Talks for next year’s PH-US Balikatan start

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 8): Talks for next year’s PH-US Balikatan start



Balikatan 2017 co-directors Lt. Oscar Lactao of AFP and Lt. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson, US Marine Corps, unfurl the official flag to be used during the exercises during at the opening ceremony of the 2017 Balikatan military exercise held in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, May 8, 2017. INQUIRER PHOTO / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
Some of the joint drills between the Philippines and United States may have been scrapped, but it looks like the Balikatan (shoulder-to-shoulder) is here to stay.

This year’s Balikatan exercises have just commenced on Monday but talks for the next year’s drills are already being planned out.

“The planning exercise for Balikatan ’18 is already being discussed,” said Lt. Gen. Oscar Lactao, Philippine co-director for the Balikatan exercise, without elaborating.

The Balikatan, the largest of the bilateral exercises between the Philippines and United States, has been conducted 32 times since 2000, as part of the Mutual Defense Treaty signed between the two countries in 1951.

President Rodrigo Duterte, who has repeatedly expressed his great dislike for the United States, had previously threatened to scrap the Balikatan but was eventually talked out of it. But other PH-US drills were scrapped — the Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise (Phiblex) and Cooperation Afloat and Readiness Training (Carat), which focus on external and maritime defense.
This year’s Balikatan will focus on disaster operations and counterterrorism, a shift from the external and maritime security highlighted in recent years. The activities to be held May 8 to 19 include disaster preparedness training in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija; civil military activities from the sea in Casiguran, Aurora; humanitarian assistance disaster relief in Upi, Isabela; and humanitarian civic action and engineering civic assistance project in Surok, Guian, Samar.

READ: Disaster response is this year’s focus in Balikatan

Despite the scaled-down joint drills for this year, participating troops believe that it will have a favorable outcome.

“I’m confident that this year’s a success. This year’s exercise is gonna be a great success….it may change, it may get larger, it may get smaller. You know for 33 years I don’t think they all look the same, they’ve always been a little different. So we look forward to a great exercise and great building and great cooperation between our two armed forces,” said Lt. Gen. Lawrence Nicholson, US co-director for the Balikatan.

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/156263/talks-next-years-ph-us-balikatan-start

A different Balikatan starts in Samar town

Fro the Manila Bulletin (May 8): A different Balikatan starts in Samar town

Guiuan, Eastern Samar – The 33rd Balikatan kicked off here on Monday. But instead of military exercises, the US and Philippines troops busied themselves doing humanitarian and civil work.

 

Yesterday, the Balikatan participants started building two buildings and a water catchment in this town, one of the worst-hit municipalities during the super typhoon Yolanda in 2013.




Balikatan Kick-Off at the start of Balikatan Monday, students from the Surok Elementary School in Guiuan join American and Filipino soldiers in a “boodle fight,” a military style of eating viands and rice served on a long table. (Juan Carlo de Vela|Manila Bulletin)
The soldiers constructed a new classroom and restored the school stage in Sulok Elementary School.

 

They also constructed the catchment, which will provide residents a steady water supply even during disasters.

The buildings are expected to be completed on May 15 and will be immediately turned over to school and government officials.

US Marines Captain Gabriel Christianson, team leader of the US contingent, said this year’s Balikatan will focus on humanitarian and civil assistance.

The American troops will also hand out sports equipment and school supplies to the children of Guiuan.

“Our activities are more on humanitarian and civil assistance. Meaning, constructing disaster resilient facilities and developing our capabilities, the community capabilities. That’s why we have our cooperative engagement to transfer knowledge and skills on how we should react during emergency situations, especially strong typhoons,” explained Lieutenant Colonel Mendel Aguilar, commander of the Philippine Joint Civil Military Operations task force.

 

Mary Rose Daylo,12, a Grade 6 student in Surok Elementary School, was grateful to the US and Philippine troops for building the classroom.

“It will be a big help for us because most of our classrooms were damaged during typhoon Yolanda,” Daylo told Manila Bulletin.

 

http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/05/08/a-different-balikatan-starts-in-samar-town/

NPA destroys over P109M vehicles, equipment of Davao nickel mining firm

From Cebu Daily News (May 7): NPA destroys over P109M vehicles, equipment of Davao nickel mining firm
Over P109 million worth of vehicles and equipment were lost after communist rebels stormed a nickel mining firm in Mati City, Davao Oriental, on Saturday, authorities said yesterday.
A total of 27 vehicles and other equipment were destroyed after 15 New People’s Army guerrillas swooped down on the compound of Mil-Oro Mining Corporation and its general contractor Frasec Ventures Corporation at Salingkomot, Sitio (Sub-village) Magum, Barangay (village) Macambol, reports from the military’s 701st Infantry Brigade said.

The raid, which lasted for over two hours, began as heavily armed insurgents barged into the compound at around 4:30 a.m. and overpowered the guards, Chief Insp. Leonilo Lad, Mati City deputy police chief, said, citing initial investigation.

The rebels also carted away five shotguns and two Carbine rifles from Mil-Oro guards and scores of rounds of ammunition.

The military said the damage to the two compounds has been pegged at P109.6 million.

The report said guerrillas also took nine handheld radios, three GPS (global positioning system) gadgets, a laptop computer, a printer, a digital camera, two wristwatches and a pair of shoes.

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/132148/npa-destroys-p109m-vehicles-equipment-davao-nickel-mining-firm

Wesmincom chief vows to continue working for peace in Mindanao

From Sun Star-Zamboanga (May 8): Wesmincom chief vows to continue working for peace in Mindanao
 

ZAMBOANGA. The officers, men and women of the Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) afforded honors on Monday, May 8, to newly-promoted Wesmincom commander Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez, Jr. (right). (Bong Garcia)

 

THE officers and enlisted personnel as well as the civilian employees of the Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) have been urged to continue working towards the achievement of peace in Mindanao.

 

Newly-promoted Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez, Jr., commander of Wesmincom, made the call on Monday, May 8, when the men and women of the command tendered him honors during the flag raising ceremony for his promotion to the third star rank.

 

Galvez was awarded his new insignia by Armed Forces Chief-of-Staff, General Eduardo Año, in a donning ceremony held on May 2 at the General Headquarters in Camp Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

 

"I dedicate this accomplishment to the men and women of the command, who are integral in achieving the core mission of the armed forces," Galvez said in his message to the officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian employees of Wesmincom.

 

 "Let us continue to work together in unison as we hurdle every obstacle and serve the people for peace to thrive in Mindanao," he added.

 

Meanwhile, Galvez has afforded recognition to two Wesmincom personnel for their exemplary performance in their respective tasks.

 

Technical Sergeant Anthony At-At, firepower non-commissioned officer of the Office of the Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Logistics and Ruby Abundio, administrative aide of the Office of the Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Operations, were adjudged as the outstanding personnel of the Wesmincom for their "unchanging commitment and dedication" that brought significant contributions to the accomplishment of the Command's mission.

 

"May you continue to excel and uphold professionalism in your commitment to work with the armed forces," Galvez added.

 http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2017/05/08/wesmincom-chief-vows-continue-working-peace-mindanao-540744

Local, US troops bringing hope to communities

From the Sun Star-Cebu (May 8): Local, US troops bringing hope to communities

 

Boodle fight. What better way to express their gratitude than to share food with local and American troops, who constructed a disaster-resilient classroom for a community in Guiuan, Eastern Samar. (SunStar Foto/Alan Tangcawan)

 

VIVENCIA Yudico, 77, had long wished that Surok, their barangay in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, would be spared from the ravages of typhoons.

 

So when American and Filipino troops arrived to build a disaster-resilient classroom, she was ecstatic. “We are happy for all the help that they extended because it will be my grandchildren who’ll benefit in the safety of these classrooms,” Yudico said.

 

 Capt. Gabriel Christianson of the US Marines, the team leader assigned in Surok, said he appreciated the residents’ resiliency. “The people on the ground are close-knit and that is an advantage to the communication that’ll be established during calamities,” Christianson said.

 

Super typhoon Yolanda made landfall in Guiuan on Nov. 8, 2013.

 

 Aside from being a multi-purpose room, the classroom can also serve as an evacuation center during natural catastrophes.

 

The building of the structures was part of a series of activities for the 33rd Balikatan Exercises, a civilian-focused coordination between US and Philippine troops aimed to create long-term solutions during calamities for the community to sustain.

 

 During a symposium, the soldiers taught residents how to react properly during emergencies.

 

Isabel Cablao, 48, and a mother of a Grade 3 and a Grade 8 student, recalled how Yolanda created a path of destruction in their community.

 

Gratitude “That’s why, we are really thankful for the NGOs (nongovernment organizations) and the army, who are building stronger shelters and schools for us.

 

There is hope for our children, for a stronger generation, who will not cower at the scream of a super typhoon but instead, act clearly to survive its wrath and rebuild Guiuan,” Cablao said.

 

 Col. Medel Aguilar, assistant chief of the united staff for civil military operations of Central Command, said the Balikatan exercises hope to reach out to communities.

 

“With this, we are hopeful that civil efforts will rebuild one community after another. The structures are designed to withstand typhoons with a maximum of 250 kilometers per hour and the seminars are held to hammer long-lasting lessons to civilians who are first rescuers in calamities,” Aguilar said.

 

Lt. Sgt. Junley Morata of the Philippine Navy said they started building the classroom, the school’s stage and a water tank last April. These are set to be finished on May 15 and will be turned over to the school’s on the 16th, in time for the opening of classes next month.

 

Orgenia Lagramada, principal of the Surok Elementary School, said that the classroom will complete their facilities. “It will house our E-library and will also act as an evacuation center. We are thankful that our school was blessed with a disaster-resilient room,” she said. To express their gratitude, residents, government officials and American and Filipino troops participated in a boodle fight.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2017/05/08/local-us-troops-bringing-hope-communities-540824

We’re transparent, says CentCom

From the Sun Star-Cebu (May 8): We’re transparent, says CentCom

 THE Central Command (CentCom) assured the public of their transparency over the giving of reward money to the Bohol tipsters who led government troops to the hideout of Abu Sayyaf members in Clarin, Bohol.

 CentCom commander Lt. Gen Oscar Lactao said in a text message that the money was given to the tipsters, who were all civilians. “(The reward was) equally divided among the informants,” he said.

 Col. Medel Aguilar, assistant chief of the unified staff for civil military operations, said that they had many witnesses, who include government officials, during the turnover of more than P1 million to the informants.

 “There’s a third party who witnessed the turnover of the reward money to the informants,” Aguilar said. He said there were more than three informants who received their share of the P1 million reward money from President Rodrigo Duterte and the local government of Bohol.

 “There’s a process we followed during the turnover. Rest assured that the money was given according to the information they gave us,” Aguilar said.

“An information is a raw material. You need confirmation from other sources and it’s okay if there’s only one source as long as he’s reliable but we always seek information from other sources,” he said.

A habal-habal driver, who allegedly received P450,000, and three other witnesses reportedly led government troops to a cave in Barangay Kalubihan, Clarin where ASG local guide Joselito Melloria was hiding, resulting in the arrests of more members of the terrorist group.

 In an earlier interview, Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto said only P1.1 million of the P4 million was given because the three ASG members were subdued on the basis of military intelligence and not on a tip from the civilians.

 Meanwhile, Police Regional Office (PRO) Director Noli Taliño said his office has no hand in the giving of reward money to the informants. He said the budget was not coursed through the PRO 7 but to the CentCom.

 “Hindi nga ako makapag-comment sa issue na yan kasi hindi naman dumaan sa amin (I can’t comment on that because the money didn’t pass through us),” he said.

Taliño said the killing of alleged ASG member Saad Samad Kiram was legitimate as the latter tried to snatch a firearm from one of the police officers. He said Kiram divulged sensitive details, including the participation of Renierlo Dongon and Police Supt. Ma. Cristina Nobleza in ASG.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2017/05/08/were-transparent-says-centcom-540817

‘Balikatan’ to validate US, PHL inter-operability

From the Canadian Inquirer (May 8): ‘Balikatan’ to validate US, PHL inter-operability

“The RP-US ‘Balikatan’ exercises have been an avenue for us to enhance the cooperation between our military forces, through continuous training and learning we have mutually developed our teamwork. this annual exercise have also provided the opportunity to test and validate our force inter-operability,” he added. (Photo: Exercise Balikatan/ Facebook

 

With the US and the Philippines starting its 33rd iteration of the “Balikatan” exercises Monday, Armed Forces chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año said the manuevers will provide both forces with the opportunity to validate their inter-operability.

“The RP-US ‘Balikatan’ exercises have been an avenue for us to enhance the cooperation between our military forces, through continuous training and learning we have mutually developed our teamwork. this annual exercise have also provided the opportunity to test and validate our force inter-operability,” he added.

These exercises would also allow both US and Philippine Armed Forces to evaluate bilateral procedures, protocols and provide us a common operating picture necessary to establish the right mechanism for better collaborative actions, Año pointed out.

“This have allowed us to strengthen existing strategies and also to venture into new paradigms necessary to the demand of our job. Recent global and local events have taught us that we must be proficient in both traditional and non-traditional military capabilities,” the military chief stressed.

“Balikatan” 2017 is noted for having mostly high-impact humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) drills, which include urban search-and-rescue (including collapsed structure rescue in event of earthquakes) and landing of relief units and goods in a typhoon-isolated area.

HADR is one of the missions President Rodrigo Duterte wants the AFP to more proficient in along with counter-terrorism.

In the ongoing worldwide campaign against terrorism, Año said the Armed Forces and its US counterparts had been working unceasingly to destroy all persons and factions who supported this form of lunacy.

“Just recently our successful operations in Bohol which resulted to the death of nine Abu Sayyaf Group members, including their spokesman and potential upcoming leader ‘Abu Rami’ (Muamar Askali); and the operations in Sulu Province, which resulted to the death of the notorious kidnapper and ASG sub-leader Alhabsy Misaya, they are manifestations that are aimed to eradicate terrorism is on the right track,” he added.

“Balikatan” 2017 is scheduled to end on the 19th. Participating troops for the US are placed at 2,600 personnel, with the Philippines fielding in 2,800 and 80 for the Australian Defense Forces.

http://www.canadianinquirer.net/2017/05/08/balikatan-to-validate-us-phl-inter-operability/

Army official: No NPA resurgence in Bohol

From the Philippine News Agency (May 8): Army official: No NPA resurgence in Bohol

DUMAGUETE CITY -- The 302nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army in Bohol on Monday assured there was no resurgence of the New People’s Army (NPA) in that Central Visayas province.

The NPA do not have the capability to regain Bohol because its people have already been educated about the ills of the insurgency and they do not want the NPA there, said Capt. Jojo Mascariñas, Civil-Military Operations (CMO) Officer of the brigade, in an interview.

He also guaranteed there were no terror links between NPA and the Abu Sayyaf group. The NPA has a different ideology from that of the ASG, the latter of which is inclined towards the “jihad”, Capt. Mascariñas said.

“There are no movements, no armed insurgents”, he added

The Army official said these progressive groups, continue to hold rallies and other mass actions to protest the same or similar issues they had against the government in the previous years.

However, it is “confusing" that while these groups rally against poverty and other social issues affecting the people, their inclination is towards supporting President Rodrigo Duterte, he said.

As early as 2006, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police had already “cleared” Bohol of the NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front, the Army official said.

But it was only on February 11, 2010 that the province of Bohol was declared insurgency-free, he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/985846

Offensive on vs NPA rebels holding soldier in Bukidnon

From the Philippine News Agency (May 8): Offensive on vs NPA rebels holding soldier in Bukidnon

The military on Monday said it is conducting continuous pursuit operations against the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels responsible in raiding a private security compound in Bukidnon last Friday evening, after which they abducted a soldier.

Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez, 4th Infantry Division spokesperson here, said that Technical Sergeant Joseph Paredes, who is assigned at the Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion, was unarmed and was on a rest and recreation mode when seized by the NPA rebels.

He said that Paredes was riding a motorcycle with his wife when flagged down by the communist rebels who put up a road blockade outside the compound of DASIA, a Davao-based security agency, in a subdivision in Valencia City, Bukidnon.

Martinez said the 4th ID has deployed a team of soldiers to go after the NPA rebels shortly after the incident.

The NPA rebels, clad in police uniforms, told motorists to stop because an operation “Tokhang” was in progress in a nearby area. “Tokhang” (knock and appeal), is a nationwide anti-illegal drug campaign of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Martinez said that Paredes was identified by the insurgents through his identification card.

“The [rebels] immediately dragged him (Paredes) off his motorcycle and hurled him inside an armored vehicle. The soldier’s wife, who was shocked, was pushed down by the NPA to a muddy area,” Martinez said.

Major General Benjamin Madrigal, 4th ID commander, described the latest NPA action as another “blatant display of the insincerity of the communist rebels in achieving lasting peace in the country."

“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," he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/985850

Balikatan school building project sparks hope in Ormoc villages

From the Philippine News Agency (May 8): Balikatan school building project sparks hope in Ormoc villages



ORMOC CITY -- An upland village in this city is happy to receive new classrooms through the ongoing PHL-US Balikatan Exercise 2017 focused on rebuilding facilities damaged by 2013 super typhoon Yolanda.

Villager Betty Ann Catapon said the two new classrooms inside the Don Carlos Rivilla Elementary School in Boroc village here would help in decongesting the classrooms.

The elementary school has more than 400 enrollees from kindergarten to Grade 6 in the last academic year. To date, a group of 60 children share a single room or 20 more than the ideal number for conducive learning.

The school provides education to children from Boroc and its nine sub-villages. Boroc is more than three kilometers away from the national road and more than five kilometers away from the city’s downtown.

Similar project will also rise in the campus of nearby Margen Elementary School. Principal Elvira de Leon said that the construction of classrooms was timely for the opening of the school year.

At least four classrooms were badly destroyed by super typhoon Yolanda on November 8, 2013, prompting students to use makeshift classrooms for their classes.

“This is timely because this coming school year, four new teachers will be assigned in this school,” according to De Leon. Margen campus has 627 registered students.

De Leon expressed hope that the need for chairs and learning materials would also be addressed after the turn-over of the classrooms.

From the usual war games since 2000, Balikatan Exercise 2017 has shifted to humanitarian assistance to cope with challenges that the country are facing and to prepare the US Forces and the Philippine Army to response during natural calamities and disaster, to carry out delivery of humanitarian aid and enhancing counter-terrorism capabilities.

“Balikatan gives us opportunities to share ideas, to learn from each other, to desire many more years of close relationship and partnership,” said Commander Robert Christian, head of US Armed Forces community relations team.

“We have a long history of working together for our common good, it will be our military and your military and people that we will be working together in times of disaster which is why we are doing this today,” Christian told reporters on Monday.

US Armed Forces joining the Balikatan Exercise 2017 are personnel from the US Air Force, Navy, Marines, Infantry and Seabees or the US Naval Construction Forces. Most of them are stationed in Okinawa, Japan.

Their counterparts from the Armed Forces of the Philippines are personnel from the 546th and the 543rd Engineering Construction Battalion and the Army Reserve Command.

The US troops are also conducting humanitarian civic assistance in selected villages covered by military humanitarian exercise.

Lt. Col. George Domingo of the Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division said the holding of Balikatan Exercise in Eastern Visayas was not only a good experience for soldiers assigned in the region, but also for people always facing threats of natural disaster.

“This is an exercise for our soldiers and the US troops to exchange knowledge in disaster preparation and for us to enhance more our working relationship with other foreign military forces,” Domingo added.

Balikatan Exercise 2017 in Eastern Visayas started early April and will end on May 18 after the turn-over of the constructed classroom to recipient schools.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/985872

6 militiamen respond to NPA’s call, surrender

From the often pro-Communist Party of the Philippines online publication the Davao Today (May 7): 6 militiamen respond to NPA’s call, surrender

WHO says only rebels surrender?

The New People’s Army (NPA) yesterday claimed that at least six militiamen under the Army’s 72nd Infantry Battalion surrendered to its sub-regional command in Sagundanon, Kibawe town in Bukidnon on Friday last week.

The NPA spokesman for south central Bukidnon, Ka Ariel Magbanua, said the “surrenderers” are members of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (Cafgu) under the 72nd IB.

The NPA claimed the Cafgu members laid down their weapons that included a M79 grenade launcher with 23 rounds of ammunition, M16, M14 and Garand rifles, two shotguns and ammunition, and two rifle grenades, among others.

He did not say if the militiamen were compensated for the firearms just like in the government’s Balik Baril program.

Magbanua claimed the militiamen gave themselves up to the NPA’s Section 5 in south central Bukidnon under its sub-regional command in north central Mindanao in April 28.

He identified the alleged “surrenderers” as Cafgu team leader Antonio Mansaloon, his brother Tiano, Robert Pawas, Angel Mandalomon, Angela Pawas, Elie Mandalomon and JR Limpangan, all from Kibawe town.

The NPA claimed the supposed surrender took place after issued a call for the villagers to distance themselves from a group called “Alamara.”

The NPA blamed the group, allegedly organized with the support of the military, for the disunity among indigenes.

“Miaging tuig pa lang, gusto nang mo-surrender 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,” Magbanua said.

http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/6-militiamen-respond-to-npas-call-surrender/

Troops kill 4 Abu Sayyaf, seize camp in Basilan

From the Manila Times (May 8): Troops kill 4 Abu Sayyaf, seize camp in Basilan

Government forces killed four Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) terrorists in separate encounters over the weekend and seized its camp in Sumisip, Basilan.

Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), said troops of the 4th Special Forces Battalion under Lt. Col. Andrew Bacala Jr., encountered an undetermined number of ASG rebels at Sitio Talisay in Barangay Upper Bembengan last Saturday.

The group, surprised by the presence of government troops, tried to put up a fight resulting in a 30-minute gun battle but scampered away in different directions upon sensing the approaching planes of the Philippine Air Force.

The soldiers immediately pursued the fleeing bandits and blocked their possible escape route resulting in another exchange of fire that lasted for more than an hour.

“Our troops saw the enemy getting hit by our bullets but they were not able to retrieve bodies during the clearing operations,” said Col. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Joint Task Force Basilan.

A temporary encampment, that can accommodate about 40 people, was also seized by the special forces in the vicinity of Barangay Cabcaban in Sumisip.

Found in the encampment were a 15-meter long plastic pipe and a fuse believed to be used for making an improvised explosive device (IED).

In the continuing pursuit operations, troops of the 18th Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Ricardo Lucero Jr., encountered Abu Sayyaf members believed to be the same group engaged by the special forces earlier. The clash occurred in Barangay Mahatang.

“The information we received from people in the village was precise that the bandits were hiding in that area that led to another engagement last night,” Uy said on Sunday.

“We also learned that four bandits who were wounded earlier died during the series of firefights,” he added.

 Meanwhile, Basilan forces are still scouring the area while pursuit operations are continuing.

“We will continue to pound on the Abu Sayyaf. As long as they continue to pose a threat to the populace, we will be going after them and we will make sure that we will get them,” Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., WestMinCom commander, said.

“The information given by those who surrendered is indeed very helpful in our operations. We are therefore calling on the other Abu Sayyaf members to surrender before government forces get them. They have to decide now and fast before it is too late,” he added.
http://www.manilatimes.net/troops-kill-4-abu-sayyaf-seize-camp-basilan/326165/

Troops kill 60 Abu Sayyaf bandits since January -- Westmincom chief

From the Philippine News Agency (May 8): Troops kill 60 Abu Sayyaf bandits since January -- Westmincom chief



Sixty members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) have been killed in Mindanao since January, which a top military commander attributed to sustained military offensives against the bandits.

“It is a matter of time (before we can crush the ASG). We believed we have gained a significant [step against the terrorist group]. Our objective in the six-month period given by the President (Rodrigo Duterte is doable). We have reached the tipping point of the ASG. Meaning, they could "no longer carry out" significant attacks,” Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom)

“We still have two months, and we are very confident we can beat the objective to decrease the capability of the enemies,” Galvez added.

Galvez updated journalists here Monday on the campaign of the military against threat groups under Westmincom’s jurisdiction, which includes provinces in mainland Mindanao and the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

Based on its report, at least 60 ASG members have been killed since the start of the year. Two of the latest firefights separately took place on Saturday, May 6, that resulted to the death of four bandits.

The big blow, Galvez said, is the killing of notorious ASG sub-leader Alhabshy Misaya.

Misaya was killed in a clash on April 29 in the town of Indanan, Sulu.

Misaya, a known explosive expert, was involved in a string of kidnapping and bombing cases, including the 2002 Malagutay bombing that killed an American soldier.

The military also apprehended 13 ASG members, while 41 surrendered, Galvez said.

Galvez said they expect more ASG members in Sulu to surrender, including the ageing and most senior leader of the Abu Sayyaf, Radullan Sahiron.

Sahiron, also known as the one-armed bandit, has earlier sent surrender feelers to the military.

“If we can get at least two or three more leaders of the ASG, [the organization] will crumble,” Galvez said.

Galvez attributed their successful operations to the information provided by ASG members who surrendered and from the community leaders.

Galvez said they expect the release of hostages as the area of the ASG "is now constricted."

The military, he said, is also gaining ground against the Maute group and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in mainland Mindanao, particularly in the Lanao area.

The Joint Task Force ZamPeLan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao) had launched seven major operations that led to the killings of at least 36 members of the Maute group, including two foreign terrorists, galvez said,

For the campaign against the BIFF, the troops also killed 32 bandits in nine-recorded encounters, he said.

The military also recorded five encounters with the New Peoples’ Army (NPA), the armed-wing of the Communist gParty of the Philippines, mostly in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

The skirmishes led to the killings of two NPA members while two others were apprehended, he said.

Galvez said all these operations resulted to the recovery of 174 firearms, including five crew-served weapons.

The troops also recovered 38 improvised explosive devices, he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/985875

CHR begins probe on death of ASG member in Bohol

From the Philippine News Agency (May 8): CHR begins probe on death of ASG member in Bohol

Two Commission on Human Rights (CHR) special investigators on Monday started looking into the death of suspected Abu Sayyaf member in Bohol to determine there was no "foul play".

Special Investigator Alfonso Bayocot, Jr., the OIC of the CHR in Bohol, said in an interview, he was on the way to the crime scene in Barangay Lourdes in the municipality of Cortes to begin the investigation.

Special Investigator Jonathan Tibay of the CHR in Cebu has joined Bayocot in the investigation on the fatal shooting of Saad Samad Kiram, alias Abu Saad, who was killed three hours after he attempted to escape from police custody early morning on May 5.

Bayocot said their investigation was "motu proprio" in the absence of complainants. According to him, they just want to determine whether there was “no foul play” in the death of Kiram.

The initial part of the investigation beginning Monday will be talking to people and searching for potential witnesses, Bayocot said.

Bayocot said the exhumation of Kiram’s body, which was buried immediately after he was killed, would only come much later, depending on the outcome of their initial investigation.

The legal department of the CHR will decide on the need for an exhumation and autopsy of the late Kiram’s body, he added.

Bayocot also assured that the police escorts of Kiram would be asked to issue their statements if warranted and if there were any complainants.

In the meantime, Bayocot said he had requested the Bohol- Philippine National Police for a copy of the police investigation report to help the CHR in their probe.

Kiram was allegedly one of the Abu Sayyaf bandits who arrived in Inabanga, Bohol from Mindanao on board pumpboats last month to supposedly carry out kidnap-for-ransom activities in that island-province. He had come out of hiding at Barangay Tanawan in Tubigon, Bohol to ask for food from residents when he was arrested on May 4.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/985877

Duterte's visits lift troops' morale in fighting terror groups

From the Philippine News Agency (May 8): Duterte's visits lift troops' morale in fighting terror groups

The frequent visits of President Rodrigo Duterte in military camps have boosted the morale of troops fighting the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and other terror groups in Mindanao, a military official said Monday.

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said the “high morale” of the troops is one of the reasons why they are "successful in the campaign against terror groups." 

“How the President comforted the wounded soldiers is a big morale booster to the troops,” Galvez told the Philippines News Agency when asked what helps the troops successful in their combat operations.

“The leadership was able to give that motivation, especially by the President,” he said, adding that “our commanders are so dedicated. The troops are inspired.”

Galvez said President Duterte usually chats with a wounded soldier for at least 10 minutes.

“They want to go out and fight again. They are not afraid to be killed because they have a President who will look at their welfare,” he added.

“We are in high morale because of the inspiration and motivation also given by the (field) commanders,” Galvez said.

On Monday, Galvez announced that they are gaining ground in the campaign against the ASG and other terror groups in Mindanao as the death toll of the enemies have reached 128, most of them Abu Sayyaf bandits.

He made the report two months before the six-month deadline of President Duterte would lapse on June 30.

Galvez also noted the strong participation of the community in helping them eradicate the terror groups.

The military, he said, is employing “Oplan Kapayapaan,” the Duterte administration's counter-insurgency program, in fighting the terrorist groups.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/985898

Westmincom includes anti-drug campaign in outreach missions

From the Philippine News Agency (May 8): Westmincom includes anti-drug campaign in outreach missions

The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) has incorporated the national government's war against illegal drugs in the programs of the Civil-Military Operations (CMO) office.

“Once we go to the communities to conduct medical and dental outreach missions, we incorporate the advocacy against illegal drugs,” Lt. Col. Joel Mamon, Westmincom’s CMO chief, on Monday told the Philippines News Agency.

Mamon said they have tapped the assistance of community leaders, especially religious and youth leaders, to help them in their anti-drug advocacy.

He said the advocacy is focused on the ill-effects of using illegal drugs.

Aside from the communities, he said they also visited different schools, especially in far-flung areas, to dialogue with the teachers and students.

Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, Westmincom information officer, on Monday said in a statement that Westmincom troops have conducted 11 anti-illegal drug operations since January in support to the efforts of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the police.

Petinglay said the anti-drug operations resulted to the death of eight drug personalities and the arrest of 168 others.

Mamon confirmed that there were soldiers under the Westmincom who were discharged from service due to illegal drug use. He did not say how many.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/985906

2 wounded 'Abu Sayyaf' spotted near Tubigon, Bohol

From the Philippine News Agency (May 8): 2 wounded 'Abu Sayyaf' spotted near Tubigon, Bohol

Two alleged members of the kidnap-for-ransom group Abu Sayyaf were reportedly spotted in the vicinity of Tubigon, Bohol, according to Chief Supt. Noli G. Taliño, the regional director of the Philippine National Police Regional Office 7 (PRO-7) based in Cebu City.

In an interview Monday afternoon, Chief Supt. Taliño said they received information about the presence of the two suspected Abu Sayyaf members in the adjacent towns of Tubigon, where Saad Samad Kiram was arrested last May 4.

Chief Supt. Taliño said the PNP in Bohol, headed by its provincial director, Sr. Supt. Felipe Natividad, were validating the information.

Kiram, who was killed by his police escorts on May 5 after he allegedly tried to get a policeman's gun and attempted to escape while en route to a detention facility, had earlier disclosed that there were still two other companions in hiding in the vicinity of Tubigon, Taliño said.

Kiram further disclosed that his two companions were wounded following the firefight between the Abu Sayyaf members and the joint police and military operations, Taliño added.

At least ten Abu Sayyaf members were reported to have arrived in Inabanga, Bohol in early April to kidnap tourists in that island-province but police and military troops engaged them in clashes that initially left at least seven dead.

In subsequent operations, government troops arrested Police Supt. Ma. Cristina Nobleza and three others following information they were in Bohol in an attempt to rescue the remnants of the Abu Sayyaf there.

Nobleza, deputy chief of the Police Regional Office 11 Crime Laboratory, was arrested along with her driver and alleged boyfriend Reenor Lou Dungon and two other passengers when Army troops flagged down their vehicle at a checkpoint at the Clarin and Sagbayan border in Bohol.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/985912

Gov't soldier, rebel die, 2 troops wounded in Occidental Mindoro, Quezon clashes

From the Philippine News Agency (May 8): Gov't soldier, rebel die, 2 troops wounded in Occidental Mindoro, Quezon clashes

A soldier died while two others were wounded when government troops clashed with members of the New People’s Army (NPAs) on Monday in Infanta, Quezon.

Another gun battle erupted also today between the two sides in Occidental, Mindoro, this time claiming the life of a female rebel.

Major General Rhoderick Parayno, commander of the Philippine Army 2nd Infantry Division (PA-2ID), said the Quezon encounter happened in Sitio Little Baguio in Barangay Magsaysay, Infanta, Quezon.

He said government troops from the 1st Infantry Battalion fought with an undetermined number of NPA rebels in the area, resulting in the death of a soldier and wounding of two others, who were brought to the 2nd Army Station Hospital for treatment.

The names of the fatality and the wounded troops were not immediately released pending notification of their families.

Parayno said the troops are still conducting pursuit operation for the fleeing rebels.

He said, meanwhile, that the other clash occurred in Barangay Barahan in Sta. Cruz, Occidental Mindoro.

Parayno said a section from the 76th Infantry Battalion encountered around 30 armed NPA terrorists, leading to a skirmish that lasted 30 minutes. A lone female casualty from the enemy side identified as Ka Bikke was reported.

The military troops also recovered a caliber .99 mm pistol and improvised explosive device (IED) following the clash.

Parayno vowed that the Army will continue to go after the rebels until they stop terrorist acts against the people.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/985930

ARMM seeks help of 'ulamas' vs terrorism

From the Philippine News Agency (May 8): ARMM seeks help of 'ulamas' vs terrorism

About 300 Muslim religious leaders in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will gather here starting May 12 to discuss measures against terrorism and extremism.

President Rodrigo Duterte was invited to grace the event.

Dubbed as "ARMM Ulama Summit Against Terrorism," the gathering is a brainchild of ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman in line with President Duterte's campaign to spare the region from becoming a hotbed of terrorism.

In his recent pronouncements, Duterte said "terrorism is an urgent and critical national security threat and must be contained the soonest."

"The threats of violence and terrorism could further hamper economic growth in the region," Hataman said.

He cited that the recent security-related incidents in some areas of the ARMM, apparently referring to the Abu Sayyaf and Maute terror groups, could dampen business interests in the region.

ARMM's Muslim religious leaders asserted that the threat to violent extremism and terrorism is not only the problem of the country's political leaders but also of religious leaders as well.

Many terrorists misrepresent and misuse the Islamic faith to justify violence and terrorism, which tarnish the image of Islam and Muslims, Ustadz Abdulazis Kadil-Karon, an ulama in Maguindanao, said.

"Islam is peace, it does not promote violence in whatever way," he stressed.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/985931

De Lima supports US bill restricting defense export to Philippines

From Update Philippines (May 8): De Lima supports US bill restricting defense export to Philippines

United States Senators Ben Cardin (Democrat) and Marco Rubio (Republican) filed “The Philippines Human Rights Accountability and Counternarcotic Acts of 2017” that would restrict the exportation of certain defense articles by the US to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The bipartisan measure also seeks to authorize a US$50-million funding for the US Department of State and the US Agency for International Development to promote a public health approach to substance abuse.

The funding also seeks to extend support to Filipino human rights defenders, help victims of human rights violations, respond to human rights emergencies, and promote and encourage the rule of law through support for non-government organizations.

This proposed measure in the US Senate was welcomed by detained Senator Leila de Lima.

“I support the bipartisan efforts in the US Senate to introduce such important piece of legislation to hold our law enforcement authorities accountable to the thousands of human rights violations committed under the all-out war on drugs,” she said in a release.

“Every day, our people are living in fear that they or someone close to them might fall victim to extrajudicial killings under legitimate operations on the war on drugs, and this legislation can hopefully put an end to this national nightmare,” she added.

“This is a vital step forward in ensuring that the rule of law and respect to human rights prevail in modern democracies, such as the Philippines. We cannot allow the state to oppress its critics and from using arms to curtail our fundamental rights,” she said. “Under our modern democracy, it is important and necessary that governments around the world impose strict measures against arms and weapons from falling in the hands of unscrupulous individuals, especially among rogue law officers.”

http://www.update.ph/2017/05/de-lima-supports-us-bill-restricting-defense-export-to-philippines/17250

Balikatan 2017 officially starts, to include underwater demolition training

From Update Philippines (May 8): Balikatan 2017 officially starts, to include underwater demolition training



Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Central Command (CENTCOM) Commanding General Lieutenant General Oscar T. Lactao and United States III Marine Expeditionary Force Commanding General Lieutenant General Marine Lawrence D. Nicholson today led the opening of Balikatan 2017 at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, May 8, 2017.

Lactao is the Philippine exercise director for Balikatan 2017 and Nicholson is the exercise director for US.

For this year’s Balikatan, only two of AFP’s unified commands will interact with American units until the 19th. These are Cebu-based CENTCOM and Tarlac-based Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM). Last year, Southern Luzon Command and Western Command joined the said military exercise.

This year’s Balikatan will focus on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and counter-terrorism.

“We will be having small arms military-to-military activities, some joint special operations activities which is really aligned to counter-terrorism,” said Balikatan spokesperson for Philippines Major Frank Sayson.

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.

http://www.update.ph/2017/05/balikatan-2017-officially-starts-to-include-underwater-demolition-training/17254

Coast Guard sends BRP Nueva Vizcaya, BRP Pampanga for exercise with Japan, Indonesia

From Update Philippines (May 8): Coast Guard sends BRP Nueva Vizcaya, BRP Pampanga for exercise with Japan, Indonesia


Coast Guard photo

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) today sent off Ilocos Norte-class search and rescue vessel BRP Nueva Vizcaya (SARV-3502) and San Juan-class search and rescue vessel BRP Pampanga (SARV-003) for the biennial Marine Pollution Exercise (MARPOLEX) with Indonesia and Japan to be held in Bali, Indonesia from May 15 to 18.

Approximately 200 Coast Guard personnel from Marine Environmental Protection Command are aboard the said vessels.

The Coast Guard said Parola-class multi-role response vessel BRP Tubbataha (MRRV-4401), and tug boat TB Habagat (TB-271) will also participate in the said exercise.


Coast Guard photo

Planning and Signing Conference for this year’s MARPOLEX was conducted at Princesa Garden Island Resort, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan September 2016.

MARPOLEX aims to enhance the inter-operability of the PCG, Indonesia’s Directorate General of Sea Transport (DGST), and Japan Coast Guard (JCG) as well as to ensure the level of preparedness of each country’s assets and capabilities in combating oil pollution at sea as well as the introduction of new techniques, strategy and effective assessment in oil spill response operation in integrated Oil Spill Response.
“The conduct of this biennial exercise is a commitment of the Philippines, Indonesia and Japan in the implementation of the ASEAN Oil Spill Response Action Plan and the Sulawesi Oil Spill Network Response Plan,” the Coast Guard said.

http://www.update.ph/2017/05/coast-guard-sends-brp-nueva-vizcaya-brp-pampanga-for-exercise-with-japan-indonesia/17260

Finally, Navy’s second SSV now anchored off Manila South Harbor

From Update Philippines (May 8): Finally, Navy’s second SSV now anchored off Manila South Harbor



After almost four days of sailing, the country’s second strategic sealift vessel (SSV), the Tarlac-class landing platform dock BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602), has arrived and anchored one mile off Pier 13, Manila South Harbor Monday.

This was confirmed by Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna in a message to the PNA.

“After almost four days of voyage, around 11 a.m. today (May 8), BRP Davao Del Sur has anchored at vicinity one mile from Pier 13. She will undergo Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and Security procedures,” he said.

Welcoming ceremonies will be on May 10, with PN flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado likely spearheading the event, Lincuna added.

The BRP Davao Del Sur left the PT PAL (Persero)’s shipyard in Surabaya, Indonesia and started her voyage home on the afternoon of May 4.

Tarlac-class landing platform docks may serve as a floating command-and-control ship in time of emergency like in the conduct of humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

BRP Tarlac and BRP Davao Del Sur are operated by approximately 120-strong crew. They can carry 500 troops, two rigid-hull inflatable boats, two landing craft units and three helicopters.

It can also house and launch Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAVs), truck-based mobile hospital, and different class of military trucks.

http://www.update.ph/2017/05/finally-navys-second-ssv-now-anchored-off-manila-south-harbor/17274

Karapatan backs Callamard probe of drug deaths, urges UN expert to also look into political killings

From InterAksyon (May 8): Karapatan backs Callamard probe of drug deaths, urges UN expert to also look into political killings



Agnes Callamard, a United Nations Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, gestures while delivering a statement during a "Drug issues, Different Perspectives" forum at the University of the Philippines in Quezon City, May 5, 2017. REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco

A leading human rights organization backed an investigation into the thousands of drug war killings by United Nations expert Agnes Callamard and urged her to also look into the allegedly politically motivated murders of activists, peasants, indigenous people, and other advocates.

Karapatan raised its position following the unofficial visit to the country of the UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary killings or arbitrary executions, who had been invited to speak at a May 5 forum on Philippine drug policies at the University of the Philippines in Quezon City.

Callamard’s visit drew flak from the government, with presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella claiming she had not informed it beforehand. But the UN expert belied this, saying she had done so and stressed it was “not an official visit.”

“We agree with Ms. Callamard that the current policy on the war on drugs is lacking in addressing the socio-economic causes of the illegal drug trade. Policy alternatives should be explored to formulate programs which prioritize people’s rights, framed within the structural causes of poverty,” Karapatan said in a statement.

At the same time, Cristina Palabay, the rights organization’s secretary general, stressed that extrajudicial killings committed in the course of the government’s counterinsurgency campaign “likewise merit the attention of Callamard.”

Palabay pointed out that the campaigns by various administrations to suppress the close to half-century old communist armed movement “have victimized thousands of Filipinos in peasant and indigenous communities, with attacks on civilians and members of progressive organizations legitimized as them being ‘enemies of the State’.”

While the Duterte administration has resumed formal peace negotiations with the communist National Democratic Front of the Philippines, both sides have not renewed the unilateral ceasefires they had terminated in February.

On April 10, Karapatan submitted to Callamard a letter of allegation and documentations of 47 political killings that took place under the Duterte administration. Rise Up, a network campaigning against the drug war killings, of which Karapatan is also part, is set to file cases before the UN concerning said killings.

http://beta.interaksyon.com/karapatan-backs-callamard-probe-of-drug-war-killings-urges-un-expert-to-also-look-into-political-killings/

Ulama, religious leaders to hold anti-terrorism summit

From the Mindanao Examiner (May 8): Ulama, religious leaders to hold anti-terrorism summit

Some 300 ulama from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and other parts of the Philippines are expected to attend an anti-terrorism summit here from May 12 to 14.

Dubbed ‘ARMM Ulama Summit Against Terrorism’, the event is initiated by the regional government in cooperation with the region’s ulama and in line with the Duterte administration’s statement that terrorism is an urgent and critical national security threat.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman, as well as religious leaders, said the threat of violence and terrorism could further hamper economic growth in the region. Even as reforms in the ARMM were introduced resulting in initial positive response from investors, recent security-related incidents in some areas could dampen business interest in the entire region.

The Maute Group’s terror attacks in Lanao del Sur province only show violent extremism’s new trajectory, compounded further by recent developments such as the Islamic State’s expanding influence outside the Middle East.

These developments would adversely affect high-impact programs and projects that ARMM has recently introduced all over the region benefiting mostly conflict-affected and low-income communities.

Ulama leaders have noted that the threat of violent extremism and terrorism is not solely the problem and responsibility of political leaders but of religious leaders as well since many terrorists misrepresent and misuse the Islamic faith to justify violence and terrorism, which tarnish the image of Islam and Muslims>
The ulama emphasized that Islam could not be used to justify violent extremism and terrorism. Reeducation is necessary to rediscover the Islamic faith, specifically the principles of justice, compassion, peace and harmony, they added. Working with stakeholders to prevent and counter violent extremism and terrorism is important in this regard.

President Rodrigo Duterte leads the list of invited guests and Gov. Hataman will be present during the summit’s sessions. Others invited to the event are the ambassadors from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Singapore, and the United Nations’ representative to the Philippines.

Despite the gains due to reforms that have been implemented and institutionalized in the ARMM, there is a continuing challenge when it comes to local security and governance. This includes sustainable development which requires an inclusive, comprehensive and sustainable approach.

The ARMM’s experience in campaigns and programs against extremism, as well as the draft communication for peace action plan would also be shared.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/armm-ulama-to-hold-anti-terrorism-summit/

Pimentel to intel agencies: Explain why bomb blasts are getting more frequent

From the Philippine News Agency (May 8): Pimentel to intel agencies: Explain why bomb blasts are getting more frequent

After two blasts rocked Quiapo over the weekend, Senate Pres. Aquilino Pimentel III has called on the Philippine intelligence agencies to prevent similar incidents from happening and penalize those responsible.

"I sympathize with the victims and commend policemen for their quick response. But I am wondering where the intelligence agencies are. Preventing these explosions is their job," Pimentel said in a statement.

"We set aside a lot of money for intelligence agencies. If they can't prevent these explosions, I expect that at the very least, they [the intelligence agencies] can catch the culprits and prevent things like these from happening again," he added.

Pimentel pointed out that the government has multiple intelligence agencies, such as the intelligence units of the Philippine National Police, the National Bureau of Investigation, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, among others.

He asked intelligence agencies to stop making excuses and instead explain why these bomb blasts are getting more frequent.

"I want them to account for every peso that was allocated to them, and give me a very good reason for this failure of intelligence on their part."

Pimentel, who as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights in the 16th Congress pushed for the NBI Modernization Law, said that he is willing to call on the heads of these agencies to help them with additional funding for training, equipment, and operations if that is what is needed for preventing tragedies like Quiapo from happening again. He, however, said that they must first produce good results.

"If they say that they do need additional funds, they must produce results from the billions already given them and not ask for more money only to have no improvement still," he added.

The twin Quiapo bomb blasts took place Saturday afternoon. The first one occurred at around 5:50 p.m. on Gunao Street and was followed by another explosion on Norzagaray Street around 8:30 p.m. the same day.

Two people were killed and another four were injured in the incident. This comes a little over a week after an explosion also in Quiapo injured 14 people.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/985854

'Balikatan' to validate US, PHL inter-operability

From the Philippine News Agency (May 8): 'Balikatan' to validate US, PHL inter-operability

With the US and the Philippines starting its 33rd iteration of the "Balikatan" exercises Monday, Armed Forces chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año said the manuevers will provide both forces with the opportunity to validate their inter-operability.

"The RP-US 'Balikatan' exercises have been an avenue for us to enhance the cooperation between our military forces, through continuous training and learning we have mutually developed our teamwork. this annual exercise have also provided the opportunity to test and validate our force inter-operability," he added.

These exercises would also allow both US and Philippine Armed Forces to evaluate bilateral procedures, protocols and provide us a common operating picture necessary to establish the right mechanism for better collaborative actions, Año pointed out.
"This have allowed us to strengthen existing strategies and also to venture into new paradigms necessary to the demand of our job. Recent global and local events have taught us that we must be proficient in both traditional and non-traditional military capabilities," the military chief stressed.

"Balikatan" 2017 is noted for having mostly high-impact humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) drills, which include urban search-and-rescue (including collapsed structure rescue in event of earthquakes) and landing of relief units and goods in a typhoon-isolated area.

HADR is one of the missions President Rodrigo Duterte wants the AFP to more proficient in along with counter-terrorism.

In the ongoing worldwide campaign against terrorism, Año said the Armed Forces and its US counterparts had been working unceasingly to destroy all persons and factions who supported this form of lunacy.

"Just recently our successful operations in Bohol which resulted to the death of nine Abu Sayyaf Group members, including their spokesman and potential upcoming leader 'Abu Rami' (Muamar Askali); and the operations in Sulu Province, which resulted to the death of the notorious kidnapper and ASG sub-leader Alhabsy Misaya, they are manifestations that are aimed to eradicate terrorism is on the right track," he added.

"Balikatan" 2017 is scheduled to end on the 19th. Participating troops for the US 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/985901

Series of Quiapo blasts case 'solved' -- MPD

From the Philippine News Agency (May 8): Series of Quiapo blasts case 'solved' -- MPD

The Manila Police District (MPD) on Monday boasted that the case of a series of explosions in Quiapo, Manila, including the twin blasts which claimed the lives of two individuals and injured six others last Saturday night, is now "solved".

This after one of the suspects has been arrested and the other suspects have been identified.

MPD director Chief Supt. Joel Coronel on Monday reported that they now have a suspect who was identified as Abel Macaraya.
Macaraya, a suspect in the Quiapo bombing that happened a day before the 30th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, was presented to the members of media in a press conference on Monday.

However, during the same press conference, Macaraya vehemently denied that he is a member of any terrorist group, especially the ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria).

The MPD chief also dismissed fears that the bombing was a handiwork of international terrorist group ISIS.

Coronel also reiterated that the twin blasts in Quiapo, Manila was just a problem of some residents living in the area.

In fact, he said, they have identified the names of two of the other suspects as Raymond Mendoza and a certain Ali Moro.

Coronel admitted that although the case is already "solved", it cannot be considered as "closed" until such time that all the suspects behind the twin blasts are arrested.

Before the twin blasts last Saturday night, 14 individuals were injured in an explosion in Quiapo, Manila last April 28, which was caused by an alleged "gang war" in the area.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/985910

US troops not disappointed with scaled-down 'Balikatan'

From the Philippine News Agency (May 8): US troops not disappointed with scaled-down 'Balikatan'

Despite the lack of offensive military exercises in this year's "Balikatan" manuevers, participating US troops are still looking forward to training with their Filipino counterparts.

This was stressed by US "Balikatan" exercise director Lt. Gen. Lawrence Nicholson shortly after Monday's opening ceremonies.

"Balikatan" 2017 is noted for having mostly high-impact humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) drills which include urban search-and-rescue (including collapsed structure rescue in event of earthquakes) and landing of relief units and goods should in a typhoon-isolated area.

HADR is one of the missions President Rodrigo Duterte wants the AFP to more proficient in along with counter-terrorism.

When asked on whether US troops, of which 2,600 are participating, are feeling let down due to the focus on HADR and counter-terrorism, Nicholson said this is not the case.
"I can tell you that every Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, men that's coming to the Philippines for the exercise are not disappointed, they are looking forward, again as I said HADR and counter-terrorism are two critically important areas of concern for both of our nations, for all other nations, so I think there's a lot of work to be done," he noted.

"There's a lot of sharing of techniques and tactics and procedures so we're excited by the work that we are going to do, and yes absolutely we think in the years ahead there will be different focuses for 'Balikatan,' so I'm confident that this year's (will be a) success," he added.

"Balikatan" formally started on May 8 and will end on the 19th.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/985911

Pres. Duterte appoints ex-AFP chief Cimatu as DENR secretary

From the Philippine News Agency (May 8): Pres. Duterte appoints ex-AFP chief Cimatu as DENR secretary



President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed former Armed Forces of the Philippines chief and ambassador Roy Cimatu as the new Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) replacing Gina Lopez whose nomination was rejected by the Commission on Appointments.

"We are confident that Secretary Cimatu shall faithfully serve the interest of the country and the Filipino people in his capacity as the new DENR Secretary," said Palace spokesman Ernesto Abella in a statement.

Prior to this, Cimatu served as the Philippines’ special envoy to the Middle East.

Meanwhile, the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) welcomed the appointment of Cimatu "with cautious optimism".

COMP said Cimatu's sterling record in government service speaks well of him "and we hope that his appointment finally answers our long-held call for a DENR secretary who has a balanced appreciation for environmental protection and natural resources management."

"The Chamber remains committed to working with President Duterte’s administration in promoting responsible mining, and we look forward to working with Secretary Cimatu in enforcing our country’s environmental and natural resource laws," it added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/985938

ASEAN, China urged to complete West Philippine Sea code of conduct framework

From the Philippine News Agency (May 8): ASEAN, China urged to complete West Philippine Sea code of conduct framework

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states and China are urged to complete the code of conduct framework for behavior in the disputed West Philippine Sea/South China Sea at the soonest possible time to help deal with uncertainties in the region.

Such proposal was made by international and local economists Monday after the presentation of the United Nations (UN) report, the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2017, highlighting Asia Pacific economies vulnerability to global uncertainty and trade protectionism.

“The sooner we really bring down the players around the table to discuss how we do this, meaning agree on this code of conduct, the sooner we do it, the better. There is no use issuing the statements that may just confuse the issue,” said Philippine Institute of Development Studies (PIDS) President Dr. Gilberto Llanto.

Llanto believes that the code of conduct “is the way to go.”

“And I think that may be (it will be) respected by all players in the region if we say it firmly: this our region, we are here so we don’t want to create unnecessary tensions and difficulties for everybody,” he added.

Dr. Shuvojit Banerjee, economic affairs officer at United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), said political tensions in Asia, also including the North Korea situation, are increasing the level uncertainty in the region.

“Uncertainty affects economic decision making,” he said.

ASEAN member states, including the Philippines, have welcomed the progress to complete a framework of the code of conduct in the South China Sea by middle of 2017.

The code of conduct is intended to manage tensions in the South China Sea in a peaceful way. ASEAN members and China will then start negotiating for the actual code after they concluded its framework.

Several countries have made competing claims over parts or all of South China Sea, including China, Taiwan and four ASEAN members -- the Philippines, Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia and Vietnam.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/985925

ISIS planning more attacks in PH and region – terror expert

From Rappler (May 8): ISIS planning more attacks in PH and region – terror expert

Rohan Gunaratna warns that ISIS plans to hit Manila and other capitals in the region during the Ramadan

LOCKDOWN. In this file photo, cops cordon off the blast site after the explosions in Quiapo last Saturday, May 6, 2017. File photo by Rappler

The Islamic State, also known as ISIS, IS or ISIL, claimed it carried out two consecutive weekend attacks in Manila, both of which were denied by Philippine officials.

On Saturday, May 6, two consecutive explosions killed 2 people and injured at least 6 others. Like the previous week, ISIS claimed responsibility through its Amaq News Agency.

In an Arabic report released on messaging app Telegram on May 6, Amaq claimed "IS fighters killed five and wounded six after detonating an explosive device in the center of Manila."

Two photos, allegedly of the attack, were also released on pro-ISIS “Ummah News” channel on Telegram on the same day.

“Both Saturday attacks in Quiapo were by ISIS,” said Rohan Gunaratna, head of the International Centre for Political Violence & Terrorism Research in Singapore. “These are targeted and probing attacks testing the environment for more attacks.”

In a text message to Rappler, Gunaratna warned that “during Ramadan, ISIS is planning to hit Manila and other capitals in the region.” (Ramadan is the Muslim holy month of fasting).

Ramadan this year begins on the last weekend of May – on the 27th or the 28th – and will last a month.

Gunaratna stressed however that under President Rodrigo Duterte, the military and the police have the capability to fight back and dismantle the emerging ISIS infrastructure in Manila and ISIS entities in Mindanao.

Denial and network shutdown

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Oscar Albayalde denied ISIS’ claims: "This has nothing to do with terrorism. There is no indication that this was done by a terror group, local or foreign.”

Albayalde added that this is just an ISIS custom of taking credit.

Other officials said that if it were a terrorist attack, it would leave more damage. That’s not quite true with the example of the Jakarta terror attacks last year.

“Government should never dismiss an ISIS claim,” said Gunaratna when asked about the police denial. “ISIS news agency exaggerates on enemy fatalities, casualties and destruction, but does not falsely claim attacks.”

Gunaratna has been studying terrorist networks for decades, and his Singapore think tank continues to follow the evolution of ISIS globally.

 

Despite its denial, however, the Philippine police asked all telecom networks to shut down their services. Globe announced this Sunday night stating it would last 48 hours, while Smart-Sun released its advisory Monday, May 8.

This is an unprecedented step taken in the past given an imminent terror threat that could use cellular networks to trigger an explosion through mobile devices.

The first time the Philippine government ordered a cellular shutdown was in 2012, ironically, in the same Quiapo area.

Terror alerts pose a difficult balancing act: every government must be able to act secretly for national security purposes, but must also keep the safety of its citizens paramount.

In western countries, victims of terror attacks could sue governments if it becomes clear there was a clear threat and the government failed to warn its citizens.

British government warning

On the same day as the May 6 blasts, the United Kingdom asked its citizens to avoid the Quiapo area.
“Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in the Philippines,” stated the advisory issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). “Terrorist groups continue to plan attacks and have the capacity and the intent to carry out attacks at any time and anywhere in the country.”

“Attacks could happen anywhere, including places visited by foreigners, like airports, shopping malls, public transport and places of worship. You should remain vigilant at all times and report anything suspicious to the local authorities.”

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/169198-isis-plans-attacks-philippines-region

Manila police arrest suspect in April 28 Quiapo blast

From Rappler (May 8): Manila police arrest suspect in April 28 Quiapo blast

Police and the suspect insist the blast had no links to the terror group ISIS

QUIAPO BLAST. MPD chief Joel Coronel presents one of the suspects in the April 28 blast in Quiapo, Manila. Photo by Ben Nabong/Rappler

Manila police on Monday, May 8, announced the arrest of one of 4 suspects said to be behind an improved explosive device (IED) blast that injured at least 14 people last April 28, 2017.

In a press conference on May 8, Manila Police District (MPD) chief Joel Coronel presented to media a certain “Abel Macaray” whom police said planted a pipe bomb at a commercial area along a Quezon Boulevard service road leading to Recto Avenue the same weekend Southeast Asian leaders arrived in Manila for the 30th ASEAN Summit.

Coronel said the suspect would be facing charges of multiple frustrated murder and illegal possession of explosives.

The MPD chief said the suspect corroborated earlier police assertions that the blast was not an act of terrorism but a result of conflict between Quiapo residents. Police earlier said that days prior to the blast, a minor was apparently beaten up because he was mistakenly identified as a petty thief. The IED was supposedly an act of revenge against 3 men who beat up the minor.

Coronel said police were still going after another suspect, a certain Raymond Mendoza. But operations to capture him over the weekend failed.

Police continued to deny speculation that the terror group ISIS was behind the blast, despite the group claiming it to have been their handiwork. The group has also claimed twin blasts that happened in another area in Quiapo on May 6.

The materials used to make the pipe bomb, noted Coronel, were not consistent with the “signature” of known terror groups. He also said that its components were “readily available” and could be purchased in hardware stores.

Experts, however, have cautioned against downplaying ISIS’ claims. Talking to Rappler, Rohan Gunaratna, head of the International Centre for Political Violence & Terrorism Research in Singapore, said the attacks – the blast on April 28 and the twin blasts on May 6 – were “targeted and probing attacks testing the environment for more attacks.”

Police claim the April 28 and May 6 blasts were not connected.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/169236-police-arrest-april-28-quiapo-blast-suspect