U.S. says Balikatan a 'most important exercise'

From Rappler (May 8): U.S. says Balikatan a 'most important exercise'

'We are honored to participate in this most important exercise with this a greaty ally of nearly 70 years, the Philiippines,' says US Marines Lieutenant General Lawrence Nicholson during the opening ceremony for Balikatan 2017

DEEP TIES. US ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim highlights the long history of cooperation between the US and the Philippines. Photo by Jeff Digma/Rappler

The US underscored the importance of the annual Balikatan exercises in strengthening its relationship with the Philippines, its longest treaty ally in the region.

US ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim and US Marines Lieutenant General Lawrence Nicholson were at the opening ceremony of Balikatan 2017 on Monday, May 8, and spoke of the need to continue training together.

"We are here today to open a key bilateral engagement between the US and the Philippines," Kim said in his speech.

"Balikatan is always a very important exercise. It is a very special and meaningful embodident of our rubost bilateral relationship and reflects not only our strong miltiary partnership but also the deep friendship between our two peoples, mutually beneficial economic ties and very importantly our shared history and shared interest," he said.

 

US MARINES. Lieutenant General Lawrence Nicholson leads up to 2,600 American soldiers who are in the Philippines to participate in the Balikatan exercises. Photo by Jeff Digma/Rappler

Nicholson, who leads up to 2,600 American troops who are here for the 12-day exercises, said it is important to continously renew the bond between the two militaries.

"From across the entire Pacific Command, we are honored to participate in this most important exercise with this a greaty ally of nearly 70 years, the Philippines," said Nicholson, the Balikatan exercise co-director.

For 12 days, the two militaries will share techniques and tactics on humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) and fighting terrorism.

Balikatan is the biggest of dozens of joint training and exercises between the two militaries, which President Rodrigo Duterte threatened to end last year.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Eduardo Año said the activities are mutually beneficial, citing the cooperation on fighting terrorism.

"On terrorism, the AFP and the US Armed Forces are working unceasingly to destroy all persons and factions who support this form of lunacy. Our successful operations in Bohol resulted in the death of 9 [local terrorists] including its spokesman and potential leader Abu Rami," Año said.

Lieutenant General Oscar Lactao, who led the operation in Bohol, is the Balikatan exercise co-director on the part of the Philippines.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/169220-balikatan-united-states-sung-kim-nicholson

Insincerity showing

From the Mindanao Times (May 8): Insincerity showing

Attack on security agency, soldier abduction proves NPA duplicity: army

THE ARMY blasted the New People’s Army for its insincerity over the ongoing peace talks after storming a security agency in Jaunilla subdivision in Valencia City, and abducting a soldier around 6:30 p.m. this past Friday.

In a statement, Maj. Gen Benjamin Madrigal Jr, the 4th Infantry Division commander, said the NPA only showed to the whole world that it’s true nature. While communist guerrillas recently released two government troops purportedly as goodwill in support of the peace talks, another team went on an abducted another.

 

He was referring to Sgt. Solaiman Calocop and PFC. Samuel Garay of the 39th Infantry Battalion who were turned over to third-party facilitators in Barangay Colonbasac in Matanao, Davao del Sur last month.

“Everybody is now asking the same questions, ‘Can we really trust them? Do they really care about the future of our nation when the only thing that is left in their mind is purely violence?’”

“We decry another dastardly act committed by the NPA and we promise everyone that there will be no letup on our rescue operation to put pressure on the NPAs for them to immediately release our soldier,” Madrigal added.

According to the report, the rebels disguised themselves as PNP personnel, entered the Dasia security agency compound and started pointing guns at everyone. The NPA took the agency’s firearms, stole some of their valuable belongings and placed them inside two armored vehicles.

Outside the compound, there was another group of NPAs also dressed as PNP personnel.

They conducted a checkpoint and flagged down all passing motorists. They also told motorists that they are conducting tokhang operations in the area, referring to the anti-drug campaign of the government.

Meanwhile, one off-duty soldier, along with his wife, was stopped by the group. He presented his ID as asked, which identified him as a soldier assigned to the 8th IB. He was dragged off his motorcycle and thrown inside the armored truck.
The NPAs eventually fled on board a pick-up truck, van and two armored vehicles.

Meanwhile, police arrested an alleged NPA informant inside his rented boarding house after his location was tipped by a concerned citizen. They were able to recover from his possession four pieces chargers; one scope; camouflage raincoat and sniper veil; surveillance eyeglasses; five pieces dry batteries; medical kits and cellphone.

The suspect is temporarily detained in Valencia City Police Station for proper disposition.

 

http://mindanaotimes.net/insincerity-showing/

Mining company bunkhouse, pick-up truck torched by NPA

From the Mindanao Times (May 8): Mining company bunkhouse, pick-up truck torched by NPA

TEMPORARY structures of a mining company were burned by communist rebels around 5 a.m. on Saturday in Salingkomot, Sitio Magum, Barangay Macambol, Mati City in Davao Oriental.
Lt. Col. Reuben Basiao, the commander of 701st Infantry Brigade, told TIMES that 11 fully armed members of Section Committee (SeCom) 18, SRC 2, SMRC burned the kitchen area and caretaker bunkhouse of the company.

Basiao said they also burned the Toyota pick-up of MI-ORO Mining Corporation.

According to the report, the perpetrators commandeered a Kia bongo light truck and headed towards Cabuaya then burned the vehicle.

The troops of 701st Infantry Brigade immediately cleared the area via water transport as the land routes have been laid with land mines. They also set up checkpoints and deployed blocking forces in the hopes of intercepting the fleeing NPAs.

 http://mindanaotimes.net/mining-company-bunkhouse-pick-up-truck-torched-by-npa/

3 alleged rebels surrender

From the Mindanao Times (May 8): 3 alleged rebels surrender

THREE alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the troops of 701st Infantry Brigade in Manay and Caraga, Davao Oriental last Friday, a belated army report said.

 

Capt. Andrew Linao, the civil-military operations (CMO) officer of 701st Infantry Brigade, identified one of the rebels as Zaldy, a member of Baking Primera, Section Committee 15, SMRC, 19. He was a Mandaya farmer prior to joining the group.

The other one was Rey, also a Mandaya farmer and assigned to Abe Baking, Secom 15, SMRC, 19. The two were residents of Barangay Caningag, Caraga and joined the rebel group just last March 5.

The third surrenderee was identified as Lito, member of Baking Primera, Secom 15, SMRC, 25. He was a habal-habal driver and resident of Barangay San Fermin, Manay. He joined the rebels on March 9, 2017.

They are now under the custody of 701st Infantry Brigade for further interview. They will be also enrolled in the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) of Davao Oriental.

 

Meanwhile, a barangay councilor of Manay, Davao Oriental is now in stable condition after he was shot by unidentified perpetrators in Purok 5 of Barangay Central on Saturday around 8:10 p.m.

Chief Insp. Andrea Dela Cerna, spokesperson of Police Regional Office XI, identified him as Malvin M. Bonggan, resident of the area.

Initial investigation showed that while the victim was sitting outside his house, three armed men riding a red Honda TMX motorcycle w/o plate shot him on the head.

The victim was rushed to Manay District Hospital and later transferred to a hospital in Davao City.

In a separate interview, Chief Insp. Lino Akiangan, the chief of Manay Municipal Police Station, said the has been cleared out of danger by the doctors. He sustained gunshot wound on his head.

Akiangan said they are looking into his job as a councilor as the possible motive of the incident.

“But we are still conducting a follow-up investigation,” he said, adding that no witness has come forward who can possibly identify the suspects.

 

http://mindanaotimes.net/3-alleged-rebels-surrender/

OIC convenes meeting of MNLF, MILF leaders in Jeddah; Nur a no-show

From MindaNews (May 8): OIC convenes meeting of MNLF, MILF leaders in Jeddah; Nur a no-show

Leaders of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for a two-day meeting of the Bangsamoro Coordination Forum (BCF) that started Sunday on invitation of the Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

But photographs of Sunday’s preliminary meeting released by the OIC on its Facebook page showed that MNLF founding chair Nur Misuari was a no-show. He sent no representative, too, unlike in previous BCF meetings.

Lawyer Randolph Parcasio, chair of the MNLF-Misuari faction’s Peace Implementing Panel, told MindaNews on Monday that Misuari could not attend due to a “legal impediment.”

Misuari is awaiting extension of his temporary liberty after the six-month period granted by the court on October 27 lapsed on April 27. A motion to extend was filed on April 26, a hearing was conducted on May 3 and the Misuari camp is just waiting for the court’s decision.

It is not clear, however, why Misuari sent no representative to the Jeddah meeting when Parcasio, also the MNLF-Misuari spokesperson, has been Misuari’s representative in past BCF meetings. This is the first time Misuari’s faction is not represented.



Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation invited leaders of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) factions and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for a meeting of the Bangsamoro Coordination Forum to discuss issues and concerns, including harmonizing the two peace tracks and preserving the gains of the peace agreements. Photo shows the OIC SecGen with the MILF delegation led by chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim (left) and the MNLF delegation led by chair Yusoph Jikiri (right). Nur Misuari, chair of another faction, was a no-show and did not also send a representative. Photo courtesy of the OIC

The Moro leaders attending the BCF meeting in Jeddah are Yusoph Jikiri, chair of another MNLF faction, and Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and their respective delegations.

Also in Jeddah is Muslimin Sema who stepped down as MNLF chair on February 19 “to reiterate to the whole world, that no one man shall forever rule the MNLF and the Bangsamoro.” Jikiri, former Sulu Governor and Representative was elected to take over the post Sema held since 2008. But Sema was elected chair of the Bangsamoro People’s Congress, the MNLF’s parliamentary arm.

Harmonizing the two peace tracks

A May 6 press release published on the OIC’s website said OIC Secretary General Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen, invited the MNLF and MILF leaders “for a session of the Bangsamoro Coordination Forum (BCF) as part of the implementation of OIC Council of Ministers Resolutions.”

It said the BCF is to provide a venue to discuss issues and concerns confronting the Bangsamoro people, including “finding common grounds between the 1976 Tripoli Agreement -1996 Final Peace Agreement and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), in order to harmonize the two peace tracks and preserve the gains contained in these agreements, which the MNLF and the MILF mutually recognize and respect.”



MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim (extreme right) heads the MILF delegation at the meeting Sunday , 07 May 2017 with the OIC Secretary-General in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Photo courtesy of the OIC



Yusoph Jikiri (L) chair of a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front with Hatimil Hassan, Vice Chair for Internal Affairs and Abdul Sahrin, Secretary-General, during the meeting Sunday with the OIC Secretary-General in Jeddah on Sunday, 07 May 2017. Photo courtesy of OIC

Al-Othaimeen met with the Moro leaders on Sunday. Ambassador Sayed Kassem El-Masry, Special Envoy for Peace in the Southern Philippines, will preside over the detailed discussions between the fronts on Monday.

The OIC, which brokered the 1976 and 1996 peace agreements maintain that the 1976 Tripoli Agreement and the 1996 Final Peace Agreement (FPA) “continue to formulate the basis of any settlement of the conflict.”

The 57-nation OIC facilitated the talks between the Philippine government (GPH) and the MNLF which has an observer status in the OIC since 1977. The office of the OIC’s Secretary-General on the other hand, sought and was granted by the GPH and MILF an observer status in the GPH-MILF peace talks in March 2012.

“Pessimistic”

The BCF meeting in Jeddah came two days after President Rodrigo Duterte said he was “a bit pessimistic now” about the Bangsamoro peace process and “a little bit worried that nothing will come out of this” citing factionalism among the Moro revolutionary fronts that signed peace agreements with the government.

The Philippine government has signed four peace agreements with the two Moro revolutionary fronts in the last 40 years: the 1996 Final Peace Agreement (FPA) which is a continuation of the 1976 Tripoli Agreement and the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) which is a continuation of the 2012 Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB)

The MILF and MNLF faction under Jikiri, are now working together in crafting the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) under the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC).

BTC chair Ghazali Jaafar told MindaNews on Sunday that most of the committee meetings have been done and they have scheduled plenary sessions on January 9 to 11 in Cotabato City. He said they will submit the draft BBL to the Office of the President on the first week of June, to give time for the President to review the draft before it is submitted to Congress in July.

The President is expected to certify as urgent a draft Bangsamoro law when he delivers his second State of the Nation Address on July 24.

Misuari’s MNLF faction did not want to be part of the BTC. A separate peace implementing panel has been set up, led by Parcasio.

Parcasio has met with the government panel chair, Undersecretary Nabil Tan, the Deputy Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, at least four times informally. The two panels are still awaiting schedule for their call on the President, to signal the start of their formal meetings.

The MNLF-Misuari faction seeks to amend RA 9054, the law governing the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) while the MILF-MNLF under Jikiri are working under the BTC to draft a law that would pave the way for a new autonomous political entity named Bangsamoro, to replace the ARMM.

Both drafts are supposed to be submitted to the Office of the President for review.

Duterte with Moro leaders

Duterte on April 10 told a press conference at the Davao International Airport, that he would call the Moro revolutionary leaders to a meeting to come up with a consensus on how to move forward in implementing the legislation aspect of their peace agreements as he acknowledged he will certify for urgent passage in Congress only one draft Bangsamoro law.

“That is what we want,” Duterte said.



President Rodrigo Roa Duterte meets with Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Prof. Nur Misuari at the Presidential Guest House in Davao City on March 27, 2017. RENE LUMAWAG/Presidential Photo

The BCF was set up on May 18, 2010 when Prof. Ekemelddin Ihsanoglu, then OIC Secretary-General, initiated the talks between Misuari and Murad in Dushanbe, Republic of Tajikistan, where both leaders agreed that unity is indispensable to the success of the Bangsamoro struggle and that there are no basic differences between their Fronts as both are seeking to achieve peace, justice and a fair solution to the problems of the Bangsamoro people.

At the 43rd Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on 18-19 October last year, the OIC expressed its “support and expectation” for the passage of the BBL under the Duterte administration.

It also called upon Misuari and Murad and other leaders of the Moro people to “close ranks and narrow the gap between them for the purpose of finding common grounds to preserve the gains of the previous agreements in order to incorporate these gains in the enabling law and utilizing the Bangsamoro Coordination Forum as the main venue for that purpose.”

OIC Sec-Gen’s visit

To recall, then OIC Secretary-General Iyad Ameen Madani and El-Masry came to Davao City on April 18 and 19, 2015. They met separately with the MNLF and MILF leaders and hosted a seaside dinner for both on the first day and on the second day, met them jointly to discuss, through the BCF, how best to move forward in harmonizing the tracks of the peace agreements they signed separately with the Philippine government.

“We pushed for the reviving, reinvigorating of the Forum. We think it provides an excellent stage for all sides to communicate to express their views,” Madani said.



Members of the MNLF Nur Misuari faction pose with OIC Secretary General Iyad Ameen Madani when the latter visited Davao CIty in April 2015. The group’s spokesperson. Randolph Parcasio, is on the extreme left. MIndaNews photo by Carolyn O. Arguillas

“We are optimistic that this Forum is reducing the gap between the different views. We are all interested in peace,” he added.

Parcasio, who represented Misuari in that meeting, described it as “a great success.”

Sema, then chair of the MNLF faction that is now chaired by Jikiri, said the meeting with Madani was “generally fruitful” while MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal said it was “very productive” and that there were “convergence points” particularly in setting up the joint secretariat for the BCF.

“We have decided to set up a permanent secretariat and OIC will support it technically and financially. And there will be a permanent seat which is Cotabato and the name of the persons who would serve as secretaries, so the method of operationalization of the forum has been set up,” El-Masry told MindaNews then.

http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2017/05/oic-convenes-meeting-of-mnlf-milf-leaders-in-jeddah-nur-a-no-show/

Reds face 19 charges for CARHRIHL violations

From the Philippine News Agency (May 8): Reds face 19 charges for CARHRIHL violations

 

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), were slapped with 19 charges for alleged violations of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).

Capt. Rhyan Batchar, 10th Infantry Division spokesperson, said Monday they filed the complaints before the Secretariat of the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC).

Copies of the formal complaints were already forwarded last week to the JMC of CARHRIHL; Secretary Silvestre H Bello, chairman of the GPH negotiating Panel; and Fidel V. Agcaoili, chairman of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) panel, Batchar said.

CARHRIHL was signed by the government and the NDFP in 1998. It provides for the creation of the JMC.

Batchar said that 15 of the alleged violations of the communist rebels were perpetrated against civilians, in violation of Article 4.4, Part IV of CARHRIHL, which states that civilians, together with their property, shall not be the object of attacks.

The four other violations were purportedly perpetrated against soldiers and a member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit, he added.
Batchar said that three remains of dead soldiers were mutilated by the NPAs in violation of Article 3.4, Part 4 of the agreement.

Cases of burning of civilian vehicles by the NPAs were also included in the complaint, he said.

These cases were the burning of Yellow Bus Line units, Husky bus, one passenger van, an elf truck and one dump truck and the destruction of heavy equipment owned by civilian companies – three of which belong to construction firms and the packing plant of Dole-Stanfilco.

The violations included in the complaints were committed from February 2016 to January 2017, Batchar said.

“We are hoping that the violations (allegedly) committed by the NPAs against the provisions of CARHRIHL will be thoroughly discussed by the members of the government and NDFP peace panels,” Batchar said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/985799

BIFF leader killed, 4 others injured in Maguindanao skirmishes

From the Philippine News Agency (May 8): BIFF leader killed, 4 others injured in Maguindanao skirmishes

A sub-leader of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) was killed and four of his companions were injured in a series of skirmishes with government forces Sunday in Maguindanao province, an Army official said Monday.

Killed was Commander Khalid, a nephew of Ismael Abubakar, leader of the BIFF operating in Maguindanao's second district, Capt. John Arvin Encinas, 6th Infantry Division spokesperson, said.

The skirmishes, which started last Friday, erupted when about 100 BIFF were monitored to be closing on a military detachment in Barangay Pagatin, Datu Salibo town.

Government forces used air and artillery assets to drive away the armed men back to the marshland, Encinas said.

Abu Misri Mama, BIFF spokesperson, confirmed to Cotabato City radio stations the death of the sub-leader but assured that their leader, Ali Abubakar alias "Commander Bungos," was unharmed.

Encinas added that the highway linking Cotabato City and Isulan in Sultan Kudarat remained safe but reminded commuters to take precautionary measures. Soldiers provide road security in Maguindanao's second district.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/985814

Two blasts rock Quiapo district; 2 dead, 6 wounded

From InterAksyon (May 6): Two blasts rock Quiapo district; 2 dead, 6 wounded



Street map shows location of the first explosion that rocked Quiapo district early Saturday evening.


(UPDATE 4 – 10:58 p.m.) The Manila Police Department scrambled an explosive and ordnance team to the scene of an explosion that rocked Quiapo district early Saturday evening, which was followed by a second blast at around 8:30 p.m.



The Philippine Red Cross ambulance at the scene of the explosion. Image from PRC Twitter account.

The first blast took place at 5:55 p.m. along Norzagaray Street corner Elizondo Street while the second blast happened at 8:32 p.m., both near Quiapo’s Golden Mosque.

The Manila Police District is eyeing clan war as a possible angle in the incident.

Police sources indicated that the first explosion happened at the office of Shia Group.

The blast resulted in the death of two persons and four others were rushed to Mary Chiles Hospital in nearby Sampaloc, Manila.



Detail from the first blast scene, documented by Alex Imam II on his Facebook Page.

Sketchy reports fed into the newsroom indicated that a member of the explosives team was hurt in the second blast, plus one other person.

The explosives team, led by a certain SPO2 Fabian, responded to the scene of the first explosion, and the incident is under investigation as this report was being prepared.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Oscar Albayalde said that the area of the new explosion was not far from area of the earlier blast incident on April 28 where two people were also killed.
A statement was issued late Saturday evening by Albayalde related to the Quiapo Explosion, as extracted below:

I urge everyone to remain vigilant and provide cooperation to our policemen especially those living the area of explosion.

Your authorities are on top of the situation.

While there is no reason for the public to be alarmed, I request everyone, especially those on social media, to please refrain from posting and passing on unconfirmed information so we do not sow fear or mislead the public.

Also, please report immediately to the police anything out of the ordinary. We will update you on the case as soon as our team will complete assessment in the area.

We assure everyone that we will leave no stone unturned until we make arrests and give justice to the victims.

Meantime, I order all our policemen on the ground to stay alert and focused in securing their areas of responsbility.

Finally, please allow us to do our job and we will inform everyone on the progress of the investigation.

http://beta.interaksyon.com/blast-rocks-quiapo-district/

Duterte’s “pessimistic” remark on the Bangsamoro peace process worries, confuses stakeholders

From MindaNews (May 7): Duterte’s “pessimistic” remark on the Bangsamoro peace process worries, confuses stakeholders

President Rodrigo Duterte’s statement Friday that he was “a bit pessimistic now” about the Bangsamoro peace process and “a little bit worried that nothing will come out of this” got Moro communities and other peace stakeholders confused and worried as to where the Duterte peace roadmap is headed.

Guiamel Alim, executive director of the Kadtuntaya Foundation and a member of the Council of Elders of the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society, told MindaNews that the President’s statement “will weaken the resolve to the peaceful resolution of the Bangsamoro Question. It sends signal to the failure of the peace process. Masamang pangitain (Bad omen).”

Duterte, the first Mindanawon to become President, has repeatedly vowed to address the historical injustices committed against the Bangsamoro and to honor all signed peace agreements.



President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, tells policemen during his visit to the Police Regional Office-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PRO-ARMM) Headquarters in Parang, Maguindanao on May 5, 2017, that he is becoming “pessimistic” and “a little bit worried” on what will come out of the Bangsamoro peace process. Ace Morandante / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

National media reports point to Duterte’s pessimism supposedly over forging a peace deal with the Moro groups. But there is no peace deal to be forged as peace agreements have been signed with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and are on their implementation phases: the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) with the MILF signed in 2014 and the Final Peace Agreement (FPA) with the MNLF signed in 1996.

Before Duterte gave his “pessimistic” remark to policemen in Camp Pendatun in Parang, Maguindanao on May 5, the 21-member Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), the body tasked to draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) as mandated by the CAB, has been holding committee hearings and according to BTC chair Ghazali Jaafar, will hold sessions on May 9 to 11 and will submit the draft BBL to the Office of the President in the first week of June, not May 15 or 18 as earlier planned.

The BBL translates into law the provisions of the peace agreement, to pave the way for a new autonomous political entity that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) which will be deemed abolished when the BBL is ratified.

While the BTC is busy working on the draft BBL, the peace implementing panels of the government and MNLF faction under founding chair Nur Misuari, are awaiting their schedule to call on the President so they could begin their formal meetings aimed at crafting an amendatory law to strengthen the ARMM.

Duterte is the seventh Philippine President since Marcos to attempt to finally address the Bangsamoro Question and implement the GPH-MNLF’s 1976 Tripoli Agreement of 1976 and the1996 FPA, and the GPH-MILF’s 2012 Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the 2014 CAB.

“Harmonize”

President Duterte is expected to certify as urgent a draft Bangsamoro bill when he delivers his second State of the Nation Address before Congress on July 24.

It’s a race against time for both the MILF and MNLF peace tracks as the President said during a press conference prior to his departure for the Middle East on April 10 that he will certify for urgent passage in Congress only one draft Bangsamoro law.

He also said he would call on all Moro revolutionary leaders to a meeting to come up with a consensus on how to move forward in implementing the legislation aspect of their peace agreements.



The 21 members of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) with President Rodrigo Duterte (center) at the launch on 24 February 2017 at the Garden Pavilion of the Waterfront Insular Hotel. TOTO Lozano / Presidential Photo

The BTC was launched on February 24 in this city and started work immediately. Until now, however, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has yet to release its funds. BTC Commissioners are spending their personal funds so they can proceed with the drafting.

The BTC is composed of 11 nominees from the MILF and 10 from the government (GPH), three of whom were nominated by a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) under Muslimin Sema (now under Yusoph Jikiri).

The BTC’s composition was expanded from 15 under the Aquino administration to 21 under the Duterte administration to include other sectors, particularly the MNLF, to craft a draft bill that would incorporate the provisions of the MILF and the unimplemented provisions of the MNLF peace agreements.

The MNLF faction under founding chair Nur Misuari, however, did not want to be part of the BTC. In November last year, Secretary Jesus Dureza announced a departure from the peace roadmap by creating a separate peace implementing panel for the MNLF-Misuari faction.

Pessimistic, worried

What brought about Duterte’s “pessimistic” statement is apparently due to the perceived lack of unity among Moro revolutionary leaders.

Duterte said he has been talking with the MILF and MNLF “but apparently you’d notice nag-aagawan sila ng kampo ngayon (they’re fighting over camps). So I’m at a loss even.” Duterte did not say where this supposed fighting-over-camps happened but MindaNews sources said what was reported to Duterte was a personal feud over land between an MNLF member and an MILF member.

“I was very optimistic before but I’m a bit pessimistic now. Kasi si (Because) Nur is not, is keeping his silence. But he talks to me in private,” he said. Nur refers to Nur Misuari.



He said Misuari has “misgivings” about the MILF which broke away from the MNLF in the late 1970s following the failed implementation of the 1976 Tripoli Agreement, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) which broke away from the MILF in March 2010 following the aborted formal signing of the already initialled GPH-MILF Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain and “lahat-lahat na,” apparently referring to other armed Moro groups.

“It used to be a convoluted thing. Kaya pati ako, ‘di naman kinabahan (That’s why even I, I am not afraid) but I’m a little bit worried that nothing will come out of this,” Duterte added.

Secretary Jesus Dureza, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process told MindaNews that there is an “urgent need for all Bangsamoro factions to converge in accordance with the Duterte peace roadmap.”

“We all have to pursue an ‘inclusive’ approach. Although we have diverse tribal groups, maintaining factionalism up to now as what happened in the past, will not help in effectively addressing what the President refers to as the historical injustice similarly and commonly suffered by all Muslims, irrespective of tribal or territorial entitlements,” Dureza said.

Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu told MindaNews the President’s remarks “should be viewed as a clarion call to all stakeholders to show and prove their commitment to achieve the long cherished dream of all Mindanawons, that is, real and lasting peace.”

Consolidate and Converge

The Bangsamoro Peace and Development Roadmap approved by the President in July has two tracks: legislative and federalism. First on the list under the legislative track is to “consolidate and converge all peace agreements and legislations.”

The BTC was expanded from 15 to 21 precisely to make the drafting of the proposed Bangsamoro law “more inclusive.”



From a Powerpoint slide of the OPAPP on the Bangsamoro Peace and Development Roadmap

The MILF’s Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and the MNLF faction under Jikiri-Sema have been working on “harmonizing” the provisions of the CAB and the unimplemented provisions in the FPA into the BBL in the latter part of the Aquino administration. Today, their MNLF faction is represented in the BTC that is drafting the BBL.

“We are one,” BTC chair Ghazali Jaafar, the MILF’s 1st Vice Chair, told MindaNews. Jaafar said the MILF and MNLF faction with them acknowledge Misuari’s leadership in the Bangsamoro struggle but noted that other leaders have emerged since the 1970s.
It is only Misuari who has distanced himself from the MILF and other MNLF leaders, calling them “traitors” to the Bangsamoro cause. (Misuari was unseated as MNLF chair in 2001 by a 15-member Executive Council that includes Sema and Jikiri, who took over the MNLF leadership and named him Chair Emeritus. Misuari was then ARMM Governor but was criticized for absenteeism).

Among all the Moro revolutionary leaders, however, it is Misuari the President is closest with.

Misuari and the President became friends when Duterte was still mayor of Davao City. Misuari even described Davao City as the “official capital of the Bangsamoro Republik” during a rally here in October 2012, a week after the signing of the FAB. Misuari was introduced in that rally as “President of the Bangsamoro Republik.”

Bangsamoro Coordination Forum

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) stepped in in 2010 to get the MNLF and MILF leaders to sit down under the Bangsamoro Coordination Froum (BCF) and “harmonize” the peace agreements by incorporating the “most outstanding features of the peace agreements into the enabling law that would govern the Bangsamoro.”




SHARING A MEAL. Leaders of the MNLF and MILF share a meal in Jeddah where they met on invitation of the OIC Secretary General in June 2014. L to R: Randolph Parcasio of MNLF-Misuari, Muslimin Sema of the MNLF, Mohagher Iqbal of MILF. Partly hidden beside Iqbal is Hatimil Hassan of the MNLF. Photo courtesy of Prof. Abhoud Syed Lingga.

Prof. Ekemelddin Ihsanoglu, then Secretary-General of the OIC, initiated the talks between Misuari and MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim on May 18, 2010 in Dushanbe, Republic of Tajikistan, where both leaders agreed that unity is indispensable to the success of the Bangsamoro struggle and that there are no basic differences between their Fronts as both are seeking to achieve peace, justice and a fair solution to the problems of the Bangsamoro people.

At the 43rd Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on 18-19 October last year, the OIC expressed its “support and expectation” for the passage of the BBL under the Duterte administration.

It also called upon Misuari and Murad “and all other leaders of the Moro people to close ranks and narrow the gap between them for the purpose of finding common grounds to preserve the gains of the previous agreements in order to incorporate these gains in the enabling law and utilizing the Bangsamoro Coordination Forum as the main venue for that purpose.”

Squandered opportunity

Reacting to the President’s “pessimistic” remark, retired Professor Rufa Guiam, said: “Honestly I do not know where this remark is coming from. Where is his campaign pitch to address historical injustice sa mga Bangsamoro?.. Why did he create the implementing panel when he does not believe that this process is going anywhere by being pessimistic about it?”



Prof. Rufa Cagoco-Guiam stresses a point on the role of Bangsamoro women in conflict and peacebuilding. MIndaNews photo by GG BUENO

In March, Guiam told MindaNews she expected Duterte would have met with the key Moro revolutionary leaders instead of set them apart by creating separate implementing panels.

“As a President riding high on a popularity vote and perception of most constituents in the whole country, he was supposed to be negotiating with all these leaders, with different groups on a powerful level… He had that maximum position of strength. He could have used that when he dealt with these groups. He could have said, ‘okay I want you to put your acts together because I’m in a position of strength, I could easily say I’ll put the whip on you, if you don’t follow what I want, I can bring you back to jail or do something to you’.”

She said Duterte, who is so popular, “squandered that opportunity” as did Cory Aquino when she was “riding on the crest of popularity and she didn’t negotiate for the writing off of our debts .. she had that popularity, she could have done that and I think this one (Duterte’s) is another missed opportunity.”



Agakhan “Binladen” M. Sharief, chair of the Bangsamoro National Movement for Peace and Development shows a message for President Duterte during the provincial assembly of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party at the Dimaporo Gymnasium, Mindanao State University (MSU) main campus on Saturday, in response to the President. Sharief actively campaigned for Duterte during the Presidential campaign. Photo courtesy of DRIEZA A. LININGDING


Agakhan “Binladen” M. Sharief, chair of the Bangsamoro National Movement for Peace and Development showed a message for President Rodrigo Duterte during the provincial assembly of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party at the Dimaporo Gymnasium, Mindanao State University (MSU) main campus on Saturday, in response to the President.

He raised a white sheet of paper with this message: “President Duterte, Don’t fail us! Implement all peace agreements!”

http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2017/05/dutertes-pessimistic-remark-on-the-bangsamoro-peace-process-worries-confuses-stakeholders/

BIFF set off roadside bombs in 2 Maguindanao towns

From MindaNews (May 7): BIFF set off roadside bombs in 2 Maguindanao towns

DATU HOFER, Maguindanao -- Suspected members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) set off two separate improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in two Maguindanaon towns as the military launched artillery attacks against Moro rebels Saturday and Sunday.

The first IED was set off in Barangay Pagatin, Datu Salibo against government forces backed by armored personnel carriers who were conducting road security patrol Saturday night.

Capt. Arvin John Encinas, speaking for the military’s 6th Infantry Division, said the IED in Datu Salibo went off at about 6 p.m. while soldiers were heading to an Army detachment in Sitio Gadong, Barangay Pagatin.

Two tires of a Simba vehicle were damaged but nobody was hurt among the government troops, Encinas said.

The Army had launched intermittent artillery fire towards Datu Salibo after BIFF forces were seen massing toward the Barangay Pagatin Army detachment. Intelligence officials said suspected foreigners were seen in the company of the BIFF.

At about 9:30 a.m. Sunday, suspected BIFF set off an IED on the roadside in a garbage dumping area along the national highway in the boundary of Datu Hofer and Datu Abdulla Sangki, both in Maguindanao.

Nobody was hurt among elements of the 57th Infantry Battalion who passed by the blast site minutes earlier.

Encinas said the Datu Hofer roadside blast Sunday could be a diversionary tactic by BIFF while they are under attack in Datu Salibo.

A portion of the Cotabato-Isulan highway was closed for more than an hour while bomb disposal team members conducted post blast investigation.

The BIFF claimed one of its men was killed during the artillery attack but the Army is yet to confirm the report.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/05/biff-set-off-roadside-bombs-in-2-maguindanao-towns/

Islamic State claims latest Philippines bombing

From the Mindanao Examiner (May 7): Islamic State claims latest Philippines bombing



The Islamic State’s Amaq News Agency reported that the group is responsible for the latest bombing in Manila.

The Islamic State has owned for the twin bombings in the Philippine capital that left nearly two dozen casualties in a span of one week.

The latest attack in Manila killed 2 on Saturday when a package being delivered by private courier GrabExpress exploded in Quiapo district. The blast killed the delivery driver and another civilian, Mohamad Bainga, and injured 6 others, including two forensic policemen.

Grab Philippines condemned the bombing. “Grab Philippines condemns perpetration of the bombing on Saturday at Norzagaray Street in Quiapo, Manila. We are deeply saddened the incident took the lives of two civilians, including one of our GrabExpress partners. Our prayers go out to those who perished, and we extend our sympathies and deepest condolences to their loved ones,” it said.

It was not immediately known whop contacted the GrabExpress to deliver the package containing an improvised explosive.

The Islamic State’s Amaq News Agency reported that the group is responsible for the bombing in Manila, saying the latest explosion targeted Shia Rafidah in the capital city.

It also claimed the bombing in Quiapo on April 28 that wounded 14 people. This was also reported by the non-governmental counterterrorism organization, SITE Intelligence Group, and said: “The Islamic State’s Amaq News Agency reported the killing and wounding of 11 Shi’ites with an explosive device in downtown Manila, Philippines.”

Police tried to downplay the attacks and said these were “gang-related”.

Panic also erupted Sunday in Quiapo after a suspicious bag was left abandoned on a busy road, but police said no explosives were found after a remote operated vehicle inspected it. The ROV even ran over twice on the bag and a policeman only wearing Kevlar helmet and bullet proof vest picked up the bag and inspected its contents.

President Rodrigo Duterte has repeatedly warned that the influence of the Islamic State in the Philippines is the country’s biggest security threat.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/islamic-state-claims-latest-philippines-bombing/

Sayyafs, troops clashed in Basilan province

From the Mindanao Examiner (May 7): Sayyafs, troops clashed in Basilan province

Abu Sayyaf militants clashed with government troops in the town of Sumisip in Basilan, one of 5 provinces under the Muslim autonomous in southern Philippines.

The militants clashed Saturday twice with army soldiers, one in the morning in the village of Benengbengan, and another later in the day on the village called Cabcaban, but there were no reports of casualties from both sides.

The militants managed to escape after the fighting, but it was unclear who led the Abu Sayyaf groups in attacking soldiers deployed in Sumisip town, where the military frequently held surrender ceremonies for alleged members of the notorious group wanting to start a new life.

Dozens of those who surrendered since last year were all freed by the military and even paid money for their weapons, saying, the militants – despite being involved in heinous crimes – had no arrest warrants.

Basilan is a known stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf, blamed by authorities for the spate of terrorism and ransom kidnappings of foreigners in the restive region.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/sayyafs-troops-clashed-in-basilan-province/

MNLF-IIO: Online Poster -- Misuari Quote

Posted to the Moro National Liberation Front-International Information Office Facebook page (May 5):  Online Poster: Misuari  Quote



https://www.facebook.com/MNLFINFO/photos/a.1009971245739778.1073741827.404979842905591/1485612024842362/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/MNLFINFO/

NDF/NPA-Cagayan: Henry Abraham Command raids Amulung PNP sub-station

New People's Army news release posted to the National Democratic Front Website (May 5): Henry Abraham Command raids Amulung PNP sub-station

New People’s Army – Cagayan
News release

 May 5, 2017



The Henry Abraham Command of the New People’s Army raided a PNP sub-station in Barangay Annafatan, Amulung, Cagayan yesterday, May 4, 2017 at 5:00 pm. The Red fighters disarmed surprised policemen and took away their four M16 rifles and two 9mm pistols.

The successful raid happened as the PNP illegally arrested David Soriano, whom they are wrongfully alleging as the “regional number one cadre” of Cagayan Valley. David was arrested on the same day at 5:45 pm while aboard a vehicle at Barangay Camasi, Penablanca, Cagayan. His companion, a farmer-driver from Baggao, Cagayan named Jude Cipriano, was also unduly arrested.

Regional Police Chief Eliseo Rasco tried to downplay the successful NPA raid by announcing that it was “a mere diversionary tactic” after Soriano’s arrest. He further peppered his lie by saying that some police were “tortured”.

The raid comes barely a week after the Venerando Villacillo Command-NPA also raided the PNP station in Maddela, Quirino.###

Reference:
Fernan Cagayan
Media Liaison for NDF-Cagayan
cagayannewsofficial@gmail.com

https://www.ndfp.org/henry-abraham-command-raids-amulung-pnp-sub-station/

CPP/NPA-Cagayan: NPA Raids Amulung PNP Sub-Station

New People's Army (NPA) propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 4): NPA Raids Amulung PNP Sub-Station



Ester Falcon, Spokesperson
NPA-Cagayan (Henry Abraham Command)

5 May 2017

The Henry Abraham Command of the New People’s Army raided a PNP sub-station in Barangay Annafatan, Amulung, Cagayan yesterday, May 4, 2017 at 5:00 pm. The Red fighters disarmed surprised policemen and took away their four M16 rifles and two 9mm pistols.

The successful raid happened even after the PNP prided itself as having caught David Soriano, whom they are wrongfully alleging as the “regional number one cadre” of
Cagayan Valley. David was arrested on the same day at 5:45 pm while aboard a vehicle at Barangay Carin, Penablanca, Cagayan. His companion, a farmer-driver, was
also unduly arrested.

Regional Police Chief Eliseo Rasco tried to downplay the successful NPA raid by announcing that it was “a mere diversionary tactic” after Soriano’s arrest. He further
peppered his lie by saying that some police were “tortured”.

The raid comes barely a week after the Venerando Villacillo Command-NPA also raided the PNP station in Maddela, Quirino.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170505-npa-raids-amulung-pnp-sub-station

CPP/NPA-South Central Bukidnon: Malampusong mga aksyong militar sa NPA-SCB-NCMR Napahigayon

New People's Army (NPA) propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 4): Malampusong mga aksyong militar sa NPA-SCB-NCMR Napahigayon



Ka Ariel Magbanua, Spokesperson
NPA-South Central Bukidnon

4 May 2017
Press Release

Misurender ang pito ka ka membro sa ALAMARA-CAFGU nga ilalom sa Special Force (SF) kaniadtong Abril 28, 2017, bandang alas 7:30 sa buntag, ngadto sa New People’s Army – Section 5 South Central Bukidnon – Sub-Regional Command, North Central Mindanao Region (SCB-SRC, NCMR).

Kini nga mga ALAMARA –CAFGU naka base sa Sagundanon, Kibawe, Bukidnon. Gilangkuban kini sa lima ka lalaki ug duha ka babae nga silang Antonio Mansaloon (Team Leader) ug igsoong si Tiano Mansaloon. Robert Pawas, Angel Mandalomon, Angela Pawas ug Elie Mandalomon nga tanan taga Sunipon, Natulungan; ug si Jr Limpangan sa Brgy. Sagundanon, nga tanan sakop sa lungsod sa Kibawe, Bukidnon.

Ang ilang boluntaryong pagsurrender gibunga sa atong pagpasabot ug panawagan nga talikdan na ang ilang grupong ALAMARA nga gitukod sa Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), tungod kay kini ang gihimong hinagiban aron bungkagon ang panaghiusa sa katawhang lumad ug ilugon ang ilang yutang kabilin aron himoong plantasyon ug minahan.

Miaging tuig pa lang, gusto nang mosurrender si Antonio Mansaloon tungod sa wala matuman sa AFP ang gisaad kanila nga hatagan sila og sweldo ug saktong pagkaon. Pugos usab sila nga gipagiya sa mga operasyong militar sa kabukiran.

Dala nila ang usa ka improvised M79, apil ang 23 ka mga buhing bala nga grenade launcher; usa ka improvised M16; usa ka garand riffle (serial # 978823); duha ka M14; duha ka Shotgun nga D12; mga buhing bala; magazine; vest; usa ka radio; ug duha ka riffle grenade.

Sa laing bahin, malampusong nadis-arma sa yunit sa Section 3 – SCB – NCMR ang duha ka carbine, usa ka D12 ug mga bala gikan sa managsuong Edgar ug Erick Ordinisa, kaniadtong Abril 29, alas 7:30 sa gabii. Nagpuyo kini sila sa Purok 2 Nakabuklad, San Fernando, Bukidnon, ug nahimo kini silang saligando ni Valentine Ordinisa aron sa pagbantay sa iyang yuta. Apan ginagamit nila ang ilang armas sa pagpangharass sa ilang mga silingan pinaagi sa pagpabuto-buto bisan kung igo lang muagi sa ilang umahan.

Lain pang aksyong harassment ang gilunsad sa usa ka team sa NPA Section 3-SCB-NCMR niadtong Abril 23 sa alas 8:00 sa buntag, sa nag operasyong 60TH Infantry Battalion. Kauban ani nga mga sundalo ang 22 ka membro sa ALAMARA-CAFGU nga gikan sa boundary sa Davao padulong sa Brgy. Bonacao. Gipabuthan sila sa NPA samtang kamulo og pasubida sa bongtud, kung asa 500 meters pa ang kalayo niini gikan sa komunidad sa Salumpikit, Brgy. Bonacao. Busa, sa ilang kasuko sa pag pangharass sa NPA, gi-straping nila ang komunidad, hinungdan sa dako nga kalisang sa mga lumolopyo nga miresulta sa ilang pinugos nga pagbakwit. Gibunga lamang kini nga aksyon sa walay puas nga militarisasyon sa komunidad ug pagpanglapas sa tawhanong katungod sa mga sibilyan sa AFP ug Paramilitary.

Sulod lamang sa usa ka semana, nakaangkon na usab og kadaugan ang rebolusyonaryong kalihukan pianaagi niining tulo ka malampuson nga mga aksyong militar sa NPA. Tungod kini sa padayon nga paglapas sa AFP, uban sa gi-armasan nila nga mga paramilitary, sa balaod sa gubat, taliwala sa paningkamot sa National Democratic Front (NDFP) ug Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) nga mapadayon ang Peace Talks. Busa, gipatuman lamang sa SCB ang mando sa National Operational Command (NOC) nga maghimo og aktibong depensa sa Area of Responsibility (AOR).

Busa, ginaawhag nato ang tibuok katawhang nilupigan ug pinahimuslan nga padayong suportaran ang rebolusyonaryong kalihukan aron hingpit nga masilotan ang kinsa mang nagalapas sa tawhanong katungod sa katawhan ug maangkon ang nato ang tinuod ang kagawasan ug kalamboan. Gipanawagan usab namo ang tanang sektor sa katilingban nga mosuporta sa pagpadayon sa hisgutanang pangkalinaw sa NDFP ug GRP, aron makab-ot nato ang malungtarong kalinaw nga nakabase sa hustisya ug kaangayan.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170504-malampusong-mga-aksyong-militar-sa-npa-scb-ncmr-napahigayon

CPP/NPA-Cagayan: Venerando Villacillo Command-NPA raids PNP Station in Maddela, Quirino

New People's Army (NPA) propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 3): Venerando Villacillo Command-NPA raids PNP Station in Maddela, Quirino

Ester Falcon, Spokesperson
NPA-Cagayan (Henry Abraham Command)

3 May 2017

The NPA raided the Maddela Police Station in Quirino Province on April 29, 10:00 pm, disarming police of six M-16 rifles and four 9mm service pistols.

The Red fighters successfully took the policemen by surprise and rendered them immobile, except for Police Officer 2 Jerome Cardenas who attempted to open fire. He was taken to the hospital but died.

The station commander, Chief Insp. Jhun Jhun Balisi, was not in the station even while supposedly on-duty. He has since been relieved from his post.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170503-venerando-villacillo-command-npa-raids-pnp-station-in-maddela-quirino

4 ASG bandits killed in 2 clashes in Basilan

From the Philippine News Agency (May 7): 4 ASG bandits killed in 2 clashes in Basilan

Four Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits were killed in separate encounters in Sumisip town, Basilan Saturday.

Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, Western Mindanao Command spokesperson, said the first encounter took place 2 p.m. at Barangay Upper Bembengan and the second at 9 p.m. in Barangay Cabcaban.

Two bandits were killed in the first clash and another two in the second.

Also captured by troopers from Joint Task Force Basilan was a temporary encampment.

Identities of the leaders of this ASG band, numbering about 15 to 20, are still being verified as of posting time.

No losses were sustained by the military. Pursuit operations are still ongoing.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/985664

Only 2 commands to participate in this year's 'Balikatan' exercises

From the Philippine News Agency (May 7): Only 2 commands to participate in this year's 'Balikatan' exercises

Only two of the military's unified commands will be involved in this year's "Balikatan" exercises with American units which will run from May 8 to 19th.

This is fewer compared to last year's four.

Philippine "Balikatan" spokesperson Major Frank Sayson identified these unified commands as the Cebu-based Central Command (CENTCOM) and Tarlac-headquartered Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM).

In the 2016 "Balikatan" maneuvers, participating commands included the CENTCOM, NOLCOM, Southern Luzon Command and Western Command.

Sayson attributes the reduction to the fact that this year's exercises are operating on one scenario concept which involves a massive storm or typhoon coming from the Pacific which will then pass through the Eastern Visayas, National Capital Region, reaching maximum strength upon arrival on the northern tip of Luzon, severely devastating it.

With that scenario in the offing, all participating units, whether on so-called "STAFFEX" (staff exercise) and "CPX" (command post exercise), will focus on responses to the particular scenario, he added.

And while these activities are more concerned with the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief aspects, Sayson said some counter-terrorism activities which is very important and relevant nowadays are also factored in.

"We will be having small arms military-to-military activities, some joint special operations activities which is really aligned to counter-terrorism," he added in Filipino.

Other activities include underwater demolition activities in Ormoc, Leyte wherein US operatives will teach their Filipino counterparts the techniques in clearing up debris in the sea bottom to allow ships to safely dock and use the port and expedite the transport of relief supplies and aid to areas battered by typhoon and other calamities.

Participating US troops for this year's "Balikatan" are placed at 2,600 personnel, with the Philippines fielding in 2,800 and 80 for the Australian Defense Forces.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/985678

Quiapo twin blasts investigators train sight on Shiite imam

From the Philippine News Agency (May 7): Quiapo twin blasts investigators train sight on Shiite imam

The investigation being conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP) on the twin blasts in Quiapo, Manila that happened on Saturday night which claimed the lives of two individuals is now focused on a Shiite Muslim cleric.

Both PNP chief Director General Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa and National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Oscar Albayalde on Sunday said the Quiapo twin blasts were neither connected to the ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) nor any terrorist group.

They said that the target of the sender of the "package", which later turned out to contain an explosive device, was only one person.

The target individual was identified as Atty. Nasser Abinal, a Revenue District Officer of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), who is assigned in Intramuros, Manila.

According to Albayade, Abinal claimed that he has long been receiving "threats" to his life.

It was learned that a delivery man was carrying the said "package" and it was turned over to Abinal's aide even before it exploded, which caused their instantaneous death.

Nevertheless, Albayalde believes that the "targeting" of Abinal might be "work-related" or religion.

Likewise, Albayalde confirmed that a copy of the CCTV (closed-circuit television) footage in the blast site is now in the possession of the investigators.

As of Sunday, the "post-blast investigation" in the area is ongoing.

The NCRPO chief also said that Norzagaray Street is now placed on "lock down" and the entry and exit of vehicles in the area are strictly prohibited.

Albayalde also disclosed that they are now conducting a "profiling" for all the tenants of the building on the blast site.

There are more than 50 tenants of the building and all have been invited by the PNP.

The Manila Police District (MPD) has identified "persons of interest", however, they are still "subject for investigation".

The PNP has yet to determine what kind of explosive was used in the twin blasts.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/985720

4 ASG terrorists killed in latest encounter

From Update Philippines (May 7): 4 ASG terrorists killed in latest encounter

Four Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits were killed in separate encounters in Sumisip town, Basilan Saturday.

Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, Western Mindanao Command spokesperson, said the first encounter took place 2 p.m. at Barangay Upper Bembengan and the second at 9 p.m. in Barangay Cabcaban.

Two bandits were killed in the first clash and another two in the second.

Also captured by troopers from Joint Task Force Basilan was a temporary encampment.

Identities of the leaders of this ASG band, numbering about 15 to 20, are still being verified as of posting time.
No losses were sustained by the military. Pursuit operations are still ongoing.

http://www.update.ph/2017/05/4-asg-terrorists-killed-in-latest-encounter/17242

PAF team starts probe on chopper crash in Rizal that killed 3 soldiers

From GMA News (May 6): PAF team starts probe on chopper crash in Rizal that killed 3 soldiers

A Philippine Air Force investigation team on Saturday began the probe on the helicopter crash in Rizal province that killed three people earlier this week.

A report by Katrina Son on Balitanghali said the team arrived at Sitio Hilltop at Barangay Sampaloc in Tanay town at 12 noon.

They first lit a candle and offered prayers to their fallen colleagues: Captain Christian Paul Litan, Airman First Class Joseph De Leon, and Staff Sergeant Byron Tolosa.

Another crew member was injured and was taken to the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center in Quezon City.

The investigating team took photos of the UH-1D helicopter, specifically the pilot seat and cyclic stick control.

The report said the investigators were looking into the weather conditions when the helicopter crashed, dangerous elements in the area, condition of the machine, and pilot error.

The military chopper had been engaged in a rescue operation training when it crashed last Thursday.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/609761/paf-team-starts-probe-on-chopper-crash-in-rizal-that-killed-3-soldiers/story/

Arrival of MNLF members in Zamoanga City 'not true'

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (May 6): Arrival of MNLF members in Zamoanga City 'not true' 
ZAMBOANGA City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has downplayed rumors about the reported arrival of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members in the city.

However, Salazar has urged residents to stay vigilant always.

Salazar said the report that there are MNLF members who arrived in the city was negative as per investigation by the concerned authorities.

She said what were sighted by the residents were new recruits of the Philippine Army on their way to headquarters of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division in Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.

Thousands of people were displaced in September 2013, after clashes broke out between government soldiers and MNLF members, who attacked the city and attempted to raise the flag of the self-proclaimed Bangsamoro Republik at Zamboanga City Hall.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2017/05/06/arrival-mnlf-members-zamoanga-city-not-true-540440

Military outraged over abduction of soldier in Bukidnon

From ABS-CBN (May 7): Military outraged over abduction of soldier in Bukidnon

Suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) raided a security agency in Valencia city, Bukidnon on Friday night, taking several firearms before seizing an off-duty soldier outside the security firm's building, the military has said.

According to the Army's 4th Infantry Division, NPA rebels disguised as police officers entered Juanilla Subdivision in Barangay Poblacion, where the Dasia security agency was located.

They stole several firearms and personal items, and left onboard two of the agency’s armored vehicles.

The military said the rebels wearing police officers' uniforms also set up a checkpoint outside the security agency compound and flagged down all motorists driving through.

A member of the Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion, who was off duty at the time, happened to pass through the area riding a motorcycle with his wife.

Seeing the soldier's identification card, the rebels dragged the soldier off his bike and into one of the armored vehicles, before fleeing the scene in a pick-up vehicle, a van and the two armored vehicles.

The wife was left in a muddy area, although her status wasn't clear based on the military statement.

Major General Benjamin Madrigal Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry Division, called the incident "another blatant display of insincerity of these NPA bandits."

"With the recent atrocity, everybody is now asking the same questions — can we really trust them?" Madrigal said in a statement.

"We decry this (as) another dastardly act committed by the NPA. We promise everyone that there will be no let-up on our rescue operation to put pressure on the NPAs for them to immediately release our soldier and to put an end to the violence they committed in the area."  
The military did not divulge the captured soldier's identity.

During pursuit operations, the military arrested one suspected NPA informant.

Recovered from his possession were subversive documents, a camouflage raincoat, a sniper veil, a pair of surveillance eyeglasses, medical kits, and a cellphone among others.

The suspect is temporarily detained at Kalasag, Valencia City Police Station.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/06/17/military-outraged-over-abduction-of-soldier-in-bukidnon

Palace calls for calm after twin Quiapo blasts

From Rappler (May 7): Palace calls for calm after twin Quiapo blasts

The police says it is not a terror attack because the bomb had a specific target

Malacañang called on the public to be calm in the wake of two deadly blasts in Quiapo, Manila. (READ: 2 dead, 6 injured in twin Quiapo blasts)

"We urge our people to refrain from forwarding news from unverified sources that may cause undue alarm and panic," said Palace spokesperson Ernesto Abella on Sunday, May 7.

Two people were killed and 6 others were hurt on Saturday, May 6, after twin blasts rocked an area near the Manila Golden Mosque in Quiapo.



It comes a week after a April 28 pipe bomb explosion along Quezon Boulevard, also in Quiapo, hurt at least 14 people. (READ: Quiapo blast victim loses leg, alone in hospital)

Abella also made a nationwide call to report suspicious activities. "While investigation is now ongoing, we ask the public to remain alert and immediately report to authorities any suspicious activity or movement," Abella said.

The police was quick to dismiss the blast as a terror act because the attack had a specific target, according to NCRPO chief Director Oscar Albayalde.

International terrorist group Islamic State (ISIS) earlier claimed responsibility for the earlier April 28 blast, but authorities also dismissed it as propagada. The police claimed the attack was related to a local scuffle. (READ: Quiapo blast victim loses leg, alone in hospital)

"We are saddened by the loss of lives brought by yesterday’s night explosions in Quiapo. We likewise wish for the immediate recovery of those who were wounded," Abella added.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/169123-quiapo-blast-palace-statement

Top Cagayan Valley police officials relieved after NPA attacks

From Rappler (May 7): Top Cagayan Valley police officials relieved after NPA attacks

Top police officials are relieved following NPA attacks in Amulong, Cagayan, and in Maddela, Quirino, which killed one policeman

RELIEVED. Outgoing regional police chief Eliseo Rasco (righmost) welcomes Chief Superintendent Robert Quenery (leftmost) during the turnover ceremony at the regional police headquarters in Cagayan Valley. Photo by Raymon Dullana/Rappler
Two ranking officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Cagayan Valley region have been relieved of their posts following two major attacks of the New People's Army (NPA) over the week.

Police Chief Superintendent Eliseo Rasco, a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1986, was relieved of his position as Cagayan Valley regional police chief.

 

The PNP-Cagayan Valley information office told Rappler that the new regional director, Chief Superintendent Robert Quenery, a graduate of PMA Class of 1985, assumed office on Saturday, May 6.

Rasco was relieved only 5 months after he was assigned as director in December 2016.

The relief came after NPA rebels attacked the police stations of Maddela town in Quirino province and in Amulung town in Cagayan.

The attack in Quirino resulted in the death of one policeman.

In his speech, Quenery ordered all unit commanders to be more vigilant and "intensify security and target hardening measures in all installations against [communist rebels]."

Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent Amorsolo dela Cruz, Cagayan provincial police chief, was also relieved of his post starting Friday, May 5, along with Amulung police Reymond Asistores.

 

The relief was in connection to the the attack in Amulung town, police said. (READ: Top NPA commander nabbed in Cagayan).

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/169088-cagayan-valley-police-officials-relieved-npa-attacks

PH Navy's latest ship set to arrive May 8

From Rappler (May 8): PH Navy's latest ship set to arrive May 8

The BRP Davao Del Sur is the second Strategic Sealift Vessel of the Philippine Navy. It is a versatile ship that can serve as a one-stop operations center at sea.

BIGGEST SHIP. File photo of former President Benigno Aquino III christening the landing dock vessel BRP Tarlac during the Philippine Navy 118th Anniversary Celebration on June 1, 2016. Malacañang Photo

The Philippine Navy's second brand new landing dock vessel, the BRP Davao Del Sur, is arriving Monday, May 8.

The BRP Davao Del Sur departed Surabaya, Indonesia for Manila last week, May 4, and is expected to arrive on Monday, according to Navy spokesperson Captain Lued Lincuna.

Rear Admiral Gaudecio Collado, commander of the Philippine Fleet was in Indonesia last week to conduct the ceremonial Sail Away to the vessel. The commissioning rites is expected to follow soon.

BRP Davao Del Sur is the navy's second Strategic Sealift Vessel (SSV), following the arrival of the BRP Tarlac in June 2016. The two brand new ships cost the previous Aquino administration US$4 billion (P85 million).

It is a much awaited asset of the Philippine Navy. The SSV has ability to serve as one-stop operations center at sea, crucial in sending quick deployments such as in humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

"It will complement our first, the BRP Tarlac, of course. It will have an impact on our HADR [high availability disaster recovery] operations because it's a very big vessel. It can accomodate a lot of cargo and a lot of personnel," said Lincuna.

Measuring 123 meters long and with a maximum carrying capacity of 11,583 tons, the SSVs can transport heavy equipment, supplies, and troops to anywhere in the archipelago. It has provisions for 121 crew members and can house up to 500 soldiers. It can also carry up to 3 naval helicopters on its heli-deck and two "baby boats" in its rear hold. No other load-bearing ship in the Navy's fleet can compare.

The BRP Tarlac has also been recently deployed to conduct naval blockades in southern Philippines, helping in the military's operations against local terrorists.

It will also participate in the Philippines-US Balikatan exercises scheduled this week.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/169111-preview-brp-davao-del-sur-philippine-navy