Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Jun 18): Lanao Del Sur Muslim Leaders Urge Gov’t To Stop Aerial Strikes In Marawi City
Lanao del Sur Muslim leaders comprising sultans, datus and imams gathered in Iligan City on Thursday and urged the government to stop aerial strikes in Marawi City.
An ABS- CBN online report said that the leaders urged President Rodrigo Duterte to be open to negotiations with the terrorist Maute group to address the crisis in Marawi and to include the sultanates in Mindanao in all talks.
Sheik Haron Ali Tomawis, the oldest of the Maranao tribe leaders, said war is not the option to address the crisis in Marawi. Tomawis also asked the military for a ceasefire and consider their observance of the holy month of Ramadan, the report also said.
The group also asked for considerations from the local government of Iligan City to allow Maranaos to go out during curfew hours.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/890/lanao-del-sur-muslim-leaders-urge-gov---t-to-stop-aerial-strikes-in-marawi-city
Monday, June 19, 2017
MILF: BTC Completes, Signs Draft Bangsamoro Law
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Jun 19): BTC Completes, Signs Draft Bangsamoro Law
BTC Chair Ghazali Jaafar and former Chair Mohagher Iqbal shared a moment during the signing of the proposed 2017 Bangsamoro Basic Law. Photo by Amirah Gayak/BTC Secretariat
The Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) has completed its task to draft a Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), Mindanews online report said on June 17.
BTC chair Ghazali Jaafar told MindaNews via text message that “it’s complete and ready for submission” to President Rodrigo Duterte.
The Bangsamoro Transition Commission completed on Friday, 16 June 2017, its draft Bangsamoro Basic Law, and is now ready to submit it to President Rodrigo Duterte. Photo courtesy of BTC Facebook
The BTC had scheduled June 15 for the submission of the draft BBL but BTC Executive Director Mike Pasigan said they received no confirmation from Malacañang.
“We are waiting for the fixed schedule of our submission of the BBL to the President,” BTC chair Ghazali Jaafar told MindaNews Wednesday.
The new draft BBL consists of 114 pages and18 articles.
Chairman Jaafar, who is also 1st Vice Chair of the MILF, told MindaNews: “This new (draft) Bangsamoro law now accommodates all stakeholders in the areas of Bangasmoro — indigenous people, settlers or Christians, traditional leaders or sultans, women, youth and Ulama. Lahat sila meron (All of them will have) reserved seats sa Bangsamoro Parliament.”
Commissioner Omar Yasser Crisostomo Sema describes the draft BBL as a “converged BBL” that will implement not only the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro signed by the Philippine government (GPH) and the MILF, but will also be “implementing all peace agreements, resolving all contentious issues in the MNLF-GPH peace process.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/892/btc-completes--signs-draft-bangsamoro-law-
BTC Chair Ghazali Jaafar and former Chair Mohagher Iqbal shared a moment during the signing of the proposed 2017 Bangsamoro Basic Law. Photo by Amirah Gayak/BTC Secretariat
The Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) has completed its task to draft a Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), Mindanews online report said on June 17.
BTC chair Ghazali Jaafar told MindaNews via text message that “it’s complete and ready for submission” to President Rodrigo Duterte.
The Bangsamoro Transition Commission completed on Friday, 16 June 2017, its draft Bangsamoro Basic Law, and is now ready to submit it to President Rodrigo Duterte. Photo courtesy of BTC Facebook
The BTC had scheduled June 15 for the submission of the draft BBL but BTC Executive Director Mike Pasigan said they received no confirmation from Malacañang.
“We are waiting for the fixed schedule of our submission of the BBL to the President,” BTC chair Ghazali Jaafar told MindaNews Wednesday.
The new draft BBL consists of 114 pages and18 articles.
Chairman Jaafar, who is also 1st Vice Chair of the MILF, told MindaNews: “This new (draft) Bangsamoro law now accommodates all stakeholders in the areas of Bangasmoro — indigenous people, settlers or Christians, traditional leaders or sultans, women, youth and Ulama. Lahat sila meron (All of them will have) reserved seats sa Bangsamoro Parliament.”
Commissioner Omar Yasser Crisostomo Sema describes the draft BBL as a “converged BBL” that will implement not only the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro signed by the Philippine government (GPH) and the MILF, but will also be “implementing all peace agreements, resolving all contentious issues in the MNLF-GPH peace process.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/892/btc-completes--signs-draft-bangsamoro-law-
CPP/NPA-Panay: Sagot sa mga kasinungalingan ng PRO-6 hinggil sa matagumpay na reyd ng NPA sa Maasin
NPA-Panay propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Jun 19): Sagot sa mga kasinungalingan ng PRO-6 hinggil sa matagumpay na reyd ng NPA sa Maasin (Response to the lies of PRO-6 regarding the successful NPA raid in Maasin)
Ka Julio Montana, Spokesperson
NPA-Panay (Coronacion Chiva “Waling-Waling” Command)
19 June 2017
Press Release
Walang katotohanan ang pinagsasabi ng mga matataas na opisyal ng PRO-6 na diumano’y kinuha ng NPA ang mga pera at alahas ng mga pulis ng Maasin sa panahon ng reyd noong umaga ng Hunyo 18, 2017. Sa pag-usisa sa mga kasamang nagsagawa ng operasyon, itinanggi nila na may dinalang pera o mga alahas mula sa istasyon. Hindi din totoo ang sinasabing pagyapak ng NPA sa ulo ng mga pinadapang pulis. Alam mismo ng mga naka-duty na maliban sa paggapos sa kanilang kamay para hindi makapanlaban, naging makatao ang pagtrato sa kanila ng NPA. Marahil mas masahol pa ang epekto sa kanila ang labis na panlalait ni Senior Superintendent Christopher Tambungan kahit na nasa state of shock pa ang kanyang mga tauhan.
Mali ding sabihin nga robbery ang ginawa ng NPA dahil ang kinuha ay mga kagamitang militar na ginagamit ng PNP laban sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan at sa mamamayan. Ang iba pang bagay na di sinadyang dinala at mapapatunayang personal na gamit ay ibabalik ng NPA sa mga kinauukulang may-ari.
Inaasahan ng NPA-Panay na gagawa pa ng iba-ibang estorya ang mga opisyal ng PRO-6 para takpan ang kahinaan ng kanilang hanay at kapalpakan ng matataas na opisyal at ang matagumpay na taktikal na opensibang ito ng NPA. Ganunpaman, hindi nito maitatanggi ang kasiyahan ng maraming masa sa matagumpay na aksyon ng kanilang Hukbo. Sa panig ng NPA, pinanghahawakan nito na ang anumang gawain ay kailangang tumutugon sa interes ng masa, at kung wala ang malakas nilang suporta, hindi matatamo ng Hukbo ang tagumpay sa mga pagsisikap nito.
Sa kabilang banda, pinupuri ng NPA-Panay ang disiplina ng mga Kasama sa kanilang pagsisikap na maiwasan ang madugong engkwentro, pagseguro na mailayo sa panganib ang mga sibilyan at makataong pagtrato sa mga nahuling pulis. Kinikilala din ng NPA-Panay ang wastong desisyon ng mga naka-duty na pulis na huwag nang lumaban nang makita nilang kontrolado na ng NPA ang sitwasyon. Dahil dito, naiwasan ang casualty sa tauhan ng magkabilang panig at sa mga sibilyan sa paligid.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170619-sagot-sa-mga-kasinungalingan-ng-pro-6-hinggil-sa-matagumpay-na-reyd-ng-npa-sa-maasin
Ka Julio Montana, Spokesperson
NPA-Panay (Coronacion Chiva “Waling-Waling” Command)
19 June 2017
Press Release
Walang katotohanan ang pinagsasabi ng mga matataas na opisyal ng PRO-6 na diumano’y kinuha ng NPA ang mga pera at alahas ng mga pulis ng Maasin sa panahon ng reyd noong umaga ng Hunyo 18, 2017. Sa pag-usisa sa mga kasamang nagsagawa ng operasyon, itinanggi nila na may dinalang pera o mga alahas mula sa istasyon. Hindi din totoo ang sinasabing pagyapak ng NPA sa ulo ng mga pinadapang pulis. Alam mismo ng mga naka-duty na maliban sa paggapos sa kanilang kamay para hindi makapanlaban, naging makatao ang pagtrato sa kanila ng NPA. Marahil mas masahol pa ang epekto sa kanila ang labis na panlalait ni Senior Superintendent Christopher Tambungan kahit na nasa state of shock pa ang kanyang mga tauhan.
Mali ding sabihin nga robbery ang ginawa ng NPA dahil ang kinuha ay mga kagamitang militar na ginagamit ng PNP laban sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan at sa mamamayan. Ang iba pang bagay na di sinadyang dinala at mapapatunayang personal na gamit ay ibabalik ng NPA sa mga kinauukulang may-ari.
Inaasahan ng NPA-Panay na gagawa pa ng iba-ibang estorya ang mga opisyal ng PRO-6 para takpan ang kahinaan ng kanilang hanay at kapalpakan ng matataas na opisyal at ang matagumpay na taktikal na opensibang ito ng NPA. Ganunpaman, hindi nito maitatanggi ang kasiyahan ng maraming masa sa matagumpay na aksyon ng kanilang Hukbo. Sa panig ng NPA, pinanghahawakan nito na ang anumang gawain ay kailangang tumutugon sa interes ng masa, at kung wala ang malakas nilang suporta, hindi matatamo ng Hukbo ang tagumpay sa mga pagsisikap nito.
Sa kabilang banda, pinupuri ng NPA-Panay ang disiplina ng mga Kasama sa kanilang pagsisikap na maiwasan ang madugong engkwentro, pagseguro na mailayo sa panganib ang mga sibilyan at makataong pagtrato sa mga nahuling pulis. Kinikilala din ng NPA-Panay ang wastong desisyon ng mga naka-duty na pulis na huwag nang lumaban nang makita nilang kontrolado na ng NPA ang sitwasyon. Dahil dito, naiwasan ang casualty sa tauhan ng magkabilang panig at sa mga sibilyan sa paligid.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20170619-sagot-sa-mga-kasinungalingan-ng-pro-6-hinggil-sa-matagumpay-na-reyd-ng-npa-sa-maasin
AFP neutralizes 50 NPAs since start of Marawi crisis
From Update Philippines (Jun 19): AFP neutralizes 50 NPAs since start of Marawi crisis
The Armed Forces of the Philippines said that amid the intensity of operation against terrorists in Marawi City, the military has neutralized at least 50 NPA fighters through yielding and offensives.
Since the Marawi siege started on May 23, 36 voluntarily surrendered to government forces, nine (9) were killed, and five (5) were arrested in various operations.
“While the AFP is busy combating the Maute-ISIS group in Marawi, significant developments are happening in our fight against the NPA, particularly after the Government did not participate in the fifth round of peace negotiations with the communist terrorists,” Colonel Edgard Arevalo, AFP Public Affairs Office Chief said.
AFP said military forces were able to conduct successful operations against the NPA, mostly in North-eastern Mindanao.
Also recovered are 16 high-powered and low-powered firearms while 15 firearms were turned over by surrendering NPA members.
However, NPA’s aggressiveness was fueled since the declaration of Martial Law.
“It seemed like the NPAs wanted to affiliate with the Maute-ISIS group as shown by their order of offensives against the AFP on account of the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao, which was implemented to protect our people from the ISIS-linked terrorists,” Colonel Arevalo said.
https://www.update.ph/2017/06/afp-neutralizes-50-npas-since-start-of-marawi-crisis/18252
The Armed Forces of the Philippines said that amid the intensity of operation against terrorists in Marawi City, the military has neutralized at least 50 NPA fighters through yielding and offensives.
Since the Marawi siege started on May 23, 36 voluntarily surrendered to government forces, nine (9) were killed, and five (5) were arrested in various operations.
“While the AFP is busy combating the Maute-ISIS group in Marawi, significant developments are happening in our fight against the NPA, particularly after the Government did not participate in the fifth round of peace negotiations with the communist terrorists,” Colonel Edgard Arevalo, AFP Public Affairs Office Chief said.
AFP said military forces were able to conduct successful operations against the NPA, mostly in North-eastern Mindanao.
Also recovered are 16 high-powered and low-powered firearms while 15 firearms were turned over by surrendering NPA members.
However, NPA’s aggressiveness was fueled since the declaration of Martial Law.
“It seemed like the NPAs wanted to affiliate with the Maute-ISIS group as shown by their order of offensives against the AFP on account of the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao, which was implemented to protect our people from the ISIS-linked terrorists,” Colonel Arevalo said.
https://www.update.ph/2017/06/afp-neutralizes-50-npas-since-start-of-marawi-crisis/18252
Terrorists in Marawi are not Muslims – AFP command chief
From Update Philippines (Jun 20): Terrorists in Marawi are not Muslims – AFP command chief
Terrorists are not Muslims, this is the statement of Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Mindanao Command commanding general Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez after 11 kilograms of shabu were recovered by government forces in Marawi City during a clearing operations.
The seizure of said illegal drugs in structures previously held by terrorists strengthens the theory that terrorists are fighting government forces under the influence of illegal drugs.
“This strengthens our findings that these terrorists are using illegal drugs which according to Muslim religious leaders is HARAM,” Lieutenant General Galvez said. “These ASG and Maute terrorists are not Muslims. They have violated every tenets of the teachings in the Holy Quran.”
https://www.update.ph/2017/06/terrorists-in-marawi-are-not-muslims-afp-command-chief/18276
Terrorists are not Muslims, this is the statement of Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Mindanao Command commanding general Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez after 11 kilograms of shabu were recovered by government forces in Marawi City during a clearing operations.
The seizure of said illegal drugs in structures previously held by terrorists strengthens the theory that terrorists are fighting government forces under the influence of illegal drugs.
“This strengthens our findings that these terrorists are using illegal drugs which according to Muslim religious leaders is HARAM,” Lieutenant General Galvez said. “These ASG and Maute terrorists are not Muslims. They have violated every tenets of the teachings in the Holy Quran.”
https://www.update.ph/2017/06/terrorists-in-marawi-are-not-muslims-afp-command-chief/18276
US, PH navies launch joint training program ‘Sama-Sama’
From Update Philippines (Jun 20): US, PH navies launch joint training program ‘Sama-Sama’
United States and Philippines naval forces launched Maritime Training Activity Sama-Sama (together) this year. Activities for the said joint training started June 19 ending on the 25th and will be held in the vicinity of Cebu.
Maritime Training Activity Sama-Sama aims to enhance the complexity and diversity of training opportunities, while strengthening the longstanding alliance between the U.S. and the Republic of the Philippines, the US Navy said.
US assets participating are Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4), Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport USNS Millinocket (T-EPF 3), and a P-8 Poseidon aircraft.
“Marines assigned to the III Marine Expeditionary Force, Navy Seabees, and staff from Commander, Task Force 73 and Destroyer Squadron 7 will also participate,” US Navy said.
Del Pilar-class frigate BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15), BRP Agta, an AW109 helicopter, and a BN-2 Islander aircraft, a Philippine Marine company and other naval staff will represent the Philippine Navy.
“The training we will perform over the next week will provide excellent opportunities to deepen our long-time maritime partnership with the Philippine Navy,” said Rear Adm. Don Gabrielson, commander, US Navy Task Force 73. “We thank the Philippine Navy and the people of the Philippines for being gracious hosts and we look forward to enhancing our professional ties in meaningful ways that benefit both nations.”
https://www.update.ph/2017/06/us-ph-navies-launch-joint-training-program-sama-sama/18270
United States and Philippines naval forces launched Maritime Training Activity Sama-Sama (together) this year. Activities for the said joint training started June 19 ending on the 25th and will be held in the vicinity of Cebu.
Maritime Training Activity Sama-Sama aims to enhance the complexity and diversity of training opportunities, while strengthening the longstanding alliance between the U.S. and the Republic of the Philippines, the US Navy said.
US assets participating are Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4), Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport USNS Millinocket (T-EPF 3), and a P-8 Poseidon aircraft.
“Marines assigned to the III Marine Expeditionary Force, Navy Seabees, and staff from Commander, Task Force 73 and Destroyer Squadron 7 will also participate,” US Navy said.
Del Pilar-class frigate BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15), BRP Agta, an AW109 helicopter, and a BN-2 Islander aircraft, a Philippine Marine company and other naval staff will represent the Philippine Navy.
“The training we will perform over the next week will provide excellent opportunities to deepen our long-time maritime partnership with the Philippine Navy,” said Rear Adm. Don Gabrielson, commander, US Navy Task Force 73. “We thank the Philippine Navy and the people of the Philippines for being gracious hosts and we look forward to enhancing our professional ties in meaningful ways that benefit both nations.”
https://www.update.ph/2017/06/us-ph-navies-launch-joint-training-program-sama-sama/18270
NPA commander killed in Davao Region
From Update Philippines (Jun 20): NPA commander killed in Davao Region
Soldiers from Philippine Army’s 701st Brigade under the command of Colonel Ruben Basiao killed a commander of the NPA and four members in different operations June 17 and 18 in Davao Region, the Eastern Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (EASTMINCOM) said.
The first encounter transpired dawn of June 17 along Sitio KM 35, Taytayan, Cateel, Davao Oriental when troops of 67th Infantry Battalion, while responding to a report of NPA presence in the area, was fired upon leading to a firefight, EASTMINCOM said.
The said encounter lasted for an hour. NPA rebels left the site with three dead members, two M16 rifle one AK47 rifle, one M203, one M14 rifle and two IED.
“Noon of June 17, 2017 troops of 66IB acting on the report of NPA presence in Araibo, Pantukan, Compostela Valley encountered the group of @ Lepi a known leader of NPAs being monitored in the area,” EASTMINCOM said. “The firefight led to the death of @Lepi and an unidentified NPA member and the recovery of a cal. 45 pistol. Two soldiers were reported to have been wounded during the said encounter which accordingly are in stable condition now.”
Another encounter happened June 18 which resulted to recovery of one M16 rifle, one AK 47 rifle numerous various ammunition, one rifle grenade, improvised explosive device paraphernalia, hammocks, rubber boots, radio sets, subersive documents and personal belongings.
https://www.update.ph/2017/06/npa-commander-killed-in-davao-region/18267
Soldiers from Philippine Army’s 701st Brigade under the command of Colonel Ruben Basiao killed a commander of the NPA and four members in different operations June 17 and 18 in Davao Region, the Eastern Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (EASTMINCOM) said.
The first encounter transpired dawn of June 17 along Sitio KM 35, Taytayan, Cateel, Davao Oriental when troops of 67th Infantry Battalion, while responding to a report of NPA presence in the area, was fired upon leading to a firefight, EASTMINCOM said.
The said encounter lasted for an hour. NPA rebels left the site with three dead members, two M16 rifle one AK47 rifle, one M203, one M14 rifle and two IED.
“Noon of June 17, 2017 troops of 66IB acting on the report of NPA presence in Araibo, Pantukan, Compostela Valley encountered the group of @ Lepi a known leader of NPAs being monitored in the area,” EASTMINCOM said. “The firefight led to the death of @Lepi and an unidentified NPA member and the recovery of a cal. 45 pistol. Two soldiers were reported to have been wounded during the said encounter which accordingly are in stable condition now.”
Another encounter happened June 18 which resulted to recovery of one M16 rifle, one AK 47 rifle numerous various ammunition, one rifle grenade, improvised explosive device paraphernalia, hammocks, rubber boots, radio sets, subersive documents and personal belongings.
https://www.update.ph/2017/06/npa-commander-killed-in-davao-region/18267
Embraer declared as ‘lowest calculated bidder’ for Close Air Support Aircraft project
From Update Philippines (Jun 20): Embraer declared as ‘lowest calculated bidder’ for Close Air Support Aircraft project
The Department of National Defense (DND) confirmed to Update Philippines that Brazilian aerospace conglomerate Embraer was declared as the lowest calculated bidder in the ongoing Close Air Support Aircraft Acquisition Project for the Philippine Air Force.
“Embraer was determined as the lowest calculated bidder for the Close Air Support Project, but they still have to undergo and pass the post-qualification inspection to be awarded the contract,” DND told Update Philippines.
Post-qualification inspection includes the checking of manufacturer’s facilities and the aircraft offered.
The said project will acquire six close air support aircraft to replace/complement the Air Force’s Rockwell OV-10 “Bronco” turboprop attack planes.
Embraer offered the Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano also referred to as A-29.
https://www.update.ph/2017/06/embraer-declared-as-lowest-calculated-bidder-for-close-air-support-aircraft-project/18264
The Department of National Defense (DND) confirmed to Update Philippines that Brazilian aerospace conglomerate Embraer was declared as the lowest calculated bidder in the ongoing Close Air Support Aircraft Acquisition Project for the Philippine Air Force.
“Embraer was determined as the lowest calculated bidder for the Close Air Support Project, but they still have to undergo and pass the post-qualification inspection to be awarded the contract,” DND told Update Philippines.
Post-qualification inspection includes the checking of manufacturer’s facilities and the aircraft offered.
The said project will acquire six close air support aircraft to replace/complement the Air Force’s Rockwell OV-10 “Bronco” turboprop attack planes.
Embraer offered the Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano also referred to as A-29.
https://www.update.ph/2017/06/embraer-declared-as-lowest-calculated-bidder-for-close-air-support-aircraft-project/18264
In Bicol, military spearheads relief drive for Marawi
From Rappler (Jun 20): In Bicol, military spearheads relief drive for Marawi
'We might be sleeping soundly here but our brothers in Marawi City are in miserable condition,' Colonel Alden Juan Masagca, commanding officer of the Army’s 901st Infantry Brigade, says in his appeal to Bicolanos
http://www.rappler.com/nation/173435-afp-bicol-appeal-marawi-evacuees
'We might be sleeping soundly here but our brothers in Marawi City are in miserable condition,' Colonel Alden Juan Masagca, commanding officer of the Army’s 901st Infantry Brigade, says in his appeal to Bicolanos
BICOL'S PRIDE. Army Col. Alden Juan Masagca, commanding officer of the Army’s 901st Infantry Brigade, says they're ready to send additional soldiers in Mindanao if needed. Photo by Rhaydz Barcia/Rappler
The Armed Forces of the Philippines in Bicol is knocking on the doors of Bicolanos to gather aid for Marawi evacuees affected by the ongoing conflict in Mindanao.
Army Colonel Alden Juan Masagca, commanding officer of the Army’s 901st Infantry Brigade, personally appealed over local radio for donations of used clothing, cash, kitchen utensils, food, and school supplies for Marawi evacuees in temporary government shelters.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines in Bicol is knocking on the doors of Bicolanos to gather aid for Marawi evacuees affected by the ongoing conflict in Mindanao.
Army Colonel Alden Juan Masagca, commanding officer of the Army’s 901st Infantry Brigade, personally appealed over local radio for donations of used clothing, cash, kitchen utensils, food, and school supplies for Marawi evacuees in temporary government shelters.
“To our kababayans in Bicol, we are knocking on your doors to solicit any assistance you can share to our brothers Marawi City in Mindanao affected by the ongoing conflict,” he said.
Masagca, who hails from Catanduanes, said that the aid is not for soldiers, but for the civilians.
“We might be sleeping soundly here but our brothers in Marawi City are in miserable condition. [Their]houses were destroyed. They don’t have a home to return to when the conflict is over. For our soldiers, we are asking for your prayers for their safety fighting against the terrorists,” Masagca said.
He said that they will wait until June 30 to collect assistance from the Bicolanos. The donations will then be sent to Marawi City through the Philippine Air Force, which will distribute it to the evacuees.
On Monday, June 19, the AFP launched the "Pagmakulog sa Sadiring Lahi (Compassion for our Fellowmen)" project, an initiative to lend a hand to the evacuees.
The launch was done in Bicol's 6 provinces, appealing for help from everyone willing to send aid to Marawi. Soon after the launch, the AFP in Bicol also tapped social media to appeal for help from netizens.
Masagca, who hails from Catanduanes, said that the aid is not for soldiers, but for the civilians.
“We might be sleeping soundly here but our brothers in Marawi City are in miserable condition. [Their]houses were destroyed. They don’t have a home to return to when the conflict is over. For our soldiers, we are asking for your prayers for their safety fighting against the terrorists,” Masagca said.
He said that they will wait until June 30 to collect assistance from the Bicolanos. The donations will then be sent to Marawi City through the Philippine Air Force, which will distribute it to the evacuees.
On Monday, June 19, the AFP launched the "Pagmakulog sa Sadiring Lahi (Compassion for our Fellowmen)" project, an initiative to lend a hand to the evacuees.
The launch was done in Bicol's 6 provinces, appealing for help from everyone willing to send aid to Marawi. Soon after the launch, the AFP in Bicol also tapped social media to appeal for help from netizens.
The Tactical Operations Group 5 of the Philippine Air Force, led by Colonel Rover Sobrino, appealed on its Facebook page for help for the evacuees.
The program aims to encourage Bicolanos to give any form of assistance they can, including moral and spiritual support, to boost the morale of the displaced families.
AFP Bicol earlier sent at least 3 battalions to Mindanao before the Marawi City siege broke out to go against the terrorist group sowing fear in different areas in Mindanao.
In Masbate City, different stakeholders, including the Muslim community, businesses, students, non-government organizations, and government agencies participated in the military's kick-off ceremony.
In Sorsogon, Governor Bobet Lee Rodrigueza invoked the "bayanihan" spirit to encourage provincemates to help the affected civilians, and asked for prayers for the military and police fighting in the conflict.
Since the Marawi siege started in May 23, at least 3 Bicolano Marines and an army soldier have been killed in action. The fallen heroes were given military honors here.
AFP Bicol earlier sent at least 3 battalions to Mindanao before the Marawi City siege broke out to go against the terrorist group sowing fear in different areas in Mindanao.
In Masbate City, different stakeholders, including the Muslim community, businesses, students, non-government organizations, and government agencies participated in the military's kick-off ceremony.
In Sorsogon, Governor Bobet Lee Rodrigueza invoked the "bayanihan" spirit to encourage provincemates to help the affected civilians, and asked for prayers for the military and police fighting in the conflict.
Since the Marawi siege started in May 23, at least 3 Bicolano Marines and an army soldier have been killed in action. The fallen heroes were given military honors here.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/173435-afp-bicol-appeal-marawi-evacuees
Alleged Maute sister, 2 others brought back to CDO after Iloilo arrest
From Rappler (Jun 19): Alleged Maute sister, 2 others brought back to CDO after Iloilo arrest
The suspects are identified as Farida Pangumping Romato, Aljadid Pangumping Romato, and Abdulrahman Dimacuta
A woman suspected to be a sister of the Maute brothers, founders of a local terror group, was flown back to Cagayan de Oro City along with two other suspects on Monday, June 19, after being arrested the previous day.
The alleged Maute sister was on board the MV St. Therese of the Child Jesus along with two companions near the Iloilo port on Sunday, June 18, when she was arrested.
The suspects were identified as Farida Pangumping Romato, Aljadid Pangumping Romato, and Abdulrahman Dimacuta.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) intercepted the ship before it was able to dock at the Iloilo port.
Prior to the arrest, the Coast Guard District Northern Mindanao (CGDNM) and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) Region 10 tracked down the suspects in Barangay Macabalan near the Cagayan de Oro City port on Saturday, June 17.
Believing that the suspects were on board the last ship departing from Cagayan de Oro City bound for Iloilo City, CGDNM searched the vessel to no avail.
But the vessel remained under the authorities' watch until it docked at the Iloilo port.
During the hot pursuit, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) in Cagayan de Oro City reviewed security camera footage from the port. They confirmed that the suspects passed through the X-ray machine of the port around 10:35 pm on Saturday.
Captain Leovigildo Panopio, district commander of CGDNM, then dispatched a PCG Islander plane for the suspects' arrest.
The ship was ordered to delay its arrival at the Iloilo port until given a signal in order to corner the suspects.
After the arrest, the suspects were initially brought to Coast Guard Station Iloilo for further investigation and turnover. They were then flown back to Cagayan de Oro City early Monday.
The Maute Group, alongside the Abu Sayyaf Group, attempted to take over Marawi City on May 23 after a military raid targeting Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon. The two groups earlier pledged allegiance to the international terror group Islamic State (ISIS).
Several members of the Maute clan and their supporters have been arrested by government forces since clashes began. The Maute patriarch and matriarch, key personalities in the terror group, were arrested at separate checkpoints in Mindanao. They have since been transferred to Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.
Following the clashes in Marawi City, President Rodrigo Duterte placed the entire Mindanao island under martial law. He also suspended the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, which gives military and police more leeway in effecting warrantless arrests. (READ: Dela Rosa: Martial law to thank for Maute arrests)
http://www.rappler.com/nation/173292-alleged-maute-sister-cagayan-de-oro-iloilo-arrest
The suspects are identified as Farida Pangumping Romato, Aljadid Pangumping Romato, and Abdulrahman Dimacuta
A woman suspected to be a sister of the Maute brothers, founders of a local terror group, was flown back to Cagayan de Oro City along with two other suspects on Monday, June 19, after being arrested the previous day.
The alleged Maute sister was on board the MV St. Therese of the Child Jesus along with two companions near the Iloilo port on Sunday, June 18, when she was arrested.
The suspects were identified as Farida Pangumping Romato, Aljadid Pangumping Romato, and Abdulrahman Dimacuta.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) intercepted the ship before it was able to dock at the Iloilo port.
Prior to the arrest, the Coast Guard District Northern Mindanao (CGDNM) and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) Region 10 tracked down the suspects in Barangay Macabalan near the Cagayan de Oro City port on Saturday, June 17.
Believing that the suspects were on board the last ship departing from Cagayan de Oro City bound for Iloilo City, CGDNM searched the vessel to no avail.
But the vessel remained under the authorities' watch until it docked at the Iloilo port.
During the hot pursuit, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) in Cagayan de Oro City reviewed security camera footage from the port. They confirmed that the suspects passed through the X-ray machine of the port around 10:35 pm on Saturday.
Captain Leovigildo Panopio, district commander of CGDNM, then dispatched a PCG Islander plane for the suspects' arrest.
The ship was ordered to delay its arrival at the Iloilo port until given a signal in order to corner the suspects.
After the arrest, the suspects were initially brought to Coast Guard Station Iloilo for further investigation and turnover. They were then flown back to Cagayan de Oro City early Monday.
The Maute Group, alongside the Abu Sayyaf Group, attempted to take over Marawi City on May 23 after a military raid targeting Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon. The two groups earlier pledged allegiance to the international terror group Islamic State (ISIS).
Several members of the Maute clan and their supporters have been arrested by government forces since clashes began. The Maute patriarch and matriarch, key personalities in the terror group, were arrested at separate checkpoints in Mindanao. They have since been transferred to Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.
Following the clashes in Marawi City, President Rodrigo Duterte placed the entire Mindanao island under martial law. He also suspended the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, which gives military and police more leeway in effecting warrantless arrests. (READ: Dela Rosa: Martial law to thank for Maute arrests)
http://www.rappler.com/nation/173292-alleged-maute-sister-cagayan-de-oro-iloilo-arrest
NCRPO verifying alleged 'memo' on Metro Manila bomb plot
From Rappler (Jun 19): NCRPO verifying alleged 'memo' on Metro Manila bomb plot
National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Oscar Albayalde urges the public not to spread the still unverified document on social media
National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Oscar Albayalde urges the public not to spread the still unverified document on social media
DOCUMENT CHECK. The NCRPO says it is checking information about an alleged bombing plot being circulated on social media. File photo by Darren Langit/Rappler
Be careful about what you share on social media.
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Monday, June 19, said it was "investigating" a supposed internal police memorandum about an alleged plot to bomb parts of Metro Manila.
Be careful about what you share on social media.
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Monday, June 19, said it was "investigating" a supposed internal police memorandum about an alleged plot to bomb parts of Metro Manila.
"At the advent of technology, the spread of information, factual or unverified via social media, is fast and boundless," said NCRPO chief Director Oscar Albayalde in a statement on Monday evening.
"Today, a document allegedly from the Station Intelligence Branch of Valenzuela Police Station was circulated via Facebook, personal messages, and other platforms. The spread was too fast that even before we confirmed its validity it's already everywhere. Following this I have ordered the Northern Police District Director Bong Fajardo to investigate the document handling procedure at the Valenzuela Police Station," said Albayalde.Ads by AdAsia
In the supposed memo, the Valenzuela City Police Station's intelligence branch informed community precincts about a "Plan Bombing in Metro Manila."
The memo, which was dated June 16 and was supposedly written by the city's intelligence chief, detailed a supposed plot by the Maute Group to "conduct bombing in Trinoma, Quezon City, SM Cubao, Quezon City Circle, certain places in Quiapo and Makati."
"Today, a document allegedly from the Station Intelligence Branch of Valenzuela Police Station was circulated via Facebook, personal messages, and other platforms. The spread was too fast that even before we confirmed its validity it's already everywhere. Following this I have ordered the Northern Police District Director Bong Fajardo to investigate the document handling procedure at the Valenzuela Police Station," said Albayalde.Ads by AdAsia
In the supposed memo, the Valenzuela City Police Station's intelligence branch informed community precincts about a "Plan Bombing in Metro Manila."
The memo, which was dated June 16 and was supposedly written by the city's intelligence chief, detailed a supposed plot by the Maute Group to "conduct bombing in Trinoma, Quezon City, SM Cubao, Quezon City Circle, certain places in Quiapo and Makati."
It reminded community precincts to "initiate counter security measures to prevent government casualty and attacks from the enemy, particularly PNP stations/AFP units and vital installations in your respective AORs (areas of responsibility)."
Albayalde called on the public to "stop the spread or posting" of the still unverified document.
Still, he said police "do not take for granted any information reported to us."
"We process every information received and task our police on the ground to validate all these so that we will be able to address any threat immediately and appropriately," the NCRPO chief added.
The supposed memo comes as government troops continue to flush out terrorists in Marawi, who attempted to take control of the city on May 23.
President Rodrigo Duterte placed the entire Mindanao island under martial law, partly to quell the threat of the Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups, who earlier pledged allegiance to international terror group Islamic State (ISIS). (READ: 20 ISIS cell groups operate in Mindanao – Calida)
Police in the National Capital Region have remained on alert following a string of high-profile events and the declaration of martial law in Mindanao.
Albayalde called on the public to "stop the spread or posting" of the still unverified document.
Still, he said police "do not take for granted any information reported to us."
"We process every information received and task our police on the ground to validate all these so that we will be able to address any threat immediately and appropriately," the NCRPO chief added.
The supposed memo comes as government troops continue to flush out terrorists in Marawi, who attempted to take control of the city on May 23.
President Rodrigo Duterte placed the entire Mindanao island under martial law, partly to quell the threat of the Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups, who earlier pledged allegiance to international terror group Islamic State (ISIS). (READ: 20 ISIS cell groups operate in Mindanao – Calida)
Police in the National Capital Region have remained on alert following a string of high-profile events and the declaration of martial law in Mindanao.
Commentary: POSTSCRIPT: Addressing challenges posed by the Abu Sayyaf Group: Violent extremism enters a new phase (2)
From MindaNews (Jun 19): POSTSCRIPT: Addressing challenges posed by the Abu Sayyaf Group: Violent extremism enters a new phase (2)
2nd of three parts
Addressing the Crisis
Right now, the Government is addressing the crisis in Marawi primarily with a military response, with an aid package of P10 billion set aside for the rehabilitation of the city after the fighting ends. This is as it should be. The first order of the day should be to retake the city by neutralizing or driving out the enemy. Following this, essential services will need to be restored, key structures destroyed will need to be rebuilt and the residents of the city should be encouraged to return and rebuild their lives.
In addition, security measures will need to be drawn up to ensure that a repetition of this incident will be avoided in the future. Foremost among these measures, needless to say, would be the strengthening of the intelligence system to enable the authorities to stop dead on its tracks any plans to mount an attack. Admittedly, so-called “lone-wolf” attacks are difficult to anticipate and prevent but surely large-scale operations by terrorists involving several hundred fighters could be detected and blocked before they get too far along!
The P10 billion package for the rehabilitation of Marawi is supposed to be covered by an Executive Order which is to be signed by the President. As of the time of this writing, no details of the content of this Executive Order have been provided except for the general statements that the program will be a multi-agency effort, that the Engineering Brigade of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will be involved, etc. The President verbally announced that Secretary Jun Evasco will be designated the “Rehab Chief” to coordinate this effort.
Multi-Faceted Problem
The ten-part series which this author wrote had a very simple thesis: that any attempt to address situations such as what has occurred in Marawi needs to consider the multi-faceted nature of the problem. While the series focused on the Abu Sayyaf, what was discussed can be said to apply to other extremist groups and the specific contexts within which they operate.
At the risk of stating the obvious, it needs to be recognized that the problem is complex and is rooted in the history of what is now the southern Philippines and the centuries of resistance against outside forces seeking to subjugate the peoples of the region and exploit the resources of the area.
The current situation in the south is also impacted by developments elsewhere in the world, particularly given the fact that in the Muslim consciousness, the Ummah, the Community of Believers, is a lived experience, whereby what impacts Muslims anywhere in the world becomes a matter of concern to Muslims elsewhere. This consciousness is heightened by developments in communications technology which feed information on occurrences in one location in practically real time throughout the world. Unfortunately, these technological developments, which can be instruments to further the progress of the global community can likewise be utilized by those wishing to wreak havoc on people they disagree with.
The series identified the following elements as factors which should be considered in any efforts to try and fashion a long-term program to address violent extremism perpetrated by groups professing the Islamic faith:
Vestiges of distrust, enmity or even hatred among significant numbers of Muslims and Christians vis-à-vis each other
Influences which radicalize individuals and even communities, leading a number among these to resort to violent extremism
Governance systems which are not only unresponsive to the needs of constituents but even exploitative of the powers that are provided within these systems
Dire social and economic conditions which exist in Muslim communities, in stark contrast to most other areas of the country
Kidnapping, gunrunning and the trade in illegal drugs, rampant in areas where the Abu Sayyaf operates
Collusion of members of state security agencies as well as local government officials with Abu Sayyaf bands
To this list could be added other factors, such as clan or blood ties (discussed below) which lend support to the ASG (and other extremist groups) and hinder efforts to put a stop to its activities.
The series also discussed some factors which it is believed would be essential to making any efforts to address the situation effective. These factors were identified as:
Involving impacted communities in the identification, planning, design and implementation of interventions intended to address the problems in their areas, and
Getting the religious leaders, the Muftis and Ulama to be proactive in guiding their communities to address the problem of violent extremism in their areas.
In addition, it was suggested that efforts be undertaken to formulate development frameworks based on Islamic principles in order to provide greater meaning and significance to programs which may be introduced and adopted in impacted communities.
Clan Ties
In most developing societies, particularly where the provision of social services and production activities are inadequate, clan ties acquire significant importance. Assistance in planting and harvesting activities is one way in which clan members – more often than not neighbors – help each other out. Governance of these societies is for the most part determined by clan ties and alliances among clans, in accordance with the accepted ways by which leadership is determined. In the areas of conflict, the contribution of men, arms and ammunition is the principal way by which justice is obtained when a member of the clan has been harmed or has suffered a public indignity which cannot be left unanswered.
The late Tausug anthropologist Alber Husin explained this phenomenon of clan support during times of conflict very graphically when he described the cycle of revenge that existed between his clan and another one, a member of which had killed his grandfather. After describing how two of his cousins had taken revenge by killing the brother of the assailant of their grandfather, Husin wrote:
“Beyond reciprocity, the revenge marked the leveling of the field between our clan and the Unogs. Although we were never known for being involved in such armed conflicts, it was through this act of revenge that we were able to make known that we weren’t walking away when conflict was brought upon us. It also made the Unogs realize that we were capable of inflicting as much damage as they could. Great tension in Jolo was generated resulting from this, particularly in the village where most of our relatives and theirs have tried to co-exist for years. But, being aware of each other’s capabilities made both clans cautious. With ‘armalites’ on hand, respect for each other allowed for a vigilant yet peaceful co-existence between our clans. We were also aware that it was their turn to get back for the lives of two men from their family. With this knowledge, we were always cautious and did not take chances with our security. Amah remained in Zamboanga most of the time and would only visit Jolo if necessary.” (Alber Husin, “ ‘Kalis and Armalite’: Symbols of Weapons and Meanings of Violence in Tausug Society”.)
Husin elaborated on this in talking about his arming himself while he was doing fieldwork in Sulu:
“…in a society where law and order as we know it in more developed cities are close to non-existent, the use of the ‘armalite’ remains indispensable. Legal courts and law enforcers are rarely considered when lives and honor are at stake. In my stay in both coastal and inland communities in Luuk, Sulu, I saw and felt the need to keep arms, not because my family had blood feuds, but more because I did not feel the presence of any form of state apparatus that could ensure my safety and security. It was not even a question of which armed groups were in control of an area, but it was more about anybody with arms could possibly harm one’s person.
“Although one might think that keeping or carrying arms could attract trouble and even danger, however, I also believe that there is less possibility that parties to a conflict would engage each other on equal strength or firepower. ‘The capacity to strike back has become the best guarantee of security’ (Gutierrez 2004:23). There is paghallih or caution when both groups are aware of each other’s capacity to retaliate. But the moment disequilibrium of power emerges a corresponding high probability of armed encounter arises. Hence, the connections between arms, security, and ‘peace’ are established.”
Torres made the same point as Husin about clans or kinship ties filling in the gap where State interventions in providing security and justice are inadequate or even absent:
“Revenge killings and feuds are typical in small-scale societies where family and kinship ties are the main sources of authority and where there is lack of effective state control and authority. In such societies where the state is weak, decision-making and enforcement become more decentralized and the provision of security is based mainly on self-help….Under such circumstances, the distribution of responsibility and capacity for the provision of security are more likely to be organized along the lines of kinship.” (Wilfredo Magno Torres III (ed), “Rido: Clan Feuding and Conflict Management in Mindanao”.)
Clan ties and alliances are at the heart of all concerns in these societies. The strength of the political dynasties by definition depends on this coupled with the practice of reciprocity. Torres elaborates on this latter concept:
“Among the Tausug, Kiefer observes that reciprocity is the essence of friendship and thus, reciprocal gift-giving through commodities, services, and sentiments is pervasive in Tausug social organization. He adds that a type of reciprocity called buddi (debt of gratitude) is usually created in a person who has received a great favor and consequently feels a strong moral obligation to do something in turn for his friend.”
Politicians thus use a combination of clan ties, buddi (for past favors done) and promises/bargainings on future favors to be delivered to try and obtain or reinforce their positions of power in their communities.
The various ASG bands are centered around clan or kinship ties as well. Thus, for example, Puruji Indama is said to have family ties with many of the ASG Basilan fighters and is thus considered a key personality in the group. As a result, the Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict (IPAC) has concluded that “the death or defection of Furuji would seriously weaken the Basilan contingent”. (Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict, “Pro-ISIS Groups in Mindanao and their Links to Indonesia and Malaysia.”) It is said that Radulan Sahiron does not allow any outsiders into his group of fighters and that they are all related by blood or affinity. The group of Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, which has been responsible for some of the horrific beheadings, is likewise made up of close relatives. The sub-leaders under Hatib Hajan, Almunjir Yadah and his half-brother Ben Tatuh – the actual executioner of the Canadians John Ridsdel and Robert Hall — are Hatib Hajan’s nephews. And so on and so forth. This is to be expected since in matters of life and death, who would you trust more than your close relations?
A contributory factor as well in fueling hatred among the ASG bands is the matter of revenge killings which, as noted earlier, is practised widely in these areas of conflict as a way of enhancing security and obtaining justice. Many among the younger ASG fighters, like the anak ilu (orphans of ASG or Moro National Libration Front fighters), are motivated by the desire to exact vengeance for the killing of their parents. Hence, the continued military operations, resulting in more deaths among ASG leaders and members, unfortunately fuels this desire for vengeance among the relatives of those killed, particularly among the young males, thus leading to an endless cycle of violence.
The communities where the ASG bands are based are more often than not made up of blood relations of the band leaders, and as a general rule can expect to share in the “rewards” that are extracted from kidnapping and other activities.
Hence, clan ties are important in trying to understand the dynamics that exist not just within the various ASG bands but also in the wider communities within which they operate. These ties need to be considered in any programs intended to effect a transformation in the areas of conflict.
Last part tomorrow: Are Negotiations Possible…Or Even Desireable?
[Vic M. Taylor, originally from Cebu, has been involved in various peace and development activities in Mindanao, particularly in Basilan-Sulu-Tawi-Tawi (BaSulTa) in the different positions he has held in government and the private sector over the last 50 years.
He started as an instructor at the Notre Dame of Jolo College after his graduation from the Ateneo de Manila University in the late 1960s. Subsequently, he oversaw the Rehabilitation and Development Program for Muslim Mindanao during the early years of martial law under the Office of the President.
Within the last 16 years and upon the request of the families of some kidnap victims, Mr. Taylor assisted these families to help secure the safe release of five victims from the ASG.Recently, he has been working with a private group that is assisting a community of the Moro National Liberation Front in the Zamboanga peninsula in bringing development projects to their area]
http://www.mindanews.com/mindaviews/2017/06/postscript-addressing-challenges-posed-by-the-abu-sayyaf-group-violent-extremism-enters-a-new-phase-2/
2nd of three parts
Addressing the Crisis
Right now, the Government is addressing the crisis in Marawi primarily with a military response, with an aid package of P10 billion set aside for the rehabilitation of the city after the fighting ends. This is as it should be. The first order of the day should be to retake the city by neutralizing or driving out the enemy. Following this, essential services will need to be restored, key structures destroyed will need to be rebuilt and the residents of the city should be encouraged to return and rebuild their lives.
In addition, security measures will need to be drawn up to ensure that a repetition of this incident will be avoided in the future. Foremost among these measures, needless to say, would be the strengthening of the intelligence system to enable the authorities to stop dead on its tracks any plans to mount an attack. Admittedly, so-called “lone-wolf” attacks are difficult to anticipate and prevent but surely large-scale operations by terrorists involving several hundred fighters could be detected and blocked before they get too far along!
The P10 billion package for the rehabilitation of Marawi is supposed to be covered by an Executive Order which is to be signed by the President. As of the time of this writing, no details of the content of this Executive Order have been provided except for the general statements that the program will be a multi-agency effort, that the Engineering Brigade of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will be involved, etc. The President verbally announced that Secretary Jun Evasco will be designated the “Rehab Chief” to coordinate this effort.
Multi-Faceted Problem
The ten-part series which this author wrote had a very simple thesis: that any attempt to address situations such as what has occurred in Marawi needs to consider the multi-faceted nature of the problem. While the series focused on the Abu Sayyaf, what was discussed can be said to apply to other extremist groups and the specific contexts within which they operate.
At the risk of stating the obvious, it needs to be recognized that the problem is complex and is rooted in the history of what is now the southern Philippines and the centuries of resistance against outside forces seeking to subjugate the peoples of the region and exploit the resources of the area.
The current situation in the south is also impacted by developments elsewhere in the world, particularly given the fact that in the Muslim consciousness, the Ummah, the Community of Believers, is a lived experience, whereby what impacts Muslims anywhere in the world becomes a matter of concern to Muslims elsewhere. This consciousness is heightened by developments in communications technology which feed information on occurrences in one location in practically real time throughout the world. Unfortunately, these technological developments, which can be instruments to further the progress of the global community can likewise be utilized by those wishing to wreak havoc on people they disagree with.
The series identified the following elements as factors which should be considered in any efforts to try and fashion a long-term program to address violent extremism perpetrated by groups professing the Islamic faith:
Vestiges of distrust, enmity or even hatred among significant numbers of Muslims and Christians vis-à-vis each other
Influences which radicalize individuals and even communities, leading a number among these to resort to violent extremism
Governance systems which are not only unresponsive to the needs of constituents but even exploitative of the powers that are provided within these systems
Dire social and economic conditions which exist in Muslim communities, in stark contrast to most other areas of the country
Kidnapping, gunrunning and the trade in illegal drugs, rampant in areas where the Abu Sayyaf operates
Collusion of members of state security agencies as well as local government officials with Abu Sayyaf bands
To this list could be added other factors, such as clan or blood ties (discussed below) which lend support to the ASG (and other extremist groups) and hinder efforts to put a stop to its activities.
The series also discussed some factors which it is believed would be essential to making any efforts to address the situation effective. These factors were identified as:
Involving impacted communities in the identification, planning, design and implementation of interventions intended to address the problems in their areas, and
Getting the religious leaders, the Muftis and Ulama to be proactive in guiding their communities to address the problem of violent extremism in their areas.
In addition, it was suggested that efforts be undertaken to formulate development frameworks based on Islamic principles in order to provide greater meaning and significance to programs which may be introduced and adopted in impacted communities.
Clan Ties
In most developing societies, particularly where the provision of social services and production activities are inadequate, clan ties acquire significant importance. Assistance in planting and harvesting activities is one way in which clan members – more often than not neighbors – help each other out. Governance of these societies is for the most part determined by clan ties and alliances among clans, in accordance with the accepted ways by which leadership is determined. In the areas of conflict, the contribution of men, arms and ammunition is the principal way by which justice is obtained when a member of the clan has been harmed or has suffered a public indignity which cannot be left unanswered.
The late Tausug anthropologist Alber Husin explained this phenomenon of clan support during times of conflict very graphically when he described the cycle of revenge that existed between his clan and another one, a member of which had killed his grandfather. After describing how two of his cousins had taken revenge by killing the brother of the assailant of their grandfather, Husin wrote:
“Beyond reciprocity, the revenge marked the leveling of the field between our clan and the Unogs. Although we were never known for being involved in such armed conflicts, it was through this act of revenge that we were able to make known that we weren’t walking away when conflict was brought upon us. It also made the Unogs realize that we were capable of inflicting as much damage as they could. Great tension in Jolo was generated resulting from this, particularly in the village where most of our relatives and theirs have tried to co-exist for years. But, being aware of each other’s capabilities made both clans cautious. With ‘armalites’ on hand, respect for each other allowed for a vigilant yet peaceful co-existence between our clans. We were also aware that it was their turn to get back for the lives of two men from their family. With this knowledge, we were always cautious and did not take chances with our security. Amah remained in Zamboanga most of the time and would only visit Jolo if necessary.” (Alber Husin, “ ‘Kalis and Armalite’: Symbols of Weapons and Meanings of Violence in Tausug Society”.)
Husin elaborated on this in talking about his arming himself while he was doing fieldwork in Sulu:
“…in a society where law and order as we know it in more developed cities are close to non-existent, the use of the ‘armalite’ remains indispensable. Legal courts and law enforcers are rarely considered when lives and honor are at stake. In my stay in both coastal and inland communities in Luuk, Sulu, I saw and felt the need to keep arms, not because my family had blood feuds, but more because I did not feel the presence of any form of state apparatus that could ensure my safety and security. It was not even a question of which armed groups were in control of an area, but it was more about anybody with arms could possibly harm one’s person.
“Although one might think that keeping or carrying arms could attract trouble and even danger, however, I also believe that there is less possibility that parties to a conflict would engage each other on equal strength or firepower. ‘The capacity to strike back has become the best guarantee of security’ (Gutierrez 2004:23). There is paghallih or caution when both groups are aware of each other’s capacity to retaliate. But the moment disequilibrium of power emerges a corresponding high probability of armed encounter arises. Hence, the connections between arms, security, and ‘peace’ are established.”
Torres made the same point as Husin about clans or kinship ties filling in the gap where State interventions in providing security and justice are inadequate or even absent:
“Revenge killings and feuds are typical in small-scale societies where family and kinship ties are the main sources of authority and where there is lack of effective state control and authority. In such societies where the state is weak, decision-making and enforcement become more decentralized and the provision of security is based mainly on self-help….Under such circumstances, the distribution of responsibility and capacity for the provision of security are more likely to be organized along the lines of kinship.” (Wilfredo Magno Torres III (ed), “Rido: Clan Feuding and Conflict Management in Mindanao”.)
Clan ties and alliances are at the heart of all concerns in these societies. The strength of the political dynasties by definition depends on this coupled with the practice of reciprocity. Torres elaborates on this latter concept:
“Among the Tausug, Kiefer observes that reciprocity is the essence of friendship and thus, reciprocal gift-giving through commodities, services, and sentiments is pervasive in Tausug social organization. He adds that a type of reciprocity called buddi (debt of gratitude) is usually created in a person who has received a great favor and consequently feels a strong moral obligation to do something in turn for his friend.”
Politicians thus use a combination of clan ties, buddi (for past favors done) and promises/bargainings on future favors to be delivered to try and obtain or reinforce their positions of power in their communities.
The various ASG bands are centered around clan or kinship ties as well. Thus, for example, Puruji Indama is said to have family ties with many of the ASG Basilan fighters and is thus considered a key personality in the group. As a result, the Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict (IPAC) has concluded that “the death or defection of Furuji would seriously weaken the Basilan contingent”. (Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict, “Pro-ISIS Groups in Mindanao and their Links to Indonesia and Malaysia.”) It is said that Radulan Sahiron does not allow any outsiders into his group of fighters and that they are all related by blood or affinity. The group of Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, which has been responsible for some of the horrific beheadings, is likewise made up of close relatives. The sub-leaders under Hatib Hajan, Almunjir Yadah and his half-brother Ben Tatuh – the actual executioner of the Canadians John Ridsdel and Robert Hall — are Hatib Hajan’s nephews. And so on and so forth. This is to be expected since in matters of life and death, who would you trust more than your close relations?
A contributory factor as well in fueling hatred among the ASG bands is the matter of revenge killings which, as noted earlier, is practised widely in these areas of conflict as a way of enhancing security and obtaining justice. Many among the younger ASG fighters, like the anak ilu (orphans of ASG or Moro National Libration Front fighters), are motivated by the desire to exact vengeance for the killing of their parents. Hence, the continued military operations, resulting in more deaths among ASG leaders and members, unfortunately fuels this desire for vengeance among the relatives of those killed, particularly among the young males, thus leading to an endless cycle of violence.
The communities where the ASG bands are based are more often than not made up of blood relations of the band leaders, and as a general rule can expect to share in the “rewards” that are extracted from kidnapping and other activities.
Hence, clan ties are important in trying to understand the dynamics that exist not just within the various ASG bands but also in the wider communities within which they operate. These ties need to be considered in any programs intended to effect a transformation in the areas of conflict.
Last part tomorrow: Are Negotiations Possible…Or Even Desireable?
[Vic M. Taylor, originally from Cebu, has been involved in various peace and development activities in Mindanao, particularly in Basilan-Sulu-Tawi-Tawi (BaSulTa) in the different positions he has held in government and the private sector over the last 50 years.
He started as an instructor at the Notre Dame of Jolo College after his graduation from the Ateneo de Manila University in the late 1960s. Subsequently, he oversaw the Rehabilitation and Development Program for Muslim Mindanao during the early years of martial law under the Office of the President.
Within the last 16 years and upon the request of the families of some kidnap victims, Mr. Taylor assisted these families to help secure the safe release of five victims from the ASG.Recently, he has been working with a private group that is assisting a community of the Moro National Liberation Front in the Zamboanga peninsula in bringing development projects to their area]
http://www.mindanews.com/mindaviews/2017/06/postscript-addressing-challenges-posed-by-the-abu-sayyaf-group-violent-extremism-enters-a-new-phase-2/
Sultan Kudarat cop chief laughs off NPA claims of fake rebel returnees
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19): Sultan Kudarat cop chief laughs off NPA claims of fake rebel returnees
Police officials in Sultan Kudarat have been awarded Monday for the surrender of six New Peoples’ Army members over the weekend even as a police official junked claims by communist leaders of fake surrenderers.
Senior Supt. Raul Supiter, Sultan Kudarat police director, said the firearms surrendered by the returnees and the statements they submit admitting they belong to Front 72 operating in the hinterlands of Sen. Ninoy Aquino and nearby towns in Sultan Kudarat was enough proof they were genuine rebels.
Supiter who was awarded along with his subordinates by PNP-Regional Office in Gen. Santos City, laughed off the claim of Valentin Palamine Regional Operations Command (VP-ROC) of the NPA.
In a statement, Palamine said the surrender was fake and that the rebels were not actually part of their organization.
He added that the surrender was only for money purposes.
But Supiter said the livelihood for the surrenderees was directly given to them as beneficiary in exchange for the firearms they turned over.
On Monday, Supiter and SPO3 Glorecto B. Parong were awarded PNP Merit Medal (Medalya Ng Kagalingan) for displaying meritorious act that led to the surrender of six NPA members.
The NPAs were identified as Lito Tubo Gampong, Baldis Tubo Gampong, EntingMacayal Gampong, Elis Tubo Sayao, June Anggas Bulusan, and Bondri Tubo Galang all were under Commander Mac-Mac of GF 73 Platoon Cherry Mobile and the surrender of their six high powered firearms and one improvised grenade.
Senior Inspector Kristiane Ace Sularte, Ninoy Aquino town police chief and Inspector Roberto Trinidad were conferred with Medalya Ng Kasanayan (PNP Efficiency Medal) for their exemplary efficiency in the performance of their duties and responsibilities during the capitulation of the said NPA members.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996328
Police officials in Sultan Kudarat have been awarded Monday for the surrender of six New Peoples’ Army members over the weekend even as a police official junked claims by communist leaders of fake surrenderers.
Senior Supt. Raul Supiter, Sultan Kudarat police director, said the firearms surrendered by the returnees and the statements they submit admitting they belong to Front 72 operating in the hinterlands of Sen. Ninoy Aquino and nearby towns in Sultan Kudarat was enough proof they were genuine rebels.
Supiter who was awarded along with his subordinates by PNP-Regional Office in Gen. Santos City, laughed off the claim of Valentin Palamine Regional Operations Command (VP-ROC) of the NPA.
In a statement, Palamine said the surrender was fake and that the rebels were not actually part of their organization.
He added that the surrender was only for money purposes.
But Supiter said the livelihood for the surrenderees was directly given to them as beneficiary in exchange for the firearms they turned over.
On Monday, Supiter and SPO3 Glorecto B. Parong were awarded PNP Merit Medal (Medalya Ng Kagalingan) for displaying meritorious act that led to the surrender of six NPA members.
The NPAs were identified as Lito Tubo Gampong, Baldis Tubo Gampong, EntingMacayal Gampong, Elis Tubo Sayao, June Anggas Bulusan, and Bondri Tubo Galang all were under Commander Mac-Mac of GF 73 Platoon Cherry Mobile and the surrender of their six high powered firearms and one improvised grenade.
Senior Inspector Kristiane Ace Sularte, Ninoy Aquino town police chief and Inspector Roberto Trinidad were conferred with Medalya Ng Kasanayan (PNP Efficiency Medal) for their exemplary efficiency in the performance of their duties and responsibilities during the capitulation of the said NPA members.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996328
Gov't slams 'opportunistic' NPA attack in Iloilo
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19): Gov't slams 'opportunistic' NPA attack in Iloilo
The government on Monday slammed the New People's Army (NPA) for its ‘attack of a police station in Iloilo over the weekend as it called the act as both "opportunistic and intentional".
At a press briefing in Malacañang, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the "ill-timed" and "unfortunate" attack happened just as the government decided to cease offensive operations against the NPA in response to a similar action from the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).
On Sunday, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Silvestre Bello III said government forces will cease its offensive operations against the New People's Army (NPA) to reciprocate the NDFP's declaration to refrain from undertaking offensive operations in Mindanao.
However, on the same day, around 50 armed men believed to be members of the NPA raided the Maasin municipal police station, reportedly taking 11 M-16 rifles, four pistols, ammunition, and VHF radios.
"It was unfortunate that the NPA raid of a police station in Iloilo happened on the same day the government reciprocated the National Democratic Front's declaration to refrain from undertaking offensive operations in Mindanao," Abella said.
"Although the attack was not in Mindanao, the act was opportunistic in nature and disregards the nature of the NDF declaration," the Palace spokesman said.
His sentiments were echoed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr. who said the NPA took advantage of the security situation in Iloilo.
"One of the reasons they did the attack in Maasin, we know, is because many of our troops went to help in Mindanao. So when the forces were spread thin, they knew that they can do this, they took advantage. That's why we say it's very opportunistic on their part," Padilla said.
The military official likewise downplayed the NPA statement saying rebels targeted the Maasin police station due to the alleged unscrupulous actions of it personnel.
"Panis na 'yung excuse na 'yon. Huwag niyo nang pinapatulan. They do this intentionally because their objective is to get more arms. We shouldn't believe their excuses, there is always a pretense of their real motive," Padilla said.
In the meantime, Abella urged the NDF to restrain their armed comrades and show genuine sincerity.
"We ask the NDF to call on their armed comrades on the ground to walk the talk and to show genuine sincerity on the confidence-building measure initiated by the government and their side," he said.
Quoting Presidential Peace Adviser Jess Dureza, Abella reminded that the reciprocal action to halt offensive actions, even if it is only in Mindanao, "is an argument for a nationwide ceasefire."
"Since the latest statements of the National Democratic Front and the government to mutually refrain from taking offensive operations against each other cover only Mindanao, and since there is yet no mutually agreed bilateral ceasefire agreement in place nationwide, the NPA attack in Maasin, Iloilo and elsewhere must be dealt with accordingly and decisively by the AFP and the PNP with the cooperation of civilian agencies and the affected communities," Dureza's statement said.
"Having said this, it’s important to note that such attacks provide a negative impact in our mutual commitment with the NDF to provide the enabling environment conducive to the continuation of peace negotiations with them," he said.
"The impact is not just on the peace negotiations, it illustrates the tragedy of the insurgency. Hopefully, the attack is just part of the birth pains of the agreement to stop offensive military actions, even if it covers only Mindanao as of now. It is an argument for nationwide ceasefire," Dureza said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996292
The government on Monday slammed the New People's Army (NPA) for its ‘attack of a police station in Iloilo over the weekend as it called the act as both "opportunistic and intentional".
At a press briefing in Malacañang, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the "ill-timed" and "unfortunate" attack happened just as the government decided to cease offensive operations against the NPA in response to a similar action from the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).
On Sunday, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Silvestre Bello III said government forces will cease its offensive operations against the New People's Army (NPA) to reciprocate the NDFP's declaration to refrain from undertaking offensive operations in Mindanao.
However, on the same day, around 50 armed men believed to be members of the NPA raided the Maasin municipal police station, reportedly taking 11 M-16 rifles, four pistols, ammunition, and VHF radios.
"It was unfortunate that the NPA raid of a police station in Iloilo happened on the same day the government reciprocated the National Democratic Front's declaration to refrain from undertaking offensive operations in Mindanao," Abella said.
"Although the attack was not in Mindanao, the act was opportunistic in nature and disregards the nature of the NDF declaration," the Palace spokesman said.
His sentiments were echoed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr. who said the NPA took advantage of the security situation in Iloilo.
"One of the reasons they did the attack in Maasin, we know, is because many of our troops went to help in Mindanao. So when the forces were spread thin, they knew that they can do this, they took advantage. That's why we say it's very opportunistic on their part," Padilla said.
The military official likewise downplayed the NPA statement saying rebels targeted the Maasin police station due to the alleged unscrupulous actions of it personnel.
"Panis na 'yung excuse na 'yon. Huwag niyo nang pinapatulan. They do this intentionally because their objective is to get more arms. We shouldn't believe their excuses, there is always a pretense of their real motive," Padilla said.
In the meantime, Abella urged the NDF to restrain their armed comrades and show genuine sincerity.
"We ask the NDF to call on their armed comrades on the ground to walk the talk and to show genuine sincerity on the confidence-building measure initiated by the government and their side," he said.
Quoting Presidential Peace Adviser Jess Dureza, Abella reminded that the reciprocal action to halt offensive actions, even if it is only in Mindanao, "is an argument for a nationwide ceasefire."
"Since the latest statements of the National Democratic Front and the government to mutually refrain from taking offensive operations against each other cover only Mindanao, and since there is yet no mutually agreed bilateral ceasefire agreement in place nationwide, the NPA attack in Maasin, Iloilo and elsewhere must be dealt with accordingly and decisively by the AFP and the PNP with the cooperation of civilian agencies and the affected communities," Dureza's statement said.
"Having said this, it’s important to note that such attacks provide a negative impact in our mutual commitment with the NDF to provide the enabling environment conducive to the continuation of peace negotiations with them," he said.
"The impact is not just on the peace negotiations, it illustrates the tragedy of the insurgency. Hopefully, the attack is just part of the birth pains of the agreement to stop offensive military actions, even if it covers only Mindanao as of now. It is an argument for nationwide ceasefire," Dureza said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996292
Gov't forces gear up for Marawi rehab
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19): Gov't forces gear up for Marawi rehab
Government forces recovered illegal drugs as well as cache of high-powered firearms over the weekend in Marawi City as they prepare to embark on other key tasks such as rehabilitation and reconstruction of Marawi City.
During the regular Mindanao Hour press briefing in Malacañang, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said 11 kilos of suspected metamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu were recovered by troops after a brief firefight with Maute militants at 6 p.m. on Sunday.
The confiscation of the illegal substance is one of the significant developments by the Joint Task Force Marawi in the ongoing clearing operations in the besieged city.
Armed Forces of the Philippines Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr., who joined Abella at the press briefing, said soldiers also seized more than 20 high-powered firearms last Saturday in Marawi City.
"So you may not be aware of the nature of the confiscated firearms. These are among the firearms that have been confiscated and they are not ordinary firearms at all but high-powered firearms that can fire from afar, hit targets and destroy them," Padilla said.
"This is indicative of the length of planning that went to this operation of these rebels, when they were able to get this number of firearms and bring it to the area of operations over a period of time," he added.
Other war materials such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other explosives have also been confiscated.
According to Abella, the AFP is prepared to embark on other key tasks such as rehabilitation and reconstruction of Marawi City once it is cleared of the terrorists.
"It has already prepared the Combat Engineering Brigades [from] the Army and the Navy for immediate deployment as soon as the clearing operations are [completed]," he said of AFP’s preparations.
In the meantime, however, he said the focus remains on combat, intelligence, and civil military operations.
The government troops have so far rescued 1,637 civilians, recovered 250 firearms and killed 257 terrorists, Abella reported adding that the Maute’s resistance "continues to wane".
At least 62 soldiers have been killed while thousands of people have been displaced since the siege started last month.
In response to people expressing desire to help families of troops killed-in-action and internally displaced persons, the government set up two separate accounts in Landbank where concerned people could deposit money.
For families of slain soldiers, people can deposit money using the account name AFP Marawi Casualty with account number 00000552107128.
For evacuees from Marawi City, people can send money through account name Marawi IDP with account number 00000552107136.
Band together in fight vs terrorism.
Meanwhile, Padilla reiterated his call to the public to support the government in fighting terrorism describing the enemy as “a different breed.”
He said the presence of foreign fighters in Mindanao is part of a continuing concern because they bring something different than from that of home-grown terrorists.
"But if we do not work as a nation and band together to fight it, the threat might increase," he said.
He added that if Filipinos work together as one nation, it will be harder for the extremists to rule and the government could easily root them out.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996299
Government forces recovered illegal drugs as well as cache of high-powered firearms over the weekend in Marawi City as they prepare to embark on other key tasks such as rehabilitation and reconstruction of Marawi City.
During the regular Mindanao Hour press briefing in Malacañang, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said 11 kilos of suspected metamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu were recovered by troops after a brief firefight with Maute militants at 6 p.m. on Sunday.
The confiscation of the illegal substance is one of the significant developments by the Joint Task Force Marawi in the ongoing clearing operations in the besieged city.
Armed Forces of the Philippines Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr., who joined Abella at the press briefing, said soldiers also seized more than 20 high-powered firearms last Saturday in Marawi City.
"So you may not be aware of the nature of the confiscated firearms. These are among the firearms that have been confiscated and they are not ordinary firearms at all but high-powered firearms that can fire from afar, hit targets and destroy them," Padilla said.
"This is indicative of the length of planning that went to this operation of these rebels, when they were able to get this number of firearms and bring it to the area of operations over a period of time," he added.
Other war materials such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other explosives have also been confiscated.
According to Abella, the AFP is prepared to embark on other key tasks such as rehabilitation and reconstruction of Marawi City once it is cleared of the terrorists.
"It has already prepared the Combat Engineering Brigades [from] the Army and the Navy for immediate deployment as soon as the clearing operations are [completed]," he said of AFP’s preparations.
In the meantime, however, he said the focus remains on combat, intelligence, and civil military operations.
The government troops have so far rescued 1,637 civilians, recovered 250 firearms and killed 257 terrorists, Abella reported adding that the Maute’s resistance "continues to wane".
At least 62 soldiers have been killed while thousands of people have been displaced since the siege started last month.
In response to people expressing desire to help families of troops killed-in-action and internally displaced persons, the government set up two separate accounts in Landbank where concerned people could deposit money.
For families of slain soldiers, people can deposit money using the account name AFP Marawi Casualty with account number 00000552107128.
For evacuees from Marawi City, people can send money through account name Marawi IDP with account number 00000552107136.
Band together in fight vs terrorism.
Meanwhile, Padilla reiterated his call to the public to support the government in fighting terrorism describing the enemy as “a different breed.”
He said the presence of foreign fighters in Mindanao is part of a continuing concern because they bring something different than from that of home-grown terrorists.
"But if we do not work as a nation and band together to fight it, the threat might increase," he said.
He added that if Filipinos work together as one nation, it will be harder for the extremists to rule and the government could easily root them out.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996299
NCRPO appeals to public not to spread 'police memo' on Maute Group attack
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 20): NCRPO appeals to public not to spread 'police memo' on Maute Group attack
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Tuesday appealed to the public to refrain from spreading a memorandum from the Valenzuela police station claiming that Maute Group members are planning to conduct bombing attacks in Metro Manila.
"Today, a document allegedly from the Station Intelligence Branch of Valenzuela Police Station was circulated via Facebook, personal messages and other platforms, the spread was too fast that even before we confirmed its validity its already everywhere. Following this I have ordered the Northen Police District Director Bong Fajardo to investigate the document handling procedure at the Valenzuela Police Station," NCRPO chief Director Oscar Albayalde said in a statement.
The said police memorandum is claiming that Maute Group terrorists led by one Mambang Maute and several sympathizers are planning to carry out bombings in various areas in Metro Manila.
In the same vein, he assured the public that the NCRPO is validating the above-mentioned information so that the police can be ready to address any threats.
"Further, I request everyone to please stop the spread or posting of the said document while we verfiy its content," Albayalde stressed.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996366
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Tuesday appealed to the public to refrain from spreading a memorandum from the Valenzuela police station claiming that Maute Group members are planning to conduct bombing attacks in Metro Manila.
"Today, a document allegedly from the Station Intelligence Branch of Valenzuela Police Station was circulated via Facebook, personal messages and other platforms, the spread was too fast that even before we confirmed its validity its already everywhere. Following this I have ordered the Northen Police District Director Bong Fajardo to investigate the document handling procedure at the Valenzuela Police Station," NCRPO chief Director Oscar Albayalde said in a statement.
The said police memorandum is claiming that Maute Group terrorists led by one Mambang Maute and several sympathizers are planning to carry out bombings in various areas in Metro Manila.
In the same vein, he assured the public that the NCRPO is validating the above-mentioned information so that the police can be ready to address any threats.
"Further, I request everyone to please stop the spread or posting of the said document while we verfiy its content," Albayalde stressed.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/996366
20 ISIS cell groups operate in Mindanao – Calida
From Rappler (Jun 19): 20 ISIS cell groups operate in Mindanao – Calida
The Solicitor General lists down the 20 ISIS cell groups in his memorandum to the Supreme Court, to bolster the government's defense of martial law in Mindanao
REBELLION? Solicitor General Jose Calida takes the ISIS flag to the Supreme Court (SC) on June 14, 2017 as part of evidence to say that ISIS links to local terror groups is proof that the Marawi City siege is a case of rebellion. Photo by Lian Buan/Rappler
Solicitor General Jose Calida on Monday, June 19, said there are 20 ISIS cell groups operating all over Mindanao, conducting coordinated attacks with local terror groups like the Maute.
Calida listed down the ISIS cells in his memorandum filed with the Supreme Court (SC) on Monday to supplement the government's defense of President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of martial law:
Ansar Dawiah Fi Filibbin
Rajah Solaiman Islamic Movement
Al Harakatul Islamiyah Battalion
Jama’at Ansar Khilafa
Ansharul Khilafah Philippines Battalion
Bangsamoro Justice Movement
Khilafah Islamiya Mindanao
Abu Sayyaf Group (Sulu faction)
Syuful Khilafa Fi Luzon
Ma’rakah Al-Ansar Battalion
Dawla Islamiyyah Cotabato
Dawlat Al Islamiyah Waliyatul Masrik
Ansar Al-Shariyah Battalion
Jamaah al-Tawhid wal Jihad Philippines
Abu Dujanah Battalion
Abu Khubayn Battalion
Jundallah Battalion
Abu Sadr Battalion
Jamaah Al Muhajirin wal Anshor
Balik-Islam Group
According to Calida, the cell groups combine forces with ISIS-inspired groups like Maute, Abu Sayyaf Group from Basilan led by Isnilon Hapilon, Ansarul Khilafah Philippines (AKP), and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
"These ISIS-linked local rebel groups and ISIS cell groups have conducted violent activities, particularly in the areas of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga, and Davao, not merely to sow terror amongst the populace, but to dismember the country. They have the capability of conducting bomb attacks in any areas of Mindanao," the Solicitor General said.
Calida said a meeting was supposed to take place in the first week of 2017 among the 4 ISIS-inspired rebel groups to declare their unified pledge to ISIS, but they were pre-empted by the death of AKP leader Mohammad Jaafar Maguid or Tokboy.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana announced in January 2017 that the ISIS leadership had made direct contact with Hapilon to instruct him to find a suitable area in Mindanao where they could establish an ISIS caliphate.
Lorenzana said then that Isnilon was considering the area of Central Mindanao and was trying to get the support of the Maute group. Marawi City in Lanao del Sur is in Central Mindanao.
Intel on ISIS
Calida had also previously revealed, supported by the admission of the ground commander in Marawi City, that the Armed Forces of the Philippines knew as early as April that Maute had deployed its members to plot the attack in Marawi.
Major General Rolando Bautista said they were waiting for the Maute brothers to make a move, but were surprised to learn that Hapilon was also in the city, triggering the clashes that will enter its 5th week Tuesday.
As of posting, Lorenzana has not replied to Rappler's request for a comment on the supposed presence of 20 ISIS cell groups. In January, the defense chief said the military would not allow ISIS to establish a caliphate in the Philippines.
At the Shangri-La Dialogue Security Summit in Singapore on June 4, Defense Undersecretary Ricardo David said there were "250 to 400" ISIS fighters in the country.
But David's estimates were starkly different from the figures provided by his Indonesian counterpart, who pegged the number of ISIS fighters in the Philippines at 1,200.
"There are 1,200 ISIS in the Philippines, around 40 from Indonesia. This information I will inform to our counterparts in ASEAN," Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said, citing regional intelligence.
Supreme Court justices wanted to determine, during the 3-day oral arguments on the anti-martial law petitions last week, if there was failure of intelligence in Marawi. The magistrates agreed to be briefed privately by Lorenzana, Military Chief General Eduardo Año, and other key security officers.
Lorenzana told Rappler that the interpellation by the justices brought out highly classified details, which they would not want the public to know.
"Aren't we the ones who get to decide which information is classified? Remember, our troops are still fighting and dying in Marawi.... As it is we have already made public more than the public should know," Lorenzana told Rappler through a text message.
The Solicitor General lists down the 20 ISIS cell groups in his memorandum to the Supreme Court, to bolster the government's defense of martial law in Mindanao
REBELLION? Solicitor General Jose Calida takes the ISIS flag to the Supreme Court (SC) on June 14, 2017 as part of evidence to say that ISIS links to local terror groups is proof that the Marawi City siege is a case of rebellion. Photo by Lian Buan/Rappler
Solicitor General Jose Calida on Monday, June 19, said there are 20 ISIS cell groups operating all over Mindanao, conducting coordinated attacks with local terror groups like the Maute.
Calida listed down the ISIS cells in his memorandum filed with the Supreme Court (SC) on Monday to supplement the government's defense of President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of martial law:
Ansar Dawiah Fi Filibbin
Rajah Solaiman Islamic Movement
Al Harakatul Islamiyah Battalion
Jama’at Ansar Khilafa
Ansharul Khilafah Philippines Battalion
Bangsamoro Justice Movement
Khilafah Islamiya Mindanao
Abu Sayyaf Group (Sulu faction)
Syuful Khilafa Fi Luzon
Ma’rakah Al-Ansar Battalion
Dawla Islamiyyah Cotabato
Dawlat Al Islamiyah Waliyatul Masrik
Ansar Al-Shariyah Battalion
Jamaah al-Tawhid wal Jihad Philippines
Abu Dujanah Battalion
Abu Khubayn Battalion
Jundallah Battalion
Abu Sadr Battalion
Jamaah Al Muhajirin wal Anshor
Balik-Islam Group
According to Calida, the cell groups combine forces with ISIS-inspired groups like Maute, Abu Sayyaf Group from Basilan led by Isnilon Hapilon, Ansarul Khilafah Philippines (AKP), and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
"These ISIS-linked local rebel groups and ISIS cell groups have conducted violent activities, particularly in the areas of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga, and Davao, not merely to sow terror amongst the populace, but to dismember the country. They have the capability of conducting bomb attacks in any areas of Mindanao," the Solicitor General said.
Calida said a meeting was supposed to take place in the first week of 2017 among the 4 ISIS-inspired rebel groups to declare their unified pledge to ISIS, but they were pre-empted by the death of AKP leader Mohammad Jaafar Maguid or Tokboy.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana announced in January 2017 that the ISIS leadership had made direct contact with Hapilon to instruct him to find a suitable area in Mindanao where they could establish an ISIS caliphate.
Lorenzana said then that Isnilon was considering the area of Central Mindanao and was trying to get the support of the Maute group. Marawi City in Lanao del Sur is in Central Mindanao.
Intel on ISIS
Calida had also previously revealed, supported by the admission of the ground commander in Marawi City, that the Armed Forces of the Philippines knew as early as April that Maute had deployed its members to plot the attack in Marawi.
Major General Rolando Bautista said they were waiting for the Maute brothers to make a move, but were surprised to learn that Hapilon was also in the city, triggering the clashes that will enter its 5th week Tuesday.
As of posting, Lorenzana has not replied to Rappler's request for a comment on the supposed presence of 20 ISIS cell groups. In January, the defense chief said the military would not allow ISIS to establish a caliphate in the Philippines.
At the Shangri-La Dialogue Security Summit in Singapore on June 4, Defense Undersecretary Ricardo David said there were "250 to 400" ISIS fighters in the country.
But David's estimates were starkly different from the figures provided by his Indonesian counterpart, who pegged the number of ISIS fighters in the Philippines at 1,200.
"There are 1,200 ISIS in the Philippines, around 40 from Indonesia. This information I will inform to our counterparts in ASEAN," Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said, citing regional intelligence.
Supreme Court justices wanted to determine, during the 3-day oral arguments on the anti-martial law petitions last week, if there was failure of intelligence in Marawi. The magistrates agreed to be briefed privately by Lorenzana, Military Chief General Eduardo Año, and other key security officers.
Lorenzana told Rappler that the interpellation by the justices brought out highly classified details, which they would not want the public to know.
"Aren't we the ones who get to decide which information is classified? Remember, our troops are still fighting and dying in Marawi.... As it is we have already made public more than the public should know," Lorenzana told Rappler through a text message.
AFP selling 'Support Our Troops' shirts to boost Marawi soldiers' morale
From Rappler (Jun 19): AFP selling 'Support Our Troops' shirts to boost Marawi soldiers' morale
The AFP Civil Relations Service says it wants to show soldiers in Marawi City that their fellow Filipinos support them
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is selling t-shirts in a bid to boost the morale of soldiers battling terrorists in Marawi City.
The AFP Civil Relations Service (CRS) had t-shirts printed with the message "Support Our Troops."
AFP CRS chief Brigadier General Ronnie Evangelista said on Monday, June 19, that they are selling these at P150 each – not for profit as they are just breaking even – but to show troops that their fellow Filipinos support them. (READ: #SalamatSaSerbisyo: Netizens show support for Marawi soldiers, cops)
Evangelista said the t-shirts will be sold to the public at the AFP CRS office and at Gate 1 of Camp Aguinaldo, the military's national headquarters in Quezon City.
FOR THE TROOPS. Brigadier General Ronnie Evangelista holds up one of the shirts. Photo by Jasmin Dulay/Rappler
A total of 59 soldiers and 3 policemen have been killed since clashes with terrorists erupted in Marawi City on May 23. (READ: PH honors 'heroes of Marawi' with noontime salute)
The clashes prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to declare martial law in the entire Mindanao, a proclamation that is being challenged before the Supreme Court. Martial law remains in effect for a maximum of 60 days, unless Duterte seeks an extension and gets congressional approval.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/173391-afp-support-our-troops-shirts-marawi-soldiers-morale
The AFP Civil Relations Service says it wants to show soldiers in Marawi City that their fellow Filipinos support them
MORAL SUPPORT. The AFP Civil Relations Service, on June 19, 2017, shows t-shirts printed with the message 'Support Our Troops' for those fighting in Marawi City. Photo by Jasmin Dulay/Rappler
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is selling t-shirts in a bid to boost the morale of soldiers battling terrorists in Marawi City.
The AFP Civil Relations Service (CRS) had t-shirts printed with the message "Support Our Troops."
AFP CRS chief Brigadier General Ronnie Evangelista said on Monday, June 19, that they are selling these at P150 each – not for profit as they are just breaking even – but to show troops that their fellow Filipinos support them. (READ: #SalamatSaSerbisyo: Netizens show support for Marawi soldiers, cops)
Evangelista said the t-shirts will be sold to the public at the AFP CRS office and at Gate 1 of Camp Aguinaldo, the military's national headquarters in Quezon City.
FOR THE TROOPS. Brigadier General Ronnie Evangelista holds up one of the shirts. Photo by Jasmin Dulay/Rappler
A total of 59 soldiers and 3 policemen have been killed since clashes with terrorists erupted in Marawi City on May 23. (READ: PH honors 'heroes of Marawi' with noontime salute)
The clashes prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to declare martial law in the entire Mindanao, a proclamation that is being challenged before the Supreme Court. Martial law remains in effect for a maximum of 60 days, unless Duterte seeks an extension and gets congressional approval.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/173391-afp-support-our-troops-shirts-marawi-soldiers-morale
Marawi battle zone: Urban warfare challenges PH military
From Rappler (Jun 19): Marawi battle zone: Urban warfare challenges PH military
It’s a lot like the siege of Zamboanga City in September 2013 – but much worse
Block by block. House by house. Floor by floor.
The battle-tested Philippine Marines manuevered their way past Mapandi bridge in Barangay Lilod Madaya on June 9, 2017 – clearing one house and building after another until the ground suddenly shook. Molotov cocktails flew in their direction, setting troop positions on fire.
The Marines ran for safety, away from the burning houses, only to face mortar rounds fired by terrorists atop buildings. A ferocious 14-hour close quarter battle followed, killing 13 Marines on that bloody Friday.
The battle came 3 days before the government missed another self-imposed deadline to end the crisis that began on May 23. It also happened days after 11 soldiers were killed in a military airstrike gone wrong.
These incidents underscore the challenges that soldiers face in the battlefield.
Used to fighting enemies in the jungle, they found themselves drawn to urban warfare here, where young, well-armed radicals hide in multi-floored residences and establishments – sniping at will and outpacing military units not as familiar with the terrain as the terrorists are.
CASUALTIES OF WAR. The Marines lost 13 of their men in Marawi. File photo by Ted Aljibe/AFP
5th week of battle
On Monday, fighting continued to rage in 4 of the city's 96 villages. The military says soldiers are still hunting for a hundred terrorists who are holding about a hundred hostages including a Catholic priest.
The combined forces of the Marawi-based Maute Group and a faction of the Abu Sayyaf Group, bound by their allegiance to the international terrorist network Islamic State (ISIS), brought the war to a once-bustling city that served as the trading center of the Lanao provinces. (READ: Marawi under siege: It's like 'looking at Aleppo)
Major General Rolando Bautista, commander of the military's 1st infantry division that has jurisdiction over the Lanao provinces, said the troops were not prepared for the sniping skills of the enemy. “One sniper can paralyze the movement of a whole company, even a battalion,” he said.
Military tanks can only do so much, because the terrorists are armed with .50 caliber machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades that can pierce through metal.
Thus the tactical move to resort to airstrikes, which has caused much tension between the military and residents. "Natatakot ako sa kanila dahil wala naman pinipili 'yan eh. Ang mga targets nila is panay guesswork nila 'yun eh," said Bishop Edwin Dela Peña (Those airstrikes are not targetted, they're more guesswork). One of Dela Peña's parish priests, Father Teresito Soganub, was taken by the terrorists along with a number of church staff.
DESTRUCTION. Military airstrikes targetted buildings that terrorists used as fortifications. Screenshot of a military video
Day 1: Clash at Basak Malutlut
The clashes started at Barangay Basak Malutlut on May 23. The military raided a safe house where Isnilon Hapilon was reportedly spotted. The so-called "emir" or prince of ISIS in Southeast Asia had long been the subject of a government manhunt.
Hapilon was monitored to have left his lair in Basilan in December 2016 to join the Maute in nearby Butig, where the military was fighting the terrorists before they slipped into Marawi. (WATCH: PH flag replaces ISIS black banner at Butig town hall)
Hapilon was able to escape the May 23 raid. And what followed surprised the military. (READ: How a military raid triggered Marawi attacks)
Supporters rushed out into the streets, many waving ISIS black flags.
They seized the Amai Pakpak Medical Center, where they raised the black flag and killed a cop. (READ: He watched Maute Group kill a cop, then he escaped)
They attacked the Cathedral of Saint Mary and used a priest to reach out to the military to demand a ceasefire and allow them escape. (WATCH: A prayer for Marawi's hostaged priest)
They burned the Dansalan College, a school the Maute children used to attend, and also took its teachers hostages. They released a hundred prisoners at the Marawi City Jail.
They tried to take the city hall, too, and raise the black flag there. But Mayor Majul Gandamra stood his ground for 4 days.
"'Yung mga exhange of fires, dito naka-focus kasi yung grupo nila dito sila nag-converge kasi ang plano talaga pasukin ang City Hall. It was very fortunate [that I kept ] my focus and stayed here," Gandamra told Rappler in an interview at the City Hall on June 12. (READ: Tearful flag-raising in Marawi as PH celebrates Independence Day)
The mayor was armed to the teeth. "Mga kasamahang pamilya lang natin.... Hindi yung dami namin e. 'Yung will to fight. Kung sakaling pinasok kami talagang we will defend the city hall (I had my family with me... It's not the number of [armed men]... It's the will to fight. If they really push to take our position, we will defend the City Hall)," Gandamra said.
The terrorists also harassed the headquarters of the 103rd Brigade and the provincial capitol, located less than 2 road kilometers northwest of the city hall.
Bautista told Rappler the escalation of events confirmed intelligence information that the terrorist groups were planning to attack Marawi and establish a caliphate in this city with 90% Muslim population. According to the military, the terrorists were acting upon the instructions of ISIS leaders in the Middle East who want a refuge in Southeast Asia for their fighters, as ISIS continues to lose territory in the Middle East.
A video of Hapilon and the Maute Brothers planning an attack on the first day of Ramadan was also recovered at a safe house. (READ: AFP chief Año details aborted Maute-ISIS 'grand plan' in Marawi)
"What others termed to be a ‘botched raid’ turned out to be an ‘abortive raid’ that prevented what could have been carnage of an Islamic City in two weeks yet... This explains why at the time of the raid, the terrorist group was able to pull out–almost instantaneously and simultaneously–counter actions in various locations in the city to distract the focus of the raid," the military said on May 29.
Day 2: More troops, but enemy consolidates
On Day 2, the military brought in more troops from various parts of the country.
Instead of retreating, the terrorists consolidated in Banggolo, the financial district a few hundred meters southwest of the city hall, and nearby villages where the tallest and most fortified buildings are located.
They had ready supply of guns and ammunition, the city being notorious for loose firearms and heavily-armed clans. Escapees spoke of instances when the terrorists would simply knock on houses to ask for guns and bullets.
"Hindi lahat ng na-recover na armas ay sa Maute. 'Yung iba sa mga bahay talaga 'yun (Not all the firearms recovered belong to the Maute Group. Many of them were just found in the houses)," said a resident.
It's the worst terrain for conventional warfare.
To clear streets of terrorists, soldiers ended up boring holes into walls using sledgehammers.
There's one war in recent history that comes close to comparison: the siege of Zamboanga City in September 2013 under the Aquino government by the followers of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founder Nur Misuari.
Worse than Zamboanga
REMEMBER ZAMBOANGA? The battle zone in Zamboanga City in September 2013. File photo by LeAnne Jazul/Rappler
In Zamboanga, the enemies sailed from various parts of Mindanao and landed on 5 coastal villages where they were eventually contained. In Marawi, the enemies attacked various parts of city. And they were mostly residents themselves who grew up here.
In Zamboanga, the houses occupied by enemies were mostly made of light materials. Here, the terrorists occupied its financial district, Banggolo, where the houses are made of hardened concrete. Even airstrikes could not demolishing them.
"In the Zamboanga siege, we were clearing houses built with light materials. Here, we are clearing hardened buildings. There are even tunnels," said Western Mindanao Command chief Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez.
The siege of Zamboanga City in 2013 lasted 3 weeks, killing 19 government forces and 208 rebels, and dislocating 24,000 families.
In Marawi, 62 government forces have been killed as of June 18. This is already 3 times more than the deaths in Zamboanga. Up to 257 terrorists have been reported killed and almost all of the city’s 200,000 have been evacuated.
And it's not over yet.
PAST THE BRIDGE, DANGER LURKS. The military announced they have the bridges entering Banggolo under control. But enemy snipers continue to prevent humanitarian workers from entering the area. Screenshot of Google Maps
The military has a specific unit that is trained to fight in urban areas, the US-trained Light Reaction Regiment (LRR), which was created in 2001 after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in America.
The elite unit is trained to either become an assaulter or a sniper – skills necessary in urban combat, hostage rescue, and neutralization of high-value targets. The military added more troops to the unit in 2014, but it's not enough for a large-scale operation such as this.
The Scout Rangers and the Marines are here to provide more muscle, but many of them had just been from months of deployment in Bohol and Sulu.
Even the Americans, despite the President's loathing toward US assistance, were seen openly operating drones here. On June 6, the military admitted the US has been providing technical assistance, as the US P3 Orion was seen flying low on the day the Marines were killed.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. Americans were seen operating drones from the headquarters of the 103rd Brigade in Marawi. Sourced photo
A week after: Dead bodies retrieved
The war had no frontline to speak of during the first week. Journalists who were inside the brigade headquarters for a media briefing on Day 3 of the crisis witnessed how the camp was harassed.
“We prioritize large numbers of terror groups. But we are at risk with small groups who are positioned in tactical areas. Most often than not, their task is to conduct sniping operations,” Bautista said.
On Day 7, the local government started retrieving dead bodies on Basak Malutlut. It spurred hope that humanitarian work will already commence.
But enemy snipers were strategically positioned to defend the bridges that serve as the gateway to Banggolo. It would take days of airstrikes and troop advances before the military took control and pushed the terrorists to the other side of Agus River.
To this day, humanitarian workers could not cross the bridge because of the threat of enemy snipers. Rescue and retrieval are practically at a standstill.
But as hunger becomes a problem among trapped residents, local government officials have encouraged them to risk the snipers. “Either they die inside the house or they die trying to get out,” said Zia Alonto Adiong, spokesman of the provincial Crisis Management Committee.
Stray bullets from supposed sympathizers continue to reach the capitol, the city hall, and the headquarters.
A 14-year-old boy praying at a mosque was killed near the brigade headquarters while an Australian journalist survived a bullet that hit his neck while taking a video from inside the provincial capitol.
HOSTAGED. Father Teresito Suganob issues an appeal to President Rodrigo Duterte, apparently under the control of the terrorist Maute Group. Facebook screengrab
When will it end?
Outside the battle zone, authorities are running after the alleged leaders and plotters of the siege.
The parents of the Maute brothers have been arrested, and officials hope this would help weaken the group. The Maute brothers themselves have apparently been on "radio silence" mode, military sources said.
Will their continued radio silence finally lead to the silencing of the guns in the city? The trapped residents have no other wish for now.
http://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/173050-battle-zone-marawi-urban-warfare
It’s a lot like the siege of Zamboanga City in September 2013 – but much worse
Block by block. House by house. Floor by floor.
The battle-tested Philippine Marines manuevered their way past Mapandi bridge in Barangay Lilod Madaya on June 9, 2017 – clearing one house and building after another until the ground suddenly shook. Molotov cocktails flew in their direction, setting troop positions on fire.
The Marines ran for safety, away from the burning houses, only to face mortar rounds fired by terrorists atop buildings. A ferocious 14-hour close quarter battle followed, killing 13 Marines on that bloody Friday.
The battle came 3 days before the government missed another self-imposed deadline to end the crisis that began on May 23. It also happened days after 11 soldiers were killed in a military airstrike gone wrong.
These incidents underscore the challenges that soldiers face in the battlefield.
Used to fighting enemies in the jungle, they found themselves drawn to urban warfare here, where young, well-armed radicals hide in multi-floored residences and establishments – sniping at will and outpacing military units not as familiar with the terrain as the terrorists are.
CASUALTIES OF WAR. The Marines lost 13 of their men in Marawi. File photo by Ted Aljibe/AFP
5th week of battle
On Monday, fighting continued to rage in 4 of the city's 96 villages. The military says soldiers are still hunting for a hundred terrorists who are holding about a hundred hostages including a Catholic priest.
The combined forces of the Marawi-based Maute Group and a faction of the Abu Sayyaf Group, bound by their allegiance to the international terrorist network Islamic State (ISIS), brought the war to a once-bustling city that served as the trading center of the Lanao provinces. (READ: Marawi under siege: It's like 'looking at Aleppo)
Major General Rolando Bautista, commander of the military's 1st infantry division that has jurisdiction over the Lanao provinces, said the troops were not prepared for the sniping skills of the enemy. “One sniper can paralyze the movement of a whole company, even a battalion,” he said.
Military tanks can only do so much, because the terrorists are armed with .50 caliber machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades that can pierce through metal.
Thus the tactical move to resort to airstrikes, which has caused much tension between the military and residents. "Natatakot ako sa kanila dahil wala naman pinipili 'yan eh. Ang mga targets nila is panay guesswork nila 'yun eh," said Bishop Edwin Dela Peña (Those airstrikes are not targetted, they're more guesswork). One of Dela Peña's parish priests, Father Teresito Soganub, was taken by the terrorists along with a number of church staff.
DESTRUCTION. Military airstrikes targetted buildings that terrorists used as fortifications. Screenshot of a military video
Day 1: Clash at Basak Malutlut
The clashes started at Barangay Basak Malutlut on May 23. The military raided a safe house where Isnilon Hapilon was reportedly spotted. The so-called "emir" or prince of ISIS in Southeast Asia had long been the subject of a government manhunt.
Hapilon was monitored to have left his lair in Basilan in December 2016 to join the Maute in nearby Butig, where the military was fighting the terrorists before they slipped into Marawi. (WATCH: PH flag replaces ISIS black banner at Butig town hall)
Hapilon was able to escape the May 23 raid. And what followed surprised the military. (READ: How a military raid triggered Marawi attacks)
Supporters rushed out into the streets, many waving ISIS black flags.
They seized the Amai Pakpak Medical Center, where they raised the black flag and killed a cop. (READ: He watched Maute Group kill a cop, then he escaped)
They attacked the Cathedral of Saint Mary and used a priest to reach out to the military to demand a ceasefire and allow them escape. (WATCH: A prayer for Marawi's hostaged priest)
They burned the Dansalan College, a school the Maute children used to attend, and also took its teachers hostages. They released a hundred prisoners at the Marawi City Jail.
They tried to take the city hall, too, and raise the black flag there. But Mayor Majul Gandamra stood his ground for 4 days.
"'Yung mga exhange of fires, dito naka-focus kasi yung grupo nila dito sila nag-converge kasi ang plano talaga pasukin ang City Hall. It was very fortunate [that I kept ] my focus and stayed here," Gandamra told Rappler in an interview at the City Hall on June 12. (READ: Tearful flag-raising in Marawi as PH celebrates Independence Day)
The mayor was armed to the teeth. "Mga kasamahang pamilya lang natin.... Hindi yung dami namin e. 'Yung will to fight. Kung sakaling pinasok kami talagang we will defend the city hall (I had my family with me... It's not the number of [armed men]... It's the will to fight. If they really push to take our position, we will defend the City Hall)," Gandamra said.
The terrorists also harassed the headquarters of the 103rd Brigade and the provincial capitol, located less than 2 road kilometers northwest of the city hall.
Bautista told Rappler the escalation of events confirmed intelligence information that the terrorist groups were planning to attack Marawi and establish a caliphate in this city with 90% Muslim population. According to the military, the terrorists were acting upon the instructions of ISIS leaders in the Middle East who want a refuge in Southeast Asia for their fighters, as ISIS continues to lose territory in the Middle East.
A video of Hapilon and the Maute Brothers planning an attack on the first day of Ramadan was also recovered at a safe house. (READ: AFP chief Año details aborted Maute-ISIS 'grand plan' in Marawi)
"What others termed to be a ‘botched raid’ turned out to be an ‘abortive raid’ that prevented what could have been carnage of an Islamic City in two weeks yet... This explains why at the time of the raid, the terrorist group was able to pull out–almost instantaneously and simultaneously–counter actions in various locations in the city to distract the focus of the raid," the military said on May 29.
Day 2: More troops, but enemy consolidates
On Day 2, the military brought in more troops from various parts of the country.
Instead of retreating, the terrorists consolidated in Banggolo, the financial district a few hundred meters southwest of the city hall, and nearby villages where the tallest and most fortified buildings are located.
They had ready supply of guns and ammunition, the city being notorious for loose firearms and heavily-armed clans. Escapees spoke of instances when the terrorists would simply knock on houses to ask for guns and bullets.
"Hindi lahat ng na-recover na armas ay sa Maute. 'Yung iba sa mga bahay talaga 'yun (Not all the firearms recovered belong to the Maute Group. Many of them were just found in the houses)," said a resident.
It's the worst terrain for conventional warfare.
To clear streets of terrorists, soldiers ended up boring holes into walls using sledgehammers.
There's one war in recent history that comes close to comparison: the siege of Zamboanga City in September 2013 under the Aquino government by the followers of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founder Nur Misuari.
Worse than Zamboanga
REMEMBER ZAMBOANGA? The battle zone in Zamboanga City in September 2013. File photo by LeAnne Jazul/Rappler
In Zamboanga, the enemies sailed from various parts of Mindanao and landed on 5 coastal villages where they were eventually contained. In Marawi, the enemies attacked various parts of city. And they were mostly residents themselves who grew up here.
In Zamboanga, the houses occupied by enemies were mostly made of light materials. Here, the terrorists occupied its financial district, Banggolo, where the houses are made of hardened concrete. Even airstrikes could not demolishing them.
"In the Zamboanga siege, we were clearing houses built with light materials. Here, we are clearing hardened buildings. There are even tunnels," said Western Mindanao Command chief Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez.
The siege of Zamboanga City in 2013 lasted 3 weeks, killing 19 government forces and 208 rebels, and dislocating 24,000 families.
In Marawi, 62 government forces have been killed as of June 18. This is already 3 times more than the deaths in Zamboanga. Up to 257 terrorists have been reported killed and almost all of the city’s 200,000 have been evacuated.
And it's not over yet.
PAST THE BRIDGE, DANGER LURKS. The military announced they have the bridges entering Banggolo under control. But enemy snipers continue to prevent humanitarian workers from entering the area. Screenshot of Google Maps
The military has a specific unit that is trained to fight in urban areas, the US-trained Light Reaction Regiment (LRR), which was created in 2001 after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in America.
The elite unit is trained to either become an assaulter or a sniper – skills necessary in urban combat, hostage rescue, and neutralization of high-value targets. The military added more troops to the unit in 2014, but it's not enough for a large-scale operation such as this.
The Scout Rangers and the Marines are here to provide more muscle, but many of them had just been from months of deployment in Bohol and Sulu.
Even the Americans, despite the President's loathing toward US assistance, were seen openly operating drones here. On June 6, the military admitted the US has been providing technical assistance, as the US P3 Orion was seen flying low on the day the Marines were killed.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. Americans were seen operating drones from the headquarters of the 103rd Brigade in Marawi. Sourced photo
A week after: Dead bodies retrieved
The war had no frontline to speak of during the first week. Journalists who were inside the brigade headquarters for a media briefing on Day 3 of the crisis witnessed how the camp was harassed.
“We prioritize large numbers of terror groups. But we are at risk with small groups who are positioned in tactical areas. Most often than not, their task is to conduct sniping operations,” Bautista said.
On Day 7, the local government started retrieving dead bodies on Basak Malutlut. It spurred hope that humanitarian work will already commence.
But enemy snipers were strategically positioned to defend the bridges that serve as the gateway to Banggolo. It would take days of airstrikes and troop advances before the military took control and pushed the terrorists to the other side of Agus River.
To this day, humanitarian workers could not cross the bridge because of the threat of enemy snipers. Rescue and retrieval are practically at a standstill.
But as hunger becomes a problem among trapped residents, local government officials have encouraged them to risk the snipers. “Either they die inside the house or they die trying to get out,” said Zia Alonto Adiong, spokesman of the provincial Crisis Management Committee.
Stray bullets from supposed sympathizers continue to reach the capitol, the city hall, and the headquarters.
A 14-year-old boy praying at a mosque was killed near the brigade headquarters while an Australian journalist survived a bullet that hit his neck while taking a video from inside the provincial capitol.
HOSTAGED. Father Teresito Suganob issues an appeal to President Rodrigo Duterte, apparently under the control of the terrorist Maute Group. Facebook screengrab
When will it end?
Outside the battle zone, authorities are running after the alleged leaders and plotters of the siege.
The parents of the Maute brothers have been arrested, and officials hope this would help weaken the group. The Maute brothers themselves have apparently been on "radio silence" mode, military sources said.
Will their continued radio silence finally lead to the silencing of the guns in the city? The trapped residents have no other wish for now.
http://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/173050-battle-zone-marawi-urban-warfare
PNP in 2016: Budget up, performance down – COA
From Rappler (Jun 19): PNP in 2016: Budget up, performance down – COA
When it gets P11.75 billion more in budget, the PNP does fewer neighborhood patrols, investigations, serving of warrants, and capture of high value targets
In 2016, cops patrolled neighborhoods less frequently, conducted fewer investigations, slowed down in serving arrest warrants to wanted persons, and captured less high value targets, compared to 2015.
Yet, last year, the Philippine National Police (PNP) spent P11.754 billion more than the year before that – P127.153 billion in 2016, from P115.399 billion in 2015.
The major drop in police performance was reflected in the summary of the PNP Performance Targets and Accomplishments, which the organization submitted to the Commission on Audit. Government auditors released the 2016 report last June 15.
The PNP's financial statements showed the organization had 7,410 additional uniformed personnel in 2016. It had a total of 168,742, up from 161,332 in 2015. In addition, it hired 11,781 non-uniformed personnel as support staff last year.
According to the 2015 Major Final Output/Performance Indicators of the PNP, the “number of foot at mobile patrol operations conducted” reached 11,718,429. In 2016, this dropped to 11,464,715 – or 253,714 less.
The “number of crime investigations undertaken” was at 675,816 in 2015. The number dropped to 583,774 – or 92,042 less – in 2016.
There were 22,542 “arrested persons within 30 days upon receipt of warrant of arrest” in 2015, and this went down to 17,125 in 2016 – or 5,417 less.
Of the arrests made in 2015, 39.09% were “most wanted persons/high value targets.” The percentage dropped to more than half, at 15.14%, in 2016.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/173404-pnp-2016-budget-up-performance-down-coa
When it gets P11.75 billion more in budget, the PNP does fewer neighborhood patrols, investigations, serving of warrants, and capture of high value targets
In 2016, cops patrolled neighborhoods less frequently, conducted fewer investigations, slowed down in serving arrest warrants to wanted persons, and captured less high value targets, compared to 2015.
Yet, last year, the Philippine National Police (PNP) spent P11.754 billion more than the year before that – P127.153 billion in 2016, from P115.399 billion in 2015.
The major drop in police performance was reflected in the summary of the PNP Performance Targets and Accomplishments, which the organization submitted to the Commission on Audit. Government auditors released the 2016 report last June 15.
The PNP's financial statements showed the organization had 7,410 additional uniformed personnel in 2016. It had a total of 168,742, up from 161,332 in 2015. In addition, it hired 11,781 non-uniformed personnel as support staff last year.
According to the 2015 Major Final Output/Performance Indicators of the PNP, the “number of foot at mobile patrol operations conducted” reached 11,718,429. In 2016, this dropped to 11,464,715 – or 253,714 less.
The “number of crime investigations undertaken” was at 675,816 in 2015. The number dropped to 583,774 – or 92,042 less – in 2016.
There were 22,542 “arrested persons within 30 days upon receipt of warrant of arrest” in 2015, and this went down to 17,125 in 2016 – or 5,417 less.
Of the arrests made in 2015, 39.09% were “most wanted persons/high value targets.” The percentage dropped to more than half, at 15.14%, in 2016.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/173404-pnp-2016-budget-up-performance-down-coa
China, ASEAN finish draft framework for South China Sea code of conduct
From InterAksyon (Jun 19): China, ASEAN finish draft framework for South China Sea code of conduct
Chinese structures on an island in the Spratlys. (photo by Erik De Castro, Reuters)
After years of consultations and discussions on the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nation senior officials have finally wrapped up talks on the draft framework for the code of conduct.
The milestone was reached during the 14th Senior Officials’ Meeting on the Implementation of the DOC held Thursday at the New World Hotel.
“On the COC, we are pleased to announce that the senior officials have completed the negotiations on the draft COC framework,” Chee Wee Kiong, co-chair of the 14th China-ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting, announced in a joint press conference after the meeting.
Chee, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Singapore and coordinator of China-ASEAN relations, said the draft COC framework will be submitted during the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Conference to be held in the Philippines in August this year.
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin and China-ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting co-chair Liu Zhenmin commended their fellow senior officials from the 10 ASEAN member-nations for their hard work and dedication.
“Taking this opportunity, I wish to positively commend and highly appreciate the spirit of mutual respect and cooperation demonstrated by the senior officials and friends from 10 member ASEAN states,” Liu said.
“On the COC consultation, we worked diligently and completed the consultation on the framework of the COC,” the Chinese official said.
The Chinese senior official clarified that the consultation on the COC will continue without “outside interference.”
Liu said the draft framework of COC was the “accumulated outcome of our efforts for the past several years.”
“The COC consultation is a concrete implementation of the DOC framework. Eventually when the COC is completed, it will be an enhancement to the DOC,” Liu said even as he admitted that “it is very difficult to agree in all elements (of the draft COC framework) and it takes time.”
Chee attributed the success of the meeting to the stable situation in the South China Sea and to the series of meetings since the implementation of the DOC in 2002.
”We discussed the South China Sea issue and for the past months, there have been no major disruptions and the situation in the South China Sea and the region has been stable,” he said.
When asked if the COC will be adopted in the next five years, Liu said it would be up to the ASEAN member countries.
“What I can say is that China will make joint efforts with 10 ASEAN member-states to arrive at final COC,” he said.
Aside from Liu and Chee Wee, the senior officials in attendance include Maria Hellen Barber-Dela Vega of the Philippines, Emaleen Abd Rahman Teo of Brunei Darussalam, Kah Pharidh of Cambodia, Jose Antonio Morato of Indonesia, Phongsavanh Sisoulath of Laos, Joji Samuel M C Samuel of Malaysia, U Myint Thu of Myanmar, Busaya Mathelin of Thailand and Nguyen Quoc Dzung of Vietnam.
Chinese structures on an island in the Spratlys. (photo by Erik De Castro, Reuters)
After years of consultations and discussions on the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nation senior officials have finally wrapped up talks on the draft framework for the code of conduct.
The milestone was reached during the 14th Senior Officials’ Meeting on the Implementation of the DOC held Thursday at the New World Hotel.
“On the COC, we are pleased to announce that the senior officials have completed the negotiations on the draft COC framework,” Chee Wee Kiong, co-chair of the 14th China-ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting, announced in a joint press conference after the meeting.
Chee, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Singapore and coordinator of China-ASEAN relations, said the draft COC framework will be submitted during the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Conference to be held in the Philippines in August this year.
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin and China-ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting co-chair Liu Zhenmin commended their fellow senior officials from the 10 ASEAN member-nations for their hard work and dedication.
“Taking this opportunity, I wish to positively commend and highly appreciate the spirit of mutual respect and cooperation demonstrated by the senior officials and friends from 10 member ASEAN states,” Liu said.
“On the COC consultation, we worked diligently and completed the consultation on the framework of the COC,” the Chinese official said.
The Chinese senior official clarified that the consultation on the COC will continue without “outside interference.”
Liu said the draft framework of COC was the “accumulated outcome of our efforts for the past several years.”
“The COC consultation is a concrete implementation of the DOC framework. Eventually when the COC is completed, it will be an enhancement to the DOC,” Liu said even as he admitted that “it is very difficult to agree in all elements (of the draft COC framework) and it takes time.”
Chee attributed the success of the meeting to the stable situation in the South China Sea and to the series of meetings since the implementation of the DOC in 2002.
”We discussed the South China Sea issue and for the past months, there have been no major disruptions and the situation in the South China Sea and the region has been stable,” he said.
When asked if the COC will be adopted in the next five years, Liu said it would be up to the ASEAN member countries.
“What I can say is that China will make joint efforts with 10 ASEAN member-states to arrive at final COC,” he said.
Aside from Liu and Chee Wee, the senior officials in attendance include Maria Hellen Barber-Dela Vega of the Philippines, Emaleen Abd Rahman Teo of Brunei Darussalam, Kah Pharidh of Cambodia, Jose Antonio Morato of Indonesia, Phongsavanh Sisoulath of Laos, Joji Samuel M C Samuel of Malaysia, U Myint Thu of Myanmar, Busaya Mathelin of Thailand and Nguyen Quoc Dzung of Vietnam.
ASEAN officers tour South China Sea on board Japan’s helicopter carrier
From InterAksyon (Jun 19): ASEAN officers tour South China Sea on board Japan’s helicopter carrier
The Japanese helicopter carrier Izumo is seen in this June 4, 2017 file photo by the Malacañang Photo Service-PCOO, when the ship docked in the Philippines, and President Duterte was given a tour onboard.
Southeast Asian military officers have embarked on a four-day tour of the South China Sea on the Japanese navy’s Izumo helicopter carrier in the latest sign Japan is stepping up efforts to counter growing Chinese influence.
The officers from the 10-member Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) joined the Japanese ship in Singapore on Monday, the Japanese Ministry of Defense said in an outline of the plan.
Other ASEAN military representatives will attend a separate three-day event from Tuesday in Japan, to observe Self Defense Forces (SDF) military disaster relief drills, the ministry said.
“It is the first time we have done this,” a ministry official said at a press briefing in Tokyo.
The events show a hitherto unseen degree of coordination between Japan’s military services and civilian defense officials to bolster foreign ties.
It also marks a concerted push into military diplomacy by Japan’s hawkish prime minister, Shinzo Abe.
Japan is worried that China is cementing its control in the South China Sea with the construction of island bases, arms sales and development aid. Some $5 trillion of ship-borne trade passes through the strategic waterway each year, much of it sailing to and from Japanese ports.
As Japan looks for a greater regional security role as part of its alliance with the United States, Abe’s administration believes Japan is better placed than the United States to woo Southeast Asian nations away from Chinese influence.
Japan can help bolster countries’ capabilities in disaster relief and is able to emphasize its status as a fellow Asian nation, two Japanese government officials told Reuters, asking not to be identified because they are not authorized to talk to the media.
A 2014 military coup in Thailand means that the US government has limited engagement with the regime there, while US relations with the Philippines have been strained since President Rodrigo Duterte took office last year, seeking to reduce what he sees as dependence on the United States.
Another plank of Japan’s emerging military diplomacy is military-industrial cooperation. Abe in 2014 ended a decades-old weapons export ban, allowing Japan to offer arms technology as a lure for closer military ties.
Japan last week held a military technology seminar with representatives of Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.
The Japanese helicopter carrier Izumo is seen in this June 4, 2017 file photo by the Malacañang Photo Service-PCOO, when the ship docked in the Philippines, and President Duterte was given a tour onboard.
Southeast Asian military officers have embarked on a four-day tour of the South China Sea on the Japanese navy’s Izumo helicopter carrier in the latest sign Japan is stepping up efforts to counter growing Chinese influence.
The officers from the 10-member Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) joined the Japanese ship in Singapore on Monday, the Japanese Ministry of Defense said in an outline of the plan.
Other ASEAN military representatives will attend a separate three-day event from Tuesday in Japan, to observe Self Defense Forces (SDF) military disaster relief drills, the ministry said.
“It is the first time we have done this,” a ministry official said at a press briefing in Tokyo.
The events show a hitherto unseen degree of coordination between Japan’s military services and civilian defense officials to bolster foreign ties.
It also marks a concerted push into military diplomacy by Japan’s hawkish prime minister, Shinzo Abe.
Japan is worried that China is cementing its control in the South China Sea with the construction of island bases, arms sales and development aid. Some $5 trillion of ship-borne trade passes through the strategic waterway each year, much of it sailing to and from Japanese ports.
As Japan looks for a greater regional security role as part of its alliance with the United States, Abe’s administration believes Japan is better placed than the United States to woo Southeast Asian nations away from Chinese influence.
Japan can help bolster countries’ capabilities in disaster relief and is able to emphasize its status as a fellow Asian nation, two Japanese government officials told Reuters, asking not to be identified because they are not authorized to talk to the media.
A 2014 military coup in Thailand means that the US government has limited engagement with the regime there, while US relations with the Philippines have been strained since President Rodrigo Duterte took office last year, seeking to reduce what he sees as dependence on the United States.
Another plank of Japan’s emerging military diplomacy is military-industrial cooperation. Abe in 2014 ended a decades-old weapons export ban, allowing Japan to offer arms technology as a lure for closer military ties.
Japan last week held a military technology seminar with representatives of Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.
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