Saturday, April 21, 2018

Village exec in ComVal town shot dead

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 22): Village exec in ComVal town shot dead

The barangay captain of Barangay Banlag in Monkayo, Compostela Valley was shot dead in Purok 9, Golden Plains, Barangay Poblacion in the same town on Saturday.

Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 Spokesperson, Chief Insp. Milgrace Driz, identified the victim as Danilo Nortega Daanton, 44, who was shot by still unidentified gunmen at around 5:45 p.m.


A special investigation task group (SITG) "Daanton" was already created to conduct a thorough probe into the killing of the barangay official.

Based on initial information, Driz said Daanton already received threats in 2016 allegedly for personal grudge and for facilitating the surrender of New People's Army (NPA) members who want to return to the folds of the law.

"We are looking into this possible angles and any information that is incremental and would help solve this incident will be weighed and further be assessed by the SITG," Driz said.

Daanton was among the more or less 10 candidates for barangay captain in Monkayo.

The Commission on Elections in Monkayo has received a total of 72 certificates of candidacy for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1032806

SAP Go finds MILF’s support ‘genuinely heartwarming’

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 20): SAP Go finds MILF’s support ‘genuinely heartwarming’

Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go expressed deep appreciation for Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Central Committee first vice chairman Ghazali Jaafar's "genuinely heartwarming" support to his possible senatorial bid.

“I am truly thankful to the support given to me by the Bangsamoro Transition Committee (BTC) and the MILF Central Committee. To our friend Ghazali Jaafar, thank you so much,” Go said in a statement Thursday.

Go, however, clarified that he has yet to decide whether to throw his hat into the political ring as he has to serve first President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

“There are still many things I have to do for the President and the people,” Go said.

“Honestly, I have yet to decide if I would join the midterm elections. But the support you have assured is genuinely heartwarming and very encouraging,” he added.

Jaafar earlier said he would support the President’s most-trusted aide if he decides to run for senator in next year’s polls.

Jaafar, also chairman of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, hailed Go as “a man of integrity and competence,” being one of the most trusted men of Duterte.


Jaafar said as Special Assistant to the President, Go serves as a facilitator of the BTC’s communications for the Office of the President and other departments and agencies of government.

He said “all concerns including some sensitive issues confronted by the BTC were clarified and addressed through the able facilitation of Secretary Bong Go.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1032621

Ex-AFP chief lauds Filipino soldiers' exemplary courage

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 20): Ex-AFP chief lauds Filipino soldiers' exemplary courage

The Filipino soldier is truly a class of his own when it comes to bravery and courage, former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero said during his retirement speech Wednesday.

"The past months as the chief-of-staff of the AFP had shown me why the Filipino fighter is in a class of his own. And we have proudly co-documented achievements in a span of less than six months in the second book entitled, 'Filipino Courage, Filipino Compassion, AFP Strong'. A fitting homage, the fighting spirit and passion to serve of every soldier, airman, sailor, and Marine spread all over the archipelago," Guerrero said.

He said the Filipino soldier's courage was demonstrated against the strong push against the communist terrorists to the rehabilitation of Marawi City, to the processing of thousand rebel surrenders.

"The AFP has stayed focus on making peace the priority and the norm across (the) islands," Guerrero said.

He also lauded the vigilance shown by AFP personnel in preserving and defending the country's territorial integrity, which was done with the help of the various Unified Commands.

"The security of our waters and islands from north to south and east to west post a challenge, one (the) AFP Unified Commands consider as a priority. Be that as it may, we have put out collective minds to work and found support from the highest authorities to ensure that the resources we need are made available," he added.

Guerrero, a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1984, formally retired from his post on April 18. He was replaced by PMA Class of 1985 member, Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, formerly of the Western Mindanao Command.

On Oct. 26, 2017, Guerrero was appointed as AFP chief, replacing then AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año, who stepped down after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56. Año is currently Officer- In-Charge Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Guerrero was supposed to retire on Dec. 17, 2017 after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 but his term as AFP chief was extended by another four months by President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

Guerrero was honored with a testimonial parade and review and the prestigious award of the Philippine Legion of Honor (Rank of Commander) during his retirement.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1032644

Annual 'Balikatan' exercises to start May 7

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 20): Annual 'Balikatan' exercises to start May 7

This year's "Balikatan" exercises, which will again focus on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counter-terrorism, and mutual defense, are slated May 7-18, 2018, a military public information officer said Friday.

Navy Lt. Liezl Vidallon, "Balikatan 2018" public information officer, said all "Balikatan" exercises will be confined to the Northern Luzon Command areas of operation, which include provinces located in northern and central Luzon.

The number of participating American and Filipino troops will be announced later, Vidallon added.

"Balikatan" is the annual military exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States Pacific Command.

"Throughout (the) 'Balikatan’ (exercises), Philippines and US forces will be working shoulder-to-shoulder in information exchanges and live training events. This will enhance both forces' interoperability in planning and execution of joints and combines operations to advance regional security cooperation and collaborative actions in addressing security concerns," Vidallon said.

In last year's "Balikatan" exercises, some 2,800 Filipino soldiers, 2,600 Americans, 80 members of the Australian Defence Force, and 20 from the Japan Self-Defense Force participated in the series of military maneuvers.

Highlights of last year's exercises are the urban search-and-rescue and collapsed structures exercises held at Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija.

They involved rescue methods for individuals trapped in collapsed structures, a common occurrence in massive earthquakes.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1032632

P23-M allocated for repair of PAF trainer plane

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 22): P23-M allocated for repair of PAF trainer plane

The Philippine Air Force (PAF), through its Bids and Awards Committee, is allocating the sum of PHP23,216,000 for the acquisition of spare parts needed for the maintenance of the "crew escape system" of an FA-50PH "Fighting Eagle" light-lift fighter trainer.

The pre-bid conference is slated April 26, 1 p.m. at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.

The submission and opening of bids is on May 8, 9 a.m. at the same venue.


"The Philippine Air Force reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR (implementing rules and regulations), without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders," PAF Bids and Awards Committee chair Brig. Gen. Ferynl Buca said in the bid bulletin posted at the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System website.

The PAF's 12 plane-order with Korea Aerospace Industries is worth PHP18.9 billion. The first two aircraft were delivered last Nov. 28, 2015 while the last two were delivered on May 31, 2017.

The FA-50PHs have a top speed of Mach 1.5 or one and a half times the speed of sound and is capable of being fitted air-to-air missiles, including the AIM-9 "Sidewinder" air-to-air and heat-seeking missiles aside from light automatic cannons.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1032803

Galvez to focus on improving PH internal, external security

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 22): Galvez to focus on improving PH internal, external security

Newly-appointed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez is focused on improving the country's internal and external security aside and helping law enforcement agencies in their fight against illegal drugs and other forms of criminality.

This is aside from promoting transparency, good governance, and fighting corruption in AFP ranks.


These goals were enumerated by military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bienvenido Datuin Saturday.

"Decisively end insurgency. Put an end to violent extremism. Safeguard the country's territorial waters. Support law enforcement agencies in the fight against illegal drugs and criminality and promote transparency, good governance and fight against corruption in our ranks," he said.

Galvez, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1985, replaced Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, a member of PMA Class of 1984, who was honored with a testimonial parade and review and the prestigious award of the Philippine Legion of Honor (Rank of Commander) on April 18.

Guerrero was appointed as AFP chief last Oct. 26 replacing Gen. Eduardo Año, who stepped down after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

The former was supposed to retire last Dec. 17 but his term as AFP chief was extended by another four months by President Rodrigo Duterte.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1032802

New PNP chief to keep, expand counter-intel unit

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 20): New PNP chief to keep, expand counter-intel unit

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Albayalde said Friday he is keen on retaining the PNP's Counter Intelligence Task Force (PNP-CITF), which goes after rogue policemen, and may even expand it.
"Yung CITF natin will definitely remain. Kung kailangan palakihin natin yan. It will be complemented by all the counterintelligence units of the PNP (The CITF will definitely remain. If needed, we will expand it and complement it with all the counterintelligence units of the PNP)," Albayalde told reporters on his first day as head of the national police.

The CITF, led by Senior Supt. Jose Chiquito Malayo, was formed by former PNP chief Ronald dela Rosa early during his term, drawing members from the Special Action Force (SAF) and the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP CIDG) to go after rogue cops.

The CITF was formed shortly after the involvement of policemen in the killing of Korean businessman Jee Ick-joo.

"Meron kaming existing CI (counterintelligence) divisions and sections down to the provincial level. Itong mga CI personnel they have to do their job. Sila actually ang dating nagbabantay dyan, especially coming from the IG [Intelligence Group] (These CI personnel, they have to do their job. They are the ones actually on watch here, especially those coming from the IG)", Albayalde said.

He noted that IG will eventually get an upgrade.

Albayalde said he is particularly concerned with weeding out the misfits among the field personnel of the PNP Highway Patrol Group (HPG), which has reportedly been involved in systematic extortion activities from public utility vehicle terminals in the country.

"There is no sacred cow dito sa counter intelligence natin and coming from the highway patrol, especially ang highway patrol na very vulnerable sa kotong. Kung masusundan natin, we will be talking with the highway patrol, kasi yan ang araw-araw na nakikita ng mga tao din natin. Mga kababayan natin sa kalsada. Very important na itong mga HPG personnel, they perform their duty with utmost integrity (There is no sacred cow here and coming from the highway patrol, since that unit is very vulnerable to extortion. They are the ones whom people have regular contact with, our countrymen on the road. So it's very important that the HPG personnel perform their duty with utmost integrity)," Albayalde said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1032665

AFP scores Reds for killing pastor, wounding 2 in Surigao del Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 21): AFP scores Reds for killing pastor, wounding 2 in Surigao del Norte

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) strongly condemned the New People's Army (NPA) for the unprovoked attack that left a Jehova's Witnesses pastor dead and two of his companions injured in Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte last April 18.

"The killing of Jepti Acedo, an innocent civilian and a pastor, and the wounding of his two companions is totally unacceptable, appalling and downright an act of terrorism. This exemplifies the NPA’s contempt and total disrespect for human rights and the International Humanitarian Law," AFP Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bienvenido Datuin said in a statement released late Friday.

Datuin said the entire AFP commiserates with the families of Acedo while praying for the quick recovery of his two companions who were wounded in the NPA attack.

"The continued impunity and mass murder of human beings in the hands of NPA terrorists in Mindanao cements the national perception on the inhuman and evil character of their murderous organization as it strengthens their worldwide reputation as harbinger of disaster and omen of death," he added.

"The AFP is firm on its stand to fully support the primacy of the peace process but our soldiers will do everything necessary when the safety and security of our people are threatened," Datuin warned, as he urged the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA-National Democratic Front to stop all atrocities against the people and be sincere in the peace process.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1032766

2 NPA terrorists killed in clash with soldiers

From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 20): 2 NPA terrorists killed in clash with soldiers

Camp Bancasi, Butuan City — Two New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists were slain in an encounter with military troops who were on patrol in Caseras area, Barangay Upper Bala in Magsaysay Davao del Sur, according to Capt. Jerry S. Lamosao, chief of Public Affairs Office (PAO) of the Army’s 10th Infantry (Agila) Division (10th ID), on Friday

Lamosao said soldiers from the 39th Infantry Battalion (39th IB) engaged about 30 heavily armed Communist fighters at around 11:30 a.m. in a fierce gun battle that lasted over an hour.

When the smoke cleared, the soldiers were able to seize from the dead terrorists two M16 Armalite rifles, which were later found to have been the same weapons that were taken from a police station in Matanao, Davao del Sur on March 10, 3014.

No one was hurt on the government side, according to Lamosao.

The leaders of the NPAs were identified by the witnesses through their aliases of Libra, Borjack and Brix, all of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA Southern Mindanao Regional Committee, he added.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/04/20/2-npa-terrorists-killed-in-clash-with-soldiers/

Displaced families from San Carlos clash return home

From the Sun Star-Bacolod (Apr 21): Displaced families from San Carlos clash return home



BACOLOD. This soldier assists the evacuees who fled their homes following an encounter between the military troopers and suspected rebels at Barangay Guadalupe in San Carlos City on Monday. (Contributed Photo)

THE 224 individuals who evacuated from two villages in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental have returned to their homes following an encounter between the 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) of the Philippine Army and suspected members of New People's Army (NPA) at Barangay Guadalupe on Monday.

Twenty-seven families from Barangay Nataban and 19 families from Barangay Buluangan were temporarily sheltered at Handalagan Elementary School and Mabato Elementary School, respectively, through the assistance of the barangay officials, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and local government unit of San Carlos City. While at the evacuation center, they were provided with basic needs.

Superintendent D'Artagnan Katalbas, city police chief, said the evacuees were also enlightened regarding the encounter and the current situation in their community through a dialogue initiated by the military forces in partnership with the different concerned government-agencies and stakeholders Thursday.

On April 16, the military troops engaged in a 20-minute firefight with 30 suspected NPA members while they were conducting community security patrol following the reports from concerned citizens about the alleged harassment and extortion activities in the area.

It also resulted in the discovery of a campsite, where they recovered a solar panel, subversive documents, and other personal belongings owned by the rebels. No casualty on the government troops, but it remains undetermined on the enemy’s side.

Lieutenant Colonel Emelito Thaddeus Logan, commanding officer of the 79th Infantry Battalion, said the "tip from concerned citizens is a clear indication that the community is tired of the NPA’s ruthlessness and extortion activities in the area.”

In a press release Thursday, April 19, the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army under the leadership of Brigadier General Dinoh Dolina is calling on the populace to remain vigilant and report the presence of these terrorists to stop them from staging more terror in the community.

“We are encouraging the members of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA terrorists to give peace a chance, abandon armed struggle and return to the folds of the government,” Dolina said.

The army, police, and the community are willing to help and support your transformation towards a new and peaceful life, Dolina added.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1513539/Bacolod/Local-News/Displaced-families-from-San-Carlos-clash-return-home

AFP condemns NPA for unprovoked attack in Surigao del Norte

From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 21): AFP condemns NPA for unprovoked attack in Surigao del Norte

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) strongly condemned the New People’s Army (NPA) for the unprovoked attack that left a Jehovah’s Witnesses pastor dead and two of his companions injured in Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte on April 18.


(MANILA BULLETIN)

“The killing of Jepti Acedo, an innocent civilian and a pastor, and the wounding of his two companions is totally unacceptable, appalling and downright an act of terrorism. This exemplifies the NPA’s contempt and total disrespect for human rights and the International Humanitarian Law,” AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bienvenido Datuin said in a statement released late Friday.

Datuin said the entire AFP commiserates with the families of Acedo while praying for the quick recovery of his two companions who were wounded in the NPA attack.

“The continued impunity and mass murder of human beings in the hands of NPA terrorists in Mindanao cements the national perception on the inhuman and evil character of their murderous organization as it strengthens their worldwide reputation as harbinger of disaster and omen of death,” he added.

“The AFP is firm on its stand to fully support the primacy of the peace process but our soldiers will do everything necessary when the safety and security of our people are threatened,” Datuin warned, as he urged the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA-National Democratic Front to stop all atrocities against the people and be sincere in the peace process.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/04/21/afpcondemns-npa-for-unprovoked-attack-in-surigao-del-norte/

ARMM helps former rebels return to normal life

From the Philippine Star (Apr 21): ARMM helps former rebels return to normal life

BASILAN, Philippines — The Abu Sayyaf in this island province only has three commanders now, all hesitant to surrender the way more than 200 followers did in recent months due to criminal cases they face in courts.

The followers of the three Abu Sayyaf leaders --- Radzmil, Abdullah and Furudji --- surrendered through the joint efforts of Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Brig. Gen. Juvymax Uy of the 104th Brigade and the Regional Peace and Order Council-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.


Galvez was commander of the Western Mindanao Command, which has jurisdiction over military units in the autonomous region, before President Rodrigo Duterte designated him AFP chief.

More than a hundred of the former Abu Sayyaf militants not wanted for any criminal offense appeared at the headquarters of the 4th Special Forces Battalion in Barangay Cabunbata in Isabela City in Basilan on April 17 to grace the joint launching by the ARMM government of the Program Against Violent Extremism, or PAVE.

The PAVE is supported by Galvez and Uy and the provincial government of Basilan and all of its constituent-municipal local government units in the province.

Hataman said Saturday he is optimistic Galvez can help the ARMM get the support of the Department of Justice in working out the speedy litigation of pending cases against Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf militants for them to have a chance to start life anew as peaceful Filipino citizens.

“In PAVE, we don’t give special treatment to Abu Sayyaf members who are being prosecuted for criminal offenses. It is always emphasized to those whose surrender are being secured by local officials and community elders that if there are cases against them, only the court has authority to either convict them, or exonerate them. They should have their day in court,” Hataman said.

Functions and powers of the DOJ and the judiciary are not devolved to ARMM, which has a regional charter, the Republic Act 9054.

The PAVE is being complemented by the 104th Brigade and its component-units, the 74th, the 64th and the 18th Infantry Battalions and the 4th Special Forces Battalion with periodic humanitarian missions benefiting marginalized communities.

In Basilan’s Sumisip town, which is under the 64th IB, soldiers and municipal elected officials are cooperating in domestic socio-economic and educational programs meant to prove to Abu Sayyaf members and supporters the ARMM government’s sincerity and readiness to reintegrate them into mainstream society if they decide to surrender and pledge to reform for good.

“There are only few of them now in Sumisip. They move around only in four small areas now, so mobile because our soldiers keep chasing them with the help of barangay tanods and members of the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit,” said Lt. Col. Philip Fagel, 64th IB commander.

One of those present in the April 17 launching of the PAVE was an 11-year-old child, Tariq, who worked as courier of improvised explosive devices the Abu Sayyaf detonated in selected targets.

Officials gifted him with a new bicycle to hasten his rehabilitation, now being facilitated by experts from the ARMM’s social welfare department.

Tariq said he is apprehensive of possible retaliations by families that suffered from Abu Sayyaf atrocities.

“I want to live a normal life now,” he said in Yakan dialect.

Hataman and Army officials in Basilan said Saturday relatives of still active Abu Sayyaf leaders Radzmil, Abdullah and Furudji have been sending feelers since early this year purporting that they are trying to convince them to surrender.

“Another problem is that while they don’t doubt PAVE’s objectivity, they are aware that this is a regional program of ARMM and is distinct in stature and scope if compared to the national government’s fully institutionalized amnesty and reconciliation program for members of the New People’s Army,” said a public school principal in Basilan.

The long-wanted Radzmil and Furudji are both from Sumisip while Abdullah hails from Barangay Dugaa in Tuburan.

Abdullah’s group was implicated in the roadside bombing that nearly killed the mayor of Basilan’s Tuburan town, Dorie Kalahhal, about two years ago.

Galvez said one reason for the surrender in batches of Abu Sayyaf militants in Basilan is the ARMM’s construction in the past five years of dozens of concrete farm-to-market roads that connected hostile areas to town centers and made Abu Sayyaf lairs so accessible to military armored combat vehicles.

Galvez said he will do his best in helping put up an institutionalized reconciliation program for Abu Sayyaf and other Islamic State-inspired militants, with Hataman’s PAVE initiative as baseline platform.

“We have a national chief executive, President Rodrigo Duterte, who is tough on criminals and enemies of state, but has a kind heart for rouge sectors wishing to live in peace under Philippine Constitution,” Galvez said.

Uy, commanding officer of the Basilan-based 104th Brigade since February 2018, recommended the formulation of programs meant to attract IS-inspired militants to the fold of law based on prevailing domestic socio-economic and political settings in provinces where they operate.

“We cannot import programs from outside. We have to consider that some of these militants became militants because of poverty and underdevelopment, or perhaps because they were persecuted by political leaders, or perhaps as religious adventurism,” Uy said.

Uy said reconciliation through community-building and humanitarian interventions are the best means of addressing violent religious extremism now plaguing many southern areas.

“The military in Basilan shall always exhaust all peaceful means of addressing these threats, in coordination with local officials, barangay leaders and the police. Use of military might shall only come after all peaceful means of addressing each problem had been explored. Use of force shall come only as last and final option,” Uy said.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2018/04/21/1808095/armm-helps-former-rebels-return-normal-life

Residents favour army camp in Marawi city

From the Gulf Times (Apr 20): Residents favour army camp in Marawi city

GULF TIMES

Residents take a selfie after they were allowed to return to their homes for the first time since the battle between government troops and Islamic State militants began in May last year, in the city of Marawi, southern Philippines.

The people of Marawi are in favour of a plan of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to build a military camp in the city, a member of the task force overseeing the rehabilitation of Marawi said yesterday.

In a Task Force Bangon Marawi news briefing in Malacanang, Toby Purisima, Office of Civil Defence assistant secretary, said feedback on the plan from consultations with the people of Marawi was generally favourable.

“We have to remember, security measures are needed in the most affected area because of what happened in the past, the incident that resulted in the destruction of the most affected area (in Marawi),” Purisima added, referring to the siege of the city by the Maute terrorist group from May to October last year.

“We really need security measures in the area. And based on our feedback during our consultations, the residents of the most affected area are in favour of the camp here,” he said.

Purisima reiterated that the people of Marawi are not being bypassed on any step of the rehabilitation.

On January 30, President Rodrigo Duterte led groundbreaking for the new military camp in Marawi.

The 10-hectare camp will cost P400mn and will be developed in Barangay Kapataran. The AFP earlier said the military camp would deter another siege by terrorist groups.

The Manila Times reported on February 26 that terrorists from Marawi are regrouping and that they may be gearing up for another attack elsewhere.

Earlier this year, civilian group Ranaw Multi-Sectoral Movement opposed the government’s plan to build the camp, saying they are being ignored by the task force. The group said the rehabilitation of Marawi did not consider the presence of the residents who had been there for so long.

“Plans have been made without our participation. Plans that neither bear the stamp of our will nor reflect our culture. Plans whose mechanics and implementation are not clear to us,” it said in a statement.

According to the United Nations Refugee Agency, 353,921 individuals, or 77,179 families, were displaced from Marawi City and neighbouring municipalities because of the five-month war.

Duterte initially signed Proclamation 216, which declared martial law and suspended the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao for 60 days on May 23, 2017, in order to stabilise the situation in Marawi.

On July 22, martial law was then extended until the end of the year.

On December 13, 2017, the last day of Congress, military rule was again extended for the whole of 2018 to speed up the rehabilitation and to stunt the regrouping of the terrorists.

http://www.gulf-times.com/story/589747/Residents-favour-army-camp-in-Marawi-city

2 communist terrorists yield

From Tempo (Apr 21): 2 communist terrorists yield

Two communist terrorists surrendered to Western Mindanao Command (AFP-WestMinCom) forces in Misamis Occidental Wednesday.

AFP-WestMinCom Spokesman, Capt. Jo-Ann Petinglay, identified the surrenderees as Reneboy Gumisid Empel and Junny Catulag Martizano, both members of the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines’ New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

According to Petinglay, Empel is a member of TM Baking Squad, while Martizano is a member of TM Abe, Squad 1, both of Section Committee “JOJI” SRPC II “Monteroza.”


http://tempo.com.ph/2018/04/21/2-communist-terrorists-yield/

53 unexploded IEDs need recovering in Marawi City

From The Standard (Apr 20): 53 unexploded IEDs need recovering in Marawi City

At least 53 unexploded bombs and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are still to be retrieved in Marawi’s ground-zero as most part of the city’s war torn areas has been cleared of explosives left by the ISIS-linked Maute group, Task Force Bangon Marawi officials said on Friday.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen, Bienvenido Datuin, head of the team working with the Task Force Bangon Marawi, said there are still 53 bombs suspected to be located underground of the damage or collapsed structures to be retrieved and blow up in a safe area.

He said three backhoes are currently being used to clear debris on possible locations of the bombs.

Terrorists planted IEDs, booby traps, and bombs during the war in Marawi, which ended in October.

The AFP official said the it has already completed and cleared more or less 20 kilometers of primary and secondary roads within the most affected areas, including one school and three places of worship.
“We also have participated in the completion of 50 units temporarily shelters at Barangay Itowa, Marawi City; completed a ground development of more or less one hectare for temporarily resettlement areas at Barangay Sagonsongan; supported the housing authority and HUDCC in the construction of 570 units temporarily shelters for the IDPs at Barangay Sagonsongan,” Datuin said.

Government authorities have so far recovered a total of 2,853 assorted unexploded ordnance and 415 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Marawi.

Troops in Marawi will hasten clearing operations so residents of 24 barangays will get to visit their homes and businesses before the start of rebuilding, the AFP said.

Over 900 terrorists, 47 civilians, and 165 government troops were killed in Marawi since the fighting began on May 23.

The heavy fighting turned homes and buildings into rubble and displaced over 300,000 residents.

Martial law remains in effect in Mindanao until December 31, 2018 after Congress granted President Rodrigo Duterte’s request for a one-year extension.

Meanwhile, former AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero described the Filipino soldier as “a class of his own when it comes to bravery and courage.”

“The past months as the chief-of-staff of the AFP had shown me why the Filipino fighter is in a class of his own. And we have proudly co-documented achievements in a span of less than six months in the second book entitled, ‘Filipino Courage, Filipino Compassion, AFP Strong’. A fitting homage, the fighting spirit and passion to serve of every soldier, airman, sailor, and Marine spread all over the archipelago,” Guerrero said during his retirement speech.

He said the Filipino soldier’s courage was demonstrated against the strong push against the communist terrorists and in the rehabilitation of Marawi City, as well as in the processing of thousand rebel surrenders.

“The AFP has stayed focus on making peace the priority and the norm across (the) islands,” Guerrero said.

He also lauded the vigilance shown by AFP personnel in preserving and defending the country’s territorial integrity, which was done with the help of the various Unified Commands.

“The security of our waters and islands from north to south and east to west poses a challenge, one (the) AFP Unified Commands consider as a priority. Be that as it may, we have put out collective minds to work and found support from the highest authorities to ensure that the resources we need are made available,” he added.

Guerrero, a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1984, formally retired from his post on April 18. He was replaced by PMA Class of 1985 member, Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, formerly of the Western Mindanao Command.

On Oct. 26, 2017, Guerrero was appointed as AFP chief, replacing then AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año, who stepped down after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56. Año is currently Officer- In-Charge Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Guerrero was supposed to retire on Dec. 17, 2017 after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 but his term as AFP chief was extended by another four months by President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

Guerrero was honored with a testimonial parade and review and the prestigious award of the Philippine Legion of Honor (Rank of Commander) during his retirement.

http://www.thestandard.com.ph/news/national/263711/53-unexploded-ieds-need-recovering-in-marawi-city.html

Only 'War' Could Stop China From Controlling South China Sea, U.S. Military Commander Says

From Newsweek (Apr 20): Only 'War' Could Stop China From Controlling South China Sea, U.S. Military Commander Says

The head of U.S. Fleet Forces Command told lawmakers that China has become powerful enough to enforce its vast territorial claims across the disputed South China Sea and only an armed conflict would be able to stop this.

Navy Admiral Philip S. Davidson, who has been nominated for head of U.S. Pacific Command, submitted the written remarks for his hearing in front of the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday. He said that China's expanding military presence, including secret island bases, in the waters of the Asia Pacific have given its People's Liberation Army (PLA) a step toward total dominance of the region, where countries such as Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam contest China's expansive, self-proclaimed maritime borders.

"Once occupied, China will be able to extend its influence thousands of miles to the south and project power deep into Oceania. The PLA will be able to use these bases to challenge U.S. presence in the region, and any forces deployed to the islands would easily overwhelm the military forces of any other South China Sea-claimants," Davidson wrote.

"In short, China is now capable of controlling the South China Sea in all scenarios short of war with the United States," he added.

http://www.newsweek.com/us-military-commander-only-war-could-stop-china-controlling-south-sea-895666

Annual ‘Balikatan’ exercises to start May 7

From Northbound Philippine News Online (Apr 21): Annual ‘Balikatan’ exercises to start May 7

Annual ‘Balikatan’ exercises to start May 7

This year’s “Balikatan” exercises, which will again focus on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counter-terrorism, and mutual defense, are slated May 7-18, 2018, a military public information officer said Friday.

Navy Lt. Liezl Vidallon, “Balikatan 2018” public information officer, said all “Balikatan” exercises will be confined to the Northern Luzon Command areas of operation, which include provinces located in northern and central Luzon.

The number of participating American and Filipino troops will be announced later, Vidallon added.

“Balikatan” is the annual military exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States Pacific Command.

“Throughout (the) ‘Balikatan’ (exercises), Philippines and US forces will be working shoulder-to-shoulder in information exchanges and live training events. This will enhance both forces’ interoperability in planning and execution of joints and combines operations to advance regional security cooperation and collaborative actions in addressing security concerns,” Vidallon said.

In last year’s “Balikatan” exercises, some 2,800 Filipino soldiers, 2,600 Americans, 80 members of the Australian Defence Force, and 20 from the Japan Self-Defense Force participated in the series of military maneuvers.

Highlights of last year’s exercises are the urban search-and-rescue and collapsed structures exercises held at Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija.

They involved rescue methods for individuals trapped in collapsed structures, a common occurrence in massive earthquakes.

http://northboundasia.com/2018/04/21/annual-balikatan-exercises-to-start-may-7/