Friday, September 2, 2016

What it's like living in fear of the Abu Sayyaf

From Rappler (Sep 3): What it's like living in fear of the Abu Sayyaf

The life and prosperity of residents in places like Basilan are at stake in the Duterte administration's efforts to destroy the Abu Sayyaf

WELCOME TO BASILAN. This view greets Basilan visitors who arrive in Isabela by boat. Photo by Pia Ranada/Rappler

WELCOME TO BASILAN. This view greets Basilan visitors who arrive in Isabela by boat. Photo by Pia Ranada/Rappler

In recent days, we’ve heard more aggressive rhetoric against the Abu Sayyaf from President Rodrigo Duterte.

After hearing about the beheading of a teenage hostage, he ordered the military to “destroy” the terrorist group. The military lost no time in complying with his order. Thousands of soldiers are being deployed to Sulu, bastion of the Abu Sayyaf.
 
Duterte’s visits to military camps in Basilan and Sulu, from where the group actively operates, allowed me to peek into what it’s like to live under their shadow.
 
Though stringent security measures surrounding a presidential coverage and time constraints allowed me only limited exposure to these places and the people who live there, I was able to ask the vice mayor of the Basilan city of Lamitan how things are in his hometown.
 
Lamitan is a 5th class city deemed a “hub” in Basilan because those from the southern towns pass through it to get to the port city of Isabela, Lamitan Vice Mayor Roderick Furigay told me in late July.
 
The city of around 74,000 residents is described as “generally peaceful” by Furigay, whose wife, Rosita, is the current mayor.
 
But military operations against the Abu Sayyaf in the southern, more mountainous parts of Basilan have forced some residents there to move to Lamitan.
 
PRESIDENT IN BASILAN. President Rodrigo Duterte holds a meeting with local officials at the 104th Brigade Camp in Isabela City, Basilan on July 21. Photo by Robinson Ninal/PPD
 
PRESIDENT IN BASILAN. President Rodrigo Duterte holds a meeting with local officials at the 104th Brigade Camp in Isabela City, Basilan on July 21. Photo by Robinson Ninal/PPD
 
Urban terrorist groups
 
Though Lamitan fares better compared to towns like Al Barka, where encounters between the Abu Sayyaf and military forces often take place, its residents continue to live in fear of the group’s deployment of urban terrorist groups (UTGs).
 
Vice Mayor Furigay said the UTG is a smaller group “created” by the Abu Sayyaf to extort Lamitan residents through terror attacks in parts of the city.
 
The Abu Sayyaf needs the UTG to do the dirty work so it can avoid getting caught by the military and police who know their faces.
 
Karamihan sa kanila (Abu Sayyaf) hindi na bumababa dito (Most of the Abu Sayyaf don’t come down here), because they are known,” Furigay said.

URBAN BASILAN. Just like any other province, Basilan hopes for prosperity and development. Photo by Pia Ranada/Rappler

URBAN BASILAN. Just like any other province, Basilan hopes for prosperity and development. Photo by Pia Ranada/Rappler
 
He described UTG members as young people ordered by the Abu Sayyaf or ASG to plant bombs in vital places in the metro to extort money from people like businessmen or residents.
 
Mga bago, mga teenagers na ito and they are the ones doing the, naglalagay ng bomba. Parang utos ‘yun galing ng ASG to the UTG,” said Furigay. (They are new, teenagers who are the ones planting the bombs. The orders appear to come from the ASG to the UTG.)
 
In one incident, the UTG placed a bomb near an electric post of the Basilan Electric Company. They called the company and threatened to blow up the post if they are not given money.
 
The UTG would then just dial a number to detonate the bomb.
 
“This year alone, bale siguro 7 or 8 bombs na pumutok dito (some 7 or 8 bombs have already exploded here),” said Furigay.
 
Major Filemon Tan, spokesman of the military's Western Mindanao Command, said military intelligence shows these UTGs may indeed be part of the ASG or receive orders from the ASG.
 
The monetary “rewards” the UTG and ASG gain from these criminal activities far outweigh any vestige of religious principle they claim to espouse in their war against the Philippine government, said the vice mayor.
 
“They are for extortion, they no longer use their principles as their motivation,” he said.
 
Deploying drug addicts
 
Lamitan’s experience with the Abu Sayyaf also shows how closely entwined terrorism is with the illegal drug trade.
 
Furigay said the ASG often deploy drug addicts for acts of urban terrorism.
 
“They will hire these addicts para magdala ng bomba dito sa loob. Babayaran sila ng P3,000, P5,000, mga user 'yan eh,” he said. (They will hire these addicts to bring bombs here. They will pay them P3,000 or P5,000 because they are drug users.)
 
Aside from exploiting the addicts’ need for money to fuel their addiction, the terrorist group takes advantage of their state of mind as well.
 
“They use addicts because no one else has the confidence to bring bombs here unless they are high. That’s their modus,” said Furigay in a mix of English and Filipino.
 
The so-called terrorism and drug trade nexus is a phenomenon long observed by law enforcement agencies.
 
According to the Serious and Organized Crime Threat Assessments (SOCTA) 2014, a study on anti-crime efforts by Philippine government agencies, the Abu Sayyaf sources some of its funds from the illegal drug trade.
 
For this reason, Furigay is thankful for the two wars Duterte is waging: one against drugs, the other against the Abu Sayyaf.
 
He said over 2,000 drug addicts in Lamitan have surrendered to the local government.
He is hoping these professed addicts can soon enter the workforce given Lamitan’s need for more workers, which they presently fill by hiring people from Zamboanga City and surrounding towns.
 
Rehabilitation
 
The rising number of surrenderees has convinced Furigay and the mayor to talk to the Basilan provincial government about putting up at least one rehabilitation center in Basilan.
 
Furigay supports Duterte’s orders for an all-out war against the Abu Sayyaf. In his view, heightened military action against the group is the “ultimate solution” to the peace and order problems of his province.
 
Ang gusto namin matapos lang itong gulo. Ibig kong sabihin, huwag na ihinto ‘yung operation, let us continue the operation. Ang gusto ko, kung operation man, operation na talaga – 'yan ang ultimate solution diyan,” he said. (What we want is for the chaos to end. What I mean is, don’t stop the operation [against Abu Sayyaf], let us continue the operation. What I want is, if there’s an operation, it should be a real operation – that’s the ultimate solution.)
 
The reality on the ground is that in places like Basilan, local governments and civilians have only law enforcers to turn to against groups that sow terror.
 
We cannot rely sa ibang tao except for the PNP [Philippine National Police] and military. Sila lang ang may armas. Nakikita mo ang civilian dito, iilan lang kami,” he said. (We cannot rely on other people except for the PNP and the military. Only they are armed. You can see the number of civilians here, we are not that many.)
 
New Basilan
 
A new Basilan is rising. The Basilan I was able to visit is different from the Basilan of years ago, insisted Furigay.
 
He boasted of the new roads linking major towns and cities that have drastically reduced travel time and improved the lives of residents.
 
Villages that had once taken many hours to get to can now be reached in 20 or 30 minutes because of new concrete roads. Vegetables and fruits that would rot by the time farmers reached the town markets now arrive fresh.
 
The towns of Basilan are now faced with the happy problem of traffic in main thoroughfares.
 
May mga kotse na nga. May kotse na Muslim brothers natin. Talagang kung titingnan mo in a macro persective 'yung Basilan, umaasenso na kami but because of itong mga grupo, eh napu-pull down,” said Furigay. (There are cars already. Our Muslim brothers have cars. If you look at Basilan on a macro perspective, we are progressing but because of these groups, we are being pulled down.)
 
NEW LEAF. Rubber, among the chief products of Basilan, is collected from these rubber tree plantations found beside major roads. Photo by Pia Ranada/Rappler
 
NEW LEAF. Rubber, among the chief products of Basilan, is collected from these rubber tree plantations found beside major roads. Photo by Pia Ranada/Rappler
 
I myself had the chance to marvel at Basilan’s new roads as my vehicle whizzed through orderly rubber tree plantations and views of forested mountains stretching into a sun-blazed horizon.
 
We residents of Metro Manila and places in other parts of the Philippines may only read about the Abu Sayyaf in headlines but those living in Basilan, Sulu, and other parts of Mindanao live in fear of the group every day.
 
Duterte’s promise to eradicate the Abu Sayyaf means everything to them.
 
Will Duterte’s fights against drugs and terrorism clear the way for life and prosperity in these places?
 

Obama urges China to stop flexing muscles over South China Sea - CNN

From InterAksyon (Sep 3): Obama urges China to stop flexing muscles over South China Sea - CNN



China needs to be a more responsible power as it gains global influence and avoid flexing its muscles in disputes with smaller countries over issues like the South China Sea, US President Barack Obama told CNN in an interview to be aired on Sunday.

Obama, who meets with President Xi Jinping at a G20 summit next week in China, told CNN the United States supports the peaceful rise of China but that Beijing had to recognize that "with increasing power comes increasing responsibilities," according to excerpts released on Friday.

"If you sign a treaty that calls for international arbitration around maritime issues, the fact that you're bigger than the Philippines or Vietnam or other countries ... is not a reason for you to go around and flex your muscles," Obama said. "You've got to abide by international law."

China, a signatory to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, recently lost an arbitration dispute over the South China Sea. A court in The Hague found China had no historic title over the waters of the South China Sea and had infringed on the rights of the Philippines.

Beijing has rejected the ruling.

Obama said Washington had urged Beijing to bind itself to international rules and norms to help build a strong international order.

"Where we see them violating international rules and norms, as we have seen in some cases in the South China Sea or in some of their behavior when it comes to economic policy, we've been very firm," Obama told CNN. "And we've indicated to them that there will be consequences."

The US president said China could not expect to "pursue mercantilist policies that just advantage" itself now that China has become a more affluent, middle-income country.

"Even though you still have a lot of poor people, you know, you can't just export
problems. You've got to have fair trade and not just free trade," Obama said.

"You have to open up your markets if you expect other people to open up their markets."

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/132080/obama-urges-china-to-stop-flexing-muscles-over-south-china-sea---cnn

Video: Crisis in Sulu

From ABS-CBN (Sep 2): Crisis in Sulu

Posted at Sep 02 2016 12:03 AM

 
The Abu Sayyaf remains defiant and vows more attacks against "Duterte's Soldiers" despite the AFP's all-out offensive against the extremist group in Sulu.

The conflict has already led to the deaths of 15 government soldiers at at least 30 Abu Sayyaf fighters, while displacing thousands.

Pres. Duterte meanwhile vows to help the families of slain soldiers and crush the Abu Sayyaf.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/09/01/16/crisis-in-sulu

Abu Sayyaf owns up to Davao blast, warns of more attacks

From ABS-CBN (Sep 3): Abu Sayyaf owns up to Davao blast, warns of more attacks



Police investigators inspect the area of a market where an explosion happened in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr., Reuters

The Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) has claimed responsibility for the blast in Davao City which left 14 dead and more than 60 wounded on Friday evening.

READ: Davao blast death toll rises to 14; 67 others hurt

ASG spokesperson Abu Rami said the Davao attack is a "call for unity to all mujahideen in the country" amid the all-out offensive of the military against the group.

Rami said that the attack in Davao City is not part of a tactic to divert the attention of government forces who have been pursuing the bandits in Sulu and Basilan.

He warned that similar attacks should be expected in the coming days.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier this week ordered intensified operations to finish off the 400-strong terror group, following the death of 15 soldiers in a clash in Patikul, Sulu.

After the explosion in Davao, Duterte also declared a "state of lawlessness," where he will "invite uniformed personnel to run the country."

READ: Duterte declares 'state of lawlessness'

The military and the Philippine National Police earlier dismissed circulating text messages about an imminent attack.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/09/03/16/pnp-on-full-alert-after-davao-night-market-blast

Number of wounded in Davao blast put at 71

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 3): Number of wounded in Davao blast put at 71

The number of persons injured in the explosion at the Roxas night market here has been put at 71. Earlier reports put the fatalities at 14.
 
Davao City police spokesperson Chief Insp. Catherine dela Rey, said that as of 2:51 a.m. Saturday, 28 of the wounded were undergoing treatment at SPMC; 29 at the San Pedro Hospital; Limso - 1, Brokenshire -1; Davao Doctor's - 8; and Davao Medical School Foundation - 4.

Dela Rey further said that they have no initial finding on the type of explosive device used.

She said investigations are still ongoing.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=919710

Police, military in Cotabato City, Maguindanao on alert after Davao bombing

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 3): Police, military in Cotabato City, Maguindanao on alert after Davao bombing

Police here have been placed on heightened alert following the deadly bombing in Davao City that left 14 people dead and 71 injured.

Police have set up checkpoints, implemented stricter inspection in the city's entry and exit points, and have asked the public for their support and cooperation.

City police director, Sr. Supt. Danny Reyes, has ordered all police station commanders to intensify police visibility in populated areas such as terminals, churches, malls, public markets and seaports to thwart any attempt to destabilize the city.

This city has experienced deadly bombing in the past, killing several dozens of civilians.

The Cotabato City police is backed by Army special forces in securing Cotabato City's 37 villages.

Meanwhile, the 6th Infantry Division also alerted all its units in the provinces of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat, especially those guarding the two provinces' coasts which are facing Sulu, as well as those in North Cotabato and part of Lanao del Sur.

Police authorities in Davao City believed Friday night's bombing of a night market could be a diversionary tactic of the extremist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), which has been suffering from the intensified military operations in Sulu.

By boat, it takes only 10 hours to reach mainland Mindanao from Sulu.

Government forces in the coastal towns of Palimbang, Kalamansig and Lebak in Sultan Kudarat were also alerted.

To escape Army offensives in Sulu, the ASG in the past sought refuge in the coastal towns of Sultan Kudarat.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=919736

PNP-12 on full alert after Davao City blast

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 3): PNP-12 on full alert after Davao City blast

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The Police Regional Office (PRO)-12 has put all police units in the region under full alert following the bomb attack in Davao City Friday night that killed 14 people and wounded 71 others.

Supt. Romeo Galgo Jr., PRO-12's public information officer, said all police personnel have been deployed to various strategic points in a bid to avert similar attacks.

Citing a directive from PRO-12 regional director, Chief Supt. Cedrick Train, Galgo said their personnel have sealed off the borders of key cities and municipalities and established additional checkpoints along major highways.

He specifically cited this city, which is currently celebrating its 48th foundation anniversary and the 18th Tuna Festival.

“Our intensified security operations are ongoing and we have set additional measures to properly secure the festival venues and activities,” he told PNA in a phone interview.

The police has assigned some 500 policemen to secure the ongoing festivities, which is centered at the city's oval plaza grounds.

The festival formally opened last Thursday and will end on Monday, the city’s 48th founding anniversary.

Aside from city police officers, volunteers from barangay peacekeeping teams and personnel from the city government’s civil security units have also been deployed to the festival venues.

The PRO-12 has provided additional personnel from the Regional Public Safety Battalion-12 and other support units.

Galgo said the city police is strictly observing the ban on the carrying of backpacks at the festival venues.

At the city’s entry and exit points, he said, joint police and Army personnel under the Joint Task Force GenSan have been conducting thorough inspections on all passing vehicles.

For passenger buses and other public utility vehicles, he said passengers have been required to disembark to ensure proper inspections.

In line with the nationwide “state of lawlessness” declared by President Rodrigo Duterte, Galgo said they have stepped up their security and intelligence operations against local terror groups.

He said they have linked up with their military counterparts for the monitoring of possible movements of members of terror groups in the area.

“We would like to assure the public that we are on top of the situation and exerting all the necessary efforts to ensure that the entire region will be safe and secure at all times,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=919735

Dureza condoles with family of Malaysian facilitator on GPH-MILF peace talks

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 3): Dureza condoles with family of Malaysian facilitator on GPH-MILF peace talks

"Guiding star" and "leading light".

These words best describe Malaysian facilitator Tengku Datu Abdul Ghafar Tengku Bin Mohamad, who played a major role in the peace talks between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus G. Dureza has said.

Reports said Tengku Ghafar died of a heart ailment in Malaysia Friday.

Dureza, in a statement, said he and Tengku Ghafar presided over the launch of the implementation phase of the GPH-Bangsamoro peace negotiations last Aug. 13-14, which took 17 years to become a realization.

He said the Malaysian facilitator contributed much to this achievement because "for the most part, he skillfully and adroitly marshaled (it) to a successful conclusion".

"The last time we met, Tengku was full of life and beaming with vigor, seeing a breakthrough in what he was doing for years as a moving spirit. We both traded jovial and happy words and thoughts. He was a happy man raring to take his flight for a scheduled and long-awaited trip abroad, to enjoy what he described to me as his 'last fling'. I did not realize then that it was his way of saying farewell to a friend," he said.

Dureza said the Philippine government mourns Tengku Ghafar's death but also celebrates "his valuable contributions to our continuing work for peace in the land".

"I know that he had to finish his task first and now that it is done, he begs leave and quietly passes into the night," he said.

"Goodbye, my friend Tengku. Your legacy will remain and will be well and long remembered," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=919625

Army soldier raring to fight Abu Sayyaf posted on Facebook goes viral

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 3): Army soldier raring to fight Abu Sayyaf posted on Facebook goes viral

An Army officer who posted on his Facebook account declaring that 7,000 soldiers sent to reinforce government troops to crush once and for all the Abu Sayyaf terrorists in Sulu, went viral in the social media with over 100,000 hits and counting.

Maj. Arthur Malaleguez Dumalagan of the 63rd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, said in his Facebook account “Jolo, Sulu here we come.”

He said he was ready to fight the Abu Sayyaf, saying “this is our chance, many are willing but few are chosen to participate (in) the war against terrorism. Many have already done their part but never have a proud story to tell.”

Dumalagan said he was not afraid to die in fighting the enemy of the state, particularly terror groups.

He said he was surprised that more than 100,000 have read his story he posted in his Facebook account to date.More are expected to read it in the coming days.

“We maybe coming home flag on top of our metal casket, rest assured we already crushed the enemy and send them all to hell before we give ours,” the tough-talking army officer said.

“Blood may pour on the war thirsty yet a promised land that is what we pledge to do to let our beloved flag fly freely for you,” he added.

Dumalagan further said: “God will never say yes or no, Prayer is He wants from you that His soldiers will be as good and safe us you, watching the show that the world will always do, soldiers in thirst for PEACE so they may live a life they always made for you.”

Maj. Dumalagan is the executive officer of his unit dubbed as the “Innovator Battalion.”

On the other hand, Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr., spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), confirmed during the weekly forum “Balitaan sa Hotel Rembrant in Quezon City, the deployment of the 7,000 fresh troops in Sulu to fight the Abu Sayyaf.

Padilla said soldiers will be deployed to hunt down some 400 to 500 Abu Sayyaf hiding in the forested areas in the town of Patikul.

He said this is the biggest deployment of the AFP in Sulu since heavy fighting took place during the bloody Mindanao war against the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in the ‘70s and ‘80s.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=919665

A tribute to Tengku Ghafar, Malaysian facilitator

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 3): A tribute to Tengku Ghafar, Malaysian facilitator (by Presidential peace adviser Jesus G. Dureza)

We heard the sad news about the sudden passing Friday of Malaysian peace facilitator Tengku Datu Abdul Ghafar Tengku Bin Mohamad, who was a guiding star and leading light in our work for peace with the Bangsamoro.

Just a few weeks ago in Kuala Lumpur, we both warmly presided over a historic milestone with the launching of the implementation phase of the long-drawn Bangsamoro negotiations that spanned 17 years which, for the most part, he skillfully and adroitly marshaled to a successful conclusion.

The last time we met, Tengku was full of life and beaming with vigor seeing a breakthrough in what he was doing for years as a moving spirit. We both traded jovial and happy words and thoughts. He was a happy man raring to take his flight for a scheduled and long-awaited trip abroad, to enjoy what he described to me as his "last fling". I did not realize then that it was his way of saying farewell to a friend.

We mourn his passing as we also celebrate his valuable contributions to our continuing work for peace in the land. I know that he had to finish his task first and now that it is done, he begs leave and quietly passes into the night.

Goodbye, my friend Tengku. Your legacy will remain and will be well and long remembered.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=919609

10 dead, 60 hurt in Davao blast

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 3): 10 dead, 60 hurt in Davao blast

At least 10 persons died and 60 were injured ain an explosion around 10 p.m Friday at the Roxas night market near Ateneo de Davao University here.

This was confirmed by Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella, who is now in the incident area with President Rodrigo Duterte and Press Secretary Martin Andanar.

Police authorities still need to confirm the total number of casualties but people near the area disclosed they saw at least ten bodies laid on the ground after the explosion.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=919693

(2nd update) PNP: 12 dead in Davao City blast

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 3): (2nd update) PNP: 12 dead in Davao City blast

At least 12 people died in an explosion at a night market in Davao City late Friday evening, Davao regional police chief Manuel Gaerlan said early Saturday morning in an interview he gave to CNN Philippines.

“As of this time, the situation is very fluid but I can give you (a) report now that 10 are dead on spot, and 24 are injured in the hospital, and another two are dead at the Southern Philippines Medical Center,” Gaerlan said in the interview.

Gaerlan also said most of the casualties are adults. “The 10 are 5 males and 5 females, all of them are adults and (at) the hospitals mostly adults. I have not heard any reports yet on minors being treated.”

He declined to speculate about what caused the blast.

“Well as of this time, we do not want to speculate. But we are conducting our investigation gathering evidence of this time as you can see our post blast investigators are still in the area, sifting through the debris what possibly could have caused the explosion,” the Davao regional police chief said.

He also said the police are working with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to secure Davao City and its environs.

“We also ask the people to be vigilant because, you know, there could be possible attacks if any of this is coming from any group of persons, any particular group of persons. So, it’s better to be more vigilant so that we can help the police but please we are calling the people not to spread any rumors or any unconfirmed reports,” Gaerlan added.

In his earlier statement about the “explosion of still unverified cause”, Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said, “...it is best that the populace refrain from reckless speculation and avoid crowded places.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=919697

(3rd Update) Davao explosion death toll reaches 14

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 3): (3rd Update) Davao explosion death toll reaches 14

The death toll from the explosion Friday evening at a night market along Roxas Avenue, here rose to 14, authorities said.

As of 2:00 a.m. Saturday, initial report said 14 died with dozens wounded, according to Buhangin Police Station Commander Milgrace Driz. She said the latest report came from the hospitals with three others in critical condition.

The victims were rushed to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), Limso Hospital, Davao Doctors Hospital and Brokenshire Hospital.

An earlier statement from Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte confirmed that 10 victims died on the spot.

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said that Davao City has been placed on high alert and urged residents to cooperate with the police.

He said President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has given an order to set up checkpoints/chokepoints in the city.

"The directive was for the national police to manage a detailed checkpoint all over Davao City, and we encourage all citizens to cooperate," said Andanar in a statement.

Around 10 p.m. Friday, an explosion of still-undetermined origin rocked the night market on Roxas Avenue at the corner of Padre Gomez St.

Andanar said police are still investigating the explosion.

Meanwhile, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has raised the red alert over Metro Manila.

NCRPO Chief Supt. Oscar Albayalde has ordered all police district directors to tighten security especially in crowded places.

He also ordered units to maximize police visibility in airports, seaports, and train and bus terminals; and to set up security checks in malls, parks and other places where people gather on weekends.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=919696

White House: US ready to assist in Davao City blast probe

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 3): White House: US ready to assist in Davao City blast probe

The US government said on Saturday “it stands ready to provide assistance to the investigation” on the explosion late Friday evening in Davao City where at least 14 people died and dozens were injured.

In a statement posted on the White House website, US National Security Council (NSC) spokesperson Ned Price expressed “deep condolences to the families and other loved ones of the victims of the explosion in the PhilippinesDavao City, and our thoughts and prayers are with the injured.”

Price also said US President Barack Obama “will have an opportunity to offer his personal condolences to President Duterte next week, when the two leaders plan to meet on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Laos.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=919698

(Update) President Duterte declares nationwide state of lawlessness

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 3): (Update) President Duterte declares nationwide state of lawlessness

President Rodrigo R. Duterte has placed the country under a "state of lawlessness" authorizing the police and military to conduct security searches in cars and frisking of individuals in checkpoints.

Duterte clarified the state of lawlessness is not martial law and does not involve the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus.

Any punitive actions should be in the furtherance of protecting the country to stop terrorism, President Duterte told reporters after an ocular inspection of the blast site early Saturday morning.

Duterte said declaration has something to do with protecting the country and people given his intensified drugs operation, extrajudicial killings and terrorism not only in Davao but other places especially in Mindanao. He cited recent bombings in some Mindanao localities.

President Duterte also said he expects people to submit to searches and frisking in all checkpoints as he declared a lockdown of the city.

"We know that this is not a fascist state. I cannot control the movement of the citizens of the city and every Filipino has the right to enter and leave Davao. It is unfortunate we cannot stop and frisk anybody for just any reason," he said.

"But I am declaring the entire country on alert," he added.

Leads

Duterte disclosed there are leads to pinpoint responsibility. However, he would not confirm if the bombing is linked to his all-out war against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG). But he said it is easy to pinpoint the ASG since the group forewarned to hold retaliatory actions in Mindanao.

The President did not discount the bombing was the handiwork of drug syndicates. He also mentioned the Maute group members who escaped from prison in Lanao.

He stressed that it would be parochial to just point to one group because terrorism is everywhere.

Death toll

The number of persons who died in the explosion at Roxas night market rose to 15 as five more died in the hospital after the initial count of 10 who died on the spot at the crowded night market on Friday.

Around 69 were injured in the explosion shortly past 10 p.m Friday at the Roxas night market near Ateneo de Davao University, according to Davao City Police spokesperson Chief Inspector Catherine Dela Rey.

However, Dela Rey said they have no initial findings of the type of explosive device. She said it is only the Explosive and Ordnance Disposal (EOD) which can confirm further details of the post blast report.

Dela Rey said investigation is still ongoing.

The Roxas night market incident was the fifth bomb explosion in Davao City.

In 1991, two grenades were lobbed inside the San Pedro Cathedral.

In 2003, a bomb ripped through the arrival waiting shed of the old Davao International Airport Sasa Port on March 4 that left about 30 dead. In the same year, a bomb exploded at Sasa Wharf on April 2 with at least 40 dead.

This was followed by another blast at Ecoland Terminal leaving one person dead.

All explosions were linked to the Mindanao conflict.

The explosions happened during the term of then Mayor, now President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

Such incidents were behind his passion of ending the Mindanao conflict and bringing peace in the troubled parts of Mindanao.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=919702

DND places all AFP commands on high alert after Davao City blast

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 3): DND places all AFP commands on high alert after Davao City blast

With the death toll in the Davao City explosion now at 14 and around 60 wounded, the Department of National Defense (DND) has ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to place all its commands on high alert Saturday.

"I have directed all commands of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to be on high alert especially in urban centers for possible other terroristic act attempts by this group. The Eastern Command in Davao city has been directed to assist the PNP in maintaining peace and order in Davao City and in the apprehension of the perpetrators.. They will also aid in gathering intelligence information and in conducting investigations to get to the bottom of this unfortunate incident," DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said.

In the same vein, the DND chief assumes the attack was carried out by members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) who has suffered heavy casualties in the ongoing military offensive in Sulu province for the past week.

"We are closely monitoring the situation. While nobody has come up to own the act we can only assume that this was perpetrated by the terrorist group Abu Sayaff that has suffered heavy casualties in Jolo in the past weeks," he added.

"We have predicted this and has warned our troops accordingly but the enemy is also adept at using the democratic space granted by our constitution to move around freely and unimpeded to sow terror," the DND chief stressed.

Lorenzana said the entire DND laments this unfortunate incident and extends its sympathy to those who were killed in the blast, and prays for those injured.

"We appeal to our citizens to remain calm but alert and vigilant, and cooperate with our security forces," he added.

Around 10 p.m. Friday, an explosion of still-undetermined origin rocked the night market on Roxas Avenue at the corner of Padre Gomez St. in Davao City, killing 14 and wounding some 60 others.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=919701

(Update) AFP ready for any task in wake of President Duterte's declaration of 'state of lawlessness'

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 3): (Update) AFP ready for any task in wake of President Duterte's declaration of 'state of lawlessness'

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is ready to fulfill any task after President Rodrigo Duterte declared a "state of lawlessness" following the bombing attack in Davao City where 14 people were killed and 60 others were wounded Friday night.

"The AFP is prepared to undertake any task that will be issued in regard to the declaration of 'state of lawlessness' by the Commander-in-Chief, President Rodrigo Duterte," AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo told PNA Saturday.

Earlier, Duterte declared the "state of lawlessness" in Davao City but expanded it to cover the entire country, authorizing the police and military to conduct security searches in cars and frisk individuals at checkpoints.

Duterte clarified that the "state of lawlessness" is not martial law and does not involve the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus.

Arevalo said the "continuing directive" of AFP Chief-of-Staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya to all military personnel is to be vigilant and ready for any eventuality.

He said the AFP condoles with the families of the victims of the explosion and that the Davao City-based Eastern Mindanao Command is helping its police counterparts restore normalcy by securing the area and assisting medical responders attend to the victims.

"The reports about the explosion are still sketchy. We call for sobriety and for the people to stay calm and refrain from any speculation so as not to exacerbate the situation," he added.

At about 10 p.m. Friday, an explosion of a still undetermined origin rocked the night market on Roxas Ave. at the corner of Padre Gomez St., Davao City, killing 14 and injuring 60 others.

National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the blast could be the handiwork of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), which has been taking heavy losses in the ongoing military operations in Sulu for the past weeks.

"We are closely monitoring the situation. While nobody has come up to own the act, we can only assume that this was perpetrated by the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf that has suffered heavy casualties in Jolo in the past weeks," he added.

"We have predicted this and has warned our troops accordingly but the enemy is also adept at using the democratic space granted by our Constitution to move around freely and unimpeded to sow terror," he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=919705

Metro Manila on ‘full alert status’ following Davao bombing

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 3): Metro Manila on ‘full alert status’ following Davao bombing

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has implemented a “full alert status” in Metro Manila following the bombing in Davao City on Friday night.

The bombing claimed the lives of 14 individuals and injured 71 others.

According to NCRPO Director, Chief Supt. Oscar Albayalde, the full alert status is part of their “precautionary measures” to ensure the safety of the residents of the metropolis.

With the full alert status, the checkpoints in the entire National Capital Region (NCR) will be more stringent.

Policemen deployed will be augmented to secure malls, seaports, airports and bus stations.

Likewise, all district directors in Metro Manila were also alerted to immediately take action on any incident which may happen in their respective areas of jurisdiction.
 

Davao bombing: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte declares 'state of lawlessness'

From the Sydney Morning Herald (Sep 3): Davao bombing: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte declares 'state of lawlessness'

Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte has declared "a state of lawlessness" after a bomb ripped through a popular night market in his home city of Davao, killing 14 people and wounding 67 others.

The declaration will see checkpoints and curfews imposed across the island nation of 100 million where Mr Duterte's crackdown on drug pushers has left more than 2000 dead since 1 July.

The bomb tore through a street market late on Friday outside the Marco Polo hotel, a frequent haunt of Mr Duterte, who was in the southern city at the time but was not hurt.

Among those killed was a 12 year-old child.

Immediate suspicion for the attack fell on the Islamic State-linked Abu Sayyaf, a brutal group of up 500 fighters who have launched hundreds of terror attacks in the past from their southern island bases.

Philippine Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana​ said early on Saturday the bombing was suspected to be in retaliation to an intensified military operation against the Abu Sayyaf, adding that the military has been put on high alert "especially in urban centres for possible other terrorist acts by this group."

"While nobody has come up to own the act we can only assume that this was perpetrated by the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf that has suffered heavy casualties in the past week," Mr Lorenzana told reporters.

"We have predicted this and have warned our troops accordingly but the enemy is also adept at using the democratic space granted by our constitution to move around freely and unimpeded to sow terror."

Mr Duterte last week ordered the military to use "full force" to wipe out the Abu Sayyaf after the group rejected a call to lay down their arms.

"Go out and destroy them. Kill whoever they are," he said.

More than two dozen Abu Sayyaf are believed to have been killed in battles in the past week.

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar told reporters that investigators have found shrapnel from a mortar-based bomb, indicating Friday's attack was designed to inflict mass casualties.

Mr Duterte said after visiting the bomb site at 4am on Saturday that "I have this duty to protect the country. I have this duty to keep intact the integrity of the nation."

He said while the declaration is not martial law "it will require nationwide, well co-ordinated efforts by the military and police".

"This is not the first time Davao has been sacrificed in the altar of violence," he said citing past acts of violence, including a bombing at Davao airport in 2003 that killed more than 20 people and was blamed on Islamic extremists.

Mr Duterte said he had ordered the military to conduct searches and set-up checkpoints in the city where he was mayor for 22 years before being swept into the presidency in May vowing to wipe out drug pushers and criminals.

"Everybody can come in and out of Davao," he said.

"Davao is safe, there is no criminality here except terrorism." Asked for his message to the people, he said "keep calm".

The bomb is the first violent challenge to Mr Duterte's rule that has stoked deep divisions in the county although his crackdown on drug pushers has been hugely popular.

The Philippines has one of Asia's highest rates of illegal drug use and crime.

Soon after becoming president Mr Duterte launched peace talks with communists, who last week agreed to an indefinite ceasefire.

Only last week Mr Duterte shrugged off reports of a plot to assassinate him, saying threats were to be expected.

Mr Duterte's son Paolo Duterte told Reuters his father was far from the site of the blast when the explosion took place.

Davao is located in Mindanao, a large southern island beset by decades of Islamic insurgency. However the city has been seen as largely safe for years as Mr Duterte oversaw a brutal campaign to wipe out crime which human rights groups said include hundreds of extrajudicial killings.

Amnesty International described the bombing as "a brutal and horrific act that has led to a tragic loss of civilian lives" and the victims and survivors have the right to seek justice.

But Champa Patel, Amnesty's senior research advisor for south-east Asia, warned the government against responding by "resorting to unlawful killings, arbitrary arrests or other human rights violations that will only play into the hands of those who seek an ever-widening cycle of violence and abuse."

http://www.smh.com.au/world/davao-bombing-philippine-president-rodrigo-duterte-declares-state-of-lawlessness-20160903-gr7z3p.html

Abu Sayyaf claims responsibility for Davao market blast

From Coconuts Manila (Sep 3): Abu Sayyaf claims responsibility for Davao market blast

 davao blast

Ambulance and police at the Roxas Night Market in Davao City where an explosion happened Fri night, Sep 2. PHOTO: Twitter/Fr. JBoy Gonzales SJ

The Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) has claimed responsibility for the Fri night explosion in Davao City market, which left 14 people dead and more than 60 people injured.

The ASG alwo warned of more attacks "in the coming days," according to an ABS-CBN News report on Sat, Sep 2.

President Rodrigo Duterte was on site within hours of the blast in Davao, the town where he served as mayor for more than two decades. His daughter Sara and his son Paolo are now the mayor and vice mayor of Davao, respectively..

The Davao blast came after Duterte's directive to eliminate the terrorist group after an encounter between rebel forces and the military in Patikul, Sulu, which claimed the lives of 15 soldiers.

It is a "call for unity to all mujahideen in the country," said ASG spokesperson Abu Rami, adding that the blast is not a diversion tactic as government forces go after terrorists in Sulu and Basilan.

Duterte has declared a "state of lawlessness" in the country after the Davao bombing.

http://manila.coconuts.co/2016/09/03/abu-sayyaf-claims-responsibility-davao-market-blast

Bomb rips through Philippine market in Duterte’s hometown, 12 killed (VIDEO)

From the Malay Mail Online (Sep 3): Bomb rips through Philippine market in Duterte’s hometown, 12 killed (VIDEO)

 At least 12 people died and dozens were injured when a bomb tore through a bustling night market in Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's home city yesterday, authorities said.

The blast occurred just before 11pm (1500 GMT), leaving bodies strewn amid the wreckage of plastic tables and chairs on a road that had been closed to traffic for the market in the heart of Davao city.

An improvised explosive device caused the explosion, presidential spokesman Martin Andanar said, adding drug traffickers opposed to Duterte's war on crime or Islamic militants may have been responsible.

“There are many elements who are angry at our president and our government,” Andanar told DZMM radio, after referring to the drug traffickers and the militants.
Twelve people were confirmed killed and more than 30 others injured, according to Ernesto Abella, another presidential spokesman.

Davao is the biggest city in the southern Philippines, with a population of about two million people. It is about 1,500 kilometres from the capital of Manila.

The blast occurred in the centre of Davao, close to one of the city's top hotels that Duterte sometimes holds meetings in, as well as a major university.

“The force just hurled me. I practically flew in the air,” Adrian Abilanosa, who said his cousin was among those killed, told AFP shortly afterwards.

Duterte was in Davao on Friday but was not near the market when the explosion occurred, according to his aides.

They said he went straight into meetings with security chiefs following the blast.

Violence-plagued region

Davao is part of the southern region of Mindanao, where Islamic militants have waged a decades-long separatist insurgency that has claimed more than 120,000 lives.

Communist rebels, who have been waging an armed struggle since 1968, also maintain a presence in rural areas neighbouring Davao.

Duterte had been mayor of Davao for most of the past two decades, before winning national elections in a landslide this year and being sworn in as president on June 30.

Duterte became well known for bringing relative peace and order to Davao with hardline security policies, while also brokering local deals with Muslim and communist rebels.

However in 2003, two bomb attacks blamed on Muslim rebels at Davao's airport and the city's port within a month of each other killed about 40 people.

Duterte has in recent weeks pursued peace talks with the two main Muslim rebel groups. Its leaders have said they want to broker a lasting peace.

Abu Sayyaf threat

However Duterte also ordered a military offensive to eliminate the Abu Sayyaf, a small but extremely dangerous group of militants that has declared allegiance to Islamic State and vowed to continue fighting.

Fifteen soldiers died on Monday in clashes with the Abu Sayyaf on Jolo island, one of the Abu Sayyaf's main strongholds about 900 kilometres from Davao.

Presidential spokesman Andanar referred to the fighting on Jolo when he speculated on who may have been behind Friday's bomb attack.

The Abu Sayyaf claimed responsibility for three bomb attacks in 2005 -- one in Davao, one in a nearby city and a third in Manila — that killed eight people.

The Abu Sayyaf, notorious for kidnapping foreigners to extract ransoms, said it conducted the 2005 attacks in response to an offensive against it at that time.

Andanar yesterday also raised the possibility of drug lords carrying out the attack as a way of fighting back against Duterte's war on crime.

Duterte has made eradicating illegal drugs the top priority of the beginning of his presidency.

Security forces have conducted raids in communities throughout the country to arrest or kill drug traffickers.

More than 2,000 people have died in the war on crime.

The United States, the United Nations and rights groups have expressed concern about an apparent wave of extrajudicial killings.

But the United States quickly released a statement expressing deep condolences for yesterday's blast.

http://www.themalaymailonline.com/world/article/bomb-rips-through-philippine-market-in-dutertes-hometown-12-killed

Abu Sayyaf claims responsibility for Davao blast – report

From Rappler (Sep 3): Abu Sayyaf claims responsibility for Davao blast – report

DAVAO BLAST. An explosion at a night market in Davao City kills around a dozen people on September 2. Photo by Fr JBoy Gonzales, SJ

DAVAO BLAST. An explosion at a night market in Davao City kills around a dozen people on September 2. Photo by Fr JBoy Gonzales, SJ

Terrorist group Abu Sayyaf claimed responsibility for the deadly explosion at a night market in Davao City, a report said Saturday, September 3.

Radio station dzMM reported that the Abu Sayyaf, through its spokesperson Abu Rami, owned up to the blast on Friday evening, September 2, at the Roxas Night Market in Davao City.
 
Abu Rami reportedly described the blast as a "call for unity" among Islamic guerrilla fighters called the mujahideen.
 
The Abu Sayyaf spokesperson also said this serves as a warning to the Philippine government led by President Rodrigo Duterte, former mayor of Davao City.
 
The Roxas Night Market explosion killed at least 14 people on Saturday, the dzMM report added.
 
The Davao City explosion has prompted Duterte to declare a state of lawlessness across the Philippines.
 
In a separate report by GMA News, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said, "While nobody has come up to own the act we can only assume that this was perpetrated by the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf that has suffered heavy casualties in Jolo in the past weeks."
 
"We have predicted this and has warned our troops accordingly but the enemy is also adept at using the democratic space granted by our constitution to move around freely and unimpeded to sow terror," Lorenzana added.
 
Duterte earlier vowed to "destroy" the Abu Sayyaf after another hostage of the group had been beheaded.
 
Duterte said in Davao City, "I expect retribution from them."
 

Philippines president: Explosion that killed 14 was act of terrorism

From CNN Philippines (Sep 3): Philippines president: Explosion that killed 14 was act of terrorism

A soldier keeps watch at a blast site in Davao City in the Philippines.

A soldier keeps watch at a blast site in Davao City in the Philippines

 Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte placed the nation on lockdown Friday night after an explosion at a Davao City market killed at least 14 people and injured 71, the official Philippines News Agency reported.

Duterte, saying the explosion was an act of terrorism, authorized the police and military to search cars and frisk people at checkpoints, the PNA said. He put the nation under a "state of lawlessness," saying he has not declared martial law and has not suspended the writ of habeas corpus, the PNA said.
 
 
"We have to confront the ugly head of terrorism," Duterte said, standing near the explosion site on Roxas Avenue in Davao City, his hometown. "We will take this as a police matter about terrorism."
 
The explosion happened around 10 p.m. Friday (10 a.m. ET) at the Roxas night market near Ateneo de Davao University, said Chief Inspector Catherine Dela Rey, spokeswoman for Davao City Police.
 
The market is known to attract thousands.
 
The cause of the blast is not known, but presidential spokesman Martin Andanar said components of a suspected improved explosive device were found at the scene, according to CNN affiliate ABS-CBN.
 
'This is not a fascist state'
 
No group has claimed responsibility but Duterte said it's possible the explosion "could be a reprisal" from extremists.
 
Andanar mentioned the possible involvement of the Islamist militant Abu Sayyaf group or drug lords, according to ABS-CBN.
 
Duterte, the longtime mayor of Davao City, was elected president last May. He campaigned on a no-nonsense approach to crime and launched an intense -- and deadly -- crackdown on drug dealers.
 
The Philippine Daily Inquirer's "Kill List" -- regarded as one of the most accurate records of the killings of suspected drug dealers by police and vigilantes -- has recorded 832 deaths since Duterte assumed office June 30. Police say at least 239 drug suspects were killed in the three weeks after Duterte's inauguration.
 
 
The government's heavy-handed tactics have drawn international criticism. Many public officials have been accused of being involved in the drug business.
 
And government troops have been battling Abu Sayyaf, which remains outside the country's sputtering peace process.
 
The group aims to establish an independent Islamic state on the southern island of Mindanao, where Davao City is located.
 
Abu Sayyaf is a violent extremist group that split from established Philippines separatist movement Moro National Liberation Front in 1991. It was formed by Abdurajak Abubakar Janjalani, who trained in the Middle East and reportedly met with al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.
 
 
Duterte said people should submit to searches and frisking at checkpoints for the sake of public safety.
 
"We know that this is not a fascist state. I cannot control the movement of the citizens of the city and every Filipino has the right to enter and leave Davao. It is unfortunate we cannot stop and frisk anybody for just any reason," he said.
 
'I am really scared'
 
Leonor Rala, a 19-year-old medical technology student at San Pedro College, told CNN she was in her dorm and about to go to bed when she heard an explosion.
 
She said she initially thought something had fallen on the roof of a neighboring building. She then went down to survey the scene of the blast, about 100 yards from her dorm. Emergency teams were already in place.
 
"I am really scared to go out," she said. "The roads are closed and nobody's allowed to go out of the city. There are bomb threats everywhere and some of my schoolmates are victims of the explosion and now dead."
 
She continued: "We're very terrified because Davao City was known to be the safest city in the Philippines and a situation like this is very rare."
 
 
Leonor @leonorrala
Instead of staying put in our dorm, we're here.
 
Witness Janoz Laquihon told CNN Philippines he was at the scene when the explosion happened.
 
"I saw some smoke. I thought it's just barbecue. A few minutes later ... a big blast."
Witness Father Jboy Gonzales told CNN Philippines that he saw more than 30 people being loaded onto ambulances.
 
"[A] lot of people are wounded, shocked, traumatized," he said.
 
Davao City Government tweeted on its official account: "Let us pray for the victims of this unfortunate incident, especially for those who died."
 
DavaoCity Government @DavaoCityGov
Let us pray for the victims of this unfortunate incident, especially for those who died. Let us pray for those... http://fb.me/81sFTz8lh 
 
Maria Ressa, executive editor of Philippines news website Rappler, said the blast occurred amid tensions surrounding Duterte's war on drugs, as well as an ongoing peace process with Muslim militants in the southern Philippines.