Friday, August 31, 2018

Military girds for more BIFF terror attacks

From the Manila Standard (Aug 31): Military girds for more BIFF terror attacks

Security has been stepped up in densely populated areas in anticipation of more terrorist attacks after a bomb went off in Sultan Kudarat, killing three people and wounding 35 others.

Military officials said Thursday that the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, the group they blamed for the attack, has shifted tactics to gain prominence among international terrorist organizations, and have made urban centers their primary targets.

Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, said they raised the level of security awareness within his jurisdiction to thwart attacks on urban centers.

“Urban centers are their target—crowded places because that’s their thrust to gain support from international terrorist organizations,” Sobejana said.

He said this shift was a sign of weakness, as the terrorists are unable to confront ground troops in battle due to depleted armaments.

“The emplacement of IEDs [improvised explosive devices] is a clear manifestation that they are becoming weak, they have no firepower to fight government forces,” he said.

Since January, the BIFF suffered tremendous setbacks in a series of battles with security forces, particularly in Central Mindanao, losing hundreds of fighters to death or capture.

Sobejana said in the Isulan, Sultan Kudarat attack, several leads pointed to the BIFF.

To protect civilian communities, he said troop visibility would be increased, with more checkpoints being set up.

On Thursday, the death toll in the Isulan blast rose to three after a 21-year-old man, Welmark John Lapides, died after remaining in critical condition in a General Santos City hospital, radio dzBB reported.

The report cited Philippine National Police Region 12 spokesperson Supt. Aldrin Gonzales. Tuesday’s blast immediately killed a seven-year-old girl and a 52-year-old woman.

Senator Panfilo Lacson said the recent attack suggested that neither martial law nor the Bangsamoro Organic Law could guarantee peace in Mindanao.

Lacson said security forces, particularly in Mindanao, should avert the vicious cycle of talking peace with one group while alienating others.

At the same time, an anti-terrorism bill he has proposed may give the government a much-needed boost in its fight against terrorists, since it enhances the Human Security Act of 2007 with provisions on foreign terrorists and additional predicate crimes.

“While an anti-terror law in itself cannot solve the problem of terrorism, an intensified one can, however, give the government and the law enforcement agencies the much-needed tool in dealing with the emerging threats of terrorism,” said Lacson, who headed the Philippine National Police from 1999 to 2001.

While he had a hand in drafting the earlier law, he said gaps in it prevented authorities from implementing it properly.

He said the occupation of Marawi City by the Maute Group in 2017 “revealed the many loopholes of the current anti-terrorism law.” He noted the Philippines was ranked the 12th most affected by terrorism by the Global Terror Index in 2017.

He added that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front came into being and became a dominant armed force in Mindanao after the government came to a peace agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front.

The bill penalizes foreign terrorists, including those who travel to a state other than their state of residence for committing or organizing terrorist acts; and those residing abroad who come to the Philippines in transit to commit or take part in terrorist acts to target countries.

Lacson’s bill adds three predicate crimes to the 12 in the present law. These are: RA 9208, Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, RA 9165, Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and RA 10175, Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Covered as well are other analogous acts that tend to cause death or serious bodily injury, or intend to cause risk to the health, safety or security of the public, or intend to seriously interfere with, disrupt or destroy critical infrastructure.

Also covered are acts using weapons of mass destruction, proscribed under relevant treaties and conventions where the Philippines is a state party.

The bill punishes those recruiting another person to serve in or with an armed force in a foreign state; publishing an ad or propaganda; and other acts with the intention of facilitating or promoting the recruitment of persons to serve in any capacity in or with such armed forces.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said that while it is too early to recommend an extension of martial law, he said that remains an option in dealing with terrorism in Mindanao.

Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Thursday said she supports the administration’s view on martial law in Mindanao.

Arroyo’s statement came after Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said Wednesday that extending martial law in Mindanao is an option after the Sultan Kudarat bomb attack.

“I support what the President does because I have been president and I believe that he does not need a peanut gallery to tell him what to do,” Arroyo said.

House Majority Leader and Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr. said the House is ready to grant the President an extended martial law in Mindanao should the Chief Executive ask for it.

“The declaration of martial law is the call of the executive. The President declares or extends, Congress concurs. If the President will ask for it, then it shall be given,” Andaya said.

Andaya also urged the Palace to convene the National Security Council and Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council to discuss the progress of the Marawi rehabilitation program and the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

http://manilastandard.net/news/top-stories/274365/military-girds-for-more-biff-terror-attacks.html

Basilan Island Suicide Attack: Islamic State Tapping Into ASG’s Strength?

Posted to Eurasia Review News & Analysis (Aug 31): Basilan Island Suicide Attack: Islamic State Tapping Into ASG’s Strength? – Analysis (By RSIS)

Southeast Asia and Islamic State
Southeast Asia and Islamic State

The recent suicide bombing in Lamitan City in Basilan Island and attack on a military base in Sulu Island in Southern Philippines highlight the persistent security threat posed by Islamic State (IS) in this region. The incidents show that with the right alliances, IS will be able to entrench its position in the region for a long time.

On July 31, 2018, a few days after the passing of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), creating the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, a military checkpoint in Basilan was struck by a suicide attack killing at least 11 people. The attack was immediately claimed by Islamic State (IS) as a “martyrdom operation”. This claim was subsequently dismissed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), who attributed the attack to Furuji Indama, a notorious leader from the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

More than a week later, on 9 August 2018, IS would lay claim to another attack in the Southern Philippines that involved launching mortar shells on a military base in Sulu island. These attacks in Sulu and Basilan highlight the on-going threat that the Philippines is facing from IS in the post-Marawi era. The local jihadist groups are supported by foreign fighters and groups. Collectively, they support IS’ aim to establish a pseudo-Islamic state in the region.
Tapping into ASG

The IS maintains a presence in the Philippines through links with several local militant and jihadist groups such as the Maute Brothers group (also known as IS Lanao), Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), Ansar Khilafah Philippines and the Abu Sayyaf group (ASG).

The ASG has existed since the early 1990s and has overcome the deaths of key leaders to remain active. ASG has been able to retain a substantial presence and operational capability through the years by forming strategic partnerships with other jihadist and militant groups in the Southern Philippines. These groups are aligned by their mutual aim to establish an independent Islamic state. This has kept alive IS’ influence in the region.

Presently, the threat groups, are divided into two major factions: the IS-linked faction and the Sulu-based faction. The IS-linked faction is based in Basilan, which was the stronghold of former IS regional operative Isnilon Hapilon, who died last year in Marawi. During the Marawi siege, the Hapilon faction was heavily involved in the military operation. Another Basilan-ASG faction is led by Furuji Indama, who was not involved in Marawi.

The partnership between ASG and IS is unique as the ASG has maintained its localised structure, outlook and objectives despite supporting IS’ vision of a global caliphate. This localisation, despite its global links, is vital for the group to retain ground support as it is situated within deeply divided communities that are run along family or clan lines. However, ASG still needs IS to give credence to its objective of establishing an independent Islamic state and to be able to expand and recruit through IS’ large networks.

Conversely, IS relies on the strength and resilience of ASG to advance its influence in the region. The densely forested islands of Basilan and Sulu have proved ideal for ASG to launch attacks as well as act as hideouts. The ASG has also proven its resilience by surviving repeated military offensives for more than three decades. The ability to access ASG’s vast local and global jihadi networks, makes the ASG a perfect partner for IS in the Philippines.
Continued Threat from Foreign Fighters

The ASG has been providing safe haven to foreign fighters since being associated with Al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) in the 1980s. Thus, it is not surprising that IS’ foreign fighters who were unable to return to their home countries after being forced out of Syria and Iraq, subsequently appeared in the Southern Philippines. Though their numbers may not be large, the presence of foreign fighters is having an impact on the overall jihadist landscape in the Southeast Asian region.

The ASG, for example, has received training in bomb-making and handling of sophisticated weapons from foreign militants. The recent suicide attack in Basilan involving a Moroccan suicide bomber suggests foreign fighters or returnees from Syria and Iraq are now involving themselves in conflicts elsewhere in the world where pro-IS groups operate. These foreign operatives are not only trainers, but are also involved in executing and carrying out attacks.

Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) versus Islamic Law

The passing of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) by the Philippines government in July 2018 created an autonomously-governed region for Muslim majority areas in Mindanao. But this has not stopped jihadists in the south of the country from continuing to pursue their goal of an independent Islamic state.

The BBL is important for long term peace prospects in the Philippines, and bring to an end the armed rebellion in the resource-rich Mindanao. Through the law, the Duterte government is trying to address grievances among the Muslim population, by empowering local Muslims politically and economically. The BBL guarantees self-governance and the flow of development funds to the region to stimulate economic growth.

However, jihadists view the BBL as not being divinely mandated vis-à-vis the caliphate and Islamic law. They continue to pursue the idea of an independent Islamic state that upholds sharia law, including hudud laws, among others. This ideology is also conflated with the skewed ideology of transnational jihadists and the brutal operational tactics, which is the hallmark of IS.

The idea of establishing an Islamic Caliphate will continue to permeate societies in this region. IS has been effective in articulating a utopian and apocalyptic vision of an alternative society of the future and has gained support for the idea via its propaganda and messaging.
Moving Forward

Given the inadequate ability of the Philippine government to address the jihadist challenge, including the failure to stop the movement of IS foreign fighters from entering the country as well as IS’ ideological influence, violence is likely to persist, if not intensify. More claims of attacks by IS can be expected in future.

At the same time, while these attacks have so far taken place in the Philippines, neighbouring Malaysia, Indonesia and even Singapore will continue to remain vigilant and ensure that their citizens do not support or participate in them.

[Syed Huzaifah Bin Othman Alkaff is an Associate Research Fellow with the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research (ICPVTR), a constituent unit of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore.]

https://www.eurasiareview.com/31082018-basilan-island-suicide-attack-islamic-state-tapping-into-asgs-strength-analysis/

UNTV EXCLUSIVE: PNP discloses components of IED used in Isulan blast

From UNTV News & Rescue (Aug 31): UNTV EXCLUSIVE: PNP discloses components of IED used in Isulan blast



The components used in building the IED that rocked the town of Isulan in Sultan Kudarat on August 28, 2018 | PRO 12
 
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has deployed bomb experts to Isulan, Sultan Kudarat to examine the components of the improvised explosive device (IED) recovered from the blast site.

PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde said the team of experts is expected to help the authorities identify the group behind the explosion on Tuesday night (August 28) that horrified the community and killed three civilians.

Based on the images acquired by UNTV, the suspects in the blast used a cellular phone as a triggering device. Its power source was a 9 volts battery and the body or the container was formed using a barrel of a water pump.
 
Initial reports suggested that the power source and the triggering device in the Isulan blast were similar to those recovered in the botched explosion at Unitop Koronadal on August 18 during the celebration of the Koronadal International Folklore Festival.

A similar water pump was also used in the IED recovered in the failed explosion at the camp of the Philippine Army 33rd Infantry Batallion in Datu Paglas, Maguindanao in July.
 
Given the characteristics of the IED components, Albayalde ordered bomb experts to identify if the persons behind the Isulan blast were the same persons who planted the IEDs in the previous bombing attempts.

Since the explosion on Tuesday, speculations about several groups masterminding the blast surfaced, implicating the Abu Sayyaf Group and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), or the Dawla Islamiya Abu Turaife Group.

“Iyong bomb data center pinapunta natin doon to collate yun para makita kung ano talaga itong signature, kung saan galing or kung sino may gawa nitong IED na ito,” Albayalde said.

Reports, however, surfaced that the explosion in Isulan was claimed by the international terror group ISIS.

Meanwhile, Albayalde admits that the authorities in Mindanao did not expect the explosion to happen despite heightened security measures being imposed in the region. In fact, 260 security personnel were deployed to man the celebration of the Humangaya Festival.

“Nung nakita na suspicious nung nakita na sinisipa or inuusog yung bag sa ilalim ng motorsiklo hinabol na itong taong ito but then lumalabas na meron pa syang kasama na rider na nagmamaneho doon sa isang motorsiklo sa may kanto ng may Honda so doon 
sila nakatakbo at hindi nahabol ng CAFGU at sumabog na from there yung IED,” the PNP Chief explained.

During a closed-door meeting with members of Police Regional Office 12 in Isulan, a facial composite sketch of the suspect was presented to Albayalde. The description shows a medium built male suspect of 5’6 to 5’7” in height. He was wearing a black shirt and dark colored pants with a black backpack, based on the accounts of the three witnesses.

https://www.untvweb.com/news/untv-exclusive-pnp-discloses-components-of-ied-used-in-isulan-blast/

Army: ‘Desperate’ NPAs shoot civilians, one hurt

From The Daily Guardian (Aug 31): Army: ‘Desperate’ NPAs shoot civilians, one hurt

A WOMAN was injured after suspected New People’s Army (NPA) members fired at a group of private company employees in the hinterland village of Igcabugao, Igbaras, Iloilo.

The incident happened at around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday as five employees of the Century Peak Energy Corp. (CPEC) were on their way to their office after conducting site survey of its hydroelectric power project.

The victims were passing by Sitio Cinampuhan when suspected rebels allegedly fired at them.


The incident injured Shella Mae Estevez, 28, CPEC safety officer, who was hit on her lower right leg.

The other employees were unscathed.

Colonel Benedict Arevalo, commander of the Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade commander, said members of the 61st Infantry Battalion’s Bravo Company and some CAFGU (Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit) members responded to the area.

“They were just a few hundred meters from the crime scene, that’s why there was an immediate response,” Arevalo said.

It was gathered that the soldiers escorted the CPEC employees in their site inspection.

But the military personnel were left behind as the CPEC employees left on board a civilian vehicle.

Arevalo said around 10 NPA members of the NPA-Komiteng Rehiyon Panay’s Southern Front Committee traded shots with responding military troops.

The rebels later withdrew to a forested portion of Igcabugao village while the victim was brought to Rep. Pedro Trono Memorial Hospital in Guimbal town for treatment.

‘DESPERATE REBELS’

Wednesday’s encounter was the sixth armed clash since July 21, 2018.

The first clash happened at Barangay Katipunan, Tapaz, Capiz followed by the clash at Barangay Alimodias, Miagao, Iloilo on August 1 and another at Barangay Cabatangan, Lambunao, Iloilo four days later.

On August 15, another encounter happened at Barangay Atabay, San Jose, Antique and nine days later at Isian Victoria, Leon, Iloilo.

But the biggest blow was the Aug. 25 encounter that killed seven alleged ranking leaders of the NPA-KRP’s Regional Taxation Implementation Group (RTIG).

“Their extortion activities were really affected. They’re getting desperate because they have been financially deprived,” Arevalo said.

Part of the recoveries were extortion letters addressed to individuals and companies.

Arevalo confirmed that one of the letters recovered in the Antique incident was sent to CPEC.

On Dec 13, 2015, suspected NPAs also burned CPEK’s heavy equipment – two dump trucks, an Isuzu Elf truck, and another 6×6 truck – in Igbaras town.

Arevalo said the Army and the PNP in Panay have been coordinating their efforts in launching anti-insurgency campaign.

CONDEMNATION

Arevalo also urged human rights groups and advocates of human rights to condemn NPA’s attack on civilians.

He said that what happened in Igbaras was a clear violation of human rights of civilians and Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CAHRIHL).

https://thedailyguardian.net/local-news/army-desperate-npas-shoot-civilians-one-hurt/

NPA rebel yields in South Cotabato

From MindaNews (Aug 31): NPA rebel yields in South Cotabato

A member of a New People’s Army (NPA) unit operating in Tampakan town in South Cotabato yielded on Thursday to Army and police personnel following a series of negotiations.

Lt. Col. Jones Otida, commanding officer of the Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion, said Friday that Jonathan Pilay Dawang alias Caloy, 32, surrendered voluntarily along with his firearm after being convinced by his family and officials of Barangay Tablu in Tampakan.


He said the surrender was facilitated by the municipal government of Tampakan and the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office.

Dawang yielded a Carbine rifle and two improvised explosive devices, two blasting caps and electric wire, he said.

Otida said the returnee was a member of the “Yunit Milisya” of the NPA’s Guerilla Front 72, which operates in the quad-boundaries of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Davao del Sur and Sarangani provinces.

“He mainly decided to surrender so he can live normally and peacefully with his family,” he said.

He said Dawang confided to them that he was tired of being a rebel and being chased by government troops in the mountains.

Residents of Sitio Tukay-mal in Tablu, where Dawang hails, have been also resisting the entry of NPA rebels in their village, he said.

Otida said the former rebel is currently undergoing custodial debriefing at the 27IB base in Tupi, South Cotabato.

He said they will enlist Dawang into the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program after the required verification and validation process.

Once enrolled, he said the returnee could receive over P86,000 in financial assistance through the flagship reintegration program.

These are the P21,000 reintegration assistance, P15,000 immediate assistance and the P50,000 livelihood assistance, he said.

“He will get additional cash incentive for the surrendered firearm as well as housing benefits for his family,” Otida added.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2018/08/npa-rebel-yields-in-south-cotabato/

P333.5-M earmarked for 2019 peace and order, public safety plan in Zambo Norte

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 31): P333.5-M earmarked for 2019 peace and order, public safety plan in Zambo Norte

The Zamboanga del Norte Peace and Order Council (ZN-PPOC) has approved the proposed budget amendment of the 2019 Peace and Order And Public Safety (POPS) Plan in a special meeting held recently at the Function Hall of Dipolog City Boulevard, presided by Vice-Governor Senen O. Angeles .

From the earlier approved P310.4-million POPS Plan for 2019, it is now P333.5 after the Council approved its amendment.

The three components of the approved 2019 POPS Plan include P80.4 million for the conduct of peace and order, public safety policies, programs, projects and activities like beat patrol, checkpoint operations, seaborne patrol and other support PPPAs activities such as upgrading and purchase of equipment, vehicles, hard and softwares, and other related activities.

The second and third components of the approved budget is intended for peace and development programs such as livelihood and infrastructure support to conflict and other areas of concern in the declaration of Zamboanga del Norte as a Conflict Manageable and Development Ready province.

About P220-million is allocated for infrastructure projects which include the establishment of the Provincial Rehabilitation Center, Provincial Youth Center and Multi-Purpose Building.

The PPOC also passed a resolution supporting the request of 102nd Brigade Commander Col. Bagnus Gaerlan for fund allocation for the establishment of 10 more companies of Special Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Units Active Auxiliary (SCAA) as augmentation to the military units based in the province.

http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1012114

Six CPP-NPA rebels surrender in Bukidnon

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 31): Six CPP-NPA rebels surrender in Bukidnon



IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon--Another six members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) surrendered to the 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade in Bukidnon for two consecutive days this August.

Alias (aka) Gorio, aka Bryan, aka Roskie, aka Benjie, and aka Ryan are regular members of Guerilla Front 68 of CPP-NPA North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC) who surrendered to the 1st Special Forces in Pangantucan town on 22 August 2018.

On August 23rd—early morning of the following day—Alias Lito, the Vice Commanding Officer of CPP-NPA’s Militia ng Bayan under Section Committee 89, NCMRC, surrendered to the 8th Infantry Battalion in Impasugong, Bukidnon. He also surrendered his Cal .45 pistol.


In a custodial debriefing, the rebels recounted their hardships in the CPP-NPA organization. They said they are becoming tired and dismayed of the leaders’ false promises.

Lieutenant Colonel Ronald M. Illana, Commanding Officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion also hit at the CPP-NPA leaders’ lies and deceits.

"This manifests that the CPP-NPA leadership is losing grasp on its members. Most of them realized the deception. They are now finding ways to make peace with the government," he said.

For his part, Brigadier General Eric C. Vinoya AFP, Commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, urged members of CPP-NPA to take advantage of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

“The government implements an Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program to assist those NPA and Militia ng Bayan members who wish to return to the mainstream society. I enjoin CPP-NPA members to embrace peace, go back to the folds of the law, and take advantage of this government program while it is being implemented. They will receive firearms remuneration as well as cash, livelihood, employment, housing, and health assistance,” BGen. Vinoya said. (Capt. Norman M. Tagros, CMO Officer, 403rd Inf Bde, 4ID, PA/PIA Bukidnon)

http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1012156

Military leaders condemn NPAs for slaying tribal leader

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 31): Military leaders condemn NPAs for slaying tribal leader



IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon—Military officials who have pegged significant wins in the fight against insurgency in Bukidnon condemn the desperate move of the Communist Party of the Philippines New People's Army terrorists (CNTs) in blatant violation of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

Brigadier General Eric C. Vinoya AFP, 403rd Infantry Brigade Commander of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division called on the CNTs for their dastardly act and gross violations of the provisions of the IHL and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), in murdering an innocent tribal leader here.

Inadvertently showing their losing cause, CNT guerillas of the CPP-NPA, believed to be members of Section Committee 89, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee, killed a 70-year old tribal leader in Dumalaguing village, Impasugong, Bukidnon.

Authorities identified the victim as Benedicto Dinoy aka Datu Mantalasan, an Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative of Higaonon tribe.

Neighbors said, 10 armed men broke into Dinoy’s house around 9 PM and dragged him out to the wilderness August 13.

The residents then heard gunshots a few minutes later.

In the early morning of August 14th, the villagers found Dinoy’s bullet-riddled body in the wilds.

Joining in, Lieutenant Colonel Ronald M. Illana, Commanding Officer of the Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion, aslo condemned the CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNT) for this cowardly attack.

“We condemn, in the strongest terms, this yet another dastardly act committed by the CPP-NPA Terrorists. Datu Mantalasan was never a military target and in no way was he taking part in the hostilities, yet, these terrorists slew him," General Vinoya said in a public statement.

The CPP-NPA has once again proven their true nature as terrorists and oppressors of the Lumads. They blatantly violated the provisions of International Humanitarian Law and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law. They will be punished,” Brigadier General Vinoya added.

"We mourn for the loss of the Indigenous Peoples community leader. This act is a clear evidence that CNTs show no respect to the IP culture and unmindful of the people’s right to life. They do not value the lives of innocent civilians who have no participation in any conflict. By doing so, they also violated the International Humanitarian Law which protects civilians from harm regardless of race, religion, beliefs, and culture," Lt. Col. Illana said. (Capt. Norman M. Tagros, CMO Officer, 403rd Inf Bde, 4ID, PA/PIA Bukidnon)

http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1012117

Navy frigate grounded in Hasa-Hasa Shoal: DND chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 31): Navy frigate grounded in Hasa-Hasa Shoal: DND chief

Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Friday confirmed that Navy flagship, the 3,250 gross ton BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (FF-15) ran aground on Wednesday in Hasa-Hasa Shoal (international name Half Moon) which lies 65 nautical miles off west of Balabac, Palawan.

He added that the Philippine Navy (PN) is still assessing the damage sustained by the frigate before towing it clear.

"That is true (grounding of BRP Gregorio Del Pilar in Hasa-Hasa Shoal) It is still there and the Navy is still assessing damage before pulling it out," Lorenzana said in a message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

The ship is one of three Hamilton-class cutters acquired by the PN from the United States Coast Guard and converted into frigates.

These ships have a gross tonnage of 3,250 tons, a length of 378 feet, beam of 43 feet, and draft of 15 feet while its propulsion systems consist of two diesel engines and two gas turbine engines, giving it a top speed of 29 knots.

These vessels have a cruising range of 14,000 miles and has a sea and loiter time of 45 days and armed with a 76-mm. Oto Melara automatic cannon, 25-mm. and 20-mm. light cannons and .50 caliber machine guns.

Col. Noel Detoyato, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief, said, “All afloat vessels in the Western Command area have already been mobilized to conduct assessment, retrieve the aground vessel and return her to safe harbor, and assist all personnel aboard BRP Del Pilar.”

Other assets from nearby AFP installations are also on standby for any contingency, he added.

Initial reports showed that none of the personnel on board have been hurt due to the incident.

"An investigation is expected in such situations to find out the possible causes of the grounding and to come up with steps to ensure that similar incidents will be prevented," Detoyato added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1046529

BRP Gregorio Del Pilar still operational despite grounding: AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 31): BRP Gregorio Del Pilar still operational despite grounding: AFP

 

Photo taken by PAF Nomad C-87 on August 30, 2018.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has assured that the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar, one of the Philippine Navy's largest warships, is still operational after it sustained minimal damage when it ran aground in the vicinity of the Hasa-hasa Shoal in Palawan Wednesday night.

The impact did not cause any heavy damage to the ship's hull, AFP public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato said Friday.

"Damage to the hull is very minimal," Detoyato said, adding that the starboard or right propeller sustained damage due to the grounding.


He, however, maintained that the port or left propeller and engines remained intact.

Detoyato said two tugboats from Batangas have already been deployed to aid in the recovery of the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar, with one leaving Thursday afternoon and another later on Friday.

These small craft are expected to reach the grounded frigate in two days and will be used in removing it. The grounding site is being secured by other naval assets in the area.

The ship is one of three Hamilton-class cutters acquired by the PN from the United States Coast Guard and converted into frigates.

These ships have a gross tonnage of 3,250 tons, a length of 378 feet, beam of 43 feet, and draft of 15 feet while its propulsion systems consist of two diesel engines and two gas turbine engines, giving it a top speed of 29 knots. They have a cruising range of 14,000 miles and a sea and loiter time of 45 days. They are armed with a 76-mm. Oto Melara automatic cannon, 25-mm. and 20-mm. light cannons, and .50 caliber machineguns.

"An investigation is expected in such situations to find out the possible causes of the grounding and to come up with steps to ensure that similar incidents will be prevented," Detoyato said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1046548

Navy frigate in Hasa-Hasa Shoal awaiting retrieval

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 31): Navy frigate in Hasa-Hasa Shoal awaiting retrieval

The safety of some 117 Philippine Navy (PN) sailors aboard BRP Gregorio del Pilar (FF-15), which ran aground within Hasa-Hasa Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, is a priority in the retrieval operation of the military, an official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Friday.

“The main concern is the safety of the crew of the ship and how long their food supplies will last until retrieval assets get to the area where it got beached,” Colonel Noel Detoyato, chief of the AFP Public Affairs Office, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in a phone interview.

Based on the assessment, Detoyato said, the Navy frigate appeared to have suffered “only minimal damage,” although this has yet to be confirmed.


He declined to give any detail on the possible reason the warship would run aground 100 kilometers off mainland Palawan in the disputed sea region, saying “all will be determined by the inquiry”.

“It is on top of corals right now, waiting to be retrieved. Ang concern is to ensure ‘yong safety ng mga crew. Safe naman sila at ‘yong food supplies naman long range ang preparation (The concern is to ensure the safety of the crew. They are safe and they have food supplies… their preparation was for long range),” he said.

Detoyato added that floating assets, which include motorized tugboats, are now on their way to Hasa-Hasa Shoal to tow it to the nearest possible port area in the province.

Dubbed “Goryo” by its crew, the Navy frigate ran aground while doing routine domain assessment patrol around 9:40 p.m. on Wednesday, August 29, at an estimated distance of two nautical miles from Hasa-Hasa Shoal.

“All afloat vessels in the Western Command (WESCOM) have already been mobilized to conduct an assessment, retrieve the aground vessel and return to safe harbor, and assist personnel aboard BRP Gregorio del Pilar,” Detoyato said in an earlier statement.

He added other assets from nearby military installations have also been ordered to “standby for any contingency.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1046539

Abandoned house yields high-powered firearm in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 31): Abandoned house yields high-powered firearm in Maguindanao



A government soldier inspects the M16 rifle recovered at an abandoned house in Barangay Takepan, Pikit, North Cotabato, after villagers reported of indiscriminate firing of guns in the area, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division said on Thursday (Aug. 30). (Photo by 6ID)
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Government troops recovered a high-powered firearm at an abandoned house in Barangay Takepan, Pikit, North Cotabato, after villagers reported an indiscriminate firing of guns in the area.

Capt. Arvin John Encinas, Army’s 6th Infantry division spokesperson, said on Thursday that combined forces from the Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion and the local police responded to the report. They found an M16 rifle with six magazines and an ammunition bandolier left behind a deserted house in Sitio Gantong, Barangay Takepan.


“Our troops are still conducting an investigation to verify the owner of the house,” Encinas said.

He said government troops were detailed in Barangay Takepan to keep the peace in the community.

Only recently, the town government of Pikit, in coordination with local military and police units, created Task Force Pikit aimed at resolving the series of killings that rocked the locality in the past weeks.

This month alone, at least seven persons were separately killed in a series of ambush incidents believed to have stemmed from land conflicts in the boundaries of Pikit and Aleosan towns.

The affected villages include Ginatilan, Manualanan, Silik, Balong, Bualan, Buliok, Pagangan, Ladtingan, and Lagunde.


Chief Insp. Ronnie Castañares, Pikit police chief, said there are parcels of lands in the area contested by several landed families since 2007, particularly in Sitio Valencia, Pagangan, Pikit, and Sitio Tubac in Aleosan.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1046546

NPA rebel yields with gun, explosives in South Cotabato

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 31): NPA rebel yields with gun, explosives in South Cotabato

A member of a New People’s Army (NPA) unit operating in Tampakan town in South Cotabato surrendered Thursday to Army and police personnel following a series of negotiations.

Lt. Col. Jones Otida, commanding officer of the Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion, said Friday that Jonathan Pilay Dawang alias Caloy, 32, gave himself up voluntarily along with his firearm after being convinced to do so by his family and officials of Barangay Tablu in Tampakan.


Otida said the surrender was facilitated by the municipal government of Tampakan and the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office.

Dawang yielded a Carbine rifle and two improvised explosive devices, two blasting caps and electric wire, he said.

Otida said the returnee was a member of the “Yunit Milisya” of the NPA’s Guerilla Front 72, which operates at the boundaries of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Davao del Sur and Sarangani provinces.

“He decided to surrender so he can live normally and peacefully with his family,” he said, adding that Dawang confided to them that he was tired of being constantly pursued by government troops in the boondocks.

Residents of Sitio Tukay-mal in Tablu, where Dawang hails, have been also resisting the entry of NPA rebels in their village, he said.

Otida said the former rebel is currently undergoing custodial debriefing at the 27IB base in Tupi, South Cotabato.

He said they will enlist Dawang into the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) after the required verification and validation process.
Once enrolled, he said the returnee will receive more than PHP86,000 in financial assistance through the government's flagship reintegration program.

“He will get an additional cash incentive for the surrendered firearm, as well as housing benefits for his family,” Otida added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1046555

Region 8 project monitoring body enlists Army as new member

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 31): Region 8 project monitoring body enlists Army as new member



PROJECT MONITORING. Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division Commander Major Gen. Raul Farnacio greets National Economic and Development Authority Regional Director and Regional Project Monitoring Committee Chairman Bonifacio Uy before the start of a recent project problem-solving session. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Regional Development Council (RDC) has listed the Philippine Army as member of a committee tasked to monitor infrastructure projects in remote Eastern Visayas areas infested with communist rebels.

Acting on the request of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, the Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) approved the proposal to consider the military as one of the members of the body.

The RPMC, composed of officials from the government and private sector, admitted that several projects, especially in Samar provinces, have been delayed due to threats of the New People’s Army. Consequently, incomplete projects have affected the delivery of basic service to poor families.

“Through the participation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in RPMC meetings, delays in implementation of projects due to security-related reasons shall be appropriately addressed,” National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Director Bonifacio Uy said, quoting Lorenzana’s letter.

Uy, chairperson of RDC’s monitoring arm, RPMC said the military will help check some ongoing projects and report their status in quarterly meetings.

Lt. Col. Gasanara Sultan, Army’s 8th Infantry Division assistant chief of staff for civil military operations, said they can tap all military units in the region to monitor ongoing construction activities, secure heavy equipment, and escort personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) inspecting the project.

“Our efforts will be coordinated with DPWH because we need to know what kind of projects we have to prioritize in monitoring,” Sultan said.

At least 188 major projects in Eastern Visayas have been listed by the RPMC as priority for monitoring this year, citing their importance to the attainment of regional development goals and targets.

These projects include post-Yolanda reconstruction activities; resettlement sites in Tacloban City, Eastern Samar, Leyte, and Biliran; livelihood projects; irrigations; social infrastructure; agriculture and fishery; road and bridges; roads leading to tourism destinations; roads in conflict-stricken areas; seaports; and airports.

Uy said the project monitoring initiative by RDC members, both from government and private sector, will help ensure timely implementation of programs and projects critical to the attainment of goals in the 2017-2022 Regional Development Plan.

The official said programs and projects with substantial negative slippage and problems in implementation have been the priority for field monitoring and problem-solving sessions.

The RPMC is RDC’s project monitoring arm responsible for the monitoring and evaluation of priority programs and projects implemented in the region, particularly those that are encountering implementation bottlenecks and projects that are worthy for replication.

The body forwards monitoring reports and recommendations generated during the problem-solving sessions to the council for information and appropriate action.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1046568

PH Marines extends mobile recruitment in Iloilo until Sept. 9

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 31): PH Marines extends mobile recruitment in Iloilo until Sept. 9

The Philippine Marines Corps (PMC) has extended until Sept. 9 its mobile recruitment in Iloilo to allow ample time for applicants to submit their documentary requirements.

The recruitment targets 400 recruits from Western Visayas. To date only 260 have submitted applications.

“This is to give ample time to interested individuals to grab the opportunity,” said Capt. Jieve Ajijul, officer-in-charge of the PMC’s mobile recruitment team, in an interview Friday.


“We believe that there are still those who are really interested to apply but they are still waiting for the release of their requirements,” he said.

PMC started accepting applications last August 21 until Sept. 4 only. The recruitment processes were conducted in Molo and Arevalo campuses of the John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University.

He said they already wrote letters to local chief executives in some towns in the province of Iloilo so they could bring the mobile recruitment to their areas.

“We know that there are interested applicants in the towns so we will be the one to get their applications,” he said.

The PMC’s recruitment is open to natural born Filipino, from 18 up to 25 years old and six months, not a day older during application.

For high school graduates of the four-year curriculum, they need to submit authenticated birth certificate, diploma, form 137 and NC-2 certification from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

For high school graduates under the K to 12 curriculum, they must submit a diploma and form 137; and those who earned at least 72 units in college, they need to submit their high school diploma, form 137 and transcript of records.

Qualified applicants will undergo six months training, Ajijul said.

During the training period, each candidate soldier could earn PHP18,587 monthly, excluding their allowance, food, billeting and full compliments of uniform.

After completing the training, private marine soldiers will be earning a minimum income of PHP29,668, or a gross monthly pay of PHP40,000 including allowances.

Ajijul recalled that it was 14 years ago when the last recruitment was conducted in Iloilo where 300 candidates were recruited.

The Philippine Marines is a military branch of service that is into combat and amphibious operations.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1046587

Rebel killed in clash with Army in Mountain Province

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 31): Rebel killed in clash with Army in Mountain Province

CAMP MELCHOR DELA CRUZ, Isabela – A suspected New People’s Army (NPA) member was killed in an encounter between Army soldiers and communist guerrillas in the mountains of Mainit village in Bontoc, Mountain Province that lasted from Thursday night to Friday morning, the military said.

Army Captain Jefferson Somera, 5th Infantry Division spokesperson and public affairs chief, told the Philippine News Agency that the slain ebel has not yet been identified. The body has been brought to a local funeral parlor for autopsy.

No casualty was reported on the government side.

Two M-16 Armalite rifles were also seized from the rebels.

The Army soldiers from the 50th Infantry Battalion pounced on the estimated 30-member communist group, whom they chanced upon during a security operation in the village.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1046616

Thursday, August 30, 2018

Government troops, communist rebels in 20-minute gunbattle in Davao Oriental

From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 30): Government troops, communist rebels in 20-minute gunbattle in Davao Oriental

BUTUAN CITY – The Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs)’s plan to conduct terrorist activities was prevented as they were engaged by the combat maneuvering troops of the Army’s 102nd Division Recon Company (102nd DRC) in a fierce gunfight on Tuesday in Batiano area, Barangay San Pedro, Caraga, Davao Oriental.


(MANILA BULLETIN)

In a statement sent to The Manila Bulletin Wednesday night, Capt. Jerry S. Lamosao, chief of Public Affairs Office (PAO) of the Army’s Southern Mindanao 10th Infantry (Agila) Division, said combat troops of the 102nd DRC engaged in a 20-minute fierce gunfight the CNTs that started at 1:45 a.m. on Tuesday.

They encountered undetermined numbers of CNTs were members of Pulang Bagani Command 8 (PBC 8) and Section Committee 15 of the CPP-NPA Southern Mindanao Regional Command (SMRC), it said.

The CNTs disengaged the gunbattle after sensing that they were outgunned and out-positioned, claimed the 10th ID PAO chief.

“At about 2:30 a.m. of the same day, our operating troops occupied the enemy position and scoured the area and they recovered one M16 Armalite rifle and link of M60 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG),” Capt. Lamosao said.

There was no casualty on the government side while undetermined on the enemy side, he said.

“Due to close coordination and good working relationship between the military, local government and the people, CNTs become irrelevant and not welcome in Davao Oriental,” the 10th ID PAO chief further claimed.

It can be recalled that 67th IB received information that CNTs are sighted in the area (Batiano) conducting foraging and alleged extortion activities, he said.

“Operating troops were organized to respond to the report. On August 21, 2018, 1:50 p.m. an encounter happened at the vicinity of Barangay San Fermin, Manay, Davao Oriental, he said.

The firefight lasted about an hour and one CNT was killed in that encounter while two soldiers were slightly wounded., Capt. Lamosao said.

As the troops continue to clear enemy position and pursue the fleeing terrorist, they were able to recover one lower receiver of defective M16 rifle at around 8 a.m. on Tuesday (Aug. 28) in Batiano area, also in Barangay San Pedro, Caraga, he added.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Noel S. Clement, 10th ID chief commended troops accomplishments and said “There will be no place for the NPA terrorists who continue to harm, recruit, deceive and exploit the people in Davao Oriental and in our area of responsibility. People are already aware of the enemy’s deception, and so they immediately report to us the presence of CNTs”.

“10th ID will continue to accept NPAs who want to surrender and have a peaceful life. They can avail of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. We thank the provincial government of Davao Oriental and its people for their unwavering support in our campaign against communist-terrorist threat,” Maj. Gen. Clement added.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/08/30/government-troops-communist-rebels-in-20-minute-gunbattle-in-davao-oriental/

Analysis: US terror designations target Islamic State’s Southeast Asian network

From the FDD's Long War Journal (Aug 27): Analysis: US terror designations target Islamic State’s Southeast Asian network



Three newly-designated terrorists appeared in a June 2016 video entitled, “The Solid Edifice – The Philippines.”

On Aug. 24, the US Treasury Department announced that it had designated three Islamic State recruiters from Southeast Asia as terrorists. The move is the latest in a series of designations targeting jihadists from Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines who joined Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s caliphate building project.

The three newly-sanctioned Islamic State recruiters are: Mohamad Rafi Udin, Mohammed Karim Yusop Faiz and Mohammad Reza Lahaman Kiram. All three were “were featured in an official ISIS beheading video” and used the gory executions to buttress their call to jihad, encouraging would-be recruits to join the self-declared caliphate’s ranks. The video in question, titled “The Solid Edifice – The Philippines,” was released in June 2016. It was part of the group’s aggressive push to woo additional people from throughout Southeast Asia to its cause, including some who were previously aligned with al Qaeda.

Treasury describes Udin as “the most senior Malaysian ISIS leader in Syria” as of Nov. 2017. Udin has had a lengthy career waging jihad, with Treasury dating his “militant activities” to 1998. He was “arrested and detained from 2003 to 2006 for fighting on behalf of Jemaah Islamiyah (JI),” an al Qaeda-affiliated group whose membership gravitated toward Baghdadi’s cause.

Udin relocated to Syria in 2014, appearing alongside Faiz and Kiram in the June 2016 beheading video. In that same video, according to Treasury, Udin called upon Muslims to pledge allegiance to Baghdadi and also encouraged “individuals in the Philippines to join together under the command of now deceased Isnilon Hapilon.” Hapilon previously led the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), another al Qaeda-linked group that joined the Islamic State after its caliphate declaration. According to authorities, Hapilon was killed in Marawi in 2017.

Like Udin, Faiz traveled to Syria in 2014 and was also previously imprisoned years before joining the Islamic State. Treasury says Faiz, an Indonesian, was jailed “in the Philippines for nine years on charges of illegal possession of explosives and weapons.”

Kiram, who is from the Philippines, relocated to Syria along “with his wife and daughter in 2015.” Treasury says he “was a member of a Philippines-based militant group that pledged alliance to ISIS” and trained “recruits in 2014.” Police in the Philippines suspect Kiram “was responsible for the Zamboanga, Philippines bus bombing in 2012.”

Previous US designations targeting the Islamic State’s Southeast Asian network
Since 2015, the US has issued a string of designations targeting the Islamic State’s network stretching from Southeast Asia all the way to Iraq and Syria. The evidence cited by the US government in these previous matters indicates that the organization’s Southeast Asian branches have not merely adopted the Islamic State’s notorious branding, but are instead connected to Baghdadi’s mother organization in various ways.

The ties have been a two-way street. Personnel based in Southeast Asia have sent recruits off to fight for the caliphate’s cause. Meanwhile, jihadists who relocated from the region to Iraq and Syria have facilitated the transfer of funds back to their compatriots and also provided specific guidance on terrorist plots.

On Sept. 29, 2015, Treasury added two Indonesians to the US government’s list of designated terrorists. The two are Tuah Febriwansyah and Muhammad Sholeh Ibrahim. Febriwansyah (also known as Muhammad Fachry) helped build the Islamic State’s organizational capacity inside Indonesia. Jemmah Anshorut Tauhid (JAT) was one of the many Indonesian extremist groups influenced by the rise of Abu Bakr al Baghdadi’s enterprise. In mid-2014, according to Treasury, JAT “leaders sought Febriwansyah’s support to bolster JAT during a schism over allegiance to” the Islamic State. Officials credited Febriwansyah and his comrades with recruiting “as many as 37 Indonesians on behalf of” the so-called caliphate. Febriwansyah was arrested on March 21, 2015. The other jihadist, Ibrahim, served as a senior JAT leader and swore allegiance to the Islamic State in 2014.

On Jan. 10, 2017, Treasury added two more Indonesians to the US government’s list of terrorists. The first, Bachrumsyah Mennor Usman, left for Syria “at the end of March 2014.” He went on to serve the Islamic State in senior roles and lead one of its main Southeast Asian fighting groups, Katibah Nusantara, in Syria. From his position inside the lands of the caliphate, Usman was implicated in plots in his native Indonesia. Treasury reported that, in early 2016, Usman “had transferred $105,000 to the leader of a group of terrorists in Indonesia.” This unit was known as the “Bekasi cell.” The Islamic State “ordered that the money” transferred by Usman “be used to carry out attacks in Indonesia” and Usman had “ordered an associate to plan attacks similar to the January 14, 2016 bomb attacks in Jakarta.” Usman also funneled additional funds to the Philippines.

Oman Rochman, an influential ideologue, was designated alongside Usman. Even though he was imprisoned, Rochman was “likely communicating with [Islamic State] leaders in Syria” as of early 2016. From behind bars, Rochman played a major role in disseminating the Islamic State’s propaganda throughout Indonesia and also “authorized” the Jan. 14, 2016 attacks in Jakarta. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for those same attacks. At one point, Rochman “required” recruits to receive his personal endorsement before traveling to Syria to join Baghdadi’s enterprise.

The State Department also issued a terrorist designation for Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) on Jan. 10, 2017. JAD “was formed in 2015” when nearly “two dozen Indonesian extremist groups” joined together to pledge allegiance to Baghdadi. The JAD provided the muscle for the Jan. 2016 Jakarta operation.

On Mar. 30, 2017, Treasury named Bahrun Naim, an Indonesian, and Muhammad Wanndy Bin Mohamed Jedi, a Malaysian, as specially designated global terrorists. The two were tied to a number of plots inside their respective home countries. From their safe havens in Iraq and Syria, the pair remotely guided various cells. [See FDD’s Long War Journal report, Indonesian authorities hunt Islamic State operative’s cyber recruits.]

On Feb. 9, 2018, Treasury designated Abdulpatta Escalon Abubakar, an Islamic State bagman who was detained by Filipino authorities “as he was traveling from the Gulf to the Philippines” in Sept. 2017. The US found that Abubakar had spent time in Jeddah and Daina, Saudi Arabia, where he was presumably fundraising. The money he procured was used to purchase ammunition and weapons for the group’s “network in the Philippines.” At least some of this activity was done on behalf of the aforementioned Isnilon Hapilon. Treasury also stated that the Islamic State had “sent” some of the money Abubakar handled, implying that the mother organization provided at least partial funding for the jihadists’ operations in the Philippines.

On Feb. 27, the State Department designated the entire Islamic State branch in the Philippines, with a special focus on the “Maute Group,” which was also listed as a terrorist entity. The Maute brothers were instrumental in the group’s short-lived takeover of Marawi, but were reportedly killed there during the fierce fighting. [See FDD’s Long War Journal report, State Department designates 7 ISIS-affiliated groups as terrorist organizations.]

Myrna Mabanza, an Islamic State facilitator, was named a terrorist by Treasury on Apr. 30. The US government noted at the time that Mabanza had “served as an intermediary between Hapilon and ISIS elements in Syria.” Treasury does not explain what Mabanza’s liaison role entailed. But in the following month, Mar. 2016, she “coordinated” a “transfer of funds with Hapilon.” A “senior ISIS official in Syria” also “planned to send financial support to” the Islamic State in the Philippines “through Mabanza.” [See FDD’s Long War Journal report, Treasury sanctions ISIS facilitator based in the Philippines.]

UN report on the Islamic State in Southeast Asia

As elsewhere, the Islamic State has suffered setbacks in Southeast Asia. Some of the personnel designated by the US have been killed in Iraq or Syria. And the loss of control over Marawi in Oct. 2017 was a blow to the group’s aspirations.

However, a team of analysts working for the United Nations recently warned that jihadists loyal to the Islamic State still pose a threat to Indonesia and the Philippines.

The UN team pointed to the role that three families played in planning “a wave of attacks” in Indonesia in May 2018. The UN found that members of Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) orchestrated the attacks, which relied on women and children to strike various locations. The international body says that the Islamic State’s main organization “seems to have played no direct role” in the plots, but it is not clear how this determination was made. The JAD has been tied to the Islamic State’s mothership before. The jihadists have carried out other operations this year as well. [For more on the May 2018 attacks, see FDD’s Long War Journal report: Authorities say ISIS-linked family conducted suicide bombings at Indonesian churches.]

The UN warned that in the southern Philippines the “threat from terrorism persists despite losses suffered by groups linked to” the Islamic State “during the siege of Marawi City…with remnants regrouping, reactivating training camps and recruiting, attracting hundreds of followers both inside and outside the” island nation. The presence of foreign fighters, “some of whom travelled to the Philippines using stolen or false documents and/or broken travel routes,” remains a concern.

Though the Islamic State’s arm contains several constituent groups that still appear to be loyal to the so-called caliphate, leadership losses have made some aspects of the jihadists’ operations difficult to assess. The UN reported that after the death of Hapilon in 2017, the “affiliation of the Basilan-based” Abu Sayyaf Group with the Islamic State became “less clear,” because “many members have disassociated themselves from [the Islamic State] and focused more on criminal activities to raise funds rather than on ideology.” The UN cited only “Member State information” for this point, so it is not clear how widespread of a problem this is for Baghdadi’s network.

Pointing to the US designations listed above, specifically the Feb. 9 and Apr. 30 announcements, the UN said that “domestic designations have highlighted the key role of intermediaries in the [Islamic State] network in Southeast Asia with regard to financing, procurement of weapons and training, and also demonstrated connections among regional players, as well as between regional operatives and the [Islamic State] core.” For instance, “intermediaries have facilitated financial transfers from” the “core” to “affiliates in the Philippines and arranged bomb-making and firearm training for JAD recruits from Indonesia at camps in the Philippines.”

According to the UN’s “Member States,” funding from the Islamic State’s “core” has been supplemented with “millions of dollars” acquired “by looting banks and homes in Marawi.” The funds have been used “to recruit, reportedly paying would-be fighters a joining fee of $300 to $400 and also providing a firearm.”

Therefore, despite the losses it has endured, the Islamic State retains a network in Southeast Asia. It remains to be seen how potent it is going forward.

[Thomas Joscelyn is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Senior Editor for FDD's Long War Journal.]
 

103 NPA ‘sympathizers’ take oath of allegiance

From the Daily Guardian (Aug 29): 103 NPA ‘sympathizers’ take oath of allegiance

Alleged supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) rebels formalized their return to the fold of law at the Mabinay Gym in Negros Oriental on August 25, 2018.

The 103 supporters are reportedly residents of villages Bagtic and Luyang in Mabinay.

They took their Oath of Allegiance after they decided to renounce the CPP-NPA.


The Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion and 15th Infantry Battalion facilitated the ceremony which was witnessed by Atty. Achilles Arturo Umbac Jr., Negros Oriental board member; and representative of the governor; Mabinay Mayor Ernie Uy, village captains and PNP and AFP officials.

Lieutenant Colonel Egberto O. Dacoscos, commanding officer of 62IB lauded the courage of the 103 individuals for standing up to the rebels.

Dacoscos said that this is the result of the close coordination and collaboration of the security sector, government agencies, local government units, and the general public as well as their efforts for localized peace talks with the CPP-NPA in the region.

Colonel Alberto O. Desoyo, Commander 303rd Infantry Brigade, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the people of Mabinay.

“The people are now starting to realize the true nature and objective of the terrorist organization which is to sow terror and hinder progress. The parents should be responsible in educating their children help in stopping the recruitment activities of the CPP-NPA rebels,” Desoyo added.

https://thedailyguardian.net/negros/103-npa-sympathizers-take-oath-of-allegiance/

2 deadly bombings in a month demonstrate ISIS tactics

From Rappler (Aug 30): 2 deadly bombings in a month demonstrate ISIS tactics

(UPDATED) Military chief General Carlito Galvez Jr says ISIS is the biggest security threat in the Philippines

FATAL. Scene at the blast site in Isulan town, Sultan Kudarat, on August 29, 2018. Photo by AFP

FATAL. Scene at the blast site in Isulan town, Sultan Kudarat, on August 29, 2018. Photo by AFP

(UPDATED) – The abandoned bag exploded during a jampacked fiesta celebration just as a military cargo truck passed by the highway of Isulan, Sultan Kudarat on Tuesday night, August 28. A woman and a 7-year-old boy were killed while at least 37 were wounded in an attack that targeted troops, according to a local military spokesperson.

It’s the latest in a string of deadly bombings that hit Mindanao in the past year, demonstrating what military officers describe as the post-Marawi tactics of local armed groups linked with international terrorist network Islamic State (ISIS). (READ: Marawi stories: One year after the siege)

The Isulan blast last Tuesday occurred a month after a deadly explosion that killed 10 in Lamitan City, Basilan, including women and a child.

ISIS claimed responsibility for the latest attack in Isulan, according to reports.

The US-based SITE Intelligence Group, which tracks online activity of white supremacist and jihadist organizations, said the “Islamic State’s (IS) East Asia Province claimed bombing Filipino soldiers in Sultan Kudarat.”

Mohaqher Iqbal, chief peace negotiator of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), also told the Inquirer that the bomb attack could have been perpetrated by ISIS militants “if [we] look at… the way the attack was carried out.”
 
“We are validating, but the likelihood that the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Dawlah Islamiyah-Abu Turaifie Group [are behind the attack] is high,” Major General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of 6th Infantry Division that has responsibility over the area, told Rappler on Wednesday, August 29.
 
But should the distinction even matter? Turaifie is the leader of a BIFF faction that has pledged allegiance to ISIS. The BIFF broke away from the MILF several years ago.

In his December 2017 letter asking Congress to extend martial law, President Rodrigo Duterte named Turaifie as a leading threat in Mindanao. (READ: Duterte names obscure terrorist to justify martial law)

Armed Forces chief General Carlito Galvez Jr conceded that ISIS remains the biggest security threat in the Philippines a year after the military defeated ISIS emir Isnilon Hapilon in 5-month-long battles in Marawi.

“The greatest threat that we have now is really ISIS,” said Galvez during a budget hearing on Wednesday. He referred particularly to its adherents – the Maute Group and BIFF in Central Mindanao and the Abu Sayyaf Group in Western Mindanao.
 
Yet, the military also constantly downplays ISIS influence here and sometimes still talks like it's dealing with a conventional threat.

Why the mixed signals? Defense and military officials harp on the "defeat" of ISIS-inspired local armed groups in Mindanao's battlefield. They said these groups are no longer capable of mounting another large-scale siege, such as the one in Marawi last year.

But the deadly blasts in the last 12 months happened outside the battelfields. IED attacks could be launched by individuals bombers.

Still, Lorenzana finds a silver lining to this. “Kaya nga napakahirap hanapin kasi ang kaunti na lang nila (They’re harder to find now because there are not too many of them),” he said.

The military also said it came close to preventing the Isulan town attack. Troops reportedly spotted and approached the alleged perpetrators based on suspicious actions, but the bombers had already planted the IED and were able to trigger it before escaping.

“Itong bomber na ito, iniwan niya ang bag sa isang lugar tapos nakita siya ng tropa. Hinabol siya. Noong hinabol siya, pumutok,” said Lorenzana on Wednesday.

The local military had information that IED attacks would target security forces but they were expecting it in the neighboring province of Maguindanao.

Captain Arvin Encinas, 6th ID spokesman, said the attacked may have been diverted. “Tamang-tama na pagkadaan ng military truck natin saka sumabog. Most probably, command detonated itong IED na ito dahil tinaon nila na dadaan ang military truck natin. Ang sabi ko kanina, ang primary target ay ang ating security forces sa area,” Encinas said.

The military's KM450 truck in the area has metal plates on both sides. These plates absorbed some of the shrapnel from the blast in Isulan. “Kung wala ‘yung truck, baka mas mahigit pa sa 2 patay at 37 wounded ang naging biktima,” said Encinas. (Without the truck, there could have been more casualties.)

Bombs as tools. ISIS previously claimed responsibility for the deadly attack in Lamitan City last July 31, where a foreign terrorist was believed to have committed a suicide attack.

Almost on instinct, the military downplayed ISIS' role there, blaming it on the Abu Sayyaf subgroup led by Furuji Indama.

Yet, Indama has also pledged allegiance to ISIS. (READ: Basilan car blast: Furuji Indama unleashes terror even in hiding)

The Lamitan blast particularly showed sophisticated bombmaking capabilities by the enemies, said Galvez in the same budget hearing last Wednesday.

Galvez said investigation showed the nitrate bomb used in the Lamitan attack was assembled in 4 hours. “They constructed the bomb around 2100 and they deployed it at 0100,” Galvez said.

The target was believed to be a parade at the city proper of Lamitan. The bomber may have prematurely triggered the explosive as he was flagged at a checkpoint.

At least 3 other bombing attacks were reported since January 2018 while several attempts were foiled when the improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were discovered and diffused by troops.

Many of these were assembled by trainees of Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir or Marwan, who was killed in the Philippines in 2015, said an intelligence officer. He said the recent attacks were a result of fresh funding from ISIS abroad.
 
Sobejana himself escaped a potential bomb attack in June 2018 when his men found and diffused an IED planted along his convoy route.

How effective is martial law in Mindanao? The bombings have raised questions on whether martial law works in the home region of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Senator Panfilo Lacson, a retired police general, said in a statement on Thursday, August 30, that the situation “suggests that neither martial law nor the Bangsamoro Organic Law could guarantee peace in Mindanao.”

He said “our ground security forces should take a hard look at their security plans and strategy, especially in the South, and try to avert the vicious cycle of talking peace with one tribal group while alienating the others.”

Mindanao has been in a state of martial law for more than a year now, since President Duterte declared it after the Marawi siege in May 2017.

Congress allowed him to extend it to December 2018, but the Sultan Kudarat blast is now prompting his advisers to consider another extension.
 

PH may buy new gear in Israel for Coast Guard: Go

From the Mindanao Times (Aug 31): PH may buy new gear in Israel for Coast Guard: Go

Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence Go yesterday said the government might buy new equipment for the Philippine Coast Guard during the state visit of President Rodrigo Duterte in Israel this Sunday.

Go was the guest of honor and speaker during the 33rd anniversary of Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) held at its headquarters in Sasa wharf yesterday.

During the anniversary, Go was appointed auxiliary executive squadron for the Philippine Coast Guard with a rank of auxiliary commodore or brigadier general in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“I’m honored and proud to be part of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary and how we can help in our oceans, seas, coastline and we must take good care of it,” he said.

He said Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Elson Hermogino will also join the contingent as they will check some equipment or patrol boats that can help the coast guard.

Go said the government allocated more than P3 billion budget for the modernization program and the money is intended for new ships, firearms, and other equipment.

“The 10 new 54-meter patrol boats from Japan just arrived,” he said. “These were among the equipment shown when we went to Japan.”

The number of equipment to be distributed in the Southeastern Mindanao would be up to Coast Guard leadership, Go said.

Meanwhile, Go also said the coast guard is included in the increase of base pay of personnel.

“It’s just the same salary grade,” he added. “It was effective in January 2018.”

http://mindanaotimes.net/ph-may-buy-new-gear-in-israel-for-coast-guard-go/

21 former Red fighters get livelihood assistance

From the Mindanao Times (Aug 31): 21 former Red fighters get livelihood assistance

Twenty-one former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who surrendered to 403rd Infantry Brigade received more than a million in financial assistance on Tuesday.

Capt. Norman Tagros, the civil-military operations (CMO) officer of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, told TIMES that a total of P 1,578,500 worth of financial assistance were given to 21 former members of the NPA in a simple ceremony in Bukidnon.

They received the aid under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of Bukidnon. They surrendered in the second semester of 2017 and the first semester of 2018 to the troops of the 403rd Infantry Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division.


Out of 21 former rebels, 20 of them received their respective immediate and livelihood assistance amounting to P65,000.

Meanwhile, 10 individuals among the same group received additional cash assistance as remuneration for the firearms that they have surrendered.

In her message during the ceremony, Glenda Hope A. Beley, program manager and E-CLIP provincial focal person of DILG-Bukidnon, encouraged the former guerrillas to put the assistance to good use and become advocates of peace.

“We would like to encourage our former rebels to use your money wisely. Moreover, we enjoin you to become agents of change and advocates of peace,” Beley said.

Meanwhile, Col. Ferdinand T. Barandon, deputy brigade commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, assured the rebels of the sincerity of the government to help them reclaim their lives.

“The Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program is a genuine program that seeks to assist our surrenderers through cash and livelihood assistance, employment opportunities, housing grants, and PhilHealth benefits,” he said.

Also present during the ceremony, were Sr. Supt. Benedicto T Pintor, the provincial director of the Bukidnon Police Provincial Office; and Leo D. Villahermosa, E-CLIP focal person of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office of Bukidnon.

http://mindanaotimes.net/21-former-red-fighters-get-livelihood-assistance/

1 rifle recovered at clash site in Caraga

From the Mindanao Times (Aug 31): 1 rifle recovered at clash site in Caraga

One M16 rifle and link of M60 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) were recovered following an encounter with the members of New People’s Army (NPA) in Sitio Batiano, Barangay San Pedro, Caraga, Davao Oriental on Tuesday.

Capt. Jerry Lamosao, the spokesperson of 10th Infantry Division, said troops from the 102nd Division Recon Company were conducting a focused military operation encountered NPAs believed to be members of Pulang Bagani Command 8 and Section Committee 15 at the vicinity of Sitio Batiano, Barangay San Pedro.


Lamosao said the firefight lasted for about 20 minutes.

At about 2:30 a.m. of same day, the troops occupied the enemy position and scoured the area. They recovered the rifle and ammunition. He said there was no casualty on the government side.

“Due to close coordination and good working relationship between the military, local government, and the people, the (NPAs) have become irrelevant and are not welcome in Davao Oriental,” he added.

It can be recalled that the 67th Infantry Battalion received information that NPAs were sighted in the area.

Operating troops were organized to respond to the report.

On Aug. 21, at around 1:50 p.m., an encounter happened at the vicinity of Barangay San Fermin, Manay, Davao Oriental. The firefight lasted for about an hour and one rebel was killed in that encounter while two soldiers were slightly wounded.

As the troops continued to clear enemy position and pursue the fleeing rebels, they were able to recover one lower receiver of a defective M16 rifle at around 8 a.m. on Aug. 28 in the vicinity of Sitio Batiano, San Pedro, Caraga.

Maj. Gen. Noel S. Clement, commander of the 10th ID, commended the accomplishment as he warned, “There will be no place for the NPA terrorists who continue to harm, recruit, deceive and exploit the people in Davao Oriental and in our area of responsibility.”

Meanwhile, he said the 10th ID will continue to accept the rebels who want to surrender and have a peaceful life.

“They can avail of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. We thank the provincial government of Davao Oriental and its people for their unwavering support in our campaign against communist-terrorist threat,” the division commander added.

 http://mindanaotimes.net/1-rifle-recovered-at-clash-site-in-caraga/

Sultan Kudarat blast death toll climbs to 3

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30): Sultan Kudarat blast death toll climbs to 3

The death toll in the improvised bomb explosion that hit Isulan town, Sultan Kudarat province on Tuesday night rose to three as another victim died while undergoing treatment at a hospital in General Santos City.

Welmark John Lapidez, 25, a criminology student of Sultan Kudarat State University and a resident of Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat, succumbed to multiple shrapnel injuries in the head and body and expired at 8:55 p.m. Wednesday at the General Santos Doctors Hospital, according to Isulan Mayor Marites Pallasigue.

The mayor also announced the cancellation of all activities related to the town’s 104th Foundation Day and 7th Hamungaya Festival.

“For the safety of everyone, the crisis management committee decided to cancel the activities. Please understand,” Pallasigue said.

A special mass for those who perished and for those who remained in the hospital will be offered at 2 p.m. at the town hall grounds.

President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to arrive Thursday afternoon in Isulan to visit the wounded victims and receive security briefing from military and police officials.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1046413

Civilian hurt in NPA ambush in Iloilo town

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30): Civilian hurt in NPA ambush in Iloilo town

An employee of the Century Peak Energy Corporation (CPEC) was wounded when ambushed by the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Igcabugao in Igbaras, Iloilo Wednesday afternoon.

Colonel Benedict Arevalo, Commander of the 301st Infantry Brigade (301st IB), identified the wounded employee as Shela Mae Estevez, 28, Safety Officer of CPEC, who sustained a gunshot wound on her lower right leg.

She was with four other employees of the firm when ambushed by suspected members of the Southern Front, Komiteng Rehiyon Panay, “who were involved in extortion activities,” he said. The victim’s companions were unharmed.

Arevalo said the CPEC employees have just completed their site survey and inspection when NPA terrorists fired at their civilian pick-up vehicle around 3:30 p.m.

Elements of the Bravo Company 61st Infantry Batallion (61st IB), and Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) detachment of 12th IB who were near, the area responded immediately.

“There was a 10-minute firefight but no one got hurt from our troops and the rebels withdrew to the forested portion of the barangay (village),” Arevalo said.

He said responding soldiers were able to immediately bring the wounded victim to the Guimbal District Hospital for treatment.

Arevalo said soldiers are still in pursuit of the rebels. “They will disappear and reappear somewhere else,” he said.

He said they will further strengthen their operations together with the police to stop rebels. “We cannot wait for them to do violence against us. As much as possible I want the troops to go out and run after them,” he said.

Meantime, Arevalo said the incident is a “clear violation of human rights”.

“That is why I challenge the human rights groups and advocates. This is a clear violation of human rights and the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1046421

Militiaman killed, niece wounded in Dinas gun attack

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30): Militiaman killed, niece wounded in Dinas gun attack

Police are conducting a probe to unmask the gunmen behind the attack that killed a militiaman and injured an 8-year-old girl in Dinas town, Zamboanga del Sur.

Chief Insp. Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office 9 (Zamboanga) information officer, disclosed that the incident happened in Purok Tula-Tula, Barangay Tarakan in Dinas at about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Galvez identified the fatality as Marjon Rondina, 26, a militiaman under the Army’s 5th Infantry Battalion.

Wounded was Rosel Rondina Amodia, a niece of Marjon's. She was rushed to the Dinas Rural Health Unit and later transferred to the Margosatubig Regional Hospital.

Galvez said initial investigation showed the victims were asleep when unidentified persons, armed with high-powered firearms, arrived and opened fire, killing Marjon instantly.

She said the responding policemen recovered from the crime scene 18 empty shells of M-16 Armalite rifle and six empty shells and a deformed slug of a Caliber .45 pistol.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1046474