of them are serious things that bear on our security. That’s why we need to validate and authenticate them very carefully.”
“The video material has been brought to our attention and we already had a copy of it and submitted this for validation and authentication to cyber forensics,” Padilla said.
Padilla admitted that such images are no lonegr new to the military since they have been receiving such information for several months already.
Padilla said the likely motive of the video is to entice recruits through the social media. “You know, social media now is the easiest way by Islamic terrorists to inspire and recruit,” he said.
But a counter-terrorism expert urged authorities to strengthen its defenses against possible terrorist threats, especially after the military killed an Indonesian and a Malaysian who are known to be jihadists who have been hiding out with local extremists.
The security expert, who asked not to be identified, said the killing of Indonesian bomb maker Sucipto Ibrahim Ali in Sultan Kudarat last November and Malaysian extremist Mohammad Hussien, alias Abu Anas, in Basilan last week is proof of jihadists’ growing presence in the country.
Sucipto and Abu Anas are believed to be part of a group of 10 foreign jihadists with links to the Islamic State who are in the country for still unknown reasons.
The security expert warned against possible revenge attacks from group which has reportedly dispatched seven militants from Sulu to Metro Manila even before the Asia Pacific Economic Forum in Manila last month.
“The killing of two terrorists and the emergence of the propaganda video manifests partial confirmation of IS training camps in the country,” the source said.
http://thestandard.com.ph/news/-main-stories/top-stories/195103/palace-denies-jihadist-camps-.html
EVEN after the military overran a jihadist training camp in Basilan last week and the London tabloid Daily Mail showed a propaganda video of extremists training,
Malacañang insisted on Tuesday that there are no jihadist training camps in Mindanao.
“[The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria] has no training camps in the Philippines,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. told Palace reporters.
“What ISIS-linked personalities have done is to try to link-up with local jihadist/terrorist groups,” Coloma said. “Some of these ISIS-linked personalities, who are really few in number, have also sought refuge in the base areas of these local terrorist groups.”
The Palace issued the denial after the Daily Mail published pictures from a propaganda video boasting of a training camp, purportedly in the Philippines, showing masked men training under the black flag similar to that of ISIS.
But the military said it is not dismissing any information that pertains to terrorism in the Philippines, although Armed Forces spokesman Colonel Restituto Padilla said Tuesday they have no solid confirmation that the bases were indeed in the Philippines or elsewhere.
“We take all video materials that have come out in the Internet seriously,” Padilla said. “Not one of them has been put aside and all of them are serious things that bear on our security. That’s why we need to validate and authenticate them very carefully.”
“The video material has been brought to our attention and we already had a copy of it and submitted this for validation and authentication to cyber forensics,” Padilla said.
Padilla admitted that such images are no lonegr new to the military since they have been receiving such information for several months already.
Padilla said the likely motive of the video is to entice recruits through the social media. “You know, social media now is the easiest way by Islamic terrorists to inspire and recruit,” he said.
But a counter-terrorism expert urged authorities to strengthen its defenses against possible terrorist threats, especially after the military killed an Indonesian and a Malaysian who are known to be jihadists who have been hiding out with local extremists.
The security expert, who asked not to be identified, said the killing of Indonesian bomb maker Sucipto Ibrahim Ali in Sultan Kudarat last November and Malaysian extremist Mohammad Hussien, alias Abu Anas, in Basilan last week is proof of jihadists’ growing presence in the country.
Sucipto and Abu Anas are believed to be part of a group of 10 foreign jihadists with links to the Islamic State who are in the country for still unknown reasons.
The security expert warned against possible revenge attacks from group which has reportedly dispatched seven militants from Sulu to Metro Manila even before the Asia Pacific Economic Forum in Manila last month.
“The killing of two terrorists and the emergence of the propaganda video manifests partial confirmation of IS training camps in the country,” the source said.
http://thestandard.com.ph/news/-main-stories/top-stories/195103/palace-denies-jihadist-camps-.html
Head and body found in Sulu belonged to Malaysian kidnap victim – PNP, AFP
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 22): Head and body found in Sulu belonged to Malaysian kidnap victim – PNP, AFP
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Military and police officials here on Tuesday confirmed that the severed head and body separately recovered in Sulu the past weeks belonged to Malaysian hostage Bernard Then Ted Fen.
Chief Supt. Noel Lazarus Vargas, chief of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations (DIPO) in Western Mindanao, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that genetic identification of the head and the cadaver had resulted in a positive match.
“We got the report that DNA testing matched. These belonged to Malaysian Bernard Then who was kidnapped. It is now ok to send the body to his family in Malaysia, or they can secure the body from here,” Vargas said.
Major General Mayorlago dela Cruz, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, earlier told the Inquirer that the DNA samples taken from the head and the body matched, which meant that these belonged to one person.
“Hopefully the cadaver can now be returned to the family. We are just waiting for the documents,” Dela Cruz added.
On December 14, soldiers from the 501st Infantry Brigade dug a headless body from a shallow grave in Sitio Lungon-lungon in Barangay Lanao Dakula in Parang, Sulu.
The headless body was immediately brought to the KHTB Trauma Hospital in Sulu for safekeeping.
Meanwhile, the head – which was found in November – had been under military custody.
Then was abducted by Abu Sayyaf gunmen together with restaurant owner Thien Nyuk Fun from Sandakan, Malaysia onMay 14.
On November 17, the Abu Sayyaf beheaded him after his family failed to deliver the ransom demand, which was reduced to P10 million from the original amount of P30 million.
It was learned that the Abu Sayyaf faction, headed by an Al-Habsi had custody of Then until he was killed.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/134083/head-and-body-found-in-sulu-belonged-to-malaysian-kidnap-victim-pnp-afp
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Military and police officials here on Tuesday confirmed that the severed head and body separately recovered in Sulu the past weeks belonged to Malaysian hostage Bernard Then Ted Fen.
Chief Supt. Noel Lazarus Vargas, chief of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations (DIPO) in Western Mindanao, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that genetic identification of the head and the cadaver had resulted in a positive match.
“We got the report that DNA testing matched. These belonged to Malaysian Bernard Then who was kidnapped. It is now ok to send the body to his family in Malaysia, or they can secure the body from here,” Vargas said.
Major General Mayorlago dela Cruz, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, earlier told the Inquirer that the DNA samples taken from the head and the body matched, which meant that these belonged to one person.
“Hopefully the cadaver can now be returned to the family. We are just waiting for the documents,” Dela Cruz added.
On December 14, soldiers from the 501st Infantry Brigade dug a headless body from a shallow grave in Sitio Lungon-lungon in Barangay Lanao Dakula in Parang, Sulu.
The headless body was immediately brought to the KHTB Trauma Hospital in Sulu for safekeeping.
Meanwhile, the head – which was found in November – had been under military custody.
Then was abducted by Abu Sayyaf gunmen together with restaurant owner Thien Nyuk Fun from Sandakan, Malaysia onMay 14.
On November 17, the Abu Sayyaf beheaded him after his family failed to deliver the ransom demand, which was reduced to P10 million from the original amount of P30 million.
It was learned that the Abu Sayyaf faction, headed by an Al-Habsi had custody of Then until he was killed.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/134083/head-and-body-found-in-sulu-belonged-to-malaysian-kidnap-victim-pnp-afp
Village in Al Barka, Basilan, finally freed from Abu Sayyaf — military
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 22): Village in Al Barka, Basilan, finally freed from Abu Sayyaf — military
AL BARKA, Basilan, Philippines — The week-long gun battle here that started on Sunday last week left over two dozen people killed – three of them soldiers – and triggered the mass evacuation of some 2,000 families from various villages.
But military and civilian officials said the aftermath of the massive military operation against the Abu Sayyaf resulted in the liberation of at least one village — Barangay Macalang — from the grip of the bandit group.
A similarly massive operation has also been launched in Sulu, where the bandit group has been known to operate.
Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), while becoming emotional over the displacements and the destruction of civilian properties, sought for understanding from those who fled, particularly from the village of Macalang.
What is important is the village is now free of Abu Sayyaf bandits and that no civilian had been killed or hurt in the operation, according to Hataman.
“I became so emotional because we have so many people whose houses were destroyed by (artillery) fire but I assure them that the national – and even the regional government – will rehabilitate whatever was destroyed,” Hataman said.
Al Barka Mayor Darussalam Ladjid said about 9,000 people fled the villages of Dinapa, Linuan, Kailih, Macalang and Ginanta.
Most of the houses in Macalang were destroyed by air and ground assault.
“We are fortunate because no one from the civilian side got hurt, displacement yes. Some are temporarily housed in school, multipurpose halls and the rest with their relatives and friends,” Ladjid said.
Maj. Gen. Gerardo Barrientos, commander of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division, said of the death toll, 25 were Abu Sayyaf bandits. The 26th slain enemy, he said, was Malaysian jihadist, Mohammad Hussein Najib.
Barrientos admitted it took them more than a week to secure Macalang from the control of the Abu Sayyaf but it was worth it, despite the three deaths among the military operatives and the wounding of 26 others.
The week-long military operation, Barrientos said, ended with the seizure of an Abu Sayyaf encampment that could accommodate 250 persons. The encampment, he said, had more or less 28 structures, including 10 dug-in bunkers measuring 5x6x7 feet, which could accommodate up to 15 persons each.
These were all located in Sitio Bohe Libi and Sitio Bohe Buug, he said.
To ensure that the areas would not fall anew into the hands of the Abu Sayyaf, Hataman said the government has been working with the liberated communities and the Joint Ceasefire Monitoring Post (JCMP) to be manned by local government representatives, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and members of the International Monitoring Team.
Brig. Gen. Glenn Macasero, chair of the government ceasefire committee, expressed hope the joint endeavor could “come up with mechanism that can safeguard and make the places hostile to the Abu Sayyaf Group.”
Hadji Dan Asnawi, commander of the 114th Base Command of the MILF here, described the Abu Sayyaf as a virus that spreads and destroy good relationship between the government and the MILF.
In Sulu, at least five Abu Sayyaf gunmen were killed on Tuesday as the military continued its combat operation there.
Maj. Gen. Mayoralgo dela Cruz, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that Marine soldiers under Lt. Col. Wilfredo Manalang “hit” a large group of some 40 bandits in Patikul town.
Dela Cruz said no soldier was harmed in the encounter that took place in Barangay Liang around 8:10 a.m.
Dela Cruz said only one dead body belonging to a still unidentified bandit had been recovered, along with seven assault rifles of various caliber, ammunition, two motorbikes and other items.
“This is a continuing operation aimed at the defeat of the Abu Sayyaf and also to safely rescue all their kidnap victims,” he said. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/749586/village-in-al-barka-basilan-finally-freed-from-abu-sayyaf-military
AL BARKA, Basilan, Philippines — The week-long gun battle here that started on Sunday last week left over two dozen people killed – three of them soldiers – and triggered the mass evacuation of some 2,000 families from various villages.
But military and civilian officials said the aftermath of the massive military operation against the Abu Sayyaf resulted in the liberation of at least one village — Barangay Macalang — from the grip of the bandit group.
A similarly massive operation has also been launched in Sulu, where the bandit group has been known to operate.
Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), while becoming emotional over the displacements and the destruction of civilian properties, sought for understanding from those who fled, particularly from the village of Macalang.
What is important is the village is now free of Abu Sayyaf bandits and that no civilian had been killed or hurt in the operation, according to Hataman.
“I became so emotional because we have so many people whose houses were destroyed by (artillery) fire but I assure them that the national – and even the regional government – will rehabilitate whatever was destroyed,” Hataman said.
Al Barka Mayor Darussalam Ladjid said about 9,000 people fled the villages of Dinapa, Linuan, Kailih, Macalang and Ginanta.
Most of the houses in Macalang were destroyed by air and ground assault.
“We are fortunate because no one from the civilian side got hurt, displacement yes. Some are temporarily housed in school, multipurpose halls and the rest with their relatives and friends,” Ladjid said.
Maj. Gen. Gerardo Barrientos, commander of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division, said of the death toll, 25 were Abu Sayyaf bandits. The 26th slain enemy, he said, was Malaysian jihadist, Mohammad Hussein Najib.
Barrientos admitted it took them more than a week to secure Macalang from the control of the Abu Sayyaf but it was worth it, despite the three deaths among the military operatives and the wounding of 26 others.
The week-long military operation, Barrientos said, ended with the seizure of an Abu Sayyaf encampment that could accommodate 250 persons. The encampment, he said, had more or less 28 structures, including 10 dug-in bunkers measuring 5x6x7 feet, which could accommodate up to 15 persons each.
These were all located in Sitio Bohe Libi and Sitio Bohe Buug, he said.
To ensure that the areas would not fall anew into the hands of the Abu Sayyaf, Hataman said the government has been working with the liberated communities and the Joint Ceasefire Monitoring Post (JCMP) to be manned by local government representatives, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and members of the International Monitoring Team.
Brig. Gen. Glenn Macasero, chair of the government ceasefire committee, expressed hope the joint endeavor could “come up with mechanism that can safeguard and make the places hostile to the Abu Sayyaf Group.”
Hadji Dan Asnawi, commander of the 114th Base Command of the MILF here, described the Abu Sayyaf as a virus that spreads and destroy good relationship between the government and the MILF.
In Sulu, at least five Abu Sayyaf gunmen were killed on Tuesday as the military continued its combat operation there.
Maj. Gen. Mayoralgo dela Cruz, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that Marine soldiers under Lt. Col. Wilfredo Manalang “hit” a large group of some 40 bandits in Patikul town.
Dela Cruz said no soldier was harmed in the encounter that took place in Barangay Liang around 8:10 a.m.
Dela Cruz said only one dead body belonging to a still unidentified bandit had been recovered, along with seven assault rifles of various caliber, ammunition, two motorbikes and other items.
“This is a continuing operation aimed at the defeat of the Abu Sayyaf and also to safely rescue all their kidnap victims,” he said. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/749586/village-in-al-barka-basilan-finally-freed-from-abu-sayyaf-military
Philippines 'turning into ISIS breeding ground'
From the Straits Times (Dec 23): Philippines 'turning into ISIS breeding ground'
The Philippines is becoming a breeding ground for Islamic fighters seeking to join the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), according to recent intelligence reports.
A three-minute video posted on Sunday showed a group of men, clad mostly in black and with the ISIS flag as the background, coaxing Muslims to travel to Syria and fight for ISIS.
A spokesman said they were members of Ansar Khalifa Philippines, a group believed to be sheltering at least three South-east Asian extremists who have returned after fighting with ISIS in Syria.
The video also showed footage of what appeared to be a training camp in the middle of a jungle somewhere on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao.
Dozens of men carrying assault rifles and grenade launchers could be seen scaling 6m walls, swinging across monkey bars and crawling on dirt roads beneath barbed wires, as men fired live rounds above their heads.
"If you can, my brother, plant explosives in their vehicles and homes, or poison their water and food sources," he said. "Kill them, kill them all wherever they may be: Luzon, Visayas or Mindanao."
Reacting to the video, the Philippines' National Security Adviser Cesar Garcia dismissed the purported training camps as nothing more than propaganda. "ISIS has no training camps in the Philippines," he said.
His response reiterates the military's view that ISIS' presence in the Philippines "is very remote, very small".
But for regional security expert Richard Javad Heydarian of De La Salle University, the Philippines "should stop downplaying and adopting a dismissive attitude towards the potential expansion of ISIS in Mindanao".
There has been growing evidence that ISIS already has deep roots among several militant groups in Mindanao. Last week, the military confirmed that Malaysian sundry goods shop owner Mohammed Najib Husen was among 26 Abu Sayyaf bandits killed in operations launched by the military in Basilan province, 1,800km south of Manila. He was among three high-value Malaysian targets who fled to the Philippines to train with the Abu Sayyaf and recruit fighters for ISIS.
Last month, security officials reported killing eight Islamic militants, including Indonesian Ibrahim Alih, who also went by the name Abdul Fatah, linked to a suicide attack on the Australian Embassy in Jakarta in 2004.
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/philippines-turning-into-isis-breeding-ground
The Philippines is becoming a breeding ground for Islamic fighters seeking to join the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), according to recent intelligence reports.
A three-minute video posted on Sunday showed a group of men, clad mostly in black and with the ISIS flag as the background, coaxing Muslims to travel to Syria and fight for ISIS.
A spokesman said they were members of Ansar Khalifa Philippines, a group believed to be sheltering at least three South-east Asian extremists who have returned after fighting with ISIS in Syria.
The video also showed footage of what appeared to be a training camp in the middle of a jungle somewhere on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao.
Dozens of men carrying assault rifles and grenade launchers could be seen scaling 6m walls, swinging across monkey bars and crawling on dirt roads beneath barbed wires, as men fired live rounds above their heads.
The group's spokesman urged Muslims to wage war on "infidels" who he said had been desecrating Islam by attacking Muslim traditions, such as growing beards and wearing hijabs and niqabs.
Reacting to the video, the Philippines' National Security Adviser Cesar Garcia dismissed the purported training camps as nothing more than propaganda. "ISIS has no training camps in the Philippines," he said.
His response reiterates the military's view that ISIS' presence in the Philippines "is very remote, very small".
But for regional security expert Richard Javad Heydarian of De La Salle University, the Philippines "should stop downplaying and adopting a dismissive attitude towards the potential expansion of ISIS in Mindanao".
There has been growing evidence that ISIS already has deep roots among several militant groups in Mindanao. Last week, the military confirmed that Malaysian sundry goods shop owner Mohammed Najib Husen was among 26 Abu Sayyaf bandits killed in operations launched by the military in Basilan province, 1,800km south of Manila. He was among three high-value Malaysian targets who fled to the Philippines to train with the Abu Sayyaf and recruit fighters for ISIS.
Last month, security officials reported killing eight Islamic militants, including Indonesian Ibrahim Alih, who also went by the name Abdul Fatah, linked to a suicide attack on the Australian Embassy in Jakarta in 2004.
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/philippines-turning-into-isis-breeding-ground
Mindanao brigade has new commander, outgoing chief lauds stakeholders' cooperation in bringing peace
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 22): Mindanao brigade has new commander, outgoing chief lauds stakeholders' cooperation in bringing peace
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=840477
A veteran Army colonel who spearheaded his brigade to
various successful operations against lawless elements in the provinces of
Maguindanao, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat
has relinquished his position to a younger officer Tuesday.
Colonel Melquiades Feliciano, 601st brigade commander,
turned over the leadership of the Army unit to Colonel Cirilito Sobejana in
simple ceremonies held in Barangay Kalandagan, Tacurong City
Melquiades steered his unit to become "Best Brigade of
6th Infantry Division" for two consecutive years from 2014 and 2015.
Major Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, 6th Infantry
"Kampilan" Division commander, presided over the turnover ceremonies
witnessed by local officials and representatives from peoples organizations.
"Colonel Feliciano contributed both in the peace and
development efforts of the government and in the campaign against lawlessness
and terrorism in his area of assignment," Panganiban said.
Feliciano served the Brigade for one year and nine months
from February 28, 2014 until his relief.
"I would like to expressed gratitude to the local
government officials and all the officers and men of the 601st brigade who
contributed much in our desire for peace," Feliciano said in Filipino.
"Without you, we could not have reached this far
-establishing peace in our area of operation and preventing the commission of
lawlessness," he added.
In his assumption speech, Sobejana assured his predecessor
he will continue the best practices the brigade has started particularly the
collaboration and cooperation with the stakeholders in promoting peace,
security, and development in Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat.
Sobejana assumed the position as the 23rd Commander of 601st
Infantry Brigade.
Prior to his designation as the brigade commander, he was
the former Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, G3 of the Philippine Army.
Sobejena belonged to PMA “Hinirang” Class of 1987.
Feliciano is temporarily assigned at 6th ID headquarters in Camp Siongco
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=840477
PNP-12 raises security alert in connection with CPP anniversary
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 23): PNP-12 raises security alert in connection with CPP anniversary
The Police Regional Office (PRO) 12 has raised the security
alert in parts of the region in connection with the Communist Party of the Philippines
Supt. Rolly Octavio, chief of PRO-12's Regional Public Safety
Battalion, said Wednesday all police units in the region are currently on full
alert as they brace for possible “shows of force” by the New People's Army
(NPA), the CPP's armed wing.
He said such move is based on a directive issued by Region
12 police director, Chief Supt. Manolo Labador.
Octavio said they are not taking any chances as to the
area's security despite the holiday ceasefire declared by the CPP last week.
“Based on previous experiences, they (NPA) initiate violent
incidents during their anniversary,” he said in a radio interview.
The CPP leadership earlier said the ceasefire, which started
today and will continue until Jan. 3, is in “solidarity with the Filipino
people’s traditional celebrations of Christmas and New Year holidays.”
The declaration is also intended to “enable the
revolutionary forces to carry out mass assemblies and public demonstrations” to
mark its 47th anniversary.
Octavio said the ceasefire declaration is a unilateral move
of the CPP-NPA and the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines
“There were no major engagements by our units with the NPA
these past weeks but their criminal activities have continued,” he said.
The official specifically cited the attack staged by NPA
rebels two weeks ago on a construction firm working on a road widening project
in Lake Sebu ,
South Cotabato and the burning last week of a passenger jeepney in the
outskirts of Koronadal
City
Owing to this, he said their intensified security operations
are currently ongoing, especially in identified vulnerable areas in the region.
Also known as Soccsksargen, Region 12 is composed of the
provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North
Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Kidapawan,
Tacurong and Cotabato.
Octavio said the security operations of local police
stations are being supported by personnel under the Provincial Public Safety
and City Public Safety companies.
He said a team under the Regional Special Action Force is
currently on standby for possible augmentation.
“We're on full operations and maximizing all our resources
to avert possible untoward incidents during the holidays,” he added.
Militiaman, plantation supervisor die in Basilan bomb explosion
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 23): Militiaman, plantation supervisor die in Basilan bomb explosion
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=840763
The authorities are conducting thorough investigation aimed
to unmask the culprits behind the bomb explosion that killed two people,
including a militiaman, in the nearby Sumisip town.
Lt. Col. Joel Laso, Marine Battalion Landing Team-11
(MBLT-11) commander, disclosed the incident took place around 7:45 a.m. Tuesday
at a rubber plantation in Barangay Mangal, Sumisip.
Laso identified the fatalities as Boy Balal, and a certain
Undah, a member of the militia force.
Balal is a supervisor of the Mangal Agrarian Reform
Beneficiaries Development Cooperative (Marbedco) that owns the rubber
plantation.
Laso said the victims were conducting clearing works at the
rubber plantation when Undah accidentally tripped on an improvised bomb
fashioned out as a landmine.
He said Undah died instantly while Balal expired hours
later.
He said that fragments of the explosive were taken from the
blast site for analysis in a bid to establish the group behind the incident.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=840763
“It’s about strengthening procedures” -- OPAPP on COA Report
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 22): “It’s about strengthening procedures” -- OPAPP on COA Report
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=840535
“Actually, it is misleading,” said Undersecretary Luisito G.
Montalbo, Executive Director of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the
Peace Process, about the Commission on Audit report.
“If you look at the report, it has a lot of observations.
But, what is important is the recommendation of the resident auditor at the end
of the report, which is to secure the approval of the Department of Budget and
Management for the vehicle rentals. This we have complied with and received DBM
approval on September 15, 2015,” Montalbo said.
He further stressed that COA did not disallow the rentals as
it even confirmed the OPAPP’s compliance with an executive order that required
“ad hoc agencies with specific tasks to perform” to merely rent, and not
outright purchase vehicles, for their operational use.
“The report was intended to strengthen and tighten
procedures,” the OPAPP undersecretary said.
Law allows OPAPP to rent vehicles
Montalbo said that OPAPP operates on a national scale but
has no regional offices nor facilities to address operational needs as
necessitated by the substantive developments on the peace tables and programs
on the ground.
He cited as legal basis for OPAPP’s vehicle rentals Section 76,
Chapter 7, Book 6 of the Administrative Code of 1987, which allowed this
expenditure on the condition that “(W)here the motor vehicle would be used by a
presidential ad hoc body/ agency mandated to perform a specific task within a
specific period in which case, motor vehicle rental is deemed more economical,
expedient, and convenient than outright purchase.”
The OPAPP, Montalbo pointed out, is an ad hoc body created
under Executive Order No. 125, series of 1993, as amended by Executive Order
No. 3, series of 2001.
“It is really per transaction, per need, that we rent
vehicles,” Montalbo said. “Halimbawa, ang OPAPP ang oversight agency ng PAMANA.
For us to fulfill our function of monitoring the projects, which are, more
often than not, located in hard-to-reach and conflict-affected areas, we have
to deploy staff for site visits, community consultations, etc. So for this
purpose, we do not have a choice but to rent vehicles.”
“PAMANA is a P7.2-billion program in 2014 covering 48
provinces with more than 10,000 projects, so you can imagine the operational
requirement to monitor these projects. This is over and above the required
security protection when the staff go on field work,” Montalbo explained.
“OPAPP also needs to rent motor vehicles for the use of the
peace bodies under the Mindanao peace process,
including the International Monitoring Team and other ceasefire monitoring
mechanisms,” he added.
Questions on COA findings
Montalbo added that OPAPP also has questions and
clarifications with regard to the report. He cited as an example the claim that
OPAPP failed to respond to a COA communication dated November 6, 2014 asking
for the status of projects covered by the Php 662-million fund which the report
identified as unliquidated.
“It is not true that we did not respond. We have submitted
our report, duly received by COA last January 13, 2015, where we accounted for
all of the projects covered in the P662-million fund using the format they
required,” he added.
“This debunks allegations that the P662-million fund was
missing or unaccounted for,” the OPAPP undersecretary said.
“OPAPP has always maintained its commitment to good
governance, especially to transparent and accountable management. It is for
this that we have consistently practiced due diligence in the implementation of
our programs, and strict compliance to government auditing and accounting rules
and regulations,” Montalbo said.
“We have provided responses to all COA inquiries and
observations through submission of Reports of Management Actions and Plans,
which are discussed during audit exit conferences, the latest of which was held
last October,” Montalbo said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=840535
Military claims killing 5 Abu Sayyaf men in Sulu clash
From GMA News (Dec 22): Military claims killing 5 Abu Sayyaf men in Sulu clash
Five suspected Abu Sayyaf terrorists were killed following a clash with Marines in Sulu Tuesday morning, a regional military commander said.
Citing field reports, Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, commander of Joint Task Group Sulu, said the encounter occurred at 8:10 a.m. when elements of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 8 engaged about 40 terrorists in Barangay Liang in Patikul town.
The Abu Sayyag group was headed by Ninok Sapari.
But of the five fatalities claimed by the military, only one body was recovered. There were no reported casualties on the government side.
The government forces also recovered seven high-powered firearms, several rounds of different ammunition and other war materials.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/548752/news/regions/military-claims-killing-5-abu-sayyaf-men-in-sulu-clash
Five suspected Abu Sayyaf terrorists were killed following a clash with Marines in Sulu Tuesday morning, a regional military commander said.
Citing field reports, Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, commander of Joint Task Group Sulu, said the encounter occurred at 8:10 a.m. when elements of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 8 engaged about 40 terrorists in Barangay Liang in Patikul town.
The Abu Sayyag group was headed by Ninok Sapari.
But of the five fatalities claimed by the military, only one body was recovered. There were no reported casualties on the government side.
The government forces also recovered seven high-powered firearms, several rounds of different ammunition and other war materials.
Arrojado said Sapari's unit could be the main Abu Sayyaf group that was engaged by the MLBT on Sunday.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/548752/news/regions/military-claims-killing-5-abu-sayyaf-men-in-sulu-clash
'Cagayan Valley mining firms lack security’
From the Philippine Star (Dec 22): 'Cagayan Valley mining firms lack security’
“Rebels have been burning equipment whenever companies do not give in to their demands,” Maj. Gen. Lysander Suerte, chief of the Army’s 5th Infantry Division (5ID), said. File photo
Officials of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) have expressed alarm over the apparent lack of security personnel in mining companies in the Cagayan Valley region.
MGB regional director Mario Ancheta made the statement over the weekend following a recent attack on one of the companies, which resulted in the burning of millions of pesos worth of property.
Ancheta said heavy equipment and facilities owned by Nickel Asia Co. in Dinapigue, Isabela were torched by alleged members of the New People’s Army.
Maj. Gen. Lysander Suerte, chief of the Army’s 5th Infantry Division (5ID), said more than 30 NPA rebels raided the mining compound.
Suerte said the rebels took away the security guards’ firearms.
“Rebels have been burning equipment whenever companies do not give in to their demands,” Suerte said.
Ancheta said he has asked the 5ID based in Gamu, Isabela to help secure the region’s mining industry, particularly in Isabela, Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya.
“We have seen the need for the military to augment the security personnel of these mining companies,” he said.
There are three major companies engaged in gold, copper and nickel mining in the region. These are the OceanaGold Corp. in Didipio village at the boundary of Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya, the FCF Minerals Corp. in Quezon, Nueva Vizcaya and the Nickel Asia Co.
Ancheta said he suspended Nickel Asia’s operations until after the company fixes its security measures and addresses environmental issues.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/12/22/1535079/cagayan-valley-mining-firms-lack-security
“Rebels have been burning equipment whenever companies do not give in to their demands,” Maj. Gen. Lysander Suerte, chief of the Army’s 5th Infantry Division (5ID), said. File photo
Officials of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) have expressed alarm over the apparent lack of security personnel in mining companies in the Cagayan Valley region.
MGB regional director Mario Ancheta made the statement over the weekend following a recent attack on one of the companies, which resulted in the burning of millions of pesos worth of property.
Ancheta said heavy equipment and facilities owned by Nickel Asia Co. in Dinapigue, Isabela were torched by alleged members of the New People’s Army.
Maj. Gen. Lysander Suerte, chief of the Army’s 5th Infantry Division (5ID), said more than 30 NPA rebels raided the mining compound.
Suerte said the rebels took away the security guards’ firearms.
“Rebels have been burning equipment whenever companies do not give in to their demands,” Suerte said.
Ancheta said he has asked the 5ID based in Gamu, Isabela to help secure the region’s mining industry, particularly in Isabela, Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya.
“We have seen the need for the military to augment the security personnel of these mining companies,” he said.
There are three major companies engaged in gold, copper and nickel mining in the region. These are the OceanaGold Corp. in Didipio village at the boundary of Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya, the FCF Minerals Corp. in Quezon, Nueva Vizcaya and the Nickel Asia Co.
Ancheta said he suspended Nickel Asia’s operations until after the company fixes its security measures and addresses environmental issues.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/12/22/1535079/cagayan-valley-mining-firms-lack-security
At least 5 Abu Sayyaf gunmen killed in Sulu operation
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 22): At least 5 Abu Sayyaf gunmen killed in Sulu operation
At least five Abu Sayyaf gunmen were killed on Tuesday as the military continued its combat operation in Sulu.
Maj. Gen. Mayoralgo dela Cruz, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, told the Inquirer that Marine soldiers under Lt. Col. Wilfredo Manalang “hit” a large group of some 40 bandits in Patikul town.
Dela Cruz said no soldier was harmed in the incident that took place in Barangay Liang around 8:10 a.m.
Dela Cruz said only one dead body belonging to a still unidentified bandit had been recovered, along with seven assault rifles of various caliber, ammunition, two motorbikes and other items.
“This is a continuing operation aimed at the defeat of the Abu Sayyaf and also to safely rescue all their kidnap victims” he said.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/749495/at-least-5-abu-sayyaf-gunmen-killed-in-sulu-operation
At least five Abu Sayyaf gunmen were killed on Tuesday as the military continued its combat operation in Sulu.
Maj. Gen. Mayoralgo dela Cruz, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, told the Inquirer that Marine soldiers under Lt. Col. Wilfredo Manalang “hit” a large group of some 40 bandits in Patikul town.
Dela Cruz said no soldier was harmed in the incident that took place in Barangay Liang around 8:10 a.m.
Dela Cruz said only one dead body belonging to a still unidentified bandit had been recovered, along with seven assault rifles of various caliber, ammunition, two motorbikes and other items.
“This is a continuing operation aimed at the defeat of the Abu Sayyaf and also to safely rescue all their kidnap victims” he said.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/749495/at-least-5-abu-sayyaf-gunmen-killed-in-sulu-operation
1 soldier killed, 2 wounded in alleged NPA ambush during relief operations
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 22): 1 soldier killed, 2 wounded in alleged NPA ambush during relief operations
One soldier was killed while two others were wounded in an ambush staged by alleged communist rebels on Tuesday morning while conducting humanitarian and relief operations for victims of typhoon “Nona” in Northern Samar.
Six soldiers on board the KM450 vehicle were heading to Las Navas town for Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Response operation about 5 a.m. when they were fired upon by a group of alleged New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay Bukid, Las Navas.
The soldiers belonged to the Charlie Company, 20th Infantry Battalion stationed at Barangay Opong, Catubig town in Northern Samar who were tasked to transport equipment used for humanitarian and relief operations in Las Navas.
This was the second time that NPA rebels ambushed a group of soldiers involved in relief operations for typhoon victims in Northern Samar, worst hit province by Nona in Eastern Visayas.
Last Dec. 18, two soldiers were also wounded when they were ambushed by communist rebels while on their way back to Tacloban City, Leyte to pick up relief goods for Nona survivors in Northern Samar.
READ: Alleged NPA rebels attack soldiers getting relief goods in Samar
Before the ambush, the soldiers with two personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) delivered relief goods in the capital town of Catarman in Northern Samar and were supposed to go back to the Office of the Civil Defense in Eastern Visayas office in Tacloban to pick up more relief packs.
Captain Isagani Viernes, information officer of the 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City, condemned the recent attack by the NPA on the soldiers who were only doing “their jobs to alleviate the suffering experienced by storm victims in Northern Samar.”
“This act is a clear manifestation of the NPA [becoming a] criminal organization resulting to desperate measures to further their atrocities. The NPA should stop [these] harmful and violent undertakings at the expense of putting harm to our troops who are helping the typhoon victims,” he added. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/749513/1-soldier-killed-2-wounded-in-alleged-npa-ambush-during-relief-operations
One soldier was killed while two others were wounded in an ambush staged by alleged communist rebels on Tuesday morning while conducting humanitarian and relief operations for victims of typhoon “Nona” in Northern Samar.
Six soldiers on board the KM450 vehicle were heading to Las Navas town for Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Response operation about 5 a.m. when they were fired upon by a group of alleged New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay Bukid, Las Navas.
The soldiers belonged to the Charlie Company, 20th Infantry Battalion stationed at Barangay Opong, Catubig town in Northern Samar who were tasked to transport equipment used for humanitarian and relief operations in Las Navas.
This was the second time that NPA rebels ambushed a group of soldiers involved in relief operations for typhoon victims in Northern Samar, worst hit province by Nona in Eastern Visayas.
Last Dec. 18, two soldiers were also wounded when they were ambushed by communist rebels while on their way back to Tacloban City, Leyte to pick up relief goods for Nona survivors in Northern Samar.
READ: Alleged NPA rebels attack soldiers getting relief goods in Samar
Before the ambush, the soldiers with two personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) delivered relief goods in the capital town of Catarman in Northern Samar and were supposed to go back to the Office of the Civil Defense in Eastern Visayas office in Tacloban to pick up more relief packs.
Captain Isagani Viernes, information officer of the 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City, condemned the recent attack by the NPA on the soldiers who were only doing “their jobs to alleviate the suffering experienced by storm victims in Northern Samar.”
“This act is a clear manifestation of the NPA [becoming a] criminal organization resulting to desperate measures to further their atrocities. The NPA should stop [these] harmful and violent undertakings at the expense of putting harm to our troops who are helping the typhoon victims,” he added. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/749513/1-soldier-killed-2-wounded-in-alleged-npa-ambush-during-relief-operations
Japan says armed Chinese vessel spotted off disputed islands
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 22): Japan says armed Chinese vessel spotted off disputed islands
Japan said it spotted for the first time Tuesday an armed Chinese coast guard ship near islands at the center of a long-running territorial dispute between the two Asian giants.
Chinese ships regularly sail around the uninhabited islands, known as the Senkaku in Japanese and the Diaoyu in Chinese, but a Japanese coast guard spokesman said an armed Chinese coast guard vessel had never been sighted before in the area.
“We don’t know China’s intentions, but our response will remain unchanged, and we’ll act calmly and decisively for Japan’s safety,” said Yosuke Watanuki, a spokesman for the regional unit covering Japan’s remote southern islands.
The incident is likely to fuel concern in Japan that China may be slowly escalating its activities in the East China Sea. Last month, a Chinese navy ship took its time traversing the waters, attracting Japan’s attention. Japan also went public earlier this year with complaints about Chinese oil and gas exploration in the East China Sea, posting photos online of Chinese drilling rigs and other equipment.
The Japanese coast guard released a photo of the armed ship sailing in the East China Sea on Tuesday. It was one of four Chinese coast guard vessels spotted in the waters, but was the only one that was armed. They did not come close enough to the islands to violate what Japan considers its territorial waters.
Calls to China’s coast guard were not answered.http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/749549/japan-says-armed-chinese-vessel-spotted-off-disputed-islands
Japan said it spotted for the first time Tuesday an armed Chinese coast guard ship near islands at the center of a long-running territorial dispute between the two Asian giants.
Chinese ships regularly sail around the uninhabited islands, known as the Senkaku in Japanese and the Diaoyu in Chinese, but a Japanese coast guard spokesman said an armed Chinese coast guard vessel had never been sighted before in the area.
“We don’t know China’s intentions, but our response will remain unchanged, and we’ll act calmly and decisively for Japan’s safety,” said Yosuke Watanuki, a spokesman for the regional unit covering Japan’s remote southern islands.
The incident is likely to fuel concern in Japan that China may be slowly escalating its activities in the East China Sea. Last month, a Chinese navy ship took its time traversing the waters, attracting Japan’s attention. Japan also went public earlier this year with complaints about Chinese oil and gas exploration in the East China Sea, posting photos online of Chinese drilling rigs and other equipment.
The Japanese coast guard released a photo of the armed ship sailing in the East China Sea on Tuesday. It was one of four Chinese coast guard vessels spotted in the waters, but was the only one that was armed. They did not come close enough to the islands to violate what Japan considers its territorial waters.
Calls to China’s coast guard were not answered.http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/749549/japan-says-armed-chinese-vessel-spotted-off-disputed-islands
Philippine peace adviser Teresita Deles being questioned over funds use
From the Mindanao Examiner (Dec 22): Philippine peace adviser Teresita Deles being questioned over funds use
Philippine peace adviser Teresita Deles. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)
President Aquino’s peace adviser Teresita Deles is being questioned by the Commission on Audit or COA over hundreds of millions of pesos in government funds, reports said Tuesday.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/philippine-peace-adviser-teresita-deles-being-questioned-over-funds-use/
Philippine peace adviser Teresita Deles. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)
President Aquino’s peace adviser Teresita Deles is being questioned by the Commission on Audit or COA over hundreds of millions of pesos in government funds, reports said Tuesday.
In the report which can be accessed on this URL http://politics.com.ph/what-price-peace-ging-deles-in-hot-water-for-leasing-300-cars-keeping-p700m-dap-funds,
it said COA is asking Deles to explain why her Office of the Presidential
Assistant on the Peace Process or OPAPP rented 294 vehicles even though she and
other peace panel officers had their own service vehicles and transportation
allowances.
State auditors said Deles’ decision to pay the lease for
vehicles was highly questionable given the deal’s lack of “regularity and
probity.” The COA questioned why Deles’ office went ahead with the vehicle
rental without getting permission from the Department of Budget and Management.
The report said COA asked OPAPP why it spent P45.3 million
for vehicle rental which was more than what it spent for the rent of office
space and equipment. The COA questioned the need to rent 294 vehicles when
Deles and 34 other officers from her office and the government peace panel headed
by UP Professor Miriam Ferrer had 23 vehicles at their disposal with at least 4
officials being issued more than one service vehicle; and were given regular
transportation allowances. The COA discovered that Deles’ office had a total 56
vehicles in its motor pool. The COA said that Deles entered into vehicle lease
agreements with an employee in her office, who did not have prior experience in
the rental business, without bidding to “the disadvantage of the government and
in violation of Presidential Decree 1445 or the Government Auditing Code of the
Philippines
The report said COA also questioned why OPAPP did not return
the P662 million DAP funds more than year after the Supreme Court declared it
unconstitutional. The COA said that Deles’ office could have understated the
unreturned DAP funds because these were wrongly treated as liquidations by her
office.
Deles’ office received a total of P2.067 billion in DAP
funds of which P1.467 billion were used and transferred to the Armed Forces of
the Philippines, Office of the Regional Governor of the Autonomous Region in
Muslim Mindanao and provincial government of Northern Samar and the Department
of Interior and Local Government.
The COA said that only P800 millions of this amount was
liquidated with the remaining P667 millions still unaccounted for. There was no
immediate statement from Deles over the COA allegations.
Just early this year, the local government of Zamboanga had
strongly criticized the secretive programs implemented by Deles for Moro
Islamic Liberation Front rebels and their supporters there.
Mayor Beng Climaco said Deles, without informing the local
government, has since 2013 implemented the so-called “Sajahatra Bangsamoro
Program for MILF communities,” raising fears that rebels and their supporters
have encroached Zamboanga.
Climaco said there are no MILF communities in Zamboanga and
that local residents and village leaders are opposed to the inclusion of the
city in the proposed Bangsamoro autonomous government. She said village
officials learned of the Sajahatra program through residents themselves.
She said village officials had been tasked to strictly
monitor their areas of responsibility for possible uncoordinated activities
such as those implemented purportedly for communities that are not recognized
by the local government.
Civil groups and politicians have previously demanded the
resignation of Deles over the killings of 44 police commandos by MILF rebels
and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters on January 25 in Maguindanao’s
Mamasapano town where members of the Special Action Force fatally shot
Malaysian bomber Zulkifli bin Hir deep inside MILF territory during a secret
anti-terror operation.
Some groups in Zamboanga wanted Deles be declared “persona
non grata” for the secretive Sajahatra program there. Climaco ordered village
leaders to stay vigilant and report any and all activities similar to Sajahatra
being implemented in Zamboanga. She said the city is not part of the Muslim
autonomous region nor shall Zamboanga be included in the proposed Bangsamoro
region.
The government said Sajahatra is a program aims to uplift
and develop the health, education and livelihood conditions of Muslim
communities, especially in the MILF areas in southern Philippines
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/philippine-peace-adviser-teresita-deles-being-questioned-over-funds-use/
Army in Negros Island welcomes 12-day truce during holidays
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 22): Army in Negros Island welcomes 12-day truce during holidays
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=840622
The Philippine Army in Negros
Island welcomed the declaration of a
12-day ceasefire both by the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines
It is a welcome relief to both members of the Armed Forces
of the Philippines and New
People's Army rebels, said Col. Francisco Delfin, commander of 303rd Infantry
Brigade based in Murcia
The ceasefire starts December 23 and ends January 3, 2016.
“Our soldiers may be able to spend the Yuletide season with
their families. So, we may experience a peaceful Christmas celebration,” Delfin
said.
The CPP said in a statement that the declaration will allow
military and police personnel who have no serious liabilities other than their
membership in their armed units to enter the territory of the people's
democratic government to make personal visits to relatives and friends without
fear of arrest or punitive actions.
It added that their rebel units were ordered to be on the
defensive mode at both the strategic and tactical levels and maintain a high
degree of militancy and vigilance against any hostile actions or movements of
the enemy armed forces.
For his part, Delfin said as long as they do not carry their
firearms, NPA members may go back to their respective families and celebrate
the Yuletide season.
Senior Supt. Samuel Nacion, officer-in-charge of the Negros
Occidental Police Provincial Office, said law enforcement operation, including
the serving of arrest warrants to rebels, are not covered by the suspension of
offensive military operations (SOMO).
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=840622
46 IP youth delegates complete 4-day youth leadership, communicators training
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 22): 46 IP youth delegates complete 4-day youth leadership, communicators training
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=840250
Forty-six (46) youth leaders from different indigenous
peoples (IPs) groups region-wide completed the youth leadership and
communicators training held at the Tiberias Retreat House, Carmen, Agusan del
Norte from December 18-21, 2015.
The activity was a partnership between the Civil Military
Operations of the 4ID, Philippine Army, 4ID and the Philippine Information
Agency 13.
The closing ceremony was conducted at the 4ID Advanced
Command Post, Barangay Bancasi, this city, Monday morning, attended by Lt. Col
Rey Pasco, chief of the 4ID CMO, Philippine Army, Engr. Antenedo Milloren,
Butuan City LGU OIC-Administrative Officer (representing Butuan City Mayor
Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr.) and PIA 13 Regional Director Abner Caga.
The youth leader-participants received their certificates of
appreciation and completion and official Indigenous Peoples Communicators ID.
Lt. Col Pasco said in a pre-activity interview that the
participants came from all over the region representing the major tribal groups
in the region and 21 Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) communities.
"Some of them came from the most remote places that the
fare of a single motorcycle ride which is the only means of transportation
going to the place may cost Php. 1,500.00, per passenger back and forth," Pasco
According to him, they now knew that the government has a
lot of programs for the development of their communities. The trained youth
leaders may now become IP information officers in their respective tribal communities
and will be recognized by the government agencies as such. He also said that
more trainings are in the offing for the said youths from the other agencies of
the government.
Mayor Amante in his message relayed through Engr. Milloren
emphasized to the graduates the importance of the training and the knowledge
they have gained for the promotion of peace and development of society.
PIA 13 Director Abner Caga in his message as the guest of
honor and speaker of the closing ceremony, said that hard work really pays off.
"Communicating through the heart is the most important element as an
information officer, because when you speak through the heart, honesty and
sincerity will just naturally come out of your mouth. Good things happen to
good people. That's why I'm reminding all of you to stay humble and continue to
embrace the challenges in life. Just continue to survive, cope and surpass
life's trials. I know from this group of youths, we will see our future
leaders. May you excel in your respective community," Caga said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=840250
Rebels attack disaster response truck in N. Samar; soldier killed, 3 comrades hurt
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 22): Rebels attack disaster response truck in N. Samar; soldier killed, 3 comrades hurt
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=840469
A soldier was killed and three other government troopers
were wounded when suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) attack a
military disaster response truck in northern Samar
early Tuesday morning, hours before the start of 12-day unilateral ceasefire.
The military cargo truck was heading to the town center of
Las Navas, carrying six soldiers tasked to deliver equipment for Las Navas
Agro-Industrial School, a training center run by the Technical Education and
Skills Development Authority.
The ambuscade took place in the remote village of Bukid
The firefight with undetermined number of suspected
communist rebels lasted for 15 minutes, said Capt. Isagani Viernes, spokesman
of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division, based in Catbalogan
City , Samar .
Las Navas, a fourth class farming town, is about 317
kilometers north from the regional capital of Tacloban.
Equipment are supposed to be used for disaster response in
the town after typhoon "Nona’s" devastation.
Viernes refused to name the victims since their families are
not yet informed about the incident. The army troops belong to the 20th
Infantry Battalion based in Opong village, Catubig, Northern
Samar .
Wounded soldiers were brought to hospitals in Tacloban City
and in a district hospital in Catubig town in Northern
Samar for treatment.
“Since the aftermath of typhoon Nona, we don’t have military
offensive since our focus is on disaster response. Rebels are taking advantage
on our operation,” Viernes said.
The rebels launched the attack before the 12-day holiday
truce and four days after the ambuscade of a disaster response military in
Pinabacdao, Samar .
President Benigno S. Aquino III has approved the
recommendation of the Department of National Defense for the unilateral
declaration of the Suspension of Military Operations (SOMO) against the NPA for
the Christmas and New Year holidays.
The SOMO will commence at 12:01 a.m. of December 23, 2015
and would end at 11:59 p.m. of January 3, 2016.
“We will be on defensive mode even if there’s SOMO because
rebels traditionally mark their anniversary with atrocities,” Viernes added.
The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army
will celebrate its 47th founding anniversary on Dec. 26.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=840469
Mindanao brigade has new commander, outgoing chief lauds stakeholders' cooperation in bringing peace
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 22): Mindanao brigade has new commander, outgoing chief lauds stakeholders' cooperation in bringing peace
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=840477
A veteran Army colonel who spearheaded his brigade to
various successful operations against lawless elements in the provinces of
Maguindanao, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat
has relinquished his position to a younger officer Tuesday.
Colonel Melquiades Feliciano, 601st brigade commander,
turned over the leadership of the Army unit to Colonel Cirilito Sobejana in
simple ceremonies held in Barangay Kalandagan, Tacurong City
Melquiades steered his unit to become "Best Brigade of
6th Infantry Division" for two consecutive years from 2014 and 2015.
Major Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, 6th Infantry
"Kampilan" Division commander, presided over the turnover ceremonies
witnessed by local officials and representatives from peoples organizations.
"Colonel Feliciano contributed both in the peace and
development efforts of the government and in the campaign against lawlessness
and terrorism in his area of assignment," Panganiban said.
Feliciano served the Brigade for one year and nine months
from February 28, 2014 until his relief.
"I would like to expressed gratitude to the local
government officials and all the officers and men of the 601st brigade who
contributed much in our desire for peace," Feliciano said in Filipino.
"Without you, we could not have reached this far
-establishing peace in our area of operation and preventing the commission of
lawlessness," he added.
In his assumption speech, Sobejana assured his predecessor
he will continue the best practices the brigade has started particularly the
collaboration and cooperation with the stakeholders in promoting peace,
security, and development in Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat.
Sobejana assumed the position as the 23rd Commander of 601st
Infantry Brigade.
Prior to his designation as the brigade commander, he was
the former Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, G3 of the Philippine Army.
Sobejena belonged to PMA “Hinirang” Class of 1987.
Feliciano is temporarily assigned at 6th ID headquarters in Camp Siongco
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=840477
3rd ID to comply with SOMO rules and regulations
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 22): 3rd ID to comply with SOMO rules and regulations
With the official start of the government's suspension of
military operations (SOMO) on early Wednesday morning, the Capiz-based 3rd
Infantry Division announced it is committed to abide by the rules and
regulations set for the annual Yuletide truce.
The SOMO will take effect beginning 12:01 a.m., Dec. 23 and
will end on 11:59 p.m., Jan. 3, 2016.
It only covers military operations against the New People's
Army (NPA).
"While the 3ID will be suspending all deliberate
offensive military operations, it will continue its presence in communities by
maintaining its security patrols aimed to protect the civilian populace,
government and private infrastructure, and military camps and detachments in
order to maintain peace and security in the area," 3rd Infantry Division
public affairs office chief Major Ray Tiongson said.
“Your Army remains committed and sincere in its resolve to
peace especially during this Christmas season. Our people deserve to celebrate
the Yuletide peacefully,” 3rd Infantry Division acting commander Brig. Gen.
Reynaldo Mutiangpili said.
Despite the SOMO, the 3rd Infantry will also maintain its
activities supporting the government and civil authorities’ peace, development,
law enforcement operations and humanitarian assistance programs.
Taking into consideration past NPA SOMO violations,
Mutiangpili said they will continue with its proactive defense counter measures
to prevent imminent rebel attacks.
Mutiangpili also instructed the units in the field to remain
vigilant especially in protecting the civilian communities.
Marines kill ASG bandit in Sulu clash
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 22): Marines kill ASG bandit in Sulu clash
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=840406
Troopers from Marine Battalion Landing Team-8 have shot and
killed an Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandit during patrol operations in Patikul
town, Sulu Tuesday morning.
Also recovered were four high-powered firearms which include
an M-1 rifle, an M-14, an M-16 automatic rifle fitted with a M-203 grenade
launcher and a M-4 carbine equipped with a grenade launcher.
Joint Task Group Sulu commander Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado
said the encounter took place at 8:10 a.m. in Barangay Liang, Patikul.
In the ensuing firefight, a ASG bandit was killed with no
losses to government troops.
Arrojado said the body of the slain brigand was recovered
along with the weapons.
Pursuit operations are still ongoing as of this posting.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=840406
AFP condemns NPA attack on troops conducting disaster relief missions in N. Samar e
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 22): AFP condemns NPA attack on troops conducting disaster relief missions in N. Samar
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=840514
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) condemned the New
People's Army for its dastardly attack on the 20th Infantry Battalion troopers
who were engaged in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions
in Northern Samar on Tuesday, killing one
soldier and wounding three others.
HADR efforts are in behalf of typhoon "Nona"
victims in the province, said AFP public affairs office chief Col. Noel
Detoyato.
Six troopers were aboard a KM-450 truck transporting repair
equipment and other materials for "Nona"-devastated communities when
they were ambushed by an undetermined number of rebels at 5 a.m. as they were
passing by in Barangay Bukid, Las Navas, Northern Samar .
"Our troops fought back, resulting in a firefight which
lasted for 15 minutes. The firefight killed one of our soldiers and wounded
three others. No civilians were hurt during the incident," Detoyato said.
Detoyato said this act by the NPAs is a clear disrespect of
the rights of the typhoon victims to receive assistance from the government.
"This shows that they are insensitive to the plight of
the victims of the typhoon," he added.
Detoyato said "the attack on troops conducting HADR,
just several hours before their self-declared ceasefire takes effect this
midnight, is a clear indication that the NPA is not at all serious about their
respect to the spirit of Christmas and peace."
"On the part of the AFP, we will strictly observe the
unilateral suspension of military operation (SOMO) declared by His Excellency
President Benigno Aquino III which will take effect beginning 12:01 a.m. 23
December 2015 and will end 11:59 p.m. of 03 January 2016," he stressed.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=840514
Medal of Valor awardee appointed to command 601st IB
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 22): Medal of Valor awardee appointed to command 601st IB
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=840540
A Medal of Valor recipient, Col. Cirilito Sobejana, has been
appointed to command the 601st Infantry Brigade, one of the military units
tasked to neutralize the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Sultan
Kudarat.
The Medal of Valor is the highest military decoration for
gallantry in the Philippines
equivalent to the US Medal of Honor and the United Kingdom
He replaced Col. Melquiades Feliciano, who is set to assume
a much higher post.
Capt. Joanne Petinglay, 6th Infantry Division public affairs
office chief, said turnover ceremonies took place at Tacurong City
The 601st Infantry Brigade is one of four brigades being
supervised by the 6th Infantry Division.
A Scout Ranger by specialization and training, Sobejana also
served as Army assistant chief-of-staff for operations.
Prior to that, he was the United Nations Disengagement Force
chief-of-staff that oversees peacekeeping operations in Golan
Heights .
Petinglay said majority of BIFF members operate in the area
of responsibility of the 601st Brigade.
From a high of 400 fighters, it is now reduced to 300
following recent military operations against them.
The BIFF is composed of former leaders and members of the
Moro Islamic Liberation Front which signed a peace accord with the government.
The former is blamed for a number of atrocities in Central Mindanao .
Sobejana vowed “to continue the best practices the brigade
has started, particularly the collaboration and cooperation with the stakeholders
in promoting peace, security, and development in Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat
provinces.”
He was awarded his Medal of Valor for bravery and gallantry
in action in connection with a fierce gun battle with at least 150 Abu Sayyaf
terrorists in Isabela
City
As a captain, he led a Scout Ranger Company in the two-hour
firefight that led to the death of 30 Abu Sayyaf men.
Sobejana sustained a gunshot wound that almost severed his
arm during the fighting.
“Though in pain and with a shattered rifle after it was hit
by an enemy fire, he never lost composure and continued leading his men. He
even maneuvered around, exposing himself to enemy fire to direct the
encounter,” his Medal of Valor citation read.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=840540
(Update) Marines kill 5 ASG brigands in Sulu clash
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 22): (Update) Marines kill 5 ASG brigands in Sulu clash
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=840410
Philippine Marine forces have killed five Abu Sayyaf Group
(ASG) brigands in a clash in the province
of Sulu
The troops from the Marine Battalion Landing Team-8 (MBLT-8)
troops have recovered seven high powered firearms abandoned by the ASG
brigands.
Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, Joint Task Group Sulu commander
said the clash broke out around 8:20 a.m. Tuesday in Barangay Liang, Patikul
municipality.
Arrojado said the clash ensued when the MBLT-8 troops led by
Lt. Col Wilfredo Manalang chanced upon 40 ASG brigands led by Ninok Sapari
while on combat operations.
Arrojado said the troops recovered the remains of the five
slain ASG brigands. The cadaver was turned over to the barangay officials for
proper disposition.
He said the recovered firearms included the following: M-14
rifle; M-16 Armalite rifle; a Garand rifle; an M-4 rifle; two M-203 grenade
launchers and an M-79 grenade launcher.
Also recovered were hundreds of assorted ammunition and war
materials of high intelligence value.
Arrojado said no one among the MBLT-8 troops were either
killed or injured during the clash.
Arrojado said the troops are still in the area tracking down
the ASG brigands.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=840410