Monday, October 23, 2017

MARAWI COUNTDOWN | Govt forces tell 30 Maute holdouts in fortified building to surrender

From InterAksyon (Oct 22): MARAWI COUNTDOWN | Govt forces tell 30 Maute holdouts in fortified building to surrender



Damaged buildings in Marawi City seen through a hole in a wall. (Reuters)

Despite being declared “liberated” by President Duterte last week, fighting continued Sunday in Marawi City, where government forces gave some 30 Maute Group holdouts until midnight of Monday to surrender, promising to treat them humanely.

Authorities declined to use the word “ultimatum” but Col. Romeo Brawner, deputy commander of the Joint Task Group Ranao (JTGR), said in a briefing that the holdouts have until midnight to give up.

The military on Sunday also said there are no more civilian hostages held by the Maute terrorists inside a heavily fortified building in Marawi, where the estimated 30 terrorists are said to be making a last stand.

It was learned that a handful of so-called noncombatants – wives of some Maute fighters who have refused to abandon their husbands – are with the holdouts in the basement of a building.

Brawner said they believe only five foreign terrorists remain with the Maute Group. The Islamic State-inspired homegrown terrorists had teamed up with some Southeast Asian jihadis, sparking concern, especially among Malaysia and Indonesia, that the IS was beefing up its presence in the region after being driven out of strongholds in Iraq and Syria.

As of Sunday, the Armed Forces had rescued the last 20 hostages held by the Maute Group, which seized the city on May 23 along with the Abu Sayyaf unit of Isnilon Hapilon.

President Duterte declared Marawi liberated last week after Hapilon and Omarkhayam Maute were confirmed killed by the government troops, but clearing operations continue.

As of Sunday, government data show 919 terrorists killed and 864 firearms seized.

A total of 1,780 civilian hostages were rescued; but 165 government forces were killed in the fierce battles – on air and on the ground – that left the bustling Islamic city in near-total ruins.

The military reopened 9 barangays that were least affected by fighting, but set an Oct. 25 or 26 timeline for allowing people back in to other parts of the city, mainly because of two things: every corner must be cleared of any explosive material; and basic services like water and power must at least be present.

In all, nearly 400,000 residents were displaced by the fighting, which saw the Philippines pouring in units from across the country while getting material and technical help from allies like the US, Australia and China.

U.S. defense chief Mattis praises PH for success in Marawi

From Rappler (Oct 24): U.S. defense chief Mattis praises PH for success in Marawi

Mattis: 'It was a very tough fight as you know in southern Mindanao. And I think the Philippine military sends a very strong message to the terrorists.'

PENTAGON CHIEF. In this file photo, U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis arrives on Capitol Hill, October 20, 2017 in Washington, DC. Drew Angerer/Getty Images/AFP

PENTAGON CHIEF. In this file photo, U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis arrives on Capitol Hill, October 20, 2017 in Washington, DC. Drew Angerer/Getty Images/AFP

US Defense Secretary James Mattis on Monday, October 23, praised the Philippines for its successes in battling Islamic State (ISIS) supporters, as he began an Asian trip aimed at reaffirming American support for regional allies.

Mattis echoed Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's statement last week that Filipino forces had "liberated" the southern city of Marawi, after 5 months of bitter urban fighting that had claimed more than 1,000 lives, even though battles have continued.


"One of the first things I'm going to do when I get there is commend the Philippine military for liberating Marawi from the terrorists," Mattis told reporters on the flight to the Philippines, according to an official transcript.

"It was a very tough fight as you know in southern Mindanao. And I think the Philippine military sends a very strong message to the terrorists."

Gunmen who had pledged allegiance to ISIS occupied parts of Marawi, the largest Islamic city of the mainly Catholic Philippines, on May 23 in what Duterte said was a bid to establish a Southeast Asian caliphate there.

Hundreds of insurgents withstood a US-backed military campaign, including near daily air strikes and artillery fire, that displaced more than 400,000 people and left large parts of Marawi in ruins.

Duterte last week travelled to Marawi to declare it had been "liberated", a day after the Southeast Asian leader for ISIS, Isnilon Hapilon, was shot dead there.

However deadly fighting has continued, with the military reporting dozens of militants are still resisting in a small pocket of the city.

Mattis flew to the Philippines to attend a meeting hosted by Southeast Asian defense ministers at the former American military base of Clark, two hours' drive north of Manila.

The Philippines is a former American colony and the two nations are bound by a mutual defense treaty.

But relations have soured under Duterte as he has sought to build closer ties with China and Russia.

Defense ministers from Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Russia are also scheduled to attend the two-day Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) event.

Mattis' Asia trip, which will also take him to Thailand and South Korea, comes ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit to Asia next month.

Some American allies in the region have become wary of Trump's interest in Asia.

Mattis sought to reassure allies.

"The US remains unambiguously committed to supporting ASEAN," Mattis said.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/186121-us-defense-chief-mattis-praises-philippines-marawi-isis-battle

Army chief pins elite trooper badges in fallen heroes’ uniforms

From Update Philippines (Oct 24): Army chief pins elite trooper badges in fallen heroes’ uniforms
Philippine Army Commanding General Lieutenant General Rolando Joselito Bautista on October 23 personally recognized the heroism of fallen soldiers during the 5-month battle against terrorists in Marawi City.

Lieutenant General Bautista who assumed command of the entire Philippine Army on October 5 was the Philippine Army’s 1st Infantry Division and Commander of Joint Task Force Marawi who led the fight in Marawi City.

Bautista together with Army Special Operations Command commander Major General Danilo Pamonag pinned the tab/badges in uniforms of fallen heroes who completed elite training in Marawi.


1st Infantry Division photo
The fallen heroes graduated together with other Marawi City heroes who completed their training in the main battle area of Marawi City.

Courses completed during the joint ceremony are Special Forces Combat Qualification Course, Special Forces Operations Course, Scout Ranger Course, and Counter Terrorism Course.


1st Infantry Division photo
“They deserved these badges. They sacrificed their lives just to save and liberate Marawi. Their gallantry will not be forgotten,” the Army chief said.

https://www.update.ph/2017/10/army-chief-pins-elite-trooper-badges-in-fallen-heroes-uniforms/22028

18 NPAs surrender with their firearms, improvised bombs

From Update Philippines (Oct 24): 18 NPAs surrender with their firearms, improvised bombs

Eighteen (18) NPA members with their firearms and improvised bombs surrendered to the 33rd Infantry ‘Makabayan’ Battalion (33IB) of the Philippine Army on October 24. The rebels were from the mountains of Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat.

“Said surrenderors voluntarily turned themselves in to the government authorities due to the fear of being caught in the massive combat operations that will be launched against the communist terrorists,” said 33IB headed by Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc.


33IB photo

The rebels were presented by First Lieutenant Austin John Jamora, commanding officer of 33IB Alpha Company, to Senator Ninoy Aquino Mayor Randy ‘Junjun’ Ecija Jr.

The surrenderors reportedly have known the good treatment accorded to their comrades who had earlier laid down their arms.

33IB said the latest surrender of NPA rebels was a result of the collaborative action among different agencies including the Makabayan Battalion, Military Intelligence Group 12 Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Office of the Mayor Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat.

https://www.update.ph/2017/10/18-npas-surrender-with-their-firearms-improvised-bombs/22022
 

920 Terrorists killed in 5-month Marawi City battle

From Update Philippines (Oct 24): 920 Terrorists killed in 5-month Marawi City battle



With the decisive defeat of the Maute Group terrorists in Marawi City, lawless elements will be forced to think twice before occupying another city or town in the Philippines. This was emphasized by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año in an interview Monday.

“[With a total of 920] terrorists killed since the start of the campaign [in May 23], they will think twice of occupying another city or town,” he said.

Government troops killed in the five-month fighting stands at 165. Despite these losses, Año said the AFP feels very happy as the job to liberate Marawi City has been completed successfully.

With this, the job of allowing the families displaced by the fighting and rehabilitation and reconstruction of facilities and homes damaged by the war can now start, he added.

“We can now proceed with the next phase, makakabalik na yung mga kababayan natin sa Marawi,” the AFP chief emphasized.

Also, the fighting in Marawi City has also served as a wake up call to all Filipinos that to defeat terrorism, cooperation is vital from everyone in the community.

https://www.update.ph/2017/10/920-terrorists-killed-in-5-month-marawi-city-battle/22020

PH Navy future frigates getting British SharpEye™ radars

From Update Philippines (Oct 23): PH Navy future frigates getting British SharpEye™ radars

British designer and manufacturer of navigation and surveillance systems, Kelvin Hughes has announced that it is providing the two soon-to-be built frigates of Philippine Navy with I Band and E/F Band SharpEye™ radars.

Kelvin Hughes said it was contracted by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) the winning bidder in Philippine Navy Frigate Acquisition Project (FAP).

Kelvin Hughes said it will supply HHI two SharpEye™ navigation radars along with multifunction bridge radar displays for the Philippine Navy FAP.

“The new naval vessels for the Philippine Navy are expected to have enhanced survivability, seakeeping and maneuvering capability and be operable in up to Sea State 5 and also have stealth characteristics,” the British company said.

“SharpEye™ is ideally suited to frigates, corvettes and OPVs operating in high clutter conditions and for navies undertaking modernization programmes where the upmast equipment contributes to the stealth or RCS reduction requirements. I am extremely pleased that Kelvin Hughes is working with HHI on this project,” Kelvin Hughes Regional Sales Manager Mark Butler said.

These two frigates will be designated as P159 and P160 while under construction.

https://www.update.ph/2017/10/ph-navy-future-frigates-getting-british-sharpeye-radars/22017

West PH Sea defender named as Air Force top commander

From Update Philippines (Oct 23): West PH Sea defender named as Air Force top commander



Western Command (WESCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) commanding general Lieutenant General Galileo Gerard R. Kintanar JR. was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte to take over the Philippine Air Force (PAF) leadership.

This is after current commander Lieutenant General Edgar R. Fallorina reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56.

WESCOM is the primary military formation tasked to protect Kalayaan Island Group in West Philippine Sea.

The change of command ceremony will be held today, October 24.

Kintanar received his 3rd star, Lieutenant General rank on October 4.

He is a member of PMA Sandiwa Class 1985. He is the 29th commander of WESCOM. He took over the WESCOM leadership in August 2017.

He also previously served as chief of staff of PAF.

https://www.update.ph/2017/10/west-ph-sea-defender-named-as-air-force-top-commander/22014

Russian military trucks for Philippines spotted arriving

From Update Philippines (Oct 23): Russian military trucks for Philippines spotted arriving

Military trucks to be officially transferred by the Russian government to Philippines were spotted at Subic Bay Freeport being unloaded from a Russian ship.

Photos were shared by MaxDefense Philippines in its official social networking page. The photos were said to be taken by MaxDefense Philippines community member Justin Dupuis.

According to MaxDefense, these trucks are Ural-4320. Ural-4320 is a general purpose off-road 6×6 vehicle, produced at the Ural Automotive Plant in Miass, Russia built primarily for use in the Russian army.





These military trucks, 20 units, along with 5000 units of Kalashnikov rifle and ammunition will be formally turned over to the Department of National Defense – Armed Forces of the Philippines on October 25.





The turn over will be led by Russia Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu who is in the country for the 4th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus which will be attended by defense chiefs of ASEAN countries plus Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia and United States.

https://www.update.ph/2017/10/russian-military-trucks-for-philippines-spotted-arriving/22010

DWDD: 6IDat30 | Kampilan Troopers Kaagapay ng Mamayan sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Oct 24): 6IDat30  |  Kampilan Troopers Kaagapay ng Mamayan sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran



CAMP BGEN GONZALO SIONGCO, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao (DWDD) – The 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division of the Philippine Army celebrated its 30th Foundation Anniversary on October 23, 2017 with the theme, “Sa Ika-Tatlumpung Taon, Matibay at Matatag na Samahan , Kaagapay ng Mamamayan tungo sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran.”

Lt Gen Rolando Joselito Bautista, Commanding General, Philippine Army was the Guest of Honor and Speaker for the celebration.

The celebration was highlighted with the wreath laying on the tomb of unknown soldier; presentation of firearms recoveries of 6ID for the 2017; Parade and Review; and awarding of 6ID’s best personnel, brigade, battalion, and outstanding key civilian stakeholders that contributed in the peace and development initiatives of 6ID in Central Mindanao. 6DPAO/MCAG



 












 http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/10/24/6idat30-kampilan-troopers-kaagapay-ng-mamayan-sa-kapayapaan-at-kaunlaran/

DWDD: SIEGE ENDS | CSAFP: Marawi experience to be evaluated

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Oct 24): SIEGE ENDS  |  CSAFP: Marawi experience to be evaluated



CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo Año expressed relief that the government has achieved total victory in its campaign to free Marawi City from the hands of the Daesh-inspired Maute terror group.

He described the last stand of the remaining terrorist at Bandariingan Mosque and an adjacent two-storey structure as very intense. They were trying to convince the remaining terrorist to surrender but most were suicidal and opted to fight it out.

In the aftermath, troops were able to recover more than forty (40) cadavers of terrorist and some of their relatives.

Since President Rodrigo Duterte declared Marawi as liberated, government force incurred 32 Wounded-in-Action and 2 Killed-in-Action.

Based on the latest tally, the total number of terrorist killed was at 962, while the AFP and PNP lost 165 officers and men.

Gen Año stated that with the large number of terrorist neutralized in the Marawi siege, it will serve as a stern warning to Maute remnants and other terrorist groups to think twice before launching any similar event. Secondly, it was also a lesson for civilians that in order to defeat terrorism, it needs the full cooperation and vigilance of the community.

Gen Año meanwhile added that the government can now concentrate with the next phase which is the return of Marawi residents back to their homes and the reconstruction and rebuilding of homes and structures destroyed by the siege.

When asked by media if the Marawi siege was a defining moment for his career, Gen Año reiterated that the victory gained in Marawi was a concerted effort by the AFP, PNP and other law enforcement agencies, not by a single entity. But what he was able to prove to himself was that at critical times, as the Chief of Staff and his experience as a soldier, he was able decide and strategize effectively, aside from the fact that he has great commanders on the ground.

On lessons learned, the AFP will be reviewing its doctrines and strategy, specially on the appreciation of intelligence information, like in the case of the Maute who were downplayed as a small ragtag group, despite numerous intelligence report reporting otherwise. They will also review and implement new strategies on urban warfare, since the AFP concentrated on jungle warfare. AES/ALS

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/10/24/siege-ends-csafp-marawi-experience-to-be-evaluated/

DWDD: CLEARING OPERATIONS | AFP moves to next mode of operation

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Oct 24): CLEARING OPERATIONS  |  AFP moves to next mode of operation

 

CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – With the official declaration by the Department of National Defense for the termination of all combat operations in Marawi City, the Armed Forces of the Philippines is now shifting its focus on the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the city.

According to AFP spokesperson MGen Restituto Padilla, all operational aspect of combat operations will cease, although he explained that from time to time gunfire may be heard in the combat environment as a precaution or requirement of troops conducting clearing operations in every corner of the main battle area.

The military is still conducting Engineering operations; Clearing operations; Mopping operations, specially from booby traps, Improvised Explosive Devices, and unexploded ordnances; the conduct of Civil-Military operations, and the like, to pave the way for a safe and secured return to Marawi of its residents.

Gen Padilla also confirmed that the total number of cadavers recovered from the final encounter was 42, although it was in different areas of the two-storey building, the mosque, and in the immediate vicinity. A big gun emplacement was also discovered in the structure. Most of the cadavers recovered around the structures were from Maute fighters who were trying to escape. It can be recalled that Maute leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute were also trying to escape the day they were neutralized by the combined elite troops from the AFP and PNP and armored units. AES/ALS

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/10/24/clearing-operations-afp-moves-to-next-mode-of-operation/

DWDD: NEW LEADERSHIP | MGen Galileo Kintanar assumes role as CGPAF

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Oct 24): NEW LEADERSHIP  |  MGen Galileo Kintanar assumes role as CGPAF



CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – Major Gen. Galileo Gerard Kintanar Jr. will assume today as the new Air Force chief, succeeding Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina, who will retire from the service just a week before reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

Kintanar is the 35th chief of the Air Force picked by the President and AFP Commander-in-Chief Rodrigo Duterte during today’s scheduled retirement and installation ceremonies.

Kintanar is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1985, he will succeed Fallorina, a member of PMA Class of 1983, who will retire on November 1.

The appointment of Kintanar as the new commanding general of the Air Force was confirmed on Monday by Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo Ano.



Kintanar will assume the chief post of the Air Force from being the commander of Armed Forces Western Command (WESCOM), a position that he has held since August this year.

According to AFP Chief of Staff Gen Eduardo Año, Gen Kintanar is a silent worker and a strategic thinker. A tried and tested Ace pilot.

Gen Año believes that Gen Kintanar will continue with the reform initiatives and programs of the Philippine Air Force started by his predecessors particularly of Lt Gen Fallorino. The success of the AFP, in particular the Air Force is the collaboration of its officers, enlisted personnel and civilian employees who works as one under a team leader…in this case… Lt Gen Kintanar. AES/ALS

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/10/24/new-leadership-mgen-galileo-kintanar-assumes-role-as-cgpaf/

NDF/NPA-NCMR: MGA BUTANG SA MARAWI NGA GIKAWAT SA SUNDALO, nadiskubrihan sa espesyal nga operatiba sa NPA

NPA-North Central Mindanao Region propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Oct 22): MGA BUTANG SA MARAWI NGA GIKAWAT SA SUNDALO, nadiskubrihan sa espesyal nga operatiba sa NPA 

 News advisory:
Oktubre 22, 2017 [Tagalog»]

Niadtong Byernes, petsa 20 sa Oktubre 2017, sa may alas-sais y medya sa gabii, gisulod sa special unit sa NPA nga nagpakana nga NBI ang usa ka balay sa El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental aron sutaon ang maong impormasyon.

Sa maong aksyon, nadiskubrihan ang usa ka service van ug upat ka dagkong kahon nga gisudlan sa nagkadaiyang butang sama sa:

2pcs.flat screen TV
mga shoulder bag
welding machine,
bed sheet ug may malong ,
mga dvd player
antik nga mga gamit, toolbox mga plato ug sapatos
mga himan sa computer, amplifier
mga pyesa para motor mga stroller bag,
ug usa ka starex van

Duna pay uban pang mahalon nga butang nga wala pa masaysay sa ibabaw.

Sumala sa taho, mga membro sa military bomb squad nga gi_assign sa Marawi ang nagbilin sa maong mga butang. Didto kini gitaguan sa panimalay ni Mr.Jersies Valle nga sakop sa Purok uno, Barangay Lanao, El Salvador City.

Wala na gidala sa operatiba sa NPA ang maong mga butang. Igo nalang gikuhaan sa videos ug hulagway ang maong balay.

Ka Malem Mabini

Tigpamaba
NPA-NCMR

https://www.ndfp.org/mga-butang-sa-marawi-nga-gikawat-sa-sundalo/

MILF: A Bangsamoro perspective on Martial Law and revolutionary Government

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Oct 24): A Bangsamoro perspective on Martial Law and revolutionary Government

A Martial Law generally refers to a situation where in the head of state or the President places an area under the control of the military or the Armed Forces the state. It is declared either when there is near- violent civil unrest or in cases of major natural disasters. Sometimes, martial law can interchangeably use as " state of emergency. "
Under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, a declaration of martial law can be revoked or extended by congress and reviewed by the Supreme Court.

The provision of the law says that the declaration shall be affirmed by the congress via a vote and even reviewed by the Supreme Court within 48 hours after its declarant on, the President shall report " in person or in writing " to congress. Congress then has the power to revoke the proclamation by a vote of at least a majority of all members of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Congress can also, if requested by the President and if public safety requires it, extend the period of Martial Law beyond the mandated 60 days.

The Supreme Court for the time being may review the "sufficiency of the factual basis " of the proclamation of martial law in an appropriate proceeding filed by any citizen. Meaning, the declaration of martial law does not impede the rule of law and it is within the ambit of the constitution.

As to the setting up of Revolutionary Government, the main condition is there should be a declaration and of course a revolution. The president cannot declare or people can just persuade the head of state to declare such on the basis of imaginary perception but must be a presence of an actual uncontrollable and ungovernable state.

Taking into consideration the definition given by Samuel Huntington on revolution. He defines it, " as a rapid, fundamental and violent domestic change in the dominant values and myths of a society in its political institutions, social structure, leadership, and government activity and policies."

Indeed, a revolutionary government can bring about the changes that a leader would like to instigate. But this is a dangerous path to explore and always a dangerous preposition. The outcome of political violence is unpredictable, uncontrollable and often terrifying.

To contemplate on Philippine settings, the Philippines has a long history of revolution. The first Filipino revolution was in 1896 against Spain led by Andres Bonifacio and the Katipunan.

Then in 1930, the communist and the socialist continued the revolution in fighting American imperialism and overthrowing the reactionary state of local ruling elites.

In 1972, President Ferdinand E. Marcos imposed Martial Law and launched his own " revolution from the center “, which aimed to build a " New Society " built on discipline and traditional Filipino values.

Subsequently, the People Power uprising in 1986 overthrown the Marcos regime known as " Edsa Revolution " and followed by 2001 people power type uprising which ousted the then President Joseph Estrada.

Here now comes President Rodrigo R. Duterte who recently announced his intention to form a revolutionary government and threatening to close down congress and other institutions. He tends to overhaul the existing government system and introduce reforms through extraconstitutional means.

Generally, any head of state can declare revolutionary government but it is illegal and unconstitutional but it is possible under the prevailing circumstances. But sometimes this will lead to "

one-man rule " or dictatorship or " authoritarian rule " just like the Marcos dictatorship in the 70's.

Granting for the sake of argument that President Duterte will declare revolutionary government, he needs the backing of the military and majority of the Filipino people. But he is thriving into a dangerous ground that the situation might end up in civil war.

The Bangsamoro perspective on the declaration of Revolutionary government

sees positive and negative aspects on Bangsamoro aspiration. On an academic analysis, if President Duterte is really sincere in addressing the Bangsamoro question, this scenario is advantageous and a " short cut " for the establishment of Bangsamoro government. President Duterte will just issue a proclamation order for the establishment of Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and replace it with the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro ( CAB ) compliance Bangsamoro government as provided for in the GPH - MILF Peace Agreement. This is also an opportunity for President Duterte to easily shift from the present unitary form of government to federal form of government without legal impediment considering that there is no constitution to beckoned with.

On the contrary, if the circumstances mentioned are on the reverse, there will be social unrest, possibility of civil war may erupt and the Bangsamoro question will be put into sidelines and many armed groups and warlords will emerge that will challenge the military might of the revolutionary government. Expect likewise the emergence of violent extremist group who will take advantage of the situation for failure of the government to fulfill his obligation to the Bangsamoro people.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1057/-a-bangsamoro-perspective-on-martial-law-and-revolutionary-government

Marawi soldiers reunite with families in Eastern Visayas

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 23): Marawi soldiers reunite with families in Eastern Visayas

After five months of fighting terrorists in Marawi City, about 100 soldiers under the Army’s 82nd Reconnaissance Company finally returned to Eastern Visayas Sunday afternoon.

Joined by family members, Col. Alberto Desoyo and 8th Infantry Division staff led in welcoming the soldiers.

Desoyo personally lauded the soldiers for their contribution to free Marawi City from the clutches of the ISIS-inspired Maute group.

“Our debt to our soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country to preserve our security and freedom in Marawi can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. Eastern Visayas and the entire country will never forget their sacrifices,” Desoyo said.

The troops will undergo a debriefing process, he added.

Most of the family members went to the city’s airport hours before the scheduled troops' arrival.

Michelle Berongoy, wife of Private First Class Ronnie Berongoy, said there were many sleepless nights when her husband was in Marawi especially and communicating with him was very hard. All she did was to pray that her husband would return alive.

“I’m happy that he’s again with us and safe. I’m very thankful to God,” Michelle told reporters.

Berongoy said he is happy to see his family almost five months after being deployed to the frontline of the battleground.

“We will have to discuss it first with the troops what are we going to do, but if we will be given a break, I want to spend it with my family,” the soldier added.

Mary Joyce Balita, a 33-year-old teacher from Taft, Eastern Samar, took a video recording of the plane’s arrival where Corporal Jome Balita was on board.

“I cried every day, hoping and waiting for my husband to come home safely,” said Mary Joyce, who was accompanied by five of their children.

“We have this very nice picture of a very happy moment today, but I couldn’t stop thinking of some families that weren’t reunited because the head of their family perished during the war. We are very lucky,” she told reporters.

Before their deployment in Marawi City, the 82nd Reconnaissance Company was assigned to secure the area covered in Leyte province by the 19th Infantry Battalion (IB) earlier sent to fight the Abu Sayyaf group in Mindanao.

Aside from the 82nd Reconnaissance Company, the Army’s 62nd Infantry Batallion was also sent to Marawi to help retake the city from the hands of the Maute group.

The 62nd IB is also expected to return to Eastern Visayas to augment the remaining forces of the Philippine Army in securing the region from the influence of the New People’s Army. Desoyo is still unsure of the 62nd IB’s date of return to the region.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1013542

ASEAN defense chiefs sign joint declaration for regional security

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 23): ASEAN defense chiefs sign joint declaration for regional security

Defense ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) on Monday signed a joint declaration during the 11th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) here, reaffirming their common commitments and goals to promote defense cooperation and regional security.

“The joint declaration being signed embodies the collective sense of the ASEAN defense ministers on the regional security environment. More importantly, it contains the ministers’ shared thrust and specific undertakings to address the security challenges facing the region as well as the practical measures to promote cooperation,” they said in a statement read during the signing ceremony held at the ASEAN Convention Center here.

After the signing, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, as ADMM chair together with ASEAN Secretary General Le Loung Minh, presented the signed joint declaration.

Lorenzana likewise handed to the ASEAN Secretary General the books that contained the outcome documents of the ADMM, defense and security perspectives of the Philippine Secretary of National Defense, and the evolution of the security community building in the region.

Since 2006 when the first ADMM convened, the defense ministers have consistently issued a joint declaration.

Meanwhile, the event on Tuesday will be highlighted with the launch of the ASEAN direct communication infrastructure and the handover ceremony of the Philippines’ ADMM chairmanship to Singapore.

The ADMM is the highest defense consultative and cooperative mechanism in the ASEAN. It aims to promote mutual trust and confidence through greater understanding of defense and security challenges, as well as enhancement of transparency and openness among the 10 ASEAN member states.

On the other hand, the ADMM-Plus is a platform for ASEAN Defense Ministers to engage their counterparts from the Plus countries, namely: Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia and United States.

With the establishment of the ADMM-Plus in 2010, its Experts’ Working Groups (EWGs) on humanitarian assistance and disaster response maritime security, counter-terrorism, military medicine, peacekeeping operations, humanitarian mine action and cybersecurity were organized to promote practical cooperation that would enhance the ADMM-Plus members’ defense and military interoperability and capability.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1013582

Abu Sayyaf beheads ex-barangay chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 23): Abu Sayyaf beheads ex-barangay chief

A former barangay official was executed by beheading by alleged members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the nearby province of Basilan, a top police official said Monday.

Senior Supt. Nickson Muksan, Basilan police director, identified the victim as Hadji Najer Bohong, 58, former barangay chair of Mahatalang, Sumisip town.

Muksan disclosed that the decapitated cadaver of Bohong was found by his relatives at around 10 a.m. Sunday in Sitio Upper Bato Lareg, Barangay Mahatalang.

He said investigation showed the victim went to Sitio Upper Bato Lareg on Saturday purposely to pick up Yakal round timber to be used in his house.

But he said that investigation further showed the followers of ASG sub-leader Furuji Indama seized the victim who was reported missing since then.

He said the relatives took the victim’s decapitated remains to Sitio Matias, Barangay Tumahubong, Sumisip where they buried him at around 5 p.m. Sunday.

The victim’s head is still missing.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1013593

18 more NPA rebs yield to Army in Sultan Kudarat

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 23): 18 more NPA rebs yield to Army in Sultan Kudarat

Tired of hiding in the mountains and fighting state forces, 18 more communist rebels belonging to the Indigenous Peoples (IP) community, voluntarily surrendered Monday to military and government officials in the nearby town of Sen. Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat.

Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion (IB) commander, welcomed the New Peoples’ Army (NPA) rebels who told government forces that the better life being experienced by their comrades after they yielded enticed them to follow suit.

“I laud your decision to come down and become law abiding citizens,” Cabunoc told the surrenderees in the vernacular.

1Lt. Austin John Jamora, 33rd IB Alpha Company commander, said the rebels turned in 10 assorted firearms and five powerful circular improvised bombs.

Jamora presented the surrenderees to Sen. Ninoy Aquino Mayor Randy Ecija Jr. who welcomed them to the government.

One of the surrenderees told the mayor they decided to yield for fear of being caught in the massive combat operations launched against the communist terrorists.

Jamora also said the rebels admitted that they surrendered because their comrades, who yielded last month, had been getting better treatment and that they were given livelihood assistance by the provincial government.

Cabunoc said the local government has been supporting the Army's counterinsurgency campaign against the NPA Guerilla Front 73 operating in the area by pushing the delivery of public services to indigent and IP communities.

The surrender of 18 rebels brought to 40 the total number of communist rebels operating in Sen. Ninoy Aquino.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1013611

DND announces termination of all combat ops in Marawi

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 23): DND announces termination of all combat ops in Marawi

A week after President Rodrigo Duterte declared Marawi City's liberation from the clutches of the Maute terrorist group, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Monday announced the termination of all combat operations in the city.

"After 154 days of the siege of Marawi by the Daesh-inspired Maute ISIS group or after a week since the Commander in Chief declared the liberation of Marawi, we now announce the termination of all combat operations in Marawi," Lorenzana told reporters at the sidelines of the ASEAN defense ministers meeting (ADMM), a high-level regional security forum among member states which is ongoing in Clark, Pampanga.

“The Philippine security forces aided by its government and the massive support of the Filipino people, have nipped building infrastructure and defeated terrorism in the Philippines,” he added.

Lorenzana expressed gratitude to other countries that provided firearms and sharing technical intelligence to government troops.

“I would like to thank the nations that helped us. China, US, Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei also helped and Singapore, we hope that this operational achievement in Marawi in the Philippines will be the catalyst that shall bring to the fore future cooperation and partnerships not only against terrorism but also those that shall receive other global and security threats,” he said.

“China gave us firearms and ammunition, sniper rifles were used against the terrorists so they are in the frontline while the United States provided intelligence, technical intelligence provided us images of the enemy by their, they have very sophisticated technical intelligence gathering capability,” the Defense Secretary noted.

While the end of the siege will not completely annihilate the ISIS ideology, Lorenzana said this achievement is proof that regional cooperation can prevent the proliferation of terrorism.

“In crushing thus far the most serious attempt to export violent extremism and radicalism in the Philippines and in the region we have contributed to prevent its spread in Asia and give our share in maintaining global peace, stability and security,” he explained.

In a related development, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Eduardo Año confirmed at least 42 bodies of terrorists were found on Monday in two buildings and a mosque in the battle zone.

“After the announcement of the President on the liberation of Marawi last October 17 we conducted mopping up operation and the presence of the Maute ISIS are confined into two big buildings, one of them is a mosque and actually that is where the last fighting occurred, that is also the place where we rescued additional hostages and in that fighting we gave a chance for these militants and terrorists to surrender but they fought to the last breath so wala tayong magagawa and when we counted a total 42 Maute ISIS terrorists were killed (sic)," Año said in an interview with reporters.

"Along with them are two wives of the terrorists who also fought the government troops, we accounted foreign terrorists, at that time mga five na lang, they are part of the 42 so we are very confident na walang nakatakas sa kanila,” the AFP chief added.

The fighting between government troops and Maute terrorists, which lasted almost five months, started last May 23 when the AFP attempted to arrest Hapilon, who was declared the emir of ISIS in Southeast Asia.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1013577

Security assessment in Mindanao to follow halt of Marawi ops: DND

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 23): Security assessment in Mindanao to follow halt of Marawi ops: DND

The Department of National Defense (DND) will conduct an assessment of the security situation in Mindanao following the termination Monday of all combat operations in Marawi City.

“We will determine the security situation in the whole of Mindanao and we will make a recommendation to the President soon,” he said in a media briefing before the signing and handover of the joint declaration at the 11th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defense Ministers Meeting (ADMM) in Clark Field, Pampanga.

Lorenzana was referring to the military's recommendation on whether or not to lift martial law in Mindanao, which will later be submitted to President Rodrigo Duterte.

Last week, the Chief Executive declared Marawi City liberated from the Maute group after almost five months of incessant fighting which started last May 23.

The conflict prompted the President to place Mindanao under martial law by virtue of Proclamation 216.

Following the termination of combat operations in Marawi City, Lorenzana hopes that reclaiming Marawi will be seen by other countries in the region as a successful fight against insurgents.

“We hope that this operational achievement in Marawi in the Philippines will be the catalyst that shall bring to the fore future cooperations and partnerships not only against terrorism but also those that shall defeat other regional and global security threats,” Lorenzana added.

The Defense Secretary is the chair of the 11th ADMM and the 4th ADMM-Plus which are being held in this province.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1013578

Australia affirms military support for PH

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 23): Australia affirms military support for PH

Australian Defense Minister Senator Hon Marise Payne on Monday said it is a great opportunity to exchange views on key security issues that challenge the region everyday such as terrorist activities.

“These are the things that enable us to work as one in a strong multilateral context and that’s what ADMM allows us to do,” Payne said as she visited the crew of the AP-3C Orion reconnaissance plane which is currently taking part in surveillance operations in Marawi City.

Payne also expressed her gratitude to the men and women belonging to the Australian Air Force and part of the Australian Defense Forces (ADF) participating in Operation Augury in support of ground units involved in the liberation of Marawi.

“We thank those men and women of the ADF for the contribution that they have made and the work that they have done and for their families for supporting them while they were away. We ask a lot of the men and women of the ADF and they answer that without question.” Payne said.

Each AP-3C Orion, normally stationed in Adelaide, Australia, is manned by a crew of 12 composed of men and women, explained Wing Commander (lieutenant colonel) Jim Collisson of the Royal Australian Air Force.

Operating mostly at night since June, the AP-3Cs fly over the main battle area (MBA) of Marawi City armed only with an electro optic system (EOS) which is essentially a large camera that can monitor any ground movements and relative positions of people, vehicles or animals.

This information was then relayed to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and processed to assist ground units operating in the MBA.

“I want to acknowledge the real contribution that our ability to work with the government of the Philippines and the AFP makes in terms of regional engagements. Australia and the Philippines share a long regional and military history and the engagement of our AP-3Cs in surveillance activities have been an extension of these relations,” Payne said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1013585

Government allocates initial P5-B fund for Marawi rehabilitation

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 23): Government allocates initial P5-B fund for Marawi rehabilitation

The government is allocating an initial PHP5-billion fund that will be spent until the end of the year for the rehabilitation of Marawi City, a Civil Defense official said Monday, October 23.

Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Assistant Secretary Kristoffer James Purisima said a big chunk of the fund would be allotted for the relief efforts.

“Ang priority diyan ay ‘yung patuloy nating pagbibigay ng relief sa ating IDPs (internally displaced persons),” Purisima said during the regular Mindanao Hour press briefing in Malacañang.

As of latest count, he said there are more than 72,000 IDP families still housed in evacuation centers as well as those who are home-based.

Purisima added that part of the PHP5-billion would also be used to fund the construction of transitional shelters.

The National Housing Authority eyes to build at least 1,100 transitional shelters within the year for the Marawi City IDPs, he said, adding that displaced persons may start occupying the shelters as early as next year.

“‘Yun ang target nila doon sa unang plano. Of course, this is subject to evaluation, this is subject to revisions as needed dahil ngayon minamadali na at tinatapos na ng DPWH ‘yung site development ng lahat ng transitional shelter sites. ‘Yung six areas diyan sa transitional shelter sites,” Purisima said.

The site development continues in Barangay Sagonsongan, Marawi City, under the leadership of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

A private company also volunteered to develop a water distribution system for the transitional shelter site in Barangay Sagonsongan and has identified location for installation of deep wells.

The government also accepts donations from foreign groups and it is being handled by the Finance and Resource Mobilization Support Group. Among the donors include Thailand, India and China, he said.

To address concerns on the lack of livelihood in the temporary sites, Purisima said the government is studying possible livelihood and business opportunities for the IDPs.

“At saka alam naman natin itong transitional shelter site ay transitional, temporary lamang, ngunit bibigyan pa rin natin sila ng sense of community dito sa transitional shelter site,” he said.

“So nagpaplanong maglagay diyan ng marketplace, maaaring maglagay din diyan ng eskwelahan at health center o medical center,” he added.

Aside from the appropriate livelihood interventions, the IDPs will also be provided appropriate health and educational interventions as well.

Meanwhile, Malacañang welcomed the tie-up between the Diocese of Novaliches, Quezon City and the Philippine National Police to rehabilitate drug dependents.

“The drug rehabilitation partnership agreement signed by the Diocese of Novaliches, Quezon City government, and the Philippine National Police for a community-based drug rehabilitation program in the Batasan area is a commendable move to pro-actively help the national government in the anti-illegal drug campaign,” Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement.

“ It is hoped that this kind of partnership can be replicated by the PNP and other offices involved in the comprehensive anti-illegal drugs campaign with other Dioceses, as well as other churches and church groups in the country,” he added.

Abella noted that this kind of collaboration between the government and the Church is what the people expect, as indicated by a recent survey showing majority saying that the Catholic Church must help with the rehabilitation of drug addicts.

“The complementary work of the government and the Church in the treatment and rehabilitation of drug dependents must further be enhanced, particularly in areas such as restoration of mental, spiritual, and psycho-emotional health,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1013648

Maute defeat in Marawi a warning to terror groups: AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 24): Maute defeat in Marawi a warning to terror groups: AFP

With the decisive defeat of the Maute Group terrorists in Marawi City, lawless elements will be forced to think twice before occupying another city or town in the Philippines.

This was emphasized by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año in an interview Monday.

"(With a total of 920) terrorists killed since the start of the campaign (in May 23), they will think twice of occupying another city or town," he said.

Government troops killed in the five-month fighting stands at 165.

Despite these losses, Año said the AFP feels very happy as the job to liberate Marawi City has been completed successfully.

With this, the job of allowing the families displaced by the fighting and rehabilitation and reconstruction of facilities and homes damaged by the war can now start, he added.

"We can now proceed with the next phase, makakabalik na yung mga kababayan natin sa Marawi, (Our fellowmen can now return to Marawi.)" the AFP chief emphasized.

Also, the fighting in Marawi City has also served as a wake up call to all Filipinos that to defeat terrorism, cooperation is vital from everyone in the community.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1013658

Intel appreciation could have cut short Marawi campaign: Año

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 24): Intel appreciation could have cut short Marawi campaign: Año

If there is anything that the military could have done differently in the five-month battle for the liberation of Marawi City against the Maute Group terrorists, it would be in intelligence appreciation.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año made this statement when asked on what particular adjustments the military could have made to shorten or made the Marawi City campaign less costly or prolonged.

Around 920 terrorists were killed since the campaign in Marawi City started in May 23 while 165 troopers made the ultimate sacrifice in the course of the five-month campaign.

"Siguro yung tinatawag nating appreciation sa intelligence information, marami nang mga dumating na information but we're busy running after terrorists in Sulu (and) Basilan in Maguindanao, so nagkulang tayo ng appreciation na this bunch of Maute-ISIS holed somewhere in Butig and Piagapo, they did the unthinkable which is occupy Marawi, yun nagkulang tayo sa appreciation, " he said.

And if they have time to do this, Año said the AFP could have prepared and deployed more troops and equipment to counter the terrorists aside from employing commanders skillful in the use of intelligence and developing assets in the conflict area.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1013660