A growing gang of Islamic State supporters is taking root in the Philippines

From the Washington Post (Jan 12): A growing gang of Islamic State supporters is taking root in the Philippines

In a video released last week, members of at least three different insurgent groups from the Philippines pledged allegiance to the Islamic State's leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. "Allah is great!" the fighters in the video shouted in Arabic. "The Islamic State ... is remaining!"

While the groups have all previously pledged allegiance to Baghdadi separately, their new level of cooperation has led to new concerns. "In the Philippines, the next step ISIS is likely to take is the proclamation of wilayat Mindanao," Rohan Gunaratna, a terrorism expert at the International Center for Political Violence & Terrorism Research in Singapore told local news site Rappler, referring to the designation the Islamic State gives to its provinces.

In Australia, publications drew ominous conclusions from the unifying of the groups. "Terror on the doorstep," ran a headline in the newspaper, the Australian.
While the Islamic State's so-called caliphate mainly holds sway over parts of Syria and Iraq, the group has officially recognized a number of provinces farther afield, including Libya and Nigeria. Aaron Zelin, an expert in jihadist movements at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, says there has been no sign yet that the central Islamic State group has accepted the Filipino fighters' pledges. "So for now, it's not mutual," Zelin said via email.

The new video is another reminder, however, that the idea of the Islamic State holds considerable sway overseas and often has the ability to intertwine its message with local concerns and movements – such as the concerns of the Philippines' minority Muslim population. The Philippines may be a majority Catholic nation, but roughly 5 percent of its population are Muslims, most of whom live on the southern island of Mindanao. Since the 1970s, some in this Muslim minority (dubbed "Moros") have waged an insurgency that has used guerrilla and terrorist tactics.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/01/12/a-growing-gang-of-islamic-state-supporters-is-taking-root-in-the-philippines/

SC declares EDCA constitutional – sources

From the Manila Bulletin (Jan 12): SC declares EDCA constitutional – sources

The Supreme Court (SC) has ruled that the controversial Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) of the Philippines with the United States of America (USA) is constitutional.

According to sources in the SC, with a vote of 10 against 4, EDCA is declared legal.

It upheld the position of Malacanang that EDCA is an executive agreement and does not need the Senate concurrence.

http://www.mb.com.ph/sc-declares-edca-constitutional-sources/

DWDD: SAFE 2016 // AFP to conduct ‘focused-military operations’ vs rebels extorting from pols

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jan 12): SAFE 2016 // AFP to conduct ‘focused-military operations’ vs rebels extorting from pols



Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City — In line with efforts to safeguard the May 2016 polls, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced it will conduct “focused-military operations” against rebel groups conducting extortion missions against politicians.

“We (will) conduct focused-military operations after those (rebels),” AFP public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato said.

He added this is part of the AFP’s action plan to prevent rebels and lawless groups from interfering in the incoming elections.

Aside from this, Detoyato urged politicians not to give to the New People’s Army (NPA) election extortion scheme.

“The NPAs call it ‘permit-to-campaign’ and ‘permit-to-win’ but we simply call it extortion, so if it extortion, don’t give in to extortionists,” he added.

Detoyato said they are constantly monitoring the situation on the field.

“We are (encouraging) them to report it to the Commission on Elections, to the police, to the nearest military (unit) so that we can take proper action,” Detoyato said.

The military official said the AFP, while doing everything to counter the NPA extortion threat, is dependent on the information provided by the public.

Detoyato added that giving in to the rebels’ extortion threat means additional funds for the latter’s violent activities.

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/afp-to-conduct-focused-military-operations-vs-rebels-extorting-from-pols/

DWDD: OATH-TAKING // Newly-Appointed General and Flag Officers

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jan 11): OATH-TAKING // Newly-Appointed General and Flag Officers





Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace (DWDD) – President Benigno S. Aquino III led the Oath-Taking Ceremony of 52 newly-appointed General and Flag Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

AFP Chief of Staff Lt Gen Hernando DCA Iriberri, who had been promoted to the rank of General last July 2015, was among those who had taken their oath of office.
Joining Iriberri, were MGen Ricardo Visaya, MGen Eduardo M. Ano, RAdm Caesar C. Taccad, MGen Romeo T. Tanalgo who were promoted to Lieutenant General and Vice Admiral of the AFP.

Each of the 52 newly-appointed officers together with their family posed for a photo opportunity with the President. RTVM / MCAG



http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/47220-2/

President Aquino swears in new AFP chief, 52 other new generals, flag officers

From InterAksyon (Jan 11): President Aquino swears in new AFP chief, 52 other new generals, flag officers



President Benigno S. Aquino III administers the oath of office to newly-appointed generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) during the oath-taking of military officials at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (January 11, 2016). Photo by Joseph Vidal/Malacañang Photo Bureau

Newly-appointed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief General Hernando Iriberri and 52 other newly promoted generals and flag officers of the military took oath before President Benigno S. Aquino III at the Rizal Hall of Malacañang Palace on Monday.

Among the high-ranking officials who joined Iriberri were Major Generals Ricardo Visaya, Eduardo Año, and Romeo Tanalgo who were promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General, and Rear Admiral Caesar Taccad, who was promoted to the rank of Vice Admiral.

Promoted to the ranks of Major General and Rear Admiral were Brigadier General Edmundo Pangilinan, Commodore Aurelio Rabusa, Jr., Brig. Gen. Galileo Gerard Kintanar, Jr., Brig. Gen. Arnold Quiapo, Brig. Gen. Conrado Parra, Jr., Brig. Gen. Gerardo Barrientos, Jr., Brig. Gen. Rolando Picar, Brig. Gen. Angelito de Leon, Brig. Gen. Alexander Balutan, Brig. Gen. Andre Costales, Brig. Gen. Rodolfo Santiago, and Brig. Gen. Elmer Pabale.

Promoted to the ranks of Brigadier General and Commodore were Captain Elson Aguilar, Colonel Cornelio Pelaez, Col. Florentino Rasco, Col. Danilo Chad Isleta, Col. Emmanuel Salamat, Capt. Ernesto Enriquez, Col. Francisco Carada, Col. Nicolas Parilla, Col. Joel Celino, Col. Laurcris Tumanda, Col. Frederick Evans Ramos, Col. Librado Moog, Capt. Virme Torralba, Col. Alan Arrojado, Col. Leoncio Cirunay, Jr., Col. Emigdio Guevara, Jr., Col. Arleen Gorreon, Col. Rafael Sera Jose, Col. Demy Tejares, Col. Rhoderick Parayno, Col. Raul Farnacio, Capt. Jande Francisco, Col. Maximo Ballesteros, Col. Romeo dela Cruz, Capt. Gaudencio Collado, Jr., Capt. Robert Empedrad, Col. Avin Parreno, Capt. Rene Medina, Col. Diosdado Respecio, Col. Archimedes Viaje, Col. Harold Cabreros, Col. Noel Clement, Col. Alvin Francis Javier, and Col. Ronnie Evangelista.

Those who failed to attend the ceremony were Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina, and Brig. Gen. Guillermo Molina, Jr.

After the oath-taking ceremony, the newly promoted generals and flag officers, along with their respective families, had a photo opportunity with the President.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/122566/president-aquino-swears-in-new-afp-chief-52-other-new-generals-flag-officers

Bond issue proposed to fund ships for South China Sea

From the Business World (Jan 11): Bond issue proposed to fund ships for South China Sea

A LEGISLATOR on Monday proposed that the government offer up to P150 billion worth of retail bonds to help finance the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization program.

“The next administration should ascertain the feasibility of offering up to P150 billion worth of ‘Kalayaan’ retail bonds to support the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program, amid the country’s long-running row with China over territorial waters,” a statement from House Deputy Minority Leader and LPGMA (LPG Marketers’ Association) party-list Rep. Arnel U. Ty read.

“The bulk of the additional funds raised from the bond offering may be set aside to acquire new warships -- additional frigates and corvettes -- for deployment to the West Philippine Sea,” Mr. Ty was quoted as saying in the statement.

He cited a Congressional Planning and Budget Office (CPBO) report which shows that the Aquino administration has spent P50.73 billion for the military’s ongoing Capability Upgrade Program (CUP).

Under the 2016 budget, the Department of National Defense’s P116.1-billion budget includes another P25-billion allotment for the CUP.

“We have to invest in new warships to secure the West Philippine Sea’s huge oil and gas deposits, which are the key to our energy independence,” Mr. Ty said.

“The bond float would enable patriotic Filipinos to save money and at the same time help defend the country’s 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone in West Philippine Sea against Chinese incursions,” the statement read.

During the 80th Anniversary of the AFP at Clark, Pampanga, President Benigno S. C. Aquino III said 65 AFP modernization projects worth P56.79 billion were completed under his administration.

In addition, a P83.9-billion Medium Term Capability Development will be implemented until 2017.

According to Mr. Aquino, the three previous administrations were only able to implement 45 projects worth P31.75 billion.

Republic Act No. 10349 or the revised AFP Modernization Law signed in 2012 provides P75 billion for the CUP in the initial five years, or from 2013 to 2017.

Mr. Ty cited a data from the CPBO which showed that the Aquino administration has so far spent for the acquisition of two second-hand US Coast Guard high endurance cutters converted into frigates -- the BRP Gregorio del Pilar and the BRP Ramon Alcaraz; the Landing Craft Utility BRP Tagbanua; eight Sokol combat utility helicopters; five AW-109 naval helicopters; 18 basic trainer aircraft; plus dozens of 1.25-ton and 2.5-ton troop carrier trucks and field ambulances.

“With or without the dispute with China, we really have to reinforce the Philippine Navy in particular. We should at least make our naval assets comparable to those of Indonesia. Because like Indonesia, we have a large group of islands and vast territorial waters to protect,” Mr. Ty said.

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=bond-issue-proposed-to-fund-ships-for-south-china-sea&id=121295

AFP pulls out security escorts of politicians, government execs

From the Philippine Star (Jan 12): AFP pulls out security escorts of politicians, government execs



At Camp Aguinaldo, more or less 100 soldiers previously detailed as close-in security of lawmakers and other government officials have reported back to the AFP’s Special Detailed Unit (SDU). STAR/File photo

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has recalled all troops deployed as security personnel of politicians, government officials and civilian personalities.

Col. Noel Detoyato, AFP Public Affairs Office (PAO) chief, said a recall order was issued last December in line with the military’s overall preparation to ensure orderly and peaceful national and local elections in May.

“I just don’t know the exact number of the recalled troops but they’re now all back to their respective mother units. The directive was issued last December,” Detoyato said.

At Camp Aguinaldo, more or less 100 soldiers previously detailed as close-in security of lawmakers and other government officials have reported back to the AFP’s Special Detailed Unit (SDU).

Across the country, field troops doing security duties for provincial governors, city and municipal mayors as well as prominent civilian personalities who are under threat have also been accounted for at their respective units.

 http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/01/12/1541708/afp-pulls-out-security-escorts-politicians-government-execs

Bicol PNP official confirms NPA’s ‘permit-to-campaign’ fee

From the Manila Times (Jan 12): Bicol PNP official confirms NPA’s ‘permit-to-campaign’ fee

LEGAZPI CITY: The communist insurgents operating in Bicol are allegedly imposing a P.5 million “permit-to-campaign fee” to local politicians running in the May 2016 national elections, Chief Supt. Agosto Marquez, PNP regional director in Bicol said.

“The New People’s Army, whose members are now used as private armed groups, is imposing P500,000 ‘permit-to-campaign’ fee on local politicians running for the congressional post in Bicol,” Marquez said in an interview with DZGB radio station here.

For municipal mayors, the rate required by the communist insurgents ranges from P100,000 to P250,000 depending on the capability of the candidate to pay, he added.

“Unfortunately local candidates who are peace-loving succumb to such extortion activities and they pay ‘permit-to-campaign’ or ‘permit-to-win’ to be able to campaign unhindered,” Marquez said.

Every election season, the communist guerrillas in Bicol impose the mandatory permit-to-campaign on candidates running for various elective positions to be able to campaign throughout the region.

The permit-to-campaign imposed for re-electionists and aspiring politicians from barangay-municipal-congressional to provincial posts generate multi-million funds for the rebel movement, law enforcers in Bicol said.

Marquez’s claim was confirmed by local candidates in Albay. Requesting anonymity, the candidates said they have been receiving words from rebels for them to get permit-to-campaign card from the movement to be able to go unrestrained in their controlled areas across the province.

Meanwhile, Marquez said the PNP in Bicol are up in arms and intensifying their operations to neutralize the private armed group employed as goons during elections.

“Criminal gangs like the Conception Brothers from Libon can be used as private armed group. Another is the New People’s Army. That’s why we are augmenting forces in Bicol, specifically in the island province of Masbate. We will deploy one company of our elite force, the Special Action Force in Masbate, to ensure honest and peaceful election,” he said.

In the 2010 and 2013 elections, the PNP central command deployed the elite forces of the Special Action Force (SAF) in Masbate following the request of PNP Bicol and of the Commission on Election.

Masbate, dubbed as the “wild west country” was placed under Comelec control following intense political rivalry, the presence of private armed groups and communist insurgents, and election violence.

“We have proven, as in the 2010 and 2013 elections that the incidence of violence could be brought down. In the past, violence completely marked Bicol’s elections.

We’re hoping that violence will not erupt again this coming election,” Marquez said.
He also asked politicians seeking re-elections and aspiring candidates not to yield to the rebels’ demand.

http://www.manilatimes.net/bicol-pnp-official-confirms-npas-permit-to-campaign-fee/238965/

No link between bombing suspects and land owners – MinDA

From MindaNews (Jan 11): No link between bombing suspects and land owners – MinDA

There is no direct link between the perpetrators behind the Christmas eve bombing of Tower 25 of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) in Lanao del Sur and the family who has unsettled claims with the government over this land, an official of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) said on Monday.

Speaking in Monday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City, Romeo Montenegro, director for Investment Promotion, International Relations and Public Affairs, told reporters that it is not conclusive whether the owners who were recently identified by NGCP as Johnny Sambitori, Intan Sambitori, and Naguib Sambitori have hands in the incident, which resulted in the isolation of the Agus 1 and Agus 2 hydroelectric plants from the Mindanao grid.

He said Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr. will convince the family to allow the NGCP personnel entry so that they can start the reconstruction works on the toppled tower and construction of emergency restoration tower (ERS) to temporarily connect Agus 1 and 2 to the grid.

Montenegro added he has no information yet how much is the Sambitoris’ unsettled claims with the National Power Corporation (Napocor), which was then in charge of generation and transmission of electricity, but it may go over millions of pesos.

He said Tower 25, located at Ditsaan-Ramain in Lanao del Sur, was built 60 years ago by Napocor.

In 2001, the year when Republic Act 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) was passed into law, the grid operation was relegated to the newly created National Transmission Corporation (TransCo). When privatization came in 2007, the TransCo concession was awarded to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

Montenegro added they are yet to verify whether the land the Sambitori claimed as theirs has a title.

Energy Secretary Zenaida Monsada, in an interview with reporters during the inauguration of Therma South Inc.’s (TSI) 300-megawatt coal-fired power plant in Binugao, Toril, this city, told reporters that they are still verifying whether some of the claimants, including the locations of the other NGCP towers in Mindanao, have been paid already for the right of way.

She said most claims have already been paid, but they are still looking for the records for those that have not been paid yet. “We still have to check if the claims are still valid, and as to how much, and if the amount is reasonable,” she said.

Monsada said that in the case of Tower 25, the Sambitoris refused NGCP personnel entry, demanding that they be paid first with their claims.

She added that the cost of repair works on damaged towers will be passed on to the consumers through the electricity bills.

Southern Mindanao, Monsada said, will not be that affected because of TSI’s operation.

In an interview with Milfrance Capulong, NGCP spokesperson for Mindanao, she said that 16 towers were bombed in 2015, of which nine were toppled and seven were damaged, in Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Cotabato City, and Maguindanao.

She said the rest of the towers, except for Tower 25, have been restored with the construction of emergency restoration structure (ERS), a temporary foundation made of steel that is propped up to deliver the power from the sources.

Other than Tower 25, Towers 19 and 20, Tower 95, Tower 68, Tower 168, and Tower 153 were all bombed in December. The latest was Tower 4, bombed on December 28 at Barangay Nangka in the municipality of Baloi, Lanao del Norte.

She said this was the worst in seven years since 2009, the year TransCo turned over the management and operation of nationwide transmission system to NGCP.

Montenegro added that Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) had been tapped to secure the towers and the safety of the personnel conducting restoration works and construction of towers in Mindanao.

Unlike before when 100 percent of Mindanao’s power was derived from the Agus-Pulangui Hydropower Complex, he said that the island’s grid will not suffer from total blackout the towers are attacked because the grid now has various sources of power – coal, diesel, and renewable energy all across the island.

“If one tower will be damaged, there are alternate redundant connectivity points that can be tapped by the NGCP,” Montenegro said.

He said that new power plants have been built in areas with high demand for power.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2016/01/11/no-link-between-bombing-suspects-and-land-owners-minda/

Military asks business sector for better coordination to counter NPA extortion

From the Business World (Jan 11): Military asks business sector for better coordination to counter NPA extortion

DAVAO CITY -- The military has called on the business sector in Mindanao to engage in closer coordination efforts with them to counter extortion activities and attacks carried out by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-New People’s Army (NPA).

Captain Alberto C. Caber, spokesperson of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), said the construction sector, particularly companies involved in public works, has been the most vulnerable to the armed NPA members.
“The Eastern Mindanao Command has issued a directive to military people to talk to the construction companies to harden measures against the NPAs,” Mr. Caber told the media.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) estimated the damage caused by the NPA bombings and torching activities in Mindanao last year at P246 million, excluding the revolutionary taxes that are collected forcibly.

 

Vicente T. Lao of the Davao City-based Vicente T. Lao Construction Corp., who also heads the Mindanao Business Council, said the AFP’s estimate is much lower than the actual number.

 

He acknowledged that the figure is undervalued primarily because businesses decline to report every incident of an NPA threat and the revolutionary taxes paid out.

“It only gets worse and the attacks continue every year,” Mr. Lao said.

Mr. Caber, however, said they can only address the longstanding problem if the private sector will work with the military.

“Expect the figure to increase several times more if the business sector, specifically the construction companies, do not cooperate with the military. Our security forces need your cooperation so please help us by providing us information. Let us help each other combat this problem,” he said.

The AFP has resumed its offensive against the NPA beginning Jan. 3, after the lifting of the Suspension of Military Operations, which was implemented during the Christmas and New Year holiday season.

“We will continue our military offensive operations in Eastern Mindanao,” Mr. Caber said, noting that the NPA force, estimated at about 4,000 as of July last year, has been reduced by 17% as of end-2015 with more than 300 rebels surrendering to the government.

The EastMinCom official also discouraged local and national candidates for the May elections from paying the so-called “permit to campaign, permit to post and permit to win” fees being demanded by communist rebels in areas where they operate.

“If they continue to give money to the rebels, then this would not help stop the insurgency,” Mr. Caber said.

Danilo A. Cullo, Commission on Elections Region 11 officer, said candidates who pay the NPA-imposed fees could be disqualified.

However, Mr. Cullo admitted that proving such payments would be difficult.

 

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=military-asks-business-sector-for-better-coordination-to-counter-npa-extortion&id=121280

Group calls for resumption of peace talks after death of NDF consultant in detention

From the often pro-CPP Davao Today (Jan 11): Group calls for resumption of peace talks after death of NDF consultant in detention

Human rights group Karapatan in Southern Tagalog called for the resumption of peace talks three days after the death of political prisoner and National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) consultant Eduardo Serrano.

Serrano, 62, died on Friday morning after a heart attack. He was imprisoned for 11 years.

Dorris Cuario, secretary general of Karapatan said Serrano is “a humble servant of the people,” who experienced “severe inhumane treatment under the state’s confines of justice.”

Cuario said that 555 other political prisoners, or those incarcerated for their political beliefs, languish in similar poor conditions, all the while facing trumped-up charges.

“In the case of Serrano, he was charged with multiple murder, kidnapping and homicide charges as ‘Rogelio Villanueva’, an alleged high-ranking member of the Communist Party of the Philippines,” said Cuario.

Just recently, the Court of Appeals junked three of five cases against Serrano as evidence was lacking to prove Serrano’s identity with Villanueva’s.
Cuario added that such actions of the Philippine government do not sit well with the peace negotiation agreements it entered in the past.

“The arrest and persecution of NDFP consultants like Serrano were clear violations of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) and the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG),” she said.

“Its disrespect for the agreements on the respect of human rights and peace shows the government’s insincerity to address the roots of the conflict and sit with the NDFP on the negotiating table. The Philippine government’s actions toward its colleagues in the negotiating table offend the very concepts of peace it so brazenly preaches,” added Cuario.

Karapatan called on to free all political prisoners, and resume the GRP-NDFP peace talks.

Serrano’s remains will be delivered to Naga in Camarines Sur, where he will be given final tributes and burial.

http://davaotoday.com/main/todays-news-to-go/group-calls-for-resumption-of-peace-talks-after-death-of-ndf-consultant-in-detention/

Homemade bomb detonated in Sultan Kudarat

From the Manila Times (Jan 12): Homemade bomb detonated in Sultan Kudarat

ZAMBOANGA CITY: Security forces on Monday detonated a homemade bomb planted on a highway in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat. Police said the explosive, placed in a cardboard box, was found with blasting caps and attached to a cell phone.

No individual or group claimed responsibility for the foiled bombing, but the province is a known stronghold of rebel groups fighting for a separate Islamic state in the restive southern Philippines.

Last year, two unidentified men on a motorcycle also exploded a fragmentation grenade at police headquarters in Tacurong City.

Earlier, police also disarmed an improvised explosive planted in a bus travelling to Koronadal City in South Cotabato also from Tacurong City.

http://www.manilatimes.net/homemade-bomd-detonated-in-sultan-kudarat/238961/

North Cotabato village placed under state of calamity

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 12): North Cotabato village placed under state of calamity

Village officials declared Matalam, North Cotabato under “state of calamity” due to continued armed skirmishes between two warring Moro clans that started two weeks ago.

Matalam, North Cotabato (Photo courtesy of Mike Gonzales via Wikimedia Commons [CC BY-SA 3.0])

 

Chairman Felipe Maluenda of Barangay Kidama said declaring the area under state of calamity will give them authority to use part of their calamity funds for relief operations.

Maluenda admitted there is no guarantee yet that it is already safe for evacuees to go back home.

 

Some 115 families left their village after two warring Moro clans – one coming from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the other from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) clashed on December 31 last year due to a long-standing land conflict.   At least six died and three others were wounded as a result of the encounter.

In Pikit, also in North Cotabato, two residents of Barangay Rajamuda were killed and two others were wounded after they were hit in cross fires last week, the town’s disaster management officer said.

Tahira Kalantongan, head of the Pikit Municipal Disaster Risk and Reduction Management (MDRRM) office, said one of those killed was a mother who was about to leave home when the clans started exchanging fires.

Also, one of those hit by a stray bullet was a 10-year old boy who was also running for safety at the height of the fighting.

Kalantongan said it is not yet safe for their evacuees to go back home.

“Residents are still panic-stricken and the place is not yet conducive for their abode,” said the MDRRM officer.

http://www.mb.com.ph/north-cotabato-village-placed-under-state-of-calamity/

Nur presence at MNLF meet in Sulu confirmed

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 12): Nur presence at MNLF meet in Sulu confirmed

Fugitive Nur Misuari, founding chair of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), was among over 2,000 MNLF members and supporters who came from all over Mindanao to attend a “general membership meeting” in Sulu province on Saturday, according to a top faction leader of the group.

Habib Hashim Mudjahab, chair of the Islamic Command Council of the MNLF, said the discussions were focused on preparations for the tripartite meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), to be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Jan. 25-27.

Misuari faces multiple murder charges in connection with the 2013 siege of Zamboanga City by his followers, which left more than 200 people dead and hundreds of thousands of families homeless. A warrant for his arrest was issued by the court in December 2013.

But there was no move by law enforcement agencies to arrest the MNLF leader during the meeting in the rebel stronghold in Barangay Kagay in Indanan town.

“It is not our job to serve the warrant of arrest,” said Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, commander of the Army’s 501st Infantry Brigade, who confirmed Misuari’s presence in Kagay. “It’s the mandate of our police. If they (police) need our help as backup support, we will do so,” he said.

Mudjahab said it would not be easy for government security forces to arrest Misuari in the presence of thousands of MNLF members and supporters. “The meeting was in full coordination with the local authorities, and maybe they made an evaluation about the repercussions (of a Misuari arrest),” he said.  http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/754569/nur-presence-at-mnlf-meet-in-sulu-confirmed

Abu Sayyaf rebels officially vow allegiance to ISIS

From the Manila Times (Jan 11): Abu Sayyaf rebels officially vow allegiance to ISIS



Members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) hoist black flags and shout after pledging allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS

THE Abu Sayyaf Group had “officially” pledged allegiance to the caliph of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and named new leaders aligned with the international Islamic extremist group, according to a video released by the ASG.

The video, which was uploaded at Archived.org website on January 4, showed more than 30 armed militants led by Isnilon Hapilon hiking in the hinterlands of Basilan province while chanting the “Dawlah Islamiyah [Islamic State]” after which they recited an Arabic script of  bayah or pledge of allegiance.

 

Hapilon alias Abu Abdullah was named as the new leader of the “Harakatul Islamiyah”[Islamic Movement]” the new name given to the ASG, which is known for having carried out kidnappings, bombings and other criminal activities in Mindanao in the past.

 The US government offered a  $5 million reward for Hapilon’s head.

Hapilon was shown in the video with Abu Harith Al-Filibbieni , an alleged deputy commander of the al-Ansar Infantry Division of the ISIS, and Mohd Najib Husen alias Abu Annas Al Muhajir, an alleged division head of the Ansar al-Sharia of the ISIS.

The rebels explained in the video that they had previously done the bayah but were doing it again “officially” in front of their named leaders.

It was unknown when the video was created but it was released after the Army’s Western Mindanao Command claimed last month that Husen was killed during operations in Basilan against the ASG bandits.

Husen was with other Malaysian foreigners namely Mahmud Ahmad, Muhammad Joraimee Awang Raimee, Amin Baco and Jeknal Adil, who fled to southern Philippines reportedly to recruit militants and send them to “Dar al-Harb [place of war],” referring to Syria and Iraq, where the ISIS had established its own caliphate state.

The ASG hoisted a black flag similar to those being used by the Khilafah Islamiyah Movement (KIM) and other hardline radical jihadist groups like the Boko Haram in Africa.

 In Maguindanao and nearby provinces, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and the Ansarul Khilafah had also pledged allegiance to the ISIS “officially.”

Radical militants in Indonesia and Malaysia including the Southeast Asian terror group Jema’ah Islamiyah had also done the same.

http://www.manilatimes.net/abu-sayyaf-rebels-officially-vow-allegiance-to-isis/238948/

Palace: Warrant to arrest Nur still valid

From the Manila Bulletin (Jan 12): Palace: Warrant to arrest Nur still valid

Government forces are determined to pursue efforts to locate and arrest Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founder Nur Misuari for his alleged involvement in the Zamboanga siege in 2013, Malacañang said yesterday.

 

Misuari, former governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), was reportedly spotted in a gathering of MNLF supporters in Sulu last Friday.

 

Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said although they could not yet confirm the report about Misuari’s public appearance, authorities would still carry out the arrest warrant against him.

 

“We have yet to confirm the report you are citing. He still has an outstanding warrant of arrest, therefore law enforcement authorities have a legal basis for arresting him,” Coloma said in a text message to the Manila Bulletin.

 

Reports said Misuari held a meeting with armed MNLF members as well as Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) gunmen in Indanan, Sulu. The meeting supposedly tackled his attendance to the upcoming Islamic Inter-Parliamentary Union in Geneva, Switzerland.

 

Authorities, however, failed to apprehend the elusive Misuari who has long been wanted for the deadly attacks by his armed followers in Zamboanga in 2013.

 

Misuari and his commanders were charged with rebellion and violation of the country’s law on crimes against international humanitarian law, genocide and other crimes against humanity before a regional trial court in Zamboanga.

 

http://www.mb.com.ph/palace-warrant-to-arrest-nur-still-valid/

Of General Intel Interest: Rising concern over trend of Malaysian ISIS suicide bombers

From the Straits Times (Jan 12): Rising concern over trend of Malaysian ISIS suicide bombers



Mohd Amirul Ahmad Rahim (left) blew himself up in Raqqa, Syria, on Dec 29, while Mohamad Syazwan Mohd Salim (right) was among seven suicide bombers who killed 12 policemen in Tikrit, Iraq, on Jan 3. Until recently, Malaysians and other non-Arabs who joined ISIS rarely ended up as front-line fighters. They would usually be given menial tasks.PHOTOS: NEW STRAITS TIMES

Two Malaysian Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) suicide bombers were killed in separate attacks in Syria and Iraq recently, heightening concerns that more Malaysians are now willing to blow themselves up for the extremist group.

Police counter-terrorism chief Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay told The Straits Times that based on intelligence, a report yesterday on the duo in Malaysian English daily New Straits Times was accurate.

The Malaysian newspaper said that 26-year-old Mohd Amirul Ahmad Rahim detonated explosives strapped to his body and in his car during clashes in the ISIS stronghold of Raqqa, Syria, on Dec 29, killing 21 people, while 31-year-old Mohamad Syazwan Mohd Salim was among seven suicide bombers who killed 12 policemen in Tikrit, Iraq, on Jan 3.
Their deaths bring the total number of Malaysians with ISIS links killed in the past 18 months to 17, four of whom were known to have been suicide bombers .

The New Straits Times said that Mohd Amirul and Mohamad Syazwan were among those who had been recruited by ISIS to be trained as suicide bombers.

It noted that until recently, Malaysians and other non-Arabs who joined the extremist group rarely ended up as front-line fighters. They would usually be given menial tasks, including as cooks or cleaners.

 

Mohamad Syazwan left Malaysia in September 2014 with his younger brother, Muhamad Shazani Mohd Salim, 28, who was also killed in a suicide mission on Sept 18 last year in Bayji, Iraq.

There is rising concern about the growing trend of Malaysian suicide bombers. "Most Malaysians in Syria now, they want to die as a martyr in a suicide mission," said Datuk Ayob Khan.

Ms Elina Noor, Institute of Strategic and International Studies assistant director of foreign policy and security studies, said "there is the view that Malaysians are more willing to carry out suicide missions because they have more to prove" to graduate from doing menial tasks. "Suicide bombings abroad represent a new threshold for Malaysian involvement," she added.

Malaysia has tried to stem the flow of recruits to ISIS in the past two years, making about 150 arrests, but about 100 are believed to have slipped through the net and travelled to Syria.

Anxiety over a potential local attack soared in November when an internal police memo stating that there were 18 suicide bombers at large was leaked.

Police chief Khalid Abu Bakar confirmed the document was authentic, but said that the information had not been confirmed.

The government has estimated that 50,000 Malaysians are ISIS sympathisers, and a Pew Research Centre report in November found that 12 per cent of Muslims here viewed the militant group that has taken control of large areas of Syria and Iraq favourably.

The New Straits Times report coincided with another in an Australian daily yesterday which said it had obtained exclusive footage showing five Malaysians joining a group of Filipinos, mainly from the Abu Sayyaf group, swearing allegiance to ISIS at a camp on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao.

It ostensibly represented the merger of five militant battalions.

The video, showing the militants at a training camp, was posted on the Internet last Friday and then immediately removed, The Australian daily reported.

The footage posed major security concerns for Australia and South-east Asia, Professor Rohan Gunaratna, counter-terror expert and head of the Singapore-based International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research, told the newspaper.

"The recruits who cannot go to Syria because of travel restrictions will train in the Philippines and attack Australia and coalition interests on their return," he was quoted as saying.

Another Australian counterterror expert, Professor Greg Barton, said he was not surprised by the development in the Philippines, only that it had taken so long to bubble to the surface.

"I think we are heading this year for attempts of large mass casualty incidents in South-east Asia," Prof Barton said.

http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/rising-concern-over-trend-of-malaysian-isis-suicide-bombers

ISIS in Philippines a threat to region

Opinion piece in the Straits Times (Jan 12): ISIS in Philippines a threat to region (by Rohan Gunaratna)

Training camps will lure South-east Asians and other nationalities; beheadings, mass killings and attacks likely

The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is likely to create branches in the Philippines and Indonesia this year.

Although the Indonesian military pre-empted ISIS plans to declare a satellite state of the so-called caliphate in eastern Indonesia, ISIS is determined to declare at least one province in Asia in 2016. An ISIS foothold will present far-reaching security implications for the stability and prosperity of a rising Asia.

The risk is high in the Philippines, where after a year-long discussion between local groups that pledged allegiance to ISIS' self-appointed caliph Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the Ahlus Shura (council) has appointed Isnilon Hapilon the overall leader of the so-called Islamic State in the Philippines. Hapilon is the leader of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Basilan.

Preparations to proclaim an ISIS branch in the southern Philippines reflect its growing influence in the region. In addition to enforcing the ISIS brand of Islam, ISIS-type beheadings and mass killings and attacks are likely. If it succeeds in creating a safe haven in Basilan and mounts operations from the Sulu archipelago into both the Philippines and Malaysia, the regional threat will increase.

The creation of training camps will lure not only South-east Asians but also other nationalities - from Australians to Chinese Uighurs - who cannot easily reach Syria. The nationalities trained in the new ISIS province, and seeking to carry out the ISIS vision, are likely to be a threat to their home countries.

Just this month, ISIS announced the unification of four battalions in the Philippines and the allegiance of their leaders to Baghdadi. At the oath-taking to Baghdadi, which was captured on video, the battalions were represented by Ansar Al-Shariah Battalion leader Abu Anas al-Muhajir, who goes by the alias Abraham. Abu Anas is Mohammad Najib Hussein from Malaysia and his battalion is in charge of laws and other matters pertaining to jurisprudence. An engineer and a sundry shop owner, Mohammad Najib's face was intentionally not covered in the video.

 

Philippine marines raiding the camp of a gang that had pledged allegiance to ISIS in Palimbang town, Sultan Kudarat province, Mindanao, last November. Weapons and ISIS flags were recovered following a firefight. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

The other Malaysians in the video - Universiti Malaya comparative religion lecturer Mahmud Ahmad alias Abu Handzalah and former municipal council employee Muhammad Joraimee Awang Raimee - have been on the Malaysian police's wanted list since April 2014.
 

Considering the importance given to a Malaysian by Hapilon, Malaysians are likely to travel and join ISIS Mindanao in the southern Philippines. Although the leader of the Ma'rakah Al-Ansar Battalion could not attend the event, Abu Ammar sent a representative, Abu Harith. The war battalion led by Abu Harith is from Sulu, where the overall ASG group leader Radulan Sahiron is based. This demonstrated a split in ASG, where a small but important faction had defected to ISIS.

Ansarul Khilafah Philippines is the group that pledged allegiance to ISIS in August 2014. After it did so, it released a video threatening to deploy suicide bombers in the Philippines and make the country a "graveyard" for American soldiers. On two occasions, attempts by the group to transport weapons to Mujahidin Indonesia Timur were disrupted by the Philippine National Police working with their Indonesian counterparts.

Based in South Cotabato province, Sarangani province and General Santos City, Ansarul Khilafah Philippines is led by Abu Sharifah, who is also fluent in Tagalog.

The Philippines has been an important arena for domestic, regional and global terrorist groups for 20 years. Since 1994, when Jemaah Islamiah established its first training camp, Hudaibiyah, the Philippines emerged as the training ground for Indonesians, Malaysians, Singaporeans, Thai Muslims and Arabs. Most of the instructors were non-Filipinos: They were either Indonesians or Arabs trained by Al-Qaeda. In addition to the Sulu archipelago transforming into a base for training and operations, the area is a strategic bridge linking the Philippines and Malaysia.

With the rise of ISIS, the ASG kidnapped Malaysians, Taiwanese, Chinese and Filipinos from Sabah in Malaysia; and Dutch, Germans, Koreans and Filipinos from the Philippines; and a Swiss national from Tawi Tawi in the Sulu archipelago. While some hostages escaped, others were released after payment, and others were killed. Malaysian businessman and engineer Bernard Then Ted Fen was beheaded last November.

The latest kidnapping by ASG was in September last year, when a Canadian, a Norwegian and a Filipina were kidnapped in Samal Island and taken to Basilan.

In addition to moving ISIS ideologues to implement its brand of Islam, it is very likely that ISIS will dispatch its explosives experts, combat tacticians and other operatives. Its plan to declare a state in Mindanao presents a very real threat to the stability and security of South-east Asia, a region that has hitherto enjoyed political stability, social harmony and economic growth .

The Moro struggle for independence has been one of the world's oldest. The government of the Philippines made significant gains by engaging the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in a successful peace process. Nonetheless, the ASG and a few smaller groups continue to fight to create an independent Moro homeland. The Philippines lacks the political leadership, and its armed forces the operational capability, to dismantle the insurgent and terrorist infrastructure in Mindanao, especially in the Sulu archipelago.

The ISIS-initiated merger of the fighting formations and unification of the leaders will present an unprecedented challenge to Manila. As the "soldiers of the caliphate" in the Philippines, they will mount operations that will increasingly mirror those of the ISIS core in Syria and Iraq. There is no better time for the Philippine government to act. If the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, President Benigno Aquino, procrastinates, ISIS ideology will spread, gravely damaging the peace process. The four ISIS "battalions" will grow in strength, size and influence and present an enduring challenge to his successors.

Shortly, ISIS will declare a satellite of the caliphate in the Sulu archipelago. Ideally, Mr Aquino should pre-empt the declaration. To win Muslim hearts and minds and prevent Muslim support for ISIS, the armed forces of the Philippines should move not just to contain, isolate and eliminate the ASG, but also with a mandate to develop the region economically.

To pre-empt the declaration of an ISIS wilayat in the Philippines and ISIS branch shortly, the military should deploy in strength in Sulu, Basilan and Tawi Tawi. If the armed forces can dominate the Sulu archipelago, ISIS cannot successfully declare, operate and expand its satellite in the Philippines, with implications for Malaysia, the region and beyond.

[The writer is professor of security studies at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) and head of the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research at RSIS, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. This article is due to be published in RSIS Commentary.]

http://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/isis-in-philippines-a-threat-to-region

Candidates told not to give in to NPA extortion demand

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 11): Candidates told not to give in to NPA extortion demand

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is urging politicians running in the May 2016 elections not to give in to the New People's Army (NPA)'s extortion demand.

"The NPAs call it 'permit-to-campaign' and 'permit-to-win' but we simply call it extortion. So if its extortion, don't give in to extortionists," AFP public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato said Monday.

While still to receive any formal complaints, Detoyato said they are constantly monitoring the situation in the field.

The military official said the AFP, while doing everything in its authority to counter the NPA extortion threat, is dependent on the information given to it by the public to act in timely and efficient manner.

"We are (encouraging) them to report it to the Commission on Elections, to the police, to the nearest military (unit) so that we can take proper action," Detoyato said.

Detoyato added that giving in to the rebels' extortion threat this elections means additional funds for the latter's violent activities.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=845414

Congress proposes retail bond to fund military modernisation

From the Manila Bulletin (Jan 11): Congress proposes retail bond to fund military modernisation

FILE – In this April 20, 2015 file photo, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang points to reveal recent images of China’s reclamation activities being done at the disputed islands in the South China Sea during a news conference at Camp Aguinaldo in suburban Quezon city, northeast of Manila, Philippines. . (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez, File )

 

Congress on Monday asked the Philippine government to study a proposal to issue a P150 billion  ($3.2 billion) retail bond to fund a long-term military modernization plan to secure its strategic reserves in the South China Sea.

Arnel Ty, deputy minority leader at the lower house of Congress, said Congress will ask the Treasury to consider a bond issue to enable Filipinos to save and at the same time help secure the Philippines’ maritime borders against China’s rapid expansion in the South China Sea.

“The bulk of the additional funds raised from the bond offering may be set aside to acquire new warships, like frigates and corvettes, for deployment to the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea),” Ty told reporters.

“We have to invest in new warships to secure the potential huge oil and gas deposits in the West Philippine Sea, which are the key to our energy independence.”

National Treasurer Roberto Tan told Reuters he had not been advised about the submission, saying “I still have to familiarise myself with the proposal”.

Last month, President Benign Aquino vowed to leave behind a stronger and more capable military to face maritime challenges in the contested Sprat Islands when he leaves office on June 30, announcing an 83.9 billion peso five-year spending plan extending to 2017.

China claims almost all the South China Sea, believed to have huge deposits of oil and gas, through which about $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims in the strategic waters.

In 2012, a Chinese patrol ship harassed a survey ship hired by an Anglo-Filipino consortium exploring for oil and gas in the Philippines’ Reed Bank, an area Beijing claimed to be part of its territory.

Last year, Manila suspended oil and gas activities in the Reed Bank area.

Try said Congress has passed a revised military modernisation law, allocating 75 billion pesos for a five-year period until 2017. Since coming to office in 2010, Aquino has spent about 50 billion pesos on military equipment.

This year, Congress appropriated 25 billion pesos to acquire two frigates, three anti-submarine helicopters, six close air support planes and munitions for the South Korean-made FA-50 light fighter planes.

The military has an ambitious 15-year modernization plan to spend about 998 billion pesos to acquire submarines, advanced missile systems, and surveillance aircraft to put the country on par with its Southeast Asian neighbors.

http://www.mb.com.ph/congress-proposes-ph-retail-bond-to-fund-military-modernisation/

Islamic State threat lies with fighters returning home to South East Asia

From The Sydney Morning Herald (Jan 11): Islamic State threat lies with fighters returning home to South East Asia

Analysis 

[Video]

Video shows IS 'supercell'

Videos showing several Islamic extremist groups in the southern Philippines marching together suggest the groups have joined forces to form a satellite branch of Islamic State.

 Terror groups form Islamic State powerhouse in Philippines

Violent pockets of rebellion are dotted across South East Asia. Alarm that Islamic State could find a toehold in the neighbourhood after more extremist groups pledge support is understandable, but not the most far-reaching security concern.

The bigger fear is the terrorist fighters from the region who have travelled to serve with Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, and what plans they might bring home on their eventual return.

A video reportedly showing an Islamic State training camp in the Philippines. Photo: YouTube

This stems from the experience in Afghanistan in the 1990s, where the terrorists who went on to carry out the Bali bombings and other atrocities learned their deadly skills.

The eldest son of Bali bomber Imam Samudra was killed fighting for ­Islamic State in Syria in September, which may be one fewer terrorist to pose a threat but is an indication of the pedigree of fighters who have travelled from the region. Estimates range from anywhere up to 900 fighters from South East Asia fighting in Syria and Iraq, a comparatively small but deadly cohort.

The declaration of the allegiance and possible merger of terrorist groups in the Philippines gives Islamic State another a propaganda boost, but will make little immediate difference to the threat in the region.

Bali bomber Imam Samudra. Photo: AP/Charles Dharapak

The long-running insurgency in the nation's rural south shows holding territory is fraught, let alone establishing an Islamic State-style fortress.

The local conflict has ebbed and surged, the heavy-handed police and military at times driving more supporters towards the insurgents, while the criminal zeal of the notorious Abu Sayyaf radicals alienates the local population.

A political peace process on the island of Mindanao has further driven Abu Sayyaf and other militants to extremes.

A video released by the Abu Sayyaf Islamists in 2012 showing former captive, Australian Warren Rodwell. Photo: Supplied

They may chirp up with fiery anti-Western denunciation but, just as occurred with their promise to attack the recent regional summit in Manila attended by leaders from the US, Australia and other nations, their ability to back up threats with action is limited.

What this latest declaration may do is raise the profile of South East Asia in the eyes of Islamic State leaders as the boundaries of their so-called caliphate in the Middle East is pushed back.

Should an eventual collapse of Islamic State see its most fervent adherents scurry back home to pursue violence, the danger in the region will be far more acute.

http://www.smh.com.au/world/islamic-state-threat-lies-with-fighters-returning-home-to-south-east-asia-20160111-gm3gsd.html

No IS jihadists in PH; video mere propaganda – AFP

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 11): No IS jihadists in PH; video mere propaganda – AFP

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines has denied anew the existence of the Islamic State jihadists in the Philippines.

This was after a video circulating online showed consolidated militant groups in Mindanao with black flags claiming their links to the IS. A report said that it suggested that the IS may soon put up a satellite extension in Mindanao.

“The video may be authentic, kinuha yun ng mga tunay na tao na andun. But sa background nun, kung meron ba talaga silang pinanghahawakan sa likod, wala. You can just gather a group of people, let them wear black and say ISIS kami. That does not mean may ISIS dito,” AFP public affairs chief Colonel Noel Detoyato said on Monday.

He said the group on the video is merely riding on the popularity of the international terror group.“Those are propaganda. We consider them as propaganda. They are not ISIS,” Detoyato said.

He said the Abu Sayyaf, Ansar al- Khalifa and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters are sympathizers of the IS in the Philippines.

Detoyato said they are keeping an eye on these groups, despite the lack of possibility that the IS will put an extension in the Philippines.

“Wala namang ISIS dito….There is a difference between ISIS-directed and ISIS-inspired,” he said.

Other videos of Philippine militants showing support for IS circulated in the past but the government has repeatedly denied the existence of the group in the Philippines.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/754503/is-presence-in-ph-a-mere-propaganda-says-afp

Nur Misuari leads meeting of 2,000 MNLF members, supporters in Sulu

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 11): Nur Misuari leads meeting of 2,000 MNLF members, supporters in Sulu

Led by their founding chair, the fugitive Nur Misuari, over 2,000 members and supporters of the Moro National Liberation Front (MILF) from all over Mindanao converged in Sulu.

Misuari faces several charges for the 2013 Zamboanga Siege that left more than 200 people dead and hundreds of thousands of families homeless.

Habib Hashim Mudjahab, chair of the Islamic Command Council of the MNLF (ICC-MNLF), said the gathering led by Misuari was a “general leadership meeting where discussions were focused on the preparation of the incoming tripartite meeting.”

Last week, over 40 MNLF members, who were intercepted in this city, were monitored until they boarded a boat bound for Sulu.

Mudjahab said the MNLF leaders ironed out some details “for the January 25 to 27 (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) Tripartite meeting in Jeddah, and the replacement of the late Ustadz Zain Jali by Alibashier Sidri as new chair of the Bangsamoro Parliament.”

Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, commander of the 501st Army Brigade, confirmed the presence of Misuari in the meeting held in Barangay (the village of) Kagay in Indanan town.

Arrojado said Misuari presided over the assembly of about 2,000 members and supporters.

But there was no move to arrest Misuari, who has been charged with multiple murder for the 2013 Zamboanga siege where MNLF forces allegedly tried to occupy the city. Hundreds of thousands of residents were displaced by the three-week fighting between national government forces and MNLF members in 2013.

“It is not our job to serve the warrant of arrest. It’s the mandate of our police. If they (police) need our help as back-up support, we will do so,” Arrojado said.

Mudjahab said government security forces would have had difficulty arresting Misuari as thousands of MNLF members and supporters were in the meeting.

“The meeting was in full coordination with the local authorities, and maybe they made an evaluation about the repercussion (of a Misuari arrest),” Mudjahab said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/754541/nur-misuari-leads-meeting-of-2000-mnlf-members-supporters-in-sulu

AFP reminds soldiers: Don't engage in partisan politics in social media

From the Philippine Star (Jan 11): AFP reminds soldiers: Don't engage in partisan politics in social media



Armed Forces public affairs chief Col. Noel Detoyato said liking, sharing information or commenting about a candidate would be construed as engaging in partisan politics and could lead to sanctions.

The military on Monday reminded soldiers to be careful in using social networking accounts and to make sure that they do not promote or denigrate any candidate or political party.

Armed Forces public affairs chief Col. Noel Detoyato said liking, sharing information or commenting about a candidate would be construed as engaging in partisan politics and could lead to sanctions.

“Even liking or sharing in social media, these border on or constitute partisanship, which is prohibited,” Detoyato said in a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo.

“The soldiers are reminded on the proper use of the social media. There are very harsh repercussions (for violators),” he added.

 Detoyato said those who would be caught promoting or criticizing candidates or political groups may be demoted, discharged or lose their benefits.

He also has warning for soldiers who use anonymous accounts for political purposes.

“They can but if they are caught, they will suffer,” Detoyato said, adding that the only partisan activity soldiers are allowed to perform is to vote.

The military, nevertheless, is confident that soldiers will remain apolitical during the election season.
Detoyato said the military has recovered from the stigma of the “Hello Garci” scandal, which raised doubts about the credibility of the 2004 elections.

“We did not have similar incidents in the past elections,” he said.

In 2005, some generals were accused of rigging the 2004 polls after their names were mentioned in the so-called “Hello Garci” tapes.

The wiretapped recordings allegedly described the ways the canvassing was manipulated to ensure the reelection of then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

In the audio files, a woman believed to be Arroyo was asking a man said to be then Commission on Elections Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano if she could win by more than one million votes.

Arroyo apologized for talking to an election official but was silent on accusations that she benefited from poll fraud.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/01/11/1541515/afp-reminds-soldiers-dont-engage-partisan-politics-social-media

Of General Intel Interest: China's Xi reorganizes military headquarters structure

From the Philippine Star (Jan 11): China's Xi reorganizes military headquarters structure

Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered a reorganization of the military headquarters' structure on Monday in a sign of his firm control over the 2.3 million-member armed forces.

Xi ordered the elimination of the four headquarters responsible for staff, politics, logistics and armaments and their replacement with 15 new agencies under the direct authority of the ruling Communist Party's Central Military Commission, state media reported.

The move is part of a push to reassert the absolute authority of the party commission headed by Xi and modernize the military's organizational structure. Xi is also pressing ahead with the downsizing of the military by 300,000 members to eliminate many non-combat-related functions.

China's military has benefited from near annual double-digit percentage increases in its budget, now the world's second largest after the United States.

Unlike most militaries, however, the People's Liberation Army is loyal to the Communist Party, rather than to the nation or its people. Leaders have rejected any suggestion of placing it under government rather than party command, and Xi was quoted on Monday as telling commanders to "unswervingly follow the (party's) absolute leadership over the armed forces."

Commanders should "frequently, actively and resolutely" align their direction with the party's Central Committee and the Central Military Commission, he said.

http://www.philstar.com/world/2016/01/11/1541622/chinas-xi-reorganizes-military-headquarters-structure

Military slams group for using harmless photo for propaganda

From the Mindanao Times (Jan 11): Military slams group for using harmless photo for propaganda

THE 10TH Infantry Division slammed the Save Our Schools (SOS) Network for posting a photo in its Facebook page last week showing soldiers in front of Paquibato Elementary School to support its propaganda.

 

In the post, the SOS Network accused the military of transforming the school grounds of Paquibato Elementary School “into a landing platform of their helicopter.”

 

The photo showed five soldiers in full battle gear smiling before the camera while a white helicopter can be seen in the background.

 

The SOS Network also cited Sec 22(e) of RA 7610, also known as the “Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act,” which states that “public infrastructure such as schools, hospitals and rural health units shall not be utilized for military purposes such as command posts, barracks, detachments, and supply depots.”

 

“This picture was taken during the flag raising ceremony in connection with the 2013 Independence Day Celebration in Paquibato District in Davao City,” said Maj.Gen Rafael Valencia, commander of 10ID.

 

The white helicopter, meanwhile, is being used by the city government.

 

“The soldiers were in Paquibato Elementary School not to put up command posts, barracks, detachments, or supply depots but participated in the flag raising ceremony in connection with the commemoration of the Philippine Independence at the said school together with other government officials and the people in the area,” explained Valencia.

 

“This is the kind of deception and manipulation that groups allied with the CPP-NPA like the Save Our Schools Network are foisting on the people and the whole world,” he added.

 

The post was taken down after the negative reactions from netizens, but the 10th ID was able to grab a screen shot of the post and shared it on its own Facebook page.

 

http://mindanaotimes.net/military-slams-group-for-using-harmless-photo-for-propaganda/

Landmine explodes in Paquibato

From MindaNews (Jan 11): Landmine explodes in Paquibato

A landmine exploded on a roadside at Sitio Panulawan, Brgy. Malabog, Paquibato District in Davao City at 2:30 a.m. on Saturday.

The Paquibato Police Station, led by Chief Insp. Leonardo V. Tarongoy, the station commander, immediately responded to the incident upon receiving a report around 6:30 a.m. from a certain Edison Bitania, 28, a resident of Purok Sampaguita, Sitio Panulawan in Paquibato District.

No one was reportedly hurt in the incident.

Responding authorities recovered one unexploded improvised explosive device (IED), two blasting cups, electrical wire estimated at 100 meters long, and eight pieces of battery.

The unexploded IED was immediately turned over to the Army’s 69th Infantry Battalion detailed in Brgy. Malabog, Paquibato District.

Intelligence and investigation personnel were dispatched to possibly identify the perpetrators and the motive of the incident.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2016/01/11/landmine-explodes-in-paquibato/

IED planted in Philippine city disrupted

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jan 11): IED planted in Philippine city disrupted

TACURONG CITY – Security forces disrupted Monday a homemade bomb planted in downtown Tacurong City in the southern Filipino province of Sultan Kudarat, police said.

Police said the explosive was discovered by civilians who informed authorities about it. Policemen and soldiers cordoned off the area and disrupted the bomb, placed in a cardboard box. It said the bomb was made of black powder and blasting caps and filled with iron nails and attached to a cell phone.

No individual or group claimed responsibility for the foiled bombing, but the province is a known stronghold of rebel groups fighting for a separate Islamic state in the restive region.

Just last year, two unidentified men on a motorcycle also exploded a fragmentation grenade at a police headquarters in Tacurong City. And prior to that, police also disarmed an improvised explosive planted in a bus travelling to Koronadal City in South Cotabato province from Tacurong City.

A passenger had alerted the driver after discovering the bomb – wrapped in a newspaper and plastic sheet – at the rear of the bus, owned by Yellow Bus Line.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/ied-planted-in-philippine-city-disrupted/

MSDF to cover more of South China Sea – The Japan News

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jan 11): MSDF to cover more of South China Sea – The Japan News

The Defense Ministry and the Self-Defense Forces have decided that Japanese P-3C patrol aircraft returning home from anti-piracy activities off the coast of Somalia will give priority to stopping along the way at bases of countries facing the South China Sea, including the Philippines and Vietnam, according to sources.

The P-3C has advanced monitoring capabilities, and the decision is expected to increase the area of the South China Sea, which China claims as its territory, that they fly over. It could also be said the move will contribute to the protection of freedom of overflight and allow Japan to support in its own way U.S. patrols around artificial islands being built by China.

P-3C aircraft belonging to the Maritime Self-Defense Forces participate in multinational efforts to combat piracy off the coast of Somalia. They travel back and forth between Japan and Africa about every three months.

Previously, the aircraft refueled at bases relatively far from the South China Sea, in countries including Singapore and Thailand. But now outward journeys will remain the same, but return trips will give priority to refueling at bases around the South China Sea, such as those in Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia.

The aircraft will also be part of defense-related exchanges in the places visited.

Arrangements are being made for a February stop in Cam Ranh, where there is a Vietnamese naval base, and to participate in goodwill exercises there. During Defense Minister Gen Nakatani’s visit to Vietnam in November, an agreement was reached to have SDF ships visit Cam Ranh and to promote defense-related exchanges.

The Philippines’ Palawan, located near the Spratly Islands, and Malaysia’s Labuan, which faces the southern part of the South China Sea, are also being considered as ports of call.

China has drawn a so-called nine-dash line in the South China Sea and claims sovereignty over the area inside the U-shaped line. It is also constructing artificial islands in the area and working to establish military strongholds on them.

The administration of U.S. President Barack Obama is taking steps to restrain China, including having the Aegis-equipped destroyer USS Lassen sail within 12 nautical miles of an artificial island in October.(The Yomiuri Shimbun)

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/msdf-to-cover-more-of-south-china-sea-the-japan-news/