Monday, July 31, 2017

Military says residents of towns around Marawi can go home

From Rappler (Jul 31): Military says residents of towns around Marawi can go home

But residents of Marawi City itself are not yet allowed to return to their homes due to the dangers posed by stray bullets and unexploded bombs

ESCAPING VIOLENCE. Internally displaced persons pass through a checkpoint in Iligan City on May 24, 2017, following armed clashes between the Maute Group and government forces in Marawi City. File photo by Bobby Lagsa/Rappler

ESCAPING VIOLENCE. Internally displaced persons pass through a checkpoint in Iligan City on May 24, 2017, following armed clashes between the Maute Group and government forces in Marawi City. File photo by Bobby Lagsa/Rappler

The military is now encouraging evacuees who came from towns surrounding Marawi City to return home as the government begins early efforts to bring some normalcy to the area.

"Residents of municipalities within Lake Lanao and outside of Marawi City can now go back to their respective residences passing through alternate routes," said Brigadier General Restituto Padilla, spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

He was speaking on Monday, July 31, during a Palace news briefing.

Those who wish to return to their homes can take the Saguiaran-Piagapo Road in the northern part of Malabang to Lanao del Sur Road in the southern part.

Padilla clarified some news reports that claimed the military has allowed evacuees from Marawi City itself to go home.

"The signal for the return of the residents applies only to those from outside municipalities not within Marawi, but those within the vicinity of the lake," he said.

Evacuees from Marawi City, however, can now choose to stay with relatives who live in those towns around Lake Lanao and outside the besieged city.

They will continue receiving government assistance. Padilla advised them to register with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office so they can be counted among those to receive relief goods.

Residents of towns surrounding Marawi City had evacuated from their homes in the early days of the conflict, fearing a spillover of the violence.

Appeal to Marawi residents
Padilla stressed to evacuees from Marawi City not to go home yet as the city remains a dangerous place.

"Don't return to your homes yet because you will be facing a great danger," he said in Filipino.

He cited the example of one resident who tried to go home and was hit by a stray bullet on the way. Fortunately, the civilian survived.

"You may have been saved by staying in evacuation centers for more than 7 months but it might be the return to your homes that will be the death of you," said Padilla.

Aside from stray bullets and terrorists having control of two and a half barangays in Marawi, there is also the danger posed by unexploded bombs.

The military is now focused on clearing the city of these. Clearing operations have slowed down because they are now being conducted in the city proper where there is an abundance of hidden improvised explosive devices or IEDs.

The military said it is trying its best to end the conflict, now on its 10th week, as soon as possible.

There are an estimated 40 to 60 terrorists still inside Marawi City, said Padilla. Some 80 to 100 hostages remain in enemy hands.

Some of them are supposedly being held in a major mosque which is being used by the terrorists as a "safe haven."

The government assured Marawi residents that progress is being made in the establishment of transitional shelters for them.

A private citizen donated an 11-hectare lot as the location of these shelters, said Office of Civil Defense Assistant Secretary Kristoffer James Purisima. (READ: Ground work begins for Marawi relocation site)

The government has also finished conducting Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment. A report on the findings is set to be released this week.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/177275-military-residents-towns-around-marawi-home

MILF: Security Forces, BIAF-MILF jointly serve arrest warrant against illegal drugs suspect in Sultan

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Jul 31): Security Forces, BIAF-MILF jointly serve arrest warrant against illegal drugs suspect in Sultan



ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat—The Security forces composed of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) together with the members 106th Base Command of Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) headed by 1st Brigade Commander Stallion Mama have jointly served arrest warrants to identified drug suspects in Sitio Kalumpang, Barangay Laguilayan, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.
The operation resulted to the arrest of Datu Mori Sinenggayan, male, married, and a resident of the said barangay on Saturday, July 28.

According to the military report, they have recovered 1 carbine, .45 caliber pistol and ammunition but no illegal drugs or ‘shabu’ has been obtained to the said suspect.

The government enforcement is headed by PS/SUPT Raul Supiter, Provincial Director of Sultan Kudarat Police Provincial Office (SKPPO) and Commander Mama of 105th Base Command of the BIAF-MILF.

Commander Mama told to reporters that the joint operation was the result of protocol on anti-drug campaign signed between the government and the MILF to work together to undertake drug enforcement actions against suspected drug users and traffickers.

The PNP appreciated and thanked the MILF combatants in their participation in the operation that resulted to the success of the campaign program.

The security forces and the BIAF in Sultan Kudarat Province agreed to continue the partnership in combating illegal drugs in the area.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/942/security-forces--biaf-milf-jointly-serve-arrest-warrant-against-illegal-drugs-suspect-in-sultan-

CPP/NPA-Palawan: Terorismong Militar sa Palawan: Nagpapatuloy!

NPA-Palawan propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Jul 29): Terorismong Militar sa Palawan: Nagpapatuloy!

Salvador Luminoso, Spokesperson
NPA-Palawan (Bienvenido Vallever Command)

29 July 2017

Mahigpit na kinukundena Ng BVC ang patuloy na terorismong inihahasik Ng AFP at PNP sa buong lalawigan bilang bahagi ng US-COIN guide Oplan Kapayapaan ng rehiming US-Duterte.

Sa loob lamang ng dalawang buwang implementasyon nito sa mga target area ng kampanya ay nagresulta ito ng malubhang paglabag sa karapatang pantao tulad ng dislokasyon ng mga katutubo at pagkaiwan sa kanilang kaingin, pamamaril sa apat kataong katutubo na taga PIADP Bonobono na nangingilaw lamang ng ibon at pinaghinalaan na NPA. Nagresulta ito ng dalawa sa mga katutubo ang sugatan. Sumunod na pangyayari ay ang pang-aaresto sa buong pamilya ng isang chieftain na kilalang Polog na taga Marinsyawon, Bonobono Bataraza na maging ang mga asawa nito na mga buntis ay dinala sa kampo Ng mga marines. Habang nasa daan ay binubugbog ng mga sundalo ang mga kalalakihan at di pa nasiyahan ay inihulog sa truck si Chief Polog at pinalalabas na tumalon daw ito. Sa kasalukuyan ay nasa ospital pa ito.

Sa mga sityo naman na sakop ng Culasian Rizal, walang tigil ang ginagawang pambobomba gamit ang mortar at pagpapaputok ng mga grenade launcher matapos Ang dramang labanan o kung di man drama ay misencounter sa pagitan ng mga militar mismo noong 27 ng Hulyo bandang alas-tres ng hapon at kinabukasan naman ay nagpasabog muli ng bomba sa pagitan naman ng Bulalacao at Malihud sa Bataraza.

Samantalang sa bahaging Norte Naman ng lalawigan na Kung saan may mahigpit na pagtutol ang mga mangingisda sa PCSD AO#5 ay tinutugis din ang mga lider-mangingisda at hinuli ang mag-asawang Labaho at 2 pang kasamahan nito na umanoy kasapi ng NPA at kinasuhan agad Ng illegal position of explosive na Kung saan ay walang katumbas na piyansa.

Ang mga kaganapang ito sa Palawan na nangyayari din sa iba pang panig ng bansa ay ang tunay na mukha ng Oplan Kapayapaan na walang ipinag-iba sa Oplan Bayanihan ng nagdaang rehimen. Mas masahol pa nga ang Oplan Kapayapaan dahil may kakabit itong martial law sa Mindanao subalit ipinapatupad din sa buong bansa sa tabing ng anti-terorismong kampanya ng AFP at PNP sa dikta ng US na syang tunay na terorista sa buong daigdig.

Biguin ang terorismong hatid ng imperyalismong US at mga kasabwat nitong lokal na papet!

Palakasin ang rebolusyon at ibagsak any buong naghaharing sistema! Itayo ang soslistang lipunan.

Mabuhay ang sambayanang Pilipino!

Mabuhay ang CPP NPA NDFP!

Mabuhay ang Rebolusyon!

Southeast Asian States Vow Cooperation on 'Growing' Militant Threat

From US News & World Report (Jul 29): Southeast Asian States Vow Cooperation on 'Growing' Militant Threat

Reuters

Combat seized weapons are display by Philippines army during a news conference, as government troops continue their assault against insurgents from the Maute group in Marawi city, Philippines July 4, 2017. REUTERS/Jorge Silva Reuters

MANADO, Indonesia (Reuters) - Southeast Asian nations will cooperate more closely with intelligence and law enforcement authorities from the Middle East amid "grave concerns" about an elevated threat from Islamic State (IS) in the region.
Representatives from four Southeast Asian nations, Australia and New Zealand met in the Indonesian city of Manado on Saturday to develop a response to the increased danger posed by IS, highlighted by the occupation of parts of the southern Philippines city of Marawi by militants owing allegiance to the group.

The battle has sparked alarm that as IS suffers reversals in Iraq and Syria, it is seeking to create a stronghold in the region, buttressed by Southeast Asian fighters returning from the Middle East and other militants inspired by the ultra-radical group and the Marawi conflict.

Describing the regional threat from Islamist militants as growing and rapidly evolving, a joint statement by the participants called for enhanced information sharing, as well as cooperation on border control, deradicalisation, law reform and countering Islamists' prolific use of social media to plan attacks and lure recruits.

"We must face the threat together," said Wiranto, Indonesia's co-ordinating minister for security.

The meeting was co-hosted by Indonesia and Australia. The other participants were Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei and New Zealand.

The main initiative was a law enforcement dialogue to be co-hosted by the Indonesian and Australian police forces in August bringing together key stakeholders affected by IS.

Two senior law enforcement sources at the Manado meeting said countries from the Middle East, including Turkey, would attend the summit to kick off cooperation across the two regions.

Islamic State has a dedicated military unit made up of hundreds of Southeast Asian fighters in Syria and Iraq led by Indonesian militant Bahrumsyah.

According to Indonesian police, there are 510 Indonesian supporters of Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, including 113 women.

About 20 Islamist fighters from Indonesia are believed by counter-terrorism authorities to be fighting in Marawi, a predominantly Muslim city on the Philippines island of Mindanao which has been a hotbed of Islamist unrest for decades and a magnet for militants from around the region.

One of leaders of the militants in Marawi is a Malaysian Islamic studies lecturer, Ahmad Mahmud, who arranged financing and the recruitment of foreign fighters.

POOR RECORD OF COOPERATION

While the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the multilateral regional forum made up of 10 nations, has long had a framework for cooperation on combating violent extremism, analysts and officials say coordination has been poor.

A report last week from the Jakarta-based Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict identified "formidable obstacles" to greater cooperation between Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, the front-line states facing the Islamist threat in Southeast Asia.

"These include the deep-seated political distrust between the Philippines and Malaysia that impedes information sharing; concern from Indonesia and Malaysia police about mixed loyalties of local counterparts in Mindanao, especially given clan and family links; and institutional disjunctures that give the lead in counter-terrorism to the police in Indonesia and Malaysia but to the military in the Philippines," the report said.

After more than two months of intense fighting, IS-aligned militants still control part of Marawi. Over 600 people have been killed, including 45 civilians and 114 members of the security forces. The government has said the other dead are militants.

https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2017-07-29/southeast-asian-states-vow-cooperation-on-growing-militant-threat

DoJ sets hearing on suspected Maute members

From Business World (Jul 31): DoJ sets hearing on suspected Maute members

THE DEPARTMENT of Justice (DoJ) in Manila has taken the lead in the case filed against 58 suspected members of the Maute terrorist group and an alleged lone recruiter.
State prosecutors, led by Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Peter L. Ong, headed the inquest proceedings of the 59, who were flown in from Zamboanga del Sur, at the main office of the DoJ last Friday.

Among the 59 facing rebellion complaints is Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) member Nur Supian, who was identified by the 58 as their recruiter.
 
The DoJ said the preliminary investigation hearing will continue on Aug. 14, 2:00 p.m. The suspects are expected to file their counter-affidavit or their defense on the next hearing.

Justice Undersecretary Erickson H. Balmes, in a message, said the arrested “claimed that they were MNLF/MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) but MNLF/MILF denied them.”
 
The MNLF and the MILF have committed to the peace process and both were represented in the Bangasamoro Transition Commission that drafted the latest proposal for a new Bangsamoro political and geographic entity.

All the 59 suspects are currently detained at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.

Once the case reaches court trial, it will be handled by the Taguig Regional Trial Court as ordered by the Supreme Court.
 

NPA rebel killed in Masbate clash

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 31): NPA rebel killed in Masbate clash



A suspected member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in an encounter with soldiers in Baleno town in Masbate province Monday morning.

Captain Randy Llunar, public affairs officer of Army’s 9th Infantry Division, said members of the 21st and the 22nd Infantry Batallions were conducting combat operations when they encountered 15 NPAs in Barangay (village) Gangao at about 5:40 a.m.

An unidentified rebel was killed in the firefight and an M16 assault rifle was recovered from the clash site, the military said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/919040/npa-rebel-killed-in-masbate-clash-2

Army urges public to cooperate with security forces

From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 31): Army urges public to cooperate with security forces

The Army officials and field unit commanders on Monday appealed to the public to cooperate with the government security forces by providing timely and accurate information about the presence of the New People’s Army (NPA) in their respective communities to prevent any terroristic activities.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
Battalion commanders and operational control (Opcon) unit commanders under the operational control of the Army’s 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade also asked residents and rural business communities to immediately report to them any alleged extortion activities perpetrated by the NPA, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).
 
“The timely information about the presence of the NPA can prevent terroristic activities against business establishments and communities,” said 402nd Brigade commander Col. Franco Nemesio Gacal, in a press statement.

“We cannot let the NPA terrorists roam around and continue to sow fear and conduct economic sabotage in the province,” he added.

The 402nd Brigade commander cited the July 18, 2017 incident where the NPA chopped down the ready-to-harvest banana plants owned by DOLE Philippines-Stanfilco and burned six contract vehicles (five Isuzu Elf vans and one Bonggo truck) in Barangay Anahao Daan, Tago town, Surigao del Sur.

After a week, two separate harassments also took place where the CAA Patrol Base in Matho, Cortes town (Surigao del Sur) and Pandanon Patrol Base in Barangay Pandanon in Tandag City, were fired upon by the NPA, military report said.

Based on the report received from the 36th Infantry Battalion (36th IB), one unarmed and in civilian attire trooper was killed in action after the NPA harassed the Pandanon Patrol Base. Accordingly, the trooper was there to conduct community support activities as part of the government’s development program.

Gacal and 36th IB commander Lt. Col. Randolph Rojas both condemned the incidents.

Rojas also asked residents to help the government security forces by providing accurate information from any movement or activities by lawless elements, in securing their respective communities.
 

Sulu lawmaker: Probe officials’ aiding of terrorists

From the Manila Times (Jul 30): Sulu lawmaker: Probe officials’ aiding of terrorists

A lawmaker has called for a congressional inquiry into suspected involvement of local officials of Sulu province in trading of illegal drugs and aiding of terrorists now that the National Police Commission (Napolcom) has ordered stripping the Sulu governor and 13 other provincial mayors of their powers over local police for the same unlawful activities.

Rep. Munir Arbison of Sulu made the call recently under House Resolution 1137, noting that local officials are supposed to be at the forefront of the government’s war on illegal drugs and terrorism.

“We need to get down to the bottom of this. Otherwise, the sacrifices of our young and gallant soldiers will just be in vain,” Arbison said in a statement.

Mindanao, which covers Sulu, has been declared under martial law since May 23 by President Rodrigo Duterte to combat the terrorist Maute Group in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.

Congress has granted a five-month extension of martial law and warrantless arrests in Mindanao as requested by the President last week to suppress persistent rebellion from four groups—Maute Group, Abu Sayyaf Group, Ansarul Khilafah Philippines and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

The Napolcom resolution was released on June 4.

Aside from the local officials of Sulu, also stripped of police powers were Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu and 28 Maguindanao mayors; Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr. and 37 Lanao del Sur mayors.; Gov. Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo and 22 Lanao del Norte mayors; Gov. Datu Pax Pakung Mangudadatu and 12 Sultan Kudarat mayors; Gov. Hadjiman Salliman and 10 Basilan mayors; Gov. Nurbert Sahali and nine Tawi-Tawi mayors; and Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi of Cotabato City.

“A scan of the spate of kidnappings that happened in the last 10 years will reveal that local Sulu officials played an indispensable role in kidnapping in the guise of negotiation for ransom in the spate of kidnappings by the Abu Sayyaf Group,” Arbison said in his resolution.

“The Napolcom resolution already points us to the truth that we must all seek out, if we are to fully liberate Sulu and Mindanao from quagmire of extremism and senseless war,” he added.

Arbison cited a copy of an affidavit dated April 12, 2017 and executed by Olaf Ihlau, former editor of German news magazine Der Spiegel, who disclosed that he personally brought the ransom allegedly to the residence of former Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan in exchange for the release of Andres Lorenz in July 2000.

“The inquiry in aid of legislation should result in possible review and amendments of kidnapping and serious illegal detention of the Revised Penal Code, Republic Act 9372 or the Human Security Act of 2007, RA 6975 or the Philippine National Police [PNP] Law and the newly-approved RA 10927 or the Anti-Money Laundering Act,” he said.

In March, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana expressed frustration in the increase in the number of Abu Sayyaf hostages from 18 to 31 since President Rodrigo Duterte took over on June 30, 2016.

“There is no way for President Duterte to succeed in his war against illegal drugs and the Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups if public officials of local government units who are supposed to be in the forefront of our difficult and long battle against these criminals are playing footsies with drug lords and kidnap-for-ransom groups,” Arbison said.

http://www.manilatimes.net/sulu-lawmaker-probe-officials-aiding-of-terrorists/341527/

Bodies of 7 loggers beheaded by Abu Sayyaf found

From The Standars (Jul 31): Bodies of 7 loggers beheaded by Abu Sayyaf found

Local authorities in Basilan have found the bodies of seven (7) loggers recently abducted by the Abu Sayyaf (ASG).

The victims were beheaded by the bandits.

The loggers' remains were discovered along the boundary of Maluso and Lantawan towns.

The bodies were in stage of decomposition.

The first two corpses were spotted on Saturday.

The other five bodies were subsequently discovered a few meters from the area where the two victims were seen.

The loggers were kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf last July 20, 2017 in two separate villages.

The identities of the loggers were identified by their families through the clothes the victims were wearing.

http://thestandard.com.ph/news/-provinces/243263/bodies-of-7-loggers-beheaded-by-abu-sayyaf-found.html

Israeli firm to bag contract for upgrade of 40 PH armored carriers – MaxDefense

From Update Philippines (Jul 31): Israeli firm to bag contract for upgrade of 40 PH armored carriers – MaxDefense
 Israeli Elbit Systems Land and Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) is expected to get a contract from the Philippine government to upgrade 40 Philippine Army M113A2 armored personnel carriers (APC) through direct negotiation, MaxDefense Philippines said today.

MaxDefense Philippines is a known Philippines defense and security observer and analyst.

40 M113A2s to be upgraded are part of 114 APCs donated by United States through its Excess Defense Article (EDA) program. These APCs were delivered in 2015.

Elbit, according to MaxDefense, will be contracted to convert the 40 APCs into platforms armed with a 12.7mm machine guns in Remote Controlled Weapons Stations (RCWS) and Armored Mortar Carriers armed with a Soltam Cardom 120mm mortar.

According to MaxDefense, budget for the mentioned upgrades will be sourced from Revised Armed Force of the Philippines Modernization Program (RA 1034), First Horizon-second list.

First Horizon-second list was derived from the cancelled Shore Based Missile System (SBMS) program.

Elbit already delivered 28 refurbished and upgraded APCs to Philippine military with contract price of PHP882 million, signed in 2014. Upgrades included installation of 25 mm unmanned turrets, 12.7 mm remote controlled weapon stations (RCWS), fire control systems (FCS) for 90 mm turrets, and conversion to recovery units.

 https://www.update.ph/2017/07/israeli-firm-to-bag-contract-for-upgrade-of-40-ph-armored-carriers-maxdefense/19541

Air Force to train more pilots, aircrew for new assets

From Update Philippines (Jul 31): Air Force to train more pilots, aircrew for new assets



Sufficient pilots and aircrews will be trained to ensure the constant operations of the two US-donated Cessna 208B “Caravan” intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft. This was confirmed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla when asked if the military has enough pilots and mechanics for the new planes.

“We do have an initial set of aircrew and we will train more,” he added.

And when asked on the exact figures, Padilla said he has no exact figures for now but stressed that four aircrewmen are usually assigned per military aircraft.

The two aircraft were formally turned over to the Philippines last June 27.

Earlier, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the two Cessna 208Bs will make the Filipino military more capable and flexible in dealing with various threats.

“Looking at the aircraft – and I’m sure that pretty soon these will be filled with sensors. I am overwhelmed at what can they do to support the Armed Forces’ operations on the ground, air and naval operations, as well as in humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR),” he added.

The defense chief pointed out that the planes can also survey Philippine maritime areas and support air operations by aiding in the direction and control of close-air support mission particularly on high mobile targets.

“Furthermore, it can also be utilized for identification of targets for air interdiction and battle damage assessment. in support to ground and naval operations, the Cessna 208B can act as forward observer for artillery and naval gun fire adjustments and tracking terrestrial and littoral movements of threat groups, especially in the southern tri-boundaries of Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. at the same time,” Lorenzana pointed out.

Aside from combat and security operations, he also foresees the Cessna 208Bs playing a valuable role in the various government departments involved in agriculture, fisheries, mining and forestry.

“I can almost see that in the future, these aircraft will be working for the different departments of the government. It will be useful for the agriculture department, the fisheries department, the DENR, to survey the mining areas and the forests, for the Bureau of Fish and Aquatic Resources,” Lorenzana pointed out.

The Cessna 208B has a cruising speed of around 170 knots and has a range of over 1,000 nautical miles and capable of transporting eight to nine persons, including the pilot.

https://www.update.ph/2017/07/air-force-to-train-more-pilots-aircrew-for-new-assets/19551

Suspected rebels burn heavy equipment in Siaton

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 31): Suspected rebels burn heavy equipment in Siaton

Suspected New People's Army rebels yesterday burned two heavy equipment of a construction firm in Brgy. Katikugan, Siaton town, Negros Oriental, the military said.

The armed suspects, who were on board three motorcycles, torched the heavy equipment of Medalla Construction near Siaton River, Maj. Gen. Jon Aying, 3rd Infantry Division commander, said.

Aying added that the suspects fired their M-16 rifles, and shouted “Mabuhay ang NPA (Long live the NPA)” as they left the scene of incident, on board the motorcycles.

The atrocities came more than a week after suspected rebels also ambushed policemen in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, while responding to a call for help from a city councilor and his two companions. Six policemen and a civilian were killed.

Aying slammed the continued atrocities committed by the NPA in the Negros Island Region.

During his visit to Negros Oriental Thursday, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered security forces to be more aggressive in their operations against the NPA, following the series of tactical offensives launched by communist rebels, despite the peace talks.

Troopers of the Regional Public Safety Battalion are now assisting the Philippine Army in the conduct of pursuit operations against the fleeing suspects.

Recovered at the scene of incident were empty shells of various calibers of firearms and a container filled with gasoline.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/July/31/negor2.htm

Joma Sison: Duterte is PH's top drug addict

From Rappler (Jul 30): Joma Sison: Duterte is PH's top drug addict

The Communist Party of the Philippines founder also calls the President an 'utterly stupid' coward 

  WORD WAR. Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria 'Joma' Sison calls President Rodrigo Duterte the 'number one drug addict' in the Philippines.

WORD WAR. Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria 'Joma' Sison calls President Rodrigo Duterte the 'number one drug addict' in the Philippines.

The word war between President Rodrigo Duterte and Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria "Joma" Sison seems far from over.

Sison, in a statement on Sunday, July 30, called Duterte the "number one drug addict" in the country who should be the target of the police.

"As an addict user of the opioid fentanyl, Duterte is the number one drug addict in the Philippines and is the most fitting target of the police units that he has turned into death squads and corrupted with money and promotions," the CPP founder said.

Duterte previously said he took fentanyl, a strong painkiller.

Sison also described the President as a "coward through and through" for failing to fulfill his threats to kill alleged drug lord Peter Lim as well as Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino Jr and retired police officer Marcelo Garbo who he has accused of being drug protectors.

Duterte's order to reinstate Superintendent Marvin Marcos was another form of cowardice, said Sison. Marcos led the team involved in the death of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr.

"But he (Duterte) has enjoyed the most the mass murder of suspected poor drug users and pushers in the urban slums by the thousands ... and has openly assured the obvious murderers in authority that they have the license to kill with impunity," Sison said.

Going further, the CPP founder also called the President "utterly stupid" for failing to realize that he has incited the "people and revolutionary forces" against him because of the drug-related killings and martial law in Mindanao.
"Many people, including his so-called diehard supporters, are waking up to the fact that the illegal drug trade continues to thrive even in Bilibid and that Duterte has been favoring certain drug lords by delivering the street market to them where the low-level pushers of other drug syndicates have been slaughtered," Sison said.

Tensions rose between the two after Duterte claimed Sison is dying due to colon cancer. Sison has since denied this.

Prior to that, the President said he will no longer negotiate for peace after members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) were wounded in a clash with the New People's Army (NPA). (READ: Duterte dares Joma Sison, 'Come home and fight')

Duterte has also ordered the military to focus on neutralizing NPA forces once the crisis in Marawi City is resolved.
 

Peace education pushed as antidote to extremism

From MindaNews (Jul 30): Peace education pushed as antidote to extremism

Apart from restoring the physical facilities and infrastructure lost in the siege of Marawi, a Maranao educator urged the country’s education officials to make the rebuilding effort an opportunity to revisit the education curriculum.

Dr. Nagasura T. Madale, a cultural anthropologist, said it is important to strengthen peace education and start it among the young to prevent, in the longer term, the growth of violent extremism especially in areas of the country vulnerable to inroads by Islamic State-linked militants.

“Educational institutions must teach the concept of peace and non-violence as an alternative option to resolve conflicts,” emphasized Madale, a retired professor at the Mindanao State University.

He cited as an instance that as a result of the Marawi siege, there is a need to “manage the relations between and among Maranaos, Maranaos and non-Maranaos, and Maranaos and the broader society.”

Interviewed Saturday in the sidelines of the International Conference on Marawi Post-Conflict Reconstruction here, Madale explained that the effort at fostering inter-cultural understanding among the various peoples of Mindanao and the rest of the country “must be boosted in order to increase our society’s collective capacity to address the phenomenon of extremism and radicalism.”



Madale’s proposal echoes the sentiments of the Bishops-Ulama Conference (BUC), a key institution for dialogue in Mindanao, and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, a retired soldier.

In a recent statement, the BUC and its dialogue partners said “peace education is one best antidote to violent extremism.”

“Rebuilding Marawi means restoring broken relationships among peoples and the key institutions for fostering inter- and intra-faith dialogue, and inter-cultural understanding,” the statement read.

“For us, rebuilding Marawi is about cultivating a society that embraces social, cultural, political and religious diversity… (and) a national community that is respectful of the aspirations of various peoples,” the statement further read.

“I believe in the need to rebuild relations,” Lorenzana said in his keynote address.

Bringing normalcy
In a message read for her, Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones told conference participants that “more than just repairing and rebuilding classrooms,” the challenge for the Department of Education (DepEd) is “how we can bring back normalcy to our students’ lives.”

“Education must continue (as) education cannot wait,” Briones said.

Briones added that the agency is now in the thick of preparing for the eventual reopening of classes in war-torn Marawi “once the go ahead has been given.”

She is confident the agency’s ‘Adopt-A-School in Marawi’ initiative, students “are able to come to class with books, and pencils, and paper, and more than just a roof over their heads.”

DepEd assistant secretary Resvee Escobido said that as a result of the continued fighting, some 14 schools have sustained damages, all accounting for about 203 classrooms.

Total cost to rebuild these infrastructure and restore its related facilities is estimated to be P2.3 billion, Escobido added.

House support for rebuilding

Cagayan de Oro Rep. Maximo Rodriguez assured the conference participants, mostly coming from the Maranao civil society community, that the House leadership is committed to supporting the needs of Marawi’s reconstruction.

Rodriguez disclosed that part of the financial requirements for the effort will be contained in a supplemental budget being drawn at the House.

Apart from Rodriguez, some other current stalwarts of the so-called Mindanao bloc in the House attended the conference: Bukidnon Rep. Malou Acosta-Alba, Iligan City Rep. Frederick Siao, and Deputy House Speaker Ferdinand Hernandez of South Cotabato.

Rodriguez said the Mindanao bloc will ensure the funds for rebuilding are made available through the necessary legislative actions.

Lorenzana said the rebuilding effort may be “slow and painstaking” and might need more than P20 billion which is the budget committed by President Duterte, so far.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/07/peace-education-pushed-as-antidote-to-extremism/

Sayyaf beheads 7 hostages in Basilan province

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jul 31): Sayyaf beheads 7 hostages in Basilan province

Police on Monday said 7 people seized by Abu Sayyaf had been found dead and decapitated in the restive province of Basilan in southern Philippines.

Their decomposing bodies were discovered in separate areas in Lantawan town where the militants abducted them last week. The victims’ families, police said, had identified and claimed the cadavers.

Two of those beheaded were pro-government militias Roberto Lacastesantos and Renato Casiple and the others – Mamerto Falcasantos, Rene Sanson, Hernando Sally, Nestor Divinagracia and Ely Divinagracia – were loggers.

Their families demanded justice for the brutal murders. The military and provincial government did not issue any statement, but security and government officials previously trumpeted the surrender of dozens of Abu Sayyaf fighters in Basilan since last year and claimed the militants were on the run due to relentless operation against them.

Those who surrendered were also provided financial aid and livelihood program while others allegedly helped the military in the operations against the Abu Sayyaf, blamed by authorities for the spate of killings and ransom kidnappings in Basilan.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/sayyaf-beheads-7-hostages-in-basilan-province/

US transfers weapons and munitions to AFP to support counterterrorism Operations

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 31): US transfers weapons and munitions to AFP to support counterterrorism Operations

Officials from the Joint United States Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG) recently delivered 1,040 2.75” rocket motors and 992 2.75" rockets to the Philippine Air Force (PAF) through the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA). 

These timely transfers greatly enhance the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) counterterrorism efforts.

They are part of a series of upcoming transfers from the U.S. military to multiple branches of the AFP through both MLSA and the security assistance program.

Through the MLSA, the AFP is able to receive select munitions and equipment from U.S. military stock in an accelerated process reserved for allies and close partners of the United States.

The munitions and weapons deliveries will enhance the AFP’s counterterrorism capabilities, and directly support AFP members actively engaged in counterterrorism operations in the southern Philippines, including Marawi. 

Upcoming weapons deliveries include 250 rocket-propelled grenade launchers and 1,000 M203 grenade launchers delivered to the Philippine Army through the security assistance program.

The United States is a proud and steadfast ally of the Philippines and will continue to provide support to the AFP’s long-term modernization goals and counterterrorism needs.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2131501341956/us-transfers-weapons-and-munitions-to-afp-to-support-counterterrorism-operations

Young Moro professionals educate Tri-People youth on peace-building

From  the Philippine News Agency (Jul 31): Young Moro professionals educate Tri-People youth on peace-building

In their will to cultivate the "Culture of Peace" in the hearts of Mindanaoan youth, three young Moro professionals shared their knowledge and ideas on peace-building among more than a hundred young Christians, Muslims and Indigenous Peoples (Tri-People) delegates of Youth for Peace Movement TALBOS 3rd Regional Youth Leaders Congress held June 30 to July 2, 2017 in Alabel, Sarangani Province.

The three facilitators were Jocelyn Lambac-Kanda, an instructress from Holy Trinity College, Prof. JovarPantao of Mindanao State University-General Santos and KaharudinDalaten, a development worker from the provincial government of Sarangani.

Lambac-Kanda discussed the topic “Cultivating the Culture of Peace and Empathy” which she pointed out as a basic formula in conflict resolution.”

“Amidst the armed conflicts that sow hatred, distrust and bigotry among the Filipinos being experienced in our country,” Kanda said. “The youth, with their energy, connections and enthusiasm in advocating peace, can produce change in society.”

Pantao handled a lecture-workshop entitled "Turning Point: Exploring my Inner Peace," which facilitated the participants to discover peace from within themselves and how it can radiate to others.

Last May 16-18, the young Moro professor facilitated "Tudlo Kalilintad: Culture of Peace Training for Muslim Educators" participated by Muslim teachers of Sarangani.

In support for the implementation of the integration of Peace Education in the curriculum of public schools, Pantao also led a team in the development of Peace Education Module for the Teachers.

Dalaten presented a briefer on the situation of Mindano Youth and facilitated a workshop on how the participants can reflect and discover their role in addressing issues affecting the youth like less participation to local governance, violent extremism and illegal drugs.

Kanda and Pantao were both United Nations Association of the Philippines Outstanding Youth Leadership Awardees in 2009 while Dalaten was the 2016 Youth Ambassador for Peace-Asia of United Nations Universal Peace Federation.

The activity was spearheaded by Youth for Peace Movement TALBOS, a network of young leaders, with the support of Sulong Sarangani Program, a flagship program of the Office of the Governor of Sarangani.

Expressing their gratitude to the facilitators, the participants, all youth leaders from Regions 11 and 12, committed to foster understanding and unity in their respective communities through propagating the culture of peace.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1003878

Tausug uses paintbrush to advocate peace

From  the Philippine News Agency (Jul 31): Tausug uses paintbrush to advocate peace



Tausug painter Rameer Amilasan Tawasil is using the canvass to bat for peace, drawing inspiration from his dark childhood marred by bloodshed and the chaos of the Moro rebellion.

For his masterpieces, Tawasil uses critical thinking to promote a common understanding of Mindanao in a bid to highlight the Moro people’s rich cultural heritage.

“I was once asked why I always paint peace-related themes since Zamboanga City is fairly peaceful. I tried to explain to them that it is like living inside a peaceful house and yet the surrounding neighborhood is always in trouble. One way or another, it will affect the over-all peace condition,” Tawasil told the Philippines News Agency.

“It is our responsibility to do our share to create a peaceful environment,” he noted.

A native of Sulu, Tawasil grew up at the height of the Moro rebellion during the chaotic years of Martial Law. At the tender age of six, he, along with his family, hurriedly left to safety in Zamboanga City as bombs dropped and wiped out the entire downtown Jolo, the province’ capital, in 1974.

“It was a painful experience,” he recalled.

It did not stop there, however. Soon after they returned to Jolo after the lifting of Martial Law, armed conflict again erupted. This time, it was a bloody feud between political clans in the island province.

The cycle of violence went on as the Moro rebels renewed their battle against government forces in Sulu.

“Those traumatic experiences led me to passionately work towards a peaceful Mindanao,” he stressed.

Growing up at this backdrop, the young Tawasil soon sought comfort through his sculptures and sketches.

It did not take long until some of his teachers in Zamboanga City and in Jolo noticed his talent.

From then on, Tawasil mastered the “ukkil” brush strokes, which is a form of Tausug carving done even before the Spaniards introduced Western painting in the Philippines.

“I learned a lot from my grandmother on my maternal side. I learned to appreciate Tausug art when I helped her make some patterns for her embroidery designs for ‘patajung,’” he said.

Patajung is a piece of cloth elegantly used by Tausug women in Sulu as an additional ornament.

He further developed his skills through the works of legendary late Tausug artist Abdulmari Imao, who went on to become the first Moro National Artist for Sculpture in 2006.

Tawasil came to learn about Imao’s works during his high school days in Hadji Butu School of Arts and Trade, where they both graduated.

“During my high school days, I was impressed by the mastery of Imao. His sculptures are being displayed in offices inside the campus. I got curious. One day, when I went home from school, I gathered some mud along the road. I experiment and throw some designs,” he recalled.

Several years passed, the two Moro artists eventually met during an exhibit in Manila sometime in 1996. Imao encouraged the young artist to further study the rich culture of the Moros in Sulu archipelago, and expose their masterpieces to the public.

“There is a need to let people outside of Sulu and Mindanao to appreciate our native art. In this way, people will learn about our culture and spread common understanding in this highly-diverse country,” Tawasil said.

As his mastery in art progressed, Tawasil did not stop from painting the rich culture of the Tausugs and Badjaos as he went on to put more twists and intrigues in his art works. Exhibits after exhibits, Tawasil’s works always connote his visual commentary of issues in the society.

One of his prominent artworks is the 4x5 feet anti-war painting, entitled the “Burning of Jolo.” Wrapped in fiery red and dark yellow colors, Tawasil highlighted the suffering of a mother and child as bombs were being dropped in Jolo. The masterpiece was inspired from Spanish painter Pablo Picasso’s “Guernica.”

In his previous exhibit, Tawasil once admitted that he is using his “canvass as a statement against war.”

“I painted them not because I'm a Muslim, not because I am a Mindanaoan or a citizen of this country. I painted them as a citizen of humanity. I hope somewhere between my canvass and emotions, it will touch you," he said.

When viewing his artworks, one will observe the colorful yet strong messages on how authorities dumped the island provinces of Sulu and Basilan with ammunition and other life-threatening war machines instead of livelihoods and social services.

Entitling it as "Mindanao still (steel) life," the 101.5 centimeters x 80 centimeters mixed media art painting showed the ironic gleams of his personal perception on what is happening in his home province. For instance, durian and mangosteen fruits are turned into hand grenades, an attack helicopter transformed into dragonfly, and instead of carabaos (water buffalo), Tawasil distorted it into tanks and armored-car.

There is also the brightly colored "ARMM Tricycle," which connotes the undeveloped social economic status of the people affected by the cycle of armed conflict.

He also experiments by using other medium and images, such as the heart-wrenching painting of women selling "peace" hindered by guns stuck with PHP20 bills on their barrels.

Some of his exhibits also displayed the unfinished portrait of Moro National Liberation Front’s founding chairman and former ARMM Gov. Nur Misuari-- depicting his failure to bring progress even after signing the peace agreement with the government on September 2, 1996.

There is also the undone painting of the Bud Dajo (Mount Dajo) massacre during the colonial occupation of the Americans in Sulu. Started in 2006 during the centennial commemoration of the massacre, the artwork never saw the lights of exhibit halls -- just like those thousands of victims who have never achieve their quest for justice.

Although majority of his works cries the hideous and distorted images of war, Tawasil also offers the public the common activities of his fellow Muslim and common scenes in their communities -- using an uncommon style and effect.

As a social peace activist, Tawasil conceptualized the iconic “peace dove” logo that has become a peace campaign symbol and being widely used by civil society groups during the Mindanao Week of Peace.

In 2011, he joined the delegation to revisit the centuries-old relations between China and the Sulu Sultanate in Mindanao. The visit came as China and Philippines were trading accusations over the territorial issue in the West Philippine Sea.

Tawasil presented to Chinese officials his artworks showing the rich political power of the Sulu Sultanate during a visit in Dezhou City in Shan-Dong province in eastern China.

The Chinese government invited him to help in a project to setup a museum in honor of Sultan Paduka Batara of East Sulu State, who died in China during an official visit more than six centuries ago.

In 2013, Tawasil led a group of artists in occupying the Normal Road in front of the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) to call for a peaceful solution on the Sabah crisis, by literally covering the walls and the paved street with hues of various colors. The event was an attempt to send their message across to end the bloodbath in Sabah between Malaysian forces and the followers of the Sultan of Sulu.

Tawasil admitted that his being a social peace activist forms a huge part of his artistry.

He is set to mount an exhibit in Manila near Malacañan Palace next month.

“Right now, I’m focusing on the Badjaos. They have been marginalized. It is but fitting to let the public understand these beautiful people. They are great divers, sophisticated boat makers and very peaceful people,” Tawasil said.

He said at least 20 artworks are due to be displayed. Details of the exhibit will be finalized soon.

“I’m just hoping that I could contribute even a little to the realization of peace in Mindanao,” Tawasil said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1003858

Former fighter braves bullets to save lives

From  the Philippine News Agency (Jul 31): Former fighter braves bullets to save lives



The Marawi crisis has become a major test of its people's character.

Although most of the city's residents have fled to safer ground, there are those who have chosen to stay behind and risk their lives to help those who have been caught in the crossfire.

Among them is Ali Asgar Solaiman, a member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and a native of Marawi.

Solaiman is among dozens of MILF members who now serve as volunteers of the Joint Coordination, Monitoring and Assistance Center (JCMAC).

The JCMAC was created through the "Peace Corridor" initiative which aims to a provide a safe and secure zone for civilians fleeing the conflict, as well as a reliable space where humanitarian assistance can pass through.

The Peace Corridor is under the oversight of the GPH-MILF peace implementing panels.

Since the Peace Corridor opened on June 4, Solaiman and his MILF comrades have braved sniper fire and helped in the successful retrieval of 282 civilians trapped in the conflict zone.

Solaiman shared that the Marawi crisis has become a “very emotional” issue for him after witnessing the horrors of death and destruction in his hometown.

"I could not hold back my tears when I saw the dead bodies of people I knew and the heavily damaged houses," he said.

"But in the name of the Bangsamoro, and in the name of humanity, we didn’t mind risking our lives to save our brothers and sisters," he added.

The armed conflict in Marawi, he stressed, should be “a lesson and the reason” why the GPH-MILF peace process must be pursued with renewed vigor.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1003854

Alleged NPA rebels torch heavy equipment at quarry site in Negros Oriental

From  the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30): Alleged NPA rebels torch heavy equipment at quarry site in Negros Oriental

Around five heavily armed set on fire two heavy equipment of a private construction firm at a quarry site in Barangay Caticugan in Siaton, Negros Oriental shortly after midnight Saturday.

Initial police investigation showed that at around 1:30 a.m. Sunday, the unidentified armed men on board three motorcycles arrived at the quarry site at Sitio Pilapil, Barangay Caticugan and torched a Komatsu backhoe and a payloader.

The heavy equipment belonged to Medalla Construction owned by Medalla Yocor Sia, 53 years old, a widow and resident of Barangay Banilad, Dumaguete City.

A witness said the unidentified suspects fired at the windshields of the heavy equipment and shouted in the dialect “okey na, mabuhay ang NPA" and fled the crime scene.

Recovered from the crime scene were 45 pieces of fired cartridges, three pieces of live ammunition for Carbine, nine pieces of fired cartridge of cal. 9mm, two live ammunition of caliber 9mm Luger and one deformed slug of undetermined caliber, and a one-gallon container full of gasoline, the police report said.

No one was reported injured.

Investigators are still trying to determine whether the perpetrators are indeed members of the New People’s Army.

Siaton police head Chief Inspector Varie Villanobos said a joint security force of local police personnel and elements of the Philippine Army, the Regional Public Safety Battalion, the Provincial Public Safety Company and the Special Weapons and Tactics proceeded to the crime scene around 10 a.m. Sunday.

Further investigation is underway as Scene of the Crime Operatives are on their way to the quarry site to process the crime scene, Villalobos added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1003738