Military loses 2 armored vehicles to local terrorist groups

From Rappler (Jun 3): Military loses 2 armored vehicles to local terrorist groups

The government fails to meet its self-imposed deadline to finish the Marawi Crisis on June 2, but it says 85% to 90% of the city is now under military control



CLASHES. The military says it won't meet the June 2, 2017, deadline it imposed on itself to flush local terrorist out of Marawi siege. Clashes has not stopped since last week, when this photo was taken. Photo by Bobby Lagsa/Rappler
The Philippine military on Friday, June 2, admitted losing two armored vehicles to local terrorist groups in Marawi City.

"We have two armored vehicles that were hit on the ground, and they have control of the area," said Lieutenant Colonel Jo-Ar Herrera, military spokesman on the Marawi Crisis.

The Maute Group released an online propaganda video showing terrorists blasting Army V150 armor vehicles rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). The video also shows dead bodies inside the vehicle, but Herrera did not confirm if they are soldiers.

The video does not capture the general situation on the ground, Herrera said.

While the government did not meet its self-imposed deadline to finish the Marawi Crisis by Friday, June 2, he said most of Marawi City was "cleared of Maute presence."

Herrera said 85% to 90% of the city is now under military control. He said about 50 terrorists are keeping their resistance, strategically positioned in "fortified walls, fortresses, and underground tunnels."

Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, the target of the raid that triggered the clashes, is still inside the combat zone, said Herrera.

"He's controlling the enemy troops right now. He's in charge of the troops. He's commanding them," the militart spokesman said.

The police was also forced to leave behind an armored vehicle at the height of the clashes last week.

Based on the latest government report, 120 terrorists, 36 soldiers, and 19 civilians have been killed since the siege began on May 23.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/171812-military-loses-armored-vehicles-terrorists

Duterte confident Marawi siege to end in '3 days'

From Rappler (Jun 4): Duterte confident Marawi siege to end in '3 days'

A day after the military's missed deadline to end the siege, the President says clashes will be over soon   



CLASHES IN MARAWI. Members of the police special forces against Maute Group members in Marawi City. Photo by Ted Aljibe/Agence France-Presse

On the 12th day of clashes between government forces and terrorists in Marawi City, President Rodrigo Duterte expressed confidence that the siege will be over in the next few days.

“Kaya itong nahirapan tayo (This difficulty we have), this will be over in about 3 more days,” said Duterte during an interview with media on Saturday, June 3 in Cagayan de Oro.

He said clashes are likely to end with the Maute Group members having suffered many more losses of lives than government troops.

“At gross disparity. So many of the rebels are dead. The government did not lack in its efforts,” he said in Filipino.

But if government were not bound by laws, Duterte said he could end the conflict in “24 hours” by pounding Marawi City with bombs.

“Truth be told, were it not because government is bound by rules and the values of civilization, I can end this war in 24 hours. You know, I’ll just bomb everything. I have 10 new jets. All I have to do is to bomb the whole place and level it to the ground,” said the President.

But bound by international laws, Duterte said troops did their best to ensure no civilians would be killed.

“But since we are in a civilized society and we are a member of the United Nations and of the Geneva Convention Protocol, I am having a hard time and we had to do it to the least maximum damage of collaterals, especially civilian,” he said.

The enemy, in comparison, are bound by no such rules.

“But the enemy, they have no compassion about – they just shoot here, there. For them, even if they kill a civilian or soldier, it doesn’t matter to them,” said Duterte.

The military missed its June 2 deadline to take full control of Marawi City from terrorists. It is also unlikely to meet its July deadline to significantly weaken the Abu Sayyaf, which operates in the Basilan and Jolo areas of Mindanao.

The last siege the military had to deal with, the Zamboanga siege in 2013, took more than 3 weeks to end.

The clashes in Marawi were what prompted Duterte to declare martial law over Mindanao. Martial law, declared the same day as the start of the clashes, is entering its 13th day on Sunday, June 4.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/171905-duterte-marawi-siege-end-days

PH military declares 4-hour humanitarian ceasefire in Marawi

From Rappler (Jun 4): PH military declares 4-hour humanitarian ceasefire in Marawi

The military declared a unilateral ceasefire from 8 a.m. to 12 noon on Sunday, June 4, to allow humanitarian workers to save residents trapped inside the combat zone



DISPLACED. While most of the Marawi City residents have fled, many are still trapped inside the combat zone

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) declared a 4-hour unliateral humanitarian ceasefire in Marawi City Sunday morning, June 4, from 8 am to 12 noon.

"It is a period coordinated with our forces, approved by the chief of staff, providing for a 4-hour window to allow entry of humanitarian workres from the local government units, non-government orgnizations, and civil society organizations," said AFP spokesperson Brigadier General Resituto Padilla.

"It's a humanitarian pause," said Padilla.

The unilateral declaration was arranged by panels of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that are implementing a peace agreement signed in the previous administration.




PEACE CORRIDOR. Irene Santiago, chairman of the government panel on the Bangsamoro peace process, open the peace corridor on June 4. Photo from the Facebook post of Irene Santiago

MILF is the country's dominant Muslim rebel group. Central Mindanao, where Marawi City is located, is MILF's known bailiwick.

"The peace corridor is open," Santiago said in her Facebook page.

"Please pray that this humanitarian pause to rescue women, men and children still trapped in Marawi will be successful. The "pause" brokered by the Implementing Panels of the government and the MILF started at 8:00 am and will end this noon," Santiago added.

Rappler spotted representatives of the government and MILF panels at the Lanao Del Sur provincial capitol in Marawi City the night of May 31 to arrange logistics for the peace corridor.

It is not clear as of this posting if there is an arrangement with the Maute Group to also declare a ceasefire.

Padilla said gunshots were reported during the ceasefire.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/171913-military-ceasefire-peace-corridor

Joint patrols off Mindanao to counter ISIS threats – Malaysia

Posted to Rappler (Jun 3): Joint patrols off Mindanao to counter ISIS threats – Malaysia

Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia will launch joint patrols off the waters of Mindanao, following the clash that erupted between the government and ISIS-inspired Maute group in Marawi City

NAVAL ASSETS. A chopper lands on BRP Davao del Sur, a Multi-purpose Attack Craft (MPAC) in a demo during the anniversary of the Philippine Navy at Sasa Wharf in Davao City on May 31, 2017. Photo by Manman Dejeto/Rappler

Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia will launch joint patrols in waters off the Mindanao region this month to counter threats from Islamic State group militants, Malaysia's defense minister said Saturday, June 3.

Hishammuddin Hussein made the comments at a security conference in Singapore as Philippine troops continued to battle self-styled Islamic State group gunmen who attacked the city of Marawi on Mindanao island nearly two weeks ago. (READ: Marawi Clash: Special coverage)

Hishammuddin said joint sea patrols in the waters bordering the 3 nations would kick off on June 19, with air patrols starting at a later date.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has declared martial law in Mindanao in response to the crisis, describing the attack on Marawi as the start of a major campaign by ISIS to establish a foothold in the Philippines.

Security analysts say ISIS is planning to establish a "province" in the southern island of Mindanao as part of its efforts to set up a caliphate in Southeast Asia. (READ: ISIS' global ambitions and plans for Southeast Asia)

"If you talk about Sulu Straits (it) ... would involve Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines," Hishammuddin told delegates to Shangri-La Dialogue, an annual security summit.

"So within ASEAN, we decided at least these 3 countries, to avoid being accused of doing nothing, the 3 of us took the initiative to have the joint patrol... initiatives in the Sulu Straits," he added, referring to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Hishammuddin said Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore have carried out successful joint patrols in the Malacca Strait bordering their countries to fight maritime piracy.

Analysts have said the porous maritime borders between the 3 countries make it hard to detect the movement of militants. (READ: Q&A: ISIS in Southeast Asia)

Mindanao is "the primary area in the region where Islamist militant groups are still able to operate with some freedom of operation, run training camps, and conduct frequent attacks," said Otso Iho, senior analyst at IHS Jane's Terrorism and Insurgency Centre (JTIC).

"This level of lawlessness and the fact that the space is difficult for government forces and institutions to effectively govern makes it the most likely place for a declaration," he told Agence France-Presse.

"It's also the location where the vast majority of Southeast Asian groups that have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State are based."

Hishammuddin and other defense ministers who spoke at the conference also warned of the threat posed by returning Southeast Asian militants who are fighting with the ISIS in Iraq and Syria where the group is losing territory.

"This however then gives rise to the disturbing prospect that the Asia-Pacific is now in Daesh's crosshairs," he said, using an alternative acronym for the group.

The threat is "real and multidimensional, whether from returning fighters, regional franchises or more disturbingly, from self-radicalized lone wolves," he added.

http://www.rappler.com/world/regions/asia-pacific/171862-joint-patrols-mindanao-militants-malaysia

Military ties remain strong, fighting ISIS together

From Rappler (Jun 4): PH, U.S.: Military ties remain strong, fighting ISIS together

'We are involved in activities in Mindanao to help the Armed Forces of the Philippines take the fight to ISIS in the Philippines,' US Pacific Command Admiral Harry Harris says

MILITARY TIES. Amid recent changes in the Philippines' foreign policy, the United States and the Philippines say their military relationship remains strons, especially in the war against the Islamic State (ISIS). File photo by AFP/Jay Directo

While President Rodrigo Duterte appears to have distanced himself from the United States and recalibrated towards China and Russia, Philippine and American officials emphasized that the two nations’ military relationship remains the same.

 

Speaking to participants of the Southeast Asia Young Leaders program here, the Commander of the US Pacific Command, Admiral Harry Harris, said nothing has changed under Trump’s administration, adding that its “America First s” policy is no different than individual ASEAN countries’ priority of domestic issues.

“I believe that we are in a very good place with regard to military to military activities in the Philippines,” he said on Sunday, June 4.

He also said the US is very much involved in the Philippines’ counterterrorism efforts against ISIS.

“We are involved in activities in Mindanao to help the Armed Forces of the Philippines take the fight to ISIS in the Philippines. I think that is a recognition of how important our important with the Philippines is,” he said.

Philippine Undersecretary for Defense Policy Ricardo David echoed Harris’ statements.

 

“As far as the Philippine is concerned, I think we have good relations with the United States. The Balikatan just concluded. It will continue because this is a part of our Philippine alliance with the US. We have a Mutual Defense Treaty,” David said.

He also said Duterte’s approach towards China does not mean it is moving further away from its longtime ally.

“The President, I believe, wants to have an independent foreign policy, meaning we can be open to China, we can be open to Russia. He wants to have a cooperation also with those two countries,” he said.

The statements come as clashes in Marawi City, which started on Tuesday, May 23, continue between the military and local terrorist groups Abu Sayyaf and the Maute Group. This, after the military moved to hunt down Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, who had been spotted in the city.

The military said the raid served to foil a terror plan to seize Marawi City. The ISIS-claimed fighting has killed military, rebels, and civilians, and prompted Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to declare martial law in Mindanao.

In 2016, ISIS, via a 20-minute video, called on its followers in Southeast Asia to fight for the terror group either in Syria or in the Philippines.

Given the developments in the country, analysts agree it is crucial for the Philippines to keep its alliance with the Philippines strong.

Tim Huxley, Executive Director of IISS-Asia told Rappler it is “necessary” for the Philippines to stay close to the United States.

A day earlier, US Defense Secretary James Mattis also vowed its commitment to the Philippines, reassuring the country of its continuing partnership and support.

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/171929-us-ph-military-ties-fighting-isis

16 suspected Maute Group members arrested

From Rappler (Jun 3): 16 suspected Maute Group members arrested

An intelligence officer of the Philippine Marines says the men, who claimed to be construction workers, were arrested along the Agus River near the Banggolo Bridge   

Soldiers have arrested 16 suspected members of the terrorist Maute Group more than a week after the terrorists laid siege on Marawi City.

An intelligence officer of the Philippine Marines, who asked not to be named, said the men were arrested along the Agus River near the Banggolo Bridge.

"They swam across the river. They are under investigation," the marine officer said, adding that authorities need to verify their identities.

The media were prohibited from interviewing the men.

The marines herded the media to a corner of the road, saying the police will pass by and they needed the road cleared.

Guarded by the marines from the 5th Landing Battalion team, the men were fetched in a mosque by the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Regional Public Battalion.

Shirtless and handcuffed with their heads covered with clothes, the suspects were transported by a convoy of police cars.

At the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, the men were processed and put under investigation.

The marine officer said they tried talking to the men, who claimed to be construction workers trapped in Dansalan Junior College Marawi City.

The marines have been holding ground in and around the Banggolo Bridge, a crucial passage that took government almost a week to regain from the extremists.

Meanwhile, at least 182 trapped residents of Marawi City were rescued overnight by security forces and a team of the provincial government's crisis commitee on Friday, June 2.

Some residents trapped in the combat zone have also recounted the daring escape of swimming the Agus River to stay alive.

The ground commander in Marawi City, Major General Rolando Bautista, added on Saturday that the military has now shifted its focus to rescuing hostages.

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/171870-suspected-maute-group-members-arrested-marawi

ISIS is in the Philippines – Lorenzana

From Rappler (Jun 3): ISIS is in the Philippines – Lorenzana

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana says Abu Sayyaf senior leader Isnilon Hapilon and his followers 'are already recognized and the occupation of Marawi is another step to prove [their] worth as part of ISIS'


The Islamic State (ISIS) is now in the Philippines, according to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

Abu Sayyaf senior leader Isnilon Hapilon was recognized in December 2016 by ISIS and has since been receiving funds from the international terrorist organization.

"They are already recognized and the occupation of Marawi is another step to prove [their] worth as part of ISIS. They intended to raise the ISIS flag in the provincial capitol," Lorenzana told Rappler on Friday, June 2.

Other local terror groups like the Maute Group that combined forces with Hapilon are also part of ISIS now, he said.

Hapilon was the target of a botched military raid that triggered government clashes with combined forces of the Abu Sayyaf and the Maute Group. The military said the raid served to foil a terror plan to seize Marawi City. (READ: How a military raid triggered Marawi attacks)

Caliphate

To be clear, Rappler asked Lorenzana, “They really are ISIS now, sir?”

He replied, “Yes, they are now.”

Lorenzana said ISIS ordered Hapilon to establish a caliphate in Mindanao.
"He was ordered to Lanao del Sur (Butig) in early January to set up a wilayat (Islamic province) there," he said.

"ISIS thought that Lanao del Sur was a better place for expansion because the area is bigger than Basilan and there are more Muslims there. Since their recognition as part of ISIS, Hapilon has received funds from ISIS. Also, Marawi is an Islamic City."

Lorenzana made the conclusion ahead of military officers Rappler earlier spoke with.

According to military officers who have been watching the spread of ISIS ideology in the Philippines, the "unification" of forces is the 3rd of 4 stages that groups wishing to join ISIS' international network need to complete.

The 4th stage is establishing a wilayat, or a territory. They said the Abu Sayyaf and Maute have joined forces to be able to establish a wilayat in Marawi City, the new target, after repeated attempts in Butig town. (READ: Maute Group waves ISIS black flag on Marawi streets)

Resorts World

On Friday, at least 37 people were killed when a supposed "lone gunman" fired gunshots and set ablaze gaming tables at the casino floor of Resorts World Manila.

SITE Intelligence Group reported that Friday's incident was claimed by ISIS, particularly a "Filipino operative" of ISIS.

SITE said: "An Islamic State (IS) Filipino operative who provides daily updates on the ongoing clashes in Marawi stated that the group is responsible for the attack at Resorts World Manila in Pasay, Philippines."

According to a New York Times journalist who has access to ISIS channels, the person who claimed the attack in Manila is the same person who posted the video of Marawi City priest Father Teresito Soganub.



MAUTE CONTROL. Father Teresito Soganub issues an appeal to President Rodrigo Duterte, apparently under the control of the terrorist Maute Group. Facebook screengrab

But was ISIS or the combined forces of the Abu Sayyaf and the Maute Group responsible for the Resorts World attack?

Lorenzana said it is under investigation.

"The police and intelligence people are investigating. We are not yet ruling out that this is an ISIS act. It is so easy for ISIS to claim responsibility. Whether true, or ISIS is just riding onto a done act, we still do not know," the defense chief told Rappler in a text message.

The incident in Manila happened on the 10th day of the Marawi crisis.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/171756-hapilon-isis-lorenzana

'200 to 250' terrorists hold out in Marawi City

From Rappler (Jun 3): '200 to 250' terrorists hold out in Marawi City

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Armed Forces chief General Eduardo Año – martial law administrator and implementor, respectively – visit Marawi City on the 12th day of the crisis

Up to 500 local and foreign terrorists banded together to seize Marawi City on May 23, according to adjusted government estimates released on Saturday, June 3.

There are "200 to 250" of them left, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a news briefing at the Lanao del Sur provincial capitol in Marawi City on Saturday.

The government reported up to 120 terrorists killed in heavy clashes that drove almost all of the residents to flee the city. (READ: ISIS is in the Philippines – Lorenzana)

"Minus the others we haven’t accounted for, maybe we are looking at another 200 to 250 still hold out there. If they are that many with sufficient firearms and ammunition, then they can still put up a good fight. It is giving us difficulty in clearing the area," Lorenzana said.

Lorenzana brought along the country's top military officers in his first known visit to Marawi City since the crisis began.

Worst is over?

Armed Forces chief General Eduardo said the "worst is over" in terms of the crisis.

"We contained the situation. It is a matter of clearing the remaining areas. We confined Bangolo," Año said.

The government missed its self-imposed June 2 deadline to end the crisis, but Lorenzana assured Marawi residents that the terrorists were now surrounded by troops. The terrain, however, remained a challenge for troops. (READ: Urban warfare still a challenge for soldiers in Marawi)

"The Bangolo area, the central business district, is already surrounded by troops. Hopefully none of those fighters inside that we’re trying to neutralize can get out," the defense chief said.

When asked, Lorenzana said he would not set another deadline on ending the crisis. "Our troops, under the direction of General Bautista and General Galvez, are going to do this slowly. I cannot now tell how many days more but we are going to finish this as soon as possible," he said.

Responding to questions, Año dismissed fears the local terrorist group may get reinforcements from nearby areas.

"That’s the essence of martial law. We control other areas. We have checkpoints in order to prevent reinforcements," the AFP chief said.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/171874-terrorists-hold-out-marawi-city

Ex-DOF employee is Resorts World gunman – police

From Rappler (Jun 4): Ex-DOF employee is Resorts World gunman – police



(UPDATED) 42-year-old Jessie Carlos, identified as 'heavily in debt' due to casino gambling, is identified as the gunman in the June 2 Resorts World attack

(5th UPDATE) – Police on Sunday, June 4, have identified the suspect in the attack at Resorts World Manila as a former employee of the Department of Finance who is "heavily in debt" due to casino gambling.

The lone gunman was identified as Jessie Carlos, 42 years old, Police Director Oscar Albayalde, NCRPO chief, said in a press conference at the Remington Hotel – part of the Resorts World complex – on Sunday.

Carlos was a former employee of the Department of Finance, assigned to the agency's "One Stop Shop" office, who was discharged from his post for issues related to his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth.

His identity was confirmed early Sunday morning by his estranged wife and his parents, the NCRPO police chief said. The parents and wife were at the press conference.

'High roller'

Albayalde said that Carlos, a resident of Sta Cruz, Manila, was "heavily in debt" due to casino gambling.

Carlos – identified as a "high roller" and was said to usually placed a minimum P40,000 bet – is said to have P4 million in debt with banks, plus an undisclosed amount of non-bank-related debts, due to his gambling problem.

He has also sold his car and a family property in Batangas to finance his gambling addiction.

Just last April 3, Carlos, who was said to be a regular at other casinos but not at Resorts World, was barred from entering all casinos by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) upon request of next-of-kin, Albayalde said.

In a 2014 press release from the DOF's Revenue Integrity Protection Service (RIPS) identified a "Jessie Javier Carlos" as a Tax Specialist of the One Stop Shop Tax Credit and Duty Drawback Center.

The RIPS press release said that the employee was dismissed from service by the Ombudsman "for failure to disclose truthfully all his assets" in his SALN.
Not mentally ill

His father Fernando confirmed that Carlos was in financial trouble but said his son was not mentally ill. He also said that they do not know where the gun used came from.

Albayalde again emphasized that the suspect acted alone, and that the incident is not terror-related.

"We also reiterate our prior statements that this is not an act of terrorism but this incident is confined to the act of one man alone as we have always said," he said.

"We have and will continue to base our pronouncements on facts and evidence properly gathered. We will not allow people or any threat group to use this situation to advance their propaganda or personal causes wether foreign or local," Albayalde added.

He added that this closes the terror angle in the probe of the incident.

Carlos' mother Teodora asked for forgiveness from the family of the victims of the attack, saying that their family is also a victim in the incident.

The police also presented to the media the gasoline boy who sold to the suspect the 3 liters of gasoline used in burning parts of the hotel, as well as the taxi driver who drove Carlos to the casino.

The now-identified gunman stormed into the high-end casino complex in Pasay City early Friday, June 4, with an M4 automatic rifle and a bottle of gasoline, before setting alight a number of different rooms in the complex.

Thirty-seven people died in the fires, dozens more were injured in a stampede to escape, and the Carlos was found dead about 5 hours later in a hotel room after committing suicide by setting fire to himself, police said.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/171914-police-identify-gunman-resorts-world-attack

BRP Tarlac in transport mission to Marawi City

From the Mindanao Times (Jun 3): BRP Tarlac in transport mission to Marawi City

THE BARKO ng Republika ng Pilipinas (BRP) Tarlac arrived at Sasa wharf yesterday for the transport mission in connection with the military operation in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.

Lt. James Reyes, spokesman of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM), told TIMES yesterday that BRP Tarlac will be deployed to transport logistical requirements for the troops in the area.

 

Reyes said they are also accepting relief aid from individuals, private groups, and government agencies for the evacuees.

 

http://mindanaotimes.net/brp-tarlac-in-transport-mission-to-marawi-city/

MNLF helping government forces in running after Abu Sayyaf in Sulu

From MindaNews (Jun 3): MNLF helping government forces in running after Abu Sayyaf in Sulu

Even before President Rodrigo Duterte appealed to the Moro fronts and the communist movement to help the government in the fight against terror groups, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Sulu has been helping the military fight the Abu Sayyaf.

Yusop Jikiri, chair of the MNLF Central Committee, said their fighters have been running after the Abu Sayyaf particularly in areas dominated by the front.

Jikiri cited an incident where “our fighters launched our ‘Anti-kidnapping and Terrorism Task Force’ [in the towns of]Talipao, Parang and Indanan with proper understanding and coordination with the Brigade Command in Sulu” last May 18-20.

“In short, even without the presence of the military, our command is ready to face any challenges against terrorist groups,” he said.

Jikiri, who took over the helm from Muslimin Sema as the new chair of the MNLF last February, said they will continue to exert pressure on the Abu Sayyaf and deny them areas for refuge.

Another faction of the MNLF is led by founding chair Nur Misuari.

During his visit in Sulu, Duterte called on the MNLF, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and the New People’s Army to help the government fight the terror groups.

The president made the statement following Misuari’s offer to help the government address the ongoing armed conflict in Marawi City.

The armed conflict in Marawi started on May 23 when members of the Maute group launched a siege in the city.

Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejan, commander of Joint Task Force Sulu, confirmed the MNLF’s efforts against the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu.
“We welcome their positive gesture towards the resolutions of the Abu Sayyaf problem,” he said.

He said the military gave a green light for the MNLF to operate in specific areas.
“We gave them area for them to clear. We are also amendable to the option that they can operate alongside with us,” he said.

Despite the absence of ceasefire mechanisms, Sobejana said both the military and the MNLF have established a strong coordination system.

The MNLF-Misuari wing has designated a coordinator who links with the military, especially during operations against the Abu Sayyaf.

“We see the importance of the [peace] mechanisms. We have established contact persons in the MNLF,” Sobejana said.

“We are banking on the trust and confidence of both sides,” he said.

The MNLF signed a Final Peace Agreement with the government in 1996. At least 7,000 of its combatants have been integrated into the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police as part of the agreement.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/06/mnlf-helping-government-forces-in-running-after-abu-sayyaf-in-sulu/

Trapped civilians walk to safety; military to fast-track operations vs terrorists

From MindaNews (Jun 3): Trapped civilians walk to safety; military to fast-track operations vs terrorists

At least 182 trapped civilians walked to safety Saturday as the military vowed to end the crisis in Marawi City soon.

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, commander of Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), said in a press statement Saturday that soldiers, along with workers from local government units and non-government organizations, rescued a total of 182 civilians in two key areas at the conflict zone in the besieged city but a civilian who was about to be rescued “was shot dead by enemy snipers as he was about to approach government troops.”

Out of the 182 cited by the military, 172 of them were led to safety by Norodin Lucman, who sheltered 71 Christian workers since the clashes between government forces and terrorists started on May 23. Lucman led the daring move to cross the bridge to safety early Saturday morning.



Civilians walk to safety early Saturday morning, 03 June 2017 from the conflict zone to the safe zone in Marawi City. The daring move was led by Norodin Lucman. Photo courtesy of NAGUIB SINARIMBO

Civilians trapped in buildings and homes who saw Lucman’s group moving to cross the bridge joined them, making the total number of Muslims and Christians that Lucman led to the safe zone at 172, according to Naguib Sinarimbo, a volunteer at the Provincial Crisis Management Commitee.

Galvez said the troops are committed to “exert every effort to rescue all those trapped in Marawi as we clear the city street by street, building by building, room by room and inch by inch in order to neutralize all armed threats so that peace will reign in Marawi again.”

“We hope for the early resolution of this conflict the soonest time possible so that our people in Marawi can go back to their homes and live a normal life again” Galvez added.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana had earlier said it would be over by Friday but on Saturday, Lorenzana, wearing a military uniform, told a press conference in Marawi, that there are still 200 to 250 enemy forces in the city.

The clashes started May 23 when security forces raided an area believed to be harboring Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and the Maute Group but were met with armed resistance.

As of Saturday, the military reported 120 terrorists have been killed, including at least eight foreigners. Nine members of the Maute Group reportedly surrendered.

The government forces, on the other hand, lost 38 troopers.

Galvez said the total number of rescued civilians is now 1,236 while at least 20 civilians were executed by the Maute group.

Brig. Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista, commander of Task Force Marawi, condemned the Maute Group for killing the trapped civilian while in the process of being rescued.

“This shows the blatant disregard of this group for the life of innocent people, the people of Marawi. They attacked the City and put the lives of everyone in Marawi in grave danger including women, children and the elderly. It is the people of Marawi who suffered because of their evil un-Islamic deeds,” he said.

“We call on our people to stand and unite against terrorism. The fight against terrorism is not the sole duty of the security sector but the responsibility of everyone,” he added.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/06/trapped-civilians-walk-to-safety-military-to-fast-track-operations-vs-terrorists/

Troops rescue 180 civilians trapped in Marawi City as battle continues with ISIS

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jun 3): Troops rescue 180 civilians trapped in Marawi City as battle continues with ISIS





Army photos released to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner show assorted weapons seized from the house of a suspected supporter of ISIS fighters in southern Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner)





Security forces battling local ISIS fighters have rescued Saturday over 180 civilians trapped in the war-torn city of Marawi in southern Philippines, but one villager was shot dead by a sniper while running to his freedom, officials said.

Army Captain Jo-ann Petinglay, a spokeswoman for the Western Mindanao Command, said troops braved the dangerous streets on Marawi to rescue the civilians, who were handed over to local authorities.

She said the total number of civilians rescued have reached to 1,236, but more than a dozen, mostly Christians, had been killed by jihadists since the fighting began on May 23 after militants occupied the city in an effort to establish a “wilayah” or province of the Islamic State in the restive region.

“Rescued civilians said they have to endure hunger, thirst and sleepless nights as they feared for their lives,” Petinglay said, adding, one of those rescued told soldiers: “We cannot get out, we are afraid of the terrorists who might see and kill us. They killed civilians, even their fellow Maranao who cannot recite the prayer or even the Shahada, with even one wrong word. Do they expect someone to recite the prayer while they poked guns at you? That terrorist sniper has no heart, we just want to live. He killed a helpless civilian.”

Petinglay said troops continue battling militants and were searching house-to-house for jihadists and civilians still trapped in the fighting.

Brigadier General Rolando Joselito Bautista, commander of military forces fighting the militants, renewed appeals to the public and urged citizens to help authorities fight terrorism. “We call on our people to stand and unite against terrorism. The fight against terrorism is not the sole duty of the security sector but the responsibility of everyone,” he said.

The military said troops had killed at least 120 militants, but only recovered 42 bodies of jihadists, including 98 assorted weapons, from an automatic rifle to machine guns, left behind by the ISIS fighters, mostly members of the Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups. But 38 soldiers also perished in the violence with dozens more injured in fierce urban and close-quarter clashes.

In Maguindanao province, the military also seized a small cache of weapons owned by a supporter of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, an ally of Maute group. Troops raided the house of Tunga Pindilang in the village of Meta in Datu Unsay town and recovered the weapons. Pindilang was not in the house at the time of the raid.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/troops-rescue-180-civilians-trapped-in-marawi-city-as-battle-continues-with-isis/

Army commander sacked after ISIS siege of Marawi City

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jun 2): Army commander sacked after ISIS siege of Marawi City

An army commander was relieved from his post following a deadly attack by local ISIS fighters who up to now are still occupying Marawi City in the southern Philippine province of Lanao del Sur.

Brigadier General Nixon Fortes, commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade in Marawi City, has been replaced by his deputy, Colonel Generoso Ponio. Fortes, who failed to prevent the May 23 siege of Marawi, is designated as assistant commander of the 1st Infantry Division in Zamboanga del Sur province.

The division commander, Brigadier General Rolando Bautista, now heads security forces battling the militants. The army said over 160 militants had been killed, but dozens of soldiers were also slain and wounded in street battles since the first day of the clashes.

Troops were having difficulties penetrating villages in Marawi because of the presence of snipers and militants armed with anti-tank rockets. At least 4 armored personnel carriers had been destroyed by ISIS which is fighting for a caliphate in the restive region.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday also flew to Zamboanga Sibugay province and visited the wake of an infantryman, who was one of 11 troops killed when a wayward bomb dropped from a military plane hit a group of soldiers. Seven others were wounded in the bombing.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/army-commander-sacked-after-isis-siege-of-marawi-city/

Islamic State again claims Manila casino raid, identifies lone attacker

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jun 3): Islamic State again claims Manila casino raid, identifies lone attacker



ISIS statements claiming deadly attack by a lone jihadist, Abul Al-Kahir al-Arkhabili, on Resorts World Manila on Friday, June 2, 2017.


While Philippine authorities were scrambling to identify the foreigner who stormed a casino inside the Resorts World Manila that left at least 36 people, the Islamic State has for the second time claimed responsibility for the attack and even identified the lone gunman by his nom de guerre as Abul Al-Kahir al-Arkhabili.

It said the daring attack was carried out by one of its jihadists who later shot himself in the head in one of the hotel rooms after setting fire gambling tables and carpets that suffocated the victims.

The Islamic State, in a statement released through its Amaq News Agency, said: “With God’s help, our brother Abul Khayr al-Arkhabili managed to hide with his machine gun among a group of Christians, who fight Islam, inside a Resorts World resort in Manila, Philippines, where he opened fire on them, killing and injuring about 100 of them, until he, eventually, died as a martyr.”

Friday’s attack sent heavily-armed policemen to the hotel, but failed to capture the gunman, who moved from one floor to another while setting everything on fire and virtually trapping many people. Among those who died were 22 guests and the rest hotel employees.

Stephen Reilly, the Chief Operating Officer of Resorts World Manila, identified the guests as Caccam Catherine Cervantes, P Ling Hung Lee, Pacita Guillermo Comquilla, Pomenciano Vargas Jr., Susan Abulencia, Lai Wei Chung, Jaime Gaboy Jr., Ariel Abrogar, Lai Yu Cheeh, Cliff Reyniera, Rolando Pena Sison, Eluterio Reyes, Antonina Yuzon Allanigue, Shiela Malicse, Carmelita Taylo Dela Cruz, Mielle Oliveros, Pamela Silvestre, Elizabeth Gonzales, and two others remain unknown.

The employees were also named as Hazel Yangco, Jellah Ramos, Melvin Herrera, Arvi Gavino, BJ Pagsibigan, Rojie Uy, Jessica Alindogan, Merylle Gwen Ala, Lea Grace Mozo, Loudette Santos, Kay Nuguerra and two more who are still unidentified. Reilly said there was only one gunman and that hotel security shot and wounded the attacker.

The Philippines police chief Ronald dela Rosa and Oscar Albayalde, police chief of the National Capital Region, said the ISIS claim of responsibility for the casino attack was a mere propaganda. Television news pictures showed the attacker brandishing an automatic rifle and wearing a black bonnet and a jacket and carrying a back pack. It was unknown how the man managed to sneak the weapon into the casino.

The attack coincided with heavy fighting between military and ISIS forces in Marawi City in southern Philippines. It was unknown whether the hotel attack was connected to the siege in Marawi.

The SITE Intelligence Group, a U.S. terrorism monitor, said an Islamic State-linked Filipino operative who provides daily updates on the ongoing clashes in Marawi, claimed that “lone wolf soldiers” of the Islamic State group were responsible for the attack at Resorts World Manila.

An English message by the operative was distributed across several pro-IS Telegram chat groups, SITE said. According to SITE, he wrote: “The lone wolf soldiers of Khilafah attack the heart of Kufar the city of Manila in Resort World.”

The Islamic State has previously called on its supporters to go to Mindanao and fight alongside local jihadists if they cannot go to Syria and Iraq, and for lone attackers to use whatever weapons they can get to kill as many infidels as they could. President Rodrigo Duterte sent thousands of soldiers, backed by military planes and tanks, to Marawi City to end the siege by about 500 local ISIS fighters.

The military said troops had killed at least 120 militants, however, only recovered 42 bodies of jihadists, including 98 assorted weapons, from an automatic rifle to machine guns, left behind by the ISIS fighters, mostly members of the Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups. But 38 soldiers also perished in the violence with dozens more injured in fierce urban and close-quarter clashes.

Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao region to crush the rebellion in Marawi which started on May 23, but fighting between troops and jihadists were also reported in the provinces of Basilan and Sulu and communist rebels take advantage of the violence by launching attacks on military and government targets elsewhere in the country.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/islamic-state-again-claims-manila-casino-raid-identifies-lone-attacker/

2 hostages rescued in Zamboanga clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 3): 2 hostages rescued in Zamboanga clash

A farmer, who was taken as human shield, was killed in a pre-dawn rescue operation Saturday by security forces in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte, officials said.

Chief Supt. Billy Beltran, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) director, on Saturday said pursuit operation was immediately launched following a skirmish on Tuesday, May 30, in a nearby town of Sirawai.

"Armed men took three civilians as human shield when pursued by our troops," Beltran said.

Sr. Supt. Edwin Buenaventura Wagan, Zamboanga del Norte police director, said troops managed to rescue two of the three hostages.

"Unfortunately, one of the [three] hostages was killed in the crossfire," Wagan said.

Killed was Ronie Tangupan. Rescued were Marjun Alano, 29, and Carlo Cariño, 23.

Wagan said the lawless elements that figured in a firefight with security forces on Saturday in Barangay Reconalla, Siocon was the same group the military clashed with on Tuesday in Barangay Do¤a Cecilla, Sirawai.

On Friday evening, the police received information from residents of Reconalla "about the presence of armed men and the hostage taking incident."

Wagan said policemen and soldiers rushed to Sitio Dumayum, Barangay Reconalla to verify the report.

"Along the way, pursuing troops met more or less 10 families evacuating from their residence due to fear and proceeded to the barangay hall of barangay Reconalla where the barangay officials were waiting," he said.

"At about 4:30 a.m., they (operating troops) were fired upon by the armed men. The firefight lasted for about five minutes with no casualty reported from the government side,” he said, adding that "this is where the armed men took the three civilians."

Running gun battle ensued between pursuing troops and the lawless elements until the "armed men have again attempted to hostage other two civilians identified as Edison Maquilang and Joseph Pangaral but were able to escape and rescued by the blocking troops in the area," Wagan said.

Hot pursue operation is still ongoing in Barangay Makiang, Siocon.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/993139

Civilians help Army neutralized gunmen

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 3): Civilians help Army neutralized gunmen

Tired of armed hostilities, civilian residents in Maguindanao tipped off the Army about the presence of two heavily armed men in Datu Unsay town, which led to their arrest, the Army here said.

Capt. John Arvin Encinas, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, said residents reported this to an Army detachment in Barangay Meta, Datu Unsay on Friday afternoon.

Encinas said elements of 57th Infantry Battalion and 21st Mechanized Company of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion organized a law enforcement team and raided the house of Tunga Pindilang in Barangay Meta at 8:00 p.m.
During the operation, government forces arrested Tunga Pindilang and Kaliong Pansadalan Limba who were known supporters of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Recovered from the two were one M-16 Armalite rifle, two M-203 grenade launchers, a Carbine, a 12-gauge shotgun, assorted magazines and war materials.

Encinas said they were seen by civilians roaming in the village with high powered guns. Afraid of possible hostilities between the armed men and government forces, the civilians quickly alerted the Army to effect arrests.

Major General Arnel Dela Vega, 6th Infantry Division commander, lauded the troops involved for their quick response to civilian’s information that led to the successful conduct of operation.

Dela Vega also commended and appreciated the involvement of local residents by providing timely and relevant information.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/993146

3-phase recovery, rehab for Marawi

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 3): 3-phase recovery, rehab for Marawi

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has started a three-phase recovery and rehabilitation plan for Marawi City in partnership with city and provincial government of Lanao del Sur.

ARMM Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman said this will be implemented once the conflict in Marawi is over.

Dubbed as “Unified Plan for Marawi City,” the governor said recovery and rehabilitation initiative will be linked to the existing plans of neighboring municipalities.

Hataman said the plan will be administered under the joint leadership of the ARMM’s Regional Planning and Development Office and the Marawi City government, and will employ the “Build-Better-Now” approach for better planning and urban design.

“The plan shall build on previous efforts on disaster preparedness, prevention and mitigation, and response,” Hataman said, quoting part of the unified plan.

He said it will be culture-sensitive given the context of Marawi as an Islamic city, and will consider issues on land tenure and land use. Conflict resolution processes are also embedded in the said plan.

“As we continue to deliver relief to those affected by this crisis, we also need to plan and to prepare to build the future that the people of Marawi are holding on to,” Hataman said.

"Marawi is home to our brothers and sisters in the Bangsamoro, and it is our responsibility to make sure that it continues to be home for our people. We cannot let terror drive us away from the places we have built for ourselves and our family," Hataman said without providing the project cost.

Initially, ARMM earmarked PHP170 million for emergency response to victims of Marawi hostilities.

He added that experts from the World Bank will assist in the formulation of the said plan.

The program includes Early Recovery and Reconstruction for a period of three to 12 months; Medium-term Reconstruction for 1-6 years, and Long-term Rehabilitation and Development for six years and beyond.

He said prior assessment in the area will precede program implementation.

This includes assessment on the extent of damage the crisis has caused on Maranaos, their properties and infrastructures.

Explaining the program to the details, Hataman showed a matrix of sectoral needs, based on estimated damage and losses that would be formulated to come up with the recovery and rehabilitation objectives.

The sectors that would be covered are productive services (agriculture, industry commerce and tourism); social (housing, education, cultural heritage, and health), infrastructure (electricity, water and sanitation, transport, flood control and drainage, and telecommunications), and cross-cultural (local government, social protection, financial sector and disaster risk reduction and management).

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/993140

182 civilians trapped in Marawi City rescued

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 3): 182 civilians trapped in Marawi City rescued

A total of 182 trapped civilians have been rescued on Saturday as the military vowed to end soon the crisis in Marawi City.

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said the soldiers, along with local government workers and non-government organization successfully evacuated 182 civilians from two key areas at the conflict zone in the besieged city of Marawi.

Unfortunately, Galvez said that a civilian was shot dead by enemy snipers while he was approaching the rescuing troops.

“It is the commitment of our troops to exert every effort to rescue all those trapped in Marawi [City] as we clear the city street by street, building by building, room by room and inch by inch in order to neutralize all armed threats so that peace will reign in Marawi again,” Galvez said.

“We hope for the early resolution of this conflict the soonest time possible so that our people in Marawi [City] can go back to their homes and live a normal life again,” he added.

The armed conflict in Marawi City is now entering its second week.

The authorities have earlier imposed a deadline to end the crisis on Friday.

The firefight started when security forces raided on may 23 the hide-out of Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and Maute leaders in Marawi City.

The conflict escalated as members of the Maute group went on rampage, took civilian hostages and occupied several establishments.

As of Saturday, June 3, the military reported that 120 terrorists have been killed, including foreign militants. Nine Maute members surrendered.

Government forces, on the other hand, lost 38 troopers. Galvez said the total number of rescued civilians has reached 1,236 individuals. At least 20 others were killed by the members of the Maute group.

Brig. Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista, Task Force Marawi commander, condemned the Maute group for killing the trapped civilian while in the process of being rescued.

“This shows the blatant disregard of this group for the life of innocent people, the people of Marawi. They attacked the City and put the lives of everyone in Marawi in grave danger including women, children and the elderly. It is the people of Marawi who suffered because of their evil un-islamic deeds,” Bautista said.

“We call on our people to stand and unite against terrorism. The fight against terrorism is not the sole duty of the security sector but the responsibility of everyone,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/993141

5 PAF MG-520s to undergo airframe system maintenance

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 4): 5 PAF MG-520s to undergo airframe system maintenance

The Philippine Air Force (PAF), through its Bids and Awards Committee, is looking for suppliers capable of supplying it with spare parts needed for the maintenance of the airframe systems of five of its McDonnell Douglas MG-520 "Defender" attack helicopters.

Some of the MG-520s are currently being used in the ongoing clearing operations against remnants of the Maute Group terrorists still holed up in Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur.

Budget for the project is placed at PHP7,471,000.

MG-520 helicopters to undergo maintenance are tail numbers 395, 438, 439, 503 and 507.

Pre-bid conference is on June 9, 9 a.m. at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City, BAC chief Brig. Gen. Nicolas Parilla said in a bid bulletin posted at the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System.

The PAF is known to operate between 12 to 16 models of the MG-520, according to military sources.

The PAF affair with the MG-520 started in the early 90's when 25 units of these excellent aircraft were delivered to country.

It was used with great effect against New People's Army (NPA) rebels and lawless elements like the Abu Sayyaf Group for the past few years.

The MG-520 is derived from the MG-500 light utility helicopter.

It can be armed with .50 caliber heavy machines and air-to-ground rockets.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/993206

PN pledges to work harder for peace as more assets go online

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 4): PN pledges to work harder for peace as more assets go online

As more and more assets are activated, the Philippine Navy (PN) pledges to work harder to promote peace and progress in the country.

This was stressed by PN flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Roland Joseph Mercado during the commissioning ceremony of the country's second strategic sealift vessel, the BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602) and unveiling of the three missile-capable multi-purpose assault craft in Sasa Wharf, Davao City during the 119th founding anniversary of the Navy last May 31.

Today, the Fleet-Marine Team pledges to all of you that we shall continue to be the instrument of lasting peace and progress of our maritime nation while protecting our seas and securing the future of our next generations," he added.

In the same vein, Mercado also thanked President Rodrigo Duterte and the Filipino people for their wholehearted support in the ongoing modernization program of the PN.

“The continuing resolved of the men and women of the Philippine Navy was derived from the equally unrelenting support coming from the people we serve. We draw inspiration to serve beyond our traditional roles and the strength to perform our constitutional mandates on the confidence you continue to extend to us,” he added.

BRP Davao Del Sur left the PT PAL (Persero) shipyard in Surabaya, Indonesia and arrived in the Philippines last May 8.

She is the sister-ship of the BRP Tarlac (LD-601) which commissioned in May of last year.

While the Propmech Corporation-built MPACs were transferred and activated by the PN last May 22.

With their arrival, the PN now has a fleet of around nine MPACs.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/993208

AFP confirms 4-hour humanitarian ceasefire in effect in Marawi City

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 4): AFP confirms 4-hour humanitarian ceasefire in effect in Marawi City

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año on Sunday confirmed that a four-hour humanitarian ceasefire is now in effect in Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur to facilitate the evacuation of civilians and recovery of the dead.

The ceasefire took effect 8 a.m. and will end at 12 noon, the military official dislosed.

"Just four hours to evacuate the trapped civilians and pick up the dead. (Ceasefire will be in effect) 8 a.m. to 12 noon," Año said in a message to the PNA.

AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said the humanitarian ceasefire was initiated by Government Implementing Panel for the Bangsamoro Peace Accords Chairperson Irene Santiago.

This was approved by the AFP chief, he added.

"(The humanitarian ceasefire) will allow entry of humanitarians from the local government unit, non-government organizations, and civil society organizations in order to reach trapped residents and those needing assistance," Padilla added.

"The military, however, did not approve entry into high risk areas to avoid putting our humanitarians in danger and any possibility that may complicate the situation," he stressed.

Fighting in Marawi City against Maute Group terrorists has been on its second week with 120 of the lawless elements killed and 38 killed in the government side with 19 civilians believed to be executed by the brigands.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/993216

Photos: President Duterte visits wounded soldiers in Cagayan de Oro City

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 3): Photos: President Duterte visits wounded soldiers in Cagayan de Oro City



President Rodrigo Roa Duterte pays a visit to wounded soldiers. He went to Camp BGen. Edilberto Evangelista Station Hospital in Cagayan de Oro City on June 3, 2017 where the soldiers were confined.During his visit, he took time to check the condition of those injured troopers who joined the anti-terror operations in Marawi City.(Presidential photo)



President Rodrigo Roa Duterte pays a visit to wounded soldiers. He went to Camp BGen. Edilberto Evangelista Station Hospital in Cagayan de Oro City on June 3, 2017 where the soldiers were confined.The President awarded them with wounded personnel medals, cash assistance, and brand new pistols.Joining the President were Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eduardo Año, Philippine Army Commander Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda, and Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence Go.(Presidential photo)

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/photos

Photos: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte meets with Moro National Liberation Front Chairman Nur Misuari

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 3): Photos: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte meets with Moro National Liberation Front Chairman Nur Misuari








DUTERTE MEETING WITH MISUARI. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte discusses matters with Moro National Liberation Front Chairman Nur Misuari during a meeting at the Presidential Guest House in Panacan, Davao City on Saturday (June 3, 2017). Accompanying Misuari is his wife Tarhata and their son Abdulkarim. (Presidential Photo/PNA)

http://www.pna.gov.ph/photos