Army vows to act within bounds of law

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 5): Army vows to act within bounds of law

The Philippine Army has assured the public that they will act within the bounds of the law.

Army’s 3rd Infantry Division Commander General Harold Cabreros pointed out that there is nothing for the public to worry about following President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of a State of Lawless Violence after the bombing incident in Davao, Sept. 2.

The President as the Commander-In-Chief has called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines to do law enforcement operations to complement and supplement the capability of the PNP to suppress lawless elements.

Cabreros has directed the soldiers covering the Panay and Negros Islands to tighten and maximize security within the area through increased security patrols in the known entry and exit points of the islands, vital installations, public places and occasional conduct of checkpoints with the joint effort with PNP counterparts to ensure safety of the people, 3ID Spokesperson Captain Gizelle Lim said.

The tight security measures effected by the authorities aimed for the security and protection of the Filipinos.

Lim, in a radio interview, has called on the public to be vigilant against the presence of lawless elements, urging them to also cooperate and help the security forces especially in the implementation of security measures such as during checkpoints.

She also reminded the public that security is not only the sole responsibility of the military and the police but of every citizen.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/991473039111/army-vows-to-act-within-bounds-of-law

ASG tagged ‘biggest traitor of Islam’

From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 4): ASG tagged ‘biggest traitor of Islam’

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Governor Mujiv Hataman yesterday lashed at the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) as the “biggest traitor of Islam” for perpetrating a deadly bomb attack in Davao City Friday night that killed 14 people and wounded more than 60 others.

 

Hataman assailed the bandit group as the “biggest traitor of Islam” for proving once again its “betrayal of the values and principles we (Muslims) hold dear as a peace-loving people.”

 

“We are no strangers to such incidents, and we know the fear and sorrow that come with these tragedies,” said the ARMM governor, whose home-province of Basilan has been under extensive military operations due to the ASG’s unabated atrocities that include kidnappings and beheading of victims.

 

GUARDED MOMENTS – Members of Task Force Davao stand guard in front of the San Pedro Cathedral Sunday as Dabawenyos tried to return to normal life, two days after Friday’s deadly explosion at the night market on Roxas Avenue. (Keith Bacongco)/Manila Bulletin

 

“Islam does not condone the spilling of blood. The murder of innocent people has no place in Islam. Acts of terrorism are not and will never be the way toward unity and progress. We are one with Davao City in this time of grief. In the fight for peace, we will not falter,” Hataman pointed out.

 

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leadership on Saturday also condemned the Davao City blast, offering support to any government campaign in hunting down suspects in the deadly attack.

 

Meanwhile, Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida also condemned the recent blast and renewed his government’s support to Philippine authorities in fighting terrorism.

 

 “I am deeply shocked to learn that a bombing incident caused numerous casualties in Davao City. I firmly condemn this terrorist act in the strongest terms,” Kishida told Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay.

 

 “I would like to pray for the deceased, and express my heartfelt sympathy to the (victims) and their families. I would like to express my strong solidarity to the Philippine Government and people. In this time of difficulties, Japan stands with the Philippines. Japan will continue to closely cooperate with the Philippines in tackling terrorism,” Kishida said.

 

http://www.mb.com.ph/asg-tagged-biggest-traitor-of-islam/

BIFF sees Abu ‘diversionary attack’ in Davao bombing

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 5): BIFF sees Abu ‘diversionary attack’ in Davao bombing



BIFF spokesperson Abu Misri Mama is shown in this undated photo carrying an assault rifle. INQUIRER FILE

The bombing of the Davao City night market on Friday could have been meant to divert the Duterte government’s ongoing military operations in Sulu against the Abu Sayyaf, an official of an Islamic rebel group said on Monday.

“The terror group (Abu Sayyaf) has its back against the wall and had to divert attention from Sulu to Davao,” said Abu Misri Mama, spokesperson of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a breakaway faction of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Mama said the deployment of additional soldiers and military hardware to Sulu to finish off the Abu Sayyaf could be the reason for the bomb attack.

Abu Sayyaf members have been tagged in the series of kidnap-for-ransom and extortion activities in Mindanao victimizing local and foreign victims.

Denying any BIFF involvement in the bombing that killed 14 people and wounded 67 others, Mama said they had nothing against the government’s war on illegal drugs and terrorism.

Mama said the BIFF was sympathizing with the families of the blast victims, some of whom were from Maguindanao and other parts of Central Mindanao.

“We sympathize with you, hoping that the perpetrators are identified and punished,” he said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/812918/biff-sees-abu-sayyaf-diversionary-attack-in-davao-bombing

MILF: Ulama group condemns bombing in Davao city

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Sep 4): Ulama group condemns bombing in Davao city



The National Ulama Conference of the Philippines (NUCP) expressed condemnation to the culprit behnd the explosion at the night market along Roxas avenue in Davao city on Friday (Sep 2) night killing 15 and injuring 69 innocent civilians.

“We strongly condemn this act of terrorism,” said Prof. ALih Sakaluran Aiyub, NUCP Secretary-General posted in the social media.

“We, the National Ulama Conference of the Philippines, mourn with the whole nation on the terrorist bombing in Davao City that killed 15 and wounding 69 innocent civilians,” Aiyub said.

The NUCP Secretary-General said their organization expressed deepest sympathies and condolences to the bereaved families.

“Let us pray together for safety, sobriety and unity. Let us be one nation in facing the challenges and in working together for the eradication of terrorism in our midst,” Aiyub said.

President Rodrigo Duterte declared the state of lawlessness in the nation following the unfortunate incident.

The action is geared to increase coordination among the security sector of the government and intensify initiatives to secure the public.

Following the incident, authorities advised the public to be vigilant. There will be more checkpoints that will be installed to help secure the public and vital installations.

NUCP is an organization of Ulama with nationwide membership which engages in peace advocacy activities. It also serves as a voice of the Muslim ummah to speak on issues affecting the Muslim citizens in the country.

http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php/news/22-davao-region/876-ulama-group-condemns-bombing-in-davao-city

MILF: Consultation on Bangsamoro CSO leaders postponed following Davao city bombing

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Sep 4): Consultation on Bangsamoro CSO leaders postponed following Davao city bombing



The consultation with Bangsamoro Civil Society Organization leaders which was set on September 5-9 in this city is postponed by the organizer following the powerful explosion at the night market at Roxas boulevard last Friday evening that claimed lives of 14 innocent civilians and wounded more than sixty others.

In a text message for the participants, the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS), the organizer of the consultation, said the safety of the guests and participants is “deemed of paramount importance,” hence the postponement was decided with the funder.

The proposed consultation would pool Bangsamoro CSO leaders working for peace and development of the Bangsamoro communities within and outside the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Implementing Panel Chairman Mohagher Iqbal is invited to speak on the MILF Perspective on the Proposed Peace and Development Roadmap on the Bangsamoro.

Moro National Liberation Front Spokesman lawyer Randolph Parcasio will speak the same topic but on the MNLF’s perspective while Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza will discuss the government’s perspective.

The Perspective for the Socio-Economic Development in the Bangsamoro under the Duterte Administration will be tackled by Secretary Luwalhati Antonino of the Mindanao Development Authority.

Also expected to discuss about economy in the Bangsamoro is Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) Executive Director Ustadz Mohammad S. Yacob.
The BDA, economic arm of the MILF, is the agency that crafted the Bangsamoro Development Plan.

Federalism Theory and Practice will be tackled by Dr. Sukarno Tanggol with Lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo who will speak about the challenges and opportunities of federalism in the Bangsamoro.

The participants will also share their insights and recommendations on the peace process through workshops.

CBCS will announce the new schedule of the consultation in the coming days.

The National Ulama Conference of the Philippines had already expressed condemnation whoever were behind the bombing. Davao Mayor Sarah Duterte said they will not be terrorized by the unfortunate incident.

http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php/news/22-davao-region/877-consultation-on-bangsamoro-cso-leaders-postponed-following-davao-city-bombing

MILF: Success of the Bangsamoro peace process lies on the government: MILF Vice Chair Jaffar

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Sep 4): Success of the Bangsamoro peace process lies on the government: MILF Vice Chair Jaffar



A leader of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said the success of the peace process to resolve the Bangsamoro problem lies on the hand of the Philippine government.

“All chances are in the hands of the government. They are the one who have strong will to resolve the issue (Mindanao conflict),”said MILF First Vice-Chairman Ghadzali Jaffar during a peace forum at Lupon, Davao Oriental last Sunday (Aug 28).

Jaffar was one of the speakers invited during the 7th General Assembly: Davao Region Bangsamoro Leaders Consultative Forum, a gathering aimed to strengthen unity among the Bangsamoro leaders geared towards the achievement of the Bangsamoro people’s right to self-determination.

The Duterte Administration is pushing the Six-Point Peace and Development Roadmap and the new Bangsamoro Peace and Development Roadmap as a viable solution to the decades of Mindanao conflict. The President is determined to put an end to Mindanao conflict through the passage of BBL or shifting the form of government to federalism.

The Six-Point Peace and Development Agenda of the incumbent Administration outlined the continuity of the GPH-MILF Peace Process through the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), closure of the GPH-MNLF Peace Process and promotion of culture of peace and conflict sensitivity in peace building and development and undertaking development initiatives in the conflict affected areas.

Jaffar is hopeful that the current administration will heed the CAB, which provides the creation of autonomous Bangsamoro political entity with more fiscal and political powers through the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

The MILF leadership is consistent in its assertion for the government to comply with the peace agreement which is a negotiated solution agreed upon by the two peace panels.

The CAB provides the passage of the BBL by the Philippine Congress. However the lawmakers failed to pass the proposed bill before the 16th Congress ended. Maguindanao representative Sandra Sema has already re-filed the bill.

Jaffar hope that the administration will give a solution based on the solution wanted by the Bangsamoro people, who are more knowledgeable on how to resolve the conflict in Mindanao, and not on “what the government wants.”

Around 700 delegates from the Davao region coming from different sectors joined the assembly. It was organized by the Eastern Davao Provincial Political Committee led by its provincial chairman Roy Lopez.

http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php/news/22-davao-region/875-success-of-the-bangsamoro-peace-process-lies-on-the-government-milf-vice-chair-jaffar

CPP: CPP condemns US-instigated bombing in Davao

From the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Sep 3): CPP condemns US-instigated bombing in Davao

Press Statement, Communist Party of the Philippines
Southern Mindanao Regional Party Committee

September 3, 2016

The Southern Mindanao Regional Party Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines condemns the US-imperialist instigated bombing of the night market in Roxas Avenue, Davao City at 9 pm, September 2, which claimed the lives of 15 civilians and critically injured 67 others. The CPP in Southern Mindanao and the revolutionary forces, likewise, commiserate with the families of the victims of this worst attack which hit the country since the Davao bombings of 2003. We enjoin the revolutionary forces and allies to extend all forms of support to the families of the victims.

The bombing was carried out and masterminded by no other than the world’s greatest terrorist: the US imperialist hegemony which is threatened by the Duterte government’s positive gestures toward the country’s anti-imperialist revolutionary forces and Duterte’s consistent pronouncements against US intervention in Philippine affairs.

The heinous attack in downtown Davao City, home to GPH Pres. Rodrigo Duterte, was clearly the handiwork of peace saboteurs, ultra-rightists AFP cliques, and big druglords—all anti-Duterte forces that conspire with US imperialism to subvert the Duterte government.

The September 2 bombing is wrought by the bloody hands of the US war machinery’s black operations. It is hardly coincidental that initial investigations have found similarities on the explosion device used on Friday’s bombing to the explosives found in the wreck of CIA agent Michael Mering’s hotel room in Davao City and the ones used in the Davao International Airport and the Sasa Wharf bombings in March and April 2003 respectively. So to is the fact that the bombing occurred in the hometown of the present GPH President, a city that has historically spurned US incursions for military basing or combat exercises.

GPH Pres. Duterte, then city mayor, has been witness to how the US terrorist network and its puppet fascist reactionary wreaked havoc in Davao City more than a decade ago. Disgruntled junior officers of the AFP divulged that the US-Arroyo regime masterminded the bombings that killed 38 and wounded 180 people.

A CIA-backed terrorist group was quick to admit its responsibility in last night’s bombing, a scripted rejoinder to sow further enmity against majority of Muslims who want just peace. US imperialism has always employed terror tactics to stir anti-Muslim sentiments and prelude its greater military intervention in countries that challenge its dominance and exploitation.

Clearly, US imperialism and its rightist and militarist cliques in the country are not happy with how the Duterte government is shaping its pro-peace governance as shown in the great strides in the peace negotiations between the GRP and the National Democratic Front, and as demonstrated by Duterte’s peace overtures with the MNLF and MILF.

The CPP in Southern Mindanao supports the resounding call of the Filipino people for a just and lasting peace. It is prepared to command the Red fighters and enjoin all revolutionary forces to defend civilians against attacks from US war hawks, peace saboteurs, rabid rightist cliques of the AFP and PNP, and other fascist enemies of the people.

(Sgd.) Siegfried M. Red
For the Southern Mindanao Regional Party Committee
Communist Party of the Philippines

http://www.cpp.ph/cpp-condemns-us-instigated-bombing-davao/

PNP not setting aside bomb threat text message

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5): PNP not setting aside bomb threat text message

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is not setting aside the proliferating text message saying an alleged bomb threat in malls in Metro Manila.

PNP chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said that as of Monday, they were continuously verifying the text message, however, he assured that the public should be not alarmed.

Dela Rosa said that for as long as the PNP has not made an announcement that there is a bomb threat in any place in the county, the proliferating text messages should not be given credence.

He added that the text message can be “authentic” if it will come from the PNP Public Information Office (PIO) and the same will be reported by legitimate media.

The PNP chief urged those who are receiving such a bomb threat text message that they should not pass the same to others so that it will not sow fear.

It can be recalled that the fourth version of the text message proliferated again claiming that the PNP chief warned the public about the alleged bombing in malls in Metro Manila of four female suicide-bombers from Basilan province.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=920390

Despite Davao City blast, AFP remains committed to eliminate ASG bandits

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5): Despite Davao City blast, AFP remains committed to eliminate ASG bandits

Despite the bloody bombing attack in Davao City which claimed the lives of 14 innocent civilians and wounded 71 others last Sept. 2, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) remains committed to eliminating the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) threat in Sulu.

AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo on Monday stressed this as he downplayed reports claiming that the terroristic attack diverted the military in its mission to eliminate the bandit group.

"No the AFP is still focused, the operation is still ongoing, we will not be distracted by the explosion. We have sufficient units to manage that particular issue," he added.

In the same vein, Arevalo said the bombing also demonstrated the strong coordination between the government, the populace and local community as the latter became more aware of the need to maintain vigilance in their respective areas to prevent similar attacks from taking place in the future.

Earlier, the ASG claimed responsibility for the attack and said it was in retaliation for the ongoing military offensive in Sulu.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=920354

Who's behind the Davao bombing?

From Rappler (Sep 5): Who's behind the Davao bombing? (By Maria A. Ressa)

In 2016, the Abu Sayyaf's senior ideological leader pledged allegiance to ISIS, and videos and statements about PH are spread by ISIS central propaganda groups   



Rappler exclusive: Facebook screen shots April 21, 2016

Although the government declared a state of lawlessness, authorities have released little concrete information about the explosion that killed at least 14 people in Davao City’s night market Friday, September 2, 2016.

 

On Saturday morning, September 3, radio station DZMM said the Abu Sayyaf claimed responsibility for the blast in an interview with a self-proclaimed spokesman for Al Harakatul Al Islamiyah, the formal name used by the Abu Sayyaf.

 

By the afternoon, however, allegedly that same man, Muammar Askali, alias Abu Ramie, told the Inquirer that it was carried out by an ally he called Daulat Ul Islamiya.

 

“They are doing this to sympathise (with) our group, and we are sending a message to President Rodrigo Duterte that all the Daulat throughout the country is not afraid of him,” said Askali.

 

So who could be behind the explosion? To answer this question, let’s look at the facts we know and provide some context.

 

Islamic Community

 

First, the name Daulat Ul Islamiyah is a slight variation of Jemaah Islamiyah, which literally means “Islamic Community.” From the late 90s to 2005, Jemaah Islamiyah acted like al-Qaeda’s arm in Southeast Asia, gaining global notoriety with the Bali bombings in 2002, which killed more than 200 people.

 

The Abu Sayyaf was part of Jemaah Islamiyah and carried out a spate of bombings in the Philippines, including Southeast Asia’s worst maritime terrorist attack in 2004. It was blacklisted as a terrorist organization by numerous countries, including the Australia, Canada, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and the US for bombings, kidnappings and beheadings.

 

During its heyday, authorities said the Abu Sayyaf had up to 1,200 members which after more than a decade’s presence of US troops, went down to as low as 240. Filipino officials say they estimate about 400 members today.

 

President Rodrigo Duterte ordered this crackdown after the beheading of a Filipino too poor to pay ransom. That follows 2 high-profile beheadings of Canadians held for ransom.

 

According to Rappler’s sources, there are about 8,000 troops chasing the Abu Sayyaf today in Jolo, Sulu – or about 20 soldiers for every Abu Sayyaf member, but the ground war is never this easy in this complicated terrain.

 

Abu Sayyaf and ISIS

 

It’s important to recognize that the most senior ideological leader of the Abu Sayyaf, Isnilon Hapilon, has pledged allegiance to the leader of the Islamic State or ISIS. At least 4 other groups in the Philippines have done the same and named Hapilon as their emir, one of the final steps for ISIS to declare a wilayat or province. (READ: Experts warn PH: Don’t underestimate ISIS)

 

Initial intelligence reports confirmed Sunday by the police said the explosion was caused by an IED, an improvised explosive device made from a mortar round.

 

The Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf tend to use ammonium nitrate for its explosives. A mortar round IED is closer to the signature bombs of two Abu Sayyaf allies who have pledged allegiance to ISIS: Ansar al-Khalifa, also known as AKP or Ansar Khalifa Philippines, based in southern Mindanao; and the Maute group in central Mindanao, also known as Daulah Islamiyah.

 

Both these groups evolved significantly since the time they worked with Jemaah Islamiyah.

 

AKP and Indonesia

 

AKP is headed by Mohammad Jafar Maguid, more commonly known as Commander Tokboy, allegedly a former commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) 105th Base Command. (READ: Two ISIS-allied militants killed in Philippines)

 

Tokboy was trained by key JI leaders, including Malaysian Zulkifli bin Hir, better known as Marwan, the high profile target of the Mamasapano tragedy that derailed the peace talks. (READ: Marwan’s ties that bind: From family to global terrorism)

 

AKP under Tokboy has a direct link to Indonesian groups, especially MIT, Mujihidin Indonesia Timur, led by an Indonesian who trained in the Philippines, Santoso.

 

Indonesian intelligence sources said they were investigating the flow of explosive materials from the Philippines to Indonesia after the January 14, 2016 Jakarta bombings.

 

In July, 2016, Indonesian forces killed Santoso, dubbed the “symbolic heart” of the Indonesian jihadi movement. Some warned that his comrades may join the Abu Sayyaf. (READ: After death of Indonesia’s top terrorist, comrades ‘may join Abu Sayyaf’)

 

AKP pledged allegiance to ISIS in a YouTube video in 2015, and is largely believed by experts to be one of the groups behind another video threatening the November, 2015 APEC Summit in Manila and later globally distributed by ISIS propaganda sites. (READ: ISIS’ global ambitions and plans for Southeast Asia)

 

 

ISIS claims Maute jail break

 

The Maute group, which also calls itself Daulah Islamiyah, has carried out bombings and kidnappings. It carries the black flag and insignia of ISIS, and has been very active this year.

 

From February 20 to March 1, 2016, the group, which pledged allegiance to ISIS, attacked a military camp and established 3 major strongholds, essentially displacing nearly 30,000 people until troops regained control of the town of Butig in Lanao del Sur. During that time, the group beheaded a soldier. It took 10 days for the military to regain control.

 

On April 21, 2016, a Facebook account posted two photos showing the Maute group beheading two of six sawmill workers kidnapped from Butig. They released four of the hostages six days after their kidnapping, but chose to behead the two because they were allegedly military informants.

 

The two beheaded were forced to wear orange jumpsuits, much like ISIS public executions. The post says, “Two spies beheaded by the Lions of IS ranao.”

 

Rappler exclusive: Facebook screen shots April 21, 2016

Finally, just last week on August 29, an ISIS propaganda arm, the Amaq news agency, claimed that ISIS was behind a prison raid at the Lanao del Sur jail in Marawi.

 

“Fighters from Islamic State stormed a prison in Marawi City in Philippines on Saturday, south of the country, and were able to free thirty prisoners and seizing weapons,” wrote Amaq news agency.

 

“Thirty fighters carried out the attack and were able to release 30 detainees, including fighters from the Islamic State and their wives. The fighters of the attack and all the detainees, who were freed, arrived to safe places without injuries,” it stated.

 

Those arrested were caught with homemade mortars, which they told interrogators, were to be used in bombing missions in Iligan and Cagayan de Oro.

 

In its report, the BBC said no shots were fired during the prison break, and that a military source said “the men had been allowed to escape.”

 

A military report obtained by Rappler states, “recruits of the Maute group were largely drawn from the MILF ranks, particularly disgruntled factions prompted by the failures in the Bangsamoro Basic Law or close associates and blood relatives.”

 

Evolving landscape

 

These are only some of the possible groups behind the Davao bombing.

 

What happened to the terrorist networks in the Philippines is exactly what happened to al-Qaeda globally: authorities gouged out their top and middle rank leadership, but the ideology and cells continued to burrow and evolve.

 

Jemaah Islamiyah was an umbrella group that hijacked homegrown networks.

 

Although the MILF turned away from global terrorism in 2005, other groups like the Abu Sayyaf, the Rajah Solaiman Movement, continued to push a terrorist agenda. 

 

There are still other groups like the al-Khobar, another MILF extremist splinter group that turned to criminal activities like bus bombings in 2011. (Read: Philippines’ evolving terrorism threat)

 

What has happened to them today?

 

A clear evolution is the clarion call of the Islamic State, which has its own Southeast Asian battallion in Syria called Khatibah Nusantara. (READ: ISIS and Jakarta attacks: What we need to know)

 

Part of the problem is that the strategy of the Aquino administration largely centered on denial. This is despite the June, 2016 call of a Malaysian jihadist in Syria, Mohd Rafi Udin, for ISIS followers to go to the Philippines, making it "the nucleus" in Southeast Asia. (READ: ISIS to followers in SEAsia: 'Go to the Philippines')

 

This month, President Rodrigo Duterte became the first Filipino official to publicly acknowledge the threat of ISIS. (Read: Duterte: ISIS followers radicalizing Filipinos in Mindanao)

 

Finding those behind the Davao bombing will give us a further idea of how terrorist networks have evolved.

 

[Maria A. Ressa is the author of Seeds of Terror: An Eyewitness Account of Al-Qaeda's Newest Center of Operations in Southeast Asia and 10 Days, 10 Years: From Bin Laden to Facebook.]

 

http://www.rappler.com/thought-leaders/145266-who-is-behind-davao-bombing

China to PH: Do not 'hype up' maritime dispute

From Rappler (Sep 5): China to PH: Do not 'hype up' maritime dispute

Beijing also says the situation in the South China Sea 'has not changed,' in response to Manila's statement that it spotted several vessels near the Scarborough Shoal   



CONTESTED WATERS. A Chinese vessel is shown near the Scarborough Shoal in this surveillance photo by the Philippine Department of National Defense. Photo posted by Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol on Facebook

China on Monday, September 5, denied it had begun building an artificial island at a South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) flashpoint and cautioned the Philippines not to "hype up" their maritime dispute.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Friday, September 2, he had received an "unsettling" intelligence report showing China had sent barges to the contested Scarborough Shoal and had appeared to begin construction in the area for the first time.

 

Duterte has said he intends to ask Beijing – possibly at a regional summit in Laos this week – if they are reclaiming the shoal despite an international court ruling rejecting most of China's claims in the resource-rich area. (READ: Duterte: Hague ruling will be my 'platform' for PH-China talks)

 

On Sunday, September 4, Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said a Philippine Air Force plane saw 4 Chinese Coast Guard ships, two barge-like vessels, and two suspected troop ships near the shoal on Saturday, September 3.

 

"The Chinese side has maintained the patrol by Coast Guard vessels in relevant waters and there have also been some fishing boats for fishing operations in the relevant waters and the situation have always been like that, and has not changed," said Hua Chunying, a Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman.

 

Hua, at a regular briefing Monday, cautioned the Philippines not to "hype up" the situation.

 

The shoal, which is just 230 kilometers (650 miles) from the main Philippine island of Luzon, has long been a bone of contention.

 

China took control of it in 2012 after a standoff with the Philippine Navy.

 

A UN-backed tribunal ruled in July that China's claims to almost all of the South China Sea had no legal basis and its construction of artificial islands in disputed waters was illegal. (READ: CHEAT SHEET: What you need to know about PH-China case)

 

China has sought to bolster its claims by building a network of artificial islands capable of supporting military operations.

 

Its massive land reclamation has prompted criticism from the US and claimant countries, with Washington warning it endangers freedom of navigation in international waters. (READ: Duterte to China: You can't avoid Hague ruling)

 

The United States has warned of "actions" if Beijing extends its military expansion to Scarborough Shoal. (READ: Zambales gov to fishermen: Avoid Scarborough Shoal despite ruling)

 

Apart from the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan also have partial claims to the sea, through which over $5 trillion in annual trade passes.

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/145301-china-philippines-do-not-hype-up-maritime-dispute

Duterte launches tirade against Obama

From InterAksyon (Sep 5): Duterte launches tirade against Obama



President Rodrigo Duterte called Barack Obama a "son of a whore" on Monday as he vowed not to be lectured by the US leader on human rights when they meet in Laos.

The acid-tongued Duterte bristled at warnings he would face questioning by the US president over a crime war in the Philippines that has claimed more than 2,400 lives in just over two months.

"You must be respectful. Do not just throw away questions and statements. Son of a whore, I will curse you in that forum," Duterte told a news conference shortly before flying to Laos to attend the summit.

"We will be wallowing in the mud like pigs if you do that to me."

Duterte was due to hold a bilateral meeting with Obama on Tuesday afternoon on the sidelines of a summit of global leaders hosted by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Vientiane, the Lao capital.

Duterte was elected in May after a promise to wage an unprecedented war on illegal drugs that would see tens of thousands of suspects killed.

Official figures released Sunday show that, since Duterte took office on June 30, over 2,400 people have been killed in police anti-drug operations and by suspected vigilantes.

Duterte has angrily rejected criticism from the Catholic Church, human rights groups, legislators and the United Nations.

Duterte vowed Monday the bloodbath would continue as he pursued his goal of eradicating illegal drugs in the Philippines.

"More people will be killed, plenty will be killed until the last pusher is out of the streets. Until the (last) drug manufacturer is killed, we will continue and I will continue," he said.

Duterte insisted he would not take orders from the United States, a former colonial ruler of the Philippines, and did not care about how he was perceived.

"I don't give a shit about anybody observing my behavior," he said.

Duterte also used vulgar language to accuse his domestic critics of wanting to please the United States.

"There are others who have the mental capacity of dogs who lap at the ass of the Americans," he said in reference to his critics.

Duterte is notorious for using offensive language.

During the election campaign Duterte described the US ambassador to Manila as a "son of a whore" and being homosexual.

This was in response to the ambassador's criticism of Duterte for making a joke about wanting to rape a "beautiful" Australian missionary who was killed in a Filipino jail.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/132135/duterte-launches-tirade-against-obama

MNLF to help pin down suspects in Roxas blast

From the Mindanao Times (Sep 4): MNLF to help pin down suspects in Roxas blast

THE MORO National liberation Front (MNLF) will help in identifying the perpetrators responsible for the explosion at night market in Roxas Avenue on Friday evening that killed at least 14 people and injuring more than 60 others.

 

MNLF Davao City chair Rolando Olamit told TIMES that they are doing all they can to determine who left the IED on the area. He also asked other members of the MNLF to cooperate with the authorities and be vigilant.

 

“In behalf of the MNLF under Professor Nur Misuari and supporters of President Duterte, I asked you to be vigilant and be watchful as Davao City is under attack,” Olamit said.

 

Olamit, however, said that they have no idea who is behind the incident, even if the Abu Sayyaf Group reportedly owned up to the attack.

 

“As of now, we have no idea but it could be the ASG, a political opponent of Duterte (or) drug lords because they have money to do such thing,” Olamit added.

 

ASG spokesperson Abu Rami, as of Saturday morning, has claimed responsibility for the blast and said that the attack is a “call for unity to all mujahideen in the country” among the all-out offensive of the military against the group.

 

But, Rami clarified that the attack is not part of a tactic to distract the government forces that have been pursuing the group in Sulu and Basilan. He also warned that similar attacks should be expected in the coming days.

 

http://mindanaotimes.net/mnlf-to-help-pin-down-suspects-in-roxas-blast/

P2-M reward for Davao bomber

From MindaNation (Sep 5): P2-M reward for Davao bomber



Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio today announced a P2-million reward for the identification and arrest of the person or persons who planted a bomb at the Roxas Night Market on September 2, 2016.

In an interview with ABS-CBN’s Umagang Kay Ganda, the mayor said she had accessed funds from the city government in order to track down those responsible for the deadly attack, which killed 14 persons and injured scores of others.

I will take this opportunity na ipaalam sa lahat: Kailangan po namin ang tulong ninyo… Meron kaming karagdagang aksyon na kahapon nagdeclare kami kumuha ako ng pera na galing sa city government na one million sa makakabigay ng information sa pangalan at kung nasaan yung tao ngayon and then another million sa makakapagdeliver sa amin sa tao na yon,” she said. 

(I will take this opportunity to let everyone know: We need your help. We have taken additional steps, and yesterday I accessed funds from the city government. P1 million to anyone who can give information on the name and current location of the bomber and another P1 million to anyone who can deliver that person to us.)

The mayor also called on the people to unite against terrorism and to pray for the victims and their families.



In another interview, Sara said the authorities want the bomber to be delivered alive “because we want to know who are the other personalities involved in the attack.”

“We want to know the reasons behind the attack and we want to know also if there are other attacks planned on the city as well as the country,” she said.

The Abu Sayyaf had earlier claimed responsibility for the attack, but a later report said the group denied it and said it was an allied group, the Daulat Ul Islamiya, that did it.

President Rodrigo Duterte placed the country under a state of lawless violence hours after the attack.

He said he was considering several angles in the bombing. One is that it could be the handiwork of the Abu Sayyaf, which had earlier released a statement saying it will launch attacks on some parts of Mindanao following military offensives against the group in Sulu.

Duterte said the blast could also have been done by drug lords who want to divert the attention of the authorities who are seriously fighting illegal drugs in the country.

http://mindanation.com/4345/p2-m-reward-davao-bomber/

Police capture man implicated in Zambo grenade attack

From the Mindanao Examiner (Sep 5): Police capture man implicated in Zambo grenade attack

Security forces on Monday captured a man implicated in a deadly grenade attack in Zamboanga City in 2016 following a raid in the neighboring province of Zamboanga del Norte, police said.

It said policemen, backed by army soldiers, tracked down and captured Alex Majid in the village called Makiang in Siocon town. Majid is facing criminal charges in connection with the grenade attack on the house of Diosterides Librero, the village chieftain of Ayala in Zamboanga City, police said.

Two persons were killed in the attack that left Librero and 7 others wounded. Librero’s group was in a political meeting with supporters when the grenade was tossed in the house and exploded.

Police said Majid is one of the most wanted criminals in Zamboanga City. His companion is still at large and allegedly being protected by a politician that President Rodrigo Duterte tagged as a drug lord.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/police-capture-man-implicated-in-zambo-grenade-attack/

Cop killed in Lamitan City

From the Mindanao Examiner (Sep 5): Cop killed in Lamitan City

BASILAN – Motorcycle gunmen killed a policeman in a daring attack in his home in Lamitan City in Basilan, one of 5 provinces under the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Police said PO3 Basir Sangcopan was attacked by two men – one armed with an automatic rifle – over the weekend. Sancopan was assigned at the Lamitan City police Office.

The motive of the killing is still unknown, but police are investigating the murder. No individual or group claimed responsibility for the attack.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/cop-killed-in-lamitan-city/

10th ID sends off 86 vehicles to brigades, battalions

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 5): 10th ID sends off 86 vehicles to brigades, battalions

The 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army turned over today some 86 vehicles to its brigades, battalions and support units during the Blessing and Send-Off Ceremonies at the division’s headquarter in Mawab, Compostela Valley.

The vehicles composed of 82 units of 1-1/4 ton cargo km450 truck and four units of km451 ambulance.

10th ID commanding general, Major General Rafael Valencia emphasized that the vehicles is part of the capability enhancement of the Army Transformation Roadmap.

MGen. Valencia disclosed that the vehicles will be boosted with blast protection device to counter improvised explosive device (IED); and the soldiers will also receive body armour and new uniform.

“Ito ay malalking tulong sa ating mission accomplishment, sa pagpeperform ng ating mandate sa area of responsibility natin.” (This is a big help for our mission accomplishment, in performing our mandate in our area of responsibility.)

He urged the drivers and logistics officers to take care of the vehicles and to address immediately defects and problems encountered to longer its serviceability.

MGen Valencia reminded the soldiers that there is an existing ceasefire between with the Philippine Government and the Communist Party of the Philippine – New Peoples Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

He encouraged the troops that with the ceasefire, the military should continue helping national government in bringing basic services to the communities through their Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP).

He also urged to intensify security operations to prevent lawless violence from disrupting the lives of the people; support law enforcement agencies in its anti-drug and anti-criminality campaign; and be guided by the good governance that President Rodrigo Duterte is espousing, especially on anti-corruption crusade.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2871473053800/10th-id-sends-off-86-vehicles-to-brigades-battalions

Cops, Army take steps to prevent bombings of NGCP towers

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 4): Cops, Army take steps to prevent bombings of NGCP towers

Police and military authorities in North Cotabato have taken steps to secure steel towers of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) after authorities discovered Saturday an attempt to topple down these structures.

Chief Inspector Julius Malcontento, police chief of Carmen, North Cotabato, said Army bomb experts have confirmed that an improvised explosive device was used in an attempt to bring down NGCP Steel Tower No. 103 in Barangay Kitulaan.

"Based on findings, the attempt took place more than a month ago based on the corrosion in the structure," Malcontento quoted an Army report.

He said authorities are still determining who could be possibly behind the attempt.

NGCP Tower 103 carries the 169 KV line from Kibawe substation in Bukidnon to Tacurong sub-station in Tacurong City, passing by the town of Carmen in North Cotabato.

"We have taken steps to prevent similar attempt," Malcontento told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Sunday.

Carment town hosts about 35 NGCP steel towers, some of which, have been bombed in recent years.

Malcontento said residents told the police of what they noticed was a cut in the beams and parallel bars of the steel structure.

Malcontento said village officials have been helping the police monitor the vicinity of the structures as part of community efforts to prevent power outages.

"Everybody suffers when a tower is toppled down, so the community has been helping us," he added.

In April, two NGCP towers were separately bombed in the same village but the towers were not toppled. Three improvised bombs were set off by still unidentified men at the foot of Tower 95 and 96 in Barangay Kitulaan.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=919981

Solcom sends another battalion of troops to Lanao del Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5): Solcom sends another battalion of troops to Lanao del Sur

Another battalion-size government troopers from the Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was sent to the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) in Lanao del Sur on Saturday to help crush the terrorist groups in the area, said a top official of Solcom.

Lt. Gen. Ferdinand F. Quidilla, commanding General of Solcom based in Camp Guillermo Nakar in Lucena City, Quezon, in a press statement Monday , said the battalion-size government forces, composed of 500 officers and soldiers, were sent to augment government troops fighting in Mindanao.

“Soldiers of the 49th Infantry Battalion (IB) of the Philippine Army, based in the village of Mahawan-hawan, Labo town in Camarines Norte, were transported by a C130 plane to Westmincom as the military offensive operations against the terrorist group in Mindanao continues,” he said.

Quidilla said the 49th IB of the 9th Infantry Division (ID) with Lt. Col. Arnel Bautista as its commanding officer will augment the Ist ID in crushing the terrorist group in Lanao Del Sur, especially the “Maute terror group.”

“On the late afternoon of August 27 (this year) members of the Maute group stormed the Lanao Del Sur provincial jail in Marawi City and freed all eight of their companions who were arrested in police operations last Aug. 22,” said Quidilla.

“During the 49th IB’s send off ceremony families of the brave soldiers poured out tears as they were afraid and worried for the safety of their loved ones in Lanao Del Sur,” said Quidilla.

He said the 49th IB soldiers will be deployed, along with the 65th IB, also from the 9th ID based in Pili town in Camarines Sur, who are presently deployed in the area.

Quidilla said the 49th IB is the latest Army battalion from the Solcom area that has been deployed to Westmincom since 2008.

On Aug. 18, 2008, the 65th IB was deployed to Barangay Pawak in Saguiran, Lanao Del Sur at the height of increasing security concerns involving the Moro National Liberation Front.

Seven years later, on Nov. 28,2015, the 42nd IB was deployed to Barangay Usukan, Labason town in Zamboanga Del Norte.

Last month, on Aug. 15, the 74th IB, the former battalion of Quidilla, was deployed to Barangay Bohe Paho in Ungkaya Pukan town in Basilan to support the AFP’s pursuit mission against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

“The 91st and 93rd Division Reconnaissance Companies (Co.) and Bravo Co. of the 9th IB, which are under the operational control of the 902nd Infantry Brigade, have been tasked to occupy the vacated area of operation of the said battalion in Camarines Norte,” according to Maj. Virgilio Perez Jr., chief public information officer of Solcom.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=920158

Army repositions troops in Region 12, nearby areas

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5): Army repositions troops in Region 12, nearby areas

More Army troopers will be deployed in the coming days in key cities in Region 12 and the neighboring areas in line with the declaration of the state of lawless violence by President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

Brig. Gen. Ronald Villanueva, commanding officer of the Army’s 1002nd Brigade, said Monday they are currently repositioning their units and personnel to facilitate their immediate deployment to the urban areas.

He said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) national headquarters ordered over the weekend the redeployment of troops based in the hinterland areas to key cities and municipalities.

Such order was based on the President’s declaration of the state of lawless violence, which mainly “calls out for the AFP to complement and supplement the Philippine National Police on law enforcement matters,” he said.

President Duterte issued the declaration following the deadly bomb attack at a night market in Davao City late Friday night that left 15 people dead and more than 60 others injured.

The Army’s 1002nd Brigade, which is based in Malungon town in Sarangani, has operational jurisdiction over portions of the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and North Cotabato in Region 12, and Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental in Region 11.

It also covers the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Kidapawan and Digos.

Villanueva said their deployment and “security hardening” activities will be mainly focused on the four cities.

“We are mainly assigning additional troops to these areas to assist local police units and personnel in conducting law enforcement operations,” he said.

Aside from the redeployment of troops, the Army official said they have also strengthened their intelligence operations in the area.

He said they specifically gathering information on the possible movements of terror groups and other armed elements.

“We are looking at persons of interest and organizations, their activities and locations,” he said.

Villanueva appealed to local residents to be more vigilant and immediately report to authorities “suspicious new faces and abnormal movements of people.”

He admitted that the terror threats being faced by the area after the bomb attack in Davao City are quite “serious.”

“We’re bracing for the worst and taking all necessary measures to avert or counter them,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=920174

PA appeals for public vigilance after Davao explosion

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5): PA appeals for public vigilance after Davao explosion

The public is encouraged to be more vigilant while their support is enjoined in helping government security forces prevent the occurrence of incidents similar to the Davao bombing last week.

The 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) of the Philippine Army in a press statement Monday made the call as its commander General Harold N. Cabreros also stressed that tightened security within its areas of jurisdiction will be observed following the declaration of the state of lawlessness in the country over the weekend.

“We will maximize security within the area through increased security patrols in the known entry and exit points of the islands, vital installations, public places and occasional conduct of checkpoints with the joint effort with PNP counterparts to ensure safety of the people," he said.

He stressed that their troops are prepared to undertake any task that will be downloaded from higher headquarters.

He further encouraged the public to cooperate and be patient in the exercise of security measures, particularly during checkpoints.

He also emphasized that security is not the sole responsibility of the military and police force but a concern of everyone.

Cabreros added that they will still act within the bounds of the law.

The division that covers Western and Central Visayas has been on heightened alert following the Davao incident last week.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=920202

PA 7ID condemns killing of farmers in Nueva Ecija; vows full support to PNP probe

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5): PA 7ID condemns killing of farmers in Nueva Ecija; vows full support to PNP probe

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija --The Philippine Army's 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division on Monday expressed full support to the investigation of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on the shooting incident that killed four farmers and wounded critically another one in Sitio Minalkot, Barangay San Isidro, Laur, this province Saturday afternoon.

Major General Angelito M De Leon, commander of 7ID, PA, said they strongly condemned the killing as he directed the 7ID to coordinate with the PNP in the investigation being conducted to identify and arrest the suspects.

De Leon said the 7ID received a telephone call from the PNP Palayan City asking assistance in the shooting incident that took place at about 2:30 p.m. Saturday.

He said the Philippine Army sent a team to help the PNP act on the reported incident.

Investigation disclosed that the farmers were constructing nipa huts in Sitio Minalkot when a group of armed men wielding long firearms indiscriminately fired at them.

The motive of the incident is still under investigation by the PNP.

Contrary to some reports, he said the place of incident is no longer part of the Fort Magsaysay Military Reservation.

Upon verification, he said it was revealed that the area has actually been turned over to the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) by virtue of Executive Order 448, and 7ID no longer holds jurisdiction over it.

Furthermore, De Leon said there is no truth to the insinuation that the Philippine Army was involved in the shooting incident.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=920239

Chinese ships spotted in PAF overflight of Scarborough Shoal -- DND chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5): Chinese ships spotted in PAF overflight of Scarborough Shoal -- DND chief

An overflight by the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Saturday revealed that there are at least 10 Chinese ships near Scarborough Shoal (also known as Bajo De Masinloc) which lies 123 miles west of Subic Bay, Zambales.

This was revealed by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana who said that four of the ships look like Chinese Coast Guard ships, with the other four looking like barges and remaining two appearing to be like troop ships.

He added that a PAF aircraft flew over Scarborough Shoal and took photographs of these ships Saturday.

Earlier, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte expressed concerns over reports that Chinese barges are still coming in Scarborough Shoal, adding that this could indicate new construction activity in the area.

"No dredging work have been seen. However, the presence of so many ships, other than Coast Guard, in the area is cause for grave concern. The Department of Foreign Affairs already has called the attention of the Chinese Ambassador and demanded explanation," Lorenzana added.

The DND chief also said the agency has no idea on whether the presence of Chinese barges in Scarborough Shoal are "precursor of future dredging operations".

"We don't know yet if those barges are precursors of future dredging operations but let us not forget that early this year they actually tried to bring dredging barges but were dissuaded by the US. If they try to construct anything in Scarborough (Shoal) it will have far reaching adverse effect on the security situation in the West Philippine Sea," he added.

China gained control of Scarborough Shoal after a tense stand-off with Philippine Navy units in 2012.

Its maritime law enforcement units have been consistently driving away Filipinos they happen to spot in the area.

Last July 12, the United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration invalidated China's claim over its "historic rights" to the West Philippine Sea and also pointed out that its 'Nine-Dash-Line' claim has no legal basis.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=920058

AFP downgrades alert status in Metro Manila from red to blue

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5): AFP downgrades alert status in Metro Manila from red to blue

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that alert status for Metro Manila has been downgraded to "blue" Sunday evening.

This was disclosed by AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo but he did not give the exact reasons for the downgrade.

"I was (not) told of the reason (of the downgrade). I surmise this follows from the directive that area commanders may downgrade or upgrade the alert status depending on their assessment on the prevailing situation on the ground," he added.

The AFP's Joint Task Force-National Capital Region, the Davao City-based Eastern Mindanao Command and Zamboanga City-headquartered Western Mindanao Command were the only military units placed in "red alert" in the weekend in wake of President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of a "state of lawlessness" after the Sept. 2 bombing of Davao City which killed 14 people and wounded 71 others.

"Red alert" requires 100 percent availability of all troops and equipment while "blue alert" only calls for 50 percent.

The Abu Sayyaf Group, a terrorist organization, has claimed responsibility for the attack. Military units in Sulu have been pressuring the brigands heavily since Aug. 26.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=920115