From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15): PHP617-M infra projects for conflict-stricken E. Samar towns pushed
The Eastern Samar provincial government is seeking the implementation of PHP617 million rural infrastructures next year under the “road for peace” projects by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).
These 10 projects consist of farm-to-market roads, road opening, and bridges in the towns of Balangkayan, Can-avid, Dolores, and General MacArthur.
Of the PHP617 million, PHP90 million are for Balangkayan, PHP250 million for Can-avid, PHP117 million for Dolores, and PHP160 million for Gen. MacArthur.
In a letter sent to the Regional Development Council (RDC) on Thursday, Eastern Samar Governor Conrado Nicart said the proposed projects had been highly recommended by local government units.
“It is deemed proper to endorse the proposed projects in Eastern Samar to the RDC for favorable action to facilitate approval and funding of these projects,” Nicart said.
The OPAPP’s "road for peace" project known as "Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana)", the national government’s “convergence program that extends development interventions to isolated, hard-to-reach and conflict-affected communities, ensuring that they are not left behind.”
Imelda Bonifacio, Pamana’s Samar Island area manager assured the projects would be included next year as allocation for Samar provinces climbed to nearly PHP5 billion from PHP445 million this year.
“Eastern Samar is a priority for Pamana. From 2012 to 2015, 17 projects in the province have been implemented. Eleven projects have been completed already as of this year,” Bonifacio told PNA on Thursday.
OPAPP has been implementing PHP800 million worth of roads and bridges project in Eastern Samar since 2012 covering the towns of Maslog, Can-avid, Jipapad, and Gen. Macarthur.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/995607
Thursday, June 15, 2017
Findings on 'friendly fire incident' in Marawi sent to AFP Major Services
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15): Findings on 'friendly fire incident' in Marawi sent to AFP Major Services
Facts ascertained by the Board of Inquiry (BOI) that is looking into the "friendly fire incident" in Marawi City, where 10 soldiers perished and seven others were wounded, have already been forwarded to the AFP Major Services, military public affairs office chief, Col. Edgard Arevalo, has said.
Earlier, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) inspector general, Maj. Gen. Rafael Valencia, said he had already forwarded their initial findings to AFP Chief-of-Staff Gen. Eduardo Año last June 9.
Arevalo said in an interview that the decision to forward the initial BOI results to Major Services, in this case the Army and Air Force, was based on the fact that these units are the ones providing the military personnel, aircraft, pilots and maintenance.
"It is up to Major Services to determine what adjustments will be done on techniques, tactics, and procedures, and if there are some faults or discrepancies among personnel, then Major Services will determine the extent of their liabilities. If there are faults in the equipment, then it is their responsibility to give the feedback to the supplier," he added in Filipino.
A SIAI-Marchetti SF-260 light attack plane was on its fourth sortie against the Maute Group last May 31 when its bombs accidentally hit Army troops, killing 10 and wounding seven others.
Valencia however declined to give details of their findings as some of these information have some implications on the ongoing operations in Marawi City where government forces continue to battle remaining Maute Group terrorists.
"Actually, one of the recommendations is to hold the (release) of the findings while combat operations in Marawi City are still ongoing. We don't want to endanger the lives of our troops. That is one of my recommendations to the Chief-of-Staff," he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/995537
Facts ascertained by the Board of Inquiry (BOI) that is looking into the "friendly fire incident" in Marawi City, where 10 soldiers perished and seven others were wounded, have already been forwarded to the AFP Major Services, military public affairs office chief, Col. Edgard Arevalo, has said.
Earlier, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) inspector general, Maj. Gen. Rafael Valencia, said he had already forwarded their initial findings to AFP Chief-of-Staff Gen. Eduardo Año last June 9.
Arevalo said in an interview that the decision to forward the initial BOI results to Major Services, in this case the Army and Air Force, was based on the fact that these units are the ones providing the military personnel, aircraft, pilots and maintenance.
"It is up to Major Services to determine what adjustments will be done on techniques, tactics, and procedures, and if there are some faults or discrepancies among personnel, then Major Services will determine the extent of their liabilities. If there are faults in the equipment, then it is their responsibility to give the feedback to the supplier," he added in Filipino.
A SIAI-Marchetti SF-260 light attack plane was on its fourth sortie against the Maute Group last May 31 when its bombs accidentally hit Army troops, killing 10 and wounding seven others.
Valencia however declined to give details of their findings as some of these information have some implications on the ongoing operations in Marawi City where government forces continue to battle remaining Maute Group terrorists.
"Actually, one of the recommendations is to hold the (release) of the findings while combat operations in Marawi City are still ongoing. We don't want to endanger the lives of our troops. That is one of my recommendations to the Chief-of-Staff," he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/995537
Maute matriarch, ex-Marawi mayor face rebellion raps in CDO court
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15): Maute matriarch, ex-Marawi mayor face rebellion raps in CDO court
The Department of Justice approved the filing of rebellion charges against Ominta Tamano "Farhana" Maute, mother of Mauter group leaders Abdullah and Omar, former Marawi City Mayor Fahad Salic and nine others in connection to the ongoing armed conflict in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur before the Cagayan De Oro City Regional Trial Court (RTC).
”The centralized Prosecution Office of Lanao Del Sure and Marawi City accuses [the 11 individuals] of the crime of rebellion under Article 134 of the Revised Penal Code,” read the four-page resolution dated June 13, 2017 was signed by Prosecutors Ramonchito Bienvenido Ocampo Jr. and Liezel Aquiatan but was released to media on Thursday.
Rebellion is a non-bailable offense.
Aside from Salic and Maute, also charged in court are Sumaya Bangkit Masakal, Radiea Tugosa Asire, Mariam Ibnu Abubakar, Zafeerah Rosales Musa, Nehreen Macaraya Abdul, Nora Moctar Limgas, Mardiyya Haji Ali, Sumayya Lawi Ali and Noronisa Haji Camal.
All 11 accused were included in the list of over 300 individuals identified as members of the Maute group, the Abu Sayyaf group, and their sympathizers earlier ordered arrested by the government for the crime of rebellion.
They were indicted after investigating prosecutors found probable cause to file the case in court following inquest proceedings held at their temporary detention cell in Camp Evangelista in Cagayan De Oro City.
Farhana and her nine companions were arrested last Friday in Masiu, Lanao Del Sur. Authorities confiscated one M14 rifle, seven M14 magazine assembly, 136 M14 live ammunition, one scope, two rifle grenades, two improvised rocket propelled grenades and two smoke grenades.
On the other hand, Salic who was also arrested last Friday in Misamis Oriental was included in Department Order No. 2 issued by Defense Secretary and martial law administrator Delfin Lorenzana. Authorities confiscated four units of M203 grenade, one M16 rifle loaded with 29 pieces of live ammunition and three pieces of long magazine with each loaded with 30 pieces of 5.56 live ammunition.
Farhana is believed to be the financier of the Maute group while Salic's name appeared among cheques confiscated by the military in one of Maute group's hideout. The nine others were among those arrested with Farhana.
Clan patriarch Cayamora Maute was already arrested last June 6 at a checkpoint in Davao City last along with two other Maute members. They were already indicted for rebellion before the Davao City RTC before being brought to Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City for detention.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte issued Proclamation No. 216, on May 23 declaring a state of martial law and suspending the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in the whole of Mindanao. This was a result of the attack of the Maute group in Marawi City, which is still ongoing and is subject to military operations.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/995605
The Department of Justice approved the filing of rebellion charges against Ominta Tamano "Farhana" Maute, mother of Mauter group leaders Abdullah and Omar, former Marawi City Mayor Fahad Salic and nine others in connection to the ongoing armed conflict in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur before the Cagayan De Oro City Regional Trial Court (RTC).
”The centralized Prosecution Office of Lanao Del Sure and Marawi City accuses [the 11 individuals] of the crime of rebellion under Article 134 of the Revised Penal Code,” read the four-page resolution dated June 13, 2017 was signed by Prosecutors Ramonchito Bienvenido Ocampo Jr. and Liezel Aquiatan but was released to media on Thursday.
Rebellion is a non-bailable offense.
Aside from Salic and Maute, also charged in court are Sumaya Bangkit Masakal, Radiea Tugosa Asire, Mariam Ibnu Abubakar, Zafeerah Rosales Musa, Nehreen Macaraya Abdul, Nora Moctar Limgas, Mardiyya Haji Ali, Sumayya Lawi Ali and Noronisa Haji Camal.
All 11 accused were included in the list of over 300 individuals identified as members of the Maute group, the Abu Sayyaf group, and their sympathizers earlier ordered arrested by the government for the crime of rebellion.
They were indicted after investigating prosecutors found probable cause to file the case in court following inquest proceedings held at their temporary detention cell in Camp Evangelista in Cagayan De Oro City.
Farhana and her nine companions were arrested last Friday in Masiu, Lanao Del Sur. Authorities confiscated one M14 rifle, seven M14 magazine assembly, 136 M14 live ammunition, one scope, two rifle grenades, two improvised rocket propelled grenades and two smoke grenades.
On the other hand, Salic who was also arrested last Friday in Misamis Oriental was included in Department Order No. 2 issued by Defense Secretary and martial law administrator Delfin Lorenzana. Authorities confiscated four units of M203 grenade, one M16 rifle loaded with 29 pieces of live ammunition and three pieces of long magazine with each loaded with 30 pieces of 5.56 live ammunition.
Farhana is believed to be the financier of the Maute group while Salic's name appeared among cheques confiscated by the military in one of Maute group's hideout. The nine others were among those arrested with Farhana.
Clan patriarch Cayamora Maute was already arrested last June 6 at a checkpoint in Davao City last along with two other Maute members. They were already indicted for rebellion before the Davao City RTC before being brought to Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City for detention.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte issued Proclamation No. 216, on May 23 declaring a state of martial law and suspending the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in the whole of Mindanao. This was a result of the attack of the Maute group in Marawi City, which is still ongoing and is subject to military operations.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/995605
Joint border patrols with Malaysia, Indonesia to help thwart security threats in southern PHL
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15): Joint border patrols with Malaysia, Indonesia to help thwart security threats in southern PHL
The soon-to-be-effective joint border patrols with Malaysian and Indonesia will help the Philippines counter the various security threats coming from the southern region.
"This will help the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia effectively patrol, share information and jointly operate to secure common maritime areas," Department of National Defense (DND) public affairs office chief Arsenio Andolong said to the PNA Thursday.
And with terrorism and transnational crimes like drug trafficking, human smuggling starting to became major security concerns, the defense official said the joint border patrol is a example of a concrete response.
Incidentally, Philippine forces are now engaged against Maute Group terrorists who have conducted many attacks in Marawi City following attempts to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon last May 23.
Fifty eight troopers have been so far killed with an estimated 206 terrorists neutralized along with 26 civilians have been executed in the now fourth week of fighting.
"We have to remember that we now face evolving threats that go beyond borders that necessitate responses on an international scale," he added.
Defense and military officials of the Southeast Asian nations are set to meet in Tarakan Island, Northern Borneo to discuss security concerns and sign up an agreement to step up joint border patrols.
Meanwhile, Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado said they strongly support this security initiative.
"The PN supports this action because the vast maritime area in the southern Philippines is a big challenge for one country to monitor," he added.
"Better monitoring and surveillance of the vast maritime domain will be done by multi-lateral joint patrols," Mercado said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/995612
The soon-to-be-effective joint border patrols with Malaysian and Indonesia will help the Philippines counter the various security threats coming from the southern region.
"This will help the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia effectively patrol, share information and jointly operate to secure common maritime areas," Department of National Defense (DND) public affairs office chief Arsenio Andolong said to the PNA Thursday.
And with terrorism and transnational crimes like drug trafficking, human smuggling starting to became major security concerns, the defense official said the joint border patrol is a example of a concrete response.
Incidentally, Philippine forces are now engaged against Maute Group terrorists who have conducted many attacks in Marawi City following attempts to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon last May 23.
Fifty eight troopers have been so far killed with an estimated 206 terrorists neutralized along with 26 civilians have been executed in the now fourth week of fighting.
"We have to remember that we now face evolving threats that go beyond borders that necessitate responses on an international scale," he added.
Defense and military officials of the Southeast Asian nations are set to meet in Tarakan Island, Northern Borneo to discuss security concerns and sign up an agreement to step up joint border patrols.
Meanwhile, Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado said they strongly support this security initiative.
"The PN supports this action because the vast maritime area in the southern Philippines is a big challenge for one country to monitor," he added.
"Better monitoring and surveillance of the vast maritime domain will be done by multi-lateral joint patrols," Mercado said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/995612
Maute Group terrorists now being pocketed into 4 Marawi City barangays
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15): Maute Group terrorists now being pocketed into 4 Marawi City barangays
Remnants of Maute Group terrorists are now being cordoned-off in four Marawi City barangays, said Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla on Thursday.
But he also clarified that the lawless elements only have partial and not total control of these four villages.
"Our troops are moving progressively into the interiors of enemy-held areas and this is confined to four barangays, out of 96 barangays in the City of Marawi, four remain to be problematic but of the four not all of these barangays are in their hands, only portions," Padilla stressed.
He added that military units are significantly making headway into the inner areas of these barangays where they continue (hide)," the AFP spokesperson stressed.
Padilla pointed out that the presence of built-up areas or buildings make of strong materials that can resist strong attacks is the reason why these barangays are problematic for the military.
"Hence there are times that we need to effect and use heavier ordnance to neutralize targets where particular vantage points are becoming a dangerous approach for our troops," the AFP spokesperson pointed out.
As of this posting, government forces killed in the four weeks of fighting is now at 58 with 206 Maute Group neutralized and 26 civilians executed since the conflict started last May 23.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/995644
Remnants of Maute Group terrorists are now being cordoned-off in four Marawi City barangays, said Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla on Thursday.
But he also clarified that the lawless elements only have partial and not total control of these four villages.
"Our troops are moving progressively into the interiors of enemy-held areas and this is confined to four barangays, out of 96 barangays in the City of Marawi, four remain to be problematic but of the four not all of these barangays are in their hands, only portions," Padilla stressed.
He added that military units are significantly making headway into the inner areas of these barangays where they continue (hide)," the AFP spokesperson stressed.
Padilla pointed out that the presence of built-up areas or buildings make of strong materials that can resist strong attacks is the reason why these barangays are problematic for the military.
"Hence there are times that we need to effect and use heavier ordnance to neutralize targets where particular vantage points are becoming a dangerous approach for our troops," the AFP spokesperson pointed out.
As of this posting, government forces killed in the four weeks of fighting is now at 58 with 206 Maute Group neutralized and 26 civilians executed since the conflict started last May 23.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/995644
AFP finishes probe into Marawi 'friendly fire' incident
From Rappler (Jun 14): AFP finishes probe into Marawi 'friendly fire' incident
The military declines to make public its findings now, citing security
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has finished and submitted its internal fact-finding probe into a “friendly fire” incident that claimed the lives of 10 of its own. But its findings will be kept under wraps – at least until military operations in Marawi City are over.
Major General Rafael Valencia, the AFP’s Inspector General, confirmed that the Board of Inquiry (BOI) investigation has been submitted to the AFP’s chief of staff General Eduardo Año.
AFP Public Affairs Office (PAO) office chief Colonel Edgard Arevalo said the same report had been submitted to the two commands – the Air Force and the Army – involved in the Marawi mishap. The report was concluded on June 6.
“But for now, some of our findings cannot be revealed because the conflict is ongoing and revealing the findings may impair our operations and expose operational details,” Arevalo told Rappler on Wednesday, June 14.
Valencia made the same suggestion to Año.
On May 31, ten soldiers were killed and 7 were wounded during a military air strike to flush out members of the Maute Group in Marawi City.
Arevalo said that because of the report, the AFP “knows what happened.” “We have to address the issues raised there, what the discrepancies are – to [be able to] act accordingly,” he said.
Defense chief Delfin Lorenzana earlier said “initial report says pilot error.” Asked if this was what the probers uncovered, Arevalo said it was “too early” to tell.
It will be up to the Air Force and Army to act on the BOI’s findings, he noted. This includes any possible sanctions on personnel involved.
As of June 14, at least 286 people have died as a result of the ongoing conflict in Marawi, according to the military. Of this number, 202 were members of the Maute or Abu Sayyaf, 58 came from the military and police, and 26 were civilians.
Over 1,600 civilians have been rescued from the city since the clashes began on May 23.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/172936-friendly-fire-air-strike-marawi-afp-investigation
The military declines to make public its findings now, citing security
4th WEEK OF BATTLE. Government troops in Marawi City. File photo by Bobby Lagsa/Rappler
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has finished and submitted its internal fact-finding probe into a “friendly fire” incident that claimed the lives of 10 of its own. But its findings will be kept under wraps – at least until military operations in Marawi City are over.
Major General Rafael Valencia, the AFP’s Inspector General, confirmed that the Board of Inquiry (BOI) investigation has been submitted to the AFP’s chief of staff General Eduardo Año.
AFP Public Affairs Office (PAO) office chief Colonel Edgard Arevalo said the same report had been submitted to the two commands – the Air Force and the Army – involved in the Marawi mishap. The report was concluded on June 6.
“But for now, some of our findings cannot be revealed because the conflict is ongoing and revealing the findings may impair our operations and expose operational details,” Arevalo told Rappler on Wednesday, June 14.
Valencia made the same suggestion to Año.
On May 31, ten soldiers were killed and 7 were wounded during a military air strike to flush out members of the Maute Group in Marawi City.
Arevalo said that because of the report, the AFP “knows what happened.” “We have to address the issues raised there, what the discrepancies are – to [be able to] act accordingly,” he said.
Defense chief Delfin Lorenzana earlier said “initial report says pilot error.” Asked if this was what the probers uncovered, Arevalo said it was “too early” to tell.
It will be up to the Air Force and Army to act on the BOI’s findings, he noted. This includes any possible sanctions on personnel involved.
As of June 14, at least 286 people have died as a result of the ongoing conflict in Marawi, according to the military. Of this number, 202 were members of the Maute or Abu Sayyaf, 58 came from the military and police, and 26 were civilians.
Over 1,600 civilians have been rescued from the city since the clashes began on May 23.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/172936-friendly-fire-air-strike-marawi-afp-investigation
U.S. Pacific Fleet commander visits Philippines
From Rappler (Jun 14): U.S. Pacific Fleet commander visits Philippines
Admiral Scott Swift meets with key Philippine officials 'to reaffirm the US Navy's strong partnership and ties' with the Armed Forces of the Philippines
The commander of the US Pacific Fleet, Admiral Scott Swift, visited the Philippines and met with key officials of the Duterte administration, the US embassy said Wednesday, June 14.
Admiral Scott Swift meets with key Philippine officials 'to reaffirm the US Navy's strong partnership and ties' with the Armed Forces of the Philippines
The commander of the US Pacific Fleet, Admiral Scott Swift, visited the Philippines and met with key officials of the Duterte administration, the US embassy said Wednesday, June 14.
Swift was in the Philippines from June 11 to 14 "to reaffirm the US Navy's strong partnership and ties with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)," the US embassy added.
The US Pacific Fleet commander met with Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, AFP Chief of Staff General Eduardo Año, and Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Ronald Mercado.
"The Philippine Navy is a valued and enduring ally of the US Navy and a close partner of the Pacific Fleet," Swift explained.
"We continue to build on the strong relationship we have and to reaffirm our commitment to working together to face shared challenges," he added.
Swift's visit comes as President Rodrigo Duterte moves away from the US – which had been the Philippines' traditional ally – and closer to China and Russia in a bid for an "independent foreign policy."
The Philippines, however, remains locked in a dispute with its newfound ally, China, over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).
Aside from Swift, another high-ranking foreign official visited the Philippines on Tuesday, June 13.
Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan was also in the Philippines on Tuesday, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.
Cayetano and Balakrishnan "reviewed the state of Philippines-Singapore bilateral relations and discussed pressing areas of concern in the region," the DFA said, without elaborating.
The Philippines and Singapore will mark 50 years of diplomatic relations by 2019.
Lorenzana, Año show 'secret documents' in private session with SC justices
From Rappler (Jun 15): Lorenzana, Año show 'secret documents' in private session with SC justices
(UPDATED) Among the petitioners, only Albay First District Representative Edcel Lagman is allowed to join the closed-door meeting
SC MEETING. Supreme Court Spokesman Theodore Te updates the media on the request to hold an executive session with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and AFP chief General Eduardo Año on June 15, 2017. Photo by Franz Lopez/Rappler
Supreme Court justices had a 6-hour private session with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Philippine military chief General Eduardo Año on Thursday, June 15, the final day of oral arguments on petitions seeking to nullify President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of martial law in Mindanao.
Solicitor General Jose Calida told reporters in an interview Thursday afternoon that aside from himself, only petitioner Albay First District Edcel Lagman was allowed to join the closed-door meeting.
Calida said the justices were able to ask questions to Lorenzana and Año – administrator and implementer of martial law in Mindanao, respectively.
The Solicitor General added that the two were able to present intelligence information related to the Marawi crisis during the meeting.
"There was PowerPoint presentation, materials were given and they answered questions from the justices. It's different from the annexes, these are secret documents," said Calida, adding that some of the information are "updated."
He said "the government is confident," in its case.
Calida had earlier asked the High Court that Lorenzana and Año face the justices in an executive session, citing security concerns.
Earlier in the day, SC Spokesman Theodore Te described the meeting as an "internal discussion" between the top security officials and SC justices. It was still ongoing past 5 pm.
Asked whether it was considered as an executive session Te said late Thursday afternoon: "There's no such thing as an executive session as far as the Court is concerned. There is however a rule that allows the Court to exclude the public when, in the consideration of the Court, the information that will be disclosed may he prejudicial and detrimental."
On Thursday morning, Calida insisted that an executive session was needed for the country's top security officials because they would discuss "top secret" matters.
"There are others we cannot divulge to the public, the secrets of the operations so it must be an executive session," Calida said.
Lagman went out of the meeting around noontime but refused to give details of the discussion.
Petitioners had opposed the executive session, insisting that Lorenzana and Año should be part of the public proceedings.
"I think we should be given the opportunity to refute the basis for calling for accepted sessions. Because that is an exception. Matters of state should be publicly protected so that the people will have to know," Lagman said earlier.
Lawyer Marlon Manuel, representing the Marawi group of petitioners, said he considered it a positive step that the SC even called Lorenzana and Año, given that Calida's position was to put the burden of proof on them and not the government.
The parties were directed to submit their memoranda to the High Court on June 19.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/173033-lorenzana-ano-sc-martial-law-oral-arguments
(UPDATED) Among the petitioners, only Albay First District Representative Edcel Lagman is allowed to join the closed-door meeting
SC MEETING. Supreme Court Spokesman Theodore Te updates the media on the request to hold an executive session with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and AFP chief General Eduardo Año on June 15, 2017. Photo by Franz Lopez/Rappler
Supreme Court justices had a 6-hour private session with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Philippine military chief General Eduardo Año on Thursday, June 15, the final day of oral arguments on petitions seeking to nullify President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of martial law in Mindanao.
Solicitor General Jose Calida told reporters in an interview Thursday afternoon that aside from himself, only petitioner Albay First District Edcel Lagman was allowed to join the closed-door meeting.
Calida said the justices were able to ask questions to Lorenzana and Año – administrator and implementer of martial law in Mindanao, respectively.
The Solicitor General added that the two were able to present intelligence information related to the Marawi crisis during the meeting.
"There was PowerPoint presentation, materials were given and they answered questions from the justices. It's different from the annexes, these are secret documents," said Calida, adding that some of the information are "updated."
He said "the government is confident," in its case.
Calida had earlier asked the High Court that Lorenzana and Año face the justices in an executive session, citing security concerns.
Earlier in the day, SC Spokesman Theodore Te described the meeting as an "internal discussion" between the top security officials and SC justices. It was still ongoing past 5 pm.
Asked whether it was considered as an executive session Te said late Thursday afternoon: "There's no such thing as an executive session as far as the Court is concerned. There is however a rule that allows the Court to exclude the public when, in the consideration of the Court, the information that will be disclosed may he prejudicial and detrimental."
On Thursday morning, Calida insisted that an executive session was needed for the country's top security officials because they would discuss "top secret" matters.
"There are others we cannot divulge to the public, the secrets of the operations so it must be an executive session," Calida said.
Lagman went out of the meeting around noontime but refused to give details of the discussion.
Petitioners had opposed the executive session, insisting that Lorenzana and Año should be part of the public proceedings.
"I think we should be given the opportunity to refute the basis for calling for accepted sessions. Because that is an exception. Matters of state should be publicly protected so that the people will have to know," Lagman said earlier.
Lawyer Marlon Manuel, representing the Marawi group of petitioners, said he considered it a positive step that the SC even called Lorenzana and Año, given that Calida's position was to put the burden of proof on them and not the government.
The parties were directed to submit their memoranda to the High Court on June 19.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/173033-lorenzana-ano-sc-martial-law-oral-arguments
Military no longer setting deadline to clear Marawi
From InterAksyon (Jun 14): Military no longer setting deadline to clear Marawi
A military helicopter flies past a mosque in Marawi City. (Reuters)
The military will no longer set a deadline to clear Marawi City of extremist gunmen who have been battling government forces for more than three weeks already.
While stressing that they had succeeded in raising the national colors in the embattled Lanao del Sur capital on Monday, Independence Day – the latest of several failed deadlines to clear out gunmen from the Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups and a number of foreign extremists fighting alongside them – Armed Forces spokesman Brigadier General Restituto Padilla admitted it is difficult to fulfill the mission because the gunmen are using civilian hostages as human shields.
“We have to be very careful. We have to be very judicious. We have to be very deliberate so as to avoid hitting innocent lives. And this is where the slow process of liberating Marawi is currently happening,” he said.
Thus far, the government has acknowledged losing 58 personnel, including 13 Marines who died in fierce fighting late last week and 10 soldiers accidentally killed by an Air Force bombing run. More than 130 extremists, including a number of foreigners, and a number of civilians have also died.
Padilla also apologized to a public growing impatient to see the siege of Marawi end.
The AFP spokesman also said the extremists still control four of Marawi’s 96 barangays, one more than he announced last week, explaining that he had meant “three areas” not villages.
At the same time, Padilla refused to say how much of the city the four barangays represented, noting that such figures would only add to the confusion, citing earlier government pronouncements that the Maute group controlled 10 percent of the city only for other officials to place the figure at 20 percent.
http://www.interaksyon.com/military-no-longer-setting-deadline-to-clear-marawi/
A military helicopter flies past a mosque in Marawi City. (Reuters)
The military will no longer set a deadline to clear Marawi City of extremist gunmen who have been battling government forces for more than three weeks already.
While stressing that they had succeeded in raising the national colors in the embattled Lanao del Sur capital on Monday, Independence Day – the latest of several failed deadlines to clear out gunmen from the Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups and a number of foreign extremists fighting alongside them – Armed Forces spokesman Brigadier General Restituto Padilla admitted it is difficult to fulfill the mission because the gunmen are using civilian hostages as human shields.
“We have to be very careful. We have to be very judicious. We have to be very deliberate so as to avoid hitting innocent lives. And this is where the slow process of liberating Marawi is currently happening,” he said.
Thus far, the government has acknowledged losing 58 personnel, including 13 Marines who died in fierce fighting late last week and 10 soldiers accidentally killed by an Air Force bombing run. More than 130 extremists, including a number of foreigners, and a number of civilians have also died.
Padilla also apologized to a public growing impatient to see the siege of Marawi end.
The AFP spokesman also said the extremists still control four of Marawi’s 96 barangays, one more than he announced last week, explaining that he had meant “three areas” not villages.
At the same time, Padilla refused to say how much of the city the four barangays represented, noting that such figures would only add to the confusion, citing earlier government pronouncements that the Maute group controlled 10 percent of the city only for other officials to place the figure at 20 percent.
http://www.interaksyon.com/military-no-longer-setting-deadline-to-clear-marawi/
WATCH | AFP links nearly 80 social media accounts to terrorists; DICT poised for first ‘cyber sedition’ case
From InterAksyon (Jun 14): WATCH | AFP links nearly 80 social media accounts to terrorists; DICT poised for first ‘cyber sedition’ case
Reuters file photo shows ISIS graffiti painted on a wall in an alley in Marawi City. Propaganda via the internet on behalf of ISIS and terror groups constitutes a crime, the AFP and DICT said, and are moving to take down sites and social media accounts and prosecute some people.
The military has identified nearly 80 social media accounts being used by terrorists, and is moving to have these taken down.
This, as the Department of Information Communication and Technology (DICT) said earlier it was poised to file the first “cyber sedition” charge against a group hosting a pro-terrorist site.
According to Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson BGen. Restituto Padilla, the bigger problem beyond the takedown is pursuing the persons and groups operating the dozens of sites.
It is also possible that only one person or group or a few of them are handling all the accounts, he added.
The AFP declined to give further details on the 80 accounts, saying this might jeopardize efforts to collar the parties involved.
The AFP had earlier appealed to netizens to stop sharing content from the sites in order to prevent being used for the propaganda campaigns of the terrorists, particularly those aligned or seeking recognition or funding from the Islamic State of Iraq and syria (ISIS).
“It only solves the closing of the account. The individuals behind those accounts are the more important target of our operation,” said Padilla.
Salalima’s revelation
On Tuesday, DICT Secretary Rodolfo Salalima had said at a Palace press briefing that they are about to seek the arrest for Cyber Sedition – or using the Internet to rally people to rebel against government – of one party whom he did not identify.
Salalima said the DICT is “involved” in the AFP operations to take down the websites and social media accounts of those spreading propaganda for the ISIS.
The group targeted for arrest is related to the Maute Group, which is leading local terrorists in fighting government forces in Marawi.
“We are involved – confidential – may huhulihin na [Someone will be arrested]. Cyber sedition . . . We are not going to name the persons. We are able to track about more than one last night.”
“To the extent that they effect, they commit cyber crimes, then DICT takes over. Remember, rebellion, sedition, are crimes under the old penal code. You do sedition, you incite people via the internet, I call it . . . .cyber rebellion, there is cyber sedition. But [with] rebellion, there must be a taking up of arms. So [if it’s] online, it could amount to cyber sedition.”
Salalima did not confirm if those targeted for arrest are among those holding 63 Facebook accounts that AFP had earlier Facebook Philippines to take down for “poisoning” the minds of Filipinos.
WATCH NEWS5’S VIDEO REPORT:
[Video report]
http://www.interaksyon.com/afp-links-nearly-80-social-media-accounts-to-terrorists-dict-poised-for-first-cyber-sedition-case/
Reuters file photo shows ISIS graffiti painted on a wall in an alley in Marawi City. Propaganda via the internet on behalf of ISIS and terror groups constitutes a crime, the AFP and DICT said, and are moving to take down sites and social media accounts and prosecute some people.
The military has identified nearly 80 social media accounts being used by terrorists, and is moving to have these taken down.
This, as the Department of Information Communication and Technology (DICT) said earlier it was poised to file the first “cyber sedition” charge against a group hosting a pro-terrorist site.
According to Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson BGen. Restituto Padilla, the bigger problem beyond the takedown is pursuing the persons and groups operating the dozens of sites.
It is also possible that only one person or group or a few of them are handling all the accounts, he added.
The AFP declined to give further details on the 80 accounts, saying this might jeopardize efforts to collar the parties involved.
The AFP had earlier appealed to netizens to stop sharing content from the sites in order to prevent being used for the propaganda campaigns of the terrorists, particularly those aligned or seeking recognition or funding from the Islamic State of Iraq and syria (ISIS).
“It only solves the closing of the account. The individuals behind those accounts are the more important target of our operation,” said Padilla.
Salalima’s revelation
On Tuesday, DICT Secretary Rodolfo Salalima had said at a Palace press briefing that they are about to seek the arrest for Cyber Sedition – or using the Internet to rally people to rebel against government – of one party whom he did not identify.
Salalima said the DICT is “involved” in the AFP operations to take down the websites and social media accounts of those spreading propaganda for the ISIS.
The group targeted for arrest is related to the Maute Group, which is leading local terrorists in fighting government forces in Marawi.
“We are involved – confidential – may huhulihin na [Someone will be arrested]. Cyber sedition . . . We are not going to name the persons. We are able to track about more than one last night.”
“To the extent that they effect, they commit cyber crimes, then DICT takes over. Remember, rebellion, sedition, are crimes under the old penal code. You do sedition, you incite people via the internet, I call it . . . .cyber rebellion, there is cyber sedition. But [with] rebellion, there must be a taking up of arms. So [if it’s] online, it could amount to cyber sedition.”
Salalima did not confirm if those targeted for arrest are among those holding 63 Facebook accounts that AFP had earlier Facebook Philippines to take down for “poisoning” the minds of Filipinos.
WATCH NEWS5’S VIDEO REPORT:
[Video report]
http://www.interaksyon.com/afp-links-nearly-80-social-media-accounts-to-terrorists-dict-poised-for-first-cyber-sedition-case/
WATCH | ‘Handa na sa paglusob’ | Days before martial law, Hapilon says in video his group already prepared for ‘big war’
From InterAksyon (Jun 14): WATCH | ‘Handa na sa paglusob’ | Days before martial law, Hapilon says in video his group already prepared for ‘big war’
More than a week before President Rodrigo Duterte decided to declare martial law in Mindanao to address the crisis in Marawi City, Islamist extremists led by senior Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and the Maute Group were already prepared to carry out their “big war,” which includes the assault on the Lanao del Sur capital.
A copy of a video obtained by News5, shows Hapilon, said to be the designated ISIS emir in Southeast Asia, leading a prayer in Arabic and Tausug with Abu Sayyaf members, brothers Omarkhayam and Abdullah Maute and some foreigners said to be Malaysians and Indonesians and asking God to keep them safe in their grand plan to wage a war.
Based on the video’s data file, the footage appeared to have been recorded last May 14, nine days before Duterte declared martial law in the entire Mindanao following the Maute Group’s May 23 Marawi siege and the military raid against the extremists in the city’s Barangay Basak Malutlut.
After the prayer, Hapilon is shown in the video talking in Tausug and telling his companions that they are ready to attack Marawi and that they already have support from Jolo in Sulu, Maguindanao, Indonesia, and Arab countries, and from the Maranao, Tausug, and Yacan people.
Translated in Tagalog, this is what Hapilon says in the video:
“Nakahanda na tayo sa gagawing paglusob sa Marawi…May support tayo galing Jolo…May support tayo galing ng Indonesia at Arab…Maranao, Maguindanao, Tausug, Yacan.”
He also tells his comrades that he had dreamt a month ago about the siege in Marawi and God accompanying them in their fight.
“Nanaginip ako tungkol dito, sa mga lider ng mga Abu Sayyaf noong isang buwan…kasama natin si Allah sa laban natin.”
Hapilon further tells his fellow extremists that it will be a big war and that they will be the ones who will continue jihad.
He says they should not be afraid to die because they will lose their lives during jihad and they have the support of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the Sunni militant jihadist organization ISIS.
“Malaking giyera ito…Tayo ang magpapatuloy ng jihad. Kahit mamatay tayo, ‘wag kayo matakot kasi mamatay tayo sa jihad.”
The video further shows Hapilon and his group ending their talk with another prayer, saying the names of various prophets and asking them for guidance.
In the succeeding video clips, members of Hapilon’s group are seen making improvised explosive devices, while some are exercising and others are learning about the different parts and functions of high-caliber firearms.
Meanwhile, the military reported on Wednesday that government forces had recovered eight buildings in Marawi believed to be used by Maute terrorists as sniper and machine gun positions.
But Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Public Affairs Office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo declined to give the locations of the establishments as doing so could give the lawless elements time to reposition or recapture the buildings again.
“I can’t give exact details on how many buildings remain to be captured but what I can give you with certainty is how many did we recover. As of yesterday or this morning, we have received reports that we have captured eight and among these is one of the highest, which (contains) their sniper nests and machine gun positions and overlooks Marawi City,” Arevalo said.
He said the Maute Group’s resistance was dwindling but emphasized that the military was not taking this lightly. “We cannot be imprudent, we have to be very careful with our actions as they are still holding some civilian hostages.”
WATCH NEWS5’S VIDEO REPORT:
[Video: Isnilon Hapilon at Maute Bros., makikita sa video na naghahanda sa pag-atake sa Marawi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8xbfvD7cXs]
http://www.interaksyon.com/handa-na-tayo-sa-paglusob-9-days-before-martial-law-hapilon-said-in-video-his-group-already-prepared-to-carry-out-marawi-grand-plan/
More than a week before President Rodrigo Duterte decided to declare martial law in Mindanao to address the crisis in Marawi City, Islamist extremists led by senior Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and the Maute Group were already prepared to carry out their “big war,” which includes the assault on the Lanao del Sur capital.
A copy of a video obtained by News5, shows Hapilon, said to be the designated ISIS emir in Southeast Asia, leading a prayer in Arabic and Tausug with Abu Sayyaf members, brothers Omarkhayam and Abdullah Maute and some foreigners said to be Malaysians and Indonesians and asking God to keep them safe in their grand plan to wage a war.
Based on the video’s data file, the footage appeared to have been recorded last May 14, nine days before Duterte declared martial law in the entire Mindanao following the Maute Group’s May 23 Marawi siege and the military raid against the extremists in the city’s Barangay Basak Malutlut.
After the prayer, Hapilon is shown in the video talking in Tausug and telling his companions that they are ready to attack Marawi and that they already have support from Jolo in Sulu, Maguindanao, Indonesia, and Arab countries, and from the Maranao, Tausug, and Yacan people.
Translated in Tagalog, this is what Hapilon says in the video:
“Nakahanda na tayo sa gagawing paglusob sa Marawi…May support tayo galing Jolo…May support tayo galing ng Indonesia at Arab…Maranao, Maguindanao, Tausug, Yacan.”
He also tells his comrades that he had dreamt a month ago about the siege in Marawi and God accompanying them in their fight.
“Nanaginip ako tungkol dito, sa mga lider ng mga Abu Sayyaf noong isang buwan…kasama natin si Allah sa laban natin.”
Hapilon further tells his fellow extremists that it will be a big war and that they will be the ones who will continue jihad.
He says they should not be afraid to die because they will lose their lives during jihad and they have the support of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the Sunni militant jihadist organization ISIS.
“Malaking giyera ito…Tayo ang magpapatuloy ng jihad. Kahit mamatay tayo, ‘wag kayo matakot kasi mamatay tayo sa jihad.”
The video further shows Hapilon and his group ending their talk with another prayer, saying the names of various prophets and asking them for guidance.
In the succeeding video clips, members of Hapilon’s group are seen making improvised explosive devices, while some are exercising and others are learning about the different parts and functions of high-caliber firearms.
Meanwhile, the military reported on Wednesday that government forces had recovered eight buildings in Marawi believed to be used by Maute terrorists as sniper and machine gun positions.
But Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Public Affairs Office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo declined to give the locations of the establishments as doing so could give the lawless elements time to reposition or recapture the buildings again.
“I can’t give exact details on how many buildings remain to be captured but what I can give you with certainty is how many did we recover. As of yesterday or this morning, we have received reports that we have captured eight and among these is one of the highest, which (contains) their sniper nests and machine gun positions and overlooks Marawi City,” Arevalo said.
He said the Maute Group’s resistance was dwindling but emphasized that the military was not taking this lightly. “We cannot be imprudent, we have to be very careful with our actions as they are still holding some civilian hostages.”
WATCH NEWS5’S VIDEO REPORT:
[Video: Isnilon Hapilon at Maute Bros., makikita sa video na naghahanda sa pag-atake sa Marawi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8xbfvD7cXs]
http://www.interaksyon.com/handa-na-tayo-sa-paglusob-9-days-before-martial-law-hapilon-said-in-video-his-group-already-prepared-to-carry-out-marawi-grand-plan/
NBI tasked to solve case of 4 missing Indonesian Navy officers
From InterAksyon (Jun 15): NBI tasked to solve case of 4 missing Indonesian Navy officers
The Department of Justice has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to look into the disappearance of four members of the Indonesian Navy who were escorting a Philippine fishing boat apprehended near the maritime border of Indonesia and the Philippines.
The Indonesian Navy personnel have been missing since December 2016.
They were part of the group tasked to escort fishermen on board the FB Nurhana, a Filipino fishing vessel apprehended by the Indonesian Navy near the maritime border.
Nurhana, a fishing vessel allegedly owned by the father of General Santos City Mayor Ronnel Rivera, was apprehended by Indonesian naval personnel for encroaching into Indonesian territorial waters in the North Sulawesi area last December, according to a story in the Philippine Star on Jan. 21, 2017.
The 21 crew of Nurhana were reportedly taken by an Indonesian Navy vessel and brought to Bitung, where they are currently detained.
The fishing boat captain identified as Hermilito Apura and two crew members identified as Cleaford Apura and Entoy Lopez were escorted by the now-missing Indonesian Navy officials: Faisal Dwi Andarta, Dian Mahendra, Badnur Rohim and Rizky Dwi Zeptiano onboard the Nurhana, on the way to Talaud Island.
The four Indonesian Navy officials went missing, while Apura and his two crew were sighted in General Santos City.
Indonesian officials interrogated Apura and his two crewmembers.
Apura reportedly said the boat caught fire and sank along with the four Navy officers, said the PhilStar account.
A former Indonesian governor in January 2017 asked President Duterte for help in locating the four Indonesians.
Sources from Indonesia said Duterte assured former North Sulawesi governor S. H. Sarundajang that he would look into the matter.
http://www.interaksyon.com/nbi-tasked-to-solve-case-of-4-missing-indonesian-navy-officers/
The Department of Justice has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to look into the disappearance of four members of the Indonesian Navy who were escorting a Philippine fishing boat apprehended near the maritime border of Indonesia and the Philippines.
The Indonesian Navy personnel have been missing since December 2016.
They were part of the group tasked to escort fishermen on board the FB Nurhana, a Filipino fishing vessel apprehended by the Indonesian Navy near the maritime border.
Nurhana, a fishing vessel allegedly owned by the father of General Santos City Mayor Ronnel Rivera, was apprehended by Indonesian naval personnel for encroaching into Indonesian territorial waters in the North Sulawesi area last December, according to a story in the Philippine Star on Jan. 21, 2017.
The 21 crew of Nurhana were reportedly taken by an Indonesian Navy vessel and brought to Bitung, where they are currently detained.
The fishing boat captain identified as Hermilito Apura and two crew members identified as Cleaford Apura and Entoy Lopez were escorted by the now-missing Indonesian Navy officials: Faisal Dwi Andarta, Dian Mahendra, Badnur Rohim and Rizky Dwi Zeptiano onboard the Nurhana, on the way to Talaud Island.
The four Indonesian Navy officials went missing, while Apura and his two crew were sighted in General Santos City.
Indonesian officials interrogated Apura and his two crewmembers.
Apura reportedly said the boat caught fire and sank along with the four Navy officers, said the PhilStar account.
A former Indonesian governor in January 2017 asked President Duterte for help in locating the four Indonesians.
Sources from Indonesia said Duterte assured former North Sulawesi governor S. H. Sarundajang that he would look into the matter.
http://www.interaksyon.com/nbi-tasked-to-solve-case-of-4-missing-indonesian-navy-officers/
CYBER SEDITION | Beyond Mindanao: ‘Martial Law has no borders on social media’
From InterAksyon (Jun15): CYBER SEDITION | Beyond Mindanao: ‘Martial Law has no borders on social media’
With the military recently identifying nearly 80 social media accounts allegedly being used by terrorists, and moving to have these taken down, a lawyer and civil society groups weighed in Wednesday on the legality and implications of such a move.
It noted that the development has expanded the physical limits of martial law beyond Mindanao, which was covered by Proclamation 216 issued hours after the siege of Marawi began.
In a message to InterAksyon, Atty. Marnie Tonson, founding co-convenor of the Philippine Internet Freedom Alliance (PIFA), agreed that when it comes to social media, “Martial Law definitely has no borders.” He added, “(this is) the main reason given by legislators and justices [on] why the Cybercrime Prevention Act (Republic Act 10175) was legislated and later upheld. [It] is precisely the pernicious reach of online media.”
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), in several statements in the past, implied that they have added the realm of cyberspace as a new Philippine territory to be defended in addition to the land territory, airspace and waters.
For its part, the Department of Information Communication and Technology (DICT), headed by Atty. Rodolfo Salima, had said in a Palace briefing Tuesday that it was poised to file the first “cyber sedition” charge against a group hosting a pro-terrorist site.
Salalima, however, did not confirm if those targeted for arrest are among those holding 63 Facebook accounts that AFP had earlier Facebook Philippines to take down for “poisoning” the minds of Filipinos.
‘Cyber sedition a misnomer’
But what defines cyber sedition?
In an upcoming column for Newsbytes.ph, Atty. Tonson said: “Technically, “Cyber sedition” is a misnomer. This much can be gleaned from the quick clarification Secretary Rodolfo Salalima of the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) made upon his announcement earlier this week of an imminent arrest for “Cyber sedition”.
Tonson further noted, “Rebellion, Sedition are crimes under the Penal Code… (Y)ou do sedition, you incite people via cyber or via the Internet, there is Cyber-Rebellion, there is Cyber sedition.”
According to Tonson, The Cybercrime Prevention Act (Republic Act 10175) under Section 6 punishes all crimes defined and penalized by the Revised Penal Code (RPC) “committed by, through and with the use of information and communications technologies.”
The RPC, Tonson added, does indeed define the felony known as “Sedition” in Article 139. But “Cyber sedition” cannot be based on this “basic” sedition simply because modern technology does not yet allow persons to “rise tumultuously” in cyberspace.
Misnomer or not, civil society groups such as TXTPower, Agham, and the Computer Professionals Union have taken notice nonetheless of the term Cyber-sedition.
In a joint statement sent to media the three organizations said, “It must be clear by now: Whether you’re in Marawi, Mindanao or Manila, we’re all unsafe from martial law’s effects on our basic rights. And nowhere is this more obvious than the internet and the basic rights we enjoy online and offline.”
The groups added: “These threats by the military and DICT don’t strike fear at the heart of terrorists. They dampen civic engagement and attempt to negate the public’s right and duty to see to it that martial law is required, that martial law is actually aimed at the terrorists, and that martial law is not being implemented against the public.”
In its last statement, the AFP declined to give further details on the 80 accounts, saying this might jeopardize efforts to collar the parties involved.
The AFP had earlier appealed to netizens to stop sharing content from the sites in order to prevent being used for the propaganda campaigns of the terrorists, particularly those aligned or seeking recognition or funding from the Islamic State of Iraq and syria (ISIS).
“It only solves the closing of the account. The individuals behind those accounts are the more important target of our operation,” said Padilla.
How to make distinction?
However, Tonyo Cruz, TXTPower president and newspaper columnist, said in a message to InterAksyon: “We are curious what the DICT and the AFP mean by cyber-sedition and who are allegedly committing them.”
“It would be a fatal and terrible mistake for the DICT and AFP to even imply legitimate criticisms of the martial law proclamation are cyber sedition. In fact, they should encourage people to get on with their lives and not make terrorism and counterterrorism adversely change our way of life,” Cruz added.
http://www.interaksyon.com/cyber-sedition-beyond-mindanao-martial-law-has-no-borders-on-social-media/
With the military recently identifying nearly 80 social media accounts allegedly being used by terrorists, and moving to have these taken down, a lawyer and civil society groups weighed in Wednesday on the legality and implications of such a move.
It noted that the development has expanded the physical limits of martial law beyond Mindanao, which was covered by Proclamation 216 issued hours after the siege of Marawi began.
In a message to InterAksyon, Atty. Marnie Tonson, founding co-convenor of the Philippine Internet Freedom Alliance (PIFA), agreed that when it comes to social media, “Martial Law definitely has no borders.” He added, “(this is) the main reason given by legislators and justices [on] why the Cybercrime Prevention Act (Republic Act 10175) was legislated and later upheld. [It] is precisely the pernicious reach of online media.”
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), in several statements in the past, implied that they have added the realm of cyberspace as a new Philippine territory to be defended in addition to the land territory, airspace and waters.
For its part, the Department of Information Communication and Technology (DICT), headed by Atty. Rodolfo Salima, had said in a Palace briefing Tuesday that it was poised to file the first “cyber sedition” charge against a group hosting a pro-terrorist site.
Salalima, however, did not confirm if those targeted for arrest are among those holding 63 Facebook accounts that AFP had earlier Facebook Philippines to take down for “poisoning” the minds of Filipinos.
‘Cyber sedition a misnomer’
But what defines cyber sedition?
In an upcoming column for Newsbytes.ph, Atty. Tonson said: “Technically, “Cyber sedition” is a misnomer. This much can be gleaned from the quick clarification Secretary Rodolfo Salalima of the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) made upon his announcement earlier this week of an imminent arrest for “Cyber sedition”.
Tonson further noted, “Rebellion, Sedition are crimes under the Penal Code… (Y)ou do sedition, you incite people via cyber or via the Internet, there is Cyber-Rebellion, there is Cyber sedition.”
According to Tonson, The Cybercrime Prevention Act (Republic Act 10175) under Section 6 punishes all crimes defined and penalized by the Revised Penal Code (RPC) “committed by, through and with the use of information and communications technologies.”
The RPC, Tonson added, does indeed define the felony known as “Sedition” in Article 139. But “Cyber sedition” cannot be based on this “basic” sedition simply because modern technology does not yet allow persons to “rise tumultuously” in cyberspace.
Misnomer or not, civil society groups such as TXTPower, Agham, and the Computer Professionals Union have taken notice nonetheless of the term Cyber-sedition.
In a joint statement sent to media the three organizations said, “It must be clear by now: Whether you’re in Marawi, Mindanao or Manila, we’re all unsafe from martial law’s effects on our basic rights. And nowhere is this more obvious than the internet and the basic rights we enjoy online and offline.”
The groups added: “These threats by the military and DICT don’t strike fear at the heart of terrorists. They dampen civic engagement and attempt to negate the public’s right and duty to see to it that martial law is required, that martial law is actually aimed at the terrorists, and that martial law is not being implemented against the public.”
In its last statement, the AFP declined to give further details on the 80 accounts, saying this might jeopardize efforts to collar the parties involved.
The AFP had earlier appealed to netizens to stop sharing content from the sites in order to prevent being used for the propaganda campaigns of the terrorists, particularly those aligned or seeking recognition or funding from the Islamic State of Iraq and syria (ISIS).
“It only solves the closing of the account. The individuals behind those accounts are the more important target of our operation,” said Padilla.
How to make distinction?
However, Tonyo Cruz, TXTPower president and newspaper columnist, said in a message to InterAksyon: “We are curious what the DICT and the AFP mean by cyber-sedition and who are allegedly committing them.”
“It would be a fatal and terrible mistake for the DICT and AFP to even imply legitimate criticisms of the martial law proclamation are cyber sedition. In fact, they should encourage people to get on with their lives and not make terrorism and counterterrorism adversely change our way of life,” Cruz added.
http://www.interaksyon.com/cyber-sedition-beyond-mindanao-martial-law-has-no-borders-on-social-media/
Ex-Marawi mayor, Maute matriarch charged with rebellion as DOJ asks SC to allow trials in Taguig
From InterAksyon (Jun 15): Ex-Marawi mayor, Maute matriarch charged with rebellion as DOJ asks SC to allow trials in Taguig
Former Marawi mayor Fajad Salic (left) and Ominta Romato Maute
The Department of Justice has filed rebellion charges against 11 persons, including a former mayor of Marawi City and the mother of the Maute brothers for their alleged involvement in the violence that has gripped the Lanao del Sur capital for more than three weeks now.
At the same time, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II reiterated a request for Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno to allow all cases related to the Marawi crisis to be heard in Taguig City instead of Cagayan de Oro City.
Charged with rebellion are:
Former Marawi mayor Fahad Salic, alias “Pre”
Ominta Romato Maute, alias “Farhana”
Sumaya Bangkit Masakal
Radiea Tugosa Asire
Mariam Ibnu Abubakar
Zafeerah Rosales Musa
Nahreen Macaraya Abdul
Nora Moctar Limgas
Mardiyya Haji Ali
Sumayya Lawi Ali
Noronisa Haji Camal
The information filed with the Regional Trial Court of Misamis Oriental 10th Judicial Region in Cagayan de Oro accused them of either conspiring with members of the Maute group, “purportedly affiliated with ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, a known international terror group),” or providing funds and other support for the extremists who have “risen publicly and taken arms to attain the purpose of removing from allegiance to the Government of the Philippines or its laws thereof, the City of Marawi, thereby depriving the President of the Republic the exercise of its powers or prerogatives in said city …”
Salic, the former Marawi mayor who was arrested in Misamis Oriental Wednesday last week, allegedly possessed four 203 grenades, an M16 assault rifle and ammunition.
The Maute matriarch and the other accused, who were captured last Friday in Masiu town, Lanao del Sur, were alleged in possession of an M14 rifle, seven M14 magazine assemblies, ammunition, a rifle scope, two rifle grenades, two improvised rocket-propelled grenades, and two smoke grenades.
These, the DOJ alleged, were used to “create and spread chaos, disorder, terror, and fear so as to facilitate the accomplishment” of the Maute group’s aim of establishing a “wilayat” or Islamic state in Marawi.
Aside from the Maute matriarch, authorities have also captured the clan patriarch, Cayamora, was also captured in Davao City with three relatives Tuesday last week. He has been transferred to Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.
In his letter to Sereno reiterating the request for a transfer of venue, Aguirre noted that the Taguig trial court and the Special Intensive Care Area of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology detention facility in Camp Bagong Diwa “are only 400 meters away from each other” and would thus require “lesser security concerns when the accused in the cases to be filed will be moved before and after the trial.”
“The DOJ anchors its request on the safety and security of everyone who will be involved in the prosecution of the cases to be filed,” Aguirre said.
To back up his request, Aguirra also sent Sereno a copy of a resolution from the Integrated Bar of the Philippines chapter in Misamis Oriental opposing the holding of trials related to the Marawi crisis in Cagayan de Oro.
http://www.interaksyon.com/ex-marawi-mayor-maute-matriarch-charged-with-rebellion-as-doj-asks-sc-to-allow-trials-in-taguig/
Former Marawi mayor Fajad Salic (left) and Ominta Romato Maute
The Department of Justice has filed rebellion charges against 11 persons, including a former mayor of Marawi City and the mother of the Maute brothers for their alleged involvement in the violence that has gripped the Lanao del Sur capital for more than three weeks now.
At the same time, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II reiterated a request for Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno to allow all cases related to the Marawi crisis to be heard in Taguig City instead of Cagayan de Oro City.
Charged with rebellion are:
Former Marawi mayor Fahad Salic, alias “Pre”
Ominta Romato Maute, alias “Farhana”
Sumaya Bangkit Masakal
Radiea Tugosa Asire
Mariam Ibnu Abubakar
Zafeerah Rosales Musa
Nahreen Macaraya Abdul
Nora Moctar Limgas
Mardiyya Haji Ali
Sumayya Lawi Ali
Noronisa Haji Camal
The information filed with the Regional Trial Court of Misamis Oriental 10th Judicial Region in Cagayan de Oro accused them of either conspiring with members of the Maute group, “purportedly affiliated with ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, a known international terror group),” or providing funds and other support for the extremists who have “risen publicly and taken arms to attain the purpose of removing from allegiance to the Government of the Philippines or its laws thereof, the City of Marawi, thereby depriving the President of the Republic the exercise of its powers or prerogatives in said city …”
Salic, the former Marawi mayor who was arrested in Misamis Oriental Wednesday last week, allegedly possessed four 203 grenades, an M16 assault rifle and ammunition.
The Maute matriarch and the other accused, who were captured last Friday in Masiu town, Lanao del Sur, were alleged in possession of an M14 rifle, seven M14 magazine assemblies, ammunition, a rifle scope, two rifle grenades, two improvised rocket-propelled grenades, and two smoke grenades.
These, the DOJ alleged, were used to “create and spread chaos, disorder, terror, and fear so as to facilitate the accomplishment” of the Maute group’s aim of establishing a “wilayat” or Islamic state in Marawi.
Aside from the Maute matriarch, authorities have also captured the clan patriarch, Cayamora, was also captured in Davao City with three relatives Tuesday last week. He has been transferred to Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.
In his letter to Sereno reiterating the request for a transfer of venue, Aguirre noted that the Taguig trial court and the Special Intensive Care Area of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology detention facility in Camp Bagong Diwa “are only 400 meters away from each other” and would thus require “lesser security concerns when the accused in the cases to be filed will be moved before and after the trial.”
“The DOJ anchors its request on the safety and security of everyone who will be involved in the prosecution of the cases to be filed,” Aguirre said.
To back up his request, Aguirra also sent Sereno a copy of a resolution from the Integrated Bar of the Philippines chapter in Misamis Oriental opposing the holding of trials related to the Marawi crisis in Cagayan de Oro.
http://www.interaksyon.com/ex-marawi-mayor-maute-matriarch-charged-with-rebellion-as-doj-asks-sc-to-allow-trials-in-taguig/
Maute kin tagged as ‘trained bomber’ captured in Cagayan de Oro (Photos)
From InterAksyon (Jun 15): Maute kin tagged as ‘trained bomber’ captured in Cagayan de Oro
A police photo of Mohammad Noaim Maute is stamped 'captured' after his arrest in Cagayan de Oro. (photo by Pat Oritz, InterAksyon)
A young relative of the brothers who founded the Maute group battling government forces in Marawi was captured by authorities in Cagayan de Oro City Thursday morning.
Mohammad Noaim Maute, 22, who allegedly uses the aliases Abu Jadid and Almahid Pangompig Romato, was arrested at 7 a.m. in Sta. Cruz, Barangay Macasandig, Region 10 police director Chief Superintendent Agripino Javier, who presented the suspect in Camp Alagar, said.
Booking photo of Mohammad Noaim Maute. (Police Regional Office 10 handout).
The joint police and military team of the Martial Law Special Action Group seized a fake Mindanao State University student identification card in the name of Alfaiz P. Mamintal from Maute.
Javier said Maute, who he described as a “trained bomber” and “close relative” of the founders of the extremist group, had been staying in Cagayan de Oro for two weeks before his capture.
Maute is being investigated by the Regional Intelligence Division and will be detained at the office of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Camp Evangelista.
Police escort Mohammad Noaim Maute to his presentation at Police Regional Office 10. (photo by Pat Ortiz, InterAksyon)
The suspect is among the more than 100 persons ordered arrested for rebellion under Arrest Order No. 1 issued by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, the designated administrator of martial law in Mindanao, which President Rodrigo Duterte declared on May 23, soon after hostilities broke out in Marawi.
He denied being in Marawi since the fighting started and being a bomber of the Maute group.
Region 10 police director Chief Supt Agripino Javier presents Mohammad Noiam Maute at a press conference. (photo by Pat Ortiz, InterAksyon)
Authorities have captured several alleged members and supporters of the Maute group including Cayamora and Ominta, the parents of the group’s founders Omar Khayaam and Abdullah, and former Marawi mayor Fajad Salic.
A police photo of Mohammad Noaim Maute is stamped 'captured' after his arrest in Cagayan de Oro. (photo by Pat Oritz, InterAksyon)
A young relative of the brothers who founded the Maute group battling government forces in Marawi was captured by authorities in Cagayan de Oro City Thursday morning.
Mohammad Noaim Maute, 22, who allegedly uses the aliases Abu Jadid and Almahid Pangompig Romato, was arrested at 7 a.m. in Sta. Cruz, Barangay Macasandig, Region 10 police director Chief Superintendent Agripino Javier, who presented the suspect in Camp Alagar, said.
Booking photo of Mohammad Noaim Maute. (Police Regional Office 10 handout).
The joint police and military team of the Martial Law Special Action Group seized a fake Mindanao State University student identification card in the name of Alfaiz P. Mamintal from Maute.
Javier said Maute, who he described as a “trained bomber” and “close relative” of the founders of the extremist group, had been staying in Cagayan de Oro for two weeks before his capture.
Maute is being investigated by the Regional Intelligence Division and will be detained at the office of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Camp Evangelista.
Police escort Mohammad Noaim Maute to his presentation at Police Regional Office 10. (photo by Pat Ortiz, InterAksyon)
The suspect is among the more than 100 persons ordered arrested for rebellion under Arrest Order No. 1 issued by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, the designated administrator of martial law in Mindanao, which President Rodrigo Duterte declared on May 23, soon after hostilities broke out in Marawi.
He denied being in Marawi since the fighting started and being a bomber of the Maute group.
Region 10 police director Chief Supt Agripino Javier presents Mohammad Noiam Maute at a press conference. (photo by Pat Ortiz, InterAksyon)
Authorities have captured several alleged members and supporters of the Maute group including Cayamora and Ominta, the parents of the group’s founders Omar Khayaam and Abdullah, and former Marawi mayor Fajad Salic.
TFD updates guidelines for public during Martial Law
From the Mindanao Times (Jun 14): TFD updates guidelines for public during Martial Law
THE TASK Force Davao issued new guidelines for the public during the implementation of Martial Law in the city.
These new guidelines will serve as preventive measures against spillover of violent incidents in Davao City pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No.216 declaring Martial Law in Mindanao.
The guideline stated there will be strict and tight implementation of security measures in the city, particularly in the security checkpoints.
These new guidelines will serve as preventive measures against spillover of violent incidents in Davao City pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No.216 declaring Martial Law in Mindanao.
The guideline stated there will be strict and tight implementation of security measures in the city, particularly in the security checkpoints.
The public is reminded that everyone is subject for inspection and routine identification.
Those who are traveling are advised to ensure an updated vehicle registration papers, driver’s license, and valid identification card.
Those who are traveling are advised to ensure an updated vehicle registration papers, driver’s license, and valid identification card.
Everyone is also encouraged to be more patient and cooperative as the security checkpoints in the city may cause medium to heavy volume of traffic.
The public is also encouraged to familiarize the contents of their own baggage and never leave belongings unattended to avoid inconvenience.
Those who are planning outdoor activities are advised to be prudent and, as much as possible, avoid crowded areas.
The permit to carry firearm outside of residence (PTCFOR) is suspended. Any individual caught carrying firearms in all places in Davao City will be apprehended and the firearm will be subject for confiscation.
The unlicensed and loose firearms must be surrendered to the nearest military or police stations in the area.
Those who fail to surrender loose or unlicensed firearms will be subjected to house visitation by the military or police authorities.
The law enforcement personnel will also “stop and frisk” any suspicious individual or groups especially during night time as part of security measures.
The public is also advised to refer on the guidelines of previously issued by the Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, and is encouraged to report any misbehavior of Task Force Davao personnel.
The public is also encouraged to familiarize the contents of their own baggage and never leave belongings unattended to avoid inconvenience.
Those who are planning outdoor activities are advised to be prudent and, as much as possible, avoid crowded areas.
The permit to carry firearm outside of residence (PTCFOR) is suspended. Any individual caught carrying firearms in all places in Davao City will be apprehended and the firearm will be subject for confiscation.
The unlicensed and loose firearms must be surrendered to the nearest military or police stations in the area.
Those who fail to surrender loose or unlicensed firearms will be subjected to house visitation by the military or police authorities.
The law enforcement personnel will also “stop and frisk” any suspicious individual or groups especially during night time as part of security measures.
The public is also advised to refer on the guidelines of previously issued by the Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, and is encouraged to report any misbehavior of Task Force Davao personnel.
Terror suspect bail plea reset
From the Mindanao Times (Jun 14): Terror suspect bail plea reset
THE REGIONAL Trial Court (RTC) yesterday reset the hearing for the bail petition filed by one of the suspects of the Sept. 2 Roxas night market bombing that killed 15 and injured 69 others.
RTC branch 33 Judge Lope Callo scheduled the hearing for respondent TJ Macabalang on June 23 at 8:30 a.m. for his multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder case.
RTC branch 33 Judge Lope Callo scheduled the hearing for respondent TJ Macabalang on June 23 at 8:30 a.m. for his multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder case.
The hearing yesterday was postponed due to the pending petition to transfer trial and transfer detention.
The accused was also charged for violation of Sec. 3 (terrorism) of Republic Act 9374 (Human Security Act).
The petition to transfer trial was filed by the Office of the City Prosecutor before the Department of Justice due to security reasons. Meanwhile, the petition to transfer the detention of the five alleged Maute members, including Macabalang, was due to the fact that Davao City risks attack while they are here.
The accused was also charged for violation of Sec. 3 (terrorism) of Republic Act 9374 (Human Security Act).
The petition to transfer trial was filed by the Office of the City Prosecutor before the Department of Justice due to security reasons. Meanwhile, the petition to transfer the detention of the five alleged Maute members, including Macabalang, was due to the fact that Davao City risks attack while they are here.
Based on records, Macabalang, along with Wendel Apostol Facturan and Musali Mustapha, was arrested in a checkpoint in Cotabato City last Oct. 7, 2016.
The records also showed that there were 14 individuals indicted in connection to the deadly blast. However, the cases of the two suspects were dropped after they were placed under the Witness Protection Program.
85 new Cafgu training grads to report to TFD next week
From the Mindanao Times (Jun 14): 85 new Cafgu training grads to report to TFD next week
EIGHTY-FIVE members of the Cafgu Active Auxilliary II (CAA II), formerly called as SCAA, will serve as support force for the Task Force Davao after successfully completing the 45-day basic military training starting on April 28.
They will be deployed in downtown areas of the city to complement the patrols by the army and police.
The cafgus will receive from the City government in an amount of P7, 400 as a monthly salary.
Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, in her speech yesterday as the guest of honor and speaker during the graduation ceremony of the CAA II of the Task Force Davao at Sta. Ana wharf, spoke about the important role of the civilian volunteers in securing the city.
“Everybody has a role,” she told the graduates in her speech during a simple ceremony. “Your role is to stand in the sun and rain, sometimes go hungry or lose sleep because you chose to serve the government by joining the Task Force Davao.”
But she said it’s a job that’s necessary so “the kids could go to school peacefully, those in the bank can work peacefully, and business will boom.”
In a separate interview, Col. Erwin Bernard Neri, the task force Davao commander, said the new cafgus will be deployed in the city next week. The Task Force Davao already has 280 Cafgus.
Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, in her speech yesterday as the guest of honor and speaker during the graduation ceremony of the CAA II of the Task Force Davao at Sta. Ana wharf, spoke about the important role of the civilian volunteers in securing the city.
“Everybody has a role,” she told the graduates in her speech during a simple ceremony. “Your role is to stand in the sun and rain, sometimes go hungry or lose sleep because you chose to serve the government by joining the Task Force Davao.”
But she said it’s a job that’s necessary so “the kids could go to school peacefully, those in the bank can work peacefully, and business will boom.”
In a separate interview, Col. Erwin Bernard Neri, the task force Davao commander, said the new cafgus will be deployed in the city next week. The Task Force Davao already has 280 Cafgus.
“They will be divided,” he said. “Some of them will conduct checkpoints, others will conduct area security. Mostly will be deployed into the entry and exit points of the city.”
Neri said the new graduates will serve as replacement for those Cafgu members last year who were enlisted in the Philippine Army.
In the latest batch of trainees, half of them are high school graduates and around 20% have reached college. Another 10% are actually college graduates.
Neri said the new graduates will serve as replacement for those Cafgu members last year who were enlisted in the Philippine Army.
In the latest batch of trainees, half of them are high school graduates and around 20% have reached college. Another 10% are actually college graduates.