From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 4): Abu Sayyaf frees Chinese woman after two-year captivity
Abu Sayyaf bandits freed a Chinese woman they kidnapped nearly two years ago from Basilan.
Superintendent Wilfredo Cayat, Sulu provincial police director, said Yahong Tan Lim was freed at about 1 p.m. on Tuesday in Barangay Danag, Patikul, Sulu.
She was immediately “secured by members of the ant- kidnapping group.”
Lim was kidnapped with her mother, Dina Tan Iraham, on May 22, 2014.
Iraham, a Chinese businesswoman married to a Basilan local, was earlier freed although there was no report of ransom payment.
The Abu Sayyaf had demanded P30 million for Iraham and Lim’s
release.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/783146/abu-sayyaf-frees-chinese-woman-after-two-year-captivity
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
The four kidnapped Sarawakians are reported to have been treated well by their Abu Sayyaf abductors.
From The Star Online (May 4): IGP: Reports indicate Sarawakian hostages treated well by Abu Sayyaf
KOTA KINABALU: The four kidnapped Sarawakians are reported to have been treated well by their Abu Sayyaf abductors.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar (pic) said that from intelligence reports gathered, authorities have determined that the four are safe, healthy, and have been treated well.
“Efforts are being taken to secure the release of these Malaysians,” Khalid said, adding that he does not want to reveal too much with regard to what the police are doing in order to get the four home safe.
He said authorities believe the militants are constantly on the move to prevent detection.
Khalid added that one of the reasons he had come to Sabah was to speak to officers on the ground on rescue efforts, and to discuss other updates pertaining to the case.
The four Malaysians – Wong Teck Kang, 31, Wong Hung Sing, 34, Wong Teck Chii, 29, and Johnny Lau Jung Hien, 21 – were kidnapped by armed men in the waters off Pulau Ligitan, Semporna, Sabah, on April 1.
They were among the nine crew of a tugboat which was heading back to Malaysia from the Philippines.
Khalid’s statement comes amid a beheading threat from militants against another group of hostages in Jolo.
A video showing the suspected kidnappers threatening to kill three hostages, just over a week after they beheaded Canadian captive John Ridsdel, has been posted on YouTube.
The video show the trio from Canada, Norway and the Philippines appealing for help from the Philippines and Canadian governments.
http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/05/04/igp-on-sarawakian-hostages-held-by-abu-sayyaf/
KOTA KINABALU: The four kidnapped Sarawakians are reported to have been treated well by their Abu Sayyaf abductors.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar (pic) said that from intelligence reports gathered, authorities have determined that the four are safe, healthy, and have been treated well.
“Efforts are being taken to secure the release of these Malaysians,” Khalid said, adding that he does not want to reveal too much with regard to what the police are doing in order to get the four home safe.
He said authorities believe the militants are constantly on the move to prevent detection.
The four Malaysians – Wong Teck Kang, 31, Wong Hung Sing, 34, Wong Teck Chii, 29, and Johnny Lau Jung Hien, 21 – were kidnapped by armed men in the waters off Pulau Ligitan, Semporna, Sabah, on April 1.
They were among the nine crew of a tugboat which was heading back to Malaysia from the Philippines.
Khalid’s statement comes amid a beheading threat from militants against another group of hostages in Jolo.
A video showing the suspected kidnappers threatening to kill three hostages, just over a week after they beheaded Canadian captive John Ridsdel, has been posted on YouTube.
The video show the trio from Canada, Norway and the Philippines appealing for help from the Philippines and Canadian governments.
http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/05/04/igp-on-sarawakian-hostages-held-by-abu-sayyaf/
Another blast hits Maguindanao school
From ABS=CBN (May 4): Another blast hits Maguindanao school
SULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao - An explosion occurred at the Sandakan Elementary School in Barangay Dalumangcob, Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao on Tuesday night.
Based on the initial investigation, residents saw the alleged perpetrators onboard a motorcycle.
One of the suspects supposedly entered the school and went down to the kindergarten area and aimed a grenade launcher towards the classroom.
The school is an identified polling center in the May 9 elections. However, the kindergarten classroom is not one of the polling places.
Sultan Kudarat Chief of Police, Police Chief Inspector Madin Esmael said the explosion was carried out to sow fear among the public, considering that Dalumangcob is a poblacion which has more or less 4,000 voters.
"Mag-create ng scare o para matakot mga BEI at mga botante pero rest assured the security force ay nandiyan para magbigay ng seguridad," said Esmael.
Authorities recovered fragments of a 40MM grenade launcher that was possibly used by the suspects.
Last week, five schools in the nearby town of Sultan Mastura were also hit by series of blasts.
http://news.abs-cbn.com/halalan2016/nation/regions/05/04/16/another-blast-hits-maguindanao-school
SULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao - An explosion occurred at the Sandakan Elementary School in Barangay Dalumangcob, Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao on Tuesday night.
Based on the initial investigation, residents saw the alleged perpetrators onboard a motorcycle.
One of the suspects supposedly entered the school and went down to the kindergarten area and aimed a grenade launcher towards the classroom.
The school is an identified polling center in the May 9 elections. However, the kindergarten classroom is not one of the polling places.
Sultan Kudarat Chief of Police, Police Chief Inspector Madin Esmael said the explosion was carried out to sow fear among the public, considering that Dalumangcob is a poblacion which has more or less 4,000 voters.
"Mag-create ng scare o para matakot mga BEI at mga botante pero rest assured the security force ay nandiyan para magbigay ng seguridad," said Esmael.
Authorities recovered fragments of a 40MM grenade launcher that was possibly used by the suspects.
Last week, five schools in the nearby town of Sultan Mastura were also hit by series of blasts.
http://news.abs-cbn.com/halalan2016/nation/regions/05/04/16/another-blast-hits-maguindanao-school
Blast hits another NGCP tower
From ABS-CBN (May 4): Blast hits another NGCP tower
Authorities are still determining the motive and the suspects in yet another blast at the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) tower in Lanao del Sur on Tuesday night.
"NGCP's Tower #25 of Agus 2 - Kibawe 138kV line in Brgy. Linamon, Ramain, Lanao del Sur was reportedly bombed and toppled in the evening of May 3," a statement said Wednesday.
The said tower was also bombed last December 24, 2015. It took almost three months before it was restored because the land owner was allegedly uncooperative and refused NGCP access to conduct tower repairs.
NGCP said the affected tower contributes to the Mindanao grid. Based on the power outlook of the Department of Energy, the Mindanao grid has an actual capacity of 1736 megawatts, 1363 system load megawatts, and 373 megawatts reserve energy.
"This is the 6th bombing of NGCP towers this year. Restoration of tower 25 will commence as soon as the area is secured," NGCP said in a statement.
NGCP reiterated that the attacks will only increase service interruptions and burden the public.
http://news.abs-cbn.com/nation/regions/05/04/16/blast-hits-another-ngcp-tower
Authorities are still determining the motive and the suspects in yet another blast at the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) tower in Lanao del Sur on Tuesday night.
"NGCP's Tower #25 of Agus 2 - Kibawe 138kV line in Brgy. Linamon, Ramain, Lanao del Sur was reportedly bombed and toppled in the evening of May 3," a statement said Wednesday.
The said tower was also bombed last December 24, 2015. It took almost three months before it was restored because the land owner was allegedly uncooperative and refused NGCP access to conduct tower repairs.
NGCP said the affected tower contributes to the Mindanao grid. Based on the power outlook of the Department of Energy, the Mindanao grid has an actual capacity of 1736 megawatts, 1363 system load megawatts, and 373 megawatts reserve energy.
"This is the 6th bombing of NGCP towers this year. Restoration of tower 25 will commence as soon as the area is secured," NGCP said in a statement.
NGCP reiterated that the attacks will only increase service interruptions and burden the public.
http://news.abs-cbn.com/nation/regions/05/04/16/blast-hits-another-ngcp-tower
AFP to establish command outpost in Luzon's northernmost islet
From GMS News Online (May 3): AFP to establish command outpost in Luzon's northernmost islet
The Philippine military on Tuesday confirmed its plans to establish a permanent command outpost in Y'Ami Island, Luzon's northernmost islet, to ward off foreign occupants.
The decision came following the unfurling of a Philippine flag by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on the island over the weekend.
"The outpost is necessary to establish our occupation of these northern islands and islets," a military officer, who refused to be identified, said. "It will prevent these islands and islets from being occupied by our neighbors."
Lt. Gen. Romeo Tanalgo led the unfurling of the flag along with 18 officers and enlisted personnel in full battle gear who sung the national anthem in a brief ceremony.
Tanalgo was flown to Itbayat, Batanes, via Air Force cargo plane the same day to inspect a team of medical personnel from the AFP for a medical-dental-civic action activity before heading to the island.
The AFP personnel then boarded the BRP Ramon Alcaraz to Y'Ami Island, which sits just four hours way from the southernmost city of Kaoshiung in Taiwan.
After the ceremony, the gun boat proceeded to Basco, Batanes, and boarded a C-295 aircraft heading back to Clark Air Force Base in Pampanga.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/564867/news/regions/afp-to-establish-command-outpost-in-luzon-s-northernmost-islet
The Philippine military on Tuesday confirmed its plans to establish a permanent command outpost in Y'Ami Island, Luzon's northernmost islet, to ward off foreign occupants.
The decision came following the unfurling of a Philippine flag by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on the island over the weekend.
"The outpost is necessary to establish our occupation of these northern islands and islets," a military officer, who refused to be identified, said. "It will prevent these islands and islets from being occupied by our neighbors."
Lt. Gen. Romeo Tanalgo led the unfurling of the flag along with 18 officers and enlisted personnel in full battle gear who sung the national anthem in a brief ceremony.
Tanalgo was flown to Itbayat, Batanes, via Air Force cargo plane the same day to inspect a team of medical personnel from the AFP for a medical-dental-civic action activity before heading to the island.
The AFP personnel then boarded the BRP Ramon Alcaraz to Y'Ami Island, which sits just four hours way from the southernmost city of Kaoshiung in Taiwan.
After the ceremony, the gun boat proceeded to Basco, Batanes, and boarded a C-295 aircraft heading back to Clark Air Force Base in Pampanga.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/564867/news/regions/afp-to-establish-command-outpost-in-luzon-s-northernmost-islet
NPA rebels free 2 captive soldiers to Duterte in Agusan del Sur
From GMA News (May 3): NPA rebels free 2 captive soldiers to Duterte in Agusan del Sur
New People's Army (NPA) rebels on Tuesday released to presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte the two soldiers they kidnapped in Agusan del Sur in early April.
Pfc Devin Tawide and Pfc Glen Austria, both members of the 23rd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, were released in Barangay Balit in San Luis, Agusan del Sur.
Following their release, Duterte, who has been open about his closeness with the rebels, took the soldiers to the 402nd Brigade headquarters.
Tawide and Austria were both in good conditions when they were released. Both said they were not harmed by the NPA.
Omar Guevara, the custodial force commander of the NPA, said the two soldiers were released as they have no bad records with the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).
Prior to this, on April 25, Duterte also helped facilitate the release of two policemen in Davao City, and a soldier in North Cotabato the following day.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/564879/news/regions/npa-rebels-free-2-captive-soldiers-to-duterte-in-agusan-del-sur
New People's Army (NPA) rebels on Tuesday released to presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte the two soldiers they kidnapped in Agusan del Sur in early April.
Pfc Devin Tawide and Pfc Glen Austria, both members of the 23rd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, were released in Barangay Balit in San Luis, Agusan del Sur.
They were abducted on April 3 after their motorcycle passed a rebel "checkpoint" in Barangay Lower Olave in Buenavista town.Dalawang sundalo na POW ng NPA, inirelease kay Mayor Rody Duterte sa San Luis, Agusan del Sur @gmanews
Following their release, Duterte, who has been open about his closeness with the rebels, took the soldiers to the 402nd Brigade headquarters.
Tawide and Austria were both in good conditions when they were released. Both said they were not harmed by the NPA.
Omar Guevara, the custodial force commander of the NPA, said the two soldiers were released as they have no bad records with the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).
Prior to this, on April 25, Duterte also helped facilitate the release of two policemen in Davao City, and a soldier in North Cotabato the following day.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/564879/news/regions/npa-rebels-free-2-captive-soldiers-to-duterte-in-agusan-del-sur
EU, UNDP pour in P63m for peace in Mindanao
From The Standard (May 3): EU, UNDP pour in P63m for peace in Mindanao
http://manilastandardtoday.com/news/-provinces/204828/eu-undp-pour-in-p63m-for-peace-in-mindanao.html
The European
Union and the United Nations Development Programme have funded another peace
project amounting to €1.2 million (P63 million) to sustain peace efforts in
Mindanao, Southern Philippines .
“We would like to
keep the dialogue open to strengthen peace-building efforts even in the
grassroots level. This initiative would contribute to ensuring participation of
all stakeholders especially women and children in local processes,
decision-making and conflict mitigation for sustainable peace,” said EU Ambassador
Franz Jessen as they launched the new project last week.
The EU Ambassador
along with UNDP Philippines Country Director Titon Mitra presented the “Support
Peace-Bangsamoro Project” that will be implemented from 2016 to mid-2017.
With its another
funding, the Support Peace-Bangsamoro project is geared on giving
support capacity-building for local leaders and other stakeholders on public
administration and parliamentary processes.
It will also
strengthen the constituency for peacebuilding in the Bangsamoro, including
establishing partnerships with local government units and civil society
organizations, and develop platforms that will enable the youth and women to
actively engage in peacebuilding.
The said project
aims to provide support to the Third Party Monitoring of the implementation of
the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.
“The EU
recognizes UNDP’s experience and expertise on implementing peacebuilding
projects and we are pleased that our partnership will continue,” said Jessen in
a statement.
“The security
situation in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao
is potentially volatile with the non-passage of the legislation to create a
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region,” Mitra added.
According to
Mitra, peacebuilding efforts need to be deepened and this project will make an
important contribution to the difficult but critical process of securing a
lasting peace.
“UNDP and the EU
have a long-standing partnership on and commitment to peacebuilding initiatives
in Mindanao .”
http://manilastandardtoday.com/news/-provinces/204828/eu-undp-pour-in-p63m-for-peace-in-mindanao.html
Japan, Philippines bilateral cooperation indispensable
From Update.Ph (May 3): Japan, Philippines bilateral cooperation indispensable
Despite the postponement of his visit to the Philippines due to the massive earthquake that flattened Kyushu last April, Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani reaffirmed the lease and transfer of five TC-90 training aircraft to the Philippines.
This was disclosed by Defense public affairs office chief Arsenio Andolong in a statement Tuesday.
“In a telephone call at around 4:00 p.m. on Monday, May 2, 2016, Japan’s Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, expressed appreciation to Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin for understanding the cancellation of his planned visit to the Philippines in April. The trip was postponed following the strong earthquakes that hit Kyushu,” he added.
During the phone call, both defense chiefs agreed that bilateral cooperation is indispensable and discussed how to enhance relations by strengthening communications, deepening exchanges and educational opportunities.
In the same vein, Nakatani reaffirmed the transfer of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force TC-90 aircraft which will be useful for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and maritime security.
“Further to this, will be the training that will be provided for the end-users,” Andolong said.
Delivery of the TC-90s are expected to be completed this year.
He added that both leaders are looking forward to meeting each other in a rescheduling of the visit.
Both parties reiterated their commitment to work together, with Nakatani expressing that the two countries’ bilateral relationship is crucial for peace, stability and prosperity, not only of the two countries, but of the region as well.
The TC-90, which is part of the Beechcraft King Air aircraft family, was offered by Japan shortly after the Agreement Concerning the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology was finalized last Feb. 29.
The TC-90’s patrol range is double of small Philippine aircraft which only has a maximum range of 300 kilometers.
http://www.update.ph/2016/05/japan-philippines-bilateral-cooperation-indispensable/5036
Despite the postponement of his visit to the Philippines due to the massive earthquake that flattened Kyushu last April, Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani reaffirmed the lease and transfer of five TC-90 training aircraft to the Philippines.
This was disclosed by Defense public affairs office chief Arsenio Andolong in a statement Tuesday.
“In a telephone call at around 4:00 p.m. on Monday, May 2, 2016, Japan’s Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, expressed appreciation to Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin for understanding the cancellation of his planned visit to the Philippines in April. The trip was postponed following the strong earthquakes that hit Kyushu,” he added.
During the phone call, both defense chiefs agreed that bilateral cooperation is indispensable and discussed how to enhance relations by strengthening communications, deepening exchanges and educational opportunities.
In the same vein, Nakatani reaffirmed the transfer of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force TC-90 aircraft which will be useful for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and maritime security.
“Further to this, will be the training that will be provided for the end-users,” Andolong said.
Delivery of the TC-90s are expected to be completed this year.
He added that both leaders are looking forward to meeting each other in a rescheduling of the visit.
Both parties reiterated their commitment to work together, with Nakatani expressing that the two countries’ bilateral relationship is crucial for peace, stability and prosperity, not only of the two countries, but of the region as well.
The TC-90, which is part of the Beechcraft King Air aircraft family, was offered by Japan shortly after the Agreement Concerning the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology was finalized last Feb. 29.
The TC-90’s patrol range is double of small Philippine aircraft which only has a maximum range of 300 kilometers.
http://www.update.ph/2016/05/japan-philippines-bilateral-cooperation-indispensable/5036
Communist armed lawless group killed 49 unarmed individuals since January – 10ID
From Update.Ph (May 3): Communist armed lawless group killed 49 unarmed individuals since January – 10ID
The 10th Infantry Division (10ID) of the Philippine Army said they have accounted 49 unarmed individuals killed by communist armed lawless group (ALG), referring to the New People’s Army, in areas of Davao region and SOCSKSARGEN since January 1. 10ID said the killing spree of the ALG has alarmed authorities and the public as the National and Local Elections on May 9 is fast approaching.
“We are committed on putting an end to this senseless violence that the ALGs are committing not only against our troops but also against innocent civilians,” 10ID commander Major General Rafael Valencia said.
“This wanton killing of our unarmed troops and innocent civilians is a desperate move of the ALGs to stop our efforts to bring peace and help create an environment for progress and development in Davao and SOCSKSARGEN Regions,” the General added.
10ID said the murderous rampage of the ALG’s liquidation group has claimed the lives of 28 civilians, 12 CAFGU Active Auxilliaries (CAAs), five soldiers and four policemen.
The 49 victims were killed in 45 incidents, 23 of which happened in Compostela Valley Province (CVP); 10 in Davao del Norte; two each in Davao del Sur, South Cotabato, Sarangani Province, Bukidnon and Davao City; and one each in North Cotabato and Davao Oriental.
http://www.update.ph/2016/05/communist-armed-lawless-group-killed-49-unarmed-individuals-since-january-10id/5048
The 10th Infantry Division (10ID) of the Philippine Army said they have accounted 49 unarmed individuals killed by communist armed lawless group (ALG), referring to the New People’s Army, in areas of Davao region and SOCSKSARGEN since January 1. 10ID said the killing spree of the ALG has alarmed authorities and the public as the National and Local Elections on May 9 is fast approaching.
“We are committed on putting an end to this senseless violence that the ALGs are committing not only against our troops but also against innocent civilians,” 10ID commander Major General Rafael Valencia said.
“This wanton killing of our unarmed troops and innocent civilians is a desperate move of the ALGs to stop our efforts to bring peace and help create an environment for progress and development in Davao and SOCSKSARGEN Regions,” the General added.
10ID said the murderous rampage of the ALG’s liquidation group has claimed the lives of 28 civilians, 12 CAFGU Active Auxilliaries (CAAs), five soldiers and four policemen.
The 49 victims were killed in 45 incidents, 23 of which happened in Compostela Valley Province (CVP); 10 in Davao del Norte; two each in Davao del Sur, South Cotabato, Sarangani Province, Bukidnon and Davao City; and one each in North Cotabato and Davao Oriental.
http://www.update.ph/2016/05/communist-armed-lawless-group-killed-49-unarmed-individuals-since-january-10id/5048
Video shows hostages held by Abu Sayyaf Group pleading for help (SITE video)
From TruNews (May 3): Video shows hostages held by Abu Sayyaf Group pleading for help
Video shows hostages held by Abu Sayyaf Group pleading for help
Islamist militants in the southern Philippines released a video that purports to show three hostages pleading for help and a masked militant vowing to behead them if the group's demands are not met.
"I'm appealing to Canadian government, the Filipino government, friends, family, anybody who can possibly help us. If the demand is not met, we will be executed like our friend John was a few days ago." the hostage who identified himself as Kjartan Sekkingstad said in the video, which the SITE Intel Group said was uploaded to YouTube on Tuesday (May 3).
The group released 10 Indonesian hostages on Sunday, ending a month-long ordeal during which a kidnapped Canadian held by the same group was beheaded after a ransom deadline passed.
To view video go to the URL below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfQGfj78H8M
Video shows hostages held by Abu Sayyaf Group pleading for help
Islamist militants in the southern Philippines released a video that purports to show three hostages pleading for help and a masked militant vowing to behead them if the group's demands are not met.
"I'm appealing to Canadian government, the Filipino government, friends, family, anybody who can possibly help us. If the demand is not met, we will be executed like our friend John was a few days ago." the hostage who identified himself as Kjartan Sekkingstad said in the video, which the SITE Intel Group said was uploaded to YouTube on Tuesday (May 3).
The group released 10 Indonesian hostages on Sunday, ending a month-long ordeal during which a kidnapped Canadian held by the same group was beheaded after a ransom deadline passed.
To view video go to the URL below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfQGfj78H8M
Horrific videos show Canadian’s beheading as fellow captive pleads with Ottawa for help
From the National Post (May 3): Horrific videos show Canadian’s beheading as fellow captive pleads with Ottawa for help
The second video ended with a new demand for money from Abu Sayyaf or it vowed it would murder Hall, his Filipina girlfriend, Marites Flor and a Norwegian, Kjartan Sekkingstad.
Abu Sayyaf, the Philippine militant group, has released a horrifying video in which Canadian John Ridsdel’s killer can be seen beheading him and a second video in which another Canadian, Robert Hall, pleads with the Canadian government to intervene and save him.
A young man with closely cropped hair wearing a black T-shirt and wielding a machete grabbed Ridsdel’s head by his hair in the first video and forced the 68-year-old disheveled, desperate-looking Canadian to the ground before murdering him as three masked men armed with assault rifles stood nearby.
“I recognize some people in such videos but he is not immediately identifiable to me. He might be to the authorities,” said Mark Singer, director of business intelligence for the Manila office of Pacific Strategies and Assessments Inc., which closely tracks Abu Sayyaf.
Police and military sources did not return calls after the video was released late Monday local time.
“John Ridsdel was beheaded on 4/25 due to non-compliance of Canadian government,” the video said.
That was an apparent reference to what the group had said was its final ultimatum in a video that it released on April 21. Abu Sayyaf demanded that it be paid more than $32 million in return for the release of the 68-year-old Calgarian and three others seized with him on the same night last September including British Columbian Robert Hall. If was not paid it said that one of the hostages would be murdered on April 25.
The Trudeau government, like the Harper government before it, has declared that it does not pay ransom to kidnappers of Canadian citizens.
In the second video, which was released soon after the first on Monday, Hall looked gaunt and extremely haggard and his voice was devoid of emotion.
“To the Canadian government, I’m told to tell you to meet the demand,” Hall said as he looked at the ground. “I don’t know what you’re doing, but you’re not doing anything for us.
“John has been sacrificed, his family has been decimated, and I’m not sure why or what you’re waiting for.”
Hall appealed to the Philippine government to “please stop shooting at us and trying to kill us. These guys are going to do a good job of that.”
The second video ended with a new demand for money from Abu Sayyaf or it vowed it would murder Hall, his Filipina girlfriend, Marites Flor and a Norwegian, Kjartan Sekkingstad.
Rita Katz @Rita_Katz
“Note to the Philippine government and Canadian government. The lesson is clear. John Ridsdel has been beheaded,” a man wearing a mask is heard saying.
“Now there are three remaining captives here. If you procrastinate once again the negotiations we will behead this all anytime.”
The tape concludes with the men shouting “God is great” in Arabic and in the local Tausug language.
News of the existence of both videos was first reported on Twitter by Site Intelligence Group, which describes itself as a private terrorist tracking organization.
“This isn’t the first time that executions have been uploaded to the Internet by Abu Sayyaf,” Marc Singer of Pacific Strategies said. The tactic was used by Abu Sayyaf last year and is similar to videos by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant that have often appeared on the Internet.
“It is a manifestation of their willingness to do this to leverage their criminal activities. They are first and foremost a kidnap group,” the security and risk analyst said
“The black flags and the rhetoric reinforce their claims, but they are not ideologically driven. They are driven totally by criminal intent and kidnap for ransom.”
An earlier still from a militant video showed Canadians John Ridsdel, right, and Robert Hall being held captive.
However, what was “somewhat unusual,” he said, was “to see an execution so closely followed by a fresh demand and a new threat to kill remaining hostages. We see this as evidence of desperation on their part to generate revenues from their criminal activities.”
Ridsdel, Hall, Flor and Kjartan Sekkingstad were kidnapped from a marina near Davao is southern Mindanao and taken 500 kilometres west by sea to Jolo Island. About half the size of Prince Edward Island, it is an Abu Sayyaf stronghold near where Filipino, Indonesian and Malaysian waters intersect.
“What they did was anti-Islam. We highly condemn it,” said Sammy Al-Mansour, military chief of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front told the Philippine Daily Inquirer in a story published Tuesday.
According to his sources, Ridsdel’s killers were still on Jolo Island, Al-Mansour said.
“We are helping in tracking down by gathering information. We just need proper coordination. And if government forces have information too, they can pass it to us and we will forward it to our joint forces on the ground.”
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front is one of the more moderate of Mindanao’s many militant organizations. Eighteen months ago, it held talks with Assistant Commissioner Randy Beck of the RCMP about establishing a new civilian police force in one of the most violence-prone areas in the Philippines.
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front has been involved in several clashes with Abu Sayyaf forces in recent weeks, the Inquirer said.
The radical Islamic group released a video 11 days ago which showed Ridsdel and those kidnapped with him and demanded that if more than $8 million in ransom per hostage was not paid by April 25 one of the hostages would be executed. Within hours of that ultimatum having passed, Ridsdel’s head was tossed from a passing motorcycle in the town of Jolo. The Canadian government identified the remains as being Ridsdel’s several hours later.
Last Wednesday, the headless torso of a Caucasian male was found by the Philippine military, which continues a major offensive against Abu Sayyaf in mountainous jungle terrain a few kilometres northeast of the town of Jolo.
Ten Indonesian sailors were released by Abu Sayyaf on Sunday. A ransom of about $1 million had been demanded for their release.
Indonesian and Filipino media reported that a ransom had been paid, but this was denied by Indonesian and Filipino authorities.
http://news.nationalpost.com/news/world/abu-sayyaf-reportedly-releases-video-showing-beheading-of-canadian-hostage-john-ridsdel
The second video ended with a new demand for money from Abu Sayyaf or it vowed it would murder Hall, his Filipina girlfriend, Marites Flor and a Norwegian, Kjartan Sekkingstad.
Abu Sayyaf, the Philippine militant group, has released a horrifying video in which Canadian John Ridsdel’s killer can be seen beheading him and a second video in which another Canadian, Robert Hall, pleads with the Canadian government to intervene and save him.
A young man with closely cropped hair wearing a black T-shirt and wielding a machete grabbed Ridsdel’s head by his hair in the first video and forced the 68-year-old disheveled, desperate-looking Canadian to the ground before murdering him as three masked men armed with assault rifles stood nearby.
Police and military sources did not return calls after the video was released late Monday local time.
“John Ridsdel was beheaded on 4/25 due to non-compliance of Canadian government,” the video said.
That was an apparent reference to what the group had said was its final ultimatum in a video that it released on April 21. Abu Sayyaf demanded that it be paid more than $32 million in return for the release of the 68-year-old Calgarian and three others seized with him on the same night last September including British Columbian Robert Hall. If was not paid it said that one of the hostages would be murdered on April 25.
The Trudeau government, like the Harper government before it, has declared that it does not pay ransom to kidnappers of Canadian citizens.
In the second video, which was released soon after the first on Monday, Hall looked gaunt and extremely haggard and his voice was devoid of emotion.
“To the Canadian government, I’m told to tell you to meet the demand,” Hall said as he looked at the ground. “I don’t know what you’re doing, but you’re not doing anything for us.
“John has been sacrificed, his family has been decimated, and I’m not sure why or what you’re waiting for.”
Hall appealed to the Philippine government to “please stop shooting at us and trying to kill us. These guys are going to do a good job of that.”
The second video ended with a new demand for money from Abu Sayyaf or it vowed it would murder Hall, his Filipina girlfriend, Marites Flor and a Norwegian, Kjartan Sekkingstad.
Rita Katz @Rita_Katz
3) Beheading video of #Canadian #JohnRidsdel by #AbuSayyaf Group is brutal, barbaric, extremely graphic, and most disturbing
“Note to the Philippine government and Canadian government. The lesson is clear. John Ridsdel has been beheaded,” a man wearing a mask is heard saying.
“Now there are three remaining captives here. If you procrastinate once again the negotiations we will behead this all anytime.”
The tape concludes with the men shouting “God is great” in Arabic and in the local Tausug language.
John Ridsdel's killer. @siteintelgroup
News of the existence of both videos was first reported on Twitter by Site Intelligence Group, which describes itself as a private terrorist tracking organization.
“This isn’t the first time that executions have been uploaded to the Internet by Abu Sayyaf,” Marc Singer of Pacific Strategies said. The tactic was used by Abu Sayyaf last year and is similar to videos by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant that have often appeared on the Internet.
“It is a manifestation of their willingness to do this to leverage their criminal activities. They are first and foremost a kidnap group,” the security and risk analyst said
“The black flags and the rhetoric reinforce their claims, but they are not ideologically driven. They are driven totally by criminal intent and kidnap for ransom.”
An earlier still from a militant video showed Canadians John Ridsdel, right, and Robert Hall being held captive.
However, what was “somewhat unusual,” he said, was “to see an execution so closely followed by a fresh demand and a new threat to kill remaining hostages. We see this as evidence of desperation on their part to generate revenues from their criminal activities.”
Ridsdel, Hall, Flor and Kjartan Sekkingstad were kidnapped from a marina near Davao is southern Mindanao and taken 500 kilometres west by sea to Jolo Island. About half the size of Prince Edward Island, it is an Abu Sayyaf stronghold near where Filipino, Indonesian and Malaysian waters intersect.
“What they did was anti-Islam. We highly condemn it,” said Sammy Al-Mansour, military chief of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front told the Philippine Daily Inquirer in a story published Tuesday.
According to his sources, Ridsdel’s killers were still on Jolo Island, Al-Mansour said.
“We are helping in tracking down by gathering information. We just need proper coordination. And if government forces have information too, they can pass it to us and we will forward it to our joint forces on the ground.”
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front is one of the more moderate of Mindanao’s many militant organizations. Eighteen months ago, it held talks with Assistant Commissioner Randy Beck of the RCMP about establishing a new civilian police force in one of the most violence-prone areas in the Philippines.
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front has been involved in several clashes with Abu Sayyaf forces in recent weeks, the Inquirer said.
The radical Islamic group released a video 11 days ago which showed Ridsdel and those kidnapped with him and demanded that if more than $8 million in ransom per hostage was not paid by April 25 one of the hostages would be executed. Within hours of that ultimatum having passed, Ridsdel’s head was tossed from a passing motorcycle in the town of Jolo. The Canadian government identified the remains as being Ridsdel’s several hours later.
Last Wednesday, the headless torso of a Caucasian male was found by the Philippine military, which continues a major offensive against Abu Sayyaf in mountainous jungle terrain a few kilometres northeast of the town of Jolo.
Ten Indonesian sailors were released by Abu Sayyaf on Sunday. A ransom of about $1 million had been demanded for their release.
Indonesian and Filipino media reported that a ransom had been paid, but this was denied by Indonesian and Filipino authorities.
http://news.nationalpost.com/news/world/abu-sayyaf-reportedly-releases-video-showing-beheading-of-canadian-hostage-john-ridsdel
‘We will behead this all anytime’: Full transcript of new Abu Sayyaf video showing three hostages
From the National Post (May 3): ‘We will behead this all anytime’: Full transcript of new Abu Sayyaf video showing three hostages
SITE has released stills from the videos, which have not been independently verified by The National Post.
Abu Sayyaf on Tuesday reportedly released a two-minute-long new video, showing three hostages, including Canadian Robert Hall. The three are shown pleading for government intervention after the murder of their fellow captive, Canadian hostage John Ridsdel. The three — Hall, Filipina Marites Flor and Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad — were kidnapped by armed men in September.
A full transcript of the video, as released by SITE Intelligence group, follows.
Kjartan Sekkingstad: My name is Kjartan. I’m a hostage on Sulu Island. I’m appealing to the Canadian government, the Filipino government, friends, family, anybody who can possibly help us, that if the demand is not
met we will be executed like our friend John was a few days ago.
Robert Hall: My name is Robert Hall. I’m here, as well. To the Philippine government: Please stop shooting at us and trying to kill us. These guys are going to do a good job of that.
To the Canadian government, I’m told to tell you to meet the demand. I don’t know what you’re doing, but you’re not doing anything for us. John has been sacrificed, his family has been decimated, and I’m not sure why or what you’re waiting for.
Marites Flor: I’m appealing to all people, all people here… the situation right now… I’m appealing to the Canadian government, to the Philippine government, to President Benigno Aquino, [speaks in local language], Please Aquino…
Masked captor: In the name of Allah, and all praise is due to Allah. Peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah, and upon his family and his Companions. And thereafter: Note to the Philippine government and to the Canadian government: The lesson is clear. John Ridsdel has been beheaded. Now there are three remaining captives here. If you procrastinate once again the negotiations, we will behead this all anytime.
http://news.nationalpost.com/news/world/we-will-behead-this-all-anytime-full-transcript-of-new-abu-sayyaf-video-showing-three-hostages
SITE has released stills from the videos, which have not been independently verified by The National Post.
Abu Sayyaf on Tuesday reportedly released a two-minute-long new video, showing three hostages, including Canadian Robert Hall. The three are shown pleading for government intervention after the murder of their fellow captive, Canadian hostage John Ridsdel. The three — Hall, Filipina Marites Flor and Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad — were kidnapped by armed men in September.
A full transcript of the video, as released by SITE Intelligence group, follows.
Kjartan Sekkingstad: My name is Kjartan. I’m a hostage on Sulu Island. I’m appealing to the Canadian government, the Filipino government, friends, family, anybody who can possibly help us, that if the demand is not
met we will be executed like our friend John was a few days ago.
Robert Hall: My name is Robert Hall. I’m here, as well. To the Philippine government: Please stop shooting at us and trying to kill us. These guys are going to do a good job of that.
Marites Flor: I’m appealing to all people, all people here… the situation right now… I’m appealing to the Canadian government, to the Philippine government, to President Benigno Aquino, [speaks in local language], Please Aquino…
Masked captor: In the name of Allah, and all praise is due to Allah. Peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah, and upon his family and his Companions. And thereafter: Note to the Philippine government and to the Canadian government: The lesson is clear. John Ridsdel has been beheaded. Now there are three remaining captives here. If you procrastinate once again the negotiations, we will behead this all anytime.
http://news.nationalpost.com/news/world/we-will-behead-this-all-anytime-full-transcript-of-new-abu-sayyaf-video-showing-three-hostages
Abu Sayyaf threatens hostages in video warning
From Rappler (May 3): Abu Sayyaf threatens hostages in video warning
The trio – from Canada, Norway and the Philippines – appeal for help from the Philippine and Canadian governments in a video uploaded to YouTube Tuesday and reported by SITE intelligence group
The Abu Sayyaf issued a fresh warning on Tuesday, May 3, threatening to harm 3 hostages, just over a week after they beheaded a captive.
The trio – from Canada, Norway and the Philippines – appealed for help from the Philippine and Canadian governments in a video uploaded to YouTube Tuesday and reported by SITE intelligence group, which monitors jihadist media.
"To the Philippine government: Please stop shooting at us and trying to kill us. These guys are going to do a good job of that," Robert Hall, a Canadian, said in the video.
He said the kidnappers had told him to tell his own government "to meet the demand" -- though he did not specify what the demand was.
The southern Philippines-based Abu Sayyaf announced last week they had killed a Canadian hostage, retiree John Ridsdel, as an April 25 ransom deadline lapsed.
Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad and Marites Flor, Hall's Filipina girlfriend, also pleaded with the two governments.
The video showed them sitting on the ground, beneath what appeared to be a coconut plantation, with 6 gunmen standing behind them.
The Norwegian said that "if the demand is not met we will be executed like our friend John was a few days ago".
One of the gunmen then warned Manila to heed the "lesson" of Ridsdel's killing and avoid delays in negotiations.
Philippine President Benigno Aquino has vowed to "neutralize" the gunmen and his government has said it will not negotiate with a group it considers a terrorist organisation.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also said – after announcing Ridsdel's murder – that his government would not negotiate with the kidnappers.
Aquino said the 3 hostages were being held on the Abu Sayyaf stronghold of Jolo island, more than 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) south of Manila.
Ridsdel and the 3 were snatched from a resort elsewhere in the southern Philippines in September last year, with the kidnappers demanding millions of dollars in ransom.
On Sunday the gunmen freed 10 Indonesian sailors they had abducted at sea 5 weeks earlier.
But they are also still holding 4 Malaysian and 4 other Indonesian sailors, as well as a Dutch birdwatcher abducted in 2012.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/131707-abu-sayyaf-threatens-hostages-video-warning
The trio – from Canada, Norway and the Philippines – appeal for help from the Philippine and Canadian governments in a video uploaded to YouTube Tuesday and reported by SITE intelligence group
The Abu Sayyaf issued a fresh warning on Tuesday, May 3, threatening to harm 3 hostages, just over a week after they beheaded a captive.
The trio – from Canada, Norway and the Philippines – appealed for help from the Philippine and Canadian governments in a video uploaded to YouTube Tuesday and reported by SITE intelligence group, which monitors jihadist media.
"To the Philippine government: Please stop shooting at us and trying to kill us. These guys are going to do a good job of that," Robert Hall, a Canadian, said in the video.
He said the kidnappers had told him to tell his own government "to meet the demand" -- though he did not specify what the demand was.
The southern Philippines-based Abu Sayyaf announced last week they had killed a Canadian hostage, retiree John Ridsdel, as an April 25 ransom deadline lapsed.
Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad and Marites Flor, Hall's Filipina girlfriend, also pleaded with the two governments.
The video showed them sitting on the ground, beneath what appeared to be a coconut plantation, with 6 gunmen standing behind them.
The Norwegian said that "if the demand is not met we will be executed like our friend John was a few days ago".
One of the gunmen then warned Manila to heed the "lesson" of Ridsdel's killing and avoid delays in negotiations.
Philippine President Benigno Aquino has vowed to "neutralize" the gunmen and his government has said it will not negotiate with a group it considers a terrorist organisation.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also said – after announcing Ridsdel's murder – that his government would not negotiate with the kidnappers.
Aquino said the 3 hostages were being held on the Abu Sayyaf stronghold of Jolo island, more than 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) south of Manila.
Ridsdel and the 3 were snatched from a resort elsewhere in the southern Philippines in September last year, with the kidnappers demanding millions of dollars in ransom.
On Sunday the gunmen freed 10 Indonesian sailors they had abducted at sea 5 weeks earlier.
But they are also still holding 4 Malaysian and 4 other Indonesian sailors, as well as a Dutch birdwatcher abducted in 2012.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/131707-abu-sayyaf-threatens-hostages-video-warning
Japan agrees to lease military aircraft to Philippines
From Rappler (May 3): Japan agrees to lease military aircraft to Philippines
Japan will lease military aircraft to the Philippines in another sign of deepening security ties between the two former foes to counter Beijing's increasing regional influence
A file photo of a TC-90 plane of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force. Image courtesy JMSDF
Japan will lease military aircraft to the Philippines in another sign of deepening security ties between the two former foes to counter Beijing's increasing regional influence.
The agreement was made Monday afternoon, May 2, during telephone talks between Japan's Defense Minister Gen Nakatani and his Philippine counterpart Voltaire Gazmin, the ministry said.
Tensions in the South China Sea – through which 1/3 of the world's oil passes – have mounted in recent years since China transformed contested reefs into artificial islands capable of supporting military facilities.
Under the accord, Tokyo will lease up to 5 TC-90 training airplanes and help Manila train pilots and aircraft mechanics, the ministry said. The planes can be used as surveillance aircraft, according to local media.
It will be Japan's first lease of its Self-Defense Forces' aircraft to another country after it recently lifted a self-imposed ban on weapons exports.
"We agreed that it is important for all the countries in the region to strengthen cooperation in order to maintain peace and stability of the South China Sea," Nakatani told reporters.
"We believe that improving the Philippines' capability will lead to stability in the region," he added.
The TC-90 is capable of flying some 1,900 kilometers (1,180 miles), roughly double the flight range of the Philippine navy's aircraft, Kyodo News said.
The Philippines has been seeking to strengthen ties with Japan, its former World War II rival, as tensions mount over disputed South China Sea waters, almost all of which are claimed by China. The southeast Asian country has a severely under-equipped military.
Aside from the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan also have overlapping claims to the contested waterway.
Japan has its own dispute with China in the East China Sea over uninhabited islands that it administers but that are also claimed by Beijing.
A Japanese warship last month sailed into a Philippine port near disputed South China Sea waters while Tokyo agreed in February to supply Manila with military hardware, which may include anti-submarine reconnaissance aircraft and radar technology.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/131611-japan-agrees-lease-military-aircraft-philippines
Japan will lease military aircraft to the Philippines in another sign of deepening security ties between the two former foes to counter Beijing's increasing regional influence
A file photo of a TC-90 plane of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force. Image courtesy JMSDF
Japan will lease military aircraft to the Philippines in another sign of deepening security ties between the two former foes to counter Beijing's increasing regional influence.
The agreement was made Monday afternoon, May 2, during telephone talks between Japan's Defense Minister Gen Nakatani and his Philippine counterpart Voltaire Gazmin, the ministry said.
Tensions in the South China Sea – through which 1/3 of the world's oil passes – have mounted in recent years since China transformed contested reefs into artificial islands capable of supporting military facilities.
Under the accord, Tokyo will lease up to 5 TC-90 training airplanes and help Manila train pilots and aircraft mechanics, the ministry said. The planes can be used as surveillance aircraft, according to local media.
It will be Japan's first lease of its Self-Defense Forces' aircraft to another country after it recently lifted a self-imposed ban on weapons exports.
"We agreed that it is important for all the countries in the region to strengthen cooperation in order to maintain peace and stability of the South China Sea," Nakatani told reporters.
"We believe that improving the Philippines' capability will lead to stability in the region," he added.
The TC-90 is capable of flying some 1,900 kilometers (1,180 miles), roughly double the flight range of the Philippine navy's aircraft, Kyodo News said.
The Philippines has been seeking to strengthen ties with Japan, its former World War II rival, as tensions mount over disputed South China Sea waters, almost all of which are claimed by China. The southeast Asian country has a severely under-equipped military.
Aside from the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan also have overlapping claims to the contested waterway.
Japan has its own dispute with China in the East China Sea over uninhabited islands that it administers but that are also claimed by Beijing.
A Japanese warship last month sailed into a Philippine port near disputed South China Sea waters while Tokyo agreed in February to supply Manila with military hardware, which may include anti-submarine reconnaissance aircraft and radar technology.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/131611-japan-agrees-lease-military-aircraft-philippines
Explosives found in South Cotabato
From MindaNews (May 3): Explosives found in South Cotabato
Army and police personnel recovered on Monday a cache of improvised high-powered explosives believed owned by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in a makeshift bunker in T’boli town in South Cotabato.
Lt. Col. Benjamin Leander, commanding officer of the 27th Infantry Battalion (IB), said Tuesday they discovered the bunker at around 5:30 a.m. in Sitio Tabudtud, Barangay New Dumangas in T’boli.
He said they found 19 explosives composed of 12 anti-personnel and seven anti-tank land mines.
“It’s a temporary storage area for the explosives and they (rebels) just retrieve them from there when needed,” he said in an interview over radio station dxKR.
The Army official said they located the bunker based on a tip from local residents who are already tired of the presence and activities of the NPA rebels.
The village is a known exit and entry point of NPA rebels based in the mountainous portions of T’boli.
NPA rebels had launched a number of attacks in the area in the past years, among them the raid on a police detachment, burning of several heavy equipment contracted by a company running a banana plantation, and the abduction of a member of the 27th IB.
The operation on Monday was joined by a police team carrying the arrest warrants of NPA leaders and members who were tagged as behind these attacks.
Some of the suspects, who were earlier spotted in the village, were able to escape prior to the operation.
Leander said they received reports that a number of residents of Sitio Tabudtud are sympathizers of the NPA and had been aware of the presence of the explosives.
He said the South Cotabato Provincial Police Office and the T’boli municipal police station are currently investigating the possible involvement of residents near the site and the owner of the lot in the establishment of the bunker.
“Some of them might have even helped the rebels in the establishment of the bunker so we’re looking at their liability as well,” he said.
Police are also determining whether the recovered explosives are part of a supposed plot by the NPA to disrupt the conduct of the coming May 9 general elections.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2016/05/03/explosives-found-in-south-cotabato/
Army and police personnel recovered on Monday a cache of improvised high-powered explosives believed owned by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in a makeshift bunker in T’boli town in South Cotabato.
Lt. Col. Benjamin Leander, commanding officer of the 27th Infantry Battalion (IB), said Tuesday they discovered the bunker at around 5:30 a.m. in Sitio Tabudtud, Barangay New Dumangas in T’boli.
He said they found 19 explosives composed of 12 anti-personnel and seven anti-tank land mines.
“It’s a temporary storage area for the explosives and they (rebels) just retrieve them from there when needed,” he said in an interview over radio station dxKR.
The Army official said they located the bunker based on a tip from local residents who are already tired of the presence and activities of the NPA rebels.
The village is a known exit and entry point of NPA rebels based in the mountainous portions of T’boli.
NPA rebels had launched a number of attacks in the area in the past years, among them the raid on a police detachment, burning of several heavy equipment contracted by a company running a banana plantation, and the abduction of a member of the 27th IB.
The operation on Monday was joined by a police team carrying the arrest warrants of NPA leaders and members who were tagged as behind these attacks.
Some of the suspects, who were earlier spotted in the village, were able to escape prior to the operation.
Leander said they received reports that a number of residents of Sitio Tabudtud are sympathizers of the NPA and had been aware of the presence of the explosives.
He said the South Cotabato Provincial Police Office and the T’boli municipal police station are currently investigating the possible involvement of residents near the site and the owner of the lot in the establishment of the bunker.
“Some of them might have even helped the rebels in the establishment of the bunker so we’re looking at their liability as well,” he said.
Police are also determining whether the recovered explosives are part of a supposed plot by the NPA to disrupt the conduct of the coming May 9 general elections.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2016/05/03/explosives-found-in-south-cotabato/
Arrest of top NPA commander won’t hamper the release of captured law enforcers
From the Philippine News Agency (May 3): Arrest of top NPA commander won’t hamper the release of captured law enforcers
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=881881
The scheduled release of four other law enforcers now in the
custody of the New People’s Army (NPA) would not be hampered following the
arrest of a top NPA commander in Agusan Del Norte Monday.
Police Supt. Police Chief Supt. Rolando Felix, Caraga
regional police director, said that Ricardo A. Manili, a.k.a. “Kumander Joker,”
was captured at a Comelec checkpoint manned by the police and the elements of
the 23rd Infantry Battalion in Mat-i, Las Nieves, Agusan Del Norte, Monday
afternoon.
He said that the police record showed that Ricardo Manili
has an outstanding warrant for two counts rebellion, two counts murder and
multiple murders.
Manili was captured together with six other individuals
during a routine check at a Comelec checkpoint manned by the military and
police about 1 p.m. Monday.
In a statement emailed to the media outlets here Tuesday,
Cesar Renerio, the spokesman of the National Democratic Front (NDF) North
Central Mindanao, said that the scheduled release of four other law enforcers
now in the custody of the NPA would not be hampered with the arrest of Manili.
He identified the law enforcers as PFCs Diven Tawide and
Glen Austria, both of the 23rd Infantry Battalion, who were captured by the NPA
at a roadblock in Buenavista, Agusan Del Norte last April 3.
The other two were police officers SPO1 Warren Coñales and
PO3 Edwin Panis Castor, who were captured on April 3 in a separate NPA-manned
checkpoint in Impasug-ong town in Bukidnon.
Last Monday, the NPA released Misamis Oriental police
officer SPO4 Rene Rombo who was also captured in a separate roadblock in
Misamis Oriental on April 3.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=881881
La Union Police: Solon was target of bomb attack
From the Philippine News Agency (May 3): La Union Police: Solon was target of bomb attack
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=882045
The police concluded that it was Second District Rep.
Euranio Eriguel who was the target of the bomb explosion on Saturday in Agoo
town that hurt four of the congressman's bodyguards.
Supt. Angelito Dumangeng, La Union police director said,
" Politics is the motive in this incident because the target is
Congressman Eriguel."
"Yes, political rivals are behind the attack,"
Dumangeg said, without naming names.
Dumangeng said security in Agoo town, which is one of the
six areas in the province under ‘election watch-list,’ had been tightened as
military personnel were deployed on Monday to augment the police forces there.
He said they had leads on the identities of the perpetrators
of the bomb attack and joint personnel from the Explosive and Ordnance Division
of the police and military were now conducting investigation on the matter.
The incident happened just 50 meters away from Eriguel’s
house in Barangay Sta. Barbara. The lawmaker was about to go on a campaign
sortie when his back-up vehicle, a van carrying the four victims, was hit by
the bomb explosion.
The bomb, which was planted in a parked motorcycle, was
detonated through a remote control device that came a few seconds late and
missed Eriguel’s car.
Eriguel’s car suffered minor damages but the back-up vehicle
was severely damaged.
The injured victims were SPO2 Jack Baguan, Eriguel’s police
escort; Eriguel's aides Samuel Ofiaza and Anthony Casem; and Jovanne Cacayuran,
the driver.
There were unconfirmed reports that said Cacayuran, who was
in critical condition when taken to the hospital, has died at the Ilocos
Training and Medical Center in San
Fernando City
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=882045
DND thanks Japan for TC-90 training aircraft lease deal
From the Philippine News Agency (May 3): DND thanks Japan for TC-90 training aircraft lease deal
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=881724
The Department of National Defense (DND) has expressed its
gratitude to the Japanese government for going ahead with the lease deal of
five TC-90 training aircraft which will help boost the country's rescue and
maritime security capabilities.
"We are truly grateful for this reaffirmation by the
Japanese government on the transfer of the TC-90 aircraft. We look forward to
the eventual completion of this gracious collaboration. This will be a leap
into our humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and maritime security
awareness capabilities," Defense Spokesperson Peter Paul Galvez said.
Japanese Defense Minister Nakatani confirmed the lease deal
Monday.
The TC-90, which is part of the Beechcraft King Air aircraft
family, was offered by Japan shortly after the Agreement Concerning the
Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology was finalized last Feb. 29.
The TC-90's patrol range is double of small Philippine
aircraft which only has a maximum range of 300 kilometers.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=881724
(UPDATE) PNP names six persons arrested with NPA commander in Agusan
From the Philippine News Agency (May 3): (UPDATE) PNP names six persons arrested with NPA commander in Agusan
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=882026
Police on Tuesday released the names of the six other
persons arrested together with the top commander of the New People’s Army (NPA)
in Agusan Del Norte Monday.
Ricardo Manili, 62, a.k.a "Ka joker", Tiyo
Amihan", and "Tres", of Ta-ao, Rojales, Carmen, Agusan Del
Norte, was arrested at a Comelec check point in the remote village of Mat-i,
Las Nieves, Agusan Del Norte Monday afternoon. Manili carries a Php 4.9 million
reward being one of the top NPA commanders in the Caraga region.
Chief Supt. Rolando Felix, regional director of Caraga
police, said that Manili was collared along with six other individuals on board
a gray Starex Van loaded with firearms, ammunitions, medical equipment,
subversive documents, and personal belongings.
Felix identified the six other individuals as Juvenlee
Escobilla, 39, a.k.a.”Jason,” Loius Dela Pena Bustillo, 39, all of Lower Olave,
Buenavista, Agusan Del Norte, Jonah Cusma Abulog Jumagbas, 27, of Sta Cruz,
Rosario, Agusan Del Sur; Marjun Tacquiang Ballar, 26, of Lumbocan, Butuan City,
Johnny Mansacuban Batli, 27, of Tama, Carmen, Agusan Del Norte, Tredilito
Flores Arsilo, 36, of Ampayon, Butuan City, and Miguel Salise Santos, 36, of Iponan,
Cagayan de Oro City.
In a statement, the National Democratic Front (NDF) alleged
that the persons arrested, together with Manili were relatives who attend to
the medical needs of the NPA commander.
Cesar Renerio, the NDF spokesperson for North Central Mindanao,
said that Manili is suffering from emphysema of the lungs, which requires him
to be treated with nebulizers every now and then.
“Manili is sick. The NDF hopes that the military and the
police would extend the necessary medication to him and release the six other
persons who were simply with him to attend to his medical needs,” Renerio said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=882026
AFP formally launches NEMC for May 9 polls
From the Philippine News Agency (May 3): AFP formally launches NEMC for May 9 polls
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=881840
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) formally launched
Tuesday its National Election Monitoring Center (NEMC) in Camp
Aguinaldo , Quezon City
Col. Noel Detoyato, AFP public affairs office chief, said
NEMC is tasked to consolidate and coordinate information critical for the
conduct of Safe and Fair Election (SAFE) 2016.
This is in line with the AFP’s task as one of Commission on
Elections (COMELEC)’s deputized agencies.
Under COMELEC Resolution 10021, the AFP is deputized to
assist in the execution of free, honest, orderly, peaceful, and credible
national and local elections this coming May 9.
Detoyato said NEMC will utilize the AFP’s information-related
capabilities to monitor the preparations for and the actual conduct of
elections and the canvassing process.
It will also monitor election-related violence especially in
identified election watch areas and provide necessary data for decision-making
and execution of the COMELEC and its deputized agencies.
The AFP's consolidated efforts to secure the elections will
be coursed through its Unified Commands and the Joint Task Force-National
Capital Region.
Operations related to the security of the polls will be done
in coordination with the Joint Security Coordination Centers at the regional,
provincial, and independent city levels.
Detoyato said NEMC will work in tandem with focused military
operations, stakeholders engagement, and intelligence operations to deter all
forms of threats to the conduct of the elections.
The AFP is ready with all its available resources to assist
COMELEC for the conduct of SAFE 2016.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=881840
PNP relieves Gen. de la Rosa as RSFF Brigade Commander
From the Philippine News Agency (May 3): PNP relieves Gen. de la Rosa as RSFF Brigade Commander
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=881894
The Philippine National Police (PNP) relieved Chief Supt.
Ronald Dela Rosa from his post as brigade commander of Reactionary Standby
Support Force(RSSF) Brigade Commander.
Dela Rosa was relieved from his post allegedly because of
his social media posts favoring a presidential candidate, which is a wrong move
for a police official.
The former RSSF Brigade Commander's social media posts were
claimed to be partial and partisan.
Dela Rosa is a native of Davao
City and a former chief in PNP Davao
Police Deputy Director General Danilo Constantino said on
Tuesday that Chief Supt. Elmo Francis Sarona replaced Dela Rosa.
According to Constatino, Dela Rosa was appointed as trainor
and speaker of National Headquarters for election release for he was the
executive officer of the Human Resource and Doctrine Development (HRDD).
Constantino said that they would look over the possible
administrative liabilities of Dela Rosa with regards to his social post.
Along with this, Constantino reminded all PNP officials and
personnel to avoid political talks and to keep the national police non-partisan.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=881894
Japanese defense chief reaffirms transfer of TC-90 aircraft to PHL
From the Philippine News Agency (May 3): Japanese defense chief reaffirms transfer of TC-90 aircraft to PHL
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=881863
Despite the postponement of his visit to the Philippines due to the massive earthquake that
flattened Kyushu last April, Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani reaffirmed
the lease and transfer of five TC-90 training aircraft to the Philippines
This was disclosed by Defense public affairs office chief
Arsenio Andolong in a statement Tuesday.
"In a telephone call at around 4:00 p.m. on Monday, May
2, 2016, Japan ’s Defense
Minister Gen Nakatani, expressed appreciation to Philippine Defense Secretary
Voltaire T. Gazmin for understanding the cancellation of his planned visit to
the Philippines Kyushu ," he added.
During the phone call, both defense chiefs agreed that
bilateral cooperation is indispensable and discussed how to enhance relations
by strengthening communications, deepening exchanges and educational
opportunities.
In the same vein, Nakatani reaffirmed the transfer of Japan
Maritime Self-Defense Force TC-90 aircraft which will be useful for
humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and maritime security.
"Further to this, will be the training that will be
provided for the end-users," Andolong said.
Delivery of the TC-90s are expected to be completed this
year
He added that both leaders are looking forward to meeting
each other in a rescheduling of the visit.
Both parties reiterated their commitment to work together,
with Nakatani expressing that the two countries’ bilateral relationship is
crucial for peace, stability and prosperity, not only of the two countries, but
of the region as well.
The TC-90, which is part of the Beechcraft King Air aircraft
family, was offered by Japan shortly after the Agreement Concerning the
Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology was finalized last Feb. 29.
The TC-90's patrol range is double of small Philippine
aircraft which only has a maximum range of 300 kilometers.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=881863
French stealth frigate in PHL for 4-day goodwill visit
From the Philippine News Agency (May 3): French stealth frigate in PHL for 4-day goodwill visit
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=881925
A French La Fayette class multi-role and stealth frigate,
the FNS Guepratte (F-714), will be docking at Pier 15, South
Harbor , Manila
The French ship is under the command of its first female
skipper, Cmdr. Claire Pothier.
Meeting point procedures for the FNS Guepratte will be
conducting by the BRP Rajah Humabon (PF-11).
Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna said
this naval tradition will be conducted off the waters of Corregidor Island
The French ship will be accorded welcome ceremonies by PN
delegates upon her arrival.
Lincuna said this will be followed by a port briefing
related to security, intelligence and health aboard the FNS Guepratte.
The goodwill visit will involve series of confidence
building engagements between PN and French Navy personnel such as courtesy call
to the PN flag-officer-in-command by FNS Guepratte's commanding officer along
with her party, shipboard tour, receptions and goodwill soccer game.
The La Fayette class are general purpose frigates built by
DCNS and operated by French Marine Nationale.
Derivatives of the type are in service in Saudi Arabia (Royal Saudi Navy), Singapore (Republic
of Singapore Navy ) and Taiwan
The ships were originally known as "stealth
frigates" due to their unique stealth design at the time.
Their reduced radar cross section is achieved by a clean
superstructure compared to conventional designs, angled sides and radar
absorbent material, a composite material of wood and glass fiber as hard as
steel, light, and fire-resistant.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=881925