Sunday, January 7, 2018

Brig. Gen. Perfecto M. Rimando Jr., Bagong Pinuno ng 5th ID.

From the Radio Mindanao Network (Jan 7): Brig. Gen. Perfecto M. Rimando Jr., Bagong Pinuno ng 5th ID.



Upi Gamu, Isabela – Pormal ng umupo ngayong araw bilang bagong pinuno ng 5th Infantry Division ng Philippine Army si Brig. Gen. Perfecto M. Rimando.
Sa turn over ceremony na pinangunahan ni Lt. Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista, commanding general ng Philippine Army, pinalitan ni Brig. Gen. Rimando si Lt. Gen. Paul Atal na matatalaga naman bilang pinuno ng Central Command sa Visayas Area.

Si Brig. Gen. Rimando ay kabilang sa PMA Class 86, tubong La Union, naglingkod ng matagal sa Mindanao area at nakapangasawa sa Ilagan City, Isabela.

Sa kanyang talumpati ngayong araw, hinikayat ng bagong pinuno ang mga sundalo na pag-ibayuhin ang kanilang tungkulin upang tuluyang mawakasan ang insurgency dito sa lambak ng Cagayan.

Kanya ring hiningi ang tulong ng media upang maiparating sa publiko ang mga programa at proyekto ng pamahalaan upang tuluyang makamit ang kapayapaan sa bansa.

https://rmn.ph/brig-gen-perfecto-m-rimando-jr-bagong-pinuno-ng-5th-id/

NPA guerilla convicted for murder of former comrade

From the Catanduanes Tribune (Jan 7): NPA guerilla convicted for murder of former comrade

Only one of the 19 members of the New People’s Army charged before the Regional Trial Court for the 2012 murder of an ex-rebel-turned-CAFGU-volunteer in Caramoran town went to jail last week following a guilty verdict read in the Bicol mainland.

Richard Pongan, also known as Jeffrey Pongan and Ka Jeffrey, was found guilty of the crime of murder and was sentenced to suffer the penalty of life imprisonment and to pay the heirs of Joel Castor Pongan the total sum of P180,000.00 as civil indemnity, moral damages and exemplary damages.

The other accused, Michael “Ka Melwin” Guerrero, Warren “Rico” Pongan, Jerome or “Victor” Doe, Ka Kagawad Doe, Ka Ben Doe, Ka Joel Doe, Ka Arthur Doe, Ka Eric Doe, and eight other John Does are still at large.

In the ruling that was read at the sala of Legazpi City RTC Executive Judge Elmer Lanuzo last Dec. 18, 2017, Virac RTC Branch 42 Acting Presiding Judge Lelu P. Contreras gave credence to the prosecution’s sole witness, a former communist guerilla belonging to Ka Melwin’s group operating at the time in the Pandan-Caramoran area and who actually witnessed the commission of the crime.

Pvt. Victor Jake Espiritu told the Court that he both knew the victim and the accused since June 2004 since they were comrades in the NPA. He said that sometime in June 24, 2007, around 18 guerillas then temporarily stationed at sitio Tagdayon, barangay Maysuram, went to the house of Joel Pongan at around 2 P.M. and dragged him away while he was off from work as CAFGU volunteer.

According to his mother, her son was a former rebel who decided to leave the underground movement and go back to the mainstream of society, joining the Army militia when his surrender was recognized by the government.

“So many false hopes and promises, this was what my son was telling me why he left the rebel movement,” Consuelo had told the Army later.

Joel was brought to a spot about 250 meters away where Ka Melwin allegedly poked a gun at him and ordered him to lie on the ground. His hands were then tied by Ka Ben and Ka Warren while Jake was stationed 15 meters away as perimeter security.

Then the militiaman was brought near a brook at sitio Ikanbayong at around four to five kilometers away where Ka Melwin asked Joel about several members of the Army’s Barangay Intelligence Network (BIN). A pit was dug nearby as Ka Ben blindfolded Joey.

When Joel denied knowing the identities of the BIN members, Ka Ben ordered Ka Victor, Ka Jeffrey and Ka Eric to kill the CAFGU volunteer. Jake said the trio took turned stabbing Joel in the chest until he died, with his body dropped into the pit and covered with soil.

When Jake was caught by the Army and joined it in 2010, he told Lt. Jerry Doldol about the incident and led them to the burial site. The pit was excavated on Feb. 24, 2012, with the remains identified by his mother, then 60, and father Silverio, 64.

“This is my son,” said a tearful Consuelo upon seeing the skeletal remains presented to her family by soldiers of the 83rd Infantry Battalion. “This was exactly the T-shirt and the necklace he was wearing when he was forcibly dragged away by New People’s Army rebels from our house in 2007.”

In his defense, Richard Pongan, who was arrested at a cockpit in Baybay. Caramoran on July 21, 2013, declared that he was in Manila working at the construction of a residential house from May 25, 2007 until he returned a year later. He admitted that he knew Joel because they were cousins but denied any knowledge about what transpired on June 24, 2007/

The Court, however, brushed aside Richard’s alibi, stressing that Joel’s remains would have never been discovered if not for Jake who led the Army to the unmarked grave.

“If is highly impossible for Jake to have pointed the exact location had he not been present during the time that Joel was executed and buried in the same area,” Judge Contreras said. “In fact, if Jake had not been arrested by the Philippine Army and subsequently sided with the government, the location of the remains of Joel might not have ever been known.”

Richard’s denial of having committed the crime collapses in the light of Jake’s positive identification, which was categorical and not attended by any proof of ill motive, the Court added.

The prosecution’s evidence proved the qualifying circumstances of treachery, taking advantage of superior strength, with the aid of armed men who insure or afford impunity, and employing means to weaken the defense, it concluded.

http://www.catanduanestribune.com/article/40LM

NPA rebel killed in Bukidnon clash

From the Manila Times (Jan 7): NPA rebel killed in Bukidnon clash

A MEMBER of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in a clash with Philippine Army troops in Impasugong, Bukidnon, on Friday.

Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez, spokesman for the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (ID), said troops from the 403rd Infantry Brigade (IB) were “proactively monitoring” the communist rebels’ activities prior to the encounter.

Quoting Brig. Gen. Eric Vinoya, commander of the 403rd IB, he said the unit got information about the presence of NPA rebels in the area “and we caught them this time.”

The firefight with about 10 rebels happened at about 5:30 p.m. and lasted for more than 10 minutes.

Martinez said the communist fighters were extorting money from residents and g recruiting members in the community, based on reports from the civilians in Sitio Mahan-aw, Barangay Bulonay of Impasugong.

He added that the body of the slain rebel was turned over to local government unit officials for burial if no one will come forward to claim it.

Maj. Gen. Ronald Villanueva, 4th ID commander, said the incident should serve as “stern warning” to the communist rebels based in Northern Mindanao and Caraga region.

“Surrender now or face the consequences of your evil activities. There will be no let-up in our operation to hunt down the remaining terrorist members in this part of the country,” Villanueva added.

The military forces were conducting pursuit and clearing operations at the encounter site as of Sunday.

http://www.manilatimes.net/npa-rebel-killed-bukidnon-clash/372867/

MILF-MNLF, dialogue! (Photo)

From the Radio Mindanao Network (Jan 6): MILF-MNLF, dialogue!



Dinaluhan ng ilang mga miyembro at opisyales ng Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) at Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) mula sa mga lalawigan ng Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Saranggani at Sultan Kudarat ang 2nd phase of Dialogue na pinangasiwaan ng Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI).

 Dumalo rin sina MILF Peace Implementing Panel Chairman Mohagher Iqbal at MNLF Vice Chairman for Political Affairs Romeo Sema na nagsilbing resource persons.

 Tinalakay ni Sema ang ksaysayan ng Bangsamoro struggle upang makamit ng mga Moro ang karapatan na pamahalaan ang kanilang sarili, kasalukuyang estado ng peace process at ang mga nilagdaan kasunduan sa pagitan ng gobyerno ng Pilipinas at ng dalawang revolutionary groups.

 Binanggit naman ni Iqbal ang unification points sa pagitan ng MILF at MNLF, kabilang dito ang Islam bilang relehiyon, identity bilang Bangsamoro, iisang tinubuang-bayan, iisa ang ipinaglalaban at iisa ang patutunguhan.

 Binigyan diin din ni Iqbal ang kahalagahan ng pagpapalit ng form of government sa parliamentary form upang ma-exercise ag leadership, consensus-making, at masiguro ang inclusive governance para sa Bangsamoro people.

 Sa naturang dayalogo, nagkaisang inirekomenda ng mga partsipante na bilisin ang pagpapalabas ng memorandum mula sa liderato ng MILF at MNLF para sa Implementing Guidelines ng Unification and Reconciliation Program ng dalawang rebolusyonaryong grupo.

 Dapat umanong malinaw na nakasaad ang area of responsibility at ikonsidera ang pagpapalakas sa internal policies ng dalawang grupo.

https://rmn.ph/milf-mnlf-dialogue/

MNLF, MILF form alliance vs ISIS-inspired groups

From the Malaysia Business Insight (Jan 8): MNLF, MILF form alliance vs ISIS-inspired groups

PALIMBANG, Sultan Kudarat. – Two major Islamic groups which have signed peace agreements with government -- the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) -- agreed here on Saturday on a joint action against ISIS-inspired militant groups reportedly operating in the Central Mindanao region.
Officials of the two groups expressed belief that unity and closer cooperation could prevent the militants from penetrating Bangsamoro communities found in the “Biwang” territory.

Biwang localities are found in the provinces of South Cotabato, Sarangani, and Sultan Kudarat. The Biwang area covers the towns of Sto. NiƱo and Lake Sebu in South Cotabato; Bagumbayan, Senator Ninoy Aquino, and Palimbang in Sultan Kudarat; and Maitum, Maasim, and Kiamba in Sarangani.  

Mohaqher Iqbal of the MILF and Datu Muslimin Sema of MNLF announced on Saturday afternoon the formation of “Biwang Bangsamoro Unified Coordinating Council (BBUCC)” after signing a unity agreement.

Iqbal was chairman of the MILF’s peace negotiating panel and is a member of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission. The MILF and government signed a peace accord in March 2014. Sema, chair of the MNLF’s Bangsamoro People’s National Congress, represents one of the factions of the MNLF which signed a peace agreement with government in 1996 then under founding chair Nur Misuari who now heads another faction.

Among other attendees at the event held at the Da’wah Center in Barangay Malisbong were representatives of royal sultanates in Mindanao and descendants of Mamalu clan. Representatives of the International Monitoring Team witnessed the unitary meeting of the MNLF and MILF.

Under the agreement, the MILF and MNLF will conduct joint intervention measures, share information, and provide forces, if necessary, to prevent ISIS-inspired armed groups from penetrating the Biwang localities.

“This is purely an act of unity and cooperation between the MNLF and MILF,” said Sema.

Sema said the aim of the BBUCC is to ensure the safety and protection of the people against “bad elements” who want to sow terrorist acts in areas covered by Biwang.

Iqbal described the BBUCC as a “good key” to establishing sustainable peace and order.

“We don’t want the peace efforts we are forwarding with the government to be spoiled by the so-called ISIS-inspired groups. Everybody should be vigilant, including the MNLF, MILF and other peace stakeholders,” Iqbal said.

Former Palimbang mayor Labualas “Samrod” Mamansual, now a consultant of the Office of the President Adviser on the Peace Process, said he is planning to talk with MNLF and MILF officials of other provinces for the purpose of extending the agreement to other areas.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/mnlf-milf-form-alliance-vs-isis-inspired-groups

Terror groups in P'pines still recruiting in M'sia

From the Daily Express (Jan 7): Terror groups in P'pines still recruiting in M'sia

Putra Jaya: Recruitment for terrorist activities in southern Philippines is still going on in Malaysia, a top counter terrorism official said.

Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, Malaysian police's counter terrorism chief, said the recruitment of foreign fighters for southern Philippines would not end soon.

"This issue is not over, I think it will keep on going," Ayob told reporters on the sidelines of an international counter terrorism dialogue here.

"There have been attempts to go to southern Philippines and we have intel that says recruitment of fighters is still going on."

FMT earlier reported that some 80 foreign fighters, mostly Malaysians and Indonesians, were believed to have fought in the five-month-long battle between pro-Islamic State groups and government forces in Lanao del Sur provincial capital city of Marawi.

Philippines and Malaysian authorities had announced the names of several Malaysians who fought in Marawi.

But FMT learned from the Terrorism Research and Analysis Consortium (TRAC) that more than 30 Malaysian militants were believed involved in the Marawi siege based on chatter on pro-IS communication channels monitored by TRAC.

If this number is taken into account and considering the number of named Malaysian militants reported killed in Marawi, about 20 Malaysian militants are still unidentified.

The Philippines have not yet confirmed the identity of bodies of supposed Malaysians killed in Marawi.

Even after the end of the Marawi battle on Oct 23, Malaysians were still trying to join the terror groups there via Sabah's east coast.

In December last year, several men were taken into custody in Sandakan after allegedly trying to join the militants in southern Philippines.

The Philippine authorities have also picked up Indonesians trying to enter the southern part of their country after the Marawi battle.

"It's not just Malaysians, but Indonesians also like to transit in Sabah to go to southern Philippines because the routes from there are easier," said Ayob.

"If they don't transit in Sabah, they can head to southern Philippines directly from their country but it's a long journey over the Sulawesi Sea, if they can manage it.

"It's easiest to transit in Sabah. They and other Islamist groups have been using the Sabah route for a long time."

http://dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=122154

Military clarifies 6 dead from clan feud in Lanao del Sur wounded only

From the Manila Times (Jan7): Military clarifies 6 dead from clan feud in Lanao del Sur wounded only

THE military clarified on Sunday that six people who reportedly died from “rido” (clan feud) in Lanao del Sur on Friday were merely wounded.

Col. Romeo Brawner Jr., deputy commander of Joint Task Force Ranao, identified the injured as coming from the clans of Dipatuan and Amanodin.

Five of the six were identified as: Hisam Pukunum Dipatuan, 34; Abdulbarie Macaborod, 22; Samsudin Malawad, 41; Casain Pangcoga, 55; and Jamel Panggoga, 35.

Brawner said in his report over the weekend that an exchange of gunfire between the two clans happened at Barangay (village) Gandamato, Bacolod Calawi.

The firefight lasted for about an hour and disrupted traffic flow along the highway of the town.

He added that personnel from the Philippine Army’s 65th Infantry Battalion led by Maj. Invinzor Meneses responded to the incident but were fired upon by unidentified armed men, prompting the soldiers to shoot back.

A ceasefire was declared after the Army unit “was able to control the situation.”

Maj. Gen. Roseller Murillo, commander of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division, said the military would not tolerate any similar incidents and would continue to implement the law with the Philippine National Police (PNP).

http://www.manilatimes.net/military-clarifies-6-dead-clan-feud-lanao-del-sur-wounded/372781/

11 BIFF patay sa miltary assault sa Maguindanao

From the Radio Mindanao Network (Jan 7): 11 BIFF patay sa miltary assault sa Maguindanao



Abot sa 11 miembro ng Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF) ang namatay sa halos magdamagang pagpapaulan ng mortar at rocket assault na isinagawa ng militar sa Maguindanao. Ayon sa Tactical Command Post ng 601st Brigade, mahigit sa 50 miembro ng BIFF ang sumalakay sa Kato Detachment ng 57th Infantry Battalion ng Philippine Army at CAGFU sa Mount Firis sa hangganan ng mga bayan ng Datu Hofer, Datu Unsay at Datu Saudi sa Maguindanao.

 Dahil dito ay rumesponde ang dalawang Agusta 109 helicopter gunship ng Philippine Air Force at binomba ang kinaroroonan ng mga amado na pinangungunahan ni Kumander Bungos.

 Nagpakawala rin ng mga bala ng 105mm howitzers cannon and artillery battalion ng Philippine Army sa posisyon ng BIFF.

 Natigil ang putukan alas dos ng madaling araw kahapon ng umatras ang BIFF.

 Sa ngayon ay mahigit 300 pamilya mula sa katutubong Teduray ang lumikas sa Mount Firis dahil sa kaguluhan .

https://rmn.ph/11-biff-patay-sa-miltary-assault-sa-maguindanao/

9 BIFF men, 1 soldier dead in clash in Maguindanao

From Malaya Business Insight (Jan 8): 9 BIFF men, 1 soldier dead in clash in Maguindanao

NINE members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and a soldier were killed while another soldier was wounded in a firefight in Datu Unsay town in Maguindanao on Saturday, the military reported yesterday.

Capt. Arvin Encinas, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division based in Maguindanao, said a group of about 50 BIFF men was planning to attack a military detachment when they met soldiers from the Army’s 64th Division Reconnaissance Company, who were conducting security patrol in Barangay Maitumaig at around at 7:20 p.m. Saturday.

Encinas said the encounter BIFF group belongs to the faction of BIFF leader Kagui Karialan but could not immediately say if Karailan was among those engaged by the operating troops.

Encinas said soldiers and the BIFF men traded fire until around midnight when the enemy withdrew. He said aircraft and artillery assets conducted fire missions in support of the soldiers during the firefight.

Encinas said soldiers recovered at the encounter site five bodies of BIFF members. He said four other BIFF men were reported killed, based on intelligence information and reports from civilians.

“We were able to hit the group that is planning to harass our detachment,” said Encinas of the encountered BIFF group, without elaborating on the unit which is supposed to be attacked by the BIFF men.

Government forces have stepped up operations against the BIFF since August last year, in collaboration with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front which signed a peace accord with government in 2014.

The military classifies the BIFF as a terrorist organization. Along with the Abu Sayyaf and the Maute Group, it has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria a few years ago.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/9-biff-men-1-soldier-dead-clash-maguindanao

Southern Philippine clash kills 10

From Xinhua (Jan 7): Southern Philippine clash kills 10

At least 10 people, including an army soldier, have died in clashes between government troops and anti-government militants in southern Philippines, an army officer said on Sunday.

Army Capt. Arvin Encinas said government forces foiled an attack of some 50 Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) on Saturday night, triggering a firefight that killed nine members of the notorious extremist group.

He said a soldier was also killed and another wounded in the clash that took place around 7:20 p.m. local time in Maitumaig, a remote village in Datu Unsay town in Maguindanao province in southern Philippines.

Encinas said soldiers and the BIFF men traded fires until around midnight, until the rebels withdrew. The military used aircraft and artillery assets to fight the BIFF rebels.

"We were able to hit the group that is planning to harass our army detachment," Encinas said.

The military has stepped up operations against the BIFF since August last year, in collaboration with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which signed a peace accord with the government in 2014. BIFF is a MILF splinter group which opposes the peace pact.

The military classifies the BIFF as a terrorist organization. Like the Abu Sayyaf and the Maute Group, the BIFF has also pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) group.

 http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-01/07/c_136878272.htm

De la Rosa ‘mistah’ is new Army special operations commander

From the Manila Times (Jan 7): De la Rosa ‘mistah’ is new Army special operations commander  

A “MISTAH” (classmate) of Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Ronald de la Rosa has been assigned to head the Army’s Special Operations Command, the military said on Sunday.

Maj. Gen. Ronnie Evangelista, former commander of the Armed Forces’ Civil Relations Service (CRS), will replace Lt. Gen. Danilo Pamonag, who was assigned in December to the military’s Southern Luzon Command (Solcom).

Evangelista assumed the CRS post on November 2016, replacing Maj. Gen. Rhoderick Parayno, now the commander of the Philippine Army’s Rizal-based 2nd Infantry Division.

Prior to being the CRS commander, Evangelista was a battalion commander until he became a regiment commander from November 2013 to January 2016.

He was also designated deputy commander of the military’s Davao-based Eastern Mindanao Command until his appointment to the CRS.

“One of his very significant assignments is at the 6th Special Forces Battalion (SFBN) where, as Commander, he was able to lead his men to calculated campaigns against insurgency in Bohol. With his competent leadership, the province was liberated from agitations and attacks by the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels,” his profile read.

It was during his stint at the CRS when the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) launched the sale of “Support Our Troops” t-shirts for soldiers who fought the Islamic State-linked Maute terrorists in Marawi City.

Evangelista belongs to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Sinagtala” Class of 1986, which counts de la Rosa as a member.

Maj. Gen. Alvin Parreno, commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps, is also a “mistah.”

Pamonag is a member of the PMA “Sandiwa” Class of 1985.

A change of command ceremony will be held today, Monday, at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.

http://www.manilatimes.net/de-la-rosa-mistah-new-army-special-operations-commander/372875/

Landmine blast hits truckload of soldiers in Compostela Valley

From the Cebu Daily News (Jan 7): Landmine blast hits truckload of soldiers in Compostela Valley
 
DAVAO CITY — A landmine blast nearly hit a group of soldiers on a military truck in Monkayo town, Compostela Valley on Sunday, authorities and witnesses said.
 
Maj. Ezra Balagtey, the spokesperson of the military’s Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom), confirmed the incident but refused to give details, saying reports from the ground were still sketchy.

But police sources revealed the bomb went off moments after a military truck – which was carrying soldiers from the Army’s 25th Infantry Battalion on their way back to their headquarters in the town proper – passed through a road in Sitio Libuton past 11 a.m.

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/159624/landmine-blast-hits-truckload-soldiers-compostela-valley

New Bicol army chief preaches peace not war

From the Manila Bulletin (Jan 7): New Bicol army chief preaches peace not war

NEW COMMANDER — Lt. Gen. Rolando Joselito D. Bautista, commanding general of the Philippine Army, hands over the command saber of the 9th Infantry ‘Spear’ Division to Maj. Gen. Jesus A. Manangquil Jr. who is installed as the new army commander in Bicol at Camp Elias Angeles in Pili, Camarines Sur last Friday. (Ruel Saldico)

NEW COMMANDER — Lt. Gen. Rolando Joselito D. Bautista, commanding general of the Philippine Army, hands over the command saber of the 9th Infantry ‘Spear’ Division to Maj. Gen. Jesus A. Manangquil Jr. who is installed as the new army commander in Bicol at Camp Elias Angeles in Pili, Camarines Sur last Friday. (Ruel Saldico)

Pili, Camarines Sur — The newly installed general to head the Philippine Army in the Bicol Region said yesterday he is advocating peace with – not war against – the New People’s Army (NPA).

Major General Jesus A. Manangquil Jr. said he is set on meeting with local chief executives and other stakeholders in the region to make a united call on rebel groups scattered across Bicol to return to the fold of the law.

He said peace and tranquility in the community should prevail and that the help and support of all Bicolanos, including those who have gone astray, are needed in order to attain further progress in the region.

Manangquil took over from Brig. Gen. Danilo Chad D. Isleta in a simple ceremony last Friday at Camp Elias Angeles – the headquarters of the army’s 9th Infantry “Spear” Division in this town. Isleta is the new Philippine Army chief.

Prior to his assignment in Bicol, Manangquil was the commander of the Joint Task Force National Capital Region.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/01/07/new-bicol-army-chief-preaches-peace-not-war/

NPA fighter slain in clash with Army in Bukidnon

From the Manila Bulletin (Jan 7): NPA fighter slain in clash with Army in Bukidnon

A New People’s Army (NPA) terrorist was killed, while undetermined numbers of other communist terrorists were believed critically wounded, when troops of the Army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade clashed with the rebels late Saturday afternoon in Sitio Mahan-aw, Barangay Bulonay, Impasug-ong town, Bukidnon province.

In a flash report received here, the troops were able to seize an AK 47 rifle and live ammunition from the slain NPA.

The gunbattle between the 403rd Brigade troops and NPA terrorists happened at 5:30.m. on Saturday.

“We have been proactively monitoring their (NPA terrorists) activities in the area with the help of the concerned citizens and we caught them this time,” explained 403rdBrigade commander Brig. Gen. Eric Vinoya, in a statement sent to The Manila Bulletin late Saturday afternoon.

“Sad to say that because of the selfish interest of the terrorists’ leadership, who victimize and lure innocent people to join their money making group, one NPA has to die,” the brigade commander added.

Capt. Joe Patrick A. Martinez, regional Army spokesperson, said the remains of the slain NPA will be turned over to the Impasug-ong local government for identification so that it could facilitate decent burial for the rebel.

As of press time, troops are still conducting pursuit and clearing operations in upper Bulonay area, also in Impasug-ong town of that same province.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/01/07/npa-fighter-slain-in-clash-with-army-in-bukidnon/

Troops recover weapons used in bloody Lanao clan war

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jan 7): Troops recover weapons used in bloody Lanao clan war

07 Jan 18 PR file photo

Western Mindanao Command releases to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner on Sunday, January 7, 2018 this photo of weapons recovered by troops in Bacolod Kalawi town in Lanao del Sur province, scene of deadly clashes between two warring Muslim clans. 

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Philippine military said it recovered assorted automatic weapons believed used in deadly fighting by warring clans in Lanao del Sur province in southern Philippines, officials announced on Sunday.

Army Captain Jo-ann Petinglay, a spokeswoman for the Western Mindanao Command here, said soldiers who responded to clashes in Madanding village on the town of Bacolod Kalawi on Saturday recovered three M14 rifles; three M16 rifles; two M653 rifles; one caliber .22 rifle; and assorted magazines and ammunition.

There were no reports of arrests, but she said the clashes were between Amanodin and Dipatuan clans who engaged in a firefight that caused temporary disruption to the flow of traffic along the highway. She said troops were also attacked by the warring clans and that the fighting lasted an hour.

“The responding soldiers were fired upon by the unidentified armed men upon their arrival at the encounter site prompting them to fire back. After an hour of fighting, the clash subsided bringing back the flow of traffic to normal,” Petinglay said.

She also quoted Major General Roseller Murillo, commander of the Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) as saying that there were civilian casualties.

“Our soldiers acted immediately since we received reports that there were civilian casualties and many civilians in the area panicked due to the fighting. We would not tolerate any incidents of rido anywhere in our area of operation and we will continue to conduct support to law enforcement operations together with the PNP (Philippine National Police),” Petinglay quoted Murillo as saying.

At least four people from Amanodin clan were killed in the fighting which stemmed from a longtime feud. Petinglay said authorities were investigating the outbreak of violence.

But it was unclear how the warring clan members managed to pass through military and police checkpoints in the town or whether authorities were unaware or failed in their intelligence gathering that could have prevented the fighting.

Petinglay also quoted Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command, as saying that the “warring parties will be immediately disarmed and charged in order to prevent the unnecessary loss of innocent lives and strictly observe the rule of law.”

Clan war or locally known as “rido” is not uncommon in the restive region, especially in Muslim areas where many families are locked in bitter feud traced to land and political dispute.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/troops-recover-weapons-used-in-bloody-lanao-clan-war/

Teduray natives trapped in Maguindanao conflict now safe

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 7): Teduray natives trapped in Maguindanao conflict now safe

Over a thousand Teduray natives trapped in ongoing clashes between state forces and the IS-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in the border of three towns in Maguindanao are now safe and have been extended with food aid.

Fatima Kanakan, executive director of Office of Southern Cultural Communities in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (OSCC-ARMM), said the surroundings of three neighboring sub-villages in the boundaries of Datu Hofer, Datu Unsay and Datu Saudi towns in Maguindanao had been quiet the past two days.

“They (natives) moved out already, they are now being served by government relief agencies,” Kanakan told PNA in an interview.

She said the trapped villagers, numbering some 1,200 individuals, were scared to go out of their houses when intermittent fighting erupted anew the past three days between government forces and BIFF militants in Mt. Firis, an ancestral domain of the Tedurays in Maguindanao.

“They (natives) could not move out to other communities for fear they might step on landmines planted by lawless elements,” Kanakan explained as to how the ‘lumads” were trapped.

“Relief workers could not reach them for food and water because the military refused to give clearance due to possible landmines along the route,” she added.

Since Friday, relief workers from the ARMM Humanitarian Emergency Action Response Team (HEART) and the Maguindanao Peoples Medical Team, have distributed food and non-food items to affected families.

The military remained on alert as the outlawed BIFF would harass military detachments every now and then, according to Capt. John Arvin Encinas, Army’s 6th Infantry Division spokesman.

“There were sightings of BIFF fighters under Commander Bungos trying to get closer to Army positions so artillery and airstrike offensives were conducted,” Encinas said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1020745

AFP adds 500 more personnel to secure 'Traslacion'

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 7): AFP adds 500 more personnel to secure 'Traslacion'

The number of military personnel, tasked to secure this year's "Traslacion" or Black Nazarene Procession in Quiapo, Manila, has climbed to 1,000, doubling the original 500, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced late Saturday.

These troops will augment the 5,613 police officers deployed to secure the festivities on January 9.

The soldiers are under the AFP's Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) commanded by Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado.

Arrojado, in a statement, said that they have activated Joint Task Group (JTF) "Nazareno" to help the police in ensuring the peaceful celebration and conclusion of the "Traslacion".

"JTG 'Nazareno' includes combined personnel from the Army, Air Force, Navy, NOLCOM (Northern Luzon Command), SOLCOM (Southern Luzon Command) and AFP Reserve Command. They will form part of the forces for Security, Medical, K-9, Explosives and Ordnance Disposal, and Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Explosives (CBRNE) Teams," he added.

The JTF-NCR chief said these units will be deployed from Quirino Grandstand to St. John the Baptist Church, Quiapo, Manila starting Monday.

“As the Metro Sentinel of the National Seat of Government, the JTF NCR, AFP will actively support the Philippine National Police in ensuring a safe and peaceful celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene 'Traslacion' 2018. At the same time, our forces will remain alert in thwarting threat groups that may take advantage of the celebration,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1020743

P25 B set aside for 2018 AFP modernization program

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 7): P25 B set aside for 2018 AFP modernization program

The government has set aside for 2018 some PHP25 billion for the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that will include the acquisition of brand new attack helicopters, tanks and other military hardware.

Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr., AFP deputy chief of staff for plans and programs, said the acquisition of new military hardware was long overdue for the country’s national security.

For several years now since the enactment of the AFP Modernization Act in 1995, the AFP modernization has been at snail pace because of budgetary constraints.

Padilla told the Philippine News Agency Sunday that the amount for the AFP’s modernization program was allocated in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for 2018.

Padilla said President Rodrigo Roa Duterte was giving top priority to the AFP’s modernization program during his term of office.

He pointed out that the modernization program was long overdue.

Padilla also assured the public that all transactions or dealings in the acquisition of new military equipment would be above board.

He said the President was keen on the modernization program so that the Philippines would earn the respect of other nations.

At the same time, he said Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero gave their full support to the military’s modernization program.

Out of the PHP25 billion for 2018, the AFP would procure brand new attack and utility helicopters for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and tanks for the Philippine Army, Padilla said.

He said other armaments would be acquired also to modernize the AFP.

The PAF had recently acquired a dozen brand new FA-50 jets from South Korea for PHP18.9 billion.

But this was still a far cry from its inventory years back when PAF was second to none in Southeast Aisa in defense capability with squadrons of jet fighters such as F-5s, F-8s, and Sabre jets, but all of these warplanes had been retired long ago.

There was also a time when the PAF had in its inventory over 140 helicopters but had drastically reduced over the years due to wear and tear.

PAF pilots are looking forward to an Air Force that will soon acquire supersonic jet fighters to boost the air defense capability of the Armed Forces.

Aside from planes acquisition, the Philippine Navy is also in dire need of brand new ships to secure the country’s long sea lane which is twice as long as that of the United States.

The Navy used to have a large number of ships but through the years many of them have been mothballed due to old age.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1020752

JTF-NCR cranks up preparedness measures for Traslacion

From News 5/InterAksyon (Jan 6): JTF-NCR cranks up preparedness measures for Traslacion

Black_Nazarene_devotee_EDD_GUMBAN_Philstar

Devotee holds up replica of the image of the Nazarene outside Quiapo Church after the First Friday Mass on Jan. 5. Photographed by EDD GUMBAN / PHIL. STAR


MANILA – Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR), the military contingent assigned to support the Philippine National Police (PNP) in securing Tuesday’s “Traslacion” or the Procession of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila, is all set to deploy its full array of capabilities for ensuring a safe observance of the religious tradition.

“Our forces are all geared up, from crowd disturbance management to humanitarian assistance and disaster response to counter-terrorism, with the designation of relevant combat forces and AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) reservists,” JTF-NCR commander Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado said before the weekend.

Arrojado added that the counter-terrorist unit will be augmented by elite forces coming from the major services of the AFP.

JTF-NCR has tasked a battalion-sized formation, or about 500 troops, “for the mission of protecting Metro Manila from all forms of threats, including terrorism.”

This early, according to Police Director Oscar Albayalde of the PNP National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), “there is already a preliminary skeleton deployment. The activities are picking up. People and visitors are increasing. There will eventually be 5,613 police officers on duty, including the vice squads and plainclothes lawmen, one company from the Police Special Action Force, K9 teams, sharpshooters and explosive ordnance units. All units are at ready status. Everything is taken care of.”

There will also be a Gun as well as Liquor Ban period, and a declared NO-FLY-ZONE over the area in and around the Traslacion route.

Various security measures will come into full play on January 8, a day before the Traslacion, to last until Jan. 10.

Albayalde said that, for good measure, police would be conducting random checks on persons carrying backpacks, and security units will be on the lookout for possible so-called “lone wolf” attacks.

There will be 23 medical stations, 65 ambulances, and 15 rescue boats to lend assistance during the Traslacion.

Hope flows: safe water in Sulu’s Panglima Estino

From MindaNews (Jan 7): Hope flows: safe water in Sulu’s Panglima Estino

Sulu has the most breathtakingly lovely sunsets. It still has lush forests, unspoilt beaches and fertile soil good for planting a variety of crops in. The simple life in Sulu is a haven.

For all its beauty, Sulu has also been called a hotbed of radicalism, with groups like the Abu Sayyaf also calling this lush land home. The lack of government services over the past decades has made it so — though this is a situation that is changing progressively, with committed work by people from the government who are focused on that making change.



SULU SUNSET. Sulu has the most breathtakingly lovely sunsets such as this in Panglima Estino town. Photo by AMIR MAWALLIL / ARMM BPI

Sulu is a storied place, rich with history as the seat of the Sultanate of Sulu and its fierce people who have never been defeated by any colonial forces, be the colonizers Spanish or American. This is a province where the people are at once proud of their history as Moros who resisted all efforts to take their freedom and their land, and are focused on working toward a good future — one where they and their children can enjoy their dream of a peaceful and productive life, simple as that life may be.

A simple life now also means having access to the basics of life — like potable water on tap sourced from a safe water system. Access to safe water, along with other efforts by the government to provide for its people, will go a long way toward building trust between the people and the government. This is vital work toward weakening the foothold of radical groups in Sulu and literally paving the way toward a lasting peace there.

There is a town here called Panglima Estino that consists of 12 barangays and is home to more than 30,000 people. Until recently, the townsfolk still had to dig wells to gain access to water. The water from these hand-pump wells in this 5th class coastal town was unsafe for drinking and was salty because of the town’s proximity to the sea. You see, the beautiful sunsets against the stunning backdrop of Tutu Bay also mean that there is saltwater intrusion into the water table in this town.



WATER SYSTEM. Boys in Punay village in Panglima Estino, Sulu enjoy the blessings of a water system. ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman led the formal turnover of the water system to Panglima Estino Mayor Benshar Estino on January 4. Photo by AMIR MAWALLIL / ARMM BPI

Panglima Estino now has its own water system. With that in place, the townsfolk can now spend the time they used to take digging their hand-pump wells and fetching water from those wells on the other things that make life good: Work, business, study and strengthening their bonds with family and friends and building their community.

This new water system means less worry over the water-borne diseases endemic to Sulu, including outbreaks of deadly cholera. Safe water means better productivity for the people who benefit from it, since the risks of falling ill from water-borne ailments is greatly reduced. It also means more privacy for women and children because the people no longer need to make forays to the wells for water.

The Sagay-Sagay Water Supply System Level II was installed in Panglima Estino with funding from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), and is the first and only water system of its kind in Panglima Estino. ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman led the formal turnover of the water system to Panglima Estino Mayor Benshar Estino on Jan. 4. With them were ARMM Public Works Secretary Don Loong and Sulu Rep. Munir Arbison.

Estino thanked the ARMM officials for the water system and for the other vital infrastructure it is building in Panglima Estino, saying the residents of the town will now have better water quality and be less vulnerable to water-borne diseases. He said they intend to establish a water district that will facilitate and manage their water services.

A total of P323.77 million in infrastructure projects has been built in Panglima Estino since 2012 by the ARMM under Hataman’s stewardship — and the infrastructure investments will continue this year with the paving of 5.5 kilometers of road in the town worth P109.5 million.



A resident of Panglima Estino helps her family dry agar-agar. Photo by AMIR MAWALLIL / ARMM BPI

Building roads and water systems is a strong start to showing the people of Sulu that the government can and does work for them. These changes will surely go a long way toward opening up opportunities for growth that will replace the discontent sown by radical groups in the area — the people have better choices for better lives now.

This new water system and the other infrastructure projects will definitely drive economic growth in Panglima Estino because it will set the townsfolk free to focus on building stronger communities and lives. The best investments a government can make, after all, are in its people.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2018/01/hope-flows-safe-water-in-sulus-panglima-estino1/

Filipinos of the Year 2017: The defenders of Marawi

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 7): Filipinos of the Year 2017: The defenders of Marawi
 


KEEPING WATCH Philippine Marines patrol the highway at Barangay Bubong Madaya, Marawi City, which saw the main battles between government troops and the Islamic State-inspired Maute terrorist group. —Divina M. Suson

A total of 17 editors voted to name the soldiers and policeofficers who defended Marawi City as Filipinos of the Year.

Their gallantry in action, tested in over five months of highly dangerous close-quarter combat, stopped the Maute-led attempt to turn the country’s only Islamic city into a caliphate of the Islamic State (IS).

While coverage of the conflict was highly restricted, the daily images and footage and then the documentaries that followed brought many Filipinos virtually shoulder-to-shoulder with the government forces.

One editor noted: “We felt some sort of kinship with the valiant troops fighting an uncertain war; we felt proud of them. So in death, we grieved with their families. In victory, we cheered with them. And all throughout the imposition of martial law, the military remained professional.”

Another editor wrote: “The Filipino soldiers who fought in Marawi have shown us what true bravery and professionalism can do to defeat an enemy like [IS]. They were able to minimize the losses to civilian lives while ensuring the liberation of Marawi. There have also been many untold stories of soldiers dying to save their comrades’ lives, making the ultimate sacrifice for their country and fellowmen.”

At a time when, and in a general media environment where, feats are exaggerated, experience is reduced to same-day video highlights and language is inflated beyond recognition, the 165 troops killed in the Marawi conflict showed us — or rather proved to us—the true meaning of the ultimate sacrifice. They paid the highest price imaginable to defeat terrorists and preserve Philippine territory.



HERO President Duterte pins a medal on a soldier wounded in action in Marawi City. —Jigger J. Jerusalem



HOMEBOUNDA jubilant battalion during a send-off ceremony. —Richel V. Umel



FALLEN HEROES Pallbearers salute fellow Marines who perished in the siege of Marawi City. — GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/958080/filipinos-of-the-year-2017-the-defenders-of-marawi