‘Oplan Bingo vs Hapilon ignited Marawi siege’

From the Philippine Star (Nov 4): ‘Oplan Bingo vs Hapilon ignited Marawi siege’

Photo released by military sources on Monday, Oct. 16, 2017 shows supposed remains of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Isnilon Hapilon. Image obtained by STAR/John Unson, File


ZAMBOANGA CITY , Philippines — Agents of the Naval Intelligence Service Group (NISG) tracked down Islamic State (IS) emir Isnilon Hapilon in Marawi where the operation to arrest the terrorist leader prompted militants to prematurely occupy the city last May 23.

 

Rear Admiral Rene Medina, commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM), said NISG members under his command began tracking down Hapilon after the IS and Abu Sayyaf leader slipped out of Basilan last year.

Hapilon reportedly sought refuge in Central Mindanao and merged with the Maute group.

Medina said the NISG monitored Hapilon in Central Mindanao in February after the intelligence unit made contact with one of the members of the terrorist leader’s inner circle.

 

He said the NISG made plans to get Hapilon and launched “Operation Target Pocket Bingo.”

Medina said the NISG made contact with one of the assistants of Hapilon that provided them the location of the terror leader.

 

He said the planning was ongoing until May 20 when he gave the go-signal to get Hapilon from his hideout in Marawi City.

“We have been tracking him down as early as February, we have contact from one of his assistants in the inner circle and we have also leads from the other members,” Medina said.

He said there were plans to neutralize those in the inner circle but the decision was set aside as it would prevent them from getting closer to the exact location of Hapilon.

According to Medina, the NISG initially had no information on the exact location of Hapilon except for the hideout of his assistants.

 

He said that on May 20, Operation Target Pocket Bingo was presented to him for approval to execute the arrest or neutralization of Hapilon.

Medina said they also secured information that Hapilon and the Maute group had a bigger plan, which turned out to be the plot to occupy Marawi City and establish an IS caliphate in the Philippines.

“And the only way to stop that plan is to neutralize IH,” Medina said, referring to the terrorist by his initials.

Government troops backed by the police launched the raid to get Hapilon on May 23 in his hideout in Barangay Basak Malutlut but were repelled by the terrorist group, triggering the five-month long hostilities until the death of Hapilon, the Maute brothers and other foreign terrorists.

 

Medina admitted that he could not help but speculate on what could have happened had he not approved the operation to arrest Hapilon.

“We should give our congratulations to the NISG personnel of Western Mindanao – the silent workers,” he added.

Medina said they also want to give recognition to one of the contacts of the NISG, but as of the moment they could not reveal their source from the group of Hapilon for security reasons.

 

http://www.philstar.com:8080/headlines/2017/11/04/1755500/oplan-bingo-vs-hapilon-ignited-marawi-siege

ISIS extremists no longer have links to PH after Hapilon and Maute brothers death – WestMinCom

From UNTV (Nov 3): ISIS extremists no longer have links to PH after Hapilon and Maute brothers death – WestMinCom



Following the killing of designated ISIS “emir” for Southeast Asia, Isnilon Hapilon and Maute terror group leaders, Omar and Abdullah Maute, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Mindanao command believes that the Daesh or the so-called “Islamic State” extremists no longer have links to the Philippines.

“I believed that for now, they no longer have contacts in the Philippines. The good thing is that after the Marawi siege they cannot tell that Philippines is a very good destination for them they know they will be all killed then,” WestMinCom Commander Lt/Gen. Carlito Galvez, Jr.

WestMinCom has jurisdiction over areas in Mindanao with presence of known armed groups such as the beleaguered Maute terror group, Abu Sayyaf, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighers, and several others.

According to WestMinCom Commander Lt/Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr, Daesh militants would have second thoughts first before attempting to influence the country again.

“So with the killing of these prominent personalities, there is a huge probability that they will have difficulty getting into the Philippines,” Galvez said.

WestMinCom said it will go after all the supporters of the ISIS-inspired Maute group until the end of this year in accordance with the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte.

For now, the military is set to neutralize two Maute supporters outside of Marawi City.
After clearing Mindanao of foreign inspired terrorist groups, the AFP said it’s next target is the local terrorist group Abu Sayyaf (ASG).

Newly installed AFP of Staff Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero recently visited the headquarters of the Western Mindanao Command to further strengthen the morale of soldiers.

https://www.untvweb.com/news/isis-extremists-no-longer-have-links-to-ph-after-hapilon-and-maute-brothers-death-westmincom/

AFP says declaration of Marawi liberation not premature

From ABS-CBN (Nov 3): AFP says declaration of Marawi liberation not premature



Soldiers pursue a suspected straggler in Marawi City after he was sighted in the main battle area on Thursday, Nov. 2. Suspected Indonesian terrorist Muhammad Ilham Syahputra, who was arrested Wednesday, claimed 39 more Maute terrorists and sympathizers remain in the main battle area. Fernando G. Sepe Jr., ABS-CBN News

Despite the reported presence of stragglers in war-torn Marawi, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday insisted that the government did not prematurely declare the city’s liberation from Islamic State-inspired terrorists last week.

AFP Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr. defended government's declaration of the end of hostilities in Marawi City even while some terrorists were still known to remain in the battle area.

“Iyung declaration ng liberation ay iyong punto na wala na itong bearing. Iyung mga naiiwang stragglers, they are leaderless, they have no direction. They are merely fighting for survival. So they have no impact on the overall security of the place,” Padilla said in a news conference in Malacañang.

Duterte declared the liberation of Marawi City on Oct. 17, a day after government troops killed terror leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute.

On Oct. 23, exactly five months since the siege erupted, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the battle in the city was finally over.

Despite these declarations, several terrorists were reportedly spotted in the city. A suspected Indonesian terrorist identified as Muhammadin Ilham Syahputra was arrested in Lanao del Sur Wednesday as he was trying to flee from government troops.READ: Indonesian arrested in Marawi arrives in Manila

Syahputra, who has been transported to Manila and slapped with rebellion and other charges, claimed that at least 39 Islamist extremists remain in Marawi City.

His claim was bolstered by the killing of two Islamist militants in a skirmish in the main battle area on Wednesday, where two government troops were also wounded.

One of the slain terrorists was identified as Abu Talja, alleged to be Hapilon's trusted aide.

Padilla said the presence of stragglers in the city was why government troops still bar the media and residents from going to some parts of the city, as operations are ongoing to capture the militants.

“One terrorist who is able to escape has the potential of inflicting harm on many of our nationals,” Padilla said.

According to Padilla, some 16 barangays which saw most of the fighting during the 5-month long siege remain off-limits to the media and civilians.

RESIDENTS RETURN HOME

While the city has yet to be completely rid of terrorists, government has allowed residents to go back to their homes in areas deemed safe.

Office of Civil Defense Spokesperson Kristoffer James Purisima said some 6,462 residents from 9 barangays have been allowed to return to their homes.

“To ascertain that returning IDPs (internally displaced persons) are legitimate Marawi City residents, identification cards are being issued by the respective barangays based on the rolls of census and voters’ registration,” Purisima said.

“Safety parati ‘yung concern natin kaya kailangan natin mag-implement ng ganitong measures. At ang local government units naman, the cities and specifically the barangays are very much involved here,” he added.

With the end of major hostilities in Marawi, government has shifted its focus on rehabilitating the once bustling city. The conflict left much of the former commercial center in ruins and displaced more than 200,000 residents. At least 1,100 were killed, most of them terrorists.

Temporary shelters for displaced families will be ready by December, the government promised, as authorities continued to clear the city of stray explosives.

Government has allotted P5 billion for the city's rehabilitation this year, while another P10 billion is set to be released next year. Lorenzana earlier said rebuilding the city may need up to P50 billion.

Earlier, the Office of the Civil Defense said rebuilding Marawi City may take 2 to 3 years.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/03/17/afp-says-declaration-of-marawi-liberation-not-premature

CPP/Sine Proletaryo: Video - October Revolution live mural

Sine Proletaryo propaganda video posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Nov 4): Video - October Revolution live mural    
                   

                    

In celebration of the centennial of October revolution, Red fighters compose a mural depicting Lenin and the Philippine revolution.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPCka5m2zyM

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/

CPP/NPA-NCM: More battalion in Bukidnon, more calamities for the people

NPA-North Central Mindanao propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Nov 3): More battalion in Bukidnon, more calamities for the people



Ka Malem Mabini, Spokesperson
NPA-North Central Mindanao

2 November 2017

The New People’s Army – North Central Mindanao Region (NPA-NCMR) condemns the US-Rodrigo Duterte regime for deploying a new battalion of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Southern Bukidnon this month.

It had been only two weeks since the 88th Infantry Battalion reached the old camp of the 8th IB in Maramag, Bukidnon, militarization had already intensified against the people and the revolutionary forces of the said area.

Despite with the vast plantations for ready-to-export products, of foreign corporate farmlands in the province, their expansion did not cease which will even ravage the agricultural lands. From here, infrastructure projects are setting down to build the Pulangui Dam–V and Maramag-Don Carlos Airport that will invite more foreign investments to the province, as anticipated by the bureaucrat capitalists.

According to reports, the Pulangi Dam-V will aggregate the rivers in Bukidnon and Cotabato and will clear the 40,000 hectares of forest, agricultural and ancestral lands in 22 barrios in the provinces of Bukidnon, Maguindanao and North Cotabato. 2,800 families of Matigsalog tribe in Kitaotao, Bukidnon and Tagabawas tribe in Cotabato will be affected of possible flooding of the said dam. More or less 6,700 families will also be affected with their livelihood, such as farming, fishing and small-scale mining of gold in the river. Overall, more than 800,000 residents from Maramag, Bukidnon, Moro communities in Liguasan Marsh and in Cotabato City, Maguindanao will be affected with this project, who are principally depend on the water from Pulangui river for their irrigation, fishing and other livelihood.

The Maramag-Don Carlos Airport will also convert hundreds of hectares of farmland as airfield. Despite of the fact that the province and region already experienced several calamities, such as floods, landslides and forest fires, Del Monte, Dole-Itochu, Sumifru, Davco and A. Brown did not cease of devastating even those declared by the Department of Environment and Natural resources (DENR) as watersheds and protected areas.

Hence, the current situation is very timely for the imposition of martial law in Mindanao and intensive offensives against the revolutionary movement and the armed resistance of the Moro, so they could lay more of their AFP troops and Lumad bandit groups in the ancestral lands. Hence, it is even more blatant that the mandate of the 88th IB, under the leadership of Lt. Col. Allan Ortal, is to defend the interest of the companies who were drooling to plunder the lands. In a time or two, we could anticipate the aggravating militarization, violation of people’s rights of the peasants and of the right to self-determination of the Lumad.

It has been more blatant to the people that the US-Duterte regime’s plot was just to hasten the establishment of pro-imperialist infrastructures through his “Build, Build, Build,” in order to submit the resources and labor forces of the country to his bosses such as the US, China and other superior foreign countries. Military oppression aims nothing, but to exploit the life of the toiling masses.

As response to this, armed and unarmed resistance will surely reciprocate the said objective of the 4th Infantry Division. The NPA-NCMR is in its favorable political and moral position to put the armed aggression of the said battalion into complete failure, may it be anywhere in the province or anytime they want to.

The encroachment of these giant foreign companies will intensify the resistance that the people of Bukidnon have been waging. They grasped with them the heroic and militant tradition of resisting and persevering for more than four decades, even before late President Marcos imposed martial law on 1972. The 88th IB and the AFP organization as a whole should always remember that the NPA strengthen, expanded and became triumphant within the 48 years of its being because of the fascist and repressive system that had been the oppressed and exploited masses’ daily meal.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20171102-more-battalion-in-bukidnon-more-calamities-for-the-people

CPP/NDF-EV: NDF-EV condemns AFP’s tactic to “divide and conquer” through local peace talks

NDF-Eastern Visayas propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Nov 3): NDF-EV condemns AFP’s tactic to “divide and conquer” through local peace talks

Fr. Santiago “Ka Sanny” Salas, Spokesperson
NDFP Eastern Visayas (Region VIII)

3 November 2017

The National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas today said the military is pushing for local peace talks as part of its counterrevolutionary campaign, Oplan Kapayapaan, and stressed the matter of peace is a national concern and must therefore be done at that level. “The NDF-EV clarifies the revolutionary forces in the region are not falling for the local peace talks being peddled by the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” said NDF-EV spokesperson Fr. Santiago “Ka Sanny” Salas. “We believe these so-called local peace talks in various provinces of Region 8 are crude schemes to sow confusion among the people and inveigle the revolutionary forces into surrendering. These also undermine efforts at national peace talks between the NDFP and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines.”

Fr. Salas slammed the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army for making noise over “local peace talks” together with reactionary politicians. “In Leyte, the 78th IB bruited about local peace talks while in fact campaigning for the surrender of the New People’s Army. In Samar province, the military has also talked about local peace talks together with the provincial government. Meanwhile, there are reports the military in Northern Samar is making a scenario over local peace talks, too.”

The NDF-EV spokesperson said a just and lasting peace is not a local concern but for every peace-loving Filipino. “It is impossible to talk about peace merely at the local level because this will not address the root causes of the civil war and thus will fail at arriving at thoroughgoing social, economic and political reforms. The real intention of the military is spreading the notion that peace is merely the absence of war and urging the the revolutionary forces to surrender. They thus obscure the difference not only between an unjust war and a just war, but also between a just peace and the unjust peace of social injustice that cause people to take up arms in the first place. Only the most narrow-minded will believe in local peace talks while the magnanimous aspire for the greatest good for the greatest number. More and more, such parochialism exemplified by the US-Duterte regime itself will earn the people’s ire and face their broadest unity for a just and lasting peace.”

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20171103-ndf-ev-condemns-afps-tactic-to-divide-and-conquer-through-local-peace-talks

CPP/Information Bureau: Duterte wasting time with local peace talks

CPP Information Bureau propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Nov 2): Duterte wasting time with local peace talks

Information Bureau
Communist Party of the Philippines

2 November 2017

The revolutionary forces under the leadership of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and allied with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) reject local peace negotiations being pushed by local bureaucrats and military officials and supported by GRP president himself.

Mayor Sara Duterte of Davao City recently created a Davao City Peace Committee supposedly to negotiate with local forces of the New People’s Army (NPA). Similar efforts by the 8th ID in Eastern Visayas have been reported. Yesterday, GRP President Duterte expressed support for such efforts and called on NPA Red fighters to surrender with promises of housing and jobs.

Duterte’s local peace talks will surely fail in its aim of dividing the revolutionary forces waging a nationwide people’s war. The Duterte regime is wasting time and the people’s money in setting-up these useless local peace committees which will go nowhere and achieve nothing. These are mere rehashes of worn-out psywar surrender programs such as the “balik-baril program” and the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) riding on the popular clamor for peace talks.

The entire NPA is united under the central leadership of the CPP. The Party and all units of the NPA support the Negotiating Panel of the NDFP in its representation of all revolutionary forces in negotiations with the GRP with the aim of forging agreements to settle the outstanding socio-economic and political questions that compel the people to wage armed struggle.

By pushing for local peace talks and enticing the surrender of NPA fighters with silly incentives, Duterte reveals himself to have a very shallow appreciation of the profound social problems which are at the root of the raging civil war in the Philippines.

While waging nationwide armed struggle to confront Duterte’s “full-scale” all-out war and resist its fascist attacks against the people, the Party and all revolutionary forces reiterate its call for the resumption of the 5th round of the NDFP-GRP peace negotiations in order to pursue discussions on the release of all political prisoners and the Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms (CASER).

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20171102-duterte-wasting-time-with-local-peace-talks

WATCH | Arrested ISIS-linked Pinay earlier blamed for ‘radicalizing’ terror recruits in India says she’s just a blogger

From InterAksyon (Nov 3): WATCH | Arrested ISIS-linked Pinay earlier blamed for ‘radicalizing’ terror recruits in India says she’s just a blogger

 

(UPDATED — 9:54 p.m.) MANILA, Philippines — Even before her arrest last month in the Philippines for allegedly urging foreigners via social media to join the attack on Marawi, 36-year-old Filipina Karen Aizha Hamidon was already considered a threat in India.

 

In its final June 2016 report on its case against suspected ISIS agent Mohammad Sirajuddin, India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) mentioned Hamidon.

NIA, established by the Indian government to combat terror, said that based on its investigation, it was Hamidon, also known as Karen Aisha al-Muslimah, who allegedly “created” and “administered” the WhatsApp group called Ummah Affairs, which was joined by Sirajuddin using his mobile number.

In the same report, NIA, an agency under India’s Ministry of Home Affairs, described Hamidon as “one of the top ISIS operatives” and that the participants in the WhatsApp group that Hamidon allegedly created “included many active operatives of ISIS belonging to India and abroad,” such as from Srilanka, Mauritius, Kenya, U.S., Indonesia, UK, and Argentina.

Moreover, it was mentioned in the report that “a letter of request” was “in the process of being sent” by the Indian government to the Philippine government “for collecting and transferring evidence in respect of…Hamidon.”

Alleged ‘jihadi motivator’

In news reports by the Indian media last year, it was alleged that Hamidon, described as a “jihadi motivator,” who used to work as an air-hostess of a West-Asia airline, was the one who had supposedly “radicalized” Sirajuddin, a marketing manager with the Indian Oil Corp., who reportedly wanted to travel to Syria with his newborn son and train him to become a mujahid or a person engaged in jihad.

Another Indian national, Mohammed Naseer, a 23-year-old software developer from Tamil Nadu, was also allegedly recruited by the ISIS through one of the WhatsApp groups called “Islam Q & A” allegedly set up by Hamidon. Naseer was deported from Sudan in 2015 while attempting to reach Libya allegedly to join the ISIS.

In August 2016, India’s The Sunday Guardian reported that Hamidon “has emerged as the biggest honey trap recruiter for ISIS in India and is likely to be the brain behind getting protesters wave ISIS flags in the Kashmir valley.”

 

“According to officials, Aisha is an expert in luring young men towards jihad for ISIS and is presently in touch with at least 15 Indian nationals from different parts of the country,” it added.

WATCH THIS VIDEO ABOUT HAMIDON PRODUCED BY INDIA’S THE SUNDAY GUARDIAN.

‘I’m just a blogger’

But on Thursday, November 3, two weeks after she was arrested by the Philippine National Bureau of Investigation, Hamidon denied links to any local or international terrorist group, claiming the allegation was “politically motivated.”

 

“I’m just a blogger, into journalistic articles, compositions, a writer and social media usage but no more than that,” she told reporters during the preliminary investigation of the complaints filed against her at the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Manila.

Hamidon was charged last month with 14 counts of inciting to rebellion or insurrection and violation of Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 after she was arrested at her home in Taguig City.

“I’m just a daiya, an Islamic propagator, a Muslim missionary, a counterpart of a Christian missionary. I only use the social media as my avenue to spread the message of Islam for religious purposes, for maximum audiences,” added Hamidon.

READ RELATED STORY: Pinay allegedly linked to pro-ISIS personalities arrested for ‘urging’ foreigners to join Marawi siege

The evidence against her was allegedly planted and that authorities supposedly pursued her so they could be promoted in their jobs, according to Hamidon.

“I can explain it myself. I was entrapped. It was an entrapment operation. So they were the one who implanted those evidences for me for their promotion.
”

She added that the stories about her supposed links to terrorist groups had been “sensationalized because I have reached this pinnacle of international notoriety with the usage of social media.”

 

“So they’ve tried to link me with them but I have nothing to do with them or whatsoever.”

But she admitted that she became the wife of two alleged terrorists.

Hamidon, a Muslim convert, was married to Mohammad Jaafar Maguid, alias Tokboy, the top leader of the pro-ISIS Ansar Al-Khilafa based in the Philippines, among the groups responsible for terrorist attacks in Southern Mindanao. Maguid was killed in a gunfight with police in Sarangani on January 5 this year.

 

It was also earlier reported that she became the wife of Singaporean security guard Muhammad Shamin Mohamed Sidek, who was detained in 2015 after making pro-ISIS Facebook posts inciting readers to religious violence.

During the preliminary investigation at the DOJ on Thursday, the NBI presented Hamidon’s alleged audio recordings that she supposedly uploaded on social media.

 

Hamidon’s alleged audio recordings
A female voice is heard in one of the recordings identifying herself as Hamidon and promising her loyalty to the top leader of the ISIS.

“I am Karen Aizha Hamidon from Manila, Philippines who pledge allegiance to the Commander of the Believers, Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi. May Allah protect him!…I hear and obey within my capacity and I will not seize power from the owners unless I see a real disbelief that I have approved from Allah. Allah-o-Akbar! Allah-o-Akbar!”

The NBI, however, admitted that the recordings had not yet been subjected to audio forensics.

But NBI agent Joshua Raymundo of the bureau’s Counter-Terrorism Division said investigators “have her (Hamidon’s) phone and we did forensics on her phone so we are absolutely sure she posted these messages,” pertaining to Hamidon’s alleged online conversations with possible ISIS recruits.

“So there were audio recordings like this and she also made posts and statements on her Telegram accounts basically saying the same thing, identifying herself, giving her full name, declarinmg allegiance to ISIS,” added Raymundo.

 

http://www.interaksyon.com/arrested-isis-linked-pinay-earlier-blamed-for-radicalizing-terror-recruits-in-india-says-shes-just-a-blogger/

Military lands joint ventures will fund modernization, pension – government

From Philippine Update (Nov 3): Military lands joint ventures will fund modernization, pension – government

The government is planning to undertake joint ventures with private companies to develop military real properties to earn additional income for the modernization and increasing pension expenses of the armed forces.

Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said that the military has a huge portfolio of real properties.

“I think they own close to 200,000 hectares of land. Not all prime but they have large camps. If you go to Fort Magsaysay, that’s 40,000 hectares. There is a big one also in Bukidnon,” Secretary Dominguez said.

“Our idea is really not to sell, our idea is going to some kind of joint venture, so that there is continuing value that will be received by the Treasury,” he added.

In early October, President Rodrigo Duterte urged the military lease lands that are not being used.

“‘Yung lahat kikitain ninyo diretso sa inyo,” the President said. “At gawain ninyo ang gusto ninyong gawin to modernize. Pera ‘yan. Malaking pera ‘yan. Just start to lease here sa mga – Billion, trillion ito.”

https://www.update.ph/2017/11/military-lands-joint-ventures-will-fund-modernization-pension-government/22250

Japan providing Philippines with patrol vessels

From Update Philippines (Nov 3): Japan providing Philippines with patrol vessels



The Japanese government has promised to provide the Philippines with patrol vessels, newly-appointed Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. during an interview with PTV4 on November 2.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on October 26 last year witnessed the signing and exchanging of notes for the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project for the Philippine Coast Guard Phase (MSCIP) II in which Japan will provide a loan package.

“The objective of this project is to construct two (2) patrol ships to be used by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and aims to improve the PCG’s capabilities to quickly and appropriately respond to maritime incidents, such as search and rescue, and maritime law enforcement. It is expected that this cooperation will contribute to the enhancement of the maritime safety of the Republic of Philippines,” Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

MSCIP II vessels will be heavy weather, high endurance 94-meter Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRV).

MSCIP I which is also funded by Japan, is currently in progress.

MSCIP I will provide the PCG with 10 44-meter MRRVs. 6 units of patrol vessels built by Japan Marine United were already delivered, with the latest delivery conducted last month.

https://www.update.ph/2017/11/japan-providing-ph-with-patrol-vessels/22254

Coast guard heroes of Marawi battle recognized

From Update Philippines (Nov 3): Coast guard heroes of Marawi battle recognized

Philippine Coast Guard personnel who are also considered as Marawi City heroes along with Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police personnel were welcomed today, November 3.

The heroes welcome ceremony was conducted at the Coast Guard Surface Support Force, Pier 13, South Harbor in Manila.

An awarding ceremony was also conducted.


PCG photo

The coast guard personnel were from Task Group 2 of Task Force Northern Mindanao and crew of San Juan-class patrol vessel BRP Pampanga (SARV-003).


PCG photo

According to coast guard the event was “in recognition of the PCG personnel’s bravery, patriotism and selfless dedication to the call of duty during the Marawi crisis and its successful resolution.”

https://www.update.ph/2017/11/coast-guard-heroes-of-marawi-battle-recognized/22284

Isnilon Hapilon right-hand killed

From Update Philippines (Nov 3): Isnilon Hapilon right-hand killed



Troops have killed in a firefight two Maute group stragglers, including an alleged closed aide of slain Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, in Marawi City, a military official disclosed Thursday.

Col. Romeo Brawner, Joint Task Force Ranao deputy commander, disclosed two soldiers were also wounded in the firefight that happened around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday in the main battle area of Marawi City.

Brawner said the firefight broke out as the troops chanced upon the two Maute group stragglers while conducting continuous clearing operations to flush out the remnants of the terror group.

Brawner said the slain aide of Hapilon was identified as Abu Talja, whose remains and that of the other Maute group straggler have been recovered by the troops.

He said the two slain Maute group stragglers were foraging for food when the troops chanced upon them otherwise “they will stay inside” in their hiding places.

He said captured Indonesian extremist Muhammad Ilham Syahputra confided to them that the Maute group stragglers are already starving since they have not eat for days.

Syahputra, 22, was captured Wednesday morning by government forces in Barangay Loksadatu, Marawi City.

Government forces are conducting continuous clearing operations to ensure that Marawi City, particularly the main battle area, is cleared of terrorists.

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said substantial number of forces have been tasked to clear Marawi City of Maute group remnants.

https://www.update.ph/2017/11/isnilon-hapilon-right-hand-killed/22276

‘Key players’ in ISIS-linked group arrested in Sarangani drug raid

From Rappler (Nov 3): ‘Key players’ in ISIS-linked group arrested in Sarangani drug raid

Brothers Faroon Honjeras Lumatao and Alhotaibby Honjeras Lumatao – arrested in Sarangani province – are said to be key players of Ansar al-Khilafa

Two brothers said to be "key players" of local terror group Anzhar Al-Khilafa Philippines (AKP) were arrested late Wednesday, November 1, in a town in Sarangani province, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) XII said.

Arrested in Maasim town at 11 pm on November 1 were Faroon Honjeras Lumatao, 35, and his brother Alhotaibby Honjeras Lumatao, 36, who, according to PDEA, acted as the former's driver and close-in security.

"Both are protecting the El Patron Drug Group that operates in South Central Mindanao," PDEA Soccsksargen director Gil Cesasrio Castro said.

In a statement, Castro accused the brothers as key players of Ansar al-Khilafa, one of the Philippine jihadi groups said to have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in Iraq and Sham (ISIS).

The late night arrest yielded a black flag appearing to be an ISIS emblem, apart from the 40 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu), several explosive devices, live ammunition, bank documents, and monetary bills.

Castro said they were serving a warrant against the Lumataos, who were arrested at Barangay Kanalo, Maasim, Sarangani province.

The operation was lea by PDEA XII and the military's Joint Task Force General Santos City.

The alleged members of an ISIS-linked group now face cases for violating of Section 11, Article II, of Republic Act 9165 and Republic Act 9516. They are currently at PDEA XII's detention facility.

In September, PDEA XII arrested a South Cotabato businessman, Ruel "Balong" Espinosa, who was also connected to the El Patron Drug Group.

Early in October, Maasim Mayor Aniceto Lopez Jr surrendered to Senator Manny Pacquiao, and was turned over to PDEA, after a raid on his residence, where the search yielded illegal drugs and a supposed list of drug personalities.

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https://www.rappler.com/nation/187191-key-players-isis-linked-group-arrested-sarangani-drug-raid

Lorenzana to NPAs: 'Return to the fold of the law'

From Rappler (Nov 3): Lorenzana to NPAs: 'Return to the fold of the law'

(UPDATED) 'We are delighted to note that a number of NPAs have accepted the offer and are now restarting to live normal lives,' says Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. Rappler photo

(UPDATED) – Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the defense establishment supports President Rodrigo Duterte's move to offer communist rebels homes and livelihood in exchange for laying down their arms.

"We reiterate our call for the NPA to stop all their illegal activities, return to the fold of the law, and be part of the real change that the President has spearheaded for the betterment of our country and the lives of our people," Lorenzana said in a statement on Friday, November 5.

The statement comes as government negotiators work to restart negotiations with rebels responsible for Asia's longest-running communist insurgency.

Lorenzana said a number of NPA fighters have accepted the offer.

"We are delighted to note that a number of NPAs have accepted the offer and are now restarting to live normal lives. Marami-rami na rin ang nagkusang loob na bumalik sa gobyerno (A considerable number have already returned to the fold of the law)," Lorenzana said.

Read Lorenzana's complete statement below:

Statement of the SND on the President's offer of peace to the NPA

The President’s latest call for the NPA fighters to lay down their arms, return to society, and live normal lives only shows that he is giving the NPA every chance at achieving a peaceful resolution to the longstanding armed conflict.

He has offered homes and livelihood to every NPA fighter that returns to the fold of the law. Buong pusong binibigyan ng Pangulo ang mga NPA ng pagkakataon na magbago at mabuhay nang marangal. His offer to accommodate members of the communist movement shows his sincerity.

We are delighted to note that a number of NPAs have accepted the offer and are now restarting to live normal lives. Marami-rami na rin ang nagkusang loob na bumalik sa gobyerno.

The Department of National Defense fully supports the peace and security agenda of the President.

We reiterate our call for the NPA to stop all their illegal activities, return to the fold of the law, and be part of the real change that the President has spearheaded for the betterment of our country and the lives of our people.

Meanwhile, the information bureau of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CCP) said it rejected "local peace negotiations being pushed by local bureaucrats and military officials and supported by" President Duterte. (READ: CPP: Duterte's 'local peace talks' will fail)

 

https://www.rappler.com/nation/187242-lorenzana-duterte-communist-insurgency

PH rule of law rating drops in U.S. scorecard for aid

From Rappler (Nov 3): PH rule of law rating drops in U.S. scorecard for aid

Malacañang says the US findings 'may not completely reflect' the Duterte administration's efforts to promote good governance and fight corruption

 

The Philippines' rule of law rating dropped in the scorecard used by the United States to determine if a country can receive aid from its Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).

The Philippines scored -0.01 on rule of law in the MCC scorecard that was released on Thursday, November 2.

The rating was based on data from World Bank/Brookings WGI as of 2016.

The Philippines got the following scores on rule of law in the past years:

2016: -0.01
2015: 0.04
2014: 0.04
2013: 0.11
2012 : 0

On rule of law, the Philippines' percentile ranking in its income group was 47%.

The Philippines' low rating in this area comes as President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs kills thousands, fueling concern even among US officials.

In the same scorecard, the Philippines' rating on control of corruption also dropped.

The Philippines got a score of 0 on control of corruption, based on data from World Bank/Brookings WGI as of 2016.

On this aspect, the Philippines' ratings through the years are as follows:

2016: 0
2015: 0.04
2014: 0.05
2013: 0.15
2012: 0.02

For control of corruption, the Philippines' percentile ranking in its income group was 50%.

The Philippines, on the other hand, got higher scores in areas such as political rights, trade policy, and child health in the MCC scorecard.

Previous grant not renewed
Created by the US Congress in 2004, the MCC is an independent US foreign aid agency helping fight global poverty.

The MCC said it "forms partnerships with some of the world’s poorest countries, but only those committed to good governance, economic freedom, and investing in their citizens."

The MCC scorecard is part of a 4-step process to identify countries eligible for MCC assistance.

In December 2016, the MCC decided not to renew a major aid package to the Philippines because of "significant concerns" about the rule of law under President Rodrigo Duterte.

The previous 5-year grant, which was worth $433.9 million, expired in May 2016.

US embassy spokesperson Molly Koscina said in December 2016, "MCC will continue to monitor unfolding events in the Philippines and underscores that all country partners are expected to maintain eligibility, which includes not just a passing scorecard but also a demonstrated commitment to the rule of law, due process, and respect for human rights."

Malacañang reaction
Malacañang on Friday, November 3, reacted to the recently released MCC scorecard.

"We have to understand that for this year's scorecard, the ratings in the various indicators were based on their methodologies in 2014, 2015, and 2016. The findings, therefore, may not completely reflect the reform initiatives of the Duterte administration in the area of fighting corruption and good governance," Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said.

Roque cited Duterte's decision to fire government officials due to reported corruption, his "implementation of Freedom of Information in the executive branch," his moves to cut red tape, and his administration's seriousness in "running after big-time tax delinquents."

"We are hopeful that the MCC Board would take into account these initiatives and see our commitment to further reforms in the areas covered by the compact assistance," Roque said.

Duterte earlier lashed out at the US when the MCC Board decided in December 2016 not to renew its grant for the Philippines.

Referring to the MCC grant, Duterte said, "We'll be glad to lose it. I also suggest they start packing."

 

 

Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano has said the Philippines will reject foreign donations that come with "conditionalities that will affect our sovereignty."

 

https://www.rappler.com/nation/187251-philippines-rule-law-us-millennium-challenge-corporation-mcc-scorecard

Marawi still 'dangerous place' due to Maute stragglers

From Rappler (Nov 3): Marawi still 'dangerous place' due to Maute stragglers

The Philippine military, however, says the stragglers are only fighting for survival and pose no threat to Marawi's overall security

 

More than two weeks after President Rodrigo Duterte announced Marawi's liberation, the Philippine military admitted that a number of terrorist stragglers continued to pose a threat to security.

Armed Forces spokesman Major General Restituto Padilla said on Friday, November 3, that Marawi still has "remaining pockets of enemy presence and continues to be a dangerous place."

 

"The main battle area, where most of the very heavy fighting occurred in the last few weeks prior to the liberation and the cessation of combat operation, still harbors a number of stragglers," he said, speaking at a Malacañang news briefing.

He was unable to give the exact number of "Maute stragglers" but said their presence in the city is why soldiers continue to face threats during clearing operations.

At least 7 soldiers were injured during an encounter with stragglers. During these encounters with stragglers, the military was able to kill at least 3 of them.

 

Most of the stragglers are thought to be hiding in 3 buildings within the main battle area.

Padilla downplayed concerns that the presence of these stragglers in the city and their continued efforts to hurt government forces might mean that Duterte's announcement of Marawi's liberation was premature.

He said the presence of stragglers has "no bearing" on Marawi's liberation status since they can no longer carry out any major attacks.

"They are leader-less, they have no direction, they are merely fighting for survival. So they have no impact on the overall security of the place," said Padilla.

He stressed that some displaced Marawi residents can still return to their homes if these are in areas already cleared by the military or are "not adjacent or near" where the stragglers are known to be hiding.

Only some 16 barangays or villages, said Padilla, have not yet been deemed safe by the military.

 

Duterte announced Marawi's liberation on October 17, after 5 long months of battle against terrorists inspired by the Islamic State (IS).

 

https://www.rappler.com/nation/187258-marawi-dangerous-maute-stragglers

Australia warns vs 'high threat' of terror in PH

From Rappler (Nov 3): Australia warns vs 'high threat' of terror in PH



'There is a high threat of terrorist attack in the Philippines, including Manila,' Australia says in its latest travel advisory

Australia warned its citizens on Friday, November 3, about a "high threat" of a terror attack in the Philippines, including Manila, as there is also a "high level of crime" in the Southeast Asian country.

"There is a high threat of terrorist attack in the Philippines, including Manila. Exercise heightened caution at this time," Australia said in its latest travel advisory dated November 3.

"Be alert to possible threats around locations that have a low level of protective security and places known to be possible terrorist targets," Australia added.

It also maintained that Australians should "exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines overall." Meanwhile, "higher levels" of caution "apply in some parts of the country."

The Australian government then issued the following reminders for its nationals in the Philippines:
"Seek specific advice for the locations you intend to visit.".

"Reconsider your need to travel to eastern Mindanao due to the very high levels of violent crime and the high threat of terrorist attack and kidnapping."

"Do not travel to central and western Mindanao due to the very high threat of kidnapping, terrorist attack, violent crime, and violent clashes between armed groups"

Australia issued this travel advisory after the Philippine government ended a 5-month battle against terrorists in Marawi City.

Despite ending the war in Marawi, President Rodrigo Duterte warned on October 26 that it "is not far-fetched" that terrorists will resort to "retaliation and vengeance." Duterte said, "Terrorism will always be there."

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has also said that even after declaring Marawi liberated from terrorists, it continues to be a "dangerous place" due to Maute stragglers.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/187260-australia-travel-advisory-philippines-high-threat-terrorist-attack

CPP: Duterte's 'local peace talks' will fail

From Rappler (Nov 3): CPP: Duterte's 'local peace talks' will fail

The Communist Party of the Philippines says the local peace negotiations aim to divide their members nationwide

SURRENDER. This military handout photo shows 8 reported members of the NPA surrendering to the military in Sultan Kudarat

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) reiterated its opposition to "local peace negotiations" initiated by the military and local officials with individual members or subgroups.

President Rodrigo Duterte called on communist rebels to lay down their arms, abandon the armed struggle, and support his administration. He offered them homes and livelihood so they could "live normal lives."

"Duterte's local peace talks will surely fail in its aim of dividing the revolutionary forces waging a nationwide people's war. The Duterte regime is wasting time and the people's money in setting-up these useless local peace committees which will go nowhere and achieve nothing," the CPP said in a statement issued on Thursday, November 2.

"These are mere rehashes of worn-out psywar surrender programs such as the “balik-baril program” and the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) riding on the popular clamor for peace talks," the CPP added.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said a number of New People's Army (NPA) combatants, the armed wing of CPP, have taken the offer. (READ: Lorenzana to NPAs: 'Return to the fold of law')

The enticements come as government negotiators work to restart negotiations with the National Democratic Front (NDF), the political wing of the CPP, that is negotiating for the entire rebel organization. The CPP is responsible for Asia's longest-running communist insurgency.

"The entire NPA is united under the central leadership of the CPP. The Party and all units of the NPA support the Negotiating Panel of the NDFP in its representation of all revolutionary forces in negotiations with the GRP with the aim of forging agreements to settle the outstanding socio-economic and political questions that compel the people to wage armed struggle," the CPP said.

The previous Aquino administration also pushed for localized peace talks after talks with NDF bogged down. It was also rejected by the CPP.

It was recently revived by presidential daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.

CPP statement
Read the complete statement of the CPP below.

The revolutionary forces under the leadership of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and allied with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) reject local peace negotiations being pushed by local bureaucrats and military officials and supported by GRP president himself.

Mayor Sara Duterte of Davao City recently created a Davao City Peace Committee supposedly to negotiate with local forces of the New People's Army (NPA). Similar efforts by the 8th ID in Eastern Visayas have been reported. Yesterday, GRP President Duterte expressed support for such efforts and called on NPA Red fighters to surrender with promises of housing and jobs.

Duterte's local peace talks will surely fail in its aim of dividing the revolutionary forces waging a nationwide people's war. The Duterte regime is wasting time and the people's money in setting-up these useless local peace committees which will go nowhere and achieve nothing. These are mere rehashes of worn-out psywar surrender programs such as the “balik-baril program” and the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) riding on the popular clamor for peace talks.

The entire NPA is united under the central leadership of the CPP. The Party and all units of the NPA support the Negotiating Panel of the NDFP in its representation of all revolutionary forces in negotiations with the GRP with the aim of forging agreements to settle the outstanding socio-economic and political questions that compel the people to wage armed struggle.

By pushing for local peace talks and enticing the surrender of NPA fighters with silly incentives, Duterte reveals himself to have a very shallow appreciation of the profound social problems which are at the root of the raging civil war in the Philippines.

While waging nationwide armed struggle to confront Duterte's "full-scale" all-out war and resist its fascist attacks against the people, the Party and all revolutionary forces reiterate its call for the resumption of the 5th round of the NDFP-GRP peace negotiations in order to pursue discussions on the release of all political prisoners and the Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms (CASER).

https://www.rappler.com/nation/187286-cpp-duterte-local-peace-talks

60 rebels yield in Sultan Kudarat; CPP spurns local peace talks

From MindaNews (Nov 3): 60 rebels yield in Sultan Kudarat; CPP spurns local peace talks

The number of New People’s Army rebels who surrendered in Sultan Kudarat province has reached 60, a military official said.

Colonel Harold Cabunoc, commander of the 33rd Infantry Battalion, said the latest batch surrendered on Thursday and belonged to the NPA’s Platoon Cloudfone led by Ka Jimboy and Ka Bobby.

They surrendered with them two M-16 rifles and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

“We were very tired and hungry after months of evading the patrolling troops in the forests of Sultan Kudarat,” Ka Jimboy said in a video taken during the surrender ceremony.

Cabunoc said the former rebels cited poor government action, land grabbing and lack of livelihood opportunities as among the issues they wanted to bring to the attention of government.

“Hearing it from them personally (via) a face-to-face conversation, I took the efforts to bring the message to the right government institutions and make actions on it,” he said.



NPA members surrender to the military in Barangay Kuden, Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat on Thursday (November 2, 2017). Photo courtesy of 33rd Infantry Battalion

He said he brought the surrenderers’ cudgel to Governor Pax Mangudadatu, and the provincial government responded by sending engineering personnel to build infrastructures in communities supporting the former rebels.

The NPA in South Central Mindanao has not yet issued a statement regarding members laying down arms.

Meanwhile, in a statement Thursday, the Communist Party of the Philippines said it is rejecting the local peace negotiations being pushed by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

The CPP said the local peace talks “will surely fail in its aim of dividing the revolutionary forces waging a nationwide people’s war. The Duterte regime is wasting time and the people’s money in setting-up these useless local peace committees which will go nowhere and achieve nothing.”

“These are mere rehashes of worn-out psywar surrender programs such as the “balik-baril program” and the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) riding on the popular clamor for peace talks,” it said.

It added that the CPP and NPA support the National Democratic Front “in its representation of all revolutionary forces in negotiations with the GRP with the aim of forging agreements to settle the outstanding socio-economic and political questions that compel the people to wage armed struggle.”

The only time that the NDF agreed to local peace talks was during the time of President Corazon C. Aquino.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/11/60-rebels-yield-in-sultan-kudarat-cpp-spurns-local-peace-talks/

‘We shall rise like the Philippine flag’

From the Mindanao Examiner (Nov 2): ‘We shall rise like the Philippine flag’

Chants of “Allahu Akbar” (God is Great) can be heard through sobs as the Darul Iftah led the prayers at a flag-raising ceremony in front of the Marawi City Hall – the first since the siege began five months ago.

Looking back at history, he said it is the first time that Marawi experienced a conflict of such magnitude for “our (Maranao) forefathers never allowed colonizers to occupy this land.”

Nowaim Ampuan, president of the Lanao Youth Congress, likened the flag-raising event to the catchphrase, ‘Bangon Marawi.’ “It signifies hope for us, the youth: Despite our city’s fall, we will rise like the Philippine flag.”

Salim Abdulgafur, 19, and Hidayah Tinganun, 21, are two of so many young men and women who were directly affected by the conflict. Both are students of Mindanao State University-Main Campus in Marawi. Both of them could still remember hearing the first explosion in the afternoon of May 23.

Salim was at home with his family. He did not panic at first, since random shootouts occurred in the city every now and then. It was later that day, when he saw men in black shirts with their faces covered, that he realized that the situation was different. In the case of Hidayah, she was at the Marawi City Hall processing her internship papers when the siege began. When she realized it was an armed attack, she wanted to go home right away, but transportation was so difficult.

After negotiating with a tricycle driver who was willing to drive her home, she immediately left the city hall. Both heard the sound of gunfire from their respective homes. Salim’s and Hidayah’s lives were greatly affected by the siege that lasted more than 150 days. Both were displaced, and have had to depend on relief goods provided by various government agencies and non-government organizations.

Salim said he felt dismayed that his college education was disrupted by the incident, a feeling that Hidayah shared. During the first few days of the siege, they had hoped the conflict would end soon since they wanted to go back to school as soon as possible. And they still want to go back to school.

When the ‘liberation’ of Marawi was declared, Hidayah said the feeling was “unexplainable, but in a positive way.” Believing that Marawi will bounce back soon, she expressed hope that the rebuilt city would be “more organized, policy-wise,” so that there will be no repeats of the siege that interrupted their daily lives. A smiling Salim is hopeful that as soon as he finishes his studies and he then becomes a civil engineer, he would be given the chance to help rebuild Marawi. Together with Nowaim, Hidayah, and Salim were 60 other youth leaders from Lanao del Sur.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/we-shall-rise-like-the-philippine-flag/

PDEA, Navy capture 5 drug suspects in Zambo sting ops

From the Mindanao Examiner (Nov 3): PDEA, Navy capture 5 drug suspects in Zambo sting ops

Anti-narcotics and navy intelligence agents captured 5 suspected drug pushers in a carefully hatched sting operation Friday in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines, officials said.

Officials said the men are all natives of Sulu, one of 5 provinces under the Muslim autonomous region. This was confirmed by Lyndon Aspacio, the regional director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, based here.

He said agents seized a kilo of crystal meth packed in 20 sachets worth some P5 million from the suspects who have been identified as Binnajar Hadjili, 30; Din-din Ronie, 30; Jamesar Hussin, 33; Jamesar Abdulmaid, 33; and Dismar Gulam, 23.

The men sold the illegal drugs to undercover agents in Canelar near Governor Camins Avenue. All of them were being held by the PDEA while criminal charges are being prepared against the suspects.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/pdea-navy-capture-5-drug-suspects-in-zambo-sting-ops/

Butuan cops repulse NPA attack

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 3): Butuan cops repulse NPA attack

A police station based in a far-flung barangay here repulsed a past midnight attack on Friday by an undetermined number of armed group, believed to be New People’s Army (NPA) rebels.

Senior Insp. Renelle Serrano, spokesperson for the Police Regional Office here, said the attackers harassed the Butuan City Police Station 5, based in San Mateo, this city at around 1:50 a.m,

Serrano said the police station had been alerted of the attack and was prepared for it. He said the armed group positioned themselves near the banks of Subait River, approximately 50 meters away from the police station.

Serrano said the attackers fired first but withdrew to the northern direction when the policemen defending their station returned fire.

There was no casualty reported on the side of the policemen during the ten-minute firefight.

Police said they had been tipped off of the attack by their intelligence counterpart at the Army’s 23rd Infantry Battalion.

Police and military forces are on hot pursuit against the rebels as of this posting.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1014792

Duterte wants new army camp in Marawi

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 2): Duterte wants new army camp in Marawi

With the five-month long Marawi crisis over, President Rodrigo Duterte wants a new army camp to be established in Marawi.

“I will create a new camp, maybe one regiment or one division within the vicinity of the greater Marawi area,” Duterte said during a press conference at the Davao International Airport on October 31, shortly after arriving from his official visit in Japan.

Duterte further emphasized that the military won’t claim huge tracts of land to be used as military reservation.

“Well, it is a huge tract of land. Ang military naman is ready; just give them a little bit of space where they can conduct everything they should know about soldiering,” he said.

He added that he would concede the Marawi proper to the Moros (Meranaws).

A 1953 Presidential proclamation has set aside 6,000 hectares in Marawi as a military reservation. The reservation would include bulk of Marawi City whose total area is 8,700 hectares.

The military earlier had said it wouldn’t claim the lands under the 1953 reservation.

To date, Camp Ranao is the main army camp in Marawi, housing to a brigade-sized army unit.

http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1001502

Matapat troopers receive heroes’ welcome

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 2): Matapat troopers receive heroes’ welcome

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Local officials, teachers, students, and civilians accorded a heroes’ welcome to the battle-weary troopers of the 53r d Infantry (Matapat) Battalion, Philippine Army on Saturday, October 28.

They returned to their headquarters at Camp David Sabido in Guipos town after fighting a fierce war with the Maute terrorists in Marawi City for five months.

The soldiers were deployed in Marawi two days after the siege on May 23, 2017, overcoming great odds to become the heroes of our country.

Resounding chants of glee

About 130 returning “Matapat” troopers received a rousing welcome from their families and well-wishers, with resounding chants of “welcome home sir,” “salamat sir,” “ang galing ninyo sir,” and also with the popular accolade “idol”.

In a brief but emotional welcome ceremony, LtCol. Virgilio C. Hamos, Jr., commander of the 53r d IB congratulated the troopers for their selfless sacrifice that led to the victory and restoration of peace and order in Marawi.

“On behalf of the Filipino people who pinned their hopes on you, welcome back, welcome home and thank you for a job well done,” Hamos said.

Hamos said 5 months ago, when he sent the troops to Marawi, he was expecting that they will all come home alive and well.

Hamos said the troopers were among the thousands of military personnel deployed to counter the ISIS-inspired Maute and Abu Sayyaf Groups which created havoc in Marawi City.

During the siege, the troopers have exhibited the finest virtues of Filipino soldiers such as bravery, loyalty, honor and allegiance to the country that led them to succeed in battle.

“Your success in Marawi City is our success. It is the success of the Filipino people and the nation in the fight against terrorism and the whole nation is extremely proud of you,” Hamos said.

Surprised and happy of heroes’ welcome

Executive officer Lt. Ronald Fuentes said when the troops arrived at the bus terminal, he was surprised to see people clapping and chanting while the Guipos National High School drum corps entertained the soldiers with their catchy toe-tapping beats.

“Ang sakripisyo, panganib, hirap, pagod at puyat na aming naranasan sa limang buwang giyera sa Marawi ay biglang napawi ng makita naming masayang sumalubong ang mga tao sa amin,” Fuentes happily narrated.

Lt. Justine Michael Rabino, company commander of ”Bravo” company said they were instructed to get off the bus terminal and to walk going to the headquarters.

“Pagbaba namin sa aming mga sasakyan, nakita namin ang maraming tao na nakangiti, kumakaway at bitbit ang mga flaglets na sumalubong sa amin at masigasig na bumati sa tropa.” Rabino said, beaming with a smile.

Marawi liberators

“The people are proud that the 53r d IB troopers have been part of the government forces that liberated Marawi from the terrorists,” he added.

Meanwhile, Staff Sgt. Eddiemhar Omar was grateful to the officers for initiating the welcome ceremony to honor the soldiers for risking their lives to protect our country. He said this was the first time that he experienced such kind of welcome and it warms the heart.

“In my 19 years of military service, this is the first time that I was able to experience this welcome parade,” Omar said in the local dialect. He recalled that he had encountered war with the ASG and CPP-NPA-NDF when he was assigned in Jolo but there was no ceremony held.

“Masaya ako na ginawa ang heroes’ welcome parade dahil nagkita kami ng asawa ko na matagal ko nang hindi nakita,” Omar said as his wife kissed and hugged him tightly.

http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1001505

Hiligaynon news: US Embassy naghiwat sang youth leadership training

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 2): Hiligaynon news: US Embassy naghiwat sang youth leadership training

Ang embahada sang Amerika sa Pilipinas nagtipon sang mga 250 ka mga bataon nga mga lideres nga nagarepresentar sang 10 ka myembro nga estado sang ASEAN para sa lima ka adlaw nga advance leadership training sa 2017 Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Summit nga ginhiwat sa Manila halin October 17-21, 2017.

Si U.S. Ambassador sa Pilipinas Sung Kim nag-abi-abi sang mga delegado sa Manila kag naghikayat sa ila nga mangin isa ka puwersa sa positibo nga pagkambio. Siya nagnotar nga ang 110,000 nga mabaskug nga YSEALI network kag ang gobyerno sang Amerika para agud suportahon sila kag ang ila trabaho samtang ulolupod nga ginapatindog ang putoru sang ASEAN.

Paagi sa mga lectures, hands-on activities, kag mga simulations, ang 2017 YSEALI Summit naghatag sa sini nga mga nagapasaka nga mga ASEAN nga lideres sa pagsabat sang mga mabudlay nga politikal, sosyal, ekonomiya, kag palibot nga mga isyu nga gina-atubang sang Pilipinas subong.

Sa kabilugan nga summit ang mga delegado nag marka sang ika-50 nga anibersaryo sang ASEAN kag sang ika-40 nga tuig sang U.S.-ASEAN nga pag-upod (40/50 U.S.–ASEAN), kag nagtalakay sang papel sang mga kabataan sa pagpabaskug sang relasyon sang U.S. kag ASEAN sa masunod nga 40 ka tuig.

Sa iya papamulong-pulong si U.S. Mission to ASEAN, Ambassador Daniel Shields naglaragway sang nagadalum nga relasyon sa tunga sang Amerika kag ASEAN, nga nagsiling nga ang ASEAN amo ang ika-apat nga pinakadaku nga trading partner sang Amerika. Ang Amerika nagpahunan sang masobra sa $274 bilyones sa ASEAN sang 2015 nga mas daku kaysa ekonomiya sang China, India, Japan kag South Korea kung tingbun.

Si Susan Thornton, Acting Assistant Secretary of State para sa U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of East Asian kag Pacific Affairs, nagsabat sang mga pamangkot sang mga delegado paagi sa video conference.

Suno sa kay Thornton, siya nakasaksi sang YSEALI sa aksyon, kag siya nagnotar nga manami magtan-aw sang isa ka rehiyonal nga organisasyon nga naga-atubang sang mga isyu sang adlaw katulad sang North Korea, South China Sea, terorismo kag pamahog sa cyber kag ang pagduso sang kolektibo nga interes sa kalinongan kag kapag-on.

http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1001509

DWDD: ARRESTED | QCPD, AFP Intel Units, NICA, arrest trader fronting for Maute terrorist

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Oct 27): ARRESTED  |  QCPD, AFP Intel Units, NICA, arrest trader fronting for Maute terrorist

 

CAMP KARINGAL, Quezon City (DWDD) – Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Director, Police Chief Superintendent Guillermo Lorenzo T Eleazar reported to National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Chief, P Dir Oscar D Albayalde, the arrest of a male suspect by virtue of a warrant for violation of RA 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) by combined personnel of District Special Operations Unit (DSOU) headed by P Supt Rogarth Campo, District Intelligence Division (DID) under P Supt Pedro Sanchez, Fairview Police Station (PS-5) under P Supt Tomas Nuñez with operatives of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency-NCR/CTIC (NICA) supported by the AFP Naval Intelligence Service Group-NCR (NISG) and U2,JTF-NCR.



P C Supt Eleazar said, authorities arrested 42-year old Rasdy Malawani alias Rasdi Macabangkit/Makabanket, who had been under surveillance for some time to confirm information that he was fronting for Ominta Romato Maute, alias Farhana, of the Maute-ISIS inspired terrorist group in managing her Salaam Bazaar in Novaliches Plaza Mall, which was identified as a source of financing of the terrorist group in Marawi City.

Farhana is now confined at the Bicutan Jail, after being arrested in Brgy. Kormatan, Masiu, Lanao Del Sur last June 2017.

The intelligence operation established that the suspect was indeed running the bazaar and collecting rents from stallholders that he remitted to someone in Marawi City which was later traced to Azesha Macabangkit-Maute alias Lily, the wife of Madie Maute who was among the architects of the Marawi Siege.

It was also confirmed that the license for a .45 caliber pistol he usually carried was expired and that his social media account is linked with the Maute Group members.



After obtaining a search warrant from Branch 89 of the QC RTC to search the suspect’s residence at Blk. 4 Lot 2, Marytown Circle, Greenfields I, Brgy Kaligayahan, Novaliches, QC, the operatives swooped down on the place at 6:25 a.m., October 26, 2017.

Seized during the search were an unlicensed Colt cal. 45 pistol with five ammunition and also a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) and numerous bank transaction receipts which resulted in the suspect’s arrest. Witnessing the search were Farouk Malawani, the father of the suspect, Brgy. Captain Freddy Roxas, and Brgy. Kagawad Arnel Gabito.

PCSupt Eleazar said, further investigation showed that the suspect’s wife Princess Makabangkit-Malawani, alias Junaida or Jonairah is the sister of Madie’s wife Azesha Makabangkit-Maute. They are mutually associated with another Maute member identified as Jerry Maute who arrived in Quezon City last November 2016 and stayed with Rasdi in Novaliches.



Also, Rasdi and Azesha Maute met at the Nova mall and stayed for a while at Rasdi’s residence sometime in October 2016. Another Maute member identified as Tura Marohom Maute, a relative of the Maute patriarch, Engr. Cayamura Maute, was also seen at Rasdi’s residence in Novaliches last October 2016 before he left allegedly for bomb and explosive training in Malaysia or Saudi Arabia. PCSupt Eleazar said, the arrest of the suspect will cripple the business at the Novaliches Mall run by the Malawani for the Maute matriarch which was a significant source of the terrorist group’s finances. He also hoped that the investigation will uncover from the suspect more information as to other Maute supporters or sympathizers. Report and Photos by ALS
http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/10/27/arrested-qcpd-afp-intel-units-nica-arrest-trader-fronting-for-maute-terrorist/