'PH failed to detect signs that led to Marawi' – expert

From Rappler (Sep 22): 'PH failed to detect signs that led to Marawi' – expert

The Marawi crisis 'is a failure of government to act based on sound and timely intelligence,' terrorism expert Rohan Gunaratna says

Terrorism expert Rohan Gunaratna criticized the Philippine government Friday, September 22, for failing to read signs of the "build-up" of the terrorist Islamic State (ISIS) in the Philippines, leading to the siege of Marawi City.

"The Philippines failed to detect, to read, the indicators, the signs, and the clues that led to Marawi. We have to acknowledge that," Gunaratna said on Friday.
 

"If governments do not understand to read the indicators, then another Marawi is inevitable in this region," he also said.

Gunaratna was speaking at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Conference on Peace and the Prevention of Violent Extremism in Southeast Asia at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.
 

The expert was referring to the May 23 siege of Marawi by the terrorist Maute Group, which is linked to ISIS. (READ: Terror in Mindanao: The Mautes of Marawi)
 

The Marawi siege triggered clashes with the Philippine military, and prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to put Mindanao under martial law.
 

The Marawi clashes have killed at least 147 government forces, 45 civilians, and 660 terrorists. The crisis has also forced more than 600,000 Filipinos out of their homes.
 

'Not an intelligence failure'
 

In a speech, Gunaratna pointed out that the Marawi siege "is not an intelligence failure," but "an operational failure."
 

"It is a failure of government to act based on sound and timely intelligence," he said.
 

He explained that before the Marawi siege, the Philippine intelligence community had already produced 4 reports on the "build-up" in Marawi. The latest of these reports was published on April 14.
 

"So you can see that as we look at the expansion of IS in the Southeast Asian region, for governments, it is very important to read the signs, indicators, and clues of the build-up of groups in certain cities," he said, referring to ISIS by its other acronym, IS.
 

He added that the expertise of ISIS "is distinct" from that of terror groups Al-Qaeda, Taliban, and Jemaah Islamiyah, "which was largely fighting in the rural areas."
 

In contrast, he said, "if you look at IS, it was always moving from the desert to the cities," such as Mosul and Raqqa.
 

Gunaratna also said that "IS central advised those groups that occupied Marawi on how to conduct the battle in Marawi."
 

He cited advice from "IS central" on May 24, just a day after the Marawi siege. This was for the Maute Group to "quickly get a drone up," as the Armed Forces of the Philippines approached Marawi. "So you can see the guidance."
 

Duterte and previous leaders
 

At the same time, Gunaratna noted that President Rodrigo Duterte "acknowledged that IS is operating in the Philippines." (READ: Duterte says martial law due to ISIS threat)
 

"Unfortunately, the previous leaders, the previous bureaucrats, said there's no IS in the Philippines. So I think that the President understood that to fight IS, he needed to identify them," Gunaratna said. (READ: Admit ISIS presence in Philippines, analyst says)
 

"Identifying the problem itself is 50% of the solution," he said.
 

Former Philippine president Fidel V Ramos, who was in Friday's event, also gave his own "very sound advice" on the Marawi crisis.
 

"The Marawi uprising could have been prevented if only there was more of what we call in ASEAN 'musyawarah-mufakat.' What is that? Musyawarah means consultation. Mufakat means consensus," he said.
 

Consultation, he said, can be done through the government mechanism called Legislatic-Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac).
 

Created by Ramos in 1992, Ledac advises the President and is composed of the Vice President, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and other government leaders.
 

Ramos, who endorsed Duterte for president, said "consultation" has taken a different form under the former Davao City mayor.
 

"Now the consultation is only among the party leaders. Ano 'yon?" (What's that?)

 

https://www.rappler.com/nation/183047-philippines-marawi-crisis-rohan-gunaratna-analysis

Duterte: 'Alien' ideology, not Islam, root of PH terror problem

From Rappler (Sep 22): Duterte: 'Alien' ideology, not Islam, root of PH terror problem

'It is not Islam. I should know. I would be the last person to condemn the Moro people,' Duterte says at a gathering with reporters on Friday evening, September 22

President Rodrigo Duterte along with top military officials visits Camp Ranao, Headquarters of the 103rd Brigade on Marawi city on Thursday, Sept. 21,2017. Duterte reiterates his commitment to rebuild much of the city which is destroyed by the ongoing conflict between terrorists Maute and Abu Sayyaf Groups and government forces. Photo by Bobby Lagsa/Rappler

President Rodrigo Duterte made it clear that the country is not staging a warfare against Islam as it struggles to end the war with local terrorist groups linked to the Islamic State group (ISIS).
“It is not Islam. I should know. I would be the last person to condemn the Moro people,” Duterte said at a gathering with reporters on Friday evening, September 22.

Duterte’s message came as the country hopes it could finally end the conflict in Marawi, where the troops clash with the Maute Group. (READ: 'PH failed to detect signs that led to Marawi' – expert)

The fighting, which began on May 23, has killed at least 147 government forces, 45 civilians, and 660 terrorists, to which Duterte described as a war "where no Filipino could win.”

“Because of that alien ideology it brought them some kind of evil,” he said.

Duterte, during the celebration of Islamic New Year on September 21, called for peace and hoped that Filipinos would be able to rise up to the many challenges the country faces with “trust” and “mutual respect.”

 

On Friday, he explained the importance to prioritize its negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) under the leadership of Al Haj Murad Ebrahim.

Earlier this month, he assured the MILF that the passage of the proposed Bagnsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is an administration priority, this while the indigenous tribes within the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) would want to see a revised version of the legislation.

“That is why we do our best to talk to Murad. Nobody is winning in war just like in Marawi. Puro Pilipino lahat. (We're all Filipinos.)”

https://www.rappler.com/nation/183078-duterte-alien-ideology-philippines-terror-problem

Marawi battle area shrinks as troops enclose 3rd bridge

From Rappler (Sep 23): Marawi battle area shrinks as troops enclose 3rd bridge

The war marks its 4th month on Saturday, September 23. At least 887 have died including 151 soldiers, 689 enemies, and 47 civilians.

The Philippine military is poised to control all critical bridges in the battle area in Marawi City, as it begins to occupy buildings located past the eastern mouth of Masiu Bridge in the lakeside village Raya Madaya.

The marines have hoisted the Philippine flag on one of the buildings around the corner of Agus River and Lake Lanao, based on images that circulated on Friday, September 22.

This means troops now occupy both ends of Masiu Bridge. It was a combination of ground assault and air strikes, according to a source on the ground.

Fighting continues in the area, and the bridge remains unpassable due to enemy snipers who still have a clear view of the bridge. The local terror groups have rocket-propelled grenades that can pierce through the military's armor vehicles. (READ: Terror in Mindanao: The Mautes of Marawi)

It's a sign that enemy space has significantly shrunk since clashes erupted on May 23. Ground troops have contained them on land while the navy and the maritime police swarm the lake to make sure enemies don't use it as exit point.

The war marked its 4th month on Saturday, September 23. At least 887 have died including 151 soldiers, 689 enemies, and 47 civilians.



The Masiu Bridge is the last of 3 critical bridges that the fighters of the Maute Group and Abu Sayyaf Group immediately occupied in the beginning of the war to allow them to control the city's commercial district, Banggolo. (WATCH: Battle for Marawi bridges)

Locals often refer to the bridge "Raya Madaya Bridge" because it goes right into the lakeside village from the highway.

For months the 3 bridges on Agus River – Baloi Bridge, Bayabao Bridge, and Masiu Bridge – separated the battle area from the military-controlled "safe-zone."

Troops regained control of Baloi Bridge on July 20 and Bayabao Bridge on September 1.

Deeper in the battle area, troops are also gaining ground. Task Group deputy commander Colonel Romeo Brawner said they continue to advance in the area of Bato Mosque, where hostages were previously kept.

High-profile hostage Father Chito Soganub, a Catholic priest, was able to escape last week when troops pushed to control the mosque.



Brawner said the fighting is now in tighter areas, making it more difficult to advance. It gets harder to soften the ground with air strikes because troops are too close to the enemies.

The military said it is still dealing with about 50 fighters who are holding up to 60 hostages.

Brawner said the enemies are taking advantage of the ratholes and trenches they dug inside the battle, allowing them to escape military bombardment.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/183034-masiu-bridge-raya-madaya-marawi

Duterte takes swipe at leftists: 'I don't get them'

From Rappler (Sep 23): Duterte takes swipe at leftists: 'I don't get them'

'You are not a leftist or a socialist if you do not go against government by force of arms. That's what I don't like about them,' says the President

MEDIA NIGHT. In this file photo, President Rodrigo Duterte talks casually to journalists during a dinner he hosts for them on November 15, 2016. Malacañang file photo

President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday, September 23, took a swipe at left-wing activists, saying that the problem with them is that "I don't get them."

"You are not a leftist or a socialist if you do not go against government by force of arms. That's what I don't like about them. They insist on armed revolution but that's something I cannot accept."

Duterte made these remarks after thousands of Filipinos, including leftists, mounted protests in different parts of the country on Thursday, September 21, to mark the declaration of Martial Law 45 years ago.

At Mendiola was an effigy, which mimicked the 3-D combination puzzle Rubik's Cube, showing the face of the President, which could be matched with the images of Marcos, German dictator Adolf Hitler, and a puppet.

They claim that Duterte is no different from Marcos who seems to be bent on "marching towards the path of dictatorship."

Responding to them, the President said he has never had any problem with the Left, "pero sumosobra ang mga gago eh (but the fools have gone too far)."

"Akala nila kanila ako (They thought I'm theirs)," he added.

When he was serving as mayor for Davao City, Duterte had a cordial relationship with the Left.

During his dinner with the media here at Matina Enclaves, he mentioned that he has attended to more than 30 releases of prisoners of war held captive by the New People's Army.

"Now, they should understand that I'm already the president," he said.

Previously, the Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives on Thursday, September 14, announced they were leaving the majority bloc.

During his candidacy, President Duterte declared himself the only leftist and socialist presidential candidate. Early on, he promised peace talks with communists and allowed the National Democratic Front (NDF) to nominate possible appointees to key Cabinet positions.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/183088-duterte-criticism-leftists-i-dont-get-them

Black-clad armed men harass towns outside Marawi

From Rappler (Sep 23): Black-clad armed men harass towns outside Marawi

The military says it is investigating the presence of 5 to 7 armed men in the town of Bayang in Lanao del Sur

 

Black-clad armed men are feared massing up in towns near Butig in Lanao del Sur, hometown of the leaders of the Maute Group that attacked nearby Marawi City.

In the town of Bayang, Mayor Aslani Pangarungan Balt said an M203 grenade was fired toward the military detachment Wednesday afternoon, September 20, by a group of about 20 armed men.

"May lumusob na unidentified black group doon sa upper portion ng bayan ko. Inaano nila ang kampo doon ng military. May pinaputukan sila doon. Fortunately, nawala ang mga tao (An unidentified black group attacked our town. The target was the military camp there. Fortunately, they withdrew)," Balt said in an interview in Marawi City after a meeting with the military.

The military confirmed there was a one-minute encounter in Bayang, but its investigation shows only 5 to 7 armed men were involved.

Task Group Ranao deputy commander Colonel Romeo Brawner said they are taking the situation "seriously," even as they see it as a "nuisance harassment."

"The town of Bayang was harassed by a few armed men. Our assessment here is that they were just an ordinary group. It's a nuisance harassment," Brawner said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Brawner said the 65th Infantry Battalion in Bayang is on top of the situation. He also gave assurances that the armed group will find it difficult to move toward Marawi if their plan is to reinforce local terror groups fighting the military.

The armed men immediately withdrew out of the town on Wednesday but they were spotted again Saturday morning, September 23, causing panic among residents.

Balt said the municipal government has instructed the residents not evacuate, but also prepared contingencies. He said they should go to the municipal hall if the situation escalates.

Brawner said they are looking at the possibility that it is a "diversionary tactic" to move military attention from Marawi.

Bayang is a mountainous lakeside town similar to the terrain in Butig, where the Maute Group also attacked a military detachment in February 2016.

Butig is about 50 kilometers away from Marawi City, where clashes with the Maute Group and the Abu Sayyaf Group has raged on 4 months since it erupted on May 23.

Balat said he has also deployed barangay security personnel to protect his town.

"I called my spiritual leaders and my village captains. We have to defend our territory," Balt said.

The war in Marawi marked its 4th month on Saturday, September 23. At least 887 have died including 151 soldiers, 689 enemies, and 47 civilians.



https://www.rappler.com/nation/183115-harassment-bayang-lanao-sur

Duterte's new matrix links Maute Group to drugs

From Rappler (Sep 23): Duterte's new matrix links Maute Group to drugs

President Rodrigo Duterte says this could explain how the ISIS-inspired Maute Group sustains its operations in Marawi City

NEW MATRIX. President Rodrigo Duterte presents a new matrix that links the terrorist Maute Group to illegal drugs.

President Rodrigo Duterte bared a new matrix that linked the terrorist Maute Group to illegal drugs, as he tagged more than 30 Lanao del Sur officials and a businessman in the illegal drug trade.

In a gathering with Davao-based journalists on Friday, September 22, Duterte said this could explain how the Islamic State (ISIS)-inspired Maute Group sustains its operations in Marawi City.

Duterte's remarks come two months after the Jakarta-based Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict said ISIS in Syria was funding terrorists in Marawi.

Presented to journalists on Friday, Duterte's new matrix named suspected drug lords among politicians, and indicated their supposed ties with drug dealers.

The matrix, Duterte said, explains "how they operated in the drug campaign in Marawi and the entire of Mindanao."

"You would say there that – malalaman mo na (you will know). That is the work of the intelligence for the last 3 months or two when we were able to penetrate the insides of the, the entrails of the city," he said.

Duterte released an earlier drug matrix that detained Senator Leila de Lima denounced as "garbage."

Suspected drug lords
In the matrix that Duterte showed on Friday, the following were suspected to be drug lords operating in Lanao del Sur:

• A Filipino Chinese businessman whose daughter is married to Johary Abinal (ex-husband of Johaira "Marimar" Abinal)
• FM Muslimen Macabatok
• Mayor Noron Dadayan (Buadiposo Buntong)
• Mayor Hadji Jamal Abdulsalam (Mulondo)
• Bonbola Radiamoda (Bayang, Lanao del Sur)
• Ansari Saripada Radiamoda (Lilod, Madava, Marawi City)
• Vice Mayor Noridin Adiong (Ditsaan, Ramain)
• Rangaig Mamarinta (Provincial Board Member, 1st District, Lanao del Sur)
• Parahiman Batawi Ronda (Samer, Butig)
• Acong Domato and Haj Taha Abdullah (Barangay Baropit, Picong)
• Gona Romoros Aba Saguiran (Barangay Bubong, Saguiran, Novaliches,Quezon City)

DRUG LINKS? President Rodrigo Duterte's new matrix links more than 30 Lanao del Sur officials and a businessman to illegal drugs.

Duterte admitted, however, that the government was finding it hard to draw conclusions, thus he released the matrix on Friday.

 

"They have a trouble drawing up somewhere in – kaya sabi ko bitawan na natin (that's why I said let's leave it), it's no use keeping it a secret, for what?" he said.

Maute Group 'preparing for long haul'
In his meeting with Davao-based journalists at the Matina Enclaves, Duterte also said the government discovered that the Maute Group "was really preparing for (the) long haul."

"Until now, they are…they never ran out of ordnance, explosives, ammunitions, and all. I really do not know the extent now of the contamination," he said.

In June, authorities recovered 11 packs of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride in Marawi.

The packs of shabu were recovered by troops in their clearing operations against the Maute group.

Apart from illegal drugs, Duterte blamed "alien" ideology for the conflict in Marawi City, which as killed at least 147 government forces, 45 civilians, and 660 terrorists.

On Friday, he emphasized that that the government was not waging war against Islam, and that it was crucial to negotiate with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

On the same day, terrorism expert Rohan Gunaratna said in a conference in Manila that the Philippine government earlier failed to read signs of the "build-up" of ISIS in the Philippines, leading to the Marawi siege.

 

Gunaratna noted, however, that Duterte "acknowledged that IS is operating in the Philippines," unlike the country's previous leaders.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/183125-duterte-new-matrix-links-maute-group-illegal-drugs

Marawi generals cross critical bridges in battle area

From Rappler (Sep 24): Marawi generals cross critical bridges in battle area

Major Generals Rolando Bautista and Danilo Pamonag cross the Bayabao Bridge and Masiu Bridge on Sunday, September 24

 

Generals leading the fight against local terror groups in Marawi City crossed the remaining critical bridges in the battle area Sunday morning, September 24, to mark a "significant progress" in the battle area.

"At 10 am today, September 24, 2017, Major Generals Rolando Bautista and Danilo Pamonag, commander of the Joint Task Force Marawi and commander of the Joint Special Operations Task Force Trident, respectively, crossed for the first time since the start of the Marawi siege, the Bayabao Bridge and the Masiu Bridge," said Task Group Ranao deputy commander Colonel Romeo Brawner in a statement on Sunday.

It was a symbolic march of victory over the hard-fought bridges, strongholds that the Philippine Marines were assigned to retake.

Bautista and Pamonag crossed the bridge to meet the Philippine Marine Brigadier General Melquiades Ordiales, commander fo the Joint Task Group Tiger.

The 3 bridges – Baloi Bridge, Bayabao Bridge, and Masiu Bridge – long separated the battle area from the so-called safe zone.

These bridges are also known to locals as Mapandi Bridge, Banggolo Bridge, and Raya Madaya Bridge, respectively.

The military continues to call on the local terror groups to release the remaining hostages and surrender.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/183182-marawi-generals-cross-critical-bridges-marawi

Filipinos still favor U.S over China but 'gap is narrowing' – Pew Research

From Rappler (Sep 24): Filipinos still favor U.S over China but 'gap is narrowing' – Pew Research

At least 78% of Filipinos favorably view United States in 2017 – a 14-point decline from 2015's 92% – compared to China's 55%



More Filipinos still hold a favorable view of the United States than China but the difference is on a decline, a survey by a Washington-based think tank found.

A report by the Pew Research Center published on Thursday, September 21, said that 78% of Filipinos have a “positive view” of the US compared to the 55% who view China favorably in 2017.

But the latest figure showed a sharp decline in recent years compared during the administration of President Barack Obama. The rating under the presidency of Donald Trump in 2017 is down by 14% from 2015’s 92%.

 

There is also a dip in the trust rating of Filipinos with Trump. At least 69% have confidence with the actions of the incumbent US president – a huge slide from the 94% Obama enjoyed in 2015.

 

53% of Filipinos, meanwhile, trust Chinese President Xi Jinping.

 

The think tank pointed out that the latest figures coincide with a “a global decline in US favorability” at the start of the Trump era. This is despite an earlier study that showed that 67% of Filipinos believe Trump is fit to lead the US.

 

The Pew Research Center conducted the study among 1,000 Filipino adults from February 26 to May 8, 2017.

 

Narrowing decline, improving relations with China

 

The decline, the report said, shows that "the perception gap between the US and China in the Philippines is narrowing.”

 

This is despite the almost unchanged attitude of Filipinos toward China and its leader, President Xi Jinping, since 2015’s 51%

 

But the latest figure, at 55%, is 17 points higher than 2014 when most Filipinos “were concerned that territorial disputes with China could lead to a military conflict.”

 

In fact, in 2017, 67% now favor the push to have a “strong economic relationship” with the China. This is significantly higher than 2015’s 43%.

 

Pew Research’s study also found that only 28% of Filipinos in 2017 are inclined to being tough with China on territorial dispute – a huge decline from 2015’s 41%.

 

The recent shift in attitude came as the Philippine government under Duterte relaxed its previously tense relationship with China during the administration of President Benigno Aquino III stemming from territorial disputes over the West Philippine Sea.

 

Still, 55% of Filipinos approve of how Duterte handled its relations with China.

 

Despite the “improving” views towards China, 68% of Filipinos still believe that the US will use military force to defend the Philippines.

 

"While Filipinos generally favor the pursuit of a less-tense relationship with China, the threat of conflict still exists, given the ongoing territorial disputes," the study said.

 

https://www.rappler.com/nation/183202-more-filipinos-favor-united-states-over-china-gap-narrowing-pew-research-center

2 Vietnamese fishermen killed in West PH Sea encounter

From Rappler (Sep 24): 2 Vietnamese fishermen killed in West PH Sea encounter

Five other Vietnamese fishermen are reportedly arrested during an encounter with the Philippine Navy

This is a developing story. Please refresh for updates.

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – Two Vietnamese fishermen were killed in an encounter with the Philippine Navy in the West Philippine Sea.

Five other Vietnamese fishermen were arrested, according to a source privy to the incident.

The Vietnamese fishermen were reportedly fishing near the province of Pangasinan, inside the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Ronald Mercado told Rappler that he has ordered an investigation into what happened.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/183206-vietnamese-fishermen-killed-west-philippine-sea-south-china-sea

Ex-judge to head local peace team

From the Mindanao Times (Sep 23): Ex-judge to head local peace team

A RETIRED trial court judge will head the panel formed by the local government to conduct the localized peace talks with the communist group.

 

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio named former Judge Ridgway Tanjili as the chair of the Davao City – Local Peace Committee (DC-PEACE).

Tanjili was the regional director of the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) before he was appointed by then President Gloria Arroyo to handle the Regional Trial Court Branch 15 in 2008.

Carpio earlier named members of the committee.

 

They are Malou Bermudo of City Social Service and Development Office (CSSDO), Malabog (Paquibato District) Barangay Captain Jessie Areja, lawyer Elisa Lapina of the City Legal Office and Archbishop Romulo Valles of the Catholic Bishop of the Philippines.

The mayor tapped the DC-PEACE to primarily talk with the National Democratic Front and its fronts such as the New People’s Army (NPA).

 

“We are very flexible just to attain that elusive dream of peace,” Carpio said in a press briefing at City Mayor’s conference room on Wednesday night. “We will try our best to attain the peace.”

Carpio said the committee will exist until Nov. 30, 2018.

“If ever there will be no positive development then there is no point to prolong it but if there is then the talks will be continuous,” she said.

For now, the mayor said she received messages from NPA members who want to surrender.

Carpio said she could tap rebel returnees as members of Civil Security Unit (CSU), under Public Safety Command Center (PSSCC), to guard markets, terminals, public schools and government facilities “if they want.”

“The city government will find ways to make (them) more productive,” she said.

The mayor said the NPA members can also surrender to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) since they have also a program for the returnees.

 

http://mindanaotimes.net/ex-judge-to-head-local-peace-team/

IED, gun recovered

From the Mindanao Times (Sep 23): IED, gun recovered

THE MILITARY recovered three high-powered firearms and one 15-kilogram improvised explosive device (IED) from the New People’s Army (NPA) following the clash in two separate areas in the island.

On Thursday morning, the Philippine Army’s 73rd Infantry Battalion recovered one M16 rifle, one AK47 and one garand rifle in Kiblawan, Davao del Sur after an encounter against the NPA. The battalion said in a statement that there was no casualty among the soldiers.

The 39th Infantry Battalion, meanwhile, recovered an IED, one hand grenade and 100 rounds of ammunition after an encounter in Magpet, North Cotabato.

“These developments are the results of our calibrated response to address NPA atrocities,” Lt. Col. Marion Angcao, commander of 73rd Infantry Battalion, said in a statement.

The troops, Angcao said, remained “strong and relentless in our campaign to achieve peace and order in the area.”

http://mindanaotimes.net/ied-gun-recovered/

ISIS fighters send surrender feelers

From the  Mindanao Examiner (Sep 24): ISIS fighters send surrender feelers

The Philippine military said it is getting surrender feelers from local ISIS militants as fighting continues Sunday in the war-ravaged city of Marawi where security forces were trying to dislodged heavily-armed militants from their strongholds.

Army Colonel Romeo Brawner Jr. said they were expecting more to surrender peacefully as troops advance in the city’s center where most of the militants are hiding among heavily-fortified structures and mosques. He did not say how many intend to surrender.

While fighting rages on, military propagandists, armed with loud speakers, continue also their “psychological operation” aimed at convincing militants to abandon their struggle and surrender peacefully. It was not immediately known whether those who wanted to yield were hard core members or civilians forced to fight.

The military also insisted that nearly 700 militants had died since fighting began on May 23, but most of this figure was based on intelligence report and not body counts, although over 150 soldiers perished in the battle with over 2,000 troops wounded in the clashes. At least 45 civilians also died in the senseless war.

ISIS fighters occupied Marawi in a failed bid to make it a province of the Islamic State in the troubled Muslim autonomous region.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/isis-fighters-send-surrender-feelers/

1,475 Filipino youth pass PMA entrance exams

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 24): 1,475 Filipino youth pass PMA entrance exams

The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) announced that 1,475 out of the 15,502 examinees passed the recent PMA Entrance Examination.

The entrance examination was conducted in at least 40 testing centers nationwide last 20 August 2017. The PMA Entrance Exam (PMAEE) is the first stage in the selection process for cadetship in the premier leadership training school in the country. It measures the mental ability of applicants in the areas of math (Algebra and Geometry), English (Grammar, Composition, and Reading and Comprehension) and Abstract Reasoning (Verbal and Numerical Reasoning and Pattern Analysis).

The PMAEE passers will continue to the next phase of the selection process to become a cadet. They will undergo the Complete Physical Examination (CPE) at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Health Service Command (AFPHSC) in V. Luna Road, Quezon City to test their medical, physical, and psychological potentials.

They will be notified through postal and electronic mail of their schedule and the things to prepare for the CPE at the AFPHSC.

The successful applicants will compose the PMA Class 2022 who will be officially received in the Academy in an oath-taking ceremony and reception rites on 01 April 2018.

PMA Cadets enjoy a full government scholarship. This means, they do not have to pay any single centavo during the entire years of training in the Academy where they will earn a Bachelor of Science degree. They are also commissioned as Second Lieutenant and Ensigns in the Armed Forces of the Philippines upon graduating from the Academy.

This year marks the initial batch of Grade 12 students under the K to 12 Basic Education Program who will be graduating by 2018. Grade 12 applicants were allowed to take the PMAEE provided that they will graduate before 01 April 2018. PMAEE applicants also come from college-level students and 4th-year High School graduates of the old curriculum.

For the complete list of PMAEE 2017 passers, visit the PMA website at www.pma.ph.

http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1000425

Police, Army sign MOA for interoperability in Bohol

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 22): Police, Army sign MOA for interoperability in Bohol

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) signed a memorandum of agreement here in Camp Dagohoy on Friday for better interoperability.

The pact is for Regional Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council undertakings and coordination for operations, civil military operations, intelligence, administration and investigation.

The alliance can be a huge help against the increasing threat of terrorism and in the war against illegal drugs.

Police Regional Office-7 Chief Superintendent Jose Mario Espino and Philippine Army 302nd Infantry Brigade commander Brigadier General Arnulfo Matanguihan led the signing witnessed by all local police chiefs in Bohol and commanders of the military under the 302nd Brigade.

At the same time, local business leaders in Bohol gave citations to both police and military for their action in neutralizing the Abu Sayyaf Group which entered the province.

Matanguihan received the citation for the military and Bohol Provincial Director Senior Supt. Felipe Natividad received the award for Bohol police.

Security forces have been cited for solid action against the Abu Sayyaf terror threat in the province back in April.

Interoperability is critical in keeping the peace and maintaining Bohol's status as insurgency-free.  Bohol has been insurgency-free since 2010.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1010444

Army to bring ‘Tsinelas para sa Kapayaan’ to Mindanao again

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): Army to bring ‘Tsinelas para sa Kapayaan’ to Mindanao again

Army major Arturo Dumalagan and his fellow soldiers are off on another mission, this time armed with hundreds of pairs of flip flops.

“We try to win the hearts and minds of the community where ambush and landmines frequently happen,” said Dumalagan, who is assigned to the Office of Civil Military Operations, 8th Infantry Division based in Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City, Samar.

Dumalagan, who has been in the service for 17 years, said on Friday that he is “looking forward to reaching a milestone of giving 5,000 pairs of slippers or more” to children in poor and conflict areas through their “Tsinelas para sa Kapayapaan (flip flops for peace)" initiative.

The gift-giving of slippers started on November 8, 2016, in Patikul, Sulu after they were ambushed by the notorious bandit group Abu Sayyaf, Dumalagan said.

Since the founding of the outreach project, they have already distributed 4,081 pairs of flip flops -- Sulu island, 3, 471; Southern Leyte, 200; Northern Samar, 250; and Maasin City, 160.

“The flip flops we give is just a part of our motivation for the children to study hard and finish their schooling. It is not a simple gift but a ribbon tied on your finger,” said the 43-year-old military officer, who came from a poor family and eventually worked his way out from hardship by finishing his studies as a working student.

“I am a living proof that poverty is not a hindrance for our dream but a challenge for all of us to overcome,” Dumalagan said.

Now married with two children, Dumalagan rose from his military career through hard work and determination.

For their next outreach project, he said they have two schools in Mindanao waiting for their gifts of flip flops.

He said they welcome donation for their outreach project either in cash or in kind.

"Tsinelas Para Sa Kapayapaan knows no boundaries as long as our sponsors are able to provide we can accommodate all who ask for their share and of course we prioritize the poorest of the poor school children in the far flung areas."

On July 8, Dumalagan’s advocacy was recognized during the Regional Youth Summit in Ormoc City.

Dumalagan said that “Tsinelas para sa Kapayapaan" also received an award for “uplifting the morale of youth in Sulu Peninsula by giving them sports equipment that greatly changes their way of life."

He said the support they give has led the youths away from the use of illegal drugs. It has also eased their sorrow as they struggle to survive amid the armed conflict in their area, Dumalagan said.

“Our advocacy for the young children who will become a new breed of a young generation in the near future will bridge us to the path of an everlasting peace in 'Land of Promise’ where souls and blood of our fellow countrymen lie in agony of unending war on terrorism,” Dumalagan added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1010523

Matrix shows web of drug operations in Lanao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): Matrix shows web of drug operations in Lanao Sur

President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday night released the matrix of hard drugs operations in Lanao del Sur and the entire Mindanao showing direct connection and interconnection of former and current local leaders in the illegal trade.

The matrix showed the web of operation of Marawi’s former mayor Fahad “Pre” Salic to 10 suspected druglords and links to officials protecting the illegal industry, including an interconnection of the Parojinog drug trade in Ozamis City.

Salic had long been arrested in Barangay San Martin, Villanueva, Misamis Oriental in the early days of the government’s campaign in Marawi City. He was arrested for rebellion charges and violation of RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2000.

Salic was tagged as the country's No. 11th most wanted person for his involvement in illegal drugs and one of the country's narco-politicians behind the Maute Terrorist Group in Lanao del Sur. He is related to the Mautes by marriage because his wife, Rasmia Salic, is the niece of Farhana Romato Maute, the mother of Abdullah and Omarkhayyam Maute. The Maute brothers led the Marawi siege in May.

The President said the information on the drug operation between Salic and his links was a work of the intelligence for the last two or three months when security forces were able to penetrate the entrails of Marawi City.

This was also in these times when government discovered that the Maute was preparing for a long haul.

“Until now, they never ran out of ordnance, explosives, ammunition, and all. I really do not know the extent now of the contamination,” Duterte told reporters during the Davao Media Night Friday at the Matina Enclaves.

The President said he decided to release the information despite some missing links somewhere.

“Kaya sabi ko bitawan na natin (So I said we can release it), it's no use keeping it a secret, for what?” he said, pointing out that it could explain the killings.

“And it's always a question of thought. It has crept, it’s creeping and at the time when Albuera Mayor (Alberto Jr) Espinosa, then the Odicta (Melvin and Meriam) spouses were killed, I don't know how it was done,” he added.

Espinosa was arrested but he was killed inside his jail cell while Melvin and Meriam Odicta were shot dead by unidentified gunman while disembarking from a Roro vessel at Caticlan Jetty Port in Caticlan, Aklan in August last year.

Duterte said the connections also show the fight for supremacy of the supply.

“Kasi alam mo 'yung illegal (Because you know in illegal) whether or not you want to believe it, always the driving force is greed and power, money.

The President, however, said he has yet to find the extent of how the hard drugs trade is being used to build up the terrorist activity.

“But to what extent was this drug used to build up the terrorist activity is something which we have really to find. Until now, hindi pa (not yet). It's not…blurred. It remains to be something like they are just there fighting,” he said.

Duterte is optimistic the Marawi operation is winding up, saying, there are the remaining enemies holding out somewhere in a certain place. He said the enemies are slowly being constricted to a very, very narrow path.

“We will… We're winding up,” he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1010505

Amnesty for NPA rebels eyed

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): Amnesty for NPA rebels eyed

President Rodrigo Duterte said he will ask Congress to pass a general amnesty for the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels who will surrender to the government.

“If Congress will agree with me, I might just declare for general amnesty,” Duterte said in a media night in Davao City on Friday night.

He said rebels, who will surrender, will not be held accountable even if they killed many soldiers.

However, the President said he will not accept NPA rebels who have criminal cases because these people must face the charges.

“Yung mga rebelde diyan who only want to topple the government, bumaba kayo para wala na lang away tutal (Those rebels who only want to topple the government, just surrender so that there will be no conflict. Anyway, you have been there for 50 years),” he said.

Duterte added that if the rebels will still insist to fight the government for more years, they will get nothing since the people do not want communism in this country.

“Ang gusto ni (Jose Maria) Sison, hindi niyo makukuha. If you fight for 50 years or 100 years wala kayong makuha sa gobyernong ito (You cannot get what National Democratic Front (NDF) founder Jose Maria Sison. If you fight for 50 years or 100 years, you have nothing to get from this government),” he said.

The president said even the NDF will say that they will follow a democratic way of resolving the peace problem in the country, the people will not believe it because of the brutal killings of soldiers and police perpetrated by the rebels.

“Mga sundalo pauwi na lang mula sa pagbisita sa patay na kapwa niya sundalo, pinapatay ninyo. Mga pulis na may mga pamilya (You killed soldiers who just went home visiting the wake of their comrade. The police officers who have families), all for nothing,” the president said. “Ano ba ang hinahabol niyo sa buhay (What are you running for life)? Tumakbo? Magpaputok ? Mamatay (die)? Pati gutom (hunger)? Sakit (illness)? Is that what you want? You will be like Jesus Christ if that is the case,” he said.

Duterte said that if the rebels will refuse to give up the armed struggle, the military will always be there ready to fight and defend the country.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1010542

ASEAN eyes closer law enforcement ties vs terror threat

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 22): ASEAN eyes closer law enforcement ties vs terror threat

ASEAN member states are looking at much closer coordination with law enforcement groups as the Interpol and ASEANAPOL in the ongoing campaign against the spread of terrorism, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) officer-in-charge Catalino Cuy said Thursday.

When asked whether the just-concluded 11th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crimes (AMMTC) came up with any new measure to combat terror threats, Cuy said, "One of them is the involvement of Interpol and ASEANPOL with regards to suspected individuals who might be involved in terrorist activities, as well as the exchange of information on financial transactions on suspected groups and individuals also, as well as the monitoring of foreign terrorist fighters who might be attempting to enter the region, Southeast Asia."

Interpol is the International Criminal Police Organization based in Lyon, France that deals with terrorism and related crimes. ASEANAPOL is short for the ASEAN Association of Chiefs of Police that deals with transnational crimes.

Considered as transnational crimes are terrorism, illegal drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, arms smuggling, money laundering, sea piracy, cybercrime, economic crime, environmental crime, intellectual property theft, and smuggling of cultural property.

During the four-day meeting, Cuy said member states of ASEAN, including its dialogue partners China, Japan and South Korea, were unanimous in acknowledging the threats posed by extremists.

"It was agreed that there should be a closer coordination, cooperation with regards to the effort on counter-terrorism. So, it’s again, information sharing, exchanging best practices, training, capability building and even resources. They talked about improvement in the capability of member countries to combat terrorists," he added.

The Philippines hosted the 11th AMMTC on Sept. 18-21, which was attended by leaders and heads of delegations of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People's Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1010373

No victory party once Marawi is cleared of terrorists: Duterte

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): No victory party once Marawi is cleared of terrorists: Duterte

No victory celebration of any kind will be held once the remaining Maute Group terrorists are eliminated from Marawi City, President Rodrigo Duterte told troops engaged in the ongoing clearing operations in the city during his visit Thursday.

"He (Duterte) also told troops that the end is near and they should persevere further in their efforts to totally liberate the city from the terrorists. And once this is accomplished, he does not want any celebration or party as those killed are also Filipinos," Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff Gen. Eduardo Año said Friday.

Año said that instead of celebrations, the President wants the military to ensure the security of those involved in the city’s rehabilitation so that reconstruction could be conducted without any threat from lawless elements.

Duterte also lauded the troops for their recent successes, especially the recapture of the Bato Mosque and Amaitul Islamiya Marawi Foundation and the rescue of Father Chito Soganob and other hostages, the AFP chief added.

Fighting in Marawi City, currently on its fourth month, erupted after an attempt to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader, Isnilon Hapilon, and his cohorts last May 23.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1010502

21,000 cops promoted to next higher rank

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): 21,000 cops promoted to next higher rank

A total of 21,063 police officers –- 812 commissioned officers and 20,251 non-commissioned officers -- were promoted to their next higher rank this week.

A simultaneous mass oath-taking and pinning of ranks was held at the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City and various police regional offices and units nationwide on September 20.

PNP Chief, Director General Ronald dela Rosa, administered the oath of office to 88 commissioned officers and 1,303 non-commissioned officers based in Camp Crame.

The 1,391 officers belong to different offices of National Support Units, Command Group and Directorial Staff.

“Maging sensitibo kayo o maging mapagmatyag sa mga kapwa pulis na tiwali upang hindi na masira ang imahe ng PNP (Be sensitive and remain vigilant against rogue police officers to protect the image of the PNP),” dela Rosa told the newly promoted policemen.

“Ang pagtaas ng ranggo n’yo ay kaakibat nito ang pagtaas din ng responsibidad para sa bayan. Kayo dapat ang maging modelo ng mga junior police officer (Your new ranks come with greater responsibility to the nation. You should serve as role models to junior police officers),” he added.

Dela Rosa said he wants all police personnel to develop a culture of responsible seniority in the PNP that the higher the rank of a police officer, the more he or she should be sensitive to the wrongdoings of their fellow officers.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1010503