Friday, November 18, 2016

First Scout Ranger Regiment has new Commander.

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines Civil Relations Service Facebook page (Nov 18): First Scout Ranger Regiment has new Commander.



First Scout Ranger Regiment has new Commander. Colonel Glen Paje, a competent officer and a die-hard ranger takes over the helm one of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' elite units from BGen. Eduardo Davalan who retires from the military service.

Congratulations Col. Glen Paje!


https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048.42807.163190093699723/1323326047686116/?type=3&theater

Vietnam, Philippines navies strengthen relations

From Update.Ph (Nov 18): Vietnam, Philippines navies strengthen relations

Navy photo

Philippines and Vietnam navies have conducted a bilateral engagement to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation.

“The Philippine Navy (PN) hosted the 3rd PN-Vietnam People’s Navy (VPN) Staff to Staff Talks (STST) from Nov. 15-18, 2016 in order to further develop and strengthen bilateral relations of both navies,” the Philippine Navy said.

Navy photo
Navy photo

http://www.update.ph/2016/11/vietnam-philippines-navies-strengthen-relations/11135

Israel firms demo missile system to PH defense, military officials

From Update.Ph (Nov 18): Israel firms demo missile system to PH defense, military officials



Philippine defense and military officials today have seen how Israeli missile system work. Israel Military Industries (IMI) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)-ELTA jointly conducted a live-fire demonstration in Israel, Friday afternoon (Manila time), according to MaxDefense Philippines.

The said live-firing was to demonstrate Israeli firms’ offer for Philippine Army’s Shore Based Missile System (SBMS) acquisition project, MaxDefense said.

“Among those demonstrated were the IMI Lynx mobile launching system, the EXTRA, Accular, and Predator Hawk guided rocket systems, and smart ammunitions for the 155mm howitzers, which are offered to the AFP as well,” MaxDefense said.

Present during the said demonstration were National Defense Undersecretary for Finance and Material Raymund Elefante, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff General Ricardo Visaya, Army commanding general Lieutenant General Eduardo Año, Philippine Marine Corps commandant Major General Andre M. Costales Jr., Navy vice commander Rear Admiral Rafael G. Mariano, and other officials from the Army and Navy.

MaxDefense Philippines is being managed by Max Montero, an Australia-based defense analyst and a former naval reservist officer in the Philippine Navy.

In mid-2015, a reprioritization in the AFP modernization program was made by senior defense and military officials shelving the planned SBMS acquisition project (at that time) in favor of equipment that can be used for internal threats.

http://www.update.ph/2016/11/israel-firms-demo-missile-system-to-ph-defense-military-officials/11147

Malisbong Massacre memorialized in “Forbidden Memory” film

From MindaNews (Nov 17): 1974 Malisbong Massacre memorialized in  “Forbidden Memory” film

It took 40 years for the Philippine government to officially acknowledge the massacre of at least 1,500 Moro residents of the coastal barangay of Malisbong in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat in September1974 — one of the worst human rights violations under the Marcos dictatorship but not known to majority of the Filipinos.

The massacre has been memorialized in Moro filmmaker Gutiterrez “Teng” Mangansakan’s documentary feature, “Forbidden Memory,” which will have its world premiere at the Gateway Cinema in Quezon City on November 18. The film’s poster reads: “The Greatest Marcos Horror Story Never Told.”

17forbidden11

“Forbidden Memory” is one of three documentary features out of 10 entries to the Cineme One Originals Festival that started on November 14 and will end on November 22.

The film’s synopsis says Forbidden Memory “summons remembrances and memories of the fateful days in September 1974 when about 1,000 men from Malisbong and neighboring villages in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat province, were killed while 3,000 women and children were forcibly taken to naval boats stationed nearby where they encountered unspeakable horror. The genocide and atrocities were perpetrated under the dark years of the Martial Law regime of Ferdinand Marcos.”

In his Director’s Journal Entry posted on his Facebook wall on August 10, Mangansakan said he went to Malisbong and its neighboring barangays a day earlier to ask survivors about their sentiments on the burial of  Marcos’ remains at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

“The answer was fury,” wrote Mangansakan.

“Under Martial Law, more than a thousand were killed by Philippine military forces in what is now known as the Malisbong Massacre. After talking to survivors, I conclude that it was no ordinary massacre. It was genocide,” he said.

Mangansakan told MindaNews that the documentary “is a study of memory and how this memory keeps the spirit alive and the faith burning. It is not focused on validating historical truth,” as he acknowledges that “a lot of the accounts are inconsistent at times,” but on “how the memory of that truth keep a sense of community in seeking justice and reparation.”

Recognition and reparation

On  September 24, 2014, the 40th anniversary of the massacre, then Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chair Loretta Ann Rosales visited the village to formally recognize the atrocities committed against them by state forces and to enlist the survivors and families of the victims of human rights violation under the Marcos dictatorship to file their claims for reparation.

“Bibigyan natin ng dangal and bawat isa sa kanila because there is this measure of justice na bagamat hindi total justice ay nagsisiguro ng tinuturing nating hustisya (We will give dignity to each one of them because there is this measure of justice that, although not total, ensures some kind of justice that we’ve been hoping),” she said in a MindaNews report after her visit.

The CHR chief was referring to Republic Act 10368, or the Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act of 2013, which recognizes and provides reparation to victims of human rights violations during Martial Law.

CHR personnel facilitated the filing of their claims with the Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board.

The report of the Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC), the independent body tasked by Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels to undertake a study and to make recommendations “with a view to promoting healing and reconciliation among the different communities affected by the conflict in Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago” noted the allegations that the Philippine military and paramilitary forces “killed an estimated 1,500 Moro men and boys, who were held in a local mosque, and raped an unknown number of women and girls on a naval vessel anchored offshore.”

“They were made to dig their own graves”

The TJRC report quoted this survivor’s account during the TJRC Listening Process: “When the 15th IB, 16th IB, 25th IB and 27th IB arrived, it was four days after the start of the Ramadan. We were fasting then. One morning, the army went around the area. They first got the barangay officials and one Municipal Councilor, named Hadji Tatu. They were gathered together and were about 1,000 individuals, including the barangay officials and municipal official. They were the first ones who were captured and never came back.”

The survivor added: “There were also more than 1,000 persons who were left inside the mosque. Every day in the mosque, the army would get one to ten persons. Those who were inside the mosque would hear shots of fire hours after these people were taken outside. And those who were taken outside never came back. After one month, Hadji Drews Ali, the Mayor of Palembang, arrived together with Capt. Tayumo to get 200 people, who were inside the mosque. But they were only able to take 150 people—there were four  people from the 150 that were rescued. We never knew what happened to those who were left inside the mosque. My grandfather (father of my mother) was buried alive and another relative was nailed to a cross like Christ. Everyday inside the mosque. I had relatives taken – seven to nine relatives were taken outside, but only the brother of my father survived. All of them were stripped of their clothes; they were brought to the beach; they were made to dig for their own graves; and when they were done, they were shot and killed.”

In addition, the TJRC report said, some 300 houses were burned to the ground by government forces.
According to accounts by the Moro Women’s Center based in General Santos City,  the entire Moro-dominated coastal village of Malisbong in Palimbang was razed to the ground by government forces and their allies.

“Moro men were shot to death while women and children were arrested and brought to a nearby Marines and Navy boat anchored on the sea shore that was constantly shelling the community,” the group said.

It said women aged nine to 60 years-old were raped while being detained at the boat overnight.
“About 3,000 detained women and children were later released and ushered to a community along the seashore. Most of them lost their sanity due to grave torture during interrogations,” the Center said.

Based on the Center’s estimates, around 1,500 male Moros aged 11 to 70-years old were massacred inside the Malisbong mosque while some 300 houses were destroyed and burned by government forces.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2016/11/1974-malisbong-massacre-memorialized-in-forbidden-memory-film/

Promoting peace and protection of children

From The Standard (Nov 18): Promoting peace and protection of children

On the occasion of the International Day of Peace and National Peace Consciousness Month, UN children’s agency UNICEF and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) came together to celebrate peace and promote peace building by showcasing traditional art forms with the talents of children.

The Pakaradian sa Kalilintad or festival of peace and merry-making feature traditional art forms including music, visual arts and dance. The event seeks to expand community understanding on the welfare of children and their role as instruments of peace building as part of the “Children, Not Soldiers” campaign on non-association of children in armed conflict.
The festival seeks to expand community understanding on the welfare of children and their roles as instruments of peace building
Children from Bangsamoro communities from Lanao to the island provinces of Sulu and Basilan competed in three categories of traditional dance, song and musical performances. Clad in vibrant colored costumes, and backed by traditional musical instruments such as the kulintang, agong and dabakan, they proudly shared their folk arts and culture as a significant part of their unique identities as a community.

This event is the grand culmination of six local level competitions organized by the Bangsamoro Islamic Women’s Auxiliary Brigade (BIWAB), supported by Kalimudan Arts and Culture Centre and UNICEF.
Children showcase their talents during the Pakaradian sa Kalilintad
“By fostering children’s appreciation for diversity and creating a platform for children to share their stories and dreams, we promote unity and peace. Through these activities, children develop friendships and become active players in peace building, paving the way for social cohesion among communities. The community members such as the Base Commanders, elders and parents also play their role in changing behaviors to keep children away from war, and allow children to play, go to school and just be children,” UNICEF Philippines representative Lotta Sylwander says.

The UN-MILF action plan was signed in 2009 to address the recruitment and use of children and commits the MILF to ensure that no children under 18 are associated with the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) as combatants or in supporting roles such as messengers, cooks or cleaners. The “Children Not Soldiers” campaign has reached around 29,100 people, including 10,765 members of the BIAF, 2,457 children and 9,427 community members in eight provinces.

As the seven sambolayang or peace flags by children fluttered in the morning breeze in Camp Darapanan, the children reminded the adults for the need to preserve their rich cultural heritage for the new generation, as well as their desire for the successful implementation of the peace process that is inclusive and supports the rights of all children.

http://thestandard.com.ph/lifestyle/weekend-living/221757/promoting-peace-and-protection-of-children.html

300 men, 10 APCs, 2 choppers raid home of Maguindanao 'narco-mayor,' seize 7 sachets, 3 guns

From InterAksyon (Nov 19): 300 men, 10 APCs, 2 choppers raid home of Maguindanao 'narco-mayor,' seize 7 sachets, 3 guns

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- A large force of 300 police and military personnel, backed by 10 armored personal carriers and two helicopter gunships raided Thursday the home of a Maguindanao town mayor who President Rodrigo Duterte publicly accused of involvement in the narcotics trade.

However, the raiders, led by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, who were armed with 12 search warrants, managed to seize only seven sachets of suspected “shabu,” two .45 caliber pistols and an M16 assault rifle from the home of Mayor Montasir Sabal of Talital town, who was not around during the operation.

The MG-520 helicopters fired rockets and machineguns around the house of Sabal to prevent his followers from engaging the raiders as they entered the residence.

However, Senior Inspector Rasul Pandulo, spokesman of the Maguindanao police office, said only caretakers and a sick relative of the mayor were in the house. The relative was taken to a hospital by the police.

The raiders also search the nearby house of Vice Mayor Abdulwahab Sabal, who is detained in Camp Crame after his arrest on charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

Lieutenant Colonel Markton Abo, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the use of air assets was necessary because the Sabals are known to have armed followers.

The Sabals were earlier accused of being among Maguindanao’s “narco-politicians” by Duterte.

Abo said the houses of an incumbent member of the ARMM regional assembly and the chairman of the association of barangay captains in Talitay, both relatives of the Sabals, were also raided.

He said the operation was coordinated with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to avoid mis-encounters.

The search warrants were issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 13 Judge Bansawan Ibrahim.

http://interaksyon.com/article/134468/300-men-10-apcs-2-choppers-raid-home-of-maguindanao-narco-mayor-seize-7-sachets-3-guns

Opinion: Misuari and long path toward peace

Opinion piece by Ryan D. Rosauro in the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 19): Misuari and long path toward peace

Mixed reactions greeted the emergence of Moro National Liberation Front founding chair Nur Misuari from over three years of hiding. Those seeking justice for the atrocities committed in the 2013 Zamboanga siege wanted him held accountable now that he is within the law’s reach. But some raised the strategic value of his temporary liberty: his ability to take part in the Bangsamoro transition process, thus completing the key actors in the long march to peace in Mindanao. (The others are the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the various MNLF factions.)

Jesus Dureza, President Duterte’s adviser on the peace process, acknowledged that Misuari would be a major player in the administration’s strategy of achieving convergence among the Bangsamoro peace agreements. But how this will turn out depends on how the process is steered. There is a delicate dynamics among Moro revolutionary groups, shaped in the course of the four-decade armed struggle for self-determination. Here, the process will be as important as the content.

Simply, convergence is bringing the MILF and the MNLF into a unified process of building Moro autonomy consistent with the peace agreements that the government has signed with each.

According to Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, who served as chief government peace negotiator with the MILF, the peace processes with the two groups are “conjoined” as these deal with the same aspirations of the Moro people.

The reality of having two peace processes to resolve a single conflict arose from the split within the MNLF leadership in 1977. In one faction was Misuari and in the other was Salamat Hashim, whose faction eventually became the MILF in 1984. In the book “Bangsamoro: A Nation Under Endless Tyranny,” author Salah Jubair says that differences in political outlook and questions about Misuari’s style of leading the Moro revolution caused the split. There were other factors, the most fatal being when Misuari’s secretary-general, Muslimen Sema, formed the MNLF Council of 15 in 2000.

With the split, Moro supporters such as the Muslim World League and the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) made efforts in 1986 to have both Misuari and Salamat join peace talks with the government—to no avail, as President Corazon Aquino chose to negotiate only with the MNLF.

By Sept. 2, 1996, Misuari had forged with the government a final peace agreement (FPA), which remains unsatisfactorily implemented to this day. An OIC-sponsored review of implementation identified 42 points for improvement.

By January 1997, negotiations with the MILF had begun, culminating in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed on March 27, 2014. The MILF said it negotiated on issues for Moro self-rule which the FPA left out or did not articulate clearly.

Both the FPA and the CAB envision expanded autonomy, but they diverge on the territory of the proposed political entity. The FPA counts 13 provinces (now 15) outlined as the Moro homeland in a 1976 initial pact. The CAB focuses on areas within the historic Moro homeland, as small as a barangay, which are predominantly Moro-populated. It also provides for the delineation of Bangsamoro waters—a feature absent in the FPA.

The MNLF was unhappy that the amended Organic Act for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, enacted in 2001, does not quite reflect the FPA’s provisions. A disgruntled Misuari tried to launch another rebellion in Sulu in 2001, for which he had to face charges that did not prosper in court.

The MILF was anxious that the 16th Congress failed to enact the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that could have provided for an autonomy setup more meaningful than the ARMM, a major consensus enshrined in the CAB.

President Benigno Aquino III sought the convergence of the two peace agreements through the BBL. He offered the MNLF factions seats in the 15-member Bangsamoro Transition Commission which was writing the BBL, per the CAB. But the offer was unheeded.

Today, Sema’s MNLF Council of 15 will take seats in the Bangsamoro Transition Commission. Earlier, Sema and the MILF agreed to jointly explore the convergence points in the FPA and CAB, following the OIC’s call for Moro revolutionaries to unify their actions.

But Misuari’s faction will not be represented in the commission. He will have his own panel interacting with the government—a situation exemplifying the many nuances that must be adroitly dealt with to ensure success in convergence.

President Duterte has set mid-2017 as the deadline for drafting a new autonomy measure that he will endorse to Congress. In the next eight months, crucial balancing acts will be needed in order to effectively navigate the intricate politics of the Moro revolution to set the path toward peace.

I now understand why peace negotiators of the government and the MILF were inclined to abuse the phrase “cautious optimism” when describing their feelings about the prospects ahead.

[Ryan D. Rosauro, based in Ozamiz City, has been a correspondent of the Inquirer since 2001.]

http://opinion.inquirer.net/99348/misuari-long-path-toward-peace

Jakarta, KL and Manila agree on joint army training to fight piracy

From the Straits Times (Nov 18): Jakarta, KL and Manila agree on joint army training to fight piracy

Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines have agreed to initiate joint army training to advance efforts to secure the Sulu Sea from rampant piracy.

Indonesian Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said each country would begin its own army personnel training in January next year before conducting joint training later in the year.

The training will take place in Tarakan in Indonesia's North Kalimantan province, Malaysia's Tawao Island and the Philippines' Bongao Island.

Mr Ryamizard said army personnel set to participate in the joint training would form a special force tasked with facing the notorious Abu Sayyaf militant group, which has masterminded a series of recent kidnappings in the Sulu Sea in the south-western Philippines.

"It's part of a concrete action we Asean countries are taking to secure the region," he said in Jakarta on Thursday.
 
He said the training locations would later become posts for a joint task force assigned to help secure Sulu waters.

The need for joint army training was discussed during a meeting between Mr Ryamizard and his Malaysian and Philippine counterparts, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and Major-General Delfin Lorenzana, held on the sidelines of the Asean Defence Ministers' Meeting retreat earlier this week in Laos.

Malaysia and the Philippines welcomed the initiative, which will add to a joint sea patrol in the Sulu Sea that the three neighbours previously agreed on.

http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/jakarta-kl-and-manila-agree-on-joint-army-training-to-fight-piracy

Opinion: Move military camps out of Metro Manila

Opinion piece by Efren R. Danao in the Manila Times (Nov 18): Move military camps out of Metro Manila

MODERNIZATION of the military will move faster and with less reliance on foreign aid if all military camps are transferred to locations outside Metro Manila.

Camp Aguinaldo, the general headquarters of the Armed Forces, Nichols, the GHQ of the Philippine Air Force, Ft. Bonifacio, the GHQ of the Philippine Army and the Philippine Marines, Camp Crame, the GHQ of the Philippine National Police, and the Philippine Navy GHQ along Roxas Blvd. are all occupying prime land. These could be privatized and the proceeds from their sale used to augment the capital outlays of the service branches involved.

The proposal to privatize the military camps is not new. It was first broached in the aftermath of the five coups against the administration of President Cory Aquino. It has been pointed out that the Philippines is the only country in the world where all GHQs of major military services are located in the national capital region. The proximity of the military camps to Malacanang made it easier for coup plotters to mobilize troops and threaten the seat of government.

The proposal to transfer the National Bilibid Prison to Laur, Nueva Ecija, and sell the land it is now occupying in Muntinlupa is gaining widespread approval. I first heard this proposal from the then Nueva Ecija Rep. Renato Diaz. That was more than 20 years ago and it’s only now under President Rodrigo Duterte that the planned transfer of the NBP has started to move. Isn’t it about time that we revisit also the proposal to privatize the military camps?

The Duterte administration is trying to wean the country away from relying on foreign countries. This is a herculean task, considering the many sectors that need funding. This includes the military whose modernization program has been bogged down by corruption and lack of funds. These snags could be untangled by President Duterte’s sustained campaign against corruption and by privatizing the military camps.

The proposed 2017 budget for the military modernization program is P25 billion. This is less than 20 percent of the proposed AFP budget of P130.6 billion for next year. Many consider this amount inadequate to keep the Philippine military on a par with its counterparts in the region. Oh well, has there ever been a time when our brave soldiers, pilots, sailors and police were given supplies better than those of our neighbors? It’s often pointed out that the guerrillas of the Moro National Liberation Front and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and the Abu Sayyaf extremists are better armed than our soldiers.

It must be recalled that some P300 billion was raised for the AFP modernization during the Ramos administration when the Bases Conversion Development Authority was organized and 240 hectares of Ft. Bonifacio was privatized. Today, the privatized area, especially the Bonifacio Global City, is the center of frenetic economic activity. The same development could be expected if Camp Aguinaldo, Camp Crame and Nichols Air Base are privatized completely, along with what’s left of Ft. Bonifacio.

Aguinaldo has a land area of 178 hectares; Crame, 32 hectares. These camps along EDSA and very near the Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City,could fetch more than the P33,000 per square meter realized in the privatization of a portion of Ft. Bonifacio.

What makes these camps more expensive, aside from their location, is the presence of golf courses there.Crame and Aguinaldo, along with Bonifacio and Nichols, have a golf course each. A golf course is expensive to maintain but more than that, it has no relation at all to national defense. Wait, the military is maintaining a fifth golf course–at the Veterans Memorial Hospital. Now, can anybody tell me what’s the use of a golf course in treating ailing veterans?

The VMH reportedly earns about P2 million a year from the golf course. However, the land on which the golf course is built is worth about P11.5 billion, according to Sen. Franklin M. Drilon. It will take the VMH about 7,000 years of maintaining the golf course before it can earn P11.5 billion. The hospital’s golf course is also worth privatizing if the government is truly intent on getting as much funding as possible for the AFP modernization program.

These camps’ privatization should follow that of Ft. Bonifacio, did I say? Well, Sen. Ralph Recto is very apprehensive that that’s exactly what might happen. He recalled that only a small portion of the P300 billion from the Ft. Boni sale was directly used for the AFP modernization program.

Asked about where the bulk of the proceeds went, President Ramos cavalierly replied that it was commingled with the general fund. It was never explained why the proceeds from the privatization were not placed in a special trust fund since they were specifically intended to modernize the AFP.
Well, the experience from the Ft. Bonifacio privatization could be a lesson learned. Put the proceeds in a trust fund so they can’t be used for purposes other than for the capital outlay of the military.

While I’m discussing the military, I want to congratulate, although belatedly, my townmate, Lt. Gen. Raul del Rosario on his promotion to chief of the Philippine Air Force. He’s the second son of Lupao, Nueva Ecija, to get a star, the other being C/Supt. Noel Baraceros of the PNP. Both are PMA graduates.

Incidentally, the first PMA graduate from Lupao was my uncle,Virgilio Danao, who died during World War II. He belonged to PMA Class 1942. My uncle’s class that included Eleuterio Adevoso and Osmundo Mondonedo was immediately called to active duty in December 1941 after Pearl Harbor. If I may add, my late elder brother was a member of PMA Class 1964. He died in the line of duty a week after turning 28.

http://www.manilatimes.net/move-military-camps-metro-manila/297289/

4 hurt in Basilan rescue mission

From ABS-CBN (Nov 19): 4 hurt in Basilan rescue mission

At least four government forces were hurt in an attempt to rescue six Vietnamese sailors being held by suspected Abu Sayyaf in Basilan on Friday night.

Government forces were conducting a foot patrol in Dugaa, Tuburan when an undetermined number of bandits attacked troops from the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion and Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit around 8 p.m., military said.

The troops retaliated, resulting in an encounter which injured two soldiers and two CAFGU members.

The military operation is still ongoing, according to authorities.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/18/16/4-hurt-in-basilan-rescue-mission

Army lauded for remarkable transformation

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 18): Army lauded for remarkable transformation

The Philippine Army has remarkably transformed from being alienated from the people to being on way to its best, a top lawyer who belongs to the Philippine Army’s Multi-Sector Advisory Board (MSAB), said.

"Now, we have transformed military,” said Lawyer Arnel Paciano Casanova, former president and chief executive officer of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), who has been working with the Armed Forces of the Philippines since 1993.

“I’ve seen the best and the worst in the AFP. But I would say today that our Armed Forces of the Philippines, particularly the Philippine Army, is on its way to be on its best."

Paciano who has been part of the government negotiating panel during the revolutionary attempts of the Reform the Armed Forces Movement (RAM) of now Sen. Gregorio Honasan and during the so-called Oakwood Mutiny of now Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV addressed members of the 7th Infantry Division MSAM and military officers at the 7ID Clubhouse here for the 7ID Governance Forum.

“Transforming single individual soldier as well as transforming the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Army as an institution, it is a response to the painful past of the Armed Forces that have been for quite a while have been alienated from our people because of the dark pages in our history, particularly in the dark days of the dictatorship," he said.

He urged soldiers to be always guided by the Article 2, Section 3 of the Philippine Constitution.
“This should be memorized by heart by every single soldier. Civilian authority is at all times supreme over the military. The Armed Forces of the Philippines is the protector of the people and the state. Its goal is to secure the sovereignty of the state and the integrity of the national territory.”

He noted that the provision even made the people first before the State.

Casanova also noted the provision was included in the Constitution that was drafted after the Marcos dictatorship.

He narrated to soldiers how the neighborhood in their barrio, where houses had no fence, lived in fear.

"I remember every single night we heard footsteps of people walking along our house. We were always afraid, we do not know if that the New People's Army (NPA)  or we do not know if it is the Army or the PC (Philippine Constabulary). But, by and large whether it is the Army or the NPA or the PC we are all afraid because we are expecting gunfire at any moment,” he said, adding that, "because the encounter would happen right where we are.”

One day, he said, their house was ransacked by Philippine Constabulary members who poked guns at his very young siblings.

"That is a very traumatic experience I have with our military, particularly the Constabulary,” he said.
Casanova said that soldiers and officers must conduct themselves at all times with dignity and pride, which he added is in connection with their goal of becoming a world -class Army by 2028.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=941247

Ex-Sulu gov, Sen. de Lima, 3 others face raps for 'financing' ASG members

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 18): Ex-Sulu gov, Sen. de Lima, 3 others face raps for 'financing' ASG members

Human rights activist Temogen “Cocoy” Tulawie filed Friday a complaint against former Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan, Senator Leila de Lima, Mehol Sadain, Edilwasif Baddiri and Wendel Sotto before the Office of the Ombudsman Mindanao for alleged violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019) particularly on crime financing of terrorist.

Tulawie and Abner Salahi Tahil, also another complainant, accused Tan, de Lima, Sadain, Baddiri and Sotto of violating Republic Act No. 10168 or the Act Defining the Crime of Financing Terrorism for “knowingly and directly aiding, protecting, providing shelter, transportation and legal services and financing the release of accused Abu Sayyaf members Mohammd Sali Said, Jul Ahmad Ahadi and Robin Sahiyal at the Special Intensive Care Area (SICA) of Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig". They were reportedly high valued members of the ASG.

In their complaint, Tulawie and Tahil said they have knowledge of such acts of the respondents because all happened during their trial of their criminal cases before Branch 19 of the Regional trial Court in Manila.

During the "Kapihan sa PIA" forum Friday, Tulawie said SICA is a special facility designed for high risk and dangerous inmates. It was where the Abu Sayyaf inmates were detained. According to him, having been incarcerated there for three years, his co-complainant was able to witness how the respondents allegedly entered into shadowy dealings with the ASG for the purpose of producing witnesses to pin him down in his criminal case.

It may be recalled that Tulawie and Tahir were implicated to the Sulu bombing incident in 2009, of which among the 12 victims was Tan, then the Sulu governor. Tulawie and Tahir were released on July 19 after they were acquitted by the court on July 20 last year.

Tulawie and Tahir complained that Tan, then Justice Secretary De Lima, Sadain, who was the head of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos) worked for the release of said ASG members on account that they were innocent Muslims wrongly arrested due to mistaken identity despite their knowledge that said ASG members were high valued terrorists.

“The acts of providing and making available to terrorists the funds, financial assistance, shelter and legal services with the use of their public offices and by taking advantage of the powers, influence and connections of their respective public offices falls within the ambit of financing of terrorism penalized by RA 10168 and RA3019,” the complainants said.

According to them, despite the written protests, media statements and official communications to her office condemning the release of the three ASG inmates, De Lima did not bother to respond to formal letters and media statements.

“She allowed Mohammad Sali Said to be placed under the government’s Witness Protection Program (WPP) and was given security protection, financial assistance and shelter by her office. What was worst was that while on paper Mohammad Sali Said was supposed to be under WPP of the DOJ, the truth was that he was freely returned to Sulu and continued with kidnapping activities of the ASG,” the complainants said.

They alleged that Said even declared that he was untouchable because of the protection of de Lima and Tan.

Both Tulawie and Tahir also accused the same officials of dishonesty, neglect of duty, grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

Tulawie, who is now based in Davao after he was released by the court last year, dismissed speculations the filing of the case was his way of getting back at Tan, saying, “This is my contribution to the efforts of finishing the Abu Sayyaf Group and dismantle their mantle of protection within government functionaries.”

He said the sphere of power of Tan would not end the government’s problem on ASG if nobody would expose them.

“Despite the countless military operations against them (ASG), the reason why up to now the ASG is still alive and kicking and going about with the usual kidnapping spree is because we have officials in government such as the above-named respondents who are knowingly and willfully protecting them,” Tulawie said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=941272

Army holds youth leadership summit to Jones Rural School students

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 18): Army holds youth leadership summit to Jones Rural School students

The 86th Infantry Battalion based in this town, together with other government agencies, kicked off Friday a three-day youth leadership summit for the high school students of Jones Rural School.

Lt. Col. Jose Vladimir Cagara, commander of the 86th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army (PA), said the summit is a civil military operation activity aims to enhance the leadership skills of students while they are still young.

Cagara said the activity will also a venue where students will be properly inform on the do’s and don’ts and identify what is right and wrong as they are being considered the hope of the nation.

The army official said the summit is a program of the military that involves the civilian in peace and development efforts.

At least 103 high school students from Grades 7 to 11 are participating the ongoing activity.

Cagara said that aside form the students, they are also conducting youth leadership summit to the out-of-school youth to give them the necessary knowledge and skills in leading their fellow youth and become good leaders in the community.

Cagara saluted the parents of the students who give them the permission to attend the summit as he assured that the soldiers will give them the necessary leadership skills to become productive in their community.

The youth leadership summit will end on November 20.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=941328

10 ASG bandits killed, undetermined others wounded in latest Sulu clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 18): 10 ASG bandits killed, undetermined others wounded in latest Sulu clash

Ten Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits were killed and undetermined number were wounded as troopers from the 35th Infantry Battalion engaged the brigands in another focused military operation in Patikul, Sulu Friday morning.

In the said encounter, four soldiers were killed while nine were wounded in action.

The clash between government forces and an estimated 150 ASG bandits reportedly led by Radullan Sahiron took place around 10:20 a.m.

Western Mindanao Command spokesperson Major Filemon Tan said the encounter that lasted for almost 45 minutes transpired in Sitio Dyundangan, Brgy Buhanginan, Patikul.

Tan said the ASG retreated after sustaining 10 dead and undetermined number of wounded.

He added troops recovered the bodies of the three slain bandits while the rest of the dead and wounded ASGs were dragged by their companions based on intelligence reports.

"Immediately, indirect fire support were delivered by 105mm howitzers while other units conducted pursuit and blocking operations," Tan said.

Joint Task Group Sulu, the mother unit of the 35th Infantry Battalion, is now facilitating the casualty evacuation and directed S-76 air ambulance to conduct medical evacuation from Sulu to Camp Navarro General Hospital in Zamboanga City.

All units were directed to establish checkpoints in their respective areas.

"Despite the casualties incurred, the military continues to conduct combat operations against the ASG to destroy the bandits, rescue the kidnap victims and deter terror attacks perpetrated by the bandit group in the province of Sulu and possibly in other provinces as well," Tan added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=941253

Marcos clan gave AFP short notice on LNMB burial of former president

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 18): Marcos clan gave AFP short notice on LNMB burial of former president

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the Marcos clan gave them short notice when they had decided to go ahead with the interment of former president Ferdinand E. Marcos at the "Libingan Ng Mga Bayani" (LNMB) in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, on Friday.

The body of the late strongman was airlifted from Laoag City via military helicopter around 9 a.m.
The body arrived at the LNMB around 10:45 a.m. with the interment proceeding already completed at 12: 45 p.m.

AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said arrival honors for the former president, who died in 1989, or 27 years ago, was done until the remains were taken to his alloted area at the Presidential Section of the LNMB.

"... the honor that went on this morning included the arrival honors immediately after the remains of the late president arrived at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, the remains were borne in a woven coffin, brown in color and ... was drawn by a horse when it was brought to the entombment area, followed by a march of all the mourners and those who were attending," Padilla said.

"Following the march to the interment area, the remains were carried to the interment area that was reserved for the late president. The entombment area must conform to a set of standards that are provided for by the LNMB authorities so that uniformity will be adhered," he added.

Padilla said the last rites were heard and led by a military chief chaplain and appropriate final honors were rendered which included a 21-gun salute, as the remains were brought to the entombment area and before it was laid or lowered to the entombment place, the last taps and the volley of fire was heard.

The latter is a final salute to any soldier who is laid to rest, he added.

"So those who paid their last respects did their part. Immediately after that, after the flag was given to the next of kin and in this case our acting chief-of-staff, Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda handed the flag to the widow, the former First Lady Imelda Marcos," he said.

Padilla said a big portion of Marcos' tomb was already constructed before the Supreme Court (SC) released the status quo order.

"There was a cauldron with flame. It was a simple entombment area with a marble finish," he pointed out.
About a hundred people, Miranda and PNP chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa, were also present during the activity.

"It was the wish of the Marcos family to keep the burial secret," Padilla said.

"The AFP did not decide on making this a no media event. We just complied with the desire of the family," he said.

For her part, Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos said that it was the wish of his late father to be buried at the LNMB.

She also thanked President Rodrigo Duterte for allowing the burial to take place and the SC who upheld the decision.

"Finally, on this day, the wish of my beloved father, the late President Ferdinand Marcos to be buried together with fellow soldiers, was finally fulfilled."

"Me and my family wholeheartedly thanked those who have proven his right to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. First and foremost, to President Duterte who suggested this, to the Supreme Court who upheld the decision and the thousands who showed their love and care for my family," Imee said.

"You were together with us who dreamt and prayed in almost three decades that this day will come. That's why I'm asking for an apology and understanding for our decision to make the burial of my father simple, private and solemn so that those who are hurting will further not be affected," she added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=941261

DND chief lauds TRADOC for turning out quality personnel

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 18): DND chief lauds TRADOC for turning out quality personnel

As the Tarlac-based Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) celebrated its 65th founding anniversary on Friday, its officers and enlisted personnel received warm congratulations for its achievements in turning out quality soldiers for the country.

“You have greatly contributed in the molding of my professional being, and the thousands of Philippine Army and the ASEAN armies who benefited from the professional training programs and erudite tutelage of this illustrious military learning institution,” Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in his message, which was read by Undersecretary Ricardo A. David.

TRADOC is commanded by Brig. Gen. Herminigildo Francisco C. Aquino.

In his message, Lorenzana said he is confident with the professional acumen and dynamics of TRADOC under Aquino's leadership.

“TRADOC shall continue to scale higher heights of achievements for the Philippine Army, our armed forces, and our country and people,” he added.

TRADOC's 65th anniversary kicked off with the blessing of vehicles (M-35 trucks, KM-450 troop carrier, school buses, and military police cars) and inauguration of ASEAN Armies Rifle Meet Grandstand; AARM ranges (ladies and men pistol, carbine and machine gun); Building 3; Floating huts; Student Mess Hall; Medical Dispensary; and Dental Detachment.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=941373

Yasay, Kerry agree to boost Philippines-US ties

From Rappler (Nov 18): Yasay, Kerry agree to boost Philippines-US ties

The meeting comes almost a month after President Rodrigo Duterte announced the Philippines' supposed military and economic 'separation' from the US

YASAY-KERRY MEETING. Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr meets with US Secretary of State John Kerry on the sidelines of the APEC ministerial meeting in Lima, Peru, on November 17, 2016. Photo by Robinson Ninal/Presidential Photo

YASAY-KERRY MEETING. Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr meets with US Secretary of State John Kerry on the sidelines of the APEC ministerial meeting in Lima, Peru, on November 17, 2016. Photo by Robinson Ninal/Presidential Photo

Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr met with his American counterpart, US Secretary of State John Kerry, for the first time since Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte threatened to cut military and economic ties with the US.

In a statement, US State Department deputy spokesman Mark Toner said Yasay and Kerry met on Thursday, November 17, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) ministerial meeting in Lima, Peru.
 
"The two agreed on the importance of a strong US-Philippines bilateral relationship and alliance," Toner said.
 
He said the two officials "discussed ways to strengthen US-Philippines cooperation on a variety of issues of mutual interest, including counterterrorism, security in the South China Sea, and commercial and economic relations."
 
"They also exchanged views on the Philippines counternarcotics campaign and human rights," Toner added.
 
A photo release of the Philippine Office of the President also showed Philippine Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez accompanying Yasay in meeting with Kerry on Thursday.
 
Yasay and Kerry first met in Manila on July 27. The US official was in the country to meet with President Rodrigo Duterte.
 
Their meeting on Thursday comes after Duterte, during a trip to Beijing in October, announced his military and economic "separation from the United States."
 
On October 22, Duterte clarified that his announcement is "not a severance of ties."
 
The US reacted by saying that Duterte's controversial statements have created a "climate of uncertainty about the Philippines' intentions."
 

Top military generals absent at Marcos burial

From Rappler (Nov 18): Top military generals absent at Marcos burial

Top military generals absent at Marcos burial

CEREMONIAL PRESENTATION OF THE FLAG. Acting Armed Forces chief of staff Lieutenant General Glorioso Miranda is the highest-ranking officer at the burial of late President Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. Photo from the Philippien Army

CEREMONIAL PRESENTATION OF THE FLAG. Acting Armed Forces chief of staff Lieutenant General Glorioso Miranda is the highest-ranking officer at the burial of late President Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. Photo from the Philippien Army

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Ricardo Visaya and the commanding generals of the military's major services – army, navy, and the air force – were absent at the private burial on Friday, November 18, of the late Philippine Dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

AFP spokesman Brigadier General Restituto Padilla said they were not available for the burial that was arranged last minute.
 
Visaya and Army chief Lieutenant General Eduardo Año are out of the country. Air Force chief Edgar Fallorina and Navy chief Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado had prior engagements.
 
The highest-ranking officer present was the military's No. 2, AFP vice chief of staff Lieutenant General Glorioso Miranda who was serving as acting chief of staff. Miranda graduated from the Philippine Military Academy in 1983, the year former senator Ninoy Aquino was assassinated, sparking massive protests against Marcos that eventually led to his ouster in February 1986.
 
Miranda handed over the flag to Marcos' window Ilocos Norte Imelda Marcos. It was the last act during the ceremony before the tomb was closed.
 
Miranda was accompanied by the vice chiefs of the major services – Army vice commander Major General Harold Cabreros, Navy vice commander Rear Admiral Rafael Mariano, and Air Force vice commander Major General Conrado Parra.
 
Military generals also served as the ceremonial pallbearers – 2 from air force, 2 from army and one from the navy.
 
President Rodrigo Duterte vowed during the campaign that he would allow the burial of the late Philippine dictator at the Libingan and it was one of his first orders as president. (READ: Duterte in Ilocos Norte: I will allow Marcos' burial in heroes' cemetery)
 
Martial law victims asked the Supreme Court to stop the burial, but the High Court junked the petitions.
 
Duterte himself is in Lima, Peru for the APEC Summit. (READ: Duterte on Marcos burial: Let history judge, I followed law)
 

10 ASG bandits killed in single military operation Friday

From Update.Ph (Nov 18): 10 ASG bandits killed in single military operation Friday

Ten Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits were killed and undetermined number were wounded as troopers from the 35th Infantry Battalion engaged the brigands in another focused military operation in Patikul, Sulu Friday morning.

In the said encounter, four soldiers were killed while nine were wounded in action.

The clash between government forces and an estimated 150 ASG bandits reportedly led by Radullan Sahiron took place around 10:20 a.m.

Western Mindanao Command spokesperson Major Filemon Tan said the encounter that lasted for almost 45 minutes transpired in Sitio Dyundangan, Brgy Buhanginan, Patikul.

Tan said the ASG retreated after sustaining 10 dead and undetermined number of wounded.

He added troops recovered the bodies of the three slain bandits while the rest of the dead and wounded ASGs were dragged by their companions based on intelligence reports.

“Immediately, indirect fire support were delivered by 105mm howitzers while other units conducted pursuit and blocking operations,” Tan said.

Joint Task Group Sulu, the mother unit of the 35th Infantry Battalion, is now facilitating the casualty evacuation and directed S-76 air ambulance to conduct medical evacuation from Sulu to Camp Navarro General Hospital in Zamboanga City.

All units were directed to establish checkpoints in their respective areas.

“Despite the casualties incurred, the military continues to conduct combat operations against the ASG to destroy the bandits, rescue the kidnap victims and deter terror attacks perpetrated by the bandit group in the province of Sulu and possibly in other provinces as well,” Tan added.

http://www.update.ph/2016/11/10-asg-bandits-killed-in-single-military-operation-friday/11122

Terror Grows in Southern Philippines From Militants Linked to Islamic State

From the Wall Street Journal (Nov 18): Terror Grows in Southern Philippines From Militants Linked to Islamic State

Kidnappings, beheadings by Abu Sayyaf raise fears of expanding terror threat in Southeast Asia

Philippine soldiers standing guard on Sept. 5 inside a military camp in Jolo in the southern Philippines, where they are fighting the Abu Sayyaf terror group.

Philippine soldiers standing guard on Sept. 5 inside a military camp in Jolo in the southern Philippines, where they are fighting the Abu Sayyaf terror group. Photo: Agence France-Presse/Getty Images

Abu Sayyaf, once written off as one of the global jihadist movement’s also-rans, is gaining strength in the southern Philippines by chasing down high-value victims at sea and ransoming them off for millions of dollars.

After a relative lull for most of a decade, kidnappings have surged to more than 20 annually since 2014, when the group’s main leader Isnilon Hapilon swore allegiance to Islamic State.

That rebranding—and the accompanying brutality, including beheadings—has generated international headlines and raised fears that the island-dotted region could re-emerge as a hub for Islamist terrorists, as it was for al Qaeda in the 1990s.

The group’s resurgence also amplifies the potential consequences of President Rodrigo Duterte’s plans to scale back military ties with the U.S., especially at a time when like-minded militants have been sprouting up around Southeast Asia.


“The association with Islamic State has injected a lot more vigor into groups such as Abu Sayyaf and other sympathizers in Indonesia and Malaysia,” said Richard Javad Heydarian, a Manila-based security analyst.

He notes that a Malaysian in Syria has helped to organize bombings and attacks across Southeast Asia. In January, Indonesia suffered its first Islamic State-linked attack, in the capital of Jakarta, and has seen more since.

The U.S. in 2002 began training Filipino troops to take on Abu Sayyaf—with some success. After years of pressure, the group’s numbers have dwindled to around 400 fighters, down from about 2,000 some 15 years ago. Many of its best-known commanders have been captured or killed.

But the influx of ransom money has helped the guerrillas stock up on arms and ammunition as well as pay off local communities or possibly even troops to keep quiet about their presence, Philippine officials say. Successive military campaigns have also forced Abu Sayyaf to look to the sea for new targets.

Since the middle of last year, dozens of people have been kidnapped by the group including Western tourists, Asian tugboat crews and fishermen—indicating no apparent strategy.

One of the latest victims was a 70-year-old German, Jürgen Kantner, who authorities say was snatched from his yacht “Rockall” on Nov. 6 as it anchored between the southern Philippines and Malaysia. His partner, Sabine Mertz, 59, was found dead.

The Philippine military said that an Abu Sayyaf leader called to tell them that Ms. Mertz had fought back so they shot her. They then took Mr. Kantner captive, most likely to the thick jungles of Jolo island.

On Nov. 11, guerrillas kidnapped six Vietnamese crew of a cargo ship.

The president, who has vowed to wipe out Abu Sayyaf, has ordered the end of joint-assault training with American forces as part of his bid for detente with China. But counterterrorism and other exercises will continue and U.S. forces will continue to have access to Philippine bases, according to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

 A joint Philippine military and police report seen by The Wall Street Journal and first reported by the Associated Press estimated that Abu Sayyaf guerrillas obtained over 350 million pesos, around $7 million, in ransom payments in the first six months of this year.

The amounts may pale in comparison to Islamic State’s income in Iraq and Syria, but it can go a long way among the impoverished islands of the southern Philippines, potentially luring in new recruits.

Mr. Duterte has said 50 million pesos, or around $1.2 million, was paid for the release of a Norwegian man in September. He didn’t elaborate on how the payment was made or who provided the money.

The Norwegian, Kjartan Sekkingstad, had been abducted in September 2015 along with two Canadians and a Filipina woman from a marina near Davao City. The Filipina was released, but the two Canadians were beheaded earlier this year after their government refused to pay. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said doing so “would endanger the lives of more Canadians.”

The injection of more cash into Abu Sayyaf’s hands is also complicating the president’s efforts to build a lasting peace in the southern Philippines, where communist guerrillas and more moderate Muslim secessionist groups such as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and another led by Nur Misuari also vie for influence.

The arrest of a village leader on Jolo this month is a case in point. Fauzia Abdulla was charged with allegedly providing food and other logistical support for Abu Sayyaf members. She couldn’t be reached for comment.

“With these ransom payments they have additional resources at their disposal,” said Mr. Heydarian in Manila. “It really puts the pressure on the Duterte administration to get a peace deal in place and get it done right. That’s the only way to remove this ecosystem that allows Abu Sayyaf to flourish.”




http://www.wsj.com/articles/terror-grows-in-southern-philippines-from-militants-linked-to-islamic-state-1479465005

4 soldiers killed in Sulu clash with Abu Sayyaf

From ABS-CBN (Nov 18): 4 soldiers killed in Sulu clash with Abu Sayyaf

At least 4 soldiers were killed in an encounter with suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group in Patikul, Sulu on Friday.

The soldiers from the 31st Infantry Battalion encountered around 150 armed men reportedly led by Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon in Sitio Dyandungan in Barangay Buhanginan on Friday at 10:30 a.m.

After a heavy firefight, 4 soldiers were killed and 16 were injured. The wounded were brought to Camp Navarro General Hospital for immediate treatment.

The military is still verifying the number of casualties on the enemy side, according to Western Mindanao Command spokesman Major Filemon Tan Jr.

Pursuit operations are still underway while blockades have been established along the perimeter of where the bandits could have retreated, he said.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/18/16/4-soldiers-killed-in-sulu-clash-with-abu-sayyaf

4 troops, 10 rebels dead in Philippine clashes – government

From Rappler (Nov 18): 4 troops, 10 rebels dead in Philippine clashes – government

Up to 150 members of the Abu Sayyaf trade fire with an army unit on the remote southern island of Jolo. They later withdraw, taking with them 7 of their dead.



Four Philippine soldiers and 10 Islamic militants were killed on Friday, November 18, as security forces clashed with gunmen who have abducted dozens of foreign sailors at sea in recent months, the military said.

Up to 150 members of the Abu Sayyaf traded fire with an army unit on the remote southern island of Jolo, but later withdrew, taking with them 7 of their dead, regional military spokesman Major Filemon Tan told the Agence France-Presse.

"The purpose of the operation is to destroy the enemy and to rescue the victims," said Tan, who added the troops did not see any of the captives held hostage by the militants.

Four soldiers were killed and 9 others wounded in the 45-minute firefight, while the authorities also recovered the bodies of 3 slain Abu Sayyaf members, Tan added.

The Abu Sayyaf was formed in the 1990s with seed money from Osama bin Laden's Al-Qaeda network, and has earned millions of dollars from kidnappings-for-ransom.

In recent years some of its leaders have pledged allegiance to Islamic State (ISIS) fighters in Syria and Iraq.

The Abu Sayyaf is also blamed for the Philippines' deadliest bombings but in recent months, many of its activities have been kidnappings on the high seas.

Suspected Abu Sayyaf gunmen killed a German sailor and abducted her elderly male companion from their yacht at sea last week.

Five crew members of a Vietnamese cargo vessel were also kidnapped by unknown gunmen in nearby waters last week.

In recent months, the Abu Sayyaf has been accused of kidnapping dozens of Indonesian and Malaysian sailors in waters off the southern Philippines.

In what maritime experts described as a landmark incident, the South Korean captain of another cargo ship and a Filipino crewman were abducted off their vessel in October, 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.

However two more Indonesian sailors were abducted on November 5.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has launched a military offensive to "destroy" the Abu Sayyaf, and Tan, the military spokesman, said Friday's clash was a continuation of the campaign.

But the militants have defied more than a decade of US-backed similar offensives, surviving in their mountainous and jungle-clad southern island strongholds where they have support from local Muslim communities.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/152876-philippine-clashes-troops-rebels-deaths

Video From Philippines Jihadi Group Abu Sayyaf Features German Hostage, Announces Ransom For His Release

Posted to MEMRI: Jihad and Terrorism Threat Monitor (Nov 17): Video From Philippines Jihadi Group Abu Sayyaf Features German Hostage, Announces Ransom For His Release



Video From Philippines Jihadi Group Abu Sayyaf Features German Hostage, Announces Ransom For His Release ...
[Subscription required to gain access to video]

http://www.memrijttm.org/

Nations unite against Abu Sayyaf

From the Jakarta Post (Nov 18): Nations unite against Abu Sayyaf

Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines have agreed to initiate joint army training to advance efforts to secure the Sulu Sea from rampant piracy.

Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu explained that each of the countries would first begin its own army personnel training in January 2017 before conducting the joint training later in the year.

The military training will take place in Indonesia’s Tarakan in North Kalimantan, Malaysia’s Tawao Island and the Philippines’ Bongao Island.

Ryamizard said Army soldiers set to participate in the joint military training would form a special force tasked with facing the notorious Abu Sayyaf militant group that masterminded a series of recent kidnappings in Sulu waters, located in the southwestern Philippines.

“It’s part of a concrete action we, ASEAN countries, are taking to secure the region,” he said in Jakarta on Thursday.

Ryamizard said the training locations would later become posts for a joint taskforce assigned to help secure Sulu waters.

The need for joint army training was discussed during a meeting between Ryamizard and his Malaysian and Philippines counterparts, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and Delfin Lorenzana, held on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) retreat earlier this week in Laos.

Both Malaysia and the Philippines welcomed the initiative, which will add to a joint sea patrol in Sulu waters that the three countries previously agreed upon.

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/18/nations-unite-against-abu-sayyaf-group.html

Sabah Suluks regret Misuari's allegation

From the Daily Express (Nov 18): Sabah Suluks regret Misuari's allegation

The Sabah Suluk Solidarity Council (SSSC) regrets the allegation by Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Cchairman Nur Misuari that a Malaysian leader was involved in a kidnapping in Sipadan, Semporna in 2000.
  
Its secretary, Mohd Zaki Harry Susanto said it was a very serious allegation and should not be taken lightly as it involves the good name of the country and the leader concerned.    "He (Misuari) should be responsible for the remark. The Malaysian Embassy in the Philippines with the aid of Manila, should reveal the identity of the Malaysian leader who was allegedly involved in the kidnapping.    "If the allegation is true, the government must take firm action against the traitor," he said when commenting on media reports about Misuari's allegation at a press conference after a meeting with the President of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte.    In the recent press conference, Misuari said the decision to stop all communication and negotiation with Malaysia forever was due to a conspiracy involving a Malaysian, which destroyed his honour and integrity.    Mohd Zaki said Misuari's decision to end communication and negotiation with Malaysia was due to extreme frustration and loss of confidence in Malaysia.    "This situation is a clear signal for our security forces, especially Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom), to double efforts to maintain security.    "We fear that the remarks will arouse hatred towards Malaysia and will heighten security threats against Sabah."

http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=114120

PH to stand by Edca—Yasay

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 18): PH to stand by Edca—Yasay

The Philippines will continue to honor its Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca) with the United States.
 
In a meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Leaders Meeting here, Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay said he communicated with US Secretary of State Rodrigo Duterte the assurance of President Duterte of the continuation of the Philippines’ defense cooperation with the United States.
 
“The President has assured America we will continue to respect our treaty agreement and the supporting agreements with respect to the Mutual Defense Treaty. We will continue with Edca,” Yasay said in a briefing for Filipino journalists after the Kerry meeting.
 
The country’s top diplomat met with his US counterpart, along with Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.
 
In October, Duterte threatened to stop the implementation of Edca, saying it was under government review. The President also reminded the US government that it was just an executive agreement.

READ: Angry Duterte threatens to end Edca

Signed in April 2014 under the Benigno Aquino III administration, Edca allows US troops access to military bases and camps in “agreed locations” in the Philippines.
 
Yasay clarified that Mr. Duterte “never said anything about discontinuing Edca.”
 
“In fact during his inaugural speech, he said he would continue to respect our Mutual Defense Treaty and other supporting documents, including Edca,” the official said.
 
What Duterte had stressed, however, was that the cooperation with the US would no longer be focusing on the area of “joint military exercises that would be demonstrative of preparing ourselves for any eventual attack from aggressors particularly China,” Yasay said.
 
As its relationship with China has improved for the better, in spite of the territorial dispute in the South China Sea, it may be time to do away with this “bias or mindset insofar as our military alliance with the US is concerned,” he said.
 
“So what we have told the United States is maybe we should tone down and not focus on these joint military exercises, which was a fundamental core of our mutual defense agreement but get into Edca where we would like to focus on exercises that are nontraditional,” he said.
 
These involve areas of cooperation such as building the country’s capacity against nontra
Yasay noted the upcoming visit of US Admiral Harry Harris, the new commander of the US Pacific Command, who was expected to discuss possible areas of joint cooperation with the Philippines.
 
“So I’m very happy America has looked at it correctly and has quite accepted the position we are taking and respects it,” he said.
 
“We will continue to engage ourselves with each other on these mutually beneficial joint exercises in line with their national interest in line with our national interests as well,” Yasay said.