US officials ask to meet Duterte on purchase of military equipment

From the Philippine Star (Aug 23): US officials ask to meet Duterte on purchase of military equipment

United States (US) officials have asked President Duterte for a meeting on the Philippine armed forces' modernization program while Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana is in Russia to check out military equipment.

Duterte revealed yesterday that US State Secretary Mike Pompeo, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, and Defense Secretary James Mathis have written a letter asking him to meet with them to talk about ways to strengthen the security and trade cooperation between Manila and Washington.

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The officials also highlighted the track record of the US as a defense supplier and enumerated the capabilities of the equipment it supplied to the Philippines.

The President said he was willing to meet with the officials but challenged them to prove that they are acting in good faith.

He noted that some US lawmakers blocked the sale of firearms to the Philippine National Police because of human rights concerns.

"I would like to remind America all of them...how sure (are they) that I will be able to get what I bought?" Duterte said, noting that the purchase can be hampered by lawmakers who are against it.

Duterte also claimed that three of the six refurbished helicopters sold by the US to the Philippines had crashed.

"It's very important to me. I owe it to my soldier. We bought six helicopters. They said, they're refurbished, they were used by NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization). Apparently, they were overused," the President said.

"Three of the helicopters crashed, killing all my soldiers...now you are talking about procurement. Prove to me first that you are in utter good faith but I do not want to communicate with them," he added.

The letter, which was read by Duterte during the 12th anniversary of the Davao-based Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command, said the US-Philippine alliance is "an enduring partnership built on shared history and values"

"This special relationship will only grow stronger by increasing our dialogue and cooperation especially on security cooperation and trade. At the same time, we understand your country's need for certainly when considering the selecting technology for the defense and security of the Filipino people," the letter read.

"We are writing you to reaffirm this administration's strongest support for your effort to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and our commitment to continue to work with your Congress to support these strategic endeavors," it added.

The officials then told Duterte that the US is a "peerless supplier" of state of the art technology "with a proven track record." They cited the precision-guided munitions used during the operations in Marawi.

"We know, however, that our nations can do even more to integrate our economic and security concern. Especially we hope to partner in all the significant defense procurement of our mutual benefit including through the Lockheed Martin's F-16 multi-roll fighter platform, and your attack helicopter platform among other US systems," the officials said in their letter.

"We hope you share our view that our nation, selection of US partners for this future defense procurement, is mutually advantageous and strategically important way to strengthen and deepen the steadfast bonds," they added.

Duterte said he would debate with the officials to clarify things during the meeting, which he said would not be held in the US.

"There will never be a time I would go to America," he said.

Duterte discussed the letter while Philippine security officials led by Lorenzana are in Russia to shop for helicopters, submarines and other equipment. The visit also aims to explore ways to boost the defense cooperation between Manila and Moscow.

Duterte went on to enumerate a litany of atrocities during the Philippine-American War including the military operations in Balangiga that left thousands of Filipinos dead.

"It's hard to say we are friends. We are friends but remember we are friends because you made us a colony years ago...It was not a friendship agreed upon mutually satifying... It was a friendship imposed on us," the President said.

Duterte then reiterated his demand for the US to return the Balangiga bells, which were seized by American forces in 1901 as a war trophy.

"If the Balangiga bells are not returned, we don't have anything to talk about," he said.

"Just because it was 100 years so it is erased? And you still have the bells with you? The memory still haunts everybody here because it was taken with blood and lives," he added.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/08/23/1845242/us-officials-ask-meet-duterte-purchase-military-equipment

Violent Piracy in Southeast Asia – A Feature of the Past?

From Security Boulevard (Aug 23): Violent Piracy in Southeast Asia – A Feature of the Past?

ReCaap’s July 2018 Monthly Report recorded not only a year-on-year decline in piracy incidents for January to July compared to 2017, but also a significant reduction in the number of violent incidents. ReCaap recorded no ‘Category 1’ incidents between January and July. ‘Category 1’ incidents are defined as those with a large number of perpetrators armed with guns and knives who are likely to harm crew and seek to hijack a vessel or steal its cargo.

In 2018 ReCaap also recorded the lowest number of ‘Category 2’ incidents during the January to July period of any year since 2009; ‘Category 2’ incidents being those where pirates are armed with knives and machetes, and are likely to threaten crew and steal vessel property.

NYA MarTrack™ data corroborates ReCaap’s findings. It shows a significant reduction in the number of hijacking incidents and attacks on vessels since 2015: in 2015 and 2016 a combined total of 50 incidents were record on MarTrack, whereas in 2017 and 2018 to date, the figure is 16.

SHIP FUEL THEFT GANGS AND ABU SAYYAF GROUP

In 2015 the high level of attacks on vessels and attempted hijackings in southeast Asia was primarily driven by two elements: the Islamist militant Abu Sayyaf group (ASG) and criminal syndicates involved in the illegal ship fuel trade. Incidents of cargo fuel / oil siphoning in the region were significantly high in 2014 and 2015 with at least 27 incidents recorded by authorities over the two years.

Typically, a pirate boarding team associated with criminal syndicates would board an oil / fuel-carrying tanker, take the crew hostage, then sail the hijacked vessel to a pre-arranged point where an unregistered ‘phantom’ tanker would take on the cargo. Vessels were normally targeted en route from the South China Sea to the Singapore Strait. It is unusual for vessels to be hijacked for longer than 48 hours, at which point the vessel and crew are typically released unharmed. Normally the criminal syndicates would have ‘insiders’ working for regional maritime authorities or in the shipping industry who would facilitate the operation by providing crucial intelligence.

However, after September 2015 there was a significant drop in the frequency of these incidents. In 2015 and 2016 the dramatic drop in the price of crude oil made fuel theft a less profitable activity. In 2018 to date, no incidents of ship fuel cargo theft hijackings have been recorded on MarTrack in the region, showing the overall decline in perpetrators’ activity in the area.

The other threat actor primarily responsible for hijacks and attacks in Southeast Asia, ASG, greatly expanded its maritime operations during 2016. From their heartlands in the southwest Philippines, they would mainly target slow moving vessels with low freeboards around the Sibutu passage and to the north and south of the Sulu archipelago. Rather than stealing vessel cargo, ASG’s main motivation was (and still is) to kidnap crewmembers and hold them on land for ransom.

In 2016 and 2017 a combined total of 29 hijackings and attacks targeting vessels around the Sulu archipelago were recorded on MarTrack. Whilst ASG were not responsible for all these, the militant group was the principal actor responsible for the dramatic increase in maritime violence in 2016 and 2017. By contrast, in 2014 and 2015 there were only seven hijackings and attacks in the wider area extending from the Sulu archipelago north towards the Palawan Island.

However, after mid-2017 ASG suffered setbacks which impacted its maritime kidnap operations. Many ASG operatives based in the eastern Sulu archipelago took part in the Siege of Marawi (May to October 2017), along with other Islamist militants, in which they fought against the Filipino military. Notably, just under a thousand Islamist militants from different factions – including the ASG’s leader Isnilon Hapilon – were killed in the Marawi siege.

Additionally, in April 2017 Filipino security forces killed three senior ASG leaders including Alhabsy Misaya, whose faction was responsible for kidnapping many of the Indonesian and Malaysian sailors at sea in 2016. Muamar Askali (alias Abu Rami), also killed in April 2017, was one of ASG’s principal maritime operations commanders and his death reportedly left a ‘leadership vacuum’. MarTrack data for 2018 to date shows there were only five recorded hijackings or attacks around the Sulu archipelago – indicating ASG’s degraded maritime operations.

OUTLOOK

Given the decline in fuel cargo theft hijackings since late 2015 and the current threat environment in the region, the frequency of such incidents is likely to remain low in the short term. However, the rise in oil prices this year could make cargo-theft hijackings more attractive again to criminal syndicates. If the oil price continues to increase, then it is probable attempted attacks on vulnerable vessels (low speed / low freeboard vessels with predictable routes) en route to the Singapore Strait will resume.

The ASG remains a capable threat actor around the Sulu archipelago, as their operations are enabled by the challenging geography of the area including multiple scattered islands and vast, difficult to patrol maritime areas. In its July 2018 report ReCaap reiterated that “Although there was no actual incident of abduction of crew in the Sulu-Celebes seas…during January-July 2018, the threat…still remains.” Furthermore, Filipino intelligence sent out alerts in July, April and January of this year, alerting seafarers that ASG militants in the Sulu archipelago and off Sabah, Malaysia continued to harbour the intent to carry out maritime kidnap for ransom operations. However, the lack of successful hijackings and reduced number of attacks by the group in 2018 suggests a weakened capability and a possible change of strategy.

HOW NYA CAN HELP
NYA24’s team of analysts produce a weekly Maritime Security Report that records and details global piracy incidents, helping stakeholders in the maritime sector stay on top of global piracy trends. NYA24 in London constantly monitors for maritime security incidents and sends immediate alerts to clients once information about significant incidents has been verified. Clients’ vessels can also be directly contacted to ensure they are aware of recent attacks and take necessary precautions. Additionally, NYA’s crisis response team have also helped clients resolve kidnapping incidents, as well as other crisis scenarios, in the region. Speak to us if you would like to find out more about the services we offer.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us to discuss your requirements: Contact us by phone or email:

EMEA: Tel: +44 207 291 7700 or by email

AMERICAS: Tel: +1 646 722 4248 or by email

APAC: Tel: +65 640 806 35 or by email

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Two Abu Sayyaf terrorists captured amid sustained military ops in Sulu, Basilan

From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 22): Two Abu Sayyaf terrorists captured amid sustained military ops in Sulu, Basilan

The Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Mindanao Command (AFP-WestMinCom) on Wednesday announced the recent capture of two armed individuals believed to be affiliated with Abu Sayyaf Group sub-leader Furuji Indama during a clearing operation in Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan.


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In a statement, the AFP Western Mindanao Command identified the captured individuals as Vilyamin Garamun and Geramun Dahocoh. Seized from their possession were one Carbine and one M1 Garand rifle and ammunition.

It was learned that troops from the Alpha Company of the 18th Infantry Battalion were conducting clearing operations in sitio Pusong-Pusong, Barangay Camamburingan, Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan Province, on Saturday (August 18, 2018), when it led to the capture of Garamun and Dahocoh.

Meanwhile, troops of the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion led by Major John Reysanti Aling encountered about 30 Abu Sayyaf Group members under ASG sub-leader Mujer Yada in barangay Tugas, Patikul, Sulu, at around 3.p.m. Tuesday (August 21, 2018).

Likewise, troops of the 5th Scout Ranger Battalion encountered another group of Abu Sayyaf in Barangay Latih, Patikul, Sulu at around 9:05 a.m. the same day.

“The Western Mindanao Command is committed to sustain its operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu and Basilan. We will not falter until the last bandit will be neutralized,” said Lieutenant General Arnel B. Dela Vega of the Western Mindanao Command.

“With the support of the local chief executives, stakeholders, and the community, our campaign against terrorism will soon bear the fruit of lasting peace and prosperity not only in Sulu and Basilan but the entire Western Mindanao,” he added.

He said the military will continue to intensify the conduct of sustained military operations against the Abu Sayyaf members who continue to create chaos in the provinces of Sulu and Basilan.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/08/22/two-abu-sayyaf-terrorists-captured-amid-sustained-military-ops-in-sulu-basilan/

Alleged Abu Sayyaf member nabbed in Zamboanga City

From ABS-CBN (Aug 23): Alleged Abu Sayyaf member nabbed in Zamboanga City

A suspected member of the Abu Sayyaf Group was arrested Thursday afternoon in Zamboanga City.

Authorities identified the suspect as Nasir Daud.

Police said an informant tipped them on the presence of the suspect who went to the Hall of Justice to get a clearance.

Daud is facing charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention with ransom. A warrant for his arrest was issued by the Zamboanga City Regional Trial Court Branch 16 in June 2004.

He is one of the suspects in the kidnapping of a businessman in Barangay Pasonanca in January 2004.

Daud was brought to Zamboanga City Police Station 11 for proper documentation.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/24/18/alleged-abu-sayyaf-member-nabbed-in-zamboanga-city

Abu Sayyaf bandit dead, 20 soldiers wounded in Sulu clash

From ABS-CBN (Aug 23): Abu Sayyaf bandit dead, 20 soldiers wounded in Sulu clash

An Abu Sayyaf bandit was killed while 20 soldiers were wounded in a clash in Patikul town, Sulu, Thursday morning.

According to the Western Mindanao Command, troops from the Philippine Army's 41st Infantry Battalion encountered more than 40 armed members of the Abu Sayyaf group in the village of Langhub.

The gun battle lasted for a few minutes leaving one bandit, identified as Alpata Abdurasa, dead. Some 20 soldiers were wounded, mostly sustaining shrapnel wounds from an M203 grenade launcher and two sustaining gunshot wounds.

The military said it believes there could be more casualties on the side of the terrorist group, as blood stains were spotted in the encounter site.

The wounded soldiers were immediately brought to the Camp Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital for medical attention.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/23/18/abu-sayyaf-bandit-dead-20-soldiers-wounded-in-sulu-clash

2 ex-NPAs killed by former comrades, North Cotabato police say

From Philippine Star (Aug 23): 2 ex-NPAs killed by former comrades, North Cotabato police say

This file photo shows firearms that former NPA rebels turned over the Army in Sultan Kudarat province in 2017.

NORTH COTABATO, Philippines — Rebels executed late Wednesday a couple who surrendered early this year and entered an amnesty program for former members of the New People's Army, police said.

According to provincial police, Felix Abaniel, 50, and his wife Teresita, 51, were killed on the spot when NPAs barged into their house in Barangay Singkatulan, Makilala and opened fire with assault rifles.

There is strong NPA presence in Makilala town in North Cotabato from whose residents rebels periodically collect food and protection money.

 

Superintendent Bernard Tayong, spokesman of the North Cotabato provincial police, said Thursday that residents of Barangay Singkatulan have confirmed that the two were killed by NPAs.

Abenial and his wife had both reported receiving death threats from their former companions in the NPA.

The NPA in North Cotabato has executed no fewer than 20 former comrades in the past 12 months.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2018/08/23/1845157/2-ex-npas-killed-former-comrades-north-cotabato-police-say

Joma Sison says military can’t defeat Reds even under martial law, dictatorship

From GMA News (Aug 23): Joma Sison says military can’t defeat Reds even under martial law, dictatorship

Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chairman Jose Maria Sison on Thursday claimed government forces will still be incapable of "destroying" his group even if President Rodrigo Duterte were to place the country under martial law or a dictatorship.

In a statement, the communist leader stressed that their revolutionary forces have been operating on a national scale, while government forces are "overstretched" across the country.

"The enemy forces do not have the precise knowledge and capability to attack and destroy the revolutionary forces all at once even under martial law and fascist dictatorship," Sison said, noting that the CPP and its armed wing, the New People's Army, operate through "clandestine and countryside basing."

"Meanwhile, the guerrilla fronts in Luzon and the Visayas have even better opportunities for launching and winning offensives against the overstretched 21 maneuver battalions that are deployed against them," Sison added.

Sison said NPA forces are capable of carrying out tactical offensive against "more vulnerable" enemy positions, adding that the military supposedly does not have enough strength to launch attacks against the rebels.

"The enemy armed forces does not have enough armed strength to concentrate on and destroy the party and the people´s army in any region, without those in other regions launching offensives to relieve their comrades in the region under attack," he said.

"When the NPA forces in certain regions are under enemy attack, those in other regions can intensify their own offensives and win battles," Sison said.

As of posting time, GMA News Online is still trying to reach the military for comment on Sison's remarks.

The formal resumption of peace talks was supposed to proceed on June 28 in Norway, but did not push through after President Rodrigo Duterte said he wanted more public consultations first before returning to the negotiating table.

In July, Duterte said he was ready for another 50 years of war with the communist groups, stressing that the latter only wanted "power sharing and coalition government."

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said local government units may pursue localized peace negotiations with rebels provided that "they do not concede any aspect of governance and pursuant to guidelines to be agreed upon by the Cabinet cluster on security."

However, the CPP, as well as local revolutionary groups, had rejected the idea.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/665279/joma-sison-says-military-can-t-defeat-communists-even-under-martial-law-dictatorship/story/

NPA instructor surrenders to military in Compostela Valley

From Politiko Mindanao (Aug 21): NPA instructor surrenders to military in Compostela Valley



A suspected leader and instructor of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) has surrendered to the military in Compostela Valley, an official said Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Palmer M. Parungao of the Amy’s 66th Infantry Battalion (IB) said that Fernando D. Lobiano, alias Jay/Jaya, was left by his comrades when they scampered to escape after the government troops conducted recently an operation in Purok 8, Barangay Gabi, Compostela town Monday.
He said Lobiano was the political instructor and designated commander of the newly organized Expedition Platoon of Section Committee 15 of the Sub-Regional Committee 1, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee.

Lobiano was visiting his family when the soldiers were able to monitor the rebels’ presence with the help of the former mass organization members, he said.

Sensing that he was about to be caught, Parungao said Lobiano surrendered to the military and asked that he be brought to Compostela Valley Gov. Tyron Uy, who also accepted his surrender.

Lobiano, 42, had been with the NPA since 1995.

Parungao said that Lobiano’s surrender has brought great demoralization in the NPA ranks.

“We expect that more of the members of the expedition platoon will come back to the better part of the society,” he said.
http://mindanao.politics.com.ph/npa-instructor-surrenders-to-military-in-compostela-valley/

‘People are fed up with NPA rebels’

From the Panay News (Aug 22): ‘People are fed up with NPA rebels’



‘RESIST NPA EXTORTION.’ “Giving in to the rebels’ extortion demands means feeding them and taking part in their criminal activities,” says Major General Dinoh Dolina, commander of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division based in Jamindan, Capiz. People are getting tired of supporting the New People’s Army in Panay Island, he says. IAN PAUL CORDERO/PN

ILOILO City – People are getting tired of supporting the New People’s Army (NPA) in Panay Island, according to the Philippine Army.

Proof: Information from civilians helped the police and military track down the seven rebels killed in Barangay Atabay, San Jose, Antique on Aug. 15, according to the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID).

“The tip-off from the civilian populace resulted to the successful neutralization of these terrorists,” said Major General Dinoh Dolina, 3ID commander.

He dismissed as propaganda the NPA’s claim that what happened in Barangay Atabay was not an encounter but a massacre of seven sleeping people.

That civilians themselves were offering information to the authorities about rebels showed that “people are already fed up with the NPA,” said Dolina.
He urged civilians to resist the NPA’s extortion activities.

“Giving in to their demands means feeding their wants and taking part in their criminal activities,” said Dolina.

According to the police and military, the seven killed rebels were members of the NPA’s taxation group.

“The only way to stop the extortion is by not giving in to their demands. This will make the rebels irrelevant forever,” said Dolina.

The general dismissed as a lie the claim of NPA-Panay’s Coronacion Chiva Waling-Waling Command spokesperson Julio Montana that the so-called recoveries in Barangay Atabay – guns, ammunitions and extortion letters, among others – were “planted.”

“How can we plant all those recoveries? Ka Julio and his comrades are known for fabricating lies, especially in situations like this,” said Dolina.

Joint police and military forces that operated against the seven rebels reported to have seized the following: three hand grenades, two .40mm ammunitions, two rifle grenades, a homemade single-shot 12-gauge shotgun, two homemade .38 revolvers, a homemade KJ9 pistol, three magazines for KJ9, and two empty magazines of an undetermined gun.

Also seized were two laptops (MacBook Pro and Lenovo), a netbook, 22 analog mobile phones, seven Android phones, five tablet computers, and Canon DSLR camera, five Canon DSLR spare batteries, two pocket WiFis, a power bank, three SD cards, a thumb drive, 22 assorted SIM cards, three transistor radios, four disposable lighters, four wristwatches, 14 assorted mobile phone chargers, four headsets, a keyboard, assorted wires, and a bolo.

Addressing Montana, Dolina said, “The public is well aware of the lies being perpetuated by your organization. After you made ridiculous statements in some local media entities, you became a laughing stock. Take time to read the public’s comments on the social media sites of these media entities.”

Meanwhile, according to human rights group Panay Alliance Karapatan, all the seven killed rebels had gunshot wounds on the head.

This indicated that the seven were most probably sleeping when they were peppered with bullets, said Reylan Vergara, secretary general of the rights group.

The gunshot wounds on the heads and chests appeared to be “finishing shots”, added Vergara.

According to Karapatan, what happened was a “massacre” and a violation of the international humanitarian law.

“NPA or not, they had rights. These should have been respected,” said Vergara.

Senior Inspector Norby Escobar, information officer of the Antique Police Provincial Office, insisted that what happened was a legitimate operation.

“We have witnesses,” he said.

Escobar also said documents recovered proved the casualties and their group were collecting revolutionary taxes.

https://www.panaynews.net/people-are-fed-up-with-npa-rebels/

Former NPA members in Davao Oriental get ICT training

From the Business World (Aug 20): Former NPA members in Davao Oriental get ICT training



THE HAPPY HOME in Davao Oriental serves as a halfway house for rebel returnees. — DAVAO ORIENTAL GOVT
THE DAVAO ORIENTAL provincial government has tapped the Tech4d Center, a computer-based educational mechanism under the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT), to provide rebel returnees with new skills.

In a statement from the provincial government, Amelia S. Dean, DICT acting regional head for operations and coordination services, said the center provides delivery channels of “information and communication technology (ICT)-enabled services and government services to reach rural areas.”

“We are nationwide. We also serve as training hub to educate the public on digital literacy and to raise awareness on the importance of ICT,” said Ms. Dean.

The beneficiaries are former members of the communist New People’s Army who are staying at the provincial government’s Happy Home, a halfway house for those who have laid down their arms.

Ms. Dean said the Tech4d Center offers program like English competency, financial literacy, farming technologies, and research. It also offers online job opportunities, links businesses with markets, and provides training for those who want to work online.

http://www.bworldonline.com/former-npa-members-in-davao-oriental-get-ict-training/

Is Duterte’s Green Light for Autonomy in the Southern Philippines a Path to Peace?

From the World Politics Review (Aug 20): Is Duterte’s Green Light for Autonomy in the Southern Philippines a Path to Peace? (By Michael Hart)



Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte poses for a selfie with Muslim lawmakers following the presentation of the signed Bangsamoro Organic Law at Malacanang Palace in Manila, Philippines, Aug. 6, 2018 (AP photo by Bullit Marquez).

On July 26, President Rodrigo Duterte signed a law paving the way for the long-awaited creation of a new self-governing region encompassing Muslim-majority areas on the Philippines’ conflict-wracked southern island of Mindanao. Known as the Bangsamoro Organic Law, it had been fiercely debated by lawmakers and rebel leaders amid political wrangling and ongoing violence. It aims to end a bloody separatist conflict that began in the early 1970s and has claimed thousands of civilian lives.

The bill’s passage is the culmination of four years of talks between the government and the 30,000-strong Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which has been fighting for greater autonomy in the south since its formation in 1981, when it broke away from the older Moro National Liberation Front. Both groups initially sought full independence through a lengthy guerrilla war in western Mindanao’s dense jungles, but in recent years they laid down their arms in pursuit of peace.

The proposed Bangsamoro autonomous region is set to have its own elected parliament, while promising Mindanao’s Moro Muslim inhabitants greater control of the region’s finances and access to revenues from natural resources. But will it set the region on the road to a sustainable and lasting peace? A series of roadblocks lie ahead. The new region must still be given the final seal of approval in a public vote later this year, while the impending transition and implementation period is set to run until 2022.

Political hurdles aside, a more serious threat to peace comes from a collection of smaller, more radical Islamist groups that has voiced their opposition to the law and vowed to continue their fight. The militants of Abu Sayyaf, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and the Islamic State-aligned Maute group are ready to pounce should the new autonomous entity fail to live up to expectations.

The Moro population’s roots in western Mindanao date back to the arrival of Arab traders in the Sulu islands during the 14th century, long before the Spanish and U.S. colonial era, when the region’s Muslims were marginalized amid the active promotion of Christian migration southward. That sense of marginalization grew under the post-independence military dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos and, when his regime was eventually toppled, under successive democratically elected administrations.

Decades of fighting between the Philippine military and the two Moro rebel fronts raged until 1989, when an agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front led to the creation of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Still in place today, the region has long been considered a failure, constituting autonomy in name only. A second deal was signed with the group in 1996, but it had little impact until 2014, when the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro envisaged the more powerful Moro Islamic Liberation Front finally trading peace for greater autonomy.

The law granting autonomy to Bangsamoro that Duterte signed last month met many of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s original demands outlined four years ago. The new Bangsamoro region will have its own 80-member elected parliament, with lawmakers given the power to enact laws and appoint a chief minister as the region’s figurehead. The region will also receive an unconditional annual grant of around $1.3 billion and 75 percent of taxes collected from its provinces by Manila. Geographically, it will cover the same territory as the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, encompassing the mainland provinces of Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur, in addition to the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. Several other municipalities and cities outside of these provinces will be given the opportunity to join Bangsamoro in the referendum later this year.

The Bangsamoro government will receive 100 percent of revenues accrued from the development and use of most natural resources within the region’s borders, while revenue-sharing arrangements have been agreed to for uranium, fossil fuels and inland water resources that supply other areas of Mindanao. On issues of defense and security, however, the military and the Philippine national police will continue to have overall responsibility. The new law rules out the creation of a separate Moro army or police force.

July’s agreement was hailed in both Manila and Mindanao. The government’s peace envoy, Jesus Dureza, described the moment as a “long-awaited dream coming true”; Duterte himself has spoken of correcting “historical injustices” committed against the Moro population. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s vice chairman, Ghazali Jaafar, said the law would create an autonomous region “above” the level of Muslim Mindanao, adding that the rebel leadership was “100 percent satisfied” with the final version of the law. The leader of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Al-Hajj Murad Ebrahim, has also expressed his support, and in a rally for supporters at the group’s remote Camp Darapanan base near the western coast of Mindanao, senior rebel leaders urged all Muslims to back the deal.

Political hurdles aside, a more serious threat to peace in Mindanao comes from a collection of Islamist groups that has vowed to continue their fight.

Despite these positive reactions and a mood of relief, if not celebration, it remains to be seen whether the new law will succeed in quelling Mindanao’s rebellion in its entirety.

The transition toward the new region is unlikely to be smooth. Although the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Philippine army have not clashed regularly for years, deeply ingrained mindsets and mutual suspicions could undermine the new law. The rebels have promised to disarm their 30,000 fighters and transform their camps into “productive civilian communities,” but that will be hard to realize. Former rebel leaders will likely find the move into politics easier than regular armed members who now face the daunting challenge of adjusting to civilian life and reintegrating into society. And with Manila set to maintain control over security in the region, tensions could erupt over the encroachment of army personnel into former separatist strongholds.

Another sticking point is the position of the older Moro National Liberation Front, which was not involved in the Bangsamoro-centered peace process. Both Duterte and the veteran Moro leadership have said they will reach out to the Moro National Liberation Front’s longtime de-facto leader, Nur Misuari, in an attempt to engage him in the ongoing dialogue. The older front is thought to be broadly supportive of the new autonomous region, and is not expected to take up arms and disrupt the peace process. Other groups, however, may be much harder to bring on board.

A host of radical Islamist groups active in Mindanao outwardly reject the idea of the Bangsamoro region and have said they will continue to fight for either a fully independent Moro nation or an Islamic State-style caliphate. Violence from these groups escalated in recent months as the Bangsamoro law neared the end of its marathon journey through the Philippine Congress. In mid-June, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, the most powerful and well-resourced of these groups, which poses the largest threat to the peace process, clashed with government troops for several days in an area of southern Mindanao known as the Liguasan Marsh, before attempting to take over a town in Maguindanao province in July. The fighters’ spokesperson, Abu Misri Mama, recently warned that “we are not in favor of autonomy; this island will not see peace even after the [Bangsamoro Organic Law] is passed.”

There have also been renewed clashes with the Maute group—the architects of last year’s five-month siege of the city of Marawi. And Abu Sayyaf, which has waged a campaign of terror on outlying islands since splitting from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in 1990, carried out a suicide bombing at a military checkpoint on the island of Basilan on July 31, killing 11 people.

Still, great strides have been made in recent years. After an especially brutal ambush in 2015, when militants killed 44 police officers, lawmakers put plans for the new Bangsamoro region on the backburner. Yet since the July 2016 election of Duterte, who hails from the troubled island of Mindanao, the peace process has gained continual momentum, with the long-awaited Bangsamoro region now on the horizon. Sensing the moment, Duterte is now trying to crush radical elements in Mindanao while a state of martial law remains in place.

That won’t guarantee the dream of Bangsamoro autonomy, though. A plebiscite in proposed areas of the new region is required within 150 days to ratify its creation, while the transition from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao is likely to be long and arduous. But too much time and energy has been invested, and Mindanao has a lot to lose if the deal fails, with extremist groups looking to capitalize on any false promises and frustration. Both the government and Moro separatists must tread carefully as the hard work of securing a lasting peace begins.

[Michael Hart is a freelance writer and researcher focusing on civil conflict and the politics of East Asia. He has written for The Diplomat, Eurasia Review and Geopolitical Monitor, among other publications.]

https://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/articles/25598/is-duterte-s-green-light-for-autonomy-in-the-southern-philippines-a-path-to-peace

Alleged Abu Sayyaf members nabbed in Basilan, clash with troops in Sulu

From GMA News (Aug 22): Alleged Abu Sayyaf members nabbed in Basilan, clash with troops in Sulu

Two men believed to be members of the Abu Sayyaf were arrested in a clearing operation in Basilan, as the Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) continue their military operations against the bandit group in the said province and in Sulu.

In a statement, the WestMinCom said the two armed individuals were apprehended by the Alpha Company of the 18th Infantry Battalion on August 18 at Sitio Pusong-Pusong, Barangay Camamburingan, Ungkaya Pukan.

They were identified as Vilyamin Garamun and Geramun Dahocoh. One Carbine, one M1 Garand rifle and ammunition were recovered from the suspects.
Meanwhile, the WestMinCom also reported of an armed encounter with around 30 members of the Abu Sayyaf Group under sub-leader Mujer Yadah on Tuesday in Barangay Tugas, Patikul, Sulu.

In the morning of the same day, operating troops of the 5th Scout Ranger Battalion led by Lieutenant Colonel Marlon Jomalesa also faced another group of Abu Sayyaf in Barangay Latih, Patikul, Sulu.

"The Western Mindanao Command is committed to sustain its operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu and Basilan. We will not falter until the last bandit will be neutralized," WestMinCom commander Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega said.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/665078/alleged-abu-sayyaf-members-nabbed-in-basilan-clash-with-troops-in-sulu/story/

Duterte meets with MNLF leader Misuari in Davao City

From GMA News (Aug 23): Duterte meets with MNLF leader Misuari in Davao City



President Rodrigo Duterte and Nur Misuari greet each other in Davao City on August 22, 2018. Last month, after enacting the Bangsamoro Organic Law, Duterte invited the Moro National Liberation Front founding chairman to talk. Photo: Malacañang
President Rodrigo Duterte met with Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Chairman Nur Misuari on Wednesday at the Matina Enclaves in Davao City, according to Special Assistant to the President Christopher "Bong" Go.

Go said Duterte and Misuari both expressed their desire for a lasting peace in Mindanao.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the "only information" he got was Duterte and Misuari talked about federalism.

"Now this is not new in the sense that he has been regularly meeting with Nur Misuari. But again, the only thing I got was that they talked about federalism," Roque said at a news conference on Thursday.

It was the first meeting between the President and Misuari since the former signed the Bangsamoro Organic Law last month.

The BOL aims to end decades of conflict in Mindanao by creating a political entity that would enjoy greater autonomy than the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Duterte also met with Indonesian Ambassador Dr. Sinyo Harry Sarundajang, Dante Ang, special envoy of the Royal Council of the Sulu Sultanate Datu Shahbandar Abdusakur Tan and Sulu mayors.

In his meeting with Sulu mayors, Duterte renewed his vow to bring peace to Mindanao through the establishment of Bangsamoro region and federal government.

"I’ve always wanted peace… Ang akin talaga is peace at all costs," he said.

The President, however, allayed fears that a federal type of government will cause an unfair distribution of power in local governments, saying that he will ensure equality and fairness once the federal form of government is in place.

"We don’t intend to leave anybody behind so things can move forward," he said.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/665167/duterte-meets-with-mnlf-leader-misuari-in-davao-city/story/

Photo: Nur and Digong

From MindaNews (Aug 23): Photo: Nur and Digong



President Rodrigo Roa Duterte shares a light moment with Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Chair Nur Misuari during a meeting held at the Matina Enclaves in Davao City on August 22, 2018. Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza attended the meeting and posted photographs on his Facebook page but said nothing about what was discussed by the President and the founding chair of the MNLF. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
http://www.mindanews.com/photo-of-the-day/2018/08/nur-and-digong-3/

MILF's Murad to head Bangsamoro transition government

From the Philippine Star (Aug 22): MILF's Murad to head Bangsamoro transition government                          

 

In this July 29, 2018 file photo, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front holds an assembly in Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

The central committee of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front has chosen Hadji Murad Ebrahim to sit as chief minister of a transition government for the proposed new Bangsamoro region.

The new region will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao based on its charter, the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

The consensus for Murad to be the Bangsamoro chief minister was reached during an urgent meeting Tuesday by members of the MILF’s central leadership core and senior commanders from across Mindanao in Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao.


Murad is the revolutionary figurehead of the MILF’s central committee, whose members include Ghazali Jaafar of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission and Mohagher Iqbal, chair of the MILF negotiation panel.

Murad has been chairman of the MILF since 2003.
The BOL that lawmakers approved last July was premised on two compacts between the government and the MILF—the 2013 Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro and the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro.

The two agreements were products of 19 years of peace talks between the government and the MILF, which splintered from the Moro National Liberation Front in the early 1980s.

The MNLF, led by Nur Misuari, signed a peace deal with Malacañang in September 1996.

The transition from ARMM to the Bangsamoro government is expected to commence by January 2019.

Under the Bangsamoro Organic Law, a Bangsamoro Transition Authority will act as an interim government during the transition period between ratification by plebiscite and the first elections in the new region.

"The Moro Islamic Liberation Front shall lead the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, without prejudice to the participation of the Moro National Liberation Front in its membership," the law also says.

The 80 members of the transition authority will be appointed by the president.

 

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/08/22/1844886/milfs-murad-head-bangsamoro-transition-government

Duterte, Misuari in first meeting since Bangsamoro Law signing

ABS-CBN (Aug 23): Duterte, Misuari in first meeting since Bangsamoro Law signing



President Rodrigo Duterte meets with Moro National Liberation Front founding chairman Nur Misuari on August 22, 2018. Their meeting comes nearly a month after the President signed the Bangsamoro Organic Law. Photo courtesy of Special Assistant to the President Bong Go
President Rodrigo Duterte met with Moro National Liberation Front founding chairman Nur Misuari, where they affirmed their mutual desire for peace in Mindanao, the chief executive's aide said Thursday.

The meeting in Davao City on Wednesday was the first since Duterte signed the Bangsamoro Organic Law or BOL in July. Special Assistant to the President Bong Go released photos of the meeting.

The BOL, which grants wider autonomy to the Muslim minority in the south, was an offshoot of a 2014 peace accord between Manila and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, a rival of Misuari's MNLF.

Duterte's predecessor, Benigno Aquino III, pursued talks with the MILF, calling the existing Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao a "failed experiment."

Misuari served as ARMM governor after the MNLF struck a peace deal with the government of former President Fidel Ramos in 1996.

Duterte signs Bangsamoro law
Duterte offers peace to Misuari

Duterte had said he could give Misuari "autonomy… if that is what he wants and pending the federal system implementation."


The President was referring to efforts to rewrite the Constitution and put in place a federal form of government in place of the current presidential setup.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/23/18/duterte-misuari-in-first-meeting-since-bangsamoro-law-signing

Duterte warns communists he's prepared to 'bomb' them

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 21): Duterte warns communists he's prepared to 'bomb' them

Local government officials who give aid to communist rebels will lose powers over the police, says President Rodrigo Duterte

WARNING. President Rodrigo Duterte sits beside DILG officer-in-charge Eduardo Año during the League of Municipalities event in Cebu City. RTVM screenshot

President Rodrigo Duterte warned communists that if they turn violent, he won't hesitate to order the use of bombs against them, even if civilians could get hurt in the process.

"I'm warning you rebels. Marami akong armas (I have many arms). You do some fighting there, I will freely use all the jets to bomb you. And if I hurt civilians, then it's part of the territory," he said on Tuesday, August 21 in Cebu City.

"Huwag kayong masyadong atake-atake ng kampo (Don't attack camps) because if you start, I will not hesitate to bomb you," continued the President.


He also had a warning for the local government executives who were present at the League of Municipalities: they could lose power over local police if they provide resources to communist rebels.

"Never associate yourself with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). Never give them aid. It will be to your chagrin at the end of the day if you do that. You will lose power over the police," said Duterte.

As of July, over 180 local officials have been stripped of their police powers after being linked to corruption or the illegal drug trade.

Duterte terminated peace negotations with the CPP but recently greenlighted guidelines for localized peace talks. Given that these localized talks involve the local governments and local chapters of the New People's Army, it's not clear how Duterte will draw the line between "association" with communists and merely implementing the localized talks.

Duterte also said the Left no longer have any redeeming quality after their attacks and ambushes that have led to the deaths of police and military personnel.

"Then if we talk again, I will not be nasty but – don't because they are the enemy. A lot of my police, almost thousands of them and the policemen and soldiers died. That can't be corrected by peace talks," said Duterte in a mix of English and Filipino.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/210112-duterte-warns-communists-willing-to-bomb-them

Air Force lauds Hidilyn Diaz gold medal win in Asian Games

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 22): Air Force lauds Hidilyn Diaz gold medal win in Asian Games

Airwoman 1st Class (AW1C) Hidilyn Diaz's strong passion to win has again brought honor to the nation and the Philippine Air Force (PAF) when she bagged the country's first gold medal in the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia.

Diaz, a silver medalist in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, bagged the gold in the 53-kg category in weighlifting Tuesday.

"The PAF, led by our CGPAF (Commanding General,PAF) Lt. Gen. Galileo Gerard Kintanar (expresses) our congratulations to Airwoman 1st Class Hidilyn Diaz for once again (been hailed) as the strongest as she impressively bags the first gold medal for the Philippines in the 53kg category during the 2018 Asian Games Weightlifting event held at Jakarta International Hall A on August 21, 2018," Air Force spokesperson Major Aris Galang said in a message to the Philippine News Agency late Tuesday.

He added that Diaz's dedication and passion has made her an inspiration to Filipinos and to all PAF personnel.

"As part of the 'Blue Team Family', we give AW1C Diaz our snappiest salute for her discipline, perseverance and hard work that made her achieved another milestone in her career," the PAF spokesperson pointed out.

Galang's remarks were echoed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo in a message to reporters Tuesday.

"AW1C Diaz epitomizes the diligence, perseverance, hard work, and dedication not only of every airman, soldier, sailor, and marine, but of every Filipino who triumphs over all adversities and challenges," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1045561

3 other nations willing to supply diesel-electric submarines to PH

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 22): 3 other nations willing to supply diesel-electric submarines to PH

Aside from Russia, three other countries have expressed interest to supply the Philippine Navy with diesel-electric submarines.

"We are now studying the offers of (South) Korea, France and if I'm not mistaken, Indonesia as well," Department of National Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in an interview with reporters Wednesday, noting that all three have shipyards and facilities capable of constructing diesel-electric submarines.

No other details are available, Andolong said.

Earlier, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Russia is willing to provide advanced versions of its Kilo-class submarines to the Philippines through "soft loans" but clarified that the country is still looking for other sources.

Kilo-class submarines have a surface displacement of 2,350 tons, a length of 73.8 meters and capable of speeds up 17 to 20 knots and can be armed with a variety of torpedoes, missiles and naval mines.

It has a cruising range of about 6,000 to 7,500 nautical miles. In the ASEAN region, Vietnam is known to operate six improved Kilo-class submarines in its fleet.

Lorenzana earlier said that for an island nation like the Philippines, defense could be considered incomplete without a fleet of submarines.

"For a nation with maritime territory, especially (an) island nation, its national defense is incomplete without (a) submarine," he added.

The defense chief also said that an effective active submarine force is a great deterrent for would-be aggressors due to its capability to travel underwater unseen, giving it the element of surprise.

A submarine force is a great morale booster to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1045572

Submarine offers likely to be discussed in Moscow visit: DND spox

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 22): Submarine offers likely to be discussed in Moscow visit: DND spox

Russia's offer of a Kilo-class diesel-electric submarine is likely to be tackled during the visit of Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to Moscow to meet with his Russian counterpart, Minister Sergey Shoygu.

"It's not farfetched that they will talk about the submarine (offer) during his trip," DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said Tuesday.

Russia earlier expressed interest to provide its Kilo-class submarine to the Philippines via "soft loan".
Kilo-class submarines have a surface displacement of 2,350 tons, a length of 73.8 meters and capable of speeds up 17 to 20 knots and can be armed with a variety of torpedoes, missiles and naval mines.

It has a cruising range of around 6,000 to 7,500 nautical miles. In the ASEAN region, Vietnam is known to operate six improved Kilo-class submarines in its fleet.

"The SND (Secretary of National Defense) is in Moscow upon the invitation of Russian Defense Minister and General of the Army Sergey Shoygu. He is reciprocating the visit which the latter recently paid him in the Philippines," Andolong said.

Lorenzana left for Russia last Aug. 16 and is expected to be back on Friday.

There, the two defense chiefs will discuss possible areas where the DND and Russian Defense Ministry can cooperate.

"They will discuss possible areas in which cooperation between the defense establishments of the Philippines and Russia may be developed and deepened," Andolong added.

In a separate message, Lorenzana said he is in Russia to look into some of the defense equipment the latter is offering.

"To look at some defense equipment they are offering: like submarines, helicopters," the DND chief replied when asked on the purpose of his visit to Moscow.

In October last year, Lorenzana and Shoygu signed an Agreement for Military-Technical Cooperation between the two countries.

The document contained provisions on various areas of military and technical cooperation such as research, production support, as well as possible exchange of experts and training of personnel for joint programs.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1045564

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 22): Russian visit first for PH Navy

The coming port visit of one of the two Tarlac-class strategic sealift vessels (SSVs) in Vladivostok is the first time a Philippine Navy (PN) ship will be visiting Russian territory.

This was confirmed by Navy spokesperson Cmdr. Jonathan Zata in a message to the PNA Wednesday.

"(The visit of the PN to Vladivostok, Russia is the) very first," he added.

Zata said the proposed schedule for the Russian port visit is by the end of September.

When asked on the number of officers and enlisted personnel, the PN spokesperson said the final figure is still being finalized.

"The final number is being confirmed since it (the visit) will also be a training opportunity for new personnel of the PN," Zata added.

The scheduled PN port call is in reciprocation of the visit of Russian warships in Manila last June and those of last year, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana earlier said.

The Tarlac-class SSVs are the largest PN ships in service as of this posting. These vessels have an overall length of 120 meters, breadth of 21 meters, draft of five meters and can carry a payload of 2,800 tons.

Both have a cruising speed of 13 knots and maximum speed of 16 knots and a minimum operating range of 7,500 nautical miles. Both SSVs can carry 500 troops, two rigid-hull inflatable boats, two landing craft units and three helicopters.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1045603

Training of crew to man proposed submarines also important: PN chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 23): Training of crew to man proposed submarines also important: PN chief

Philippine Navy (PN) flag officer-in-command, Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad, on Wednesday stressed the importance of training the crew, who will man the submarines that the government is planning to acquire.

"Very complex ang submarine (Manning a submarine is very complex). Kailangan ng (It requires) sonar (detection and identification) skills. Meron na tayo tini-train, meron na tayong pinapadala (sa) abroad na (We already have personnel who are undergoing training. There are those we have sent abroad, including) officers and EP (enlisted personnel) to study the other capabilities of submarines," Empedrad said in an interview with reporters.

The Navy’s Submarine Group selected the crew, he said, adding that the support of ranking government and military officials would beef up the training of personnel selected for submarine duty.

"(This) will increase the (tempo of the) training kasi ibang klaseng capability ito (because this is a distinct capability). We have to train personnel. It is not just acquiring equipment. Kailangan natin ng magagaling na mga tao na mag-man dito sa (We need skilled personnel to man these) submarines (which have) very complex equipment," Empedrad pointed out.

Earlier, the Navy chief said he fully supports all proposals that would allow the country to acquire its first diesel-electric submarines at the soonest possible time.

This is because undersea or submarine warfare is now the trend in naval warfare as it is very difficult to fight an opponent you cannot see or detect due to its ability to go underwater, he said.

Empedrad added that the decision to acquire submarines for the Philippine military was further bolstered by a recent conference he attended in London, United Kingdom.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1045715

Gov't-to-gov't mode best way to procure submarines for PH

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 23): Gov't-to-gov't mode best way to procure submarines for PH

Government-to-government procurement is the best way to acquire complex defense equipment like submarines, Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad said Wednesday.

"I think the best way (to acquire submarines) is to include G-to-G (Government-to-Government) para nawala yun complication ng procurement (so that there will be no complications of the procurement process) but it (still) depends on the President," he said in an interview with reporters.

Empedrad also added that the "soft-loan" being proposed by the Russians for their Kilo-class diesel-electric submarines is very advantageous to the Philippines as no money is allocated yet for the submarine acquisition program.

"The Russians are offering us 'soft loan' (to finance the acquisition of their Kilo-class submarines) it's very advantageous (for the submarine acquisition program)," he stressed.

Despite this offer, Empedrad said nothing is final yet.

Aside from Russia, Germany and South Korea has also expressed its interest to participate in the PN's acquisition program, he added.

Earlier, DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Russia is willing to provide advanced versions of its Kilo-class submarines to the Philippines through "soft loans" but clarified that the country is still looking for other sources.

Kilo-class submarines have a surface displacement of 2,350 tons, a length of 73.8 meters and capable of speeds up 17 to 20 knots and can be armed with a variety of torpedoes, missiles and naval mines.

It has a cruising range of around 6,000 to 7,500 nautical miles. In the ASEAN region, Vietnam is known to operate six improved Kilo-class submarines in its fleet. Lorenzana earlier said that for an island nation like the Philippines, its defense can be considered incomplete without a fleet of submarines.

"For a nation with maritime territory specially island nation, its national defense is incomplete without (a) submarine," he added.

Also, Lorenzana said that an effective active submarine force is a great deterrent for would be aggressors due to its capability to travel underwater unseen, giving it the element of surprise.

A submarine force is a great morale booster to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the DND chief added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1045713

DND: No trouble seen in WPS

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 22): DND: No trouble seen in WPS

The Department of National Defense (DND) is not anticipating any war or trouble in the West Philippine Sea, its spokesperson said Thursday.

DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong, however, said the DND and the Armed Forces of the Philippines remain committed to defending the country's sovereignty.

"We do not foresee any war with China at the moment, particulary in the West Philippine Sea, however the DND and AFP will always defend our sovereignty at all cost," Andolong said.

"We are ready to carry out mandate, however, we will do so with whatever resources we have on hand, if that would be enough well and good, if it's not we will leave it to chance but as I said we do not foresee any trouble," he added.

Despite this challenge, Andolong said that the military will continue its patrols in the West Philippine Sea.

"Basta tayo tuloy tuloy (continuous) ang patrol, regardless if we are challenged or not, because that is the mandate of the AFP," he added.

In a speech during a gathering of Visayas mayors in Cebu City Tuesday, President Rodrigo R. Duterte earlier said trouble could erupt should China attempt to unilaterally exploit resources in the West Philippine Sea.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1045775

2 soldiers killed in ambush

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 22): 2 soldiers killed in ambush

Suspected members of the New People Army (NPA) rebels ambushed on Tuesday afternoon two Philippine Army soldiers in Barangay (village) Panoypoy in Camalig town, Albay, a military report said.

Killed were Army Private First Class (PFC) Cris Aron Consolation and Emmanuel Clarinal, both members of the Army's 2nd Infantry Battalion, Army Capt. Joash Pramis of the 9th Infantry Division said.

The two soldiers were on board a motorcycle bound for the village at around 4:45 p.m. when a group of suspected NPA rebels attacked them with assault rifles, killing them there and then.

Army troopers are on pursuit operation and have set up checkpoints in areas believed to be used as an escape route by the fleeing rebels.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1045553

NegOcc police condemns NPA rebels’ slay of village chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 22): NegOcc police condemns NPA rebels’ slay of village chief

The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) has condemned the latest atrocity of the New People’s Army (NPA), which claimed the life of village chief Rhoy Pagapang of Barangay Libas in Isabela town.

“We are condemning the violent act perpetrated by the NPA,” said Senior Insp. Aireen Cordua, public information officer of NOCPPO, in a statement on Wednesday.

Cordua said that despite the communist rebels owning up to the killing of 38-year-old barangay captain, the police will continue with the investigation.

“It will not stop the police from investigating the incident. We have to know the reason why he was killed and also look into the background of the barangay captain,” she added.

Cordua said Senior Supt. Rodolfo Castil, police provincial director, believes that if Pagapang committed violations, he should have gone through due process.

“Killing him should not be their solution,” she quoted Castil.

On Monday night, the NPA’s Leonardo Panaligan Command-Central Negros Guerrilla Front, in a statement released to the local media, claimed responsibility for the death of Pagapang, who was gunned down by unidentified assailants in Barangay Cabcab on Monday morning.

The rebel group said Pagapang was a “military asset,” who has included him in their target list since 2016 for providing information on the NPA’s activities to the intelligence officer of the Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade.

Senior Insp. Randy Babor, chief of Isabela Municipal Police Station, on Tuesday said they will focus their investigation on the perpetrators from the rebel group.

Pagapang is the latest casualty of what the Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion called “the killing rampage of the CPP-NPA’s Leonardo Panaligan Command” in central Negros.

Two incidents were recorded on August 10, including the murders of former San Agustin village chief Agapito Euraoba, also of Isabela, in Negros Occidental and of village chief Virgilio Masicampo Jr. of Barangay Nagsaha, Guihulngan City, in Negros Oriental.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1045566

6ID chief commends civilians, MILF for helping foil BIFF plot

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 22): 6ID chief commends civilians, MILF for helping foil BIFF plot

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- The military here credited and lauded Wednesday civilians and members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in the neutralization of seven members of the Daesh-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao during the past two days.

“Residents of Sultan sa Barongis town and the MILF forces stationed in the area alerted the police about the presences of BIFF and camping in Sitio Kabasalan, Barangay Darampua,” Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, said.

“The outpouring support from all stakeholders had been overwhelming. Likewise, we are happy that the level of security awareness and vigilance of the civilian populace are becoming high,” Sobejana added.

After the information provided by the civilians and MILF counterpart had been verified and confirmed, the military conducted surgical operation through artillery fire in pinpointed BIFF positions.

“The operation was focused and surgical and no civilian communities have been affected,” Capt. Arvin John Encinas, speaking for the 6th ID, said, referring to the artillery offensive from the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade.

Seven BIFF members were confirmed killed and an undetermined number were injured during the Monday night and Tuesday morning offensives, Encinas said.

He said the BIFF members slain in Sitio Kabasalan belonged to the Abu Toraife-faction of the BIFF and led by Salahuddin Hassan, also known as “Orak.”  The fatalities were only known through their aliases as Abdullah, an alleged sub-commander, Rasul, Bayan, Hamdan, Abubakar, Tima, and Hairiya.

On August 14, military troopers succeeded in pushing away at least 40 fully-armed men believed to be members of the BIFF-Bungos faction in the marshland of Sitio Bangon, Barangay Simsiman, Pigcawayan, North Cotabato, through the help of the local community.

The group had planned to harass the village of Simsiman but civilians quickly alerted authorities and foiled attempts to harm non-combatants in the village.

For the past several months, the BIFF has considerably lost a significant number of their combatants as most of them have surrendered to authorities while others died during intensive military operations.

Government troops have been persistent in monitoring and flushing out the violent extremist group to keep the peace in Central Mindanao.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1045582

PNP, AFP join forces to address Guihulngan killings

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 22): PNP, AFP join forces to address Guihulngan killings

The provincial police director here said the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at the regional level are coming up with a joint security plan to address the problem on the continuing killings in Guihulngan City in northern Negros Oriental.

In an interview Tuesday afternoon, Negros Oriental police director, Senior Supt. Raul Tacaca, admitted that the PNP alone cannot solve the murders, mostly carried out by unidentified suspects, who shoot their victims even in broad daylight in the city’s hinterlands or even in the central district.

Tacaca said the killings are mostly related to the insurgency problem or illegal drugs.

Public clamor is on the rise in Guihulngan City for law enforcers to address the killings. The police said it could not categorically say whether the murders are related but residents believe so.

When asked if an in-depth investigation has been made to connect the killings, Tacaca said “hindi pa namin ma-establish talaga ang exact motive (we have not really established the exact motives).”

He further said the people are afraid to provide the police with information that would help them in their investigation.

“Sa totoo lang talaga, takot ang mga tao doon, lalo na yung nasa hinterland barangays (The truth is people there, especially in the hinterland barangays, are fearful),” said Tacaca, attributing this to the “presence of the armed group there.”

He was referring to the New People’s Army (NPA), who had also recently claimed responsibility for some of the killings due to the victims’ “crimes against the people."

Tacaca, however, assured that the police and the Philippine Army are coordinating their efforts.

"Actually, ang aming regional director ay meron na kaming mga plan in coordination with the AFP (actually, our regional director, in coordination with the AFP, already has a plan) to address the problem in Guihulngan,” he disclosed.

Tacaca further said they will hold a coordinating conference between the PNP and the AFP soon to lay down their joint security plan.

The latest victim in Guihulngan City was a businesswoman who was gunned down along Roxas St. in the city’s central district or poblacion on Tuesday evening.

A police report said the victim, Haide Malalay Flores, 45 years old, married, and a resident of the said place, was on her way home at about 6:45 p.m. Tuesday on board a motorcycle when two suspects shot her several times for a still undetermined motive.

She was pronounced dead on arrival at the Guihulngan City District Hospital.

Police recovered six empty shells of a .45 caliber pistol from the crime scene.

Among those killed in recent weeks were a village chief, the driver of the vice mayor, and a former Army soldier.

Meanwhile, the Guihulngan police are being cautious when responding to shooting incidents to avoid a repeat of the ambush-slay of six policemen and a civilian and the wounding of three others last year in the hinterland village of Magsaysay.

Tacaca said they do not want to “fall into the same trap again” as he admitted the response time of police personnel is affected at times as they need to make sure of their safety before proceeding to the crime scene.

Such was the case of the recent shooting incident at a port in Barangay Bulado, Guihulngan, when the police reportedly did not respond immediately after having received reports that armed men were seen in the area.

“Kaya nga meron kaming mga precautionary measures (That is why we have precautionary measures), and we have to make sure that, indeed, there is a shooting incident before we respond,” he said.

The Philippine Army is also assisting the police there, he added.

Tacaca earlier welcomed the pronouncement of Governor Roel Degamo that he would not approve his appointment as full-fledged provincial police director unless the spate of killings in Guihulngan has been solved.

According to the police official, it is a “challenge” for him and the police to work double time, but stressed that it is also the responsibility of the local government officials and the general public to contribute to the efforts to attain peace in their communities.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1045576