From the Global Times (Nov 6): Alleged Abu Sayyaf cohort village head nabbed in S. Philippines
A female village chieftain who allegedly aided the Abu Sayyaf bandit group (ASG) in the kidnapping of some foreigners was arrested in southern Philippine province of Sulu, military said Sunday.
The suspect was identified as Chairwoman Fauzia Abdulla of Niyog Sangahan village, Talipao, Sulu, who was nabbed Saturday by the joint members of the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
A lower court had issued a warrant of arrest against Abdulla for her alleged involvement in the abduction of Canadians John Ridsdel and Robert Hall, Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad and Filipina Marites Flor from a resort in Samal Island in southern province of Davao del Norte in September 2015.
The Abu Sayyaf kept the four victims in Sulu. Ridsdel and Hall were later beheaded separately after failing to pay ransom, while Flor and Sekkingstad were released in June and September this year, respectively.
"The village Chair was reportedly coddling ASG members by providing sanctuary, information network and food, and most often involved in managing and providing leadership especially in decision making inside the ASG," the miltiary said.
The Abu Sayyaf, formed in the early 1990s, is a local militant group involved in high-profile kidnapping of foreigners and Filipinos. They are still holding around 14 foreign and Filipino hostages in Sulu.
http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1016210.shtml
Saturday, November 12, 2016
Abus say German still alive, being held in Sulu
From the Philippine Star (Nov 9): Abus say German still alive, being held in Sulu
The terrorist group is holding captive Jurgen Kantner, 70, in Sulu, Abu Sayyaf spokesman Muamar Askali, alias Abu Rami, confirmed yesterday. Jurgen Kantner, who was allowed by his captors to talk to reporters over the phone, was not aware that his partner, Sabine Isne Merz, 59, had been killed. File photo
The partner of a German woman killed by Abu Sayyaf bandits after they were kidnapped Sunday off Sabah near Tawi-Tawi Island is still alive.
The terrorist group is holding captive Jurgen Kantner, 70, in Sulu, Abu Sayyaf spokesman Muamar Askali, alias Abu Rami, confirmed yesterday.
Kantner, who was allowed by his captors to talk to reporters over the phone, was not aware that his partner, Sabine Isne Merz, 59, had been killed.
The remains of Merz will be turned over to the German embassy, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said.
Col. Edgardo Arevalo, chief of the AFP public affairs office, said efforts are underway to locate Kantner.
The German couple was cruising on a private yacht in the vicinity of Tanjong Luuk Pisuk in Sabah when they were kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf gunmen, whom Kantner described as pirates.
“The pirates kidnapped me. I don’t know where Sabine is. Maybe she is alive. Sabine was left behind when the pirates brought me to their boat. Minutes later, I heard shots,” Kantner said.
Askali said Merz was killed after she tried to shoot the Abu Sayyaf bandits. A shotgun was recovered beside her body.
Residents discovered the naked body of Merz on the yacht, which was flying a German flag and drifting off Laparan Island, Pangutaran town in Sulu at around 6 a.m. on Sunday.
The Abu Sayyaf has not issued any demand for the safe release of Kantner.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/11/09/1642009/abus-say-german-still-alive-being-held-sulu
The terrorist group is holding captive Jurgen Kantner, 70, in Sulu, Abu Sayyaf spokesman Muamar Askali, alias Abu Rami, confirmed yesterday. Jurgen Kantner, who was allowed by his captors to talk to reporters over the phone, was not aware that his partner, Sabine Isne Merz, 59, had been killed. File photo
The partner of a German woman killed by Abu Sayyaf bandits after they were kidnapped Sunday off Sabah near Tawi-Tawi Island is still alive.
The terrorist group is holding captive Jurgen Kantner, 70, in Sulu, Abu Sayyaf spokesman Muamar Askali, alias Abu Rami, confirmed yesterday.
Kantner, who was allowed by his captors to talk to reporters over the phone, was not aware that his partner, Sabine Isne Merz, 59, had been killed.
The remains of Merz will be turned over to the German embassy, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said.
Col. Edgardo Arevalo, chief of the AFP public affairs office, said efforts are underway to locate Kantner.
The German couple was cruising on a private yacht in the vicinity of Tanjong Luuk Pisuk in Sabah when they were kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf gunmen, whom Kantner described as pirates.
“The pirates kidnapped me. I don’t know where Sabine is. Maybe she is alive. Sabine was left behind when the pirates brought me to their boat. Minutes later, I heard shots,” Kantner said.
Askali said Merz was killed after she tried to shoot the Abu Sayyaf bandits. A shotgun was recovered beside her body.
Residents discovered the naked body of Merz on the yacht, which was flying a German flag and drifting off Laparan Island, Pangutaran town in Sulu at around 6 a.m. on Sunday.
The Abu Sayyaf has not issued any demand for the safe release of Kantner.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/11/09/1642009/abus-say-german-still-alive-being-held-sulu
Yachting Couple Attacked by Abu Sayyaf in Sulu Sea
From the Maritime Executive (Nov 8): Yachting Couple Attacked by Abu Sayyaf in Sulu Sea
Abu Sayyaf fighters (file image)
A German couple kidnapped by Somali pirates eight years ago has been attacked at sea again – by Abu Sayyaf.
Jurgen Kantner, 70, and his partner Sabine Merz were sailing off of Sabah, Malaysia when their yacht was boarded by gunmen. Philippine media report that Merz was shot and killed while resisting the attack and Kantner was taken captive. Abu Sayyaf spokesman Abu Rami said the terrorist group was responsible for the abduction.
On Sunday, Philippine armed forces found the couple's sailing yacht, the Rockall, adrift off of Sulu. Merz's remains were on board and a shotgun was by her side, Army spokesman Maj. Filemon Tan Jr. told the Philippine Star.
The attack was the couple's second run-in with kidnappers at sea: they had been abducted and held by Somali pirates in 2008. They were ransomed after two months at an estimated cost of about $600,000.
Kantner returned to the Somali pirate base of Berbera shortly after gaining his freedom, defying warnings about the danger in order to retake possession of his sailboat.
"My boat is my life and I don't want to lose her, nothing more. I don't care about pirates and governments," Kantner told AFP in 2009. "[Local Somalis] think that I'm insane, they call me the crazy white guy or the mad German sailor but they don't know how important my boat is to me."
Latest attack fits a long-running pattern.
Somali piracy has abated over the intervening years, but Abu Sayyaf has been particularly active in maritime kidnappings in recent months. The group has focused its criminal activities on vulnerable, slow-moving vessels like tugs and trawlers, and it has abducted over 30 seafarers so far this year.
Analysts estimate that it garnered about $7 million in ransom payments over the six months ending in June.
In addition to the attack on Kantner and Merz, Abu Sayyaf militants kidnapped two Indonesian fishermen in two raids off of Sabah, Malaysia on Saturday. They also abducted a South Korean captain and a Philippine crewmember from the heavy lift ship Dongbang Giant in late October.
The kidnappings continue despite a sustained Philippine military campaign against Abu Sayyaf on the islands of Sulu and Basilan, the group's main bases of operation.
Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte has called for cooperation between his nation, Malaysia and Indonesia to jointly combat the threat of Abu Sayyaf piracy. He recently said that the kidnappings threaten to paralyze trade in the region; the Philippines is heavily dependent on barge shipments of coal from Indonesia for power generation, and Energy Secretary Zenaida Monsada said in June that a persistent run of attacks on tugs threatened to reduce the supply.
http://www.maritime-executive.com/article/yachting-couple-attacked-by-abu-sayyaf-in-sulu-sea
Abu Sayyaf fighters (file image)
A German couple kidnapped by Somali pirates eight years ago has been attacked at sea again – by Abu Sayyaf.
Jurgen Kantner, 70, and his partner Sabine Merz were sailing off of Sabah, Malaysia when their yacht was boarded by gunmen. Philippine media report that Merz was shot and killed while resisting the attack and Kantner was taken captive. Abu Sayyaf spokesman Abu Rami said the terrorist group was responsible for the abduction.
On Sunday, Philippine armed forces found the couple's sailing yacht, the Rockall, adrift off of Sulu. Merz's remains were on board and a shotgun was by her side, Army spokesman Maj. Filemon Tan Jr. told the Philippine Star.
The attack was the couple's second run-in with kidnappers at sea: they had been abducted and held by Somali pirates in 2008. They were ransomed after two months at an estimated cost of about $600,000.
Kantner returned to the Somali pirate base of Berbera shortly after gaining his freedom, defying warnings about the danger in order to retake possession of his sailboat.
"My boat is my life and I don't want to lose her, nothing more. I don't care about pirates and governments," Kantner told AFP in 2009. "[Local Somalis] think that I'm insane, they call me the crazy white guy or the mad German sailor but they don't know how important my boat is to me."
Latest attack fits a long-running pattern.
Somali piracy has abated over the intervening years, but Abu Sayyaf has been particularly active in maritime kidnappings in recent months. The group has focused its criminal activities on vulnerable, slow-moving vessels like tugs and trawlers, and it has abducted over 30 seafarers so far this year.
Analysts estimate that it garnered about $7 million in ransom payments over the six months ending in June.
In addition to the attack on Kantner and Merz, Abu Sayyaf militants kidnapped two Indonesian fishermen in two raids off of Sabah, Malaysia on Saturday. They also abducted a South Korean captain and a Philippine crewmember from the heavy lift ship Dongbang Giant in late October.
The kidnappings continue despite a sustained Philippine military campaign against Abu Sayyaf on the islands of Sulu and Basilan, the group's main bases of operation.
Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte has called for cooperation between his nation, Malaysia and Indonesia to jointly combat the threat of Abu Sayyaf piracy. He recently said that the kidnappings threaten to paralyze trade in the region; the Philippines is heavily dependent on barge shipments of coal from Indonesia for power generation, and Energy Secretary Zenaida Monsada said in June that a persistent run of attacks on tugs threatened to reduce the supply.
http://www.maritime-executive.com/article/yachting-couple-attacked-by-abu-sayyaf-in-sulu-sea
Abu Sayyaf hostile to engineer overseeing ARMM's Basilan projects
From the Philippine Star (Nov 11): Abu Sayyaf hostile to engineer overseeing ARMM's Basilan projects
Authorities on Thursday confirmed Basilan’s district engineer, Soler Undug (left), is under threat from the Abu Sayyaf for his infrastructure projects in former enclaves of the militant group. Philstar.com/File photo
Islamic militants opposing the massive implementation of infrastructure projects in Basilan were behind the bombing Thursday of a warehouse owned by the district engineer in the province, officials said Friday.
No one was reported hurt in the powerful explosion beside the warehouse in Isabela City of engineer Soler Undug but the incident caused panic among villagers residing nearby.
Undug is a multi-awarded chief of the Basilan District Engineering Office (DEO) overseeing all infrastructure projects in the province of Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
Undug is popular in Basilan for his role in the completion in the past four years of more than P3 billion worth of ARMM-funded infrastructures there and for his hands-on management of some P5 billion worth more of current projects in the province.
Reports reaching the Police Regional Office-ARMM in Parang town in Maguindanao indicated that the bomb that exploded Thursday night near the warehouse of Undug in Barangay Aguada in Isabela City, the former capital of Basilan, was set off from a distance using a mobile phone.
The attack came about a month after thousands of displaced Yakan villagers were returned by local officials to their farming enclaves in Basilan’s hostile Albarka town government forces had recently liberated from control of the Abu Sayyaf.
The ARMM government is implementing about P100 million worth of infrastructure projects in Albarka, designed to generate livelihood opportunities needed to improve the lives of local residents.
The symbolic return of the displaced Albarka residents was facilitated by Hataman and his older brother, Jim, who is incumbent governor of the province, and personnel of the Basilan DEO led by Undug.
Officials of the Department of Education-ARMM on Friday said the Abu Sayyaf is also hostile to the Basilan DEO for having built dozens of new schools in far-flung areas where the group is espousing militancy among children using underdevelopment as pitch to stoke hatred to government.
Soler received last October a special citation from the Civil Service Commission for his exemplary performance of his duties as chief of the Basilan DEO.
The Basilan DEO and Hataman’s office, through the Department of Public Works and Highways-ARMM, is currently constructing the P1 billion worth “Basilan Transcentral Road.”
The overland artery will connect Lamitan City, the new provincial capital, to far-flung towns cutting through mountain ranges in the center of the island province the Abu Sayyaf often use as sanctuary when evading military offensives in the lowlands.
Two local executives in Basilan also confirmed that the Abu Sayyaf is rabidly against the ongoing expansion of the Lamitan City Port, funded with a P150-million grant from the ARMM government, and the ongoing construction of the Buli-Buli Port in Sumisip town west of the island province.
“These projects will improve tremendously the business climate in Basilan and that is something extremists do not want because they will lose control of impoverished communities,” said one of them.
Talks have also been circulating since last October purporting that the Abu Sayyaf is not in favor of the two wharf projects of the Hataman administration, fearing the facilities can be used as berthing sites for naval watercrafts that can be used for government pacification maneuvers.
The provincial police office in Basilan said Thursday’s incident was preceded by two attempts in the past 12 months to set off powerful improvised explosive devices (IEDs) near Undug’s residential yard.
The IEDs were promptly deactivated by responding ordnance disposal experts.
Hataman, chairman of ARMM’s inter-agency regional peace and order council, said he had asked the Army’s 104th Brigade based in Isabela City to help the police identity the culprits in Thursday night’s IED attack.
Superintendent Jerome Afuyog, chief of the Isabela municipal police office, said investigators are still gathering information to determine the exact identities of the bombers.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2016/11/11/1642758/abu-sayyaf-hostile-engineer-overseeing-armms-basilan-projects
Authorities on Thursday confirmed Basilan’s district engineer, Soler Undug (left), is under threat from the Abu Sayyaf for his infrastructure projects in former enclaves of the militant group. Philstar.com/File photo
Islamic militants opposing the massive implementation of infrastructure projects in Basilan were behind the bombing Thursday of a warehouse owned by the district engineer in the province, officials said Friday.
No one was reported hurt in the powerful explosion beside the warehouse in Isabela City of engineer Soler Undug but the incident caused panic among villagers residing nearby.
Undug is a multi-awarded chief of the Basilan District Engineering Office (DEO) overseeing all infrastructure projects in the province of Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
Undug is popular in Basilan for his role in the completion in the past four years of more than P3 billion worth of ARMM-funded infrastructures there and for his hands-on management of some P5 billion worth more of current projects in the province.
Reports reaching the Police Regional Office-ARMM in Parang town in Maguindanao indicated that the bomb that exploded Thursday night near the warehouse of Undug in Barangay Aguada in Isabela City, the former capital of Basilan, was set off from a distance using a mobile phone.
The attack came about a month after thousands of displaced Yakan villagers were returned by local officials to their farming enclaves in Basilan’s hostile Albarka town government forces had recently liberated from control of the Abu Sayyaf.
The ARMM government is implementing about P100 million worth of infrastructure projects in Albarka, designed to generate livelihood opportunities needed to improve the lives of local residents.
The symbolic return of the displaced Albarka residents was facilitated by Hataman and his older brother, Jim, who is incumbent governor of the province, and personnel of the Basilan DEO led by Undug.
Officials of the Department of Education-ARMM on Friday said the Abu Sayyaf is also hostile to the Basilan DEO for having built dozens of new schools in far-flung areas where the group is espousing militancy among children using underdevelopment as pitch to stoke hatred to government.
Soler received last October a special citation from the Civil Service Commission for his exemplary performance of his duties as chief of the Basilan DEO.
The Basilan DEO and Hataman’s office, through the Department of Public Works and Highways-ARMM, is currently constructing the P1 billion worth “Basilan Transcentral Road.”
The overland artery will connect Lamitan City, the new provincial capital, to far-flung towns cutting through mountain ranges in the center of the island province the Abu Sayyaf often use as sanctuary when evading military offensives in the lowlands.
Two local executives in Basilan also confirmed that the Abu Sayyaf is rabidly against the ongoing expansion of the Lamitan City Port, funded with a P150-million grant from the ARMM government, and the ongoing construction of the Buli-Buli Port in Sumisip town west of the island province.
“These projects will improve tremendously the business climate in Basilan and that is something extremists do not want because they will lose control of impoverished communities,” said one of them.
Talks have also been circulating since last October purporting that the Abu Sayyaf is not in favor of the two wharf projects of the Hataman administration, fearing the facilities can be used as berthing sites for naval watercrafts that can be used for government pacification maneuvers.
The provincial police office in Basilan said Thursday’s incident was preceded by two attempts in the past 12 months to set off powerful improvised explosive devices (IEDs) near Undug’s residential yard.
The IEDs were promptly deactivated by responding ordnance disposal experts.
Hataman, chairman of ARMM’s inter-agency regional peace and order council, said he had asked the Army’s 104th Brigade based in Isabela City to help the police identity the culprits in Thursday night’s IED attack.
Superintendent Jerome Afuyog, chief of the Isabela municipal police office, said investigators are still gathering information to determine the exact identities of the bombers.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2016/11/11/1642758/abu-sayyaf-hostile-engineer-overseeing-armms-basilan-projects
Vietnamese bulk carrier Royal 16 was hijacked by Abu Sayyaf terrorists
From the Maritime Herald (Nov 11): Vietnamese bulk carrier Royal 16 was hijacked by Abu Sayyaf terrorists
The Vietnamese bulk carrier Royal 16 was hijacked by Abu Sayyaf terrorists near the Philippine island of Basilian. The vessel, which was en route from Hai Phong in Vietnam towards Davao, on 8.3 nautical miles southeast off Coco Island in Basilan Strait was approached by fast skiff with heavy armed men. The pirates opened fire against the vessel and succeeded to take control. Six from the crew on board of the Vietnamese bulk carrier, including include Master, Chief Mate, Second Officer, Third Officer, Bosun and Assistant Bosun, were kidnapped and taken as hostages. The pirates and kidnapped seamen fled in a speed boat in unknown direction. The remaining 13 crew was left on board of bulk carrier Royal 16 and reported about the accident.
The accident was transferred to the Vietnam Maritime Security Information Center and Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy. The investigation for the root cause was started, but there is no details if the hijackers contacted local authorities with ransom request. The Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency, Philippine Coast Guard Vietnam Coast Guard are working together to resolve the situation with the six hostages. The vessel proceeded to Zamboanga port under the escort of the local navy.
The hijacking of the bulk carrier comes a few days after Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia warning that slow moving ships with low freeboard should reroute away from the southern Philippines, if possible, as attacks in the area spike.
The Vietnamese bulk carrier Royal 16 (IMO: 9600011) has overall length of 90.00 m, moulded beam of 15.60 m and maximum draft of 4.50 m. The vessel was built in 2011 by Hoang Gia Shipbuilding Industry in their shipyard in Nam Dinh, Vietnam. The owner and operator of the Vietnamese company Quysang Trading Shipping.
http://www.maritimeherald.com/2016/vietnamese-bulk-carrier-royal-16-was-hijacked-by-abu-sayyaf-terrorists/
The Vietnamese bulk carrier Royal 16 was hijacked by Abu Sayyaf terrorists near the Philippine island of Basilian. The vessel, which was en route from Hai Phong in Vietnam towards Davao, on 8.3 nautical miles southeast off Coco Island in Basilan Strait was approached by fast skiff with heavy armed men. The pirates opened fire against the vessel and succeeded to take control. Six from the crew on board of the Vietnamese bulk carrier, including include Master, Chief Mate, Second Officer, Third Officer, Bosun and Assistant Bosun, were kidnapped and taken as hostages. The pirates and kidnapped seamen fled in a speed boat in unknown direction. The remaining 13 crew was left on board of bulk carrier Royal 16 and reported about the accident.
The accident was transferred to the Vietnam Maritime Security Information Center and Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy. The investigation for the root cause was started, but there is no details if the hijackers contacted local authorities with ransom request. The Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency, Philippine Coast Guard Vietnam Coast Guard are working together to resolve the situation with the six hostages. The vessel proceeded to Zamboanga port under the escort of the local navy.
The hijacking of the bulk carrier comes a few days after Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia warning that slow moving ships with low freeboard should reroute away from the southern Philippines, if possible, as attacks in the area spike.
The Vietnamese bulk carrier Royal 16 (IMO: 9600011) has overall length of 90.00 m, moulded beam of 15.60 m and maximum draft of 4.50 m. The vessel was built in 2011 by Hoang Gia Shipbuilding Industry in their shipyard in Nam Dinh, Vietnam. The owner and operator of the Vietnamese company Quysang Trading Shipping.
http://www.maritimeherald.com/2016/vietnamese-bulk-carrier-royal-16-was-hijacked-by-abu-sayyaf-terrorists/
Esscom releases list of 23 wanted Filipinos
From The Star (Nov 11): Esscom releases list of 23 wanted Filipinos
A list of 23 Filipinos, including the notorious leaders of the Abu Sayyaf militant movement, have been placed on the the Eastern Sabah Security Command's (Esscom) wanted list.
The suspects' known names and pictures were made public Friday in a bid by the authorities to capture the criminals believed to be behind a series of cross-border kidnappings in Sabah's east coast.
"They are wanted for mostly kidnappings,'' Esscom commander Datuk Wan Abdul Bari Wan Abdul Khalid (pic) said.
Among those wanted are known Abu Sayyaf commanders and sub-commanders involved in holding hostages in Jolo, where they negotiated for large ransoms for their freedom.
Among the Abu Sayyaf commanders listed are Alhabsy Misaya, Idang Susukan, Apo Mike @ Majan Sahidjuan and Hatib Hajan @ Sawadjaan, and their spokesman Muaamar Askali @ Abu Rami.
Also in the list are the neutralised Muktadil brothers Khadafy and Salvador @ Badong.
Others in the list are those believed to be members of gangs that raided Sabah's east coast, including Salip Sosong @ Mohamad Apsa Abdulla, Saidul Idul, Halipa, Ibrahim, Sabri Madrasul @ Salip Jul, Las Pangit, Hatib Hajan @ Sawadjaan, Alden Bagde @ Sayning, Marajan Asiri, Raden Abuh, Bocoi, Sangbas, Berong Sairol @ Boy Master, Bensaudi Sairol @ Boy Pangit, Boy Intel, Atai Susukan and Durog Hussein.
The public can channel information to Esscom's operational centre at 089-863 181/ 016- or 013-880 3585/ 019-230 5909.
A list of 23 Filipinos, including the notorious leaders of the Abu Sayyaf militant movement, have been placed on the the Eastern Sabah Security Command's (Esscom) wanted list.
The suspects' known names and pictures were made public Friday in a bid by the authorities to capture the criminals believed to be behind a series of cross-border kidnappings in Sabah's east coast.
"They are wanted for mostly kidnappings,'' Esscom commander Datuk Wan Abdul Bari Wan Abdul Khalid (pic) said.
Among those wanted are known Abu Sayyaf commanders and sub-commanders involved in holding hostages in Jolo, where they negotiated for large ransoms for their freedom.
Among the Abu Sayyaf commanders listed are Alhabsy Misaya, Idang Susukan, Apo Mike @ Majan Sahidjuan and Hatib Hajan @ Sawadjaan, and their spokesman Muaamar Askali @ Abu Rami.
Also in the list are the neutralised Muktadil brothers Khadafy and Salvador @ Badong.
Others in the list are those believed to be members of gangs that raided Sabah's east coast, including Salip Sosong @ Mohamad Apsa Abdulla, Saidul Idul, Halipa, Ibrahim, Sabri Madrasul @ Salip Jul, Las Pangit, Hatib Hajan @ Sawadjaan, Alden Bagde @ Sayning, Marajan Asiri, Raden Abuh, Bocoi, Sangbas, Berong Sairol @ Boy Master, Bensaudi Sairol @ Boy Pangit, Boy Intel, Atai Susukan and Durog Hussein.
The public can channel information to Esscom's operational centre at 089-863 181/ 016- or 013-880 3585/ 019-230 5909.
Abu Sayyaf hijacks Vietnam vessel, abducts 6 crew
From The Gulf Today (Nov 11): Abu Sayyaf hijacks Vietnam vessel, abducts 6 crew
About 10 members of the Al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf terror group hijacked a Vietnamese flagged cargo vessel and abducted the captain and five other crewmen in the high seas off the island province of Basilan in restive Mindanao, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported on Friday.
Commander Jerome Cayabyab, the PCG head in Zamboanga City, said the heavily-armed militants who were aboard a speedboat shot and wounded a Vietnamese sailor who attempted to escape during the hijacking of the MV Royale 16 that occurred off Basilan on Friday morning.
Cayabyab said the PCG learned of the hijacking from another cargo vessel passing through the same area, which immediately responded to a distress call from the Vietnamese ship.
According to Cayabyab, they have yet to ascertain where the Vietnamese vessel was found for, explaining that the wounded crewman who has been confined in a local hospital did not speak English.
The incident occurred exactly four days after the militants killed the wife of a German national aboard a yacht they hijacked off Sabah state in Malaysia, according to the military.
Major Filemon Tan, the spokesman of the military’s Western Mindanao Command, quoted an Abu Sayyaf spokesman as saying they brought the vessel after killing the woman who resisted and tried to fight them off with a shotgun.
Tan confirmed the militants brought their 70-year-old German hostage identified as Juergen Kantner to Sulu where government forces have launched an intensified “search and destroy” operation against them.
In a related development, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak on Friday announced the Philippine agreed to allow Malaysian and Indonesian security forces to conduct “hot pursuit” operations even in Philippine waters against the Abu Sayyaf and other criminal groups preying on vessels plying their common maritime borders.
Najib told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur he reached the agreement with President Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte who made a two-day state-visit to Malaysia where they discussed, among others, the major problem of piracy perpetrated in particular by the Abu Sayyaf.
Najib pointed out that Duterte also had the same agreement with Indonesian President Joko Widodo during a recent similar state visit to that country.
http://gulftoday.ae/portal/11239af1-7256-4c95-834e-9ebc031bd00b.aspx
About 10 members of the Al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf terror group hijacked a Vietnamese flagged cargo vessel and abducted the captain and five other crewmen in the high seas off the island province of Basilan in restive Mindanao, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported on Friday.
Commander Jerome Cayabyab, the PCG head in Zamboanga City, said the heavily-armed militants who were aboard a speedboat shot and wounded a Vietnamese sailor who attempted to escape during the hijacking of the MV Royale 16 that occurred off Basilan on Friday morning.
Cayabyab said the PCG learned of the hijacking from another cargo vessel passing through the same area, which immediately responded to a distress call from the Vietnamese ship.
According to Cayabyab, they have yet to ascertain where the Vietnamese vessel was found for, explaining that the wounded crewman who has been confined in a local hospital did not speak English.
The incident occurred exactly four days after the militants killed the wife of a German national aboard a yacht they hijacked off Sabah state in Malaysia, according to the military.
Major Filemon Tan, the spokesman of the military’s Western Mindanao Command, quoted an Abu Sayyaf spokesman as saying they brought the vessel after killing the woman who resisted and tried to fight them off with a shotgun.
Tan confirmed the militants brought their 70-year-old German hostage identified as Juergen Kantner to Sulu where government forces have launched an intensified “search and destroy” operation against them.
In a related development, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak on Friday announced the Philippine agreed to allow Malaysian and Indonesian security forces to conduct “hot pursuit” operations even in Philippine waters against the Abu Sayyaf and other criminal groups preying on vessels plying their common maritime borders.
Najib told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur he reached the agreement with President Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte who made a two-day state-visit to Malaysia where they discussed, among others, the major problem of piracy perpetrated in particular by the Abu Sayyaf.
Najib pointed out that Duterte also had the same agreement with Indonesian President Joko Widodo during a recent similar state visit to that country.
http://gulftoday.ae/portal/11239af1-7256-4c95-834e-9ebc031bd00b.aspx
Another kidnapping in Philippine waters
From the Straits Times (Nov 11): Another kidnapping in Philippine waters
At least five crew members aboard Vietnamese cargo ship taken by gunmen
Navy personnel on board the Rockall after it was recovered near Laparan island in Sulu province in Mindanao. Militants claim to have kidnapped the yacht's German sailor and killed his wife.PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Gunmen have abducted at least five crewmen from a Vietnamese cargo vessel in southern Philippine waters, an area where militants are on a kidnapping-for-ransom spree.
The attack brings to at least eight the number of people abducted from vessels in the region over the past week, including an elderly German sailor, raising fears that the authorities are unable to control the worsening piracy problem.
The MV Royal 16 was sailing less than 20km from Basilan Island, a stronghold of Abu Sayyaf militants, when it was attacked yesterday morning.
Two crew members, one of whom was wounded, escaped and were rescued by a local cargo ship in the area, the authorities said.
"Sea and naval assets (were) already deployed to search and rescue the said kidnap victims," said regional military spokesman Filemon Tan.
In recent months, the Abu Sayyaf has been accused of kidnapping dozens of Indonesian and Malaysian sailors in waters off the southern Philippines.
Last weekend, an Abu Sayyaf commander claimed responsibility for abducting the 70-year-old German sailor and murdering his wife. Her naked body was found on their yacht, Rockall, when it was recovered by Philippine military forces.
And in what maritime experts described as a landmark incident, the captain of a South Korean cargo ship and a Filipino crewman were abducted, marking the first such attack on a large merchant vessel.
Abu Sayyaf militants this year beheaded two Canadian hostages after demands for millions of dollars were not met. Most of the Indonesian and Malaysian sailors were released after ransoms were reportedly paid.
The Abu Sayyaf is a loose network of militants formed in the 1990s with seed money from Osama bin Laden's Al-Qaeda network. It has made millions of dollars from kidnappings for ransom.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has launched a military offensive to "destroy" the Abu Sayyaf.
But the militants have defied more than a decade of similar US-backed offensives, surviving in their mountainous and jungle-clad southern island strongholds, where they have support from local Muslim communities.
The Abu Sayyaf is not the only threat, with those near-lawless islands home to other armed gangs and people whose families have been involved in piracy for generations, according to security analysts.
The Philippines has agreed to allow Malaysian and Indonesian maritime forces to pursue kidnappers into its waters to contain the threat, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said on Thursday.
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/another-kidnapping-in-philippine-waters
At least five crew members aboard Vietnamese cargo ship taken by gunmen
Navy personnel on board the Rockall after it was recovered near Laparan island in Sulu province in Mindanao. Militants claim to have kidnapped the yacht's German sailor and killed his wife.PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Gunmen have abducted at least five crewmen from a Vietnamese cargo vessel in southern Philippine waters, an area where militants are on a kidnapping-for-ransom spree.
The attack brings to at least eight the number of people abducted from vessels in the region over the past week, including an elderly German sailor, raising fears that the authorities are unable to control the worsening piracy problem.
The MV Royal 16 was sailing less than 20km from Basilan Island, a stronghold of Abu Sayyaf militants, when it was attacked yesterday morning.
Two crew members, one of whom was wounded, escaped and were rescued by a local cargo ship in the area, the authorities said.
"Sea and naval assets (were) already deployed to search and rescue the said kidnap victims," said regional military spokesman Filemon Tan.
The nationalities of the abducted crewmen and the identity of the kidnappers were still unknown.
Last weekend, an Abu Sayyaf commander claimed responsibility for abducting the 70-year-old German sailor and murdering his wife. Her naked body was found on their yacht, Rockall, when it was recovered by Philippine military forces.
And in what maritime experts described as a landmark incident, the captain of a South Korean cargo ship and a Filipino crewman were abducted, marking the first such attack on a large merchant vessel.
Abu Sayyaf militants this year beheaded two Canadian hostages after demands for millions of dollars were not met. Most of the Indonesian and Malaysian sailors were released after ransoms were reportedly paid.
The Abu Sayyaf is a loose network of militants formed in the 1990s with seed money from Osama bin Laden's Al-Qaeda network. It has made millions of dollars from kidnappings for ransom.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has launched a military offensive to "destroy" the Abu Sayyaf.
But the militants have defied more than a decade of similar US-backed offensives, surviving in their mountainous and jungle-clad southern island strongholds, where they have support from local Muslim communities.
The Abu Sayyaf is not the only threat, with those near-lawless islands home to other armed gangs and people whose families have been involved in piracy for generations, according to security analysts.
The Philippines has agreed to allow Malaysian and Indonesian maritime forces to pursue kidnappers into its waters to contain the threat, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said on Thursday.
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/another-kidnapping-in-philippine-waters
Two Indonesians Held in Sulu: Foreign Minister
From Tempo.Co (Nov 12): Two Indonesians Held in Sulu: Foreign Minister
Indonesia`s Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi. TEMPO/ YOHANES PASKALIS
Two Indonesians who were kidnapped in Sabah waters, Malaysia, are believed to be held in Sulu region in the Philippines, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said.
"(They are) in Sulu. A day after the kidnapping I received information from my colleague in the Philippines that they had been taken to Sulu," Retno said after a meeting at the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, Friday.
Retno did not have any further information on whether they had been taken hostage along with two other Indonesians who were kidnapped earlier by the Abu Sayyaf group in the Philippines waters.
"There is no information on whether they are with two other Indonesians or are being held in separate locations," she said.
The government continued to seek solutions to free Indonesians kidnapped in the waters, the minister stressed.
"We are still working on how to free them," she added.
Earlier, the foreign ministry has called on Indonesian crews in the Sabah waters, Malaysia, to stop fishing in the region until the situation improves, following the kidnapping of two Indonesian crews in the area.
The two were kidnapped when they were fishing in Kertam waters, some 13 to 15 nautical miles of Kuala Kinabatangan, Sabah, Malaysia.
The two Indonesian crews are La Utu bin La Raali who worked on SSK 00520F ship, and La Hadi bin La Adi on SN 1154/4F ship.
http://en.tempo.co/read/news/2016/11/12/055819707/Two-Indonesians-Held-in-Sulu-Foreign-Minister
Indonesia`s Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi. TEMPO/ YOHANES PASKALIS
Two Indonesians who were kidnapped in Sabah waters, Malaysia, are believed to be held in Sulu region in the Philippines, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said.
"(They are) in Sulu. A day after the kidnapping I received information from my colleague in the Philippines that they had been taken to Sulu," Retno said after a meeting at the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, Friday.
Retno did not have any further information on whether they had been taken hostage along with two other Indonesians who were kidnapped earlier by the Abu Sayyaf group in the Philippines waters.
"There is no information on whether they are with two other Indonesians or are being held in separate locations," she said.
The government continued to seek solutions to free Indonesians kidnapped in the waters, the minister stressed.
"We are still working on how to free them," she added.
Earlier, the foreign ministry has called on Indonesian crews in the Sabah waters, Malaysia, to stop fishing in the region until the situation improves, following the kidnapping of two Indonesian crews in the area.
The two were kidnapped when they were fishing in Kertam waters, some 13 to 15 nautical miles of Kuala Kinabatangan, Sabah, Malaysia.
The two Indonesian crews are La Utu bin La Raali who worked on SSK 00520F ship, and La Hadi bin La Adi on SN 1154/4F ship.
http://en.tempo.co/read/news/2016/11/12/055819707/Two-Indonesians-Held-in-Sulu-Foreign-Minister
Vietnamese sailor wounded in Sayyaf hijacking now in Zamboanga hospital
From the Mindanao Examiner (Nov 12): Vietnamese sailor wounded in Sayyaf hijacking now in Zamboanga hospital
A Vietnamese sailor who was shot and wounded by suspected Abu Sayyaf rebels who hijacked his cargo ship off Basilan province in southern Philippines is currently undergoing medical treatment at a private hospital here, police said on Saturday.
Police said Lai Minh Kao was admitted at the Brent Hospital and is being cared by another Vietnamese sailor Pham Van Trong. But police said the head of the Bureau on Immigration, Albert Abanila, allegedly prevented its investigators from getting information from Kao.
“The head of (the Bureau of) Immigration identified as Mr. Albert Abanila prohibited the CIS member to conduct interview with the victim,” said Senior Superintendent Michael Nicolas, the regional police spokesman.
It was not immediately known why Abanila prevented the local police from investigating the wounded seaman.
Kao’s cargo ship, MV Royal 16, was hijacked on November 11 by ten gunmen on a speedboat near Sibago Island and seized 6 crewmen – Do Trung Hieu, Hoang Vo, Tran Khac Dung, Huang Trung Thong and Huang Van Hai – including its captain, Pham Min Tuan.
The wounded sailor was rescued by a passing Filipino ship, MV Iloilo Lorcon, and brought to Zamboanga City. The Vietnamese ship was heading carrying cement and heading for Davao City when it was hijacked.
“The victim is presently undergoing medical treatment with a companion identified as Pham Van Trong, also a Vietnamese, at above mentioned hospital. Suspects fled after the incident to include some of the crew members of Royal 16 vessel they took hostage,” Nicolas said.
No individual or group claimed responsibility for the abduction, but suspicion fell heavily on the notorious Abu Sayyaf group which is still holding over a dozen Malaysian and Indonesian sailors, including a German yachter kidnapped recently in Sabah, Malaysia.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/vietnamese-sailor-wounded-in-sayyaf-hijacking-now-in-zamboanga-hospital/
A Vietnamese sailor who was shot and wounded by suspected Abu Sayyaf rebels who hijacked his cargo ship off Basilan province in southern Philippines is currently undergoing medical treatment at a private hospital here, police said on Saturday.
Police said Lai Minh Kao was admitted at the Brent Hospital and is being cared by another Vietnamese sailor Pham Van Trong. But police said the head of the Bureau on Immigration, Albert Abanila, allegedly prevented its investigators from getting information from Kao.
“The head of (the Bureau of) Immigration identified as Mr. Albert Abanila prohibited the CIS member to conduct interview with the victim,” said Senior Superintendent Michael Nicolas, the regional police spokesman.
It was not immediately known why Abanila prevented the local police from investigating the wounded seaman.
Kao’s cargo ship, MV Royal 16, was hijacked on November 11 by ten gunmen on a speedboat near Sibago Island and seized 6 crewmen – Do Trung Hieu, Hoang Vo, Tran Khac Dung, Huang Trung Thong and Huang Van Hai – including its captain, Pham Min Tuan.
The wounded sailor was rescued by a passing Filipino ship, MV Iloilo Lorcon, and brought to Zamboanga City. The Vietnamese ship was heading carrying cement and heading for Davao City when it was hijacked.
“The victim is presently undergoing medical treatment with a companion identified as Pham Van Trong, also a Vietnamese, at above mentioned hospital. Suspects fled after the incident to include some of the crew members of Royal 16 vessel they took hostage,” Nicolas said.
No individual or group claimed responsibility for the abduction, but suspicion fell heavily on the notorious Abu Sayyaf group which is still holding over a dozen Malaysian and Indonesian sailors, including a German yachter kidnapped recently in Sabah, Malaysia.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/vietnamese-sailor-wounded-in-sayyaf-hijacking-now-in-zamboanga-hospital/
MNLF Misuari faction to be engaged by govt separately
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 10): MNLF Misuari faction to be engaged by govt separately
Concerns of the group of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari and his followers will have to be handled separately from that of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and MNLF Muslimin Sema faction, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Secretary Jesus Dureza said Thursday.
The Misuari group, according to Dureza, will constitute its own five-person panel that the government will soon engage with.
This panel will work on the completion of the remaining commitments under the 1996 Final Peace Agreement and the recently-concluded Tripartite Review Process on the said peace deal between the government, the MNLF, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Misuari, who was temporarily released by the court so he can participate in the Bangsamoro peace process, opted not to take part in the newly-constituted Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) to draft an enabling law for the future Bangsamoro government.
"We will engage with his panel by coming up with inputs that, later on, will be submitted to Congress," Dureza expounded, adding that Misuari’s decision was based on his "principled position" in the peace process.
"Chairman Nur Misuari has principled position since the BTC is a mechanism of the CAB. Of course, you should understand that Chairman Nur Misuari makes reference to government and MNLF’s 1996 Final Peace Agreement. He has not yet abandon that agreement," Dureza clarified.
Following the release of the court order for his temporary freedom, Misuari flew directly from Sulu to meet Duterte in Malacanan Palace last Nov. 3 upon the invitation of the president to tackle the peace process in Mindanao.
Misuari affirmed his commitment on Duterte's thrust to bring permanent peace in Mindanao.
Prior to their meeting, Duterte acknowledged Misuari's important role in the Bangsamoro peace process. Dureza, meanwhile, said that Misuari was instrumental in the recent releases of hostages held by the Abu Sayyaf.
Convergence of MNLF-MILF Peace Tracks
Dureza explained that both the Misuari panel and the BTC will submit their respective proposals to the Congress.
“The MILF and the BTC will craft their proposed enabling law… The Misuari panel’s draft may be towards enhancing Republic Act 9054 or the ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) law. They still have reservations in the law as far as the implementation is concerned,” Dureza explained.
These reservations were tackled during the review process which resulted to the 42 consensus points, the creation of Bangsamoro Development Assistance Fund for conflict-affected areas, the establishment of a Tripartite Implementation Monitoring Committee that will oversee the delivery of the agreements during the review, and the Interim Agreement on the Strategic Minerals.
Dureza pointed out that the inputs from both the BTC and Misuari panel will be submitted and reconciled in the Congress.
"The convergence will take place in the Congress – the Congress will craft one Bangsamoro law for all of us. We will trust the Congress to reconcile these differences if any," the peace adviser clarified.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=938756&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=10&ydte_arch=2016
Concerns of the group of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari and his followers will have to be handled separately from that of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and MNLF Muslimin Sema faction, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Secretary Jesus Dureza said Thursday.
The Misuari group, according to Dureza, will constitute its own five-person panel that the government will soon engage with.
This panel will work on the completion of the remaining commitments under the 1996 Final Peace Agreement and the recently-concluded Tripartite Review Process on the said peace deal between the government, the MNLF, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Misuari, who was temporarily released by the court so he can participate in the Bangsamoro peace process, opted not to take part in the newly-constituted Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) to draft an enabling law for the future Bangsamoro government.
"We will engage with his panel by coming up with inputs that, later on, will be submitted to Congress," Dureza expounded, adding that Misuari’s decision was based on his "principled position" in the peace process.
"Chairman Nur Misuari has principled position since the BTC is a mechanism of the CAB. Of course, you should understand that Chairman Nur Misuari makes reference to government and MNLF’s 1996 Final Peace Agreement. He has not yet abandon that agreement," Dureza clarified.
Following the release of the court order for his temporary freedom, Misuari flew directly from Sulu to meet Duterte in Malacanan Palace last Nov. 3 upon the invitation of the president to tackle the peace process in Mindanao.
Misuari affirmed his commitment on Duterte's thrust to bring permanent peace in Mindanao.
Prior to their meeting, Duterte acknowledged Misuari's important role in the Bangsamoro peace process. Dureza, meanwhile, said that Misuari was instrumental in the recent releases of hostages held by the Abu Sayyaf.
Convergence of MNLF-MILF Peace Tracks
Dureza explained that both the Misuari panel and the BTC will submit their respective proposals to the Congress.
“The MILF and the BTC will craft their proposed enabling law… The Misuari panel’s draft may be towards enhancing Republic Act 9054 or the ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) law. They still have reservations in the law as far as the implementation is concerned,” Dureza explained.
These reservations were tackled during the review process which resulted to the 42 consensus points, the creation of Bangsamoro Development Assistance Fund for conflict-affected areas, the establishment of a Tripartite Implementation Monitoring Committee that will oversee the delivery of the agreements during the review, and the Interim Agreement on the Strategic Minerals.
Dureza pointed out that the inputs from both the BTC and Misuari panel will be submitted and reconciled in the Congress.
"The convergence will take place in the Congress – the Congress will craft one Bangsamoro law for all of us. We will trust the Congress to reconcile these differences if any," the peace adviser clarified.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=938756&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=10&ydte_arch=2016
Philippine Navy chief set to retire on Nov. 12
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 10): Philippine Navy chief set to retire on Nov. 12
The Philippine Navy's flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Caesar Taccad will formally retire from military service on Nov. 12.
Retirement ceremonies for Taccad, a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1982, will be held at the Naval Base Heracleo Alano in Sangley Point, Cavite, said Navy Spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna. The event will be presided by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.
Taccad's successor will be named on Nov. 12.
Possible replacements for Taccad are Western Command head Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado and a member of PMA Class 1983; PN vice commander Rear Admiral Rafael G. Mariano, a member of PMA Class of 1984; Philippine Fleet commander Rear Admiral Gaerlan, another member of PMA Class of 1984 and Naval Education and Training Command head Rear Admiral Narciso Vingson, a member of PMA Class of 1985.
Taccad assumed command of the Philippine Navy on Aug. 10, 2015 upon the retirement of then Vice Admiral Jesus Millan.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=938762&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=10&ydte_arch=2016
The Philippine Navy's flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Caesar Taccad will formally retire from military service on Nov. 12.
Retirement ceremonies for Taccad, a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1982, will be held at the Naval Base Heracleo Alano in Sangley Point, Cavite, said Navy Spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna. The event will be presided by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.
Taccad's successor will be named on Nov. 12.
Possible replacements for Taccad are Western Command head Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado and a member of PMA Class 1983; PN vice commander Rear Admiral Rafael G. Mariano, a member of PMA Class of 1984; Philippine Fleet commander Rear Admiral Gaerlan, another member of PMA Class of 1984 and Naval Education and Training Command head Rear Admiral Narciso Vingson, a member of PMA Class of 1985.
Taccad assumed command of the Philippine Navy on Aug. 10, 2015 upon the retirement of then Vice Admiral Jesus Millan.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=938762&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=10&ydte_arch=2016
Another Davao City blast suspect surrenders
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 10): Another Davao City blast suspect surrenders
Another suspect in the Sept. 2 Davao City bombing surrendered to authorities in Cotabato Thursday morning, a Philippine Army official said.
Army Spokesperson Col. Benjamin Hao said the suspect was identified as Jerico Javier De Roma, 25, a member of Dawlah Islamiyah Fi Lanao Cotabato Chapter (Maute Group). He surrendered to authorities around 5:30 a.m.
De Roma was the driver of the group responsible for the blast that killed 15 persons and wounded 70 others.
Hao said the suspect voluntarily surrendered due to increasing police and military pressure.
With De Roma's surrender, authorities now have custody of eight suspects involved in blast.
Authorities earlier arrested in Cotabato City last Oct. 29 the four members of Maute Group identified as Mohammad Lalaog Chenikandiyil alias Datu Boi, Jackson Mangulamas Usi alias Abu Mansor, Zack Villanueva Lopez alias Haron and Ansan Abdulla Mamasapano alias Hamsa.
Authorities also defused an improvised explosive device (IED) found in the residence Chenikandiyil in Barangay Rosary Heights 7 in Cotabato City.
Chenikandiyil and the other three suspects were all arrested by the military and police in operations conducted in Ilang-Ilang St., Tamontaka, Cotabato City.
Recovered from Chenikandiyil and his group were assorted firearms and ammunition, a hand grenade and two IEDs made out of 60mm mortar and 105mm howitzer mortar.
The arrest was carried out based on the search warrants issued by Judge Bansawan Ibrahim of Regional Trial Court Branch 13.
Joint police and military operations last Oct. 4 resulted in the arrest of TJ Tagadaya Macabalang, Wendel Factural, and Musaili Mustapha.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=938797&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=10&ydte_arch=2016
Another suspect in the Sept. 2 Davao City bombing surrendered to authorities in Cotabato Thursday morning, a Philippine Army official said.
Army Spokesperson Col. Benjamin Hao said the suspect was identified as Jerico Javier De Roma, 25, a member of Dawlah Islamiyah Fi Lanao Cotabato Chapter (Maute Group). He surrendered to authorities around 5:30 a.m.
De Roma was the driver of the group responsible for the blast that killed 15 persons and wounded 70 others.
Hao said the suspect voluntarily surrendered due to increasing police and military pressure.
With De Roma's surrender, authorities now have custody of eight suspects involved in blast.
Authorities earlier arrested in Cotabato City last Oct. 29 the four members of Maute Group identified as Mohammad Lalaog Chenikandiyil alias Datu Boi, Jackson Mangulamas Usi alias Abu Mansor, Zack Villanueva Lopez alias Haron and Ansan Abdulla Mamasapano alias Hamsa.
Authorities also defused an improvised explosive device (IED) found in the residence Chenikandiyil in Barangay Rosary Heights 7 in Cotabato City.
Chenikandiyil and the other three suspects were all arrested by the military and police in operations conducted in Ilang-Ilang St., Tamontaka, Cotabato City.
Recovered from Chenikandiyil and his group were assorted firearms and ammunition, a hand grenade and two IEDs made out of 60mm mortar and 105mm howitzer mortar.
The arrest was carried out based on the search warrants issued by Judge Bansawan Ibrahim of Regional Trial Court Branch 13.
Joint police and military operations last Oct. 4 resulted in the arrest of TJ Tagadaya Macabalang, Wendel Factural, and Musaili Mustapha.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=938797&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=10&ydte_arch=2016
Gov't. peace panel to handle separately concerns of MNLF & MILF
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 10): Gov't. peace panel to handle separately concerns of MNLF & MILF
The government peace panel involved in the Bangsamoro peace process will have to handle separately the concerns of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) under founding chairman Nur Misuari and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and MNLF faction under Muslimin Sema.
Secretary Jesus G. Dureza of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) on Thursday said the Misuari group will constitute its own five-person panel that the government will soon engage with.
This panel will work on the completion of the remaining commitments under the 1996 Final Peace Agreement and the recently-concluded Tripartite Review Process on the said peace deal between the government, the MNLF, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Misuari, who was temporarily released by the court so he can participate in the Bangsamoro peace process, opted not to take part in the newly-constituted Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) to draft an enabling law for the future Bangsamoro government.
“We will engage with his panel by coming up with inputs that, later on, will be submitted to Congress,” Dureza said, adding that Misuari’s decision was based on his “principled position” in the peace process.
“Chairman Nur Misuari has principled position since the BTC is a mechanism of the CAB. Of course, you should understand that Chairman Nur Misuari makes reference to government and MNLF’s 1996 Final Peace Agreement. He has not yet abandoned that agreement,” he added.
Following the release of the court order for his temporary freedom, Misuari flew directly from Sulu to meet Duterte in Malacanan Palace on November 3 upon the invitation of the president to tackle the peace process in Mindanao.
Misuari affirmed his commitment on Duterte's thrust to bring permanent peace in Mindanao. Prior to their meeting, Duterte acknowledged Misuari's important role in the Bangsamoro peace process.
Dureza, meanwhile, said that Misuari was instrumental in the recent releases of hostages held by the Abu Sayyaf. Convergence of MNLF-MILF peace tracks Dureza explained that both the Misuari panel and the BTC will submit their respective proposals to the Congress.
“The MILF and the BTC will craft their proposed enabling law… The Misuari panel’s draft may be towards enhancing Republic Act 9054 or the ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) law. They still have reservations in the law as far as the implementation is concerned,” Dureza explained.
These reservations were tackled during the review process which resulted to the 42 consensus points, the creation of Bangsamoro Development Assistance Fund for conflict-affected areas, the establishment of a Tripartite Implementation Monitoring Committee that will oversee the delivery of the agreements during the review, and the Interim Agreement on the Strategic Minerals.
Dureza pointed out that the inputs from both the BTC and Misuari panel will be submitted and reconciled in the Congress.
“The convergence will take place in the Congress – the Congress will craft one Bangsamoro law for all of us. We will trust the Congress to reconcile these differences if any,” the peace adviser ended.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=938840&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=10&ydte_arch=2016
The government peace panel involved in the Bangsamoro peace process will have to handle separately the concerns of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) under founding chairman Nur Misuari and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and MNLF faction under Muslimin Sema.
Secretary Jesus G. Dureza of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) on Thursday said the Misuari group will constitute its own five-person panel that the government will soon engage with.
This panel will work on the completion of the remaining commitments under the 1996 Final Peace Agreement and the recently-concluded Tripartite Review Process on the said peace deal between the government, the MNLF, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Misuari, who was temporarily released by the court so he can participate in the Bangsamoro peace process, opted not to take part in the newly-constituted Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) to draft an enabling law for the future Bangsamoro government.
“We will engage with his panel by coming up with inputs that, later on, will be submitted to Congress,” Dureza said, adding that Misuari’s decision was based on his “principled position” in the peace process.
“Chairman Nur Misuari has principled position since the BTC is a mechanism of the CAB. Of course, you should understand that Chairman Nur Misuari makes reference to government and MNLF’s 1996 Final Peace Agreement. He has not yet abandoned that agreement,” he added.
Following the release of the court order for his temporary freedom, Misuari flew directly from Sulu to meet Duterte in Malacanan Palace on November 3 upon the invitation of the president to tackle the peace process in Mindanao.
Misuari affirmed his commitment on Duterte's thrust to bring permanent peace in Mindanao. Prior to their meeting, Duterte acknowledged Misuari's important role in the Bangsamoro peace process.
Dureza, meanwhile, said that Misuari was instrumental in the recent releases of hostages held by the Abu Sayyaf. Convergence of MNLF-MILF peace tracks Dureza explained that both the Misuari panel and the BTC will submit their respective proposals to the Congress.
“The MILF and the BTC will craft their proposed enabling law… The Misuari panel’s draft may be towards enhancing Republic Act 9054 or the ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) law. They still have reservations in the law as far as the implementation is concerned,” Dureza explained.
These reservations were tackled during the review process which resulted to the 42 consensus points, the creation of Bangsamoro Development Assistance Fund for conflict-affected areas, the establishment of a Tripartite Implementation Monitoring Committee that will oversee the delivery of the agreements during the review, and the Interim Agreement on the Strategic Minerals.
Dureza pointed out that the inputs from both the BTC and Misuari panel will be submitted and reconciled in the Congress.
“The convergence will take place in the Congress – the Congress will craft one Bangsamoro law for all of us. We will trust the Congress to reconcile these differences if any,” the peace adviser ended.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=938840&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=10&ydte_arch=2016
Extortionists gut heavy equipment in separate incidents in Sarangani, Davao Del Sur
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 10): Extortionists gut heavy equipment in separate incidents in Sarangani, Davao Del Sur
Thirty five heavily-armed men, believed to extortionists, torched more than PHP10 million worth of heavy equipment in separate incidents in Sarangani and Davao Del Sur Wednesday.
This was disclosed by 73rd Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Ronnie Babac in a statement Thursday.
He added the first incident took place 3:20 p.m. at Sitio Ulas, Barangay Alegria, Alabel Sarangani Province where private company Jun Yi Enterprises, which was based in General Santos City, was conducting quarry operations.
At this point, 25 armed men appeared out of nowhere and held at gunpoint the civilians and torched their backhoe and 10 wheeler dump-truck.
Damage was placed at more than PHP10 million. Investigations indicated that the suspects were extortion from the company but the latter refuse to give in, triggering this attack which fortunately left no one hurt nor killed.
The second incident took place 9:00 p.m. at Barangay Manga, Matanao, Davao Del Sur.
Initial reports disclosed that one Canter Elf Truck owned by Councilor Melanie Maniapao was intentionally burned at her residence.
Authorities are still determining the exact cause of damage in the second incident.
Around 10 men, armed with AK-47s and pistols, conducted this atrocity after which they immediately fled aboard four motorcycles.
“We will support the PNP in investigating the crime and closely monitor the whereabouts of the perpetrators to ensure that justice will be served to the owners of the heavy equipment,” he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=938875&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=10&ydte_arch=2016
Thirty five heavily-armed men, believed to extortionists, torched more than PHP10 million worth of heavy equipment in separate incidents in Sarangani and Davao Del Sur Wednesday.
This was disclosed by 73rd Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Ronnie Babac in a statement Thursday.
He added the first incident took place 3:20 p.m. at Sitio Ulas, Barangay Alegria, Alabel Sarangani Province where private company Jun Yi Enterprises, which was based in General Santos City, was conducting quarry operations.
At this point, 25 armed men appeared out of nowhere and held at gunpoint the civilians and torched their backhoe and 10 wheeler dump-truck.
Damage was placed at more than PHP10 million. Investigations indicated that the suspects were extortion from the company but the latter refuse to give in, triggering this attack which fortunately left no one hurt nor killed.
The second incident took place 9:00 p.m. at Barangay Manga, Matanao, Davao Del Sur.
Initial reports disclosed that one Canter Elf Truck owned by Councilor Melanie Maniapao was intentionally burned at her residence.
Authorities are still determining the exact cause of damage in the second incident.
Around 10 men, armed with AK-47s and pistols, conducted this atrocity after which they immediately fled aboard four motorcycles.
“We will support the PNP in investigating the crime and closely monitor the whereabouts of the perpetrators to ensure that justice will be served to the owners of the heavy equipment,” he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=938875&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=10&ydte_arch=2016
Outgoing AFP chief Visaya tells troops to remain true to their oath
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 11): Outgoing AFP chief Visaya tells troops to remain true to their oath
With less than a month left before he retires from military service, outgoing Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya reminded officers and enlisted personnel of the Eastern Mindanao Command to remain true to its oath and maintain the nobility of the military profession.
In the same vein, he also urged troops to remain professional and live by their calling.
Visaya made the appeal as he visited Davao City-based EMC Friday noon.
He was received by EMC Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero and was given military honors.
Prior to his arrival, he visited 10th Infantry Division headquarters in Camp Gen Manuel T. Yan Sr. in Mawab, Compostela Valley.
During his meeting with officers and enlisted personnel there, Visaya counseled field commanders, officers and troopers reminding them to shun away from illegal drugs, narco-politicians and crime syndicate leaders.
The AFP chief is expected to step down on Dec. 8.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=939355&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=11&ydte_arch=2016
With less than a month left before he retires from military service, outgoing Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya reminded officers and enlisted personnel of the Eastern Mindanao Command to remain true to its oath and maintain the nobility of the military profession.
In the same vein, he also urged troops to remain professional and live by their calling.
Visaya made the appeal as he visited Davao City-based EMC Friday noon.
He was received by EMC Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero and was given military honors.
Prior to his arrival, he visited 10th Infantry Division headquarters in Camp Gen Manuel T. Yan Sr. in Mawab, Compostela Valley.
During his meeting with officers and enlisted personnel there, Visaya counseled field commanders, officers and troopers reminding them to shun away from illegal drugs, narco-politicians and crime syndicate leaders.
The AFP chief is expected to step down on Dec. 8.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=939355&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=11&ydte_arch=2016
3 more rebels surrender in Agusan Del Sur
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 11): 3 more rebels surrender in Agusan Del Sur
Three members of the rebel group New People's Army (NPA) have voluntarily surrendered to the military in Agusan Del Sur province.
The rebels turned over four high-powered firearms to military authorities, 4th Infantry Division public affairs office chief Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez said Friday.
Names of the rebels were withheld for security reasons.
He said one of the rebels voluntarily surrendered himself and his M-16 automatic rifle last Nov. 9, and expressed his desire to live peacefully with his family.
On Nov. 10, two more NPA members, a squad leader of Guerrilla Front 88 and a member of Guerrilla Front Committee 89, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee, also voluntarily surrendered, bringing along an AR-18 rifle, a carbine and an M-1 Garand rifle, Martinez said.
The three were assured of support through the government's rebel integration program.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=939068&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=11&ydte_arch=2016
Three members of the rebel group New People's Army (NPA) have voluntarily surrendered to the military in Agusan Del Sur province.
The rebels turned over four high-powered firearms to military authorities, 4th Infantry Division public affairs office chief Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez said Friday.
Names of the rebels were withheld for security reasons.
He said one of the rebels voluntarily surrendered himself and his M-16 automatic rifle last Nov. 9, and expressed his desire to live peacefully with his family.
On Nov. 10, two more NPA members, a squad leader of Guerrilla Front 88 and a member of Guerrilla Front Committee 89, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee, also voluntarily surrendered, bringing along an AR-18 rifle, a carbine and an M-1 Garand rifle, Martinez said.
The three were assured of support through the government's rebel integration program.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=939068&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=11&ydte_arch=2016
Moro clan war claims 2 lives in Maguindanao
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 11): Moro clan war claims 2 lives in Maguindanao
Clan wars involving Moro rebels left two persons dead in Maguindanao, the military here said Friday.
Colonel Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, said the clash occurred Thursday in Sitio Damabago, Barangay Barurao, Sultan sa Barongis, Maguindanao involving Moro families identified with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
He identified the protagonists as Commander Murato and his nephew, Commander Jaypee, both belonging to MILF 105th base command. Both sides have suffered one fatality, the Army said.
"A long standing family feud has been brewing for so decades and it erupted Thursday," Sobejana said. "It was a case of land dispute, both are claiming ownership of a vast track of lands in the village."
However, local officials said the claimants could not present legal documents legitimizing ownership of the lands.
Sobejana said the military is keeping a safe distance and did not involve themselves in recognition of an existing ceasefire agreement between the ntional government and MILF.
The Army brigade commander has appealed to the MILF leadership to take disciplinary action "because the military will come in if the safety of civilians are endangered."
Classes in public schools in the village have been temporarily suspended.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=939084&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=11&ydte_arch=2016
Clan wars involving Moro rebels left two persons dead in Maguindanao, the military here said Friday.
Colonel Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, said the clash occurred Thursday in Sitio Damabago, Barangay Barurao, Sultan sa Barongis, Maguindanao involving Moro families identified with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
He identified the protagonists as Commander Murato and his nephew, Commander Jaypee, both belonging to MILF 105th base command. Both sides have suffered one fatality, the Army said.
"A long standing family feud has been brewing for so decades and it erupted Thursday," Sobejana said. "It was a case of land dispute, both are claiming ownership of a vast track of lands in the village."
However, local officials said the claimants could not present legal documents legitimizing ownership of the lands.
Sobejana said the military is keeping a safe distance and did not involve themselves in recognition of an existing ceasefire agreement between the ntional government and MILF.
The Army brigade commander has appealed to the MILF leadership to take disciplinary action "because the military will come in if the safety of civilians are endangered."
Classes in public schools in the village have been temporarily suspended.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=939084&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=11&ydte_arch=2016
Tacloban declared as rebel-free city
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 11): Tacloban declared as rebel-free city
The Army, police and local government here officially declared this city as free from serious threats of communist rebels.
With this declaration on Friday morning, all 40 towns and three cities in Leyte province are now stable internal peace and security areas.
Tacloban City Mayor Cristina Romualdez and Vice Mayor Jerry Yaokasin welcomed the joint declaration of the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, and city government.
Witnessing the declaration on Friday morning are key city officials, Army 802nd Brigade Commander Col. Francisco Mendoza, city police chief Sr. Supt. Rolando Bade, 78th Infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Allan Jose Taguba.
The status of stable internal peace and security is a condition where a place is no longer affected by insurgency. Under this category, presence of communist group can still be felt, but their influence is considered insignificant.
Mendoza said that the declaration will mean a greater chance for the city, which is the capital of Eastern Visayas, to invite more businessmen to invest.
“This will attract investment for the city especially among investors who have no knowledge or idea of what is the security situation here in Tacloban. We cannot expect big time investors to pour in their money here if they don’t know the security situation of the city,” Mendoza said.
There had been no recorded armed battle between military and communist group in the city, but for the province of Leyte, the last major firefight between the government troops and rebels was 10 years ago in Albuera town.
“We cannot say that they are already gone because the condition of this declaration is we are able to reduce them to the lowest formation such that they are no longer capable of threatening the security. They are still around but they are already very small and they can no more threat the security,” Mendoza added.
With the declaration the role of peace and order and security will now be handled by the local police. Romualdez, for her part, has called on city residents to commit to do their best to cooperate and assist each other in making the city a safe and better place to live in and to achieve lasting peace and order.
“We need to ensure to our investors that there is peace and order in Tacloban. For them to confidently invest in our city they need to have confidence in our peace and order,” Romualdez said.
Citing a report from the local police, Romualdez said that crime rate in the city had declined by 55 percent.
“I hope that this will continue and we need to give due credit to our law enforcement people,” the mayor added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=939145&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=11&ydte_arch=2016
The Army, police and local government here officially declared this city as free from serious threats of communist rebels.
With this declaration on Friday morning, all 40 towns and three cities in Leyte province are now stable internal peace and security areas.
Tacloban City Mayor Cristina Romualdez and Vice Mayor Jerry Yaokasin welcomed the joint declaration of the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, and city government.
Witnessing the declaration on Friday morning are key city officials, Army 802nd Brigade Commander Col. Francisco Mendoza, city police chief Sr. Supt. Rolando Bade, 78th Infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Allan Jose Taguba.
The status of stable internal peace and security is a condition where a place is no longer affected by insurgency. Under this category, presence of communist group can still be felt, but their influence is considered insignificant.
Mendoza said that the declaration will mean a greater chance for the city, which is the capital of Eastern Visayas, to invite more businessmen to invest.
“This will attract investment for the city especially among investors who have no knowledge or idea of what is the security situation here in Tacloban. We cannot expect big time investors to pour in their money here if they don’t know the security situation of the city,” Mendoza said.
There had been no recorded armed battle between military and communist group in the city, but for the province of Leyte, the last major firefight between the government troops and rebels was 10 years ago in Albuera town.
“We cannot say that they are already gone because the condition of this declaration is we are able to reduce them to the lowest formation such that they are no longer capable of threatening the security. They are still around but they are already very small and they can no more threat the security,” Mendoza added.
With the declaration the role of peace and order and security will now be handled by the local police. Romualdez, for her part, has called on city residents to commit to do their best to cooperate and assist each other in making the city a safe and better place to live in and to achieve lasting peace and order.
“We need to ensure to our investors that there is peace and order in Tacloban. For them to confidently invest in our city they need to have confidence in our peace and order,” Romualdez said.
Citing a report from the local police, Romualdez said that crime rate in the city had declined by 55 percent.
“I hope that this will continue and we need to give due credit to our law enforcement people,” the mayor added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=939145&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=11&ydte_arch=2016
Abu Sayyaf hijacks Vietnam-flagged vessel off Basilan
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 11): Abu Sayyaf hijacks Vietnam-flagged vessel off Basilan
Ten gunmen believed to be Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) brigands have hijacked early Friday a Vietnam-flagged cargo vessel and seized six people, including five officers, off Basilan province.
Commander Jerome Cayabyab, Zamboanga Coastguard Station commander, said the incident could have taken place at dawn but was reported to them around 7 a.m. by the captain of M/V Lorcon-Ilo-ilo that provided initial assistance to the Vietnam-flagged vessel, M/V Royal 16, in distress. The M/V Lorcon (Lorenzo Container)-Ilo-ilo vessel was passing near Sibago Island, Mohammad Ajul, Basilan, when it spotted M/V Royal 16 and provided assistance.
The Lorcon-Ilo-ilo vessel transported one of the Vietnam-flagged vessel crew identified as Dham Yan Trong, an electrician, to a local hospital.
Trong was accompanied to the hospital by Lai Minh Khao, the fourth engineer. “The gunmen shot him (Trong) when he run as they were about to take him,” Cayabyab said based on the information Khao relayed to them.
Cayabyab said they have yet to establish the identities of those abducted by the gunmen that included the boat captain, chief mate, second officer, third officer, bosun (boatswain), and a seaman.
He also said that it was not immediately known as to the point of origin and destination of M/V Royal 16 including its cargo.
“We have yet to board the vessel (M/V Royal 16) to get the other details,” he added. He said they have deployed a vessel of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel manned by coastguard personnel to escort the M/V Royal 16 to the port of this city.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=939168&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=11&ydte_arch=2016
Ten gunmen believed to be Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) brigands have hijacked early Friday a Vietnam-flagged cargo vessel and seized six people, including five officers, off Basilan province.
Commander Jerome Cayabyab, Zamboanga Coastguard Station commander, said the incident could have taken place at dawn but was reported to them around 7 a.m. by the captain of M/V Lorcon-Ilo-ilo that provided initial assistance to the Vietnam-flagged vessel, M/V Royal 16, in distress. The M/V Lorcon (Lorenzo Container)-Ilo-ilo vessel was passing near Sibago Island, Mohammad Ajul, Basilan, when it spotted M/V Royal 16 and provided assistance.
The Lorcon-Ilo-ilo vessel transported one of the Vietnam-flagged vessel crew identified as Dham Yan Trong, an electrician, to a local hospital.
Trong was accompanied to the hospital by Lai Minh Khao, the fourth engineer. “The gunmen shot him (Trong) when he run as they were about to take him,” Cayabyab said based on the information Khao relayed to them.
Cayabyab said they have yet to establish the identities of those abducted by the gunmen that included the boat captain, chief mate, second officer, third officer, bosun (boatswain), and a seaman.
He also said that it was not immediately known as to the point of origin and destination of M/V Royal 16 including its cargo.
“We have yet to board the vessel (M/V Royal 16) to get the other details,” he added. He said they have deployed a vessel of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel manned by coastguard personnel to escort the M/V Royal 16 to the port of this city.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=939168&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=11&ydte_arch=2016
President Duterte asks GRP panel to raise oil palm project issue with NDF
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 11): President Duterte asks GRP panel to raise oil palm project issue with NDF
President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday asked the government peace panel to present the issue on oil palm production with the National Democratic Front (NDF) panel in their next peace talks in Oslo, Norway.
Fresh from his two-day visit to Malaysia, President Duterte said Malaysian traders wanted to invest in oil palm plantation in Mindanao that would require hundreds of hectares, but were wary of the rebels' activities that could disrupt business and compromise their security.
Mr. Duterte said oil palm production is one area where government can help in providing livelihood to farmers and improve the economic condition in Mindanao.
“I really do not know but I think somebody should talk to them again. Maybe this would be one project that we can ask about doon sa (there in) Oslo because while waiting for the final result, ano man ‘yan, kailangan natin na (that is, we need that), we have to improve the lives of the people,” he said in the press conference during his arrival from Malaysia Friday dawn.
The President was pushing the oil palm production project two years back but it did not push through.
“Ang tagal na nga ‘yan eh (It’s been a long time already). Problem actually, let me be very frank. “Nong una may pumasok na dito (There was an investor before). As a matter of fact, they sent their agronomist, the guy who examines the soil for its appropriate plant,” the President recalled a situation in Paquibato, a stronghold of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Davao City.
He said the Malaysians were ready at that time but after a positive finding on suitability of the soil but suddenly the NPA posted banners everywhere saying no to palm oil.
When he asked the NPA, the President said he was told that oil palm is detrimental to the water source. But, he said, “Malaysia (which has a vast oil palm plantation) has prospered. It has not lost its moisture or water.
He said he did not insist despite his assurances to the people because there was the threat. “But they (Malaysians) will try again. And again I will make sure to meet the experts of the world about water under the soil and ask us to explain why it is so. He said there is an oil palm plantation in Agusan del Sur and it has proven to be a good source of revenue and a source of livelihood for the people.
Department of Trade and Indutry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said the companies are willing to put a stake in the current administration in terms of supporting the development goals in infrastructure, agri-business.
Lopez said there’s a potential palm oil project wherein the harvest and the output will go back to Malaysia as exports and for further processing into palm oil areas in Mindanao and Palawan.
The investors are initially looking at 80,000 down the road, but Lopez said they have identified close to 1 million hectares as a possible plantation project for palm oil and natural rubber in Mindanao and Palawan.
It may be recalled that then Mayor, now President Duterte offered to open a deal on the multi-million offer of the Malaysian investors to develop an oil palm industry with members of the NPA as partners. He said it was an opportunity for everybody – the rebels and the populace of Paquibato who have longed for economic development in the area.
Paquibato has remained poor because no investor dared to put money in due to presence of rebels plus the imposition of “revolutionary taxes”.
City Agriculturist Rocelio Tabay earlier said the city has vast potential area for an oil palm plantation. According to him, there is a total of 10,000 to 20,000 hectares of idle land potential for oil palm industry.
Tabay said the city has about 60,000 hectares agricultural land fit for specific agriculture and another 130,000 hectares for non-agricultural sources.
Malaysian investors on oil palm set eyes on Sultan Kudarat, setting aside Davao. At that time, it was not only the Malaysians who were interested to develop an oil palm plantation but also Singaporeans.
The Singaporean-based firm Kol John submitted to then mayor Duterte a proposal to develop a 30,000 hectare land in Marilog District for oil palm plantation.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=939182&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=11&ydte_arch=2016
President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday asked the government peace panel to present the issue on oil palm production with the National Democratic Front (NDF) panel in their next peace talks in Oslo, Norway.
Fresh from his two-day visit to Malaysia, President Duterte said Malaysian traders wanted to invest in oil palm plantation in Mindanao that would require hundreds of hectares, but were wary of the rebels' activities that could disrupt business and compromise their security.
Mr. Duterte said oil palm production is one area where government can help in providing livelihood to farmers and improve the economic condition in Mindanao.
“I really do not know but I think somebody should talk to them again. Maybe this would be one project that we can ask about doon sa (there in) Oslo because while waiting for the final result, ano man ‘yan, kailangan natin na (that is, we need that), we have to improve the lives of the people,” he said in the press conference during his arrival from Malaysia Friday dawn.
The President was pushing the oil palm production project two years back but it did not push through.
“Ang tagal na nga ‘yan eh (It’s been a long time already). Problem actually, let me be very frank. “Nong una may pumasok na dito (There was an investor before). As a matter of fact, they sent their agronomist, the guy who examines the soil for its appropriate plant,” the President recalled a situation in Paquibato, a stronghold of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Davao City.
He said the Malaysians were ready at that time but after a positive finding on suitability of the soil but suddenly the NPA posted banners everywhere saying no to palm oil.
When he asked the NPA, the President said he was told that oil palm is detrimental to the water source. But, he said, “Malaysia (which has a vast oil palm plantation) has prospered. It has not lost its moisture or water.
He said he did not insist despite his assurances to the people because there was the threat. “But they (Malaysians) will try again. And again I will make sure to meet the experts of the world about water under the soil and ask us to explain why it is so. He said there is an oil palm plantation in Agusan del Sur and it has proven to be a good source of revenue and a source of livelihood for the people.
Department of Trade and Indutry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said the companies are willing to put a stake in the current administration in terms of supporting the development goals in infrastructure, agri-business.
Lopez said there’s a potential palm oil project wherein the harvest and the output will go back to Malaysia as exports and for further processing into palm oil areas in Mindanao and Palawan.
The investors are initially looking at 80,000 down the road, but Lopez said they have identified close to 1 million hectares as a possible plantation project for palm oil and natural rubber in Mindanao and Palawan.
It may be recalled that then Mayor, now President Duterte offered to open a deal on the multi-million offer of the Malaysian investors to develop an oil palm industry with members of the NPA as partners. He said it was an opportunity for everybody – the rebels and the populace of Paquibato who have longed for economic development in the area.
Paquibato has remained poor because no investor dared to put money in due to presence of rebels plus the imposition of “revolutionary taxes”.
City Agriculturist Rocelio Tabay earlier said the city has vast potential area for an oil palm plantation. According to him, there is a total of 10,000 to 20,000 hectares of idle land potential for oil palm industry.
Tabay said the city has about 60,000 hectares agricultural land fit for specific agriculture and another 130,000 hectares for non-agricultural sources.
Malaysian investors on oil palm set eyes on Sultan Kudarat, setting aside Davao. At that time, it was not only the Malaysians who were interested to develop an oil palm plantation but also Singaporeans.
The Singaporean-based firm Kol John submitted to then mayor Duterte a proposal to develop a 30,000 hectare land in Marilog District for oil palm plantation.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=939182&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=11&ydte_arch=2016
Visaya tells unit commanders to be wary of accepting financial assistance from LGUs
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 11): Visaya tells unit commanders to be wary of accepting financial assistance froVisaya tells unit commanders to be wary of accepting financial assistance from LGUsm LGUs
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya ordered all unit commanders to be very circumspect and wary in accepting financial assistance or pledges from local government units for their civil-military operation projects.
This was after the Senate uncovered the existence of Kerwin Espinosa's "blue book" which allegedly contains the names of individuals, including local government officials, who benefited from his illegal drugs operations and acted as his protectors.
Kerwin is the son of slain Albuera Mayor Rolanda Espinosa who was mysteriously shot and killed at the Baybay Sub-Provincial Jail last Nov. 5.
"In case there are soldiers in the list, we will have then investigated for the circumstances why their names are there," said AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo.
He added that they will determine whether such persons are actually enlisted at the AFP, find out their respective units, if they really exists, and investigate them for possible offenses.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=939183&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=11&ydte_arch=2016
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya ordered all unit commanders to be very circumspect and wary in accepting financial assistance or pledges from local government units for their civil-military operation projects.
This was after the Senate uncovered the existence of Kerwin Espinosa's "blue book" which allegedly contains the names of individuals, including local government officials, who benefited from his illegal drugs operations and acted as his protectors.
Kerwin is the son of slain Albuera Mayor Rolanda Espinosa who was mysteriously shot and killed at the Baybay Sub-Provincial Jail last Nov. 5.
"In case there are soldiers in the list, we will have then investigated for the circumstances why their names are there," said AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo.
He added that they will determine whether such persons are actually enlisted at the AFP, find out their respective units, if they really exists, and investigate them for possible offenses.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=939183&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=11&ydte_arch=2016
Visaya visits soon-to-rise Drug Rehabilitation Center in Nueva Ecija
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 11): Visaya visits soon-to-rise Drug Rehabilitation Center in Nueva Ecija
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya visited and inspected the Drug Rehabilitation Center (DRC) which is now ongoing construction at Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija last Nov. 9.
He was welcomed by 7th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Angelito M. De Leon.
The 10-hectare DRC has a 1,200 patient capacity and is a joint project of AFP and Department of Health.
Visaya said the AFP strongly supports the anti-illegal drug campaign by the Duterte administration. The Philippine Army earlier said that it is offering the use of eight more of its military camps as possible treatment and rehabilitation centers for drug dependents and users.
These camps include Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija; Camp Melchor F Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal; Camp Alfredo Santos in Calauag, Quezon; Camp Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz; Camp Kibaritan in Kalilangan, Bukidnon; Camp Lucero in Carmen, North Cotabato; and Camp Paulino Santos in Alamada, North Cotabato.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=939232&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=11&ydte_arch=2016
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya visited and inspected the Drug Rehabilitation Center (DRC) which is now ongoing construction at Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija last Nov. 9.
He was welcomed by 7th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Angelito M. De Leon.
The 10-hectare DRC has a 1,200 patient capacity and is a joint project of AFP and Department of Health.
Visaya said the AFP strongly supports the anti-illegal drug campaign by the Duterte administration. The Philippine Army earlier said that it is offering the use of eight more of its military camps as possible treatment and rehabilitation centers for drug dependents and users.
These camps include Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija; Camp Melchor F Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal; Camp Alfredo Santos in Calauag, Quezon; Camp Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz; Camp Kibaritan in Kalilangan, Bukidnon; Camp Lucero in Carmen, North Cotabato; and Camp Paulino Santos in Alamada, North Cotabato.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=939232&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=11&ydte_arch=2016
Communist rebel indicted for double murder in Isabela
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 11): Communist rebel indicted for double murder in Isabela
Police operatives here filed double murder charges against a New People’s Army (NPA) rebel in Isabela in connection with the killing of two village officials of Barangay Makindol in Benito Soliven, this province last month.
Probers have cited witnesses who identified Michael Eraña, alias Ka Poktong, of the Northeastern Luzon Command as one of the gunmen who shot and killed village chair Emilio Lazaro and treasurer Wilson Galapon during a drinking spree at the barangay hall last month, according to Senior Superintendent Leon Rafael, Isabela provincial police director.
Eraña was also tagged in the killing of three men in separate incidents in San Mariano town and the burning of a sugarcane plantation in the same town in 2011.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=939228&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=11&ydte_arch=2016
Police operatives here filed double murder charges against a New People’s Army (NPA) rebel in Isabela in connection with the killing of two village officials of Barangay Makindol in Benito Soliven, this province last month.
Probers have cited witnesses who identified Michael Eraña, alias Ka Poktong, of the Northeastern Luzon Command as one of the gunmen who shot and killed village chair Emilio Lazaro and treasurer Wilson Galapon during a drinking spree at the barangay hall last month, according to Senior Superintendent Leon Rafael, Isabela provincial police director.
Eraña was also tagged in the killing of three men in separate incidents in San Mariano town and the burning of a sugarcane plantation in the same town in 2011.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=939228&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=11&ydte_arch=2016
Abu Sayyaf tagged in Basilan bomb blast
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 11): Abu Sayyaf tagged in Basilan bomb blast
Authorities have tagged the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) brigands as the ones behind the bomb explosion Thursday night in Isabela City, Basilan province.
Supt. Jerome Afuyog, Isabela City police chief, on Friday said the incident occurred around 10:15 p.m. Thursday in front of the warehouse of Engr. Soler Undug in Calle Bisaya, Barangay Aguada, Isabela City.
Undug is the head of the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) Basilan district engineers’ office.
Afuyog said no one was hurt in the incident although the cellular phone-triggered bomb that exploded was a powerful type of explosive.
Afuyog said a store nearby has incurred minor damage.
He said they were informed that minutes before the explosion, two men riding tandem on a motorbike dropped a plastic bag after they briefly stopped in front of the warehouse and sped off.
Undug said the ASG brigands were behind the bombing since he turned down their request to employ them as guards of the road concreting projects his office is implementing in the town of Tuburan, Basilan.
Undug, as head of the Basilan district engineers’ office, oversees the implementation of all government infrastructure projects in Basilan province.
The national government and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are currently implementing road concreting projects in the different parts, to include remote and conflict-affected areas, of Basilan.
The Thursday night incident was the second time a bomb was placed in the property of Undug.
The first was on Oct. 28 where a bomb was placed at the entrance of Undug’s residential compound in Purok Yakal, Calle Posporo, Barangay San Rafael, Isabela City.
Joint police and military explosive ordnance demolition (EOD) personnel safely detonated the bomb, which was cellular phone-triggered explosive.
Two men riding a motorcycle were seen to have dropped the bomb at the gate of Undug’s residence before the explosive was discovered and detonated.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=939252&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=11&ydte_arch=2016
Authorities have tagged the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) brigands as the ones behind the bomb explosion Thursday night in Isabela City, Basilan province.
Supt. Jerome Afuyog, Isabela City police chief, on Friday said the incident occurred around 10:15 p.m. Thursday in front of the warehouse of Engr. Soler Undug in Calle Bisaya, Barangay Aguada, Isabela City.
Undug is the head of the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) Basilan district engineers’ office.
Afuyog said no one was hurt in the incident although the cellular phone-triggered bomb that exploded was a powerful type of explosive.
Afuyog said a store nearby has incurred minor damage.
He said they were informed that minutes before the explosion, two men riding tandem on a motorbike dropped a plastic bag after they briefly stopped in front of the warehouse and sped off.
Undug said the ASG brigands were behind the bombing since he turned down their request to employ them as guards of the road concreting projects his office is implementing in the town of Tuburan, Basilan.
Undug, as head of the Basilan district engineers’ office, oversees the implementation of all government infrastructure projects in Basilan province.
The national government and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are currently implementing road concreting projects in the different parts, to include remote and conflict-affected areas, of Basilan.
The Thursday night incident was the second time a bomb was placed in the property of Undug.
The first was on Oct. 28 where a bomb was placed at the entrance of Undug’s residential compound in Purok Yakal, Calle Posporo, Barangay San Rafael, Isabela City.
Joint police and military explosive ordnance demolition (EOD) personnel safely detonated the bomb, which was cellular phone-triggered explosive.
Two men riding a motorcycle were seen to have dropped the bomb at the gate of Undug’s residence before the explosive was discovered and detonated.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=939252&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=Keyword&andor=and&mdte_arch=11&ddte_arch=11&ydte_arch=2016
Zambo police release identities of abducted Vietnamese cargo ship crew off Basilan
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 12): Zambo police release identities of abducted Vietnamese cargo ship crew off Basilan
The Zamboanga police office released on Saturday the identities of the ten Vietnamese cargo ship personnel who were taken a day earlier by heavily-armed Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) brigands off the high seas of Basilan province.
The Vietnamese-flagged cargo vessel hijacked by the gunmen had been towed to the anchorage area of the local port for security reason.
Authorities said the vessel, M/V Royal 16, will stay in the anchorage area until such time replacement crewmen will arrive to operate the ship.
Ten suspected to be ASG bandits hijacked M/V Royal 16 on Friday and seized the ship’s captain and five others, including five officers, near Sibago Island, Mohammad Ajul, Basilan.
The ship, manned by 19 crewmen, is carrying cement and was sailing to Indonesia from Vietnam at the time of the incident.
On Saturday, the local police based on information from the Bureau of Immigration released the identities of the crewmen taken hostage by the bandits.
They included Pham Min Tuan, ship’s captain; Do Trung Hieu; Hoang Vo; Tran Khac Dung; Huang Trung Thong; and, Huang Van Hai.
Ship electrician Pham Van Trong, not Dham Yan Trong as earlier reported, was admitted at a private hospital in this city due to a gunshot wound.
Cmdr. Jerome Cayabyab, Zamboanga coastguard station chief, said the gunmen shot Trong when he ran as they were about to take him along with the other crewmen.
The ASG is long known to be behind the attacks on slow-moving foreign vessels sailing through the waters in southern Philippines.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=939548
The Zamboanga police office released on Saturday the identities of the ten Vietnamese cargo ship personnel who were taken a day earlier by heavily-armed Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) brigands off the high seas of Basilan province.
The Vietnamese-flagged cargo vessel hijacked by the gunmen had been towed to the anchorage area of the local port for security reason.
Authorities said the vessel, M/V Royal 16, will stay in the anchorage area until such time replacement crewmen will arrive to operate the ship.
Ten suspected to be ASG bandits hijacked M/V Royal 16 on Friday and seized the ship’s captain and five others, including five officers, near Sibago Island, Mohammad Ajul, Basilan.
The ship, manned by 19 crewmen, is carrying cement and was sailing to Indonesia from Vietnam at the time of the incident.
On Saturday, the local police based on information from the Bureau of Immigration released the identities of the crewmen taken hostage by the bandits.
They included Pham Min Tuan, ship’s captain; Do Trung Hieu; Hoang Vo; Tran Khac Dung; Huang Trung Thong; and, Huang Van Hai.
Ship electrician Pham Van Trong, not Dham Yan Trong as earlier reported, was admitted at a private hospital in this city due to a gunshot wound.
Cmdr. Jerome Cayabyab, Zamboanga coastguard station chief, said the gunmen shot Trong when he ran as they were about to take him along with the other crewmen.
The ASG is long known to be behind the attacks on slow-moving foreign vessels sailing through the waters in southern Philippines.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=939548
More than sufficient troops to secure heroes' cemetery for Marcos burial, says PHL Army
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 12): More than sufficient troops to secure heroes' cemetery for Marcos burial, says PHL Army
The Philippine Army has more than sufficient troops to secure the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, its spokesperson, Col. Benjamin Hao, has said.
When asked whether the Army has increased security in the heroes' cemetery in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling allowing the interment of former president Ferdinand E. Marcos at the LNMB, Hao said they have more than enough troops, though he did not cite exact figures.
Militant groups have threatened to conduct lightning protest actions at the LNMB should the former president be interred there.
As this develops, Hao said no final date has been set yet for Marcos' burial in the cemetery.
"(As the designated protocol officer), I coordinated with the Marcos family and I asked them whether they have any concern we need to address, (and for the moment), they said they have none and they are still waiting for the final coordination on the date (of the former president's burial)," he said in Filipino.
Hao earlier said the Army is ready to provide Marcos with military honors befitting his rank as former president.
"We will provide former president Marcos military honors befitting a president of our country. He will be given arrival honors by Army brigade-sized honor guards when his remains enter the LNMB," he said. "He will also be given a 21-gun salute."
The Army spokesperson said the former president's casket will be carried by pallbearers, consisting of active-duty senior sergeants and generals, to his final resting place at the cemetery.
An earlier directive said the Army is required to provide a vigil, a bugler, a drummer, a firing party, a military host, pallbearers, an escort and transportation, and arrival and departure honors.
Hao earlier said representatives of the Marcos family have begun cleaning and making initial digs at the regulation 100-sq.-meter plot former presidents are allotted in the LNMB's 5,000-sq. meter Presidential Section.
The remains of three presidents, Carlos P. Garcia, Diosdado Macapagal and Elpidio Quirino have been interred in the heroes' cemetery.
Hao said the Presidential Section still has room for 46 more.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=939425
The Philippine Army has more than sufficient troops to secure the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, its spokesperson, Col. Benjamin Hao, has said.
When asked whether the Army has increased security in the heroes' cemetery in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling allowing the interment of former president Ferdinand E. Marcos at the LNMB, Hao said they have more than enough troops, though he did not cite exact figures.
Militant groups have threatened to conduct lightning protest actions at the LNMB should the former president be interred there.
As this develops, Hao said no final date has been set yet for Marcos' burial in the cemetery.
"(As the designated protocol officer), I coordinated with the Marcos family and I asked them whether they have any concern we need to address, (and for the moment), they said they have none and they are still waiting for the final coordination on the date (of the former president's burial)," he said in Filipino.
Hao earlier said the Army is ready to provide Marcos with military honors befitting his rank as former president.
"We will provide former president Marcos military honors befitting a president of our country. He will be given arrival honors by Army brigade-sized honor guards when his remains enter the LNMB," he said. "He will also be given a 21-gun salute."
The Army spokesperson said the former president's casket will be carried by pallbearers, consisting of active-duty senior sergeants and generals, to his final resting place at the cemetery.
An earlier directive said the Army is required to provide a vigil, a bugler, a drummer, a firing party, a military host, pallbearers, an escort and transportation, and arrival and departure honors.
Hao earlier said representatives of the Marcos family have begun cleaning and making initial digs at the regulation 100-sq.-meter plot former presidents are allotted in the LNMB's 5,000-sq. meter Presidential Section.
The remains of three presidents, Carlos P. Garcia, Diosdado Macapagal and Elpidio Quirino have been interred in the heroes' cemetery.
Hao said the Presidential Section still has room for 46 more.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=939425
Cabreros named PHL Army vice commander
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 12): Cabreros named PHL Army vice commander
Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, Maj. Gen. Harold Cabreros, was installed as Philippine Army vice commander during a short ceremony at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Saturday.
He replaces Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, who retired after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.
Present during Cabreros' assumption ceremony was Army commander Lt. Gen. Eduardo M. Año.
Cabreros, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1984, took command of the Capiz-based 3rd Infantry Division in December 2015.
He spent most of his military career in Luzon and Mindanao.
His most recent field duties include as commander of the 50th Infantry Battalion; head of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade; chief of Unified Command Staff of the Armed Forces' Northern Luzon Command; and deputy commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=939466
Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, Maj. Gen. Harold Cabreros, was installed as Philippine Army vice commander during a short ceremony at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Saturday.
He replaces Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, who retired after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.
Present during Cabreros' assumption ceremony was Army commander Lt. Gen. Eduardo M. Año.
Cabreros, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1984, took command of the Capiz-based 3rd Infantry Division in December 2015.
He spent most of his military career in Luzon and Mindanao.
His most recent field duties include as commander of the 50th Infantry Battalion; head of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade; chief of Unified Command Staff of the Armed Forces' Northern Luzon Command; and deputy commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=939466
Naval officer, who helped design PHL missile-firing frigates, is new PN acting head
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 12): Naval officer, who helped design PHL missile-firing frigates, is new PN acting head
Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado, the naval officer who headed the technical working group which came out with the design specifications of the country's first-ever missile firing frigates, is now acting Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-command.
Mercado assumed leadership of the PN after Vice Admiral Caesar Taccad, a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1982, formally retired from the service Saturday, a day before his 56th birthday which is the mandatory retirement age for all military personnel.
The final design of the PN's missile-firing frigates includes a capability to conduct air-to-air warfare,anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and electronic warfare.
The contract was won by Hyundai Heavy Industries after it submitted a bid of USD336.9 million, or about Php 15.74 billion.
The project has a budget of Php 18 billion, with Php 2 billion allocated for the weapon systems and munitions.
Retirement and change-of-command ceremonies took place at the Sailor Heroes’ Memorial, Naval Base Heracleo Alano, Sangley Point, Cavite City.
Outgoing Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya graced the event and handed the PN flag to Mercado who is now concurrently holding two positions as acting Navy chief and Western Command head.
“The Philippine Navy will continue to focus on the development and sustainment of Fleet and Marine forces for operations," the acting PN chief said.
Mercado has been in the active military service for 37 years now. He is a member of PMA Class of 1983.
He held various positions of major responsibility before taking the helm as the Navy chief.
Foremost of these were being the Philippine Fleet commander, Navy vice commander and Naval Staff chief.
Mercado is a well decorated military professional and a graduate of numerous military courses here and abroad.
His predecessor, Taccad capped off his military career at the top of Navy hierarchy wherein he made sure that the AFP’s naval arm would continue performing its constitutional mandate and sustain its efforts toward modernization.
Taccad's term, which started Aug. 10, 2015, was highlighted by the acquisitions of floating assets that significantly improved the PN capability, especially in the conduct of humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations, such as the Navy’s newest and biggest vessel to date, the amphibious landing dock BRP Tarlac (LD-601), as well as the recently launched second vessel of the same type in Indonesia, which is due for delivery to the Philippines next year; three additional landing craft heavies from Australia; research vessel BRP Gregorio Velasquez (AGR-702); and third Hamilton-class cutter, BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17).
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=939551
Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado, the naval officer who headed the technical working group which came out with the design specifications of the country's first-ever missile firing frigates, is now acting Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-command.
Mercado assumed leadership of the PN after Vice Admiral Caesar Taccad, a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1982, formally retired from the service Saturday, a day before his 56th birthday which is the mandatory retirement age for all military personnel.
The final design of the PN's missile-firing frigates includes a capability to conduct air-to-air warfare,anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and electronic warfare.
The contract was won by Hyundai Heavy Industries after it submitted a bid of USD336.9 million, or about Php 15.74 billion.
The project has a budget of Php 18 billion, with Php 2 billion allocated for the weapon systems and munitions.
Retirement and change-of-command ceremonies took place at the Sailor Heroes’ Memorial, Naval Base Heracleo Alano, Sangley Point, Cavite City.
Outgoing Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya graced the event and handed the PN flag to Mercado who is now concurrently holding two positions as acting Navy chief and Western Command head.
“The Philippine Navy will continue to focus on the development and sustainment of Fleet and Marine forces for operations," the acting PN chief said.
Mercado has been in the active military service for 37 years now. He is a member of PMA Class of 1983.
He held various positions of major responsibility before taking the helm as the Navy chief.
Foremost of these were being the Philippine Fleet commander, Navy vice commander and Naval Staff chief.
Mercado is a well decorated military professional and a graduate of numerous military courses here and abroad.
His predecessor, Taccad capped off his military career at the top of Navy hierarchy wherein he made sure that the AFP’s naval arm would continue performing its constitutional mandate and sustain its efforts toward modernization.
Taccad's term, which started Aug. 10, 2015, was highlighted by the acquisitions of floating assets that significantly improved the PN capability, especially in the conduct of humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations, such as the Navy’s newest and biggest vessel to date, the amphibious landing dock BRP Tarlac (LD-601), as well as the recently launched second vessel of the same type in Indonesia, which is due for delivery to the Philippines next year; three additional landing craft heavies from Australia; research vessel BRP Gregorio Velasquez (AGR-702); and third Hamilton-class cutter, BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17).
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=939551
Visaya to soldiers: Continue helping in anti-drug campaign, shy away from drug personalities
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 13): Visaya to soldiers: Continue helping in anti-drug campaign, shy away from drug personalities
Outgoing Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya urged the military to continue helping in the ongoing anti-illegal drugs campaign.
In the same vein, he also urged all officers and enlisted personnel to stay away from illegal drugs, narco-politicians and crime syndicate leaders.
Visaya made this appeal during his recent visit to the Davao City-based Eastern Mindanao Command and Compostela Valley-headquartered 10th Infantry Division last week.
In the same visit, he also urged all military personnel to remain true to their oath and maintain the nobility of the military profession, remain professional and live by their calling.
The AFP chief, a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1983, is scheduled to step down on Dec. 8 after reaching the mandatory military retirement age of 56.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=939612
Outgoing Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya urged the military to continue helping in the ongoing anti-illegal drugs campaign.
In the same vein, he also urged all officers and enlisted personnel to stay away from illegal drugs, narco-politicians and crime syndicate leaders.
Visaya made this appeal during his recent visit to the Davao City-based Eastern Mindanao Command and Compostela Valley-headquartered 10th Infantry Division last week.
In the same visit, he also urged all military personnel to remain true to their oath and maintain the nobility of the military profession, remain professional and live by their calling.
The AFP chief, a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1983, is scheduled to step down on Dec. 8 after reaching the mandatory military retirement age of 56.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=939612
Retired Analyst: Back from the Boondocks
I just returned home from a week in the boondocks with family members. Great time was had by all. I will now resume normal blogging activity.
Best regards,
Retired Analyst
Best regards,
Retired Analyst