From the Philippine Star (Jul 27): MILF, MNLF to reciprocate Rody’s commitment to peace
The now converged Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) yesterday promised to reciprocate the commitment of President Duterte to the Mindanao peace process.
Duterte laid down his administration’s desire to put in place a negotiated closure to the 45-year Mindanao secessionist conflict during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) last Monday.
Efforts to address the Moro issue have been a drawn-out initiative, spanning seven presidents since the crafting of the Dec. 23, 1976 Tripoli Agreement in Libya by MNLF founder Nur Misuari and a panel led by Manuel Yan, representing then president Ferdinand Marcos.
The agreement, brokered by former Libya strongman Muammar Gaddafi and supported by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, was the main reference used in the drafting of the Sept. 2, 1996 truce between the MNLF and Malacañang and, subsequently, the government’s accord with the MILF, the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB).
“There is a possibility he (Duterte) would be the last president we are to negotiate with. We are inspired by his being positive on the peace process. We will reciprocate with honor and vigor,” said Muslimin Sema, chair of the largest of three groups in the MNLF.
Unlike the faction led by Misuari, the MNLF-Sema group is larger and more politically active and is not hostile to the MILF.
Misuari has strongly been opposing Malacañang’s diplomatic dealings with the MILF.
He had even accused former president Benigno Aquino III of having “abrogated” the MNLF’s final truce with the government by forging a separate deal with the MILF, the vaunted CAB.
“It is easier to solve the Mindanao problem now while the moderate, older Moro leaders are still alive. The next generation of Moro leaders will surely be radical and dealing with them might be tediously difficult,” Sema said.
The MILF’s vice chairman for political affairs Ghazali Jaafar said they are certain Duterte would keep his pledge to abide by all agreements between Malacañang and Moro groups.
Duterte first promised to do so during the campaign and, subsequently, in an inaugural speech during his assumption to the presidency on June 30.
Jaafar said their trust in Duterte is bolstered by his being from Davao City and his having Maranaw and lumad ancestry.
“No one will understand better the Moro issue but a Mindanaon,” Jaafar said.
The MNLF-Sema group and the MILF had twice crafted in the past six months bilateral agreements binding both rebel groups to converge in pushing forward a common peace blueprint for the Moro rebellion.
The MILF started in the early 1980s as a small bloc of MNLF officials, led by the Egyptian-trained cleric Salamat Hashim, that eventually broke away and established a bigger group more religious in character due to loss of confidence in Misuari’s leadership.
Duterte also challenged the MILF and MNLF to prove that they do not have any ties with the Abu Sayyaf bandits.
He believes that the peace negotiations will not succeed if the MILF and MNLF are tied to the local terrorist group.
“I want to hear from the MILF and MNLF that they no longer have connection with the Abu Sayyaf because the firearms of the Abu Sayyaf were also their firearms,” Duterte told soldiers in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.
“If they refuse to sever ties or if they are still connected with the Abu Sayyaf, I don’t think there will be a significant result,” he added.
Duterte mentioned the connection between the Abu Sayyaf and the peace talks during his SONA.
“Remember that I do not hit the Abu Sayyaf that much because it is really connected with the peace talks between (MLNF founder Nur) Misuari,” he said.
Early this month, Duterte said he does not consider Abu Sayyaf members as criminals despite their involvement in several kidnapping, beheading and bombing incidents. He believes the Abu Sayyaf had staged violent activities because they were “driven to desperation” by “failed promises.”
The President, nevertheless, promised to put an end to the group’s activities.
Even Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu sees peaceful days ahead for the Moro people now that four top agencies are led by officials from Mindanao.
Mangudadatu was referring to Emmanuel Piñol, Ismael Sueño, physician Paulyn Ubial and lawyer Jesus Dureza, whom Duterte had enlisted as his agriculture, local government and health secretaries and presidential peace adviser, respectively.
Dureza, overseeing the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), hails from Davao City. He is a known friend of political and rebel leaders in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
“How can we not see a white dove at the end of the tunnel? Three of these four officials, Secretaries Piñol, Sueño and Ubial, are from Central Mindanao. They grew up with Moro friends,” Mangudadatu said last Monday.
Sueño is from South Cotabato while Piñol and Ubial are both residents of North Cotabato. Both provinces are within the immediate periphery of Maguindanao, which covers 37 towns in two congressional districts.
“All of them also understand deeply the decades-old Moro issue and the importance of the ongoing bilateral peace initiatives of Malacañang and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front,” Mangudadatu said.
ARMM’s newly appointed local government secretary Kirby Abdullah was elated with Duterte’s decision to appoint Piñol, Sueno, Ubial and Dureza.
Meanwhile, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Chief Supt. Oscar Albayalde said Duterte’s first SONA was also the first in history without violence.
“There was no violent confrontation between anti-riot policemen and rallyists. This is a first in the history of the SONA,” said Albayalde, noting that the rally staged by left-leaning groups was peaceful and orderly.
According to Albayalde, traffic was manageable because Commonwealth Ave. in Quezon City remained open after the demonstrators staged their rally only 150 meters away from the south gate of the Batasang Pambansa complex.
“We had no quarrel with the protesters this time as they are mostly allied with President Duterte and also have vowed to shun violence,” he added.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/07/27/1607109/milf-mnlf-reciprocate-rodys-commitment-peace
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
NPA shuts down Ilocos’ carbon-in-pulp plant
From the Manila Times (Jul 26): NPA shuts down Ilocos’ carbon-in-pulp plant
Candon City, Ilocos Sur: New People’s Army (NPA) guerillas shut down over the weekend a carbon-in-pulp (CIP) plant in Patiacan village in Quirino town in this province over alleged environmental violations.
The NPA’s Antonio Licawen Front Operational Command, in a statement sent to journalists, said the CIP plant in sitio Makawkawa, Barangay Patiacan, was closed down because the owner did not heed their warning on January 1, 2016 against the use of harmful chemicals.
The group said villagers in Quirino have long been protesting against the cyanide leaching pad because the plant has been operating above the water source of Barangay Patungcaleo.
The CIP was also blamed for the fish kills along the Balas-iyan River last year allegedly caused by “irresponsible mining” in Barangay Patiacan.
The rebels claim that the CIP operator was given enough time to voluntarily dismantle the leaching pad.
The NPA warning was widely distributed to concerned citizens (operators, village and municipal officials) and the people of Quirino and adjacent towns.
On March 16 this year, rebels claimed to have conducted a village meeting in Barangay Patiacan to explain the contents of the warning statement, attended by the CIP operator in Makawkawa, elders and barangay{village) officials.
Ilocos Sur Gov. Ryan Luis Singson has not commented on the shutdown of the CIP plant, although he earlier vowed to look into the issues surrounding the alleged destructive mining activities in the province.
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the NPA and the National Democratic Front-Cordillera People’s Democratic Front (NDF/CPDF) further warned that they “will not allow any activities which will gravely destroy the environment and health of communities,” while “mining of gold and copper in small-scale operations will be allowed as long as the miners ensure the protection of the environment, health and agriculture.”
The operation of CIPs plants is highly prohibited, according to the NPA Command between the Abra-Ilocos Sur-Mountain Province boundaries.
“[This] should serve as warning to the other operators in Barangay Patiacan and other areas to stop destructive methods in extracting gold,” the NPAs said, adding that continuing, “this also serves warning to large scale mining companies and their mercenary protectors in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police. The NPA is serious in enforcing its task of defending life, land and resources of the Filipino people.”
http://www.manilatimes.net/npa-shuts-down-ilocos-carbon-in-pulp-plant/276159/
Candon City, Ilocos Sur: New People’s Army (NPA) guerillas shut down over the weekend a carbon-in-pulp (CIP) plant in Patiacan village in Quirino town in this province over alleged environmental violations.
The NPA’s Antonio Licawen Front Operational Command, in a statement sent to journalists, said the CIP plant in sitio Makawkawa, Barangay Patiacan, was closed down because the owner did not heed their warning on January 1, 2016 against the use of harmful chemicals.
The NPA warned it “does not allow any kind of leaching pad especially those that use cyanide, which is one of the most toxic poisons which can harm the health of humans, animals and plants alike.”
The CIP was also blamed for the fish kills along the Balas-iyan River last year allegedly caused by “irresponsible mining” in Barangay Patiacan.
The rebels claim that the CIP operator was given enough time to voluntarily dismantle the leaching pad.
The NPA warning was widely distributed to concerned citizens (operators, village and municipal officials) and the people of Quirino and adjacent towns.
On March 16 this year, rebels claimed to have conducted a village meeting in Barangay Patiacan to explain the contents of the warning statement, attended by the CIP operator in Makawkawa, elders and barangay{village) officials.
Ilocos Sur Gov. Ryan Luis Singson has not commented on the shutdown of the CIP plant, although he earlier vowed to look into the issues surrounding the alleged destructive mining activities in the province.
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the NPA and the National Democratic Front-Cordillera People’s Democratic Front (NDF/CPDF) further warned that they “will not allow any activities which will gravely destroy the environment and health of communities,” while “mining of gold and copper in small-scale operations will be allowed as long as the miners ensure the protection of the environment, health and agriculture.”
The operation of CIPs plants is highly prohibited, according to the NPA Command between the Abra-Ilocos Sur-Mountain Province boundaries.
“[This] should serve as warning to the other operators in Barangay Patiacan and other areas to stop destructive methods in extracting gold,” the NPAs said, adding that continuing, “this also serves warning to large scale mining companies and their mercenary protectors in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police. The NPA is serious in enforcing its task of defending life, land and resources of the Filipino people.”
http://www.manilatimes.net/npa-shuts-down-ilocos-carbon-in-pulp-plant/276159/
6 BIFF men, soldier killed in Maguindanao clashes – Army
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 27): 6 BIFF men, soldier killed in Maguindanao clashes – Army
Members of the breakaway Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). Latest reports claim that a faction has broken away from the current BIFF leadership. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
Six gunmen of a breakaway faction of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and a soldier were killed in a series of clashes in Maguindanao on Tuesday, the Army said.
Four soldiers and 10 breakaway BIFF men were also injured in the fighting that erupted at 4:30 a.m. in Barangay Pamalian in Shariff Saydona town, according Col. Lito Sobejana.
Sobejana, the commander of the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade, said fighting continued until noon. He confirmed that the military used two MG-520 attack helicopters in support of ground troops and to retrieve wounded soldiers.
Sobejana said the BIFF forces involved in the clashes were under Kagi Karialan, who had proclaimed himself as the new BIFF leader. Karialan earlier ousted Commander Bungos, a trusted lieutenant of BIFF founder Ameril Umra Kato, who had died a few months back, as BIFF chair.
Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, urged Commander Karialan to voluntarily surrender to the government to avoid further bloodshed.
“It would be best that they surrender so that there will be no more bloodshed,” Pangilinan said in a statement.
Both Sobejana and Pangilinan said the remains of the slain BIFF gunmen had been retrieved and had been turned over to local officials so that their relatives can claim them.
As this developed, members of the Malaysian-led International Monitoring Team, the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front ceasefire committees have proceeded to Sharif Saydona to ensure that no misencounter would take place between government forces and the MILF.
Abu Misri Mama, spokesman of the original BIFF disowned Karialan’s operations against Army troops. “We have no hand in this encounter, we are not part of it,” said Abu Misri Mama, who labeled Karialan’s group as a breakaway faction.
BIFF itself broke away from the MILF in 2008 over ideological differences in the handling of the peace negotiations with the Philippine government. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/799973/6-biff-men-soldier-killed-in-maguindanao-clashes-army
Members of the breakaway Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). Latest reports claim that a faction has broken away from the current BIFF leadership. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
Six gunmen of a breakaway faction of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and a soldier were killed in a series of clashes in Maguindanao on Tuesday, the Army said.
Four soldiers and 10 breakaway BIFF men were also injured in the fighting that erupted at 4:30 a.m. in Barangay Pamalian in Shariff Saydona town, according Col. Lito Sobejana.
Sobejana, the commander of the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade, said fighting continued until noon. He confirmed that the military used two MG-520 attack helicopters in support of ground troops and to retrieve wounded soldiers.
Sobejana said the BIFF forces involved in the clashes were under Kagi Karialan, who had proclaimed himself as the new BIFF leader. Karialan earlier ousted Commander Bungos, a trusted lieutenant of BIFF founder Ameril Umra Kato, who had died a few months back, as BIFF chair.
Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, urged Commander Karialan to voluntarily surrender to the government to avoid further bloodshed.
“It would be best that they surrender so that there will be no more bloodshed,” Pangilinan said in a statement.
Both Sobejana and Pangilinan said the remains of the slain BIFF gunmen had been retrieved and had been turned over to local officials so that their relatives can claim them.
As this developed, members of the Malaysian-led International Monitoring Team, the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front ceasefire committees have proceeded to Sharif Saydona to ensure that no misencounter would take place between government forces and the MILF.
Abu Misri Mama, spokesman of the original BIFF disowned Karialan’s operations against Army troops. “We have no hand in this encounter, we are not part of it,” said Abu Misri Mama, who labeled Karialan’s group as a breakaway faction.
BIFF itself broke away from the MILF in 2008 over ideological differences in the handling of the peace negotiations with the Philippine government. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/799973/6-biff-men-soldier-killed-in-maguindanao-clashes-army
Military: 3 camps can house drug rehab centers
From Malaya Business Insight (Jul 27): Military: 3 camps can house drug rehab centers
THE Armed Forces yesterday said there are three military camps where drug rehabilitation centers can be set up.
These are Fort Magsaysay in Palayan City in Nueva Ecija, which is home to the Army’s 7th Infantry Division and the Army’s Special Operations Command; Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal, home to the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division; and Camp Kibaritan, an Army training facility in Kalilangan town in Bukidnon.
AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla issued the statement after President Duterte, in his first State of the Nation Address last Monday, said the Armed Forces will prepare its camps and facilities for use as drug rehabilitation centers.
Padilla said the three camps have “large spaces” to accommodate rehabilitation centers.
“If there is a need to provide military-style training (for the drug dependents undergoing rehabilitation), we will provide that. If barracks are needed, we will also make them available,” Padilla also said.
The military would, however, need the expertise of other government agencies like the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Department of Health for the rehabilitation program, Padilla said.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/military-3-camps-can-house-drug-rehab-centers
THE Armed Forces yesterday said there are three military camps where drug rehabilitation centers can be set up.
These are Fort Magsaysay in Palayan City in Nueva Ecija, which is home to the Army’s 7th Infantry Division and the Army’s Special Operations Command; Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal, home to the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division; and Camp Kibaritan, an Army training facility in Kalilangan town in Bukidnon.
AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla issued the statement after President Duterte, in his first State of the Nation Address last Monday, said the Armed Forces will prepare its camps and facilities for use as drug rehabilitation centers.
Padilla said the three camps have “large spaces” to accommodate rehabilitation centers.
“If there is a need to provide military-style training (for the drug dependents undergoing rehabilitation), we will provide that. If barracks are needed, we will also make them available,” Padilla also said.
The military would, however, need the expertise of other government agencies like the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Department of Health for the rehabilitation program, Padilla said.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/military-3-camps-can-house-drug-rehab-centers
COA red-flags P1.35B AFP pension payments
From Malaya Business Insight (Jul 28): COA red-flags P1.35B AFP pension payments
THE Commission on Audit has raised concerns over possible irregularities in the pension system of retired personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the second half of 2014 and the whole of 2015 amounting to P1.354 billion.
In the 2015 audit report on the AFP General Headquarters released last July 13, the COA noted “high incidence of overpayment of pension benefits to deceased pensioners” totaling P126.82 million; continuing deposit of benefits to “tagged or doubtful pensioners’ accounts” in the sum of P1.078 billion; and “high occurrence of stale checks” worth P147.51 billion.
Auditors however said the scope of their investigation was limited by the restricted access to the Pension Management Information System (PenMIS) and the Finance Management Information System (FMIS) which are being maintained by the AFP Pension Gratuity and Management Center (PGMC) and the AFP Finance Center (AFPFC).
To test the validity of benefit payments to retired personnel, the audit team randomly selected 18 pensioners including 13 who are recorded as 100 years old and above by sending them confirmation letters and checking their status with the Philippine Statistics Authority.
“Results revealed that the 18 pensioners who were confirmed deceased continue to receive their monthly pension with aggregate amount of P19,770,967.59,” the report noted.
The findings showed two died in 2008; three each for years 2009, 2014, and 2015; one each for years 2010, 2011 and 2013; and four in 2012.
“On top of the 18 deceased pensioners, [an] additional 722 were likewise paid pension benefits CY 2015 and from June to December 2014 amounting to P79,665,689. Hence, overpayments to unreported deceased pensioners mounted to at least P126,834,570,” the COA said.
As of January 31, 2016, only P44.2 million of the said overpayment was recouped and returned to the AFP Pension mother account while auditors said there is little chance the balance would still be retrieved.
“P82,628,918.05 was still unrecovered...the amount is considered leakage costs due to its remote chance of being recovered,” auditors said.
The COA raised questions why the PGMC and the AFPFC failed to track or monitor the status of pensioners as they advanced in age.
“Management is not properly informed of how much pension benefits were paid to unqualified pensioners/beneficiaries in prior years and how much is unrecovered and unrecorded. [It has] inadequate if not nil knowledge on the degree of pervasiveness of the condition observed as this has been happening in previous years,” the commission said.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/coa-red-flags-p135b-afp-pension-payments
THE Commission on Audit has raised concerns over possible irregularities in the pension system of retired personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the second half of 2014 and the whole of 2015 amounting to P1.354 billion.
In the 2015 audit report on the AFP General Headquarters released last July 13, the COA noted “high incidence of overpayment of pension benefits to deceased pensioners” totaling P126.82 million; continuing deposit of benefits to “tagged or doubtful pensioners’ accounts” in the sum of P1.078 billion; and “high occurrence of stale checks” worth P147.51 billion.
Auditors however said the scope of their investigation was limited by the restricted access to the Pension Management Information System (PenMIS) and the Finance Management Information System (FMIS) which are being maintained by the AFP Pension Gratuity and Management Center (PGMC) and the AFP Finance Center (AFPFC).
To test the validity of benefit payments to retired personnel, the audit team randomly selected 18 pensioners including 13 who are recorded as 100 years old and above by sending them confirmation letters and checking their status with the Philippine Statistics Authority.
“Results revealed that the 18 pensioners who were confirmed deceased continue to receive their monthly pension with aggregate amount of P19,770,967.59,” the report noted.
The findings showed two died in 2008; three each for years 2009, 2014, and 2015; one each for years 2010, 2011 and 2013; and four in 2012.
“On top of the 18 deceased pensioners, [an] additional 722 were likewise paid pension benefits CY 2015 and from June to December 2014 amounting to P79,665,689. Hence, overpayments to unreported deceased pensioners mounted to at least P126,834,570,” the COA said.
As of January 31, 2016, only P44.2 million of the said overpayment was recouped and returned to the AFP Pension mother account while auditors said there is little chance the balance would still be retrieved.
“P82,628,918.05 was still unrecovered...the amount is considered leakage costs due to its remote chance of being recovered,” auditors said.
The COA raised questions why the PGMC and the AFPFC failed to track or monitor the status of pensioners as they advanced in age.
“Management is not properly informed of how much pension benefits were paid to unqualified pensioners/beneficiaries in prior years and how much is unrecovered and unrecorded. [It has] inadequate if not nil knowledge on the degree of pervasiveness of the condition observed as this has been happening in previous years,” the commission said.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/coa-red-flags-p135b-afp-pension-payments
Retired generals tapped for DND
From Malaya Business Insight (Jul 28): Retired generals tapped for DND
FOUR retired military generals, including former Armed Forces chief Gen. Ricardo David, yesterday took their oaths as undersecretaries in the Department of National Defense.
David, who served as AFP chief from July 2010 to March 2011, took over as the undersecretary for defense policy – replacing lawyer Pio Lorenzo Batino from the administration of President Aquino.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana also administered the oath of the three other retired generals - Maj. Gen. Eduardo del Rosario and Brigadier Generals Raymundo Elifante and Ricardo Jalad.
Del Rosario is the undersecretary for civil, veterans and retiree affairs – replacing former Navy chief Vice Adm. Jesus Millan.
Elefante is the undersecretary for finance, munitions, installations and materiel, taking the place of retired Maj. Gen. Fernando Manalo.
Jalad is the administrator of the Office of Civil Defense – an agency under the DND. He replaced former Navy chief Vice Adm. Alexander Pama.
As the OCD administration, Jalad is also the executive director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council which is chaired by the defense secretary.
There are two other undersecretary posts in the department – undersecretary for national defense and undersecretary for defense operations. The two posts were held by retired colonel Honorio Azcueta and retired Maj. Gen. Natalaio Ecarma respectively.
Sources said former AFP vice chief Lt. Gen. Cardozo Luna had been recommended to be undersecretary for national defense while former defense and armed forces attaché to Washington Brig. Gen. Cesar Yano was nominated as undersecretary for defense operations.
One of the sources said the papers of Luna and Yano are awaiting approval of President Duterte.
Another source said the two are actually reporting to their office since July 1.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/retired-generals-tapped-dnd
FOUR retired military generals, including former Armed Forces chief Gen. Ricardo David, yesterday took their oaths as undersecretaries in the Department of National Defense.
David, who served as AFP chief from July 2010 to March 2011, took over as the undersecretary for defense policy – replacing lawyer Pio Lorenzo Batino from the administration of President Aquino.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana also administered the oath of the three other retired generals - Maj. Gen. Eduardo del Rosario and Brigadier Generals Raymundo Elifante and Ricardo Jalad.
Del Rosario is the undersecretary for civil, veterans and retiree affairs – replacing former Navy chief Vice Adm. Jesus Millan.
Elefante is the undersecretary for finance, munitions, installations and materiel, taking the place of retired Maj. Gen. Fernando Manalo.
Jalad is the administrator of the Office of Civil Defense – an agency under the DND. He replaced former Navy chief Vice Adm. Alexander Pama.
As the OCD administration, Jalad is also the executive director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council which is chaired by the defense secretary.
There are two other undersecretary posts in the department – undersecretary for national defense and undersecretary for defense operations. The two posts were held by retired colonel Honorio Azcueta and retired Maj. Gen. Natalaio Ecarma respectively.
Sources said former AFP vice chief Lt. Gen. Cardozo Luna had been recommended to be undersecretary for national defense while former defense and armed forces attaché to Washington Brig. Gen. Cesar Yano was nominated as undersecretary for defense operations.
One of the sources said the papers of Luna and Yano are awaiting approval of President Duterte.
Another source said the two are actually reporting to their office since July 1.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/retired-generals-tapped-dnd
2 days after truce, NPA stages ambush
From Malaya Business Insight (Jul 28): 2 days after truce, NPA stages ambush
THE Armed Forces yesterday said there have been no reported skirmishes with communist New People’s Army rebels since President Duterte declared a unilateral truce with the communists last Monday afternoon.
“These are good signs,” said AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, adding he hopes this continues so that there will be smooth resumption of the formal peace talks next month in Norway.
He spoke too soon, as later in the afternoon, the military said a militiaman was killed in an ambush staged by the NPA in Davao del Norte.
Four other militiamen were wounded.
Brig. Gen. Ricardo Nepomuceno, commander of the Army’s 1003rd Brigade, said the troops were attacked as they were returning to their base in Sitio Patil, Barangay Gupitan in Kapalong town because of the ceasefire declaration. He said the soldiers from the Army’s 72nd Infantry Battalion were pulled out from an offensive operation in compliance with the ceasefire declaration.
The Communist Party of the Philippines said it would soon reciprocate the government truce and asked NPA forces to be on “active defense mode.”
Nepomuceno said the militiamen from the Army’s 72nd Infantry Battalion were traveling on foot when they were waylaid by an undetermined number of rebels in Sitio Kamunoan, Barangay Gupitan at around 6:30 a.m.
“That is the risk of the unilateral ceasefire,” said Nepomuceno, referring to the ambush, the first to be conducted by the NPA during the government ceasefire period.
“We were supposed to keep our guard up against such attacks (during the ceasefire), we were anticipating it,” he said.
Nepomuceno said the militiamen, numbering 20 men, were able to put up a fight until the rebels withdrew.
“We will still adhere to the unilateral ceasefire and this will be treated as law enforcement operation. If applicable (in the ceasefire), we will conduct law enforcement operation against the lawless armed group that perpetrated this,” said Nepomuceno.
AFP chief Gen. Ricardo Visaya earlier instructed military commanders to comply with the President’s declaration.
Padilla said normal law enforcement operations will continue during the implementation of the ceasefire but would not categorically say if government troops would continue conducting patrols.
“I wouldn’t want to answer the details for now because that will be part of the discussions during the formal negotiations. What we can say is that we are implementing a unilateral ceasefire, suspending offensive operations against the NPA,” he said.
The Philippine National Police yesterday declared a suspension of police operations (SOPO) with the NPA.
In a memorandum to all police regional offices, Director Benjamin Magalong, acting deputy PNP chief for operations, said the SOPO would mean that all police units “shall refrain from initiating tactical police operations against the CNN (CPP-NDF-
NPA)… but the SOPO shall not cover normal law enforcement operations.”
He added that service of arrest warrants against identified wanted rebels will continue.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/2-days-after-truce-npa-stages-ambush
THE Armed Forces yesterday said there have been no reported skirmishes with communist New People’s Army rebels since President Duterte declared a unilateral truce with the communists last Monday afternoon.
“These are good signs,” said AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, adding he hopes this continues so that there will be smooth resumption of the formal peace talks next month in Norway.
He spoke too soon, as later in the afternoon, the military said a militiaman was killed in an ambush staged by the NPA in Davao del Norte.
Four other militiamen were wounded.
Brig. Gen. Ricardo Nepomuceno, commander of the Army’s 1003rd Brigade, said the troops were attacked as they were returning to their base in Sitio Patil, Barangay Gupitan in Kapalong town because of the ceasefire declaration. He said the soldiers from the Army’s 72nd Infantry Battalion were pulled out from an offensive operation in compliance with the ceasefire declaration.
The Communist Party of the Philippines said it would soon reciprocate the government truce and asked NPA forces to be on “active defense mode.”
Nepomuceno said the militiamen from the Army’s 72nd Infantry Battalion were traveling on foot when they were waylaid by an undetermined number of rebels in Sitio Kamunoan, Barangay Gupitan at around 6:30 a.m.
“That is the risk of the unilateral ceasefire,” said Nepomuceno, referring to the ambush, the first to be conducted by the NPA during the government ceasefire period.
“We were supposed to keep our guard up against such attacks (during the ceasefire), we were anticipating it,” he said.
Nepomuceno said the militiamen, numbering 20 men, were able to put up a fight until the rebels withdrew.
“We will still adhere to the unilateral ceasefire and this will be treated as law enforcement operation. If applicable (in the ceasefire), we will conduct law enforcement operation against the lawless armed group that perpetrated this,” said Nepomuceno.
AFP chief Gen. Ricardo Visaya earlier instructed military commanders to comply with the President’s declaration.
Padilla said normal law enforcement operations will continue during the implementation of the ceasefire but would not categorically say if government troops would continue conducting patrols.
“I wouldn’t want to answer the details for now because that will be part of the discussions during the formal negotiations. What we can say is that we are implementing a unilateral ceasefire, suspending offensive operations against the NPA,” he said.
The Philippine National Police yesterday declared a suspension of police operations (SOPO) with the NPA.
In a memorandum to all police regional offices, Director Benjamin Magalong, acting deputy PNP chief for operations, said the SOPO would mean that all police units “shall refrain from initiating tactical police operations against the CNN (CPP-NDF-
NPA)… but the SOPO shall not cover normal law enforcement operations.”
He added that service of arrest warrants against identified wanted rebels will continue.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/2-days-after-truce-npa-stages-ambush
Army suspends operations against NPAs
From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 27): Army suspends operations against NPAs
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- The Philippine Army here has suspended offensive military operations against the CPP-NPA-NDF, a military official here confirmed.
"In accordance with President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of a ceasefire with the CPP-NPA-NDF, we have suspended offensive military operations against the rebel group," Lt. Col. Benjamin Leander, commanding officer of the 27th Infantry Battalion, said in a radio interview on Wednesday.
Lt. Col. Leander, however, clarified that this does not mean withdrawing their presence in the communities.
"We remain vigilant inasmuch as maintaining security remains our prime responsibility," he said. "We are only prohibited from offensive actions.
If attacked, he emphasized, the Philippine Army will have to defend themselves.
Also, he added, the Army will sustain the Peace and Development Outreach Programs in their areas of responsibility.
"So far, we have not monitored anything that would cause concern," he said.
In another interview, Leander revealed that 5 NPA members surrendered to them this month.
27th IB's area of responsibility covers the entire South Cotabato, some parts of Sarangani province and Lutayan town in Sultan Kudarat.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1611469597614/army-suspends-operations-against-npas
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- The Philippine Army here has suspended offensive military operations against the CPP-NPA-NDF, a military official here confirmed.
"In accordance with President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of a ceasefire with the CPP-NPA-NDF, we have suspended offensive military operations against the rebel group," Lt. Col. Benjamin Leander, commanding officer of the 27th Infantry Battalion, said in a radio interview on Wednesday.
Lt. Col. Leander, however, clarified that this does not mean withdrawing their presence in the communities.
"We remain vigilant inasmuch as maintaining security remains our prime responsibility," he said. "We are only prohibited from offensive actions.
If attacked, he emphasized, the Philippine Army will have to defend themselves.
Also, he added, the Army will sustain the Peace and Development Outreach Programs in their areas of responsibility.
"So far, we have not monitored anything that would cause concern," he said.
In another interview, Leander revealed that 5 NPA members surrendered to them this month.
27th IB's area of responsibility covers the entire South Cotabato, some parts of Sarangani province and Lutayan town in Sultan Kudarat.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1611469597614/army-suspends-operations-against-npas
Gov't forces suspend offensive operations against the communist rebels
From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 27): Gov't forces suspend offensive operations against the communist rebels
Members of the security sector in Davao Region have taken a defensive posture in compliance to the unilateral ceasefire ordered by President Rodrigo Duterte with the communist rebels.
Speaking in the AFP-PNP Press Corps briefing at the Royal Mandaya Hotel, Chief Inspector Andrea de la Cerna, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office XI said the police now comply with the suspension of combat operations against the rebels.
However, she stressed that the police will continue to perform its law enforcement functions against all forms of criminals like the campaign against illegal drugs and enforcement of all special laws.
“Given the guidance of our higher ups, we will comply with the ceasefire,” De la Cerna said.
She affirmed that Chief Inspector Arnold Ongachen, former police chief of Governor Generoso remains in the hands of the rebels who put him on trial in their “kangaroo court.”
De la Cerna said the rebels could hardly present hard evidence linking Ongachen to illegal drugs.
“With the forthcoming peace talks, we will work out to address the situation of Chief Inspector Ongachen,” she said.
Captain Rhyan Batchar, spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division said that the soldiers immediately stop all offensive operations against the New People’s Army with the guidance of the commander-in-chief who is the president and the Armed Forces chief-of-staff.
He said that the military will continue to provide support to the enforcement operations of the police.
“We will continue to protect the communities and its people, and to secure vital installations of the government and government flagship projects,” Batchar said.
He said the military will continue to observe heightened alert since there is no positive response yet coming from the rebel forces if they will also declare a ceasefire.
Batchar said the unilateral ceasefire is solely observed by all government forces.
He recalled that there were recorded encounters a day before the declaration of the unilateral ceasefire.
Batchar said two soldiers and two rebels were killed in an encounter in New Bataan, Compostela Valley.
He also noted zero rebel-initiated atrocities since President Duterte declared a unilateral ceasefire in his state-of-the- nation address.
Senior Inspector Catherine de la Rey, spokesperson of the Davao City Police Office said all police forces are on heightened readiness.
“We will not lower our guard against possible atrocities,” she said.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2381469602479/gov-t-forces-suspend-offensive-operations-against-the-communist-rebels
Members of the security sector in Davao Region have taken a defensive posture in compliance to the unilateral ceasefire ordered by President Rodrigo Duterte with the communist rebels.
Speaking in the AFP-PNP Press Corps briefing at the Royal Mandaya Hotel, Chief Inspector Andrea de la Cerna, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office XI said the police now comply with the suspension of combat operations against the rebels.
However, she stressed that the police will continue to perform its law enforcement functions against all forms of criminals like the campaign against illegal drugs and enforcement of all special laws.
“Given the guidance of our higher ups, we will comply with the ceasefire,” De la Cerna said.
She affirmed that Chief Inspector Arnold Ongachen, former police chief of Governor Generoso remains in the hands of the rebels who put him on trial in their “kangaroo court.”
De la Cerna said the rebels could hardly present hard evidence linking Ongachen to illegal drugs.
“With the forthcoming peace talks, we will work out to address the situation of Chief Inspector Ongachen,” she said.
Captain Rhyan Batchar, spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division said that the soldiers immediately stop all offensive operations against the New People’s Army with the guidance of the commander-in-chief who is the president and the Armed Forces chief-of-staff.
He said that the military will continue to provide support to the enforcement operations of the police.
“We will continue to protect the communities and its people, and to secure vital installations of the government and government flagship projects,” Batchar said.
He said the military will continue to observe heightened alert since there is no positive response yet coming from the rebel forces if they will also declare a ceasefire.
Batchar said the unilateral ceasefire is solely observed by all government forces.
He recalled that there were recorded encounters a day before the declaration of the unilateral ceasefire.
Batchar said two soldiers and two rebels were killed in an encounter in New Bataan, Compostela Valley.
He also noted zero rebel-initiated atrocities since President Duterte declared a unilateral ceasefire in his state-of-the- nation address.
Senior Inspector Catherine de la Rey, spokesperson of the Davao City Police Office said all police forces are on heightened readiness.
“We will not lower our guard against possible atrocities,” she said.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2381469602479/gov-t-forces-suspend-offensive-operations-against-the-communist-rebels
Six NPA rebels surrender on President Duterte’s first SONA
From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 27): Six NPA rebels surrender on President Duterte’s first SONA
At least six New People’s Army (NPA) rebels—including two women and one minor—surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division after President Rodrigo Roa Duterte announced an immediate unilateral ceasefire between the government forces and the CPP-NPA-NDF during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on 25 July 2016.
The rebel returnees were from Higaonon tribe who were active members of Guerilla Front 4B of Northern Central Mindanao Regional Committee.
The returnees pledged allegiance to the government by singing the national anthem with their right hands over their hearts.
Speaking on behalf of his former comrades, a guerilla leader recalled how fighting became a lost cause after he and his fellow comrade-in-arms had to endure only the hard life in the mountains; sleeping under trees, starving, and fearful of fighting government forces without getting anything in return.
He said they fear that their surrender will endanger their lives and that of their families. Hence, they requested authorities to initially withhold their identities.
Authorities said the rebels will undergo the process of enrolling in the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) where they will receive government incentives.
Lt Col Lennon G Babilonia, 8IB commanding officer, said their surrender represents the “whole of nation approach” as the President of Republic of the Philippines wants to end this perennial problem of communism—which is also imbibed in the Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan, the government’s counterinsurgency program.
“I am very pleased that our Lumad brothers who joined the NPA rebels finally realized that resorting to violence is not the answer to solve their grievances against the government. I am also happy that these former NPA rebels were already enlightened that they finally decided to go back to mainstream society. In partnership with government agencies that extend financial, livelihood, educational, and other forms of assistance, we will continuously protect and serve poor families who are most vulnerable targets of NPA recruitment,” he said.
The army also assured that these rebel returnees will be assisted to live normal lives; far from danger of deception from any NPA groups.
Meanwhile, Babilonia has condemned NPA leaders who continually recruit individuals through deception and lies to join armed struggle.
“We condemn the NPA leaders for always feeding wrong information just to deceive our people, most especially the Lumads, to join their armed struggle against the government. I am calling them to lay down their arms and give peace a chance. We will work hand in hand to address local issues without resorting to armed violence. We will find a win-win solution in attaining peace and development. We all want peace! It is about time that we work together as one nation with only one purpose; to unite in order to achieve peace and progress in our communities,” he said.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1501469610076/six-npa-rebels-surrender-on-president-duterte-s-first-sona
At least six New People’s Army (NPA) rebels—including two women and one minor—surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division after President Rodrigo Roa Duterte announced an immediate unilateral ceasefire between the government forces and the CPP-NPA-NDF during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on 25 July 2016.
The rebel returnees were from Higaonon tribe who were active members of Guerilla Front 4B of Northern Central Mindanao Regional Committee.
The returnees pledged allegiance to the government by singing the national anthem with their right hands over their hearts.
Speaking on behalf of his former comrades, a guerilla leader recalled how fighting became a lost cause after he and his fellow comrade-in-arms had to endure only the hard life in the mountains; sleeping under trees, starving, and fearful of fighting government forces without getting anything in return.
He said they fear that their surrender will endanger their lives and that of their families. Hence, they requested authorities to initially withhold their identities.
Authorities said the rebels will undergo the process of enrolling in the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) where they will receive government incentives.
Lt Col Lennon G Babilonia, 8IB commanding officer, said their surrender represents the “whole of nation approach” as the President of Republic of the Philippines wants to end this perennial problem of communism—which is also imbibed in the Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan, the government’s counterinsurgency program.
“I am very pleased that our Lumad brothers who joined the NPA rebels finally realized that resorting to violence is not the answer to solve their grievances against the government. I am also happy that these former NPA rebels were already enlightened that they finally decided to go back to mainstream society. In partnership with government agencies that extend financial, livelihood, educational, and other forms of assistance, we will continuously protect and serve poor families who are most vulnerable targets of NPA recruitment,” he said.
The army also assured that these rebel returnees will be assisted to live normal lives; far from danger of deception from any NPA groups.
Meanwhile, Babilonia has condemned NPA leaders who continually recruit individuals through deception and lies to join armed struggle.
“We condemn the NPA leaders for always feeding wrong information just to deceive our people, most especially the Lumads, to join their armed struggle against the government. I am calling them to lay down their arms and give peace a chance. We will work hand in hand to address local issues without resorting to armed violence. We will find a win-win solution in attaining peace and development. We all want peace! It is about time that we work together as one nation with only one purpose; to unite in order to achieve peace and progress in our communities,” he said.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1501469610076/six-npa-rebels-surrender-on-president-duterte-s-first-sona
BCDA Group among top GOCCs in GCG governance rating
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 26): BCDA Group among top GOCCs in GCG governance rating
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=907636
The state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority
(BCDA) and its subsidiaries, collectively known as the BCDA Group, ranked among
the top 25 of the 90 state firms that were evaluated by the Governance
Commission for Government-owned and –controlled corporations (GCG) on corporate
governance standards.
In a statement released on July 26, BCDA President and CEO
Arnel Paciano Casanova said, “we are pleased with the results but the challenge
is to do better.”
BCDA subsidiary Poro Point Management Corporation (PPMC), in
charge of managing the Poro Point Freeport and Special Economic Zone in La
Union, ranked third among the 90 government-owned and controlled corporations
(GOCCs), garnering a total assessment score of 86 percent.
The BCDA ranked 6th with a score of 79.5 percent; Clark
Development Corporation (CDC) ranked 12th (71 percent); and John Hay Management
Corporation (JHMC) ranked 23rd (59.5 percent).
Casanova said, “This collective milestone is brought about
by the consolidation of the BCDA Group’s businesses and resources.
"We now work as one unit in synergy and in
complementarity, in a more aggressive effort to promote development and
inclusive growth within the properties under BCDA’s domain,” he said.
BCDA has been a consistent top revenue earner for the
government.
In 2016, BCDA remitted PHP4 billion to the National Treasury
for the period January to December 2015 or a 25 percent increase from the
PHP3.2 billion it remitted for the same period in 2014.
The BCDA belongs to the so-called “Billionaires’ Club” or
the top GOCCs that remitted PHP1 billion or more to the National Treasury.
The BCDA has consistently remitted over PHP2 billion yearly
to the Bureau of Treasury.
“Our mantra is stewardship and as stewards, we must govern
with transparency and integrity to maximize the value and potential of the land
which was bestowed under our care,"” Casanova said.
As a coherent approach of the BCDA Group, the Board and
Chief Executive Officers of BCDA and its subsidiaries come together at the
Annual CEO Summit to discuss strategy, exact accountability and identify
targets to push forward its development mandate.
“Good governance is good economics, thus, we ensure that we
hold the properties in fiduciary responsibility for our stakeholders.
We set benchmarks in governance by overseeing our mandate
with integrity, excellence and proper stewardship,” he stated.
Although there is no passing and failing mark, the average
score of the 90 state firms is 43.34 percent.
The GCG measured the state firms’ stakeholder relations,
disclosure and transparency, and board responsibilities.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=907636
Cops, Marines seize high-powered firearms, arrest 3 in Sultan Kudarat
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27): Cops, Marines seize high-powered firearms, arrest 3 in Sultan Kudarat
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=907739
Joint police and Philippine Marines forces arrested
Wednesday three persons and seized high powered firearms and illegal drugs in a
remote village in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat.
Senior Inspector Patrick Elma, Kalamansig town police chief,
said elements of Kalamansig PNP and 7th Marine Battalion landing team raided a
house in the coastal village of Nalilidan and seized 81 sachets of
methamphetamine hydrochloride, cal. 60 machine gun, cal. 45 pistols, hand held
radio, home made pistols and assorted ammunition for cal. 30 garand rifle, cal.
45 pistol and cal. 38 revolver.
Elma withheld the identities of the suspects while
investigation was still going on. Two of the suspects have been facing murder
and multiple frustrated murder charges.
Armed with a search warrant, the police, Special Action
Force and Philippine Marine troopers raided the house at past 1:00 a.m. on
Wednesday.
On orders of Senior Supt. Raul Supiter, Sultan Kudarat
police provincial director, all police chief in the province were to implement
"Oplan Double Barrel," a comprehensive police anti-crime and
anti-illegal drive targeting street crimes and big time syndicates.
In his report to Supiter, Elma said the trio who are
currently detained at Kalamansig police lock up cell are still undergoing
tactical interrogation.
The raid was also part of "PROJECT DUTERTE" which
stands for Drug Use and Trafficking Elimination through Rehabilitation,
Training and Enforcement. It is a pet project of Police Regional Office 12
based in Gen.Santos
City
Region 12 is composed of the provinces of North Cotabato, South Cotabato , Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and the cities
of Ctoabato, Kidapawan, Tacurong, Koronadal and Gen. Santos.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=907739
Westmincom supports President Duterte's decision to use military camps as drug rehab centers
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27): Westmincom supports President Duterte's decision to use military camps as drug rehab centers
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=907850
The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) announced that it
is ready to convert parts of military camps and facilities within is area of
responsibility as rehabilitation centers for drug users.
The pronouncement of Westmincom came after President Rodrigo
Duterte, in his State of the National Address (SONA), has directed the Armed
Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to facilitate the preparation for the use of
military camps and facilities for drug rehabilitation.
The use of military camps is to help increase the number of
residential treatment and rehabilitation facilities in all regions of the
country in line with Duterte’s priority for rehabilitation of drug users.
Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., Westermin spokesman, said they welcome
the program and “hopes to contribute to the President’s advocacy by assisting
law enforcement agencies in effecting the rehabilitation program and aiding in
the reformation of drug personalities through the inculcation of discipline and
values.”
“These are means indicative of the sincere intent and
assertive campaign of the President against criminalities,” Tan said.
Tan said Westmincom supports all the prospective resolutions
of the Commander-in-Chief in the thrust of the administration to resolve drug
addiction by calling for the rehabilitation of those who have surrendered
before the authorities.
The President announced in his SONA that 120,000, including
70,000 pushers, have surrendered to the government since July 1.
The police announced that a total of 20,526 drug
personalities, including 939 pushers, have so far surrendered here in Region as
of July 13.
The police authorities refer drug personalities to either
pushers or users of prohibited drugs.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=907850
Security sector takes defensive posture in Davao Region in compliance to ceasefire
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27): Security sector takes defensive posture in Davao Region in compliance to ceasefire
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=907893
Members of the security sector in Davao Region have taken a
defensive posture in compliance with President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of
unilateral ceasefire against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New
People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).
Chief Inspector Andrea de la Cerna, spokesperson of the
Police Regional Office XI said the police now comply with the suspension of
combat operations against the rebels.
However, she stressed that the police will continue to
perform its law enforcement functions against all forms of criminals like the
campaign against illegal drugs and enforcement of all special laws.
“Given the guidance of our higher ups, we will comply with
the ceasefire,” De la Cerna said.
She affirmed that Chief Inspector Arnold Ongachen, former
police chief of Governor Generoso remains in the hands of the rebels who put
him on trial in their “kangaroo court.”
De la Cerna said the rebels could hardly present hard
evidence linking Ongachen to illegal drugs.
“With the forthcoming peace talks, we will work out to
address the situation of Chief Inspector Ongachen,” she said.
Captain Rhyan Batchar, spokesperson of the 10th Infantry
Division said that the soldiers immediately stop all offensive operations
against the New People’s Army with the guidance of the President as
commander-in-chief and the Armed Forces chief-of-staff.
He said that the military will continue to provide support
to the enforcement operations of the police.
“We will continue to protect the communities and its people,
and to secure vital installations of the government and government flagship
projects,” Batchar said.
He said the military will continue to observe heightened
alert since there is no positive response yet coming from the rebel forces if
they will also declare a ceasefire.
Batchar said the unilateral ceasefire is solely observed by
all government forces.He recalled that there were recorded encounters a day
before the declaration of the unilateral ceasefire.
Batchar said two soldiers and two rebels were killed in an
encounter in New Bataan, Compostela
Valley
Senior Inspector Catherine de la Rey, spokesperson of the
Davao City Police Office said all police forces are on heightened readiness.
“We will not lower our guard against possible atrocities,”
she said. (
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=907893
NPAs disregard truce, ambush CAFGUs in Davao del Norte
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27): NPAs disregard truce, ambush CAFGUs in Davao del Norte
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=907971
Barely two days after President Rodrigo Duterte declared a
unilateral ceasefire for the communist rebels on Monday during his first State
of the Nation Address (SONA), members of the New People’s Army (NPA) on
Wednesday ambushed a convoy of Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU)
in Davao del Norte.
One member of CAFGU and four others were wounded during the
ambush that took place at around 6:45 a.m. on Wednesday, July 27 in Sitio
Kamunuan, Barangay Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao del Norte, Captain Rhyan Batchar,
chief information officer of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division, said.
However, the CAFGU member nor the four others wounded were
not identified.
“This is a clear disregard by the NPAs to the declaration of
a unilateral ceasefire by President Duterte,” Captain Batchar told reporters
here on Wednesday afternoon.
He said that in line with the declaration of unilateral
ceasefire, the CAFGU members were ordered to pull-out from their position in
Sitio Kapatagan back to their patrol base in Sitio Patil.
But before reaching their patrol base, the NPAs ambushed the
CAFGU members, Batchar said.
On Wednesday during the regular AFP-PNP press conference at
the Royal Mandaya Hotel in Davao City, Batchar told reporters that offensives
of the Philippine Army in the whole Davao region and neighboring provinces in
Mindanao under the jurisdiction of the 10thID had stopped following the
declaration of the ceasefire by the President and upon the orders of Armed
Forces Chief of Staff Lt. General Ricardo Visaya.
“After the President declared the unilateral ceasefire, we
immediately stopped our operations against the NPA (New People’s Army) rebels,”
Batchar said.
Pulling out of troops back to designated patrol bases were
also ordered in accordance with the unilateral truce declared by the President,
he added.
“But we will continue our support to law enforcement
operations, protect the communities and the people in our areas of
jurisdiction,” Batchar clarified.
He said the Army will also continue to secure vital
government installations and flagship projects being implemented in the area.
“We will not lower our guards, we will always be on alert
despite the presence of the unilateral ceasefire,” Batchar said.
National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) welcomed
the unilateral ceasefire declared by President Duterte.
NDFP chair Luis Jalandoni said they still need to receive
and study the full text of the declaration before making their move in relation
to the declaration of a ceasefire.
The Philippine National Police in Davao
“We will comply with the ceasefire as far as offensives and
combat operations are concerned,” said Police Chief Inspector Andrea dela
Cerna, spokesperson of PNP PRO-11 in the same press conference last Wednesday.
Dela Cerna added that the PNP in the area will continue to
perform its law enforcement functions against all forms of criminality.
The intensified campaigns against illegal drugs will also
continue in the region, she added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=907971
FA-50PH airframe systems up for maintenance
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27): FA-50PH airframe systems up for maintenance
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=907757
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is allocating the sum of
PHP26,304,500.53 for the acquisition of spare parts needed for the maintenance
of the airframe systems of its South Korean-made FA-50PH "Fighting
Eagle" light interim jet aircraft.
Submission and opening of bids is on Aug. 9, at 9:00 a.m. at
the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City
The PAF's first two FA-50PH jet aircraft arrived in the Philippines
The FA-50PHs has a top speed of Mach 1.5 or one and a half
times the speed of sound and is capable of being fitted air-to-air missiles,
including the AIM-9 "Sidewinder" air-to-air and heat-seeking missiles
aside from light automatic cannons.
It will act as the country's interim fighter until the Philippines
KAI's FA-50PH design is largely derived from the F-16
"Fighting Falcon", and they have many similarities: use of a single
engine, speed, size, cost, and the range of weapons.
KAI's previous engineering experience in license-producing
the KF-16 was a starting point for the development of the FA-50PH.
The aircraft can carry two pilots in tandem seating. The
high-mounted canopy developed by Hankuk Fiber is applied with stretched
acrylic, providing the pilots with good visibility, and has been tested to
offer the canopy with ballistic protection against four-pound objects impacting
at 400 knots.
The altitude limit is 14,600 meters (48,000 feet), and
airframe is designed to last 8,000 hours of service.
There are seven internal fuel tanks with capacity of 2,655
liters (701 US
An additional 1,710 liters (452 US
Trainer variants have a paint scheme of white and red, and
aerobatic variants white, black, and yellow.
The FA-50PH uses a single General Electric F404-102 turbofan
engine license-produced by Samsung Techwin, upgraded with a full authority
digital engine control system jointly developed by General Electric and KAI.
The engine consists of three-staged fans, seven axial stage
arrangement, and an afterburner.
Its engine produces a maximum of 78.7 kN (17,700 lbf) of
thrust with afterburner.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=907757
ASEAN joint statement a "victory" despite no mention of sea row ruling -- Yasay
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27): ASEAN joint statement a "victory" despite no mention of sea row ruling -- Yasay
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=907767
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Perfecto Yasay
on Wednesday said the joint statement of the Association of Southeast Asian
Nations (ASEAN) is a “victory” for the bloc as it upholds the importance of
international law despite the non-inclusion of the international court ruling
on the South China Sea row in their statement.
In a press conference, Yasay said he “vigorously” pushed for
reference to the arbitral award in the joint statement, but said he was already
“happy” with the joint communiqué citing the bloc’s commitment in pursuing a
peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law.
Foreign ministers from the ASEAN-member states gathered for
the 49th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting (AMM) in Laos ,
Vientiane
“The ASEAN has not taken any sides with regards to this
case. ASEAN recognized and respected the legal processes we went through in
filing the case,” Yasay said.
The DFA Chief stressed that the case filed before the
arbitral tribunal only concerns China
and the Philippines
“Resolving the dispute within the context of international
law of UNCLOS is a matter for China
and the Philippines
He also dispelled reports asserting that China came out victorious after the Philippines
“I am just saying this to dispel the reports that have been
said that China
Yasay also acknowledged the designation of former President
Fidel V. Ramos to engage China
“We would hope that this would be pursued as soon as
possible and we are hoping that China
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=907767
Duterte: My presidency is a peace mission
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27): Duterte: My presidency is a peace mission
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=907718
Speaking before the 7th Infantry Division of the Philippine
Army in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija, President Rodrigo R. Duterte narrated on
Tuesday how his father — also a soldier — retired in Mindanao seeking greener
pastures.
The President also explained why he declared a unilateral
ceasefire with the New Peoples Army (NPA).
“It is not my decision alone. It is the decision of the
Cabinet. Of course, General (Secretary Hermogenes) Esperon and Secretary Delfin
Lorenzana are automatically members of the Cabinet,” Duterte said, referring to
his National Security Adviser and Defense Secretary.
“I am a President that seeks peace with everyone. My job as
President is not to look for trouble but to see to it that there are no
conflicts in the Philippines
The President reiterated his vision of reconciliation for
the country as the conflict in Mindanao has
been ongoing since the early 1970s and the communist-led rebellion has been
around for more than four decades. “I have to talk to the MI (Moro Islamic
Liberation Front) and to the MN (Moro National Liberation Front), to Nur
(Misuari) and (Alhadj) Murad and they are ready to talk about peace. This has
gone too far and for so long. There has been too many lives lost on both
sides,” the President said.
The planned peace talks between the government, the MNLF,
MILF, and the NPA should take place later within the year. “I have no other
dream but to bring peace to my country, if possible. I plead peace with
everybody. I do not want any single loss (of life) either on their side or the
government if possible,” according to Duterte.
Although the President extends a hand of peace to the MNLF
and the MILF, he also wants to be certain that neither group has any ties to
the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) as weapons wielded by the ASG have been traced back
to rogue members of both the MNLF and MILF, as the prospect of peace will not
be possible.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=907718
4 new DND undersecretaries take oath
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27): 4 new DND undersecretaries take oath
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=907844
Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana
formally administered the oath of four DND Undersecretaries Wednesday.
Oath-taking ceremonies took place at the DND Social Hall, Camp Aguinaldo ,
Quezon City
They are Ricardo A. David, Jr., Undersecretary for Defense
Policy; Eduardo D. Del Rosario, Undersecretary for Civil, Veterans and Retiree
Affairs; Ricardo B. Jalad, Office of Civil Defense Administrator; and Raymundo
DV Elefante, Undersecretary for Finance, Munitions, Installations and Materiel.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=907844
EDCA to beef up AFP maritime, defensive capabilities
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27): EDCA to beef up AFP maritime, defensive capabilities
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=907856
Aside from intensifying humanitarian assistance and disaster
relief (HADR) capabilities, the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA)
between the Philippines and
the United States
This was stressed by AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto
Padilla when asked what benefits the military will get from EDCA -- now that
the agreement is declared constitutional with finality by the Supreme Court.
"Number one, (EDCA) will give the AFP an improved
capability in responding to disasters. Number two, it will permit the Americans
to help us improve our defense capabilities in the maritime environment and
develop our maritime security awareness, giving us the capabilities to detect
illegal fishers or poachers in our waters. This is aside from other help they
can provide in our ongoing AFP Modernization," he said in Filipino.
Padilla also clarified that EDCA is not aimed at any
particular country as the Philippines
and the US
"We're not aiming at any country, it's just that we
need to help each other in common interest areas," he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=907856
PHL reaffirms strong alliance with US, assures full implementation of EDCA
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27): PHL reaffirms strong alliance with US, assures full implementation of EDCA
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=907827
The Philippines
on Wednesday reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen its alliance with the United States
Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay made
the statement as he met with his US
counterpart, Secretary of State John Kerry to discuss a full range of bilateral
relations between Manila and Washington
at the Department of Foreign Affairs office in Pasay City
”I assured Secretary Kerry that we will pursue our planning
process for the full implementation of EDCA. The EDCA will help us prepare for
the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations and contribute to
our AFP modernization efforts,” said Yasay in a press conference.
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court affirmed with finality EDCA's
legality which stipulates the increased rotational presence of American troops
in the country.
Under the agreement, the US is allowed to build structures,
store as well as preposition weapons, defense supplies and materiel; station
troops, civilian personnel and defense contractors; transit and station
vehicles, vessels and aircraft for a period of 10 years.
For his part, Kerry lauded the “very responsible and
measured way” in which the Philippine government responded to the UN tribunal
ruling.
Kerry, however stressed that the US
”We have made clear that the decision of the UN tribunal
ruling on the South China Sea row is legally binding... The rights of the
countries should always be respected,” Kerry said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=907827
No recorded skirmish between gov't troops, rebels since declaration of ceasefire
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27): No recorded skirmish between gov't troops, rebels since declaration of ceasefire
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=907867
Since the declaration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte of a
unilateral ceasefire and suspension-of-military-offensive (SOMO) on Monday,
there were no recorded skirmish or fighting incidents between AFP personnel and
New People's Army rebels.
This was confirmed by AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto
Padilla in an interview Wednesday.
"Since the declaration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte
(of the unilateral ceasefire last Monday) and SOMO, there has been no recorded
skirmish between the two sides," he added.
President Duterte declared the unilateral ceasefire against
the NPAs during his first State-Of-the-Nation-Address on Monday afternoon with
the AFP's declaration of a SOMO to follow shortly.
Padilla said the lack of fighting between the two parties
"are good signs" and hopes it will continue until formal opening of
peacetalks this coming Aug. 20.
"AFP chief-of-staff Ricardo Visaya directs all
Commanders of Unified Commands, Major Services, and AFP-Wide Service Support
Units to observe (the) SOMO against the CPP-NPA-NDF effective July 25,"
AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo earlier said.
"The SOMO covers the cessation of all military
offensives against the CPP-NPA-NDF particularly its armed group the New
People's Army including the conduct of combat maneuvers that may be construed
as provocative acts that may be deemed violative of the SOMO," Visaya's
order read.
Despite the SOMO, Arevalo said the military will continue to
perform its mandate of protecting the communities and its people from terrorist
groups, secure and protect from attacks or sabotage vital government
facilities, military camps, infrastructures, and projects.
"The AFP shall likewise continue to support law
enforcement operations to help ensure unhampered flow of social, cultural,
religious, political, and economic activities of the people and the delivery by
the LGUs, LGAs, and NGOs to the communities," it stressed.
Arevalo said the AFP leadership will exhaust all efforts to
support Duterte's peace initiatives with the rebel group to attain an enduring
peace and sustained development for our country's prosperity.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=907867
US commits USD 32-M aid for PHL law enforcement training
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27): US commits USD 32-M aid for PHL law enforcement training
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=907876
The United States
has committed USD 32-million assistance to the Philippines
“Basically, it will come in the form of trainings and
stuff,” he told reporters in a briefing after the lunch courtesy call of US
Secretary of State John Kerry with President Rodrigo R. Duterte in Malacanang.
Abella said there was no mention on measures about the
maritime dispute between the Philippines
and China
The Netherlands-based Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled
in favor of the Philippines on the jurisdiction claims over three islands in
the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), saying that it “found that Mischief
Reef, Second Thomas Shoal and Reed Bank are submerged at high tide, form part
of the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of the Philippines, and
are not overlapped by any possible entitlement of China.”
Mischief Reef is also called Panganiban Reef in the Philippines
Abella said there was no stalemate on the territorial
dispute since “conversation will continue to proceed.”
President Duterte earlier said he still prefered the
diplomatic way of addressing the territorial dispute and eyes to tap former
President Fidel Ramos to be the Philippines
Other topics discussed during the courtesy call included the
long-standing relationship between the US
and the Philippines , which
paved the way for some four million Filipinos to live and work in the US and at least 500,000 US citizens to enjoy the same in the Philippines
Also discussed are issues on terrorism, crime, drugs,
religious fanaticism, and maritime security and menus of solution on these
problems, Abella said.
Climate change issue was also touched on and “Mr. Kerry was
helpful in defining certain issues about the Paris
“And the President also responded appropriately when he said
the Philippines
President Duterte earlier said he would not heed the Paris
Pact, signed in December 2015 calling on signatories to reduce carbon
emissions, since this would restrict economic growth of the Philippines
Under the agreement, the Philippines
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=907876
Duterte, Kerry affirm long-standing PHL-US relations
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27): Duterte, Kerry affirm long-standing PHL-US relations
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=907940
The Philippines
and the United States
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella, in a briefing,
told the Malacanang Press Corps that PRRD and Kerry took note of the special
relationship, with around four million Filipinos in America
and at least 500,000 Americans in the Philippines
Kerry is the highest Cabinet member of U.S. President Barack
Obama's administration to visit President Duterte so far. He led a delegation
of U.S. State Department officials and a lone military officer, US Vice Admiral
Frank Pandolfe, who serves as assistant chairman to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Abella said, "First, it was a courtesy call. It was a
very interesting lunch because they shared common interests. They talked about
motorcycles and hunting."
He added that "they also discussed common concerns:
terrorism, crime, drugs, religious fanaticism, and maritime security. They also
mentioned a menu of solutions."
The Palace official disclosed that the U.S. has committed USD 32 million in training
and services to the Philippines
He said the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA)
was touched upon and "it was affirmed that whatever works for the Philippines
According to Abella, climate change was also on the agenda,
with Kerry being "helpful in defining certain issues about the Paris pact" and PRRD saying that "the Philippines
On the West Philippine Sea ,
the Malacanang spokesperson said, "There were no agreements regarding that
except that the President did mention that whatever talks we will engage in
will begin with the ruling, that will be the foundation, the ruling regarding
the area."
Abella said Kerry was listening very intently when the
President mentioned about how the administration is handling the war against
crime and especially the narcotic leg."
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=907940
Militiaman killed, 4 others wounded in NPA attack in Davao Del Norte
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27): Militiaman killed, 4 others wounded in NPA attack in Davao Del Norte
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=907969
Members of the New People's Army (NPA) attacked a homeward
bound group of militiamen, killing one and wounding four others, in Kapalong,
Davao Del Norte Wednesday morning.
Capt. Rhyan Batchar, 10th Infantry Division public affairs
office head, said the militiamen were returning to their base in Sitio Patil,
Barangay Gupitan, in response to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's unilateral
ceasefire against the NPAs, when attacked by the rebels while approaching Sitio
Kamunoan at 6:45 a.m.
He added that the victims were under the supervision of the
60th Infantry Battalion.
A militiaman was immediately killed while four others were
wounded.
Names of the victims are still being withheld pending
notifications of their family.
Col. Ricardo Nepomuceno, 1003rd Infantry Brigade commander,
said that the ambush of their troops who were pulling out from the operational
area in compliance with the unilateral ceasefire is deplorable.
Despite this, they will continue to observe the suspension
of offensive operations against the NPA and coordinate with the PNP for the
conduct of law enforcement operations.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=907969
PNP suspends offensive operations vs CPP-NPA-NDF
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27): PNP suspends offensive operations vs CPP-NPA-NDF
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=907968
In line with President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of a
unilateral ceasefire with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's
Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), the Philippine National Police
ordered Wednesday a nationwide Suspension of Offensive Police Operations (SOPO)
against the said groups effective immediately.
The SOPO orders all PNP troops to refrain from initiating
offensive police operations against the communist insurgents.
However, Acting Deputy Chief PNP for Operations (TDCO)
Police Director Benjamin B Magalong, said this suspension of offensive police
operations does not cover normal law enforcement operations and shall be
implemented without prejudice to actions aimed at protecting the people and the
communities, as well as PNP troops and installations against terrorist attacks
that may take place during the SOPO period.
As such, normal police functions such as serving of warrants
of arrest, checkpoint operations and other routine security measures will
continue.
Recognizing the inherent right to self-defense, all units
shall remain on-guard and maintain a high state of operational readiness to
respond to any hostile actions.
“So as not to jeopardize the Presidential Declaration of the
unilateral ceasefire, however, all police units are enjoined to be vigilant in
the performance of their duties to prevent any untoward incident as a result of
insurgents’ provocative action” PDir Magalong said.
All police units were also instructed to exercise caution
and restraint in conducting movements and activities which may be viewed by the
CPP-NPA-NDF as provocative acts.
“The PNP will still continue to conduct active defensive
measures such as security patrols to protect all PNP camps, stations, vital
installations and civilian communities, route security, and strengthening of
defensive positions.” Magalong added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=907968
Tug Operator Blamed for Abu Sayyaf Hijacking
From The Maritime Executive (Jul 26): Tug Operator Blamed for Abu Sayyaf Hijacking
Abu Sayyaf Group members (file image)
On Tuesday, Malaysia's inspector-general of police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Baka said at a press conference that the most recent Abu Sayyaf tug crew kidnapping off of Sabah was the fault of the tug's operator, which he alleged had not followed official guidance.
He emphasized that he did not mean to blame the victims of the attack, but rather the operator. "I hold them responsible because we have engaged with them and advised them what they should be doing. But they did not heed our calls,” he said.
Khalid added that he believed there were other operators who were not treating the matter with enough seriousness. “Unfortunately, they take the matter too lightly,” he said. "The east coast of Sabah has always been our concern. Not only from [Abu Sayyaf] but also kidnap for ransom groups and other terror groups."
He called for all tug operators to heed the police's precautions. “I ask those we have had discussions with to follow our advice so that such incidents can be avoided. If they do not follow our advice, the risk is very high," he said.
The missing crew of the Malaysian-owned tug have been identified as Mohd Ridzuan Ismail, 32, Abd Rahim Summas, 62, Mohd Jumadil Rahim, 23, Fandy Bakran, 26 and Tayudin Anjut, 45.
Just across the border, Indonesian authorities have issued a ban on Philippines-bound departures from the most affected areas, but industry sources say that the restriction can be circumvented. “There have been leakages. Philippines are still getting their coal from many parts of Indonesia, for example from Kalimantan and other places. This is done outside the knowledge of the authorities,” said Budhi Halim, Secretary-General of the Indonesian National Shipowners Association, speaking to Channel NewsAsia last week.
Separately, the Armed Forces of the Philippines has confirmed that seven Indonesian tugboat crewmembers were kidnapped by pirates allied with Abu Sayyaf on July 22 – yet another in a string of attacks on the slow-moving tugs that haul coal from Kalimantan to the Philippines. Six of the 13 crewmembers were freed right away, but the others were not so lucky. The attackers were identified as the serial kidnappers the Muktadil brothers.
http://www.maritime-executive.com/article/tug-operator-blamed-for-abu-sayyaf-hijacking
Abu Sayyaf Group members (file image)
On Tuesday, Malaysia's inspector-general of police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Baka said at a press conference that the most recent Abu Sayyaf tug crew kidnapping off of Sabah was the fault of the tug's operator, which he alleged had not followed official guidance.
He emphasized that he did not mean to blame the victims of the attack, but rather the operator. "I hold them responsible because we have engaged with them and advised them what they should be doing. But they did not heed our calls,” he said.
Khalid added that he believed there were other operators who were not treating the matter with enough seriousness. “Unfortunately, they take the matter too lightly,” he said. "The east coast of Sabah has always been our concern. Not only from [Abu Sayyaf] but also kidnap for ransom groups and other terror groups."
He called for all tug operators to heed the police's precautions. “I ask those we have had discussions with to follow our advice so that such incidents can be avoided. If they do not follow our advice, the risk is very high," he said.
The missing crew of the Malaysian-owned tug have been identified as Mohd Ridzuan Ismail, 32, Abd Rahim Summas, 62, Mohd Jumadil Rahim, 23, Fandy Bakran, 26 and Tayudin Anjut, 45.
Just across the border, Indonesian authorities have issued a ban on Philippines-bound departures from the most affected areas, but industry sources say that the restriction can be circumvented. “There have been leakages. Philippines are still getting their coal from many parts of Indonesia, for example from Kalimantan and other places. This is done outside the knowledge of the authorities,” said Budhi Halim, Secretary-General of the Indonesian National Shipowners Association, speaking to Channel NewsAsia last week.
Separately, the Armed Forces of the Philippines has confirmed that seven Indonesian tugboat crewmembers were kidnapped by pirates allied with Abu Sayyaf on July 22 – yet another in a string of attacks on the slow-moving tugs that haul coal from Kalimantan to the Philippines. Six of the 13 crewmembers were freed right away, but the others were not so lucky. The attackers were identified as the serial kidnappers the Muktadil brothers.
http://www.maritime-executive.com/article/tug-operator-blamed-for-abu-sayyaf-hijacking
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