Bilib kasi sa Ilocano! Duterte disses Bisaya soldiers for being drunkards, drug users

From Politiko (Jun 10): Bilib kasi sa Ilocano! Duterte disses Bisaya soldiers for being drunkards, drug users



President Rodrigo Duterte has openly admired Ilocano soldiers for their bravery and dedication to their duty.

He said this was the reason why the military was dominated by Ilocano soldiers while ethnic groups from Visayas were in the minority.

Duterte explained why there were very few Bisaya soldiers.

“When a Bisaya is in the hospital because of wounds, he’ll be asked, ‘From where are you?’ ‘I’m a Bisaya, sir’. I said, ‘How many in here are Bisaya? I am losing my soldiers’,” Duterte said in a speech in Cebu.

“There are very few Bisaya soldiers, but many of them are in drinking pubs. They organize parties, use drugs, drink, and then lose control of themselves,” he added.

Duterte said he preferred to surround himself with Ilocano ex-generals in the Cabinet because he was sure they would always get the job done.

“They are mostly military men, but very few of us Bisaya are remaining. They are mostly Ilocanos. I prefer military men,” said Duterte.

See related story:

Duterte tags Ilocano, Ilonggo soldiers as the best: Don’t give their mothers birth pills

https://www.charlestoncitypaper.com/TheBattery/archives/2018/05/15/3-things-to-keep-in-mind-about-those-convincing-dominion-energy-ads-in-south-carolina

Bomb-making items found in ‘rebel-abandoned’ hut

From Panay News (Jun 11): Bomb-making items found in ‘rebel-abandoned’ hut

These were the items found a nipa hut that rebels allegedly abandoned in Barangay Putian, Cuartero, Capiz. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

 

ROXAS City – Items used for making improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were found in a nipa hut that rebels allegedly abandoned in Barangay Putian, Cuartero, Capiz.

Aside from the IED items, members of the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion (IB) also recovered 13 backpacks containing personal belongings, medical kit, subversive documents, and revolutionary flag from the hut during Saturday’s search.

Lieutenant Colonel Sisenando Magbalot Jr., commander of the 61st IB, believes that the items were that of the New People’s Army.

He added that the rebels may have planned to make IEDs to attack soldiers who frequent the area to conduct community support programs.

Magbalot also said they chanced upon a man inside the hut during the search. But he was released after the soldiers found that he has no connection with the abandoned items.

https://www.panaynews.net/bomb-making-items-found-in-rebel-abandoned-hut/

Troops kill bandit, capture NPA rebel in clashes

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Jun 10): Troops kill bandit, capture NPA rebel in clashes

A MEMBER of a bandit group, believed to have ties with kidnap-for-ranson-group (KFRG), was killed while a New People’s Army (NPA) rebels was captured in separate clashes in Zamboanga Peninsula, the military reported on Sunday, June 10.

The slain bandit was identified as Haton Hassan, while the captured NPA rebel as Jerry Nunez Macabinta alias “Ka Elly.”

Major General Roseller Murillo, Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander, said Hassan was killed in a firefight Saturday at Sitio Marhadja in the village of Panabutan, Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte.

Murillo said the troops from the Army’s 42nd Infantry Battalion were on security patrol when they clashed with the bandit group led by Jumalon Tungkalan.

Murillo said the clash lasted around five minutes, after which the group of Tungkalan fled to different directions.

He said the troops also recovered a caliber .45 pistol from the clash site.

The group of Tungkalan is involved in different atrocities in the area of Sirawai town and in nearby areas.

Murillo said that Macabinta was captured following a five-minute firefight Saturday ar Sitio Pisio in the village of Balonai, Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur.

He said the operating troops of the Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion led by Sergeant Roseller Delparine were conducting combat operations when they clashed with five NPA rebels.

He said the NPA rebels, who belong to the Section Committee-KARA of the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee, fled to different directions leaving behind Macabinta.

Seized from Macabinta’s possession was a caliber .45 pistol.

Murillo said there were no casualties on the government troops in both clashes.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1747433?rss=1

Army seizes NPA rice stockpile in Bukidnon

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 10): Army seizes NPA rice stockpile in Bukidnon

Camp Bancasi, Butuan City – Troops of the Army’s First Special Forces Battallion (1st SFBn) under the 403rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade discovered 15 sacks of rice buried, believed to belong to sympathizers of the New People’s Army (NPA), in Sitio Mahusay, Barangay Dominorog, Talakag town, Bukidnon province, Capt. Norman M. Tagros, Civil Military Operations (CMO) officer of the Army’s 403rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade said.

In a statement sent to The Manila Bulletin, Tagros said the elements of the 1st SFBn unearthed the 45 plastic containers filled with 15 sacks of rice, buried under five feet of soil, in Mahusay area, with the help of villagers.

“The troops of the 1st SFBn conducted security patrol in response to the reports and complaints of concerned residents in the nearby communities who are already fed-up with the CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines)-NPA Terrorists extortion,” the 403rd CMO officer said.

“Moreover, the residents who are mostly poor farmers claimed that they were already fed up with being constantly forced by the CPP-NPA Terrorists to take up arms against the government as members of the Milisyang Bayan (MB),” he said.

“These MB members are also tasked to provide rice and food and carry such items to the mountains where they are then asked by the CPP-NPA Terrorists to bury said rice using 20-liters plastic water containers,” claimed the 403rd CMO officer.

“The terrorists constantly violated the provisions of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) by forcing the civilians to become direct participants to hostilities and for constantly subjecting civilians to attacks and harassments, Northeastern and Northern Mindanao 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division spokesperson Lt. Tere Ingente also told The Manila Bulletin.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/06/10/army-seizes-npa-rice-stockpile-in-bukidnon/

Police forces to take over anti-insurgency operations

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 9): Police forces to take over anti-insurgency operations

Police forces in Mindoro and nearby provinces are now preparing for the takeover of anti-insurgency operations from the military following the significant reduction of communist rebel forces in the region.



Chief Superintendent Emmanuel Luis D. Licup (Twitter/ MANILA BULLETIN)
Chief Supt. Emmanuel Luis Licup, director of the MIMAROPA (Mindoro Occidental and Oriental, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) regional police, said he had already met with top local military officials to discuss the preparations and operational strategies against the remaining communist rebel forces.

“Among those discussed during the meeting were the assessment and evaluation of the police mobile forces in terms of its personnel, equipment, training and other zone considerations,” said Licup.

Several areas in the region, according to Licup, were identified as pilot areas of the implementation of operational strategies on how the police would be able to defeat the communist rebels without the military help.

MIMAROPA, one of the poorest regions of the country, used to be one of the strongholds of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Luzon.

But it all changes especially with the assumption of then military general Jovito Palparan who is credited for the significant reduction of NPA forces particularly in Mindoro provinces.

He, however, was accused of violation of human rights that include the alleged torture and disappearance of two students of the University of the Philippines (UP).

Licup said they will be in constant coordination with the military on how to effectively carry out the operations to hunt down the remaining NPA forces and eventually declare the entire region as free from communist rebels.

“The meeting and coordination is very important to determine the police’s capability to respond not only in the field of criminality but eventually in the field of internal security as we now prepare to take-over the Internal Security Operations (ISO) from the military,” said Licup.

In the past, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is being eyed as the replacement of soldiers in communist rebel-infested areas in order for the military to focus in western part of Mindanao and external defense.

But such goal is always being marred with equipment and training issues on the policemen, what with past studies that most cops are having marksmanship problems.

President Duterte earlier approved the recruitment of five more battalions of the police’s elite Special Action Force (SAF) to maximize police role in internal security operations.

The Duterte administration, however, is optimistic on the resumption of peace talks between the government and communist rebels.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/06/09/police-forces-to-take-over-anti-insurgency-operations/

NPA killed in an encounter with army troops in Apayao

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 8): NPA killed in an encounter with army troops in Apayao

A member of the Communist New People’s Army Terrorist Group (CNTG) was killed in a clash with Army troops of the Northern Luzon Command (NolCom) in Apayao on Friday.




(Logo from Northern Luzon Command, AFP Facebook page)

NoLCom spokesman Lt. Col. Isagani Nato, said the encounter took place at about 11:30 a.m.

He said troops from the “A” Company of the 17th Infantry Battalion (17IB), under the Joint Task Force (JTF) “TALA” of the 5th Infantry Division (5ID), engaged about 20 NPA Terrorists in Sitio Aggingay Bassit, Brgy Malayugan, Flora, Apayao as part of its Focused Military Operations (FMO) in the NPA affected areas.

Troops identified the fatality as Danao Gualo Besuitan who was from Brgy. Bural, Rizal, Cagayan, based on the recovered wallet on his possession.

Nato said the firefight lasted for about f15 minutes after which the other NPA Terrorists scampered towards southwest direction from the encounter site.

The encounter also resulted to the recovery of an M4 Rifle bearing Serial Number (SN) 090629.

“The skirmish transpired as a response to the information provided by the local residents in the said barangay, who have learned of the evils the Communist NPA brought to their communities. Authorities are still conducting pursuit operations against the NPA remnants,” Nato said.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/06/08/npa-killed-in-an-encounter-with-army-troops-in-apayao/

Ex-NPA rebels help clean up schools in Sultan Kudarat

From the Philippine Star (Jun 8): Ex-NPA rebels help clean up schools in Sultan Kudarat

Soldiers and former New People’s Army guerillas help each other fix the fence of a public school in a hinterland barangay in Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat.

SULTAN KUDARAT, Philippines — Reforming former New People’s Army guerillas helped soldiers clean school campuses this week in Bagumbayan town to show they are back in mainstream society.

Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc of the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion said Friday the 12 erstwhile NPAs who surrendered early this year also enrolled their children to elementary schools in Bagumbayan.

Bagumbayan is a highland town in Sultan Kudarat, a component province of Administrative Region 12.

Cabunoc said they also helped personnel of the 33rd IB clean the surroundings of campuses in Bagumbayan early this week in support of the multi-sectoral “Brigada Eskwela” program.

Robin Impal, 33, said he and his companions supported the Brigada Eskwela activities to reciprocate the kindness and ambiguity of residents in barangays who gave them sanctuary after their return to the fold of law.

“We are grateful to them for accepting us in open arms despite our having terrorized them when we were still NPAs,” he said in Filipino.

Impal and his 11 companions were among more than a hundred NPAs who yielded in groups the past 14 months through the intercession of the 33rd IB and the commander of the 6th Infantry Division then, Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, now chief of the Western Mindanao Command.

They are now being ushered into mainstream society by the office of Sultan Kudarat Gov. Pax Mangudadatu and the local government units of Bagumbayan and Senator Ninoy Aquino towns.

“When they learned that our men will help teachers prepare the school campuses for school year 2018-2019, they immediately volunteered to help. That was a clear indication that they have indeed reintegrated into the local communities,” Cabunoc said.

Ten other former NPAs who yielded to the 33rd IB and pledged allegiance to the Philippine flag have also been trained and admitted to the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2018/06/08/1822781/ex-npa-rebels-help-clean-schools-sultan-kudarat

High military troops concentration in Talaingod assailed

From the often pro-Communist Party of the Philippines online publication the Davao Today (Jun 9): High military troops concentration in Talaingod assailed

The PASAKA Lumad Confederation blamed the deployment of several Army battalions in the hinterlands of Talaingod in Davao Del Norte and Bukidnon for the displacement and alleged human rights violations to the Manobo tribe.

At present, according to PASAKA, three battalions, the 72nd IB, 56th IB and 88th IB, conduct heavy military operations especially in the areas covered by Salugpongan Ta Tanu Igkanugon.

“The massive deployment of troops under the Duterte government is not a new occurrence given the active resistance of Salugpongan against economic plunder. The Pantaron range is rich in natural and mineral resources.Salugpongan’s defense of human rights is met by the government’s heavy deployment for several government administrations,” PASAKA said.

“The 72nd IB has been involved in the recruitment of CAFGU and ALAMARA,a paramilitary group.On the other hand, since its deployment in Talaingod, the 56th IB conducted a month long operation in the 18 communities in Talaingod.Along with this is the conduct of Re-engineered Special Operations Team (RSOT) or Community Operations for Peace and Development (COPD) on selected areas while setting up military Headquarters, Detachment or Patrol Base in Sitios Milyong, Barobo, Cabadiangan, Daligdigon, Banuog, JBL, Basak and Brgy. Sto. Nino of Talaingod, ” the tribal group added.

The group pointed out that for the last three months, military operations focused on the following areas: Nasilaban, Igang, Natampod, Sambolongan, Lasakan, Tibukag, Km.17, Km. 25, Km. 31, Km. 39, Piroy, Mirato; Mibolo, Quary, Bolo ug Bugni.

“The recurring incidents of forcing lumad to surrender accused as members of the New People’s Army,hamletting,threatening them in community meetings,enticing them to surrender NPAs for money as bounty, encampment in schools and houses–these are the human rights violations brought about by the AFP’s counter-insurgency campaign,” Datu Kaylo Buntolan,a Lumad leader of the Salugpungan Tat Tanu Igkanugon said.

 Buntolan added that more than 500 residents coming from 9 communities of Talaingod had evacuated to Davao City and Tagum,Davao del Norte due to the intense military operations.

On the other hand, PASAKA denounced the military’s manipulation of the Tribal Council led by Datu Lumansad Sibugan for the declaration of “pangayaw” towards the tribal leaders of Salugpungan Ta Tanu Igkanugon whom he accused as supporters of the New People’s Army.

“A carrot and stick method is being used among us,” Jong Monzon,secretary general of PASAKA said.

Datu Guibang Apoga surfaced recently after hiding for two decades due to trumped up charges.

Leaders said he was held “hostage” by military authorities and para-military group headed by Andigao Agay.

“We call on the Duterte government on the immediate pull-out of troops in Talaingod.Salugpongan will continue to defend the ancestral domain against the economic plan of mining,oil palm plantation and hydro power plant in the ranges of Pantaron”,the group stressed.

The Salugpongan Ta Tanu Igkanogon was organized by the datus in 1993 to oppose the operations of a logging company, C. Alcantara & Sons in Talaingod. Founded by Datu Guibang Apoga, the datus of Salugpongan waged a pangayao (tribal war) against the company, killing and injuring security guards. Their struggle led to the delineation of 19,000 hectares of their ancestral lands, protected from the commercial logging.

Meanwhile,Rius Valle,spokesperson of the Save our Schools Network that forcing Lumads to surrender and the continuous harassment in Lumad communities is a brazen attack on the existing Lumad schools.

“Accusing Lumad schools as “rebel schools” directly attack the right to education and other community initiatives for genuine development such as sustainable organic farms and community health clinics”,Valle added.

The latest incident monitored by the group is the encampment of 40 elements of the 56th Infantry Battallion and paramilitary group ALAMARA on June 07 in the Salugpongan Community Learning Center in Sitio Tibukag,Brgy Dagohoy,Talaingod,Davao del Norte.

Students and teachers have identified among them Rodel “Ang-angoy” Butanlog who was allegedly involved in an attempted killing of teacher Ramel Miguel on June 20,2017 wounding a 16 year old student in Sitio Nasilaban,Brgy Palma Gil,Talaingod Davao del Norte.

Moreover,Solidarity Action Group for Indigenous Peoples and Peasants said that the paradigm of development by Duterte runs contrary to the Manobo’s defending their ancestral domain and the Pantaron range.

The Pantaron range was given scientific recognition by biogeographers making it a part of a wider biogeographic zone called “Pantaron Biogeographic Subregion”, a broad zone of complex mountain ranges with unique flora and fauna,running from north to south of Mindanao,forming a kind of biocultural backbone of the region.

“The value of Pantaron is now threatened,as the Duterte administration made pronouncements during the IP summit in February that he will select investors to IP areas;offering them relocation and cash assistance,” Rev. Daniel Palicte,Vice Chairperson of SAGIPP said.

http://davaotoday.com/main/human-rights/high-military-troops-concentration-in-talaingod-assailed/

200 Himamaylan residents attend ‘pulong-pulong’

From the Sun Star-Bacolod (Jun 10): 200 Himamaylan residents attend ‘pulong-pulong’

BACOLOD. Barangay 2 Himamaylan officials with members of the Philippine Army and TFK Commander John Chiong held a boodle fight after the Pulong-Pulong in the Barangay covered court. (Contributed Photo)

                   

ABOUT 200 residents of Barangay 2 in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental participated in the grand “pulong-pulong” initiated by the Civil Military Office (CMO) of the Philippine Army in partnership with Task Force Kasanag, Friday, June 8.

Captain Win Love Bag-ao, commander of the 31CMO said that they have conducted the pulong-pulong not because there is an insurgency problem in the area but they want to promote peace and development in the area.

 "We want to uplift the living condition of the people and bring the government to them by getting their concern," Bag-ao said.

John Chiong, National Commander of TFK, said that their partnership with the Philippine Army has been going on for seven years already.

They also held a similar activity in Barangay Tan-awan, Kabankalan City where the recent atrocities of members of the New People's Army was reported.

Chiong said they want to strengthen people’s trust to government and TFK, as representing the civil society, has been facilitating the problems and complaints of the people to concerned government agencies to address them.

Concerned government agencies like the PNP, Bureau of Fire a Protection, Himamaylan City Planning and Development Office, Department of Social Welfare and Development , City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, City Assessor and Department of Agrarian Reform have also been represented during the pulong-pulong that directly answered the concerned aired by the residents in the area.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1747232/Bacolod/Local-News/200-Himamaylan-residents-attend-pulong-pulong

Wife of top NPA leader in West Visayas arrested

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 9): Wife of top NPA leader in West Visayas arrested

Police officials are expecting a big adverse impact on the operational capability of communist rebels operating in Panay Island following the arrest of the wife of a top leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Western Visayas.


Chief Superintendent John Bulalacao (PNP / MANILA BULLETIN)
But Chief Supt. John Bulalacao, director of the Western Visayas regional police, said they are also ready on the possible retaliatory attack of the communist rebels with the arrest of Maria Theresa Drilon Cabales.

“I have already ordered all police commanders to be alert against possible retaliatory attack since the person arrested is a wife of a top rebel leader in the region,” Bulalacao told the Manila Bulletin in a phone interview.

Cabales, wife of Central Front Committee secretary Roberto Cabales, was collared by joint police and military intelligence operatives on Friday in Barangay Timawa in Molo District of Iloilo City.

“Her arrest has caused a big dent for the party committee and their overall activities are affected since she is holding a sensitive position being a medical staff and as a liaison who is providing financial and medical support to the party members who were hospitalized,” said Bulalacao.

The operation to arrest Cabales started when the intelligence community got hold of information that she was seen in Molo, Iloilo City.

Armed with an arrest warrant issued by a court in Capiz for a case of rebellion, security officers arrest Cabales when they chanced upon her crossing a street in Barangay Timawa.

The rebellion case was in connection with the attack on soldiers in Barangay Tacayan in Tapaz town of Capiz last year that led to the death of an Army trooper and wounding of two other soldiers.

Bulalacao said a background check revealed that Cabales is member of the Regional Medical Staff of communist rebels operating in Panay who is in charge of medical training and medical support and different front committees in Western Visayas.

“She was a former Catholic Youth leader in the early 180’s and became the organizer of the Basic Christian Community in Negros Occidental,” said Bulalacao.

Cabales, police said, is a native of Bacolod City.

Cabales is expected to be presented to the court which issued the arrest warrant against her.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/06/09/wife-of-top-npa-leader-in-west-visayas-arrested/

NPA rebel killed in clash

From Tempo (Jun 10): NPA rebel killed in clash

CAMP AQUINO, Tarlac – A member of the Communist New People’s Army Terrorist Group (CNTG) was killed in a clash with Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Army troops last Friday morning in the province of Apayao.

In a report sent by Lt. Col. Isagani G. Nato, of the AFP Northern Luzon command public information office, said that Army troops from the “A” Company of the 17th Infantry Battalion (17IB), under the Joint Task Force (JTF) “TALA of the 5th Infantry Division (5ID), decisively engaged about 20 NPA Terrorists at Sitio Aggingay Bassit, Brgy Malayugan, Flora, Apayao as part of its Focused Military Operations (FMO) in the NPA affected areas.

Troops identified the fatality as Danao Gualo Besuitan, of Brgy Bural, Rizal, Cagayan, based on the recovered wallet in his possession.

Nato said the firefight lasted for about 15 minutes before the remaining NPA Terrorists scampered towards southwest direction from the encounter site. The firefight ended with the recovery of an M4 Rifle bearing Serial Number (SN) 090629.

The skirmish transpired as a response to the information provided by the local residents in the said barangay, who have learned of the evils the Communist NPA brought to their communities. Authorities are still conducting pursuit operations against the NPA remnants.

Nato said that the NOLCOM forces will continue to deliver hard blows to the NPA terrorists, keeping them on the run and preventing them from further conducting hostile actions that is detrimental to the peace and stability of the province and adjacent regions.

Meantime, police officials are expecting a big adverse impact on the operational capability of communist rebels operating in Panay Island following the arrest of the wife of a top leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Western Visayas.

But Chief Supt. John Bulalacao, director of the Western Visayas regional police, said they are also ready on the possible retaliatory attack of the communist rebels with the arrest of Maria Theresa Drilon Cabales.

http://tempo.com.ph/2018/06/10/npa-rebel-killed-in-clash/

Military air strike kills 15 BIFF gunmen in Maguindanao, N. Cotabato

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 11): Military air strike kills 15 BIFF gunmen in Maguindanao, N. Cotabato
The military on Sunday claimed it has killed at least 15 Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) gunmen when it launched air strikes against the group near the SK Pendatun, Maguindanao and Pikit, North Cotabato portions of the Liguasan Marsh.

Officials of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) said hundreds of individuals near the area targeted by the air strikes had fled, but the exact number had not been ascertained so far.

Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, the commander of the 6th Infantry Division based in Maguindanao, said the BIFF casualty figure was based on reports they had been getting from the ground.

He said eight BIFF gunmen were also injured and that a BIFF bomb expert and his wife had been captured.

But Abu Misri Mama, BIFF spokesperson, said there were no casualties on their side.

“We are not affected by the air strikes,” he said.

Tahira Kalantongan, the Pikit, North Cotabato disaster officer, said in her town alone, at least 10,000 individuals from Barangays Buliok, Talitay, Bago-inged, Barongis and Rajamuda had fled.

The ARMM Humanitarian Emergency Action Response Team said it was preparing provisions for the displaced individuals and could deliver it on Monday.

Capt. Arvin John Encinas, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, earlier said the target of the air strike was the group being led by Esmail Abubakar alias Commander Bungos.

Encinas said the bomb, which started at around 2 a.m., run was a “surgical strike” and that no civilian had been affected.

“It was surgical and the targets are specific and outside civilian areas,” Encinas added.

Kalantongan agreed that no civilian community was hit in her town but that residents had evacuated anyway.

“They feared for their lives, they hurriedly left their barangays after they had their early morning meal for the day’s fasting,” she said, adding that the vacated villages were known to be within an area of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Sobejana said the MILF had been told of the impending bomb run.

The MILF also maintains forces around the marsh, which straddles 29 towns in Maguindanao and North Cotabato.

“Our operation was coordinated well with the MILF ceasefire panel,” Sobejana told the Inquirer.

Encinas said a ground operation was also being conducted against Bungos’ group.

“There is no let up in our manhunt against the BIFF. We want to be one step ahead of them,” Encinas said, adding that major highways remained passable despite the operation.

Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, the commander of the Western Mindanao Command based in Zamboanga City, said the bomb run also targeted a suspected BIFF bomb factory.

Sobejana said the bomb run had successfully destroyed the BIFF bomb factory.

“We ease the fear of our people and assure them that safety procedures were undertaken and deliberately planned by (the military) giving due concern to the safety of the civilian populace,” he said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/999196/cotabato-maguindanao-air-strike-military-biff-liguasan-marsh

Tribal leader makes peace with gov’t after 2 decades of resistance

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 10): Tribal leader makes peace with gov’t after 2 decades of resistance


Datu Guibang Apoga shakes hand with Brig. Gen. Ernesto Torres of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade during his surrender on Saturday, June 10, 2018. (Photo from the Philippine Army)

DAVAO CITY — A tribal leader who had waged war with the government for two decades in the hinterlands of Davao del Norte and Bukidnon surfaced on Saturday and vowed to work with authorities, virtually ending one of the fiercest resistance by indigenous peoples (IPs) in defense of their ancestral lands in Southern Mindanao, a military spokesperson said on Sunday.

Datu Guibang Apoga, a member of the Langilan-Manobo tribe, surrendered to the government during a tribal peace gathering at Barangay Palma Gil in Talaingod, Davao del Norte, according to Maj. Ezra Balagtey, spokesperson of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom).

The tribal leader launched a “pangayaw,” or tribal war, in 1993 against government troops and security personnel of logging firm Alcantara and Sons (Alsons).

He had resisted the entry of the logging firm into the vast Pantaron Range that straddles the borders between Davao del Norte and Bukidnon provinces.

Armed with just bows and arrows and improvised rifles, Apoga’s group attacked Alsons and resisted government troops sent to arrest him and his followers, forcing him to flee deep into the jungle.

He was slapped with several murder charges as a result of the attacks on Alsons guards and workers.

Apoga leads the tribal resistance group Salugpongan Ta Tanu Igkanugon (Unity for the Defense of Ancestral Lands), which the military has labeled a communist sympathizer.



Datu Guibang Apoga (Photo from the Philippine Army)

The tribal chieftain’s resolve to defend his ancestral domain from perceived military and business intrusion earned him an award for the Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan (Hero of the Environment) in 2017.

Balagtey said Apoga was received by fellow tribal leaders and local and military officials during a “tampura,” or peace gatherin, at Sitio Nasilaban.

“As a gesture of genuine desire to finally support the government, Datu Gibang turned his rifle over to Brig. Gen. Ernesto Torres Jr., commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade and Lt. Col. Edwin Paredes, 56th Infantry Battalion commander,” Balagtey said, adding the event was witnessed by about 500 tribal elders and members.

Apoga was reportedly “very elated” on his return to his community in Nasilaban, together with his fellow leaders and their “bagani,” ortribal warriors, the military spokesperson said.

The elusive tribal leader was reportedly convinced to end his hiding and support the government following the efforts of Paredes.

“We welcome the return of Datu Gibang,” Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr., Eastmincom commander, said. “His tribe has long been waiting for his return. With this peace covenant and with his leadership, we hope to achieve a lasting peace in the area of Langilan-Manobo tribe and together we can work for development.”

Balagtey said the tribal chief’s murder charges had been temporarily dropped even before his apparent surrender.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/999310/guibang-apoga-surrenders

Soldiers capture NPA rebel in Zamboanga del Sur firefight

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 10): Soldiers capture NPA rebel in Zamboanga del Sur firefight
Soldiers captured a New People’s Army (NPA) rebel during a clash in Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur on Saturday, the military said.

Maj. Ronald Suscano, the spokesperson of the 1st Infantry Division, identified the captured rebel as Jerry Macabinta.

Suscano said soldiers from the 53rd Infantry Battalion were conducting a combat patrol in Sitio Pisio in Barangay Balonai in Midsalip when they clashed with members of the Section Committee Kara of the NPA in Western Mindanao around 11 a.m.

No casualty on the government side was reported, he said.

Suscano said the rebels fled, but soldiers pursued them and captured Macabinta, seizing from him a .4- caliber pistol.

On Friday, an NPA rebel was killed during a firefight with soldiers from the 73rdInfantry Battalion in Barangay Culaman in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental.

Lt. Col. Marion Angcao, the 73rd IB commander, said his men were responding to a report on the presence of armed men in the said village when the clash took place.

The slain rebel remained unidentified.

Angcao said his men also recovered an M653 rifle, two backpacks, an Icom radio, a cellular phone and some documents in the aftermath of the firefight.

He said the military believed that the NPA also suffered injuries during the firefight.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/999149/soldiers-capture-npa-rebel-in-zamboanga-del-sure-firefight

AFP troops recover firearms, ammunitions

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 10): AFP troops recover firearms, ammunitions

CAMP BANCASI, Butuan City – Combat maneuvering troops of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) found firearm cache owned by the Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) in Southern Mindanao province, it was reported today.

Credit: Pixabay / MANILA BULLETIN
In a statement sent to The Manila Bulletin late Saturday afternoon, 1st Lt. Jhocell D. Asis, Civil Military Operations (CMO) officer of the Army’s 71st Infantry (Kaibigan) Battallion (71st IB) said patrolling peace and development troops of the 71st IB recovered the firearm cache in the ball-mill area of Tagmani, Barangay Tagbaros, Maco town, Compostela Valley (ComVal) province.

“These high powered firearms including three M16 Armalite rifles and live ammunitions were recovered at 9:40 in the evening on Friday,” she said.

The 71st IB CMO officer said that the operating troops of the 71sty IB received information from one of its former rebels (FRs) about the location of firearm cache owned by CNTs under Guerilla Front 2 (GF2) Sun-Regional Committee 2 (SRC2) of the CPP-NPA Southern Mindanao Regional Command (SMRC).
“However, before entering the targeted area, a brief firefight occurred that forced the CNTs to withdraw to northeast direction of Barangay Tagbaros in that same town, leaving behind the firearms cache and assorted live ammunitions,” 1st Lt. Asis further claimed.

In the same statement sent to The Manila Bulletin, Lt. Col Esteveyn E. Ducusin declared that the operating troops in ComVal province are already gaining the trust and confidence of the people in the area and the FRs.

“The report of the FRs with their commitment to guide the troops proves that this unit continues in gaining the trust and confidence not only of the populace but also FRs in our area of operation,” the 71st IB “Kaibigan” commander said.

“Because of the different interventions and activities such as livelihood trainings and livelihood projects targeting FRs, thy are starting to realize the sincerity of the government in mainstreaming them. We do hope that our constituents together with the local government units and other stakeholders will remain committed in supporting our different advocacies and programs towards genuine peace and progress, ” Lt. Col. Ducusin said.

The 71st IB remains steadfast in winning the peace while securing people of ComVal province and Davao Del Norte from violence, he added.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/06/10/afp-troops-recover-firearms-ammunitions/

Frightened residents flee military air strikes vs BIFF

From Rappler (Jun 10): Frightened residents flee military air strikes vs BIFF

(UPDATED) The military is conducting operations against a faction of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters that pledged allegiance to the Islamic State



DISPLACED. The Department of Social Welfare and Development assist residents of Pagalungan town displaced by the military offensive. Photo from the DSWD-ARMM Facebook page

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Military air strikes in towns along Liguasan marsh in Central Mindanao on Sunday morning, June 10, drove scores of panicking residents to evacuate their homes.

Residents fleeing with their belongings and their farm animals were photographed along the roads of Buliok Complex in Pikit, Cotabato.

The military said it launched an operation in the southern Liguasan area against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a local armed group that has members who pledged allegiance to the Islamic State.

Lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo said there are reports of evacuation in at least 4 other towns of Maguindanao – Pagalungan, Datu Montawal, Rajah Buayan, and General Salipada K. Pendatun. He was the former executive secretary of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

There are concerns posted on social media that the offensive could spoil the peace process between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), recalling what happened in 2015 when a bloodbath in Mamasapano town derailed the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

The displacement also comes as the Muslims prepare to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.

"I fear it's creating a lot of resentment. You have problem on the BBL and you cause displacement during Ramadan, you may be pushing people to the extreme," Sinarimbo said. (READ: Final version of BBL holds fate of Mindanao peace process)

IED factory destroyed

Major General Cirilito Sobejana said the military said it launched an offensive against the an "ISIS-inspired group in southern Liguasan area," referring to the BIFF faction of "Commander Turaifie."

"IED (improvised explosive device) factory has been destroyed so far," Sobejana told Rappler.

The BIFF is a breakaway group of the MILF, formed after the collapse of the peace talks in 2009 when the Supreme Court declared a peace deal with the Arroyo administration unconstitutional.

The group has been known to have members who are experts in bombmaking, including the slain Basit Usman who coddled notorious foreign terrorist Zulkifli bin hir or Marwan. They were the targets of the botched police operation in Mamasapano.

BIFF has since splintered into factions, according to the military. Turaifie's group has reportedly pledged allegiance to ISIS.

Sobejana, the newly appointed commander of the Maguindanao-based 6th Infantry Division, said they are pursuing a "more aggressive" and "sustained" war against the terror group.

"No cause for alarm. We are deliberate in our actions," Sobejana said.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/204560-maguindanao-air-strikes-evacuation-panic

Troops capture insurgent after Zamboanga clash

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jun 9): Troops capture insurgent after Zamboanga clash

Government troops captured a communist rebel following a clash Sunday in the southern Philippine province of Zamboanga del Sur, officials said.

Officials said the fighting erupted in Balonai village in Midsalip town after soldiers from the 53rd Infantry Battalion led by Sergeant Roseller Delparine caught up with a band of New People’s Army.

The fighting lasted about 5 minutes and soldiers managed to capture Jerry Macabinta and recovered from him a .45-caliber pistol. Macabinta said he is a member of the Section Committee-KARA under the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

Major Ronald Suscano, a spokesman for the 1st Infantry Division based in the province, said there was no casualty on their side. “There was no casualties on our side and we captured one rebel,” he said.

There was no immediate statement from the NPA which has been fighting for a separate state in the country.

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/troops-capture-insurgent-after-zamboanga-clash/

Court gives OK for CPP leaders to travel abroad to join peace talks

From GMA News (Jun 10): Court gives OK for CPP leaders to travel abroad to join peace talks

A Manila court has allowed Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) leaders Benito Tiamzon, Adelberto Silva and three others to travel abroad to participate in the resumption of peace talks with the Philippine government this month.

In a five-page order issued on Friday, the Regional Trial Court of Manila Branch 32 granted the Motion to Travel Abroad filed by Tiamzon, Silva, Rafael Baylosis, Randall Echanis and Vicente Ladlad, permitting them to travel abroad from June 22-30 to join the informal and formal peace talks.

The respondents are among the accused in a murder case stemming from the discovery of the mass grave in Leyte containing suspected victims of the communist rebel purge in the 1980s.

They were released from detention in August 2016 to join the peace negotiations as consultants of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.

The court, however, ordered their re-arrest in January following the request of the Department of Justice after the talks were terminated in November last year.

Tiamzon and Silva argued that the peace negotiations between the government and the NDFP are "currently underway," after President Rodrigo Duterte in April bared his plans to revive the peace talks.

"Thus, they entreat that their bail bonds be reinstated and declared effective for the duration of the peace negotiations," the order read.

The respondents also said they have been invited by NDFP negotiating panel chair Fidel Agcaoili to attend the informal talks which will be followed by the formal talks.

They also said they have respective functions during the event, which they claimed "are indispensable."

"After a careful consideration of the arguments of both parties, the Court grants the accused-movants' Motion to Travel Abroad," the court's order read.

The respondents, however, were required to strictly follow the rules the court set for their provisional liberty, including the requirement to return to the country within three calendar days after the completion of the informal and formal talks.

Tiamzon and Silva are likewise required to post another P100,000 bond as their previous bail bonds have already been cancelled.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/656327/court-gives-ok-for-cpp-leaders-to-travel-abroad-to-join-peace-talks/story/

Recruit passes out at Army reception rites, dies

From the Philippine Star (Jun 10): Recruit passes out at Army reception rites, dies

The 5th Infantry (Star) Division is based in Gamu, Isabela.

 

A 21-year-old candidate soldier died of heat stroke at the Ilagan Doctors General Hospital in Isabela on Friday within days of the start of his training.

Julius Hernando of Mallig, Isabela joined the traditional opening ceremony and reception rites for Candidate Soldier Course Class of 546-2018 at the 5th Division Training School of the Philippine Army's 5th Infantry Division at Camp Melchor dela Cruz in Upi, Gamu, Isabela Thursday morning.

Reception is the first phase of training, where recruits and candidates go through rigorous physical activity as a rite of passage and to get them ready for further military training.

By noon on Thursday, however, Hernando had passed out and had to be rushed to the camp’s hospital. He was transferred to IDGH when he started having seizures and showed a decline in vital signs around 5 p.m.

He died at 4:30 a.m. on Friday.

Maj. Gen. Perfecto Rimando, commanding general of the 5th Infantry Division, assured Hernando's family that they will receive financial support since the recruit died while a certified member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2018/06/10/1823358/recruit-passes-out-army-reception-rites-dies

 

AFP chief awards medals of valor to personnel who helped in Marawi

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 10): AFP chief awards medals of valor to personnel who helped in Marawi

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Carlito G. Galvez Jr, visited the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Saturday and awarded medals to deserving personnel who contributed in the liberation of Marawi City.




Maj. General Carlito Galvez (Keith Bacongco / MANILA BULLETIN)

June 9, 2018 marks the first official visit of General Galvez to the Headquarters of the Philippine Army since his assumption of office on April 18, this year.

Galvez was warmly welcomed by Army chief Lt. Gen. Rolando Joselito D. Bautista, who also accorded him with traditional military honors.

The highlight of Galvez’ visit to the Army headquarters was the awarding of medals to deserving personnel who contributed in the liberation of Marawi City.
These comprised of seven Gold Cross Medal conferred to one Officer and three enlisted personnel, five Silver Cross Medal for two Officers and three enlisted personnel and three Military Merit Medal to one Officer and two enlisted personnel.

During his message, Galvez did not fail to mention how proud he was to be an Army officer especially now that he is holding the highest position in the AFP.

He said that he always cherished the times while he was still with the Army. He has a very colorful career having served mostly with the Rangers fighting terrorist, insurgents and other threat groups in various parts of the country.

He also inspired the troops by mentioning the distinctive courage of Staff Sergeant Antonino Basa, a member of the elite Scout Ranger who despite being wounded five times remained undisturbed and possessed the passion to serve in the frontline.

Galvez said his significant exploit was when he directly dropped his body over an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) just to protect his fellow Rangers during the height of Marawi campaign. His story indeed captured the admiration of the Filipinos and the world for extraordinary dedication and act of heroism.

Galvez recalled that during his visit in Zamboanga Station Hospital wherein he met Staff Sergeant Basa, he was truly touched by the soldier’s gesture. He averred that despite his condition, wherein he could barely lift his arm due to sustained wounds still he attempted to render a snappy salute.

The Chief of Staff also made emphasis on the guidance and thrust of President Rodrigo R. Duterte. He conveyed to the troops that the President is fully supportive of the AFP’s program and even instructed him to expedite the current Army Modernization Program in order to increase its core competency and capabilities in protecting the sovereignty and integrity of the state.

“The unfathomable sacrifices of our soldiers’ blood, sweat and tears will not be put in vain. As the Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, I will ensure that all your requirements in your operation will be provided to facilitate the accomplishment of your mission,” Galvez said.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/06/10/afp-chief-awards-medals-of-valor-to-personnel-who-helped-in-marawi/

Final version of BBL holds fate of Mindanao peace process

From Rappler (Jun 10): Final version of BBL holds fate of Mindanao peace process

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front seeks to restore deleted provisions in the Bangsamoro Basic Law, which implements a peace deal with the government. The final version also has to satisfy the Supreme Court and the people who will vote to accept or reject the new region in a plebiscite

 

The fate of the Mindanao peace process hangs on the final version of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), which will be decided by a Congress bicameral conference committee in July.

 

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is seeking to restore provisions deleted by lawmakers during the debates. Meanwhile, chief presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza is calling on everyone to "manage expectations."

 

At a BBL forum held on Thursday, June 7, MILF vice-chairman Ghazali Jaafar was swinging from optimism to pessimism and back again.

 

"I'd like to declare here that change is coming to the Bangsamoro," Jaafar said in his opening speech, promising "fiscal autonomy," "empowerment," and "economic development" under the new region.

 

Jaafar's mood changed later when government officials explained that the draft of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), which he chairs, cannot be restored in its entirety.

"We are revolutionaries. We are not trained to talk much, but we are trained to do more," Jaafar said in front of an audience that included Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

'No BBL, no decommissioning'

 

 

BBL FORUM. The Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG) and International Alert Philippines organized the forum held at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City on June 7, 2018. Photo from International Alert Philippines

The law that will create a new and more powerful Bangsamoro region to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is a government commitment to the MILF in a peace deal signed in 2014 – the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

 

In exchange for the new region, the MILF committed to decommission its troops and end the decades-long armed struggle. The rebel group will instead create a political party and participate in governing the new region.

 

"If there is no BBL, there is no decommissioning [of troops]," said MILF vice-chairman Ghazali Jaafar, who also serves as chairman of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) that prepared the original BBL draft.

 

It can't be any BBL. Jaafar said they want "all the provisions retained" to make sure that the law complies with government commitments in the peace deal.

 

But Tawi-Tawi Representative Ruby Sahali said it's impossible. "The 'bicam' cannot do major amendments. It's either the Senate version or the Congress version," said Sahali.

 

Senate or House version?

 

Jaafar frowned upon the proposed law that passed the Senate. "Maraming (There are many) amendments sa (in the) Senate. I think it's over 100. We raised objections to some of those amendments when we were at the Senate," Jaafar said.

 

Among the significant amendment in the Senate is the deletion of a section listing the reserved powers of the national government, effectively removing the Bangsamoro region's power over all other areas not on the list.

 

Can the MILF work with the version of the House of Representatives, which also introduced amendments but fewer than the Senate?

 

"That is a hypothetical question. We will answer that when proper time comes," said Jaafar.

 

The House version allowed only one plebiscite for towns and provinces to join the new Bangsamoro region, rejecting BTC's intent to hold regular plebiscite within 25 years.

 

Both lowered the Bangsamoro region's annual block grant or its share of the national internal revenue from the proposed 6% or P72 billion to 5% or P59 billion.

 

The MILF held a meeting on June 5, where they decided not to issue any statement until the law is passed on July 23 – in time for President Rodrigo Duterte's 3rd State of the Nation Address (SONA).

"We decided not to issue specific position vis-a-vis the situation now because the process is still continuing. It's not final," said Jaafar.

 

 

Supreme Court and plebiscite, too

 

The final version should not only be acceptable to the MILF but also to the Supreme Court and the people who will vote to accept or reject the new Bangsamoro region.

 

This is the difficult balancing act that the members of the bicameral committee will need to make. (READ: Bicam members: Who will finalize the Bangsamoro law?)

 

Sahali maintained that certain provisions in the BTC draft had to be removed to avoid the fate of the peace process during the Arroyo administration, when the High Court declared the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) as unconstitutional.

 

"Congress cannot pass a law that is unconstitutional. Let's not take that lightly," Dureza said, too.

The BBL will also be subjected to a referendum. The people will have to agree to replace ARMM with the new region or everything could go to waste.

 

"We realize the process of legislation but the interest of the Bangsamoro cannot be taken for granted. If people reject that in a plebiscite, what can we do?" said Jaafar.

 

There is frustration among the people, especially with the Senate version. (READ: Bangsamoro region 'lesser than ARMM' feared)

 

"We explain to them that the process is still continuing. The BTC continues its engagement in a bicameral and individual lawmakers, leadership of the house and the senate, and executive department," said Jaafar.

 

Jaafar said they also need a CAB-compliant BBL to be able to persuade members of local armed groups like the Maute Group and MILF breakaway group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) to abandon the violence. (READ: AFP chief welcomes BBL passage as 'antidote to terrorism')

 

"How can we convince them if the BBL is inutile?" said Jaafar. Frustrations over the long delayed peace process are believed to have allowed the Maute Group to recruit fighters from MILF clans to join the siege of Marawi in 2017. (READ: MILF, Maute Group battle for legitimacy)

 

'Manage expectations'

 

Dureza said it is important that all stakeholders help in managing their own expectations and the people on the ground.

 

"We should not raise too much expectations but I'm sure the public and the greater table will welcome whatever headway we will have," said Dureza.

 

"We are working towards very compliant BBL, close as much as possible to the CAB. It's a signed agreement. But remember there are parameters also to deal with. Constitutional parameters are also important," Dureza said.

 

The peace process is at another critical point, requirng a compromise from all sides.

 

"I see a better light at the end of the tunnel," Dureza said when the panel discussion was heating up. He turned to Jaafar and held his arm.

 

Jaafar forced a smile. "Let's hope for the best," he said.

 

https://www.rappler.com/nation/204547-mindanao-peace-bangsamoro-basic-law-bbl-congress-prospects

Lorenzana tells AFP, allies to anticipate the future of air conflict

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 10): Lorenzana tells AFP, allies to anticipate the future of air conflict

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. AP File Photo

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana recently told the Philippine military and its closest allies to plan for the future of air conflict amid an evolving security landscape in the region.

“Since we are all friends and allies here, we have to project our minds and foresee what the face of the future of air combat will be. Will it be good to have fighter jet planes? Or maybe just invest in missiles to protect ourselves?” he said at a forum sponsored by the Philippine Air Force at Camp Aguinaldo last Thursday.

The forum, a pre-anniversary activity of the Air Force, was aimed to increase awareness among stakeholders on how air power can be mobilized to contribute to national and regional security.

Top Air Force officers from the Philippines’ most important security partners — United States, Japan, and Australia — were present to share their perspectives.

“While we are prepared for current wars, sometimes it’s good to project what the face of the future war will be. Sometimes in the military, we prepare for the past war that just ended…without thinking of the coming war,” the defense chief said.

“Sometimes we are shattered by past experiences and we forget to foresee what see what will happen next,” he added.

Lorenzana recalled that when he was a young Army officer, they trained for urban operations that they did not actually use.

The Philippine Army at present is mostly trained for jungle warfare to fight communist rebels and terrorists in the mountains. It was the Marawi crisis in 2017, the five-month gun battle between government troops and ISIS-linked terrorists in the predominantly-Muslim city, that put to test their abilities in urban warfare.

“With Marawi, we were at a loss for quite some time… We had to learn to fight in urban warfare,” he said.

The siege would later turn out to be one of the country’s biggest security crises in recent years. The Philippine Air Force played a key role in the Marawi operations with its bomb runs to flush out terrorist strongholds.

“Air power is paramount to the defense of the state… The complex and dynamic nature of the regional security environment needs broader cooperation among Asean and other nations to prevent and counter violent extremism,” said Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr.

He also expressed gratitude to Australia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and US for their technical support (i.e. intelligence-sharing) and transport of relief items during the five-month crisis, at the same time noting that China had donated 50 sniper rifles.

The Philippines is facing an array of national and territorial threats, with the persistence of communist rebels and terrorist groups in the domestic front. It is also facing challenges over China’s military buildup in the South China Sea as well as other non-traditional security threats like natural disasters.

‘Working together is a necessity’

Maj. Gen. Russell Mack, deputy commander of the US Pacific Air Force, stressed the need for allies to work together to face the challenges in the region.

“Due to the main challenges we face in this AOR [area of responsibility] in this vast region, working together is a necessity,” he said.

He cited bilateral exercises and formal agreements such as the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement as some of the means to boost their collective presence.

The EDCA is a signed agreement between the Philippines and US that allows the latter to increase military presence in the country through rotation of ships and planes. The agreement allows the US to five military bases.

“Access to shared spaces including freedom of overflight and freedom of navigation to international air space and waters are essential to continued security and prosperity,” Mack said.

“Pacom [Pacific Command] regularly flies bombers, fighters, ISR [intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance] and unmanned flights in the Indo-Pacific region including the West Philippine Sea,” he added.

Quadrilateral cooperation

Gen. Yoshinari Marumo, chief of staff of Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force, cited China as one of the region’s security challenges, along with Russia and North Korea.

“The modernization of the People’s Liberation Army has rapidly expanded and intensified its activities in the vicinity of Japan… Aircraft carrier Liaoning has increased its activities by entering the Western Pacific and heightening its operation of fighters,” he said.

“China is escalating its activities around Japan and Western Pacific and is trying to make its presence a normal state,” he added.

Both the Philippines and Japan share a rival claimant in China over the South China Sea and East China Sea, respectively.

The Japanese general likewise took the opportunity to highlight the “quadrilateral defense cooperation” of the Philippines, Japan, Australia and United States.

“Last year, the first quadrilateral meeting was successfully held. The Air Force [leaders of four countries] met together to share views and agreed to continue improve our capabilities and promote defense cooperation,” Marumo said.

Air Vice Marshal Steven Robertson of the Royal Australian Air Force, meanwhile, also voiced out the need to maintain strong relationships with allies and to conduct international exercises amid security challenges.

“Our very strength, our very advantage is our alliance,” he said

“The nature of Philippines, as well as Australia, United States, and Japan, share similar visions of stability, security and rules-based approach. As close allies, we must seek integration beyond technical platforms… Our integration occurs across all aspects of government and across other services… and across allies like our wonderful partners represented today,” he said.

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/167656/lorenzana-tells-afp-allies-anticipate-future-air-conflict

Thousands flee as military pounds BIFF bomb factory

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 10): Thousands flee as military pounds BIFF bomb factory

EVACUEES. Displaced families temporarily take shelter at the Pagalungan public market of Pagalungan, Maguindanao, as a pre-dawn military operation Sunday pounced on positions of the IS-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in the neighboring town ofGeneral Salipada K. Pendatun. The military is targeting a bomb-making factory by the terrorists in the marshland. (Photo by ARMM-HEART)
COTABATO CITY--Thousands of residents fled to safer grounds as military helicopter gunships, backed by artillery fire, pummeled early morning Sunday positions of IS-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in the marshland bordering two Maguindanao towns.

Capt. Arvin John Encinas, the Army's 6th Infantry Division (ID) spokesperson, said the airstrikes were launched at past 2 a.m. after intelligence information confirmed the presence of terrorists under BIFF commander Bongos in the Liguasan marshland bordering the towns of Salipada K. Pendatun and Pagalungan, both in Maguindanao.

"No reported casualty as of yet as operation by Army ground troops still going on," Encinas told the Philippine News Agency, adding that the "surgical" airstrikes had targeted specific positions outside civilian areas.

Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, 6ID commander, said target of the operation was a bomb-making factory of the BIFF south of the marshland.

"Our operation was coordinated well with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front ceasefire panel," Sobejana said.

Myrna Jocelyn Henry, information officer of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao-Humanitarian Emergency Action Response Team (ARMM-HEART), said the bulk of displaced families are from the villages of Buliok, Kudal, and Inug-ug, all in Pagalungan.

The evacuees are temporarily sheltered in at least three evacuation centers in Pagalungan, namely in Mahad, Poblacion Market and the town covered court.

ARMM Executive Secretary Laisa Alamia, concurrent regional social welfare chief, said relief goods are being readied for distribution on Monday as assessment on the total number of evacuees is going on.

Encinas, meanwhile, said there will be no let up on their manhunt against BIFF members.

“We want to be one step ahead of them," he said.

Asked whether Muslims breaking the fast for Ramadan at the time of operation were affected, he said: “This is a precise operation as we made it sure our brother Muslims were not affected.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037827

Marine reservists in west Visayas showcase warfare capability

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 10): Marine reservists in west Visayas showcase warfare capability



About 100 reservists of the 81st Marine Battalion in Western Visayas showcased their amphibious raid capability during a demonstration held Sunday at the Poblacion Beach in this southern Negros city.

“We conducted this for the seamless integration of our reservists with the regular force, so that they will become a mirror image of our regular force,” said Brig. Gen. Arthur Biyo, commander of the Naval Reserve Command.
Biyo said the capability demonstration, initiated by the Naval Forces Central, was a culmination of the several months of training the reservists have underwent.

“We train them so that in the event of war invasion or rebellion, we can mobilize them to assist the Armed Forces,” he said. “They showed their capability to neutralize possible threats to our security.”

During the activity, the Marine reservists initiated a response to a security threat with support from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council rescue unit, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police’s Regional Mobile Force Battalion-6 and Sipalay City Police Station.

Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad, flag officer-in-command of the Philippine Navy, in a speech read by Biyo during the program, said the reserve force are reliable partners that their troops could rely on in times of war; and in surmounting obstacles and challenges imposed by the changing environment.

“They are Philippine Navy’s source of confidence in facing our challenges head-on, assured by the continuing presence of a highly-reliable competent and ready reserve force who can always back us up whatever the need may be,” Empedrad added.

Lt. Col. Francis Raymund Martin Yulo, commanding officer of the 81st Marine Battalion Reserve, said the demonstration illustrated the capability of the Philippine Navy through the reservists; and the interoperability of support from various government agencies and local government units.

“So that in times of calamity, disaster and security, we can respond accordingly as one seamless unit,” he added.

Yulo said the activity was held for the first time in Negros Occidental, and Sipalay was chosen to be the site of the capability demonstration being a thriving tourist destination.

“We need to communicate through our capability that your Philippine Navy, your Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other government line agencies are here to protect the environment and national security,” he further said.

For his part, Mayor Oscar Montilla said the demonstration is very important for Sipalay’s security preparedness, and to gauge the capability of the Armed Forces to address possible security threats in this city.

“We were made aware of the actual scenario in case it will happen,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037835

No truth on Duterte order to stop WPS patrols: AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 10): No truth on Duterte order to stop WPS patrols: AFP

There are no orders coming from President Rodrigo Duterte directing the military to stop patrolling the West Philippine Sea.

This was the remark of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo in an interview with DZBB radio on Sunday, after opposition lawmaker Magdalo party-list Rep. Gary Alejano claimed that Duterte ordered the AFP to stop patrolling the disputed West Philippine Sea.

"We did not receive such information, we have contacted our AFP chief (Gen. Carlito Galvez, Jr.) and our Western Command in Palawan, and all of them said that the Commander-in-Chief did not issue such an order," he said in Filipino.

Arevalo added that military air and sea patrols are ongoing as it is part of its mandate of protecting the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"Your AFP is continuing to perform its mandate," he stressed.

Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go had earlier clarified that Duterte did not order the AFP to stop guarding the disputed area.

“The president will not order that. First of all, what’s ours is ours. We will patrol in those areas,” Go said on Saturday.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037812

No order from Duterte to stop patrols in WPS: SAP Go

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 10): No order from Duterte to stop patrols in WPS: SAP Go



Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go clarified Saturday that President Rodrigo Duterte did not order the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to stop patrolling the disputed West Philippine Sea.

Go made this assurance after opposition lawmaker Magdalo party-list Representative Gary Alejano on Saturday claimed that the Duterte administration has ordered the military to stop guarding the area.

“The president will not order that. First of all, what’s ours is ours. We will patrol in those areas,” Go said in Filipino.

“I know that, even in his talks abroad, the President always emphasizes that what’s ours is ours,” he said in a media interview after his speech in a gathering of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. in Tondo, Manila.

Citing military sources, Alejano earlier said he received information that Duterte ordered the AFP to stop wasting their time in patrolling the West Philippine Sea.

The opposition legislator, however, said he doesn't have solid evidence to back his claim but stressed that he trusts his “sources”.

China, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have overlapping claims on the strategic sea lane, where trillion dollars of trade passes annually.

On May 11, a Philippine Navy boat resupplying Filipino troops at the Ayungin Shoal was challenged and harassed by the Chinese Coast Guard and China’s People's Liberation Army Navy.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano last week confirmed the government had lodged a protest to Beijing regarding the incident.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037813

China to apply law vs. ‘violators’ at Scarborough Shoal: DFA

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 10): China to apply law vs. ‘violators’ at Scarborough Shoal: DFA

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Chinese government assured the Philippines that it will "apply the law very harshly" to violators of the fishing agreement at the Bajo de Masinloc (BDM) or the Scarborough Shoal, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said Sunday.

The statement comes after a video of Chinese nationals appearing to take some of the Filipino fishermen's catch from Scarborough Shoal circulated this week.

Cayetano said the issue was already raised by DFA Undersecretary Ernesto Abella during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua.

Cayetano said he had also discussed the subject with the envoy during the 17th Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day on Saturday.

While he did not elaborate on the issue, the foreign affairs chief said he got an assurance that China will apply the "law" very harshly to violators.

“We have an agreement with them that all fishermen are free, except on protected areas because of ecology and the environment -- like the lagoon at the Scarborough Shoal, that’s the spawning ground for fishes, or the giant clams you see -- if they are taken by Filipinos or Chinese people, there will really be apprehension,” he said in Filipino.

Cayetano said the two parties are now studying the establishment of a complaint system so that all nationalities that have the right to fish within the Scarborough Shoal area can air their concerns directly.

Report incidents

Cayetano likewise urged the fishermen to report immediately such "incidents" to proper authorities, "so that they can act right away."

"Let me assure the fishermen that we are doing everything, that both sides have assured that at the traditional fishing grounds, we will be able to fish undisturbed, now if there are incidents, nangyayari talaga 'to (this really happens), report it to us at kami 'di rin naman itatago 'to sa media (we will not hide this from the media)," he stressed, adding that the government also wants to get to the bottom of the issue.

Cayetano said Beijing and Manila have agreed to discipline their respective coast guards and fishermen.

Rolly Bernal, a fisherman from Masinloc, Zambales, for his part said he hopes that the assurance made by the Chinese government will take effect immediately.

“Our only call here is for the government to solve this problem -- the harassment of the Chinese coast guard, and for us to be able to fish freely," he told the Philippine News Agency in an interview Sunday.

“I hope the Chinese coast guards stop approaching our boats and take our catch, that’s what we, fishermen, want,” he said in Filipino.

Bajo de Masinloc is located 124 nautical miles from Zambales.

Following a standoff between China and the Philippines in 2012, Filipino fishermen were prevented from fishing in the area. It was only in 2016 when the two states were thawing frozen ties and when President Rodrigo Duterte expressed concern over the issue that fishermen were allowed to operate back at the Scarborough Shoal.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037815

Chinese plane only made refueling stop in PH: SAP Go

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 10): Chinese plane only made refueling stop in PH: SAP Go

The Chinese military aircraft, which landed in the Philippines, only made a refueling stop, Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go clarified Sunday.

"The request for landing was received, processed and cleared by relevant Philippine Government agencies," Go said in a statement Sunday.

The presidential top aide made this reaction after photos of Chinese military transport plane IL-176 landing at Davao City International Airport circulated on social media last week.

"The landing was requested for the specific purpose of refueling and was granted and given with specific conditions for compliance by the requesting party," he said.

Go said such "technical stops" by foreign government and commercial planes, including those for refueling purposes, are closely coordinated by relevant government agencies, following domestic procedure and in consideration of existing agreements.

He added that the same courtesy is extended to Philippine government aircrafts when technical stops need to be undertaken.

Go confirmed that the requesting party is in coordination with the Department of National Defense (DFA), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

"The DND, DFA and CAAP - and other relevant agencies - work together to ensure that requesting parties comply with our domestic procedures and requirements."

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque also confirmed the landing of the military aircraft in Davao City, citing report by the CAAP.

“As verified and reported by CAAP, no movement of passengers was made outside the terminal building. The Chinese aircraft used a local handler, Transnational Aviation Support Service, to arrange the requirements for the permit. The flight was given an entry and exit permit, like any other private flights,” Roque said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037818