Thursday, August 30, 2018

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

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

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


(MANILA BULLETIN)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UN report on the Islamic State in Southeast Asia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

103 NPA ‘sympathizers’ take oath of allegiance

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

2 deadly bombings in a month demonstrate ISIS tactics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21 former Red fighters get livelihood assistance

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 rifle recovered at clash site in Caraga

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

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

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


Lamosao said the firefight lasted for about 20 minutes.

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

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

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

Operating troops were organized to respond to the report.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sultan Kudarat blast death toll climbs to 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Civilian hurt in NPA ambush in Iloilo town

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Militiaman killed, niece wounded in Dinas gun attack

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PNP chief visits Isulan blast site

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30): PNP chief visits Isulan blast site



Philippine National Police Director General Oscar Albayalde (center) talks to Mayor Marites Pallasigue as he visits the blast site in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018. (PRO-12 photo)
ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat -- Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde on Thursday assured the families of casualties in the Aug. 28 bomb attack here that the police will do its best to bring the perpetrators before the bar of justice.

“Your police officials are doing its utmost to bring the perpetrators of terrorism to justice,” Albayalde told the victims and their families in his brief visit at the Sultan Kudarat provincial hospital on Thursday morning.

At a closed-door meeting with police and military officials, Albayalde directed police officials in Region 12 to double the efforts in bringing the suspects behind bars and take necessary steps to prevent similar attacks in the future.

He also directed the police to solicit the support of the Philippine Army stationed in the region for joint efforts in securing the public.

Earlier, Albayalde visited the blast site along the national highway in Barangay Kalawag 3, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat. He was accompanied by Police Regional Office-12 director Chief Supt. Eliseo Tam Rasco, Sultan Kudarat Governor Pax Mangudadatu, and Isulan Mayor Marites Pallasigue.

The PNP chief then proceeded to the hospital where he spoke briefly to the blast victims and their relatives.

Albayalde underscored the public's cooperation in the fight against violent extremism, asking local residents to remain vigilant all the time.

Three people have already died in Tuesday’s 8:30 p.m. explosion in front of a row of used clothing stalls in Barangay Kalawag 3 here. The town was celebrating its 104th foundation anniversary and 7th Hamungaya festival when the bombing occurred.

Pallasigue said all activities and programs related to the founding anniversary have been canceled.

Mangudadatu has offered a PHP1-million reward for anybody who can provide confirmed information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators. Albayalde also directed the newly-formed Special Investigation Task Group Hamungaya to “ensure no stone left unturned in the investigation.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1046483

US to enhance Zambo’s counter-extremism, terrorism program

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30): US to enhance Zambo’s counter-extremism, terrorism program



Capt. Patrick Foley, team leader of the U.S. Civil Military Support Element, and Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar discussed about counter violent extremism and terrorism initiatives of Zamboanga City. Foley on Monday called on Salazar in City Hall. (Photo courtesy: City Hall Public Information Office)
                                    
ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The United States has committed to help the local government enhance its counter-violent extremism and terrorism program.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said Thursday the commitment was relayed to her by Capt. Patrick Foley, team leader of the US Civil Military Support Element (CMSE), during the latter’s visit to this city.


Foley on Monday called on Salazar at the City Hall, and they discussed counter-violent extremism and terrorism (CVET) initiatives in this city in partnership with other agencies.

Salazar said the meeting was a prelude to the arrival of a bigger group from the US State Department and US Embassy that will conduct a series of meetings with stakeholders in the city related to CVET.

They also discussed the existing program of the government for the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members who surrendered to live a peaceful life.

On April, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) launched a program providing intervention to former members of rebel groups. The Program Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) initially covers former ASG members, who have surrendered to the government, and their families.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said the PAVE will form part of the national government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) as it has been recognized by the National Peace and Order Council.

The CLIP is aimed at achieving permanent and peaceful closure of all armed conflicts and help fight terrorism.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1046473

Village chief shot dead in Negros Oriental

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30): Village chief shot dead in Negros Oriental  

DUMAGUETE CITY – The village chief of Barangay Panciao in Manjuyod, Negros Oriental was gunned down outside his residence around noon Thursday.

Manjuyod police chief, Senior Insp. Antonio Jabar, disclosed in a telephone interview that Panciao barangay chairperson Mario Gonzales succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds after three unidentified men opened fire at him and his wife, Evangelyn, who suffered injuries. The couple was talking to each other outside their residence around 11:45 a.m. when the shooting took place.

The wife was brought to a hospital for treatment, Jabar said.

Elements of the 15th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, then attending a “Buwan ng Wika” activity at the nearby barangay hall, immediately conducted pursuit operations against the perpetrators, the police chief added.

Probers are considering two angles in the killing of Gonzales -- an attack by the Communist New People’s Army (NPA) or politically-motivated, or both.

Initial police investigation disclosed that sometime in February this year, alleged NPA members entered the house of Gonzales and purportedly warned him to not seek re-election because they were fielding their own candidate, said Jabar.

“Ang ilang alegasyon karon niadtong iyang anak kay murag taga pikas lang gihapon nga mihulga sa iyang papa nga dili na padalaganon pagka kapitan tungod kay naa silay gusto nga padaogon nga kapitan (The son alleged that it was still the “other side” who warned the victim not to seek re-election as barangay captain because they had somebody else whom they wanted to win),” Jabar said.

Jabar said the village of Panciao is among the areas in Negros Oriental still affected by the insurgency problem.

The perpetrators used short firearms, although the caliber was still unknown, said Jabar.

“Planado gyud to (it was really planned out),” he added.

Soldiers, who are in the area for the community support program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, were the first to respond to the incident, Jabar said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1046503

P1.5-M cash aid released to 21 ex-rebels in Bukidnon

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30): P1.5-M cash aid released to 21 ex-rebels in Bukidnon

Another batch of former members of New People’s Army (NPA) were given financial assistance amounting to over PHP1.5 million on Wednesday, August 29, as part of the the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

At least 21 rebel returnees received PHP65,000 worth of livelihood assistance, 10 of whom received additional cash assistance as remuneration for the firearms that they surrendered.


Captain Norman Tagros, civil military operations officer of the Army's 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade, said the beneficiaries surrendered to the military during the second semester in 2017 up to the first semester this year.

Glenda Hope A. Beley, Program Manager and E-CLIP provincial focal person of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Bukidnon, called on former CPP-NPA members to put the assistance they received in good use and become advocates of peace.

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

E-CLIP was established through the Administrative Order 10 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on April 3, 2018.

The order unified the two existing programs: the Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the Department of Interior and Local Government, and the Payapa sa Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana) of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process.

Col. Ferdinand T. Barandon, 403rd Brigade deputy commander, assured the sincerity of the government in its effort to attain peace and assist the former CPP-NPA members who opted to return to mainstream society.

“Our activity proves the sincerity of the government to ensure the welfare and well-being of our former CPP-NPA members as they join back the mainstream society. The E-CLIP is a genuine program that seeks to assist our surrenderers through cash and livelihood assistance, employment opportunities, housing grants, and Philhealth benefits,” Barandon said.

Last month, military, DILG, and local officials also led the distribution of financial assistance to another batch of NPA surrenders.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1046455

PH vows to bridge, protect WPS interests as ASEAN-China coordinator

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30): PH vows to bridge, protect WPS interests as ASEAN-China coordinator



Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano at the ASEAN Day 2018 Diplomatic Reception at Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City on August 10, 2018. The reception was held in celebration of the ASEAN's 51st founding anniversary. (PNA file photo)
 
MANILA -- As the new country coordinator tasked to bridge the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China, the Philippines will play a constructive role in promoting good ties between the two parties, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said.
 
"As far as our being a country coordinator, very... Very clear naman ‘yung kinommunicate natin na we wear two hats: one as country coordinator tayo ang taga-bridge ng ASEAN at tsaka ng China. And when you say ‘bridge', two ways ‘yan: kung anong gustong sabihin ng ibang ASEAN member states at kung anong gustong sabihin ng China (As far as our being a country coordinator (is concerned), it's very clear that we are wearing two hats: one as country coordinator, we bridge ASEAN and China. And when you say ‘bridge', there are two ways there: what ASEAN member states want to say and what China has to say)," Cayetano said on Wednesday.

Cayetano also assured the Philippines will protect its interests in the West Philippine Sea.

"It will be challenging, but it will be good for us kasi at least sure tayo na sa all of the negotiations, protected ang ating claims (It will be challenging, but it will be good to us because at least we're sure that in all the negotiations, our claims are protected)," he said, referring to the creation of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC).

The 10 ASEAN member states take turns in serving as a country coordinator for the bloc's numerous dialogue relationships. In August 2018, the Philippines was assigned to the ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations.

Currently, the two parties are working towards the early conclusion of the COC, which is aimed at defusing tensions in the strategic waterway, where China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, Taiwan, and the Philippines have overlapping territorial claims.

On the draft COC, China has reportedly proposed the conduct of regular joint military exercises in the South China Sea, excluding countries outside the region "unless the parties concerned are notified beforehand and express no objection."

Professor Richard Javad Heydarian, geopolitics and economic affairs expert, described this as China "trying to limit if not cut off maritime security cooperation between ASEAN claimants, on one hand, and external powers with a direct stake in freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea."

Cayetano did not give any detail on this proposed provision in the draft but relayed Beijing is interested in a document that dispels "misunderstanding" and "dispute" in the region.

"There's an agreement among the ASEAN member states (and China) not to disclose what is found in the single draft, precisely, because the negotiation starts getting complicated when we discuss it in public," he said.

"I was told that China, of course, is sincere and interested in a COC and in all and any ways to transform the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea from an area of dispute and misunderstanding to a zone of peace, cooperation, and development," he said.

In a roundtable discussion on the same day, Walter Douglas, deputy assistant secretary at the State Department, said US, as an old figure in the region, will maintain its presence in the South China Sea in accordance with international law.

"The United States has been part of this region for 200 years. We’re not going to change that. We're not going away, so what’s important is that our role be recognized that we’re here," he told reporters on Wednesday.

When asked to comment on China's suggestion, Douglas said "ASEAN has to make a decision where it wants to go as a body."

Earlier, Australian Ambassador Amanda Gorely also said any document that deprives non-signatory states their rights under international law, particularly in working with partners in the region, would be a cause of concern for Canberra.

According to Heydarian, the Philippines should be able to lead in efforts to reject such "exclusionary" proposal in the COC as the ASEAN-China country coordinator.

"The ASEAN, with the Philippines now serving as the new country coordinator with China, should resist such exclusionary demands. They have to make it clear that Southeast Asian claimant states will preserve their sovereign autonomy to maintain robust security cooperation with all major powers for the interest of stability and prosperity in the region," he added.
 

Martial law extension an option: DND chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30): Martial law extension an option: DND chief

Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said it is early to make a recommendation on whether or not to extend martial law in Mindanao, following the deadly blast that killed two people and wounded several others in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

"Of course, it is an option," he said in a message to reporters Wednesday. "Bit too early in the day to make (any) recommendation. We’ll see what happens in the next several months," he added.


The blast happened Tuesday evening, when an improvised explosive device went off in front of J and H Marketing along the national highway in Barangay Kalawag 3 in Isulan.

Earlier, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea raised the possibility of extending Martial Law in Mindanao in the wake of the incident, calling it an ominous development.

Martial law in Mindanao was declared on May 23, 2017 following attacks launched by the Maute Group in Marawi City. It was extended by Congress at the President’s request and will end on Dec. 31, 2018.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1046407

Gov't-to-gov't procurement eyed for Navy submarine program

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30): Gov't-to-gov't procurement eyed for Navy submarine program

Should the Philippine Navy (PN) submarine acquisition program pushes through, it will be acquired via government-to-government procurement, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Thursday.

"The submarine, if we finally decide to buy them, will be on a government-to-government procurement and under a loan so that we do not need a large upfront capital outlay," he said in a message to the Philippine News Agency when asked for updates on the project.

The defense chief earlier said the DND is looking at proposals made by Russia, South Korea, Germany and France for the PN submarine acquisition program.


Of the said countries, only Russia has expressed willingness to offer its Kilo-class diesel-electric submarines to the Philippines via "soft loan".

Lorenzana said the multi-role fighter (MRF) project, which is scheduled in the latter part of Horizon Two of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program, is not being moved to the Horizon Three.

"No it is not being moved to the 3rd Horizon (Horizon) The senior leaders (military) will soon table for decision the planned MRF acquisition," he added.

The MRFs are fighter aircraft capable of performing air-superiority, ground-attack, recon and other missions - aside from being agile and capable of attaining supersonic speeds. Among examples of the aircraft include the American-made F-16 and F-18 jets.

Horizon Two is scheduled for 2018 to 2022 while Horizon Three is slated for 2023 to 2028.

Horizon One lasted from 2013 to 2017 and resulted in the acquisition of the three Del Pilar-class frigates, 12 FA-50PH light-lift interim fighters, two strategic sealift vessels, to name a few.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1046411

Japanese escort flotilla to dock in Subic

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30): Japanese escort flotilla to dock in Subic

The upcoming visit of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force's (JMSDF) Escort Flotilla Four highlights the country's good relationship with Japan, a Philippine Navy (PN) official said Thursday.

In an interview with reporters, Navy Spokesperson Commander Jonathan Zata said three Japanese ships, the helicopter carrier Kaga (DDH-184) with five SH-60K patrol helicopters, the Akizuki-class destroyer JS Suzutsuki (DD-117) and the Murusame-class destroyer JS Inazuma (DD-105) will dock at Alava Wharf in Olongapo City for a goodwill visit on September 1-5.

Zata said Escort Flotilla Four, manned by 850 officers and enlisted personnel, is commanded by Rear Admiral Tatsuya Fukuda.

The four-day visit reinforces the Navy's good ties with its Japanese counterparts, which is bolstered by the JMSDF's earlier donation of five TC-90 aircraft to the Navy, Zata said.

"As you may recall, the JMSDF provided us with aircraft, TC-90, na now we are refurbishing and a couple has already been repainted, and refurbished and are being used for our maritime air surveillance," Zata said.

Zata said President Rodrigo R. Duterte is expected to visit and tour the Japanese ships on September 1, along with PN flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1046444

Lacson bill gives gov't more teeth vs. terrorist acts

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30): Lacson bill gives gov't more teeth vs. terrorist acts

Following the latest bombing incident in Sultan Kudarat, Senator Panfilo Lacson has filed a bill that seeks to give more teeth to the government’s fight against terrorism, while safeguarding the civil and political rights of citizens at the same time.
Senate Bill 1956, or the proposed "Anti-Terrorism Act of 2018," enhances the Human Security Act of 2007 (RA 9372) with provisions on foreign terrorists and additional predicate crimes.


In filing the bill, Lacson, who played a key role in crafting RA 9372, noted that the current law has not been proving itself effective in addressing terrorism in the country.

“The occupation of Marawi City by the Maute Group in 2017 revealed the many loopholes of the current anti-terrorism law," he said, noting that the Philippines was ranked the 12th most affected by terrorism by the Global Terror Index in 2017.

Meanwhile, the former Philippine National Police chief-turned lawmaker pointed out that the recent bombing incident in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat also “suggests that neither martial law nor the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) could guarantee peace in Mindanao.”

Tuesday’s incident in Isulan left three persons dead and over 30 others injured.

The explosion came less than a month after an explosion tore into a van at a military checkpoint in Basilan on July 31, killing 10 people.

"While an anti-terror law in itself cannot solve the problem of terrorism, an intensified one can however give the government and the law enforcement agencies the much-needed tool in dealing with the emerging threats of terrorism," Lacson said.

Under Senate Bill 1956, Lacson said the term "terrorist acts" is used instead of "terrorism" to remove the requirement of "the acts being perpetrated for the purpose of coercing the government to give in to a specific demand."

"This has the effect of punishing the act of committing crimes that sow widespread extraordinary fear and panic, and not the purpose behind the commission of such acts," he said.

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

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1046430

“But the bill makes it clear that terrorist acts shall exclude legitimate exercises of the freedom of expression and right to peaceably assemble where a person does not have the intention to use or urge the use of force or violence or cause harm to others,” Lacson said.

SB 1956 also adds three predicate crimes to the 12 in the present law -- RA 9208, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003; RA 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002; and RA 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

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

It penalizes as well the crime of conspiracy to commit terrorist acts, proposal to commit terrorist acts, and inciting to commit terrorist acts - which are punishable by life imprisonment without parole.

Accomplices to terrorist acts may face imprisonment of 17 to 20 years, while accessories face imprisonment of 10 to 12 years.

Other salient provisions of the bill include the banning of surveillance operations on suspected terrorists without a valid judicial order, penalizing the destruction of records pertaining to the surveillance, penalizing unauthorized revelation of classified information, and penalizing the furnishing of false or spurious evidence, among others.

“The Commission on Human Rights shall give the highest priority to the investigation and prosecution of violations of civil and political rights of persons in relation to the implementation of this Act,” Lacson said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1046430

All threats on PRRD's life are taken ‘seriously’: Palace

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30): All threats on PRRD's life are taken ‘seriously’: Palace

All kind of threats on the life of President Rodrigo Duterte are taken seriously by the government defense and security sectors, Malacañang on Thursday said.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque was asked to comment on Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana’s statement that there is no direct threat to Duterte’s life.

“Although there is no direct threat to his life, as Secretary Lorenzana mentioned, the defense and security sectors, including the Presidential Security Group (PSG), take all threats to the life of the President seriously,” Roque said.
In his speech before the League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Visayas Island Cluster Conference in Cebu City on August 21, Duterte mentioned that the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is allegedly plotting to kill him.


Lorenzana, however, reportedly said during recent House of Representatives budget deliberations the US Embassy in the Philippines has assured “there is no such thing”.

The DND official said Duterte might have based his fears on the books the President read about the past activities of the CIA.

Roque also earlier said there is no threat on the life of the President, saying Duterte “is not worried the threats on his life”.

Nevertheless, Roque said the PSG forces should be always on guard to protect the President against any threat.

“As we all know, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has made a lot of powerful enemies with his political will and decisive leadership in fighting drugs, criminality and corruption,” Roque said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1046514

DWDD: DAY 1 | PN Strategic Planning Pre-Workshop

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Aug 30): DAY 1  |  PN Strategic Planning Pre-Workshop

MANILA (DWDD) – Breakout sessions and presentations for the Day 1 of the Philippine Navy Strategic Planning Pre-Workshop 2018. NPAO / MCAG
 



http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/08/30/day-1-pn-strategic-planning-pre-workshop/

DWDD: NEW LIFE | Former CPP-NPA members receive assistance from the E-CLIP Committee of Bukidnon

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Aug 30): NEW LIFE  |  Former CPP-NPA members receive assistance from the E-CLIP Committee of Bukidnon

CAMP BAHIAN, Malaybalay City (DWDD) – A total of Php 1,578,500.00 worth of financial assistance were given to 21 former members of the CPP-NPA Terrorists in Bukidnon during a simple ceremony conducted August 28, 2018.



Said former CPP-NPA members, who received assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of Bukidnon, surrendered during the second semester of 2017 and the first semester of 2018 to the troops under 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division.

Out of 21 former rebels, 20 of which received their respective immediate and livelihood assistance amounting to Php 65,000.00, while 10 individuals among the same group received an additional cash assistance as remuneration for the firearms that they have surrendered.

In her message during the ceremony, Ms. Glenda Hope A. Beley, Program Manager and E-CLIP Provincial Focal Person of DILG-Bukidnon, encouraged the former CPPNPA members to put the assistance that they have received in to good use and become advocates of peace.

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

Meanwhile, Colonel Ferdinand T Barandon, Deputy Brigade Commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, assured the participants of the sincerity of the government in its effort to attain peace and assist the former CPP-NPA members who opted to go back to the folds of the law.

“Our activity this morning proves the sincerity of the government to ensure the welfare and well-being of our former CPP-NPA members as they join back the mainstream society. The Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program is a genuine program that seeks to assist our surrenderers through cash and livelihood assistance, employment opportunities, housing grants, and Philhealth benefits.” said Colonel Barandon.

Also present during the ceremony, were Police Senior Superintendent Benedicto T Pintor, Provincial Director of Bukidnon Police Provincial Office; and Mr. Leo D. Villahermosa, E-CLIP Focal Person of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office of Bukidnon. 403IBde / MCAG





http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/08/30/new-life-former-cpp-npa-members-receive-assistance-from-the-e-clip-committee-of-bukidnon/

DWDD: COMMUNITY OUTREACH | MBLT 7 conducts Medical Mission in Maguindanao

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Aug 30): COMMUNITY OUTREACH  |  MBLT 7 conducts Medical Mission in Maguindanao



UPI, Maguindanao (DWDD) – Marine Battalion Landing Team 7 together with the Peoples’ Medical Team of Maguindanao and local officials of Brgy Mirab has conducted a Medical Mission at Brgy Mirab, Upi, Maguindanao last August 22, 2018.

This activity has catered 312 beneficiaries for medical check-up, 150 for dental check-up, 30 children for circumcision and 71 civilian populace for free haircut activity.

Free medicines was also given to the participants. MBLT78 / MCAG
 

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/08/30/community-outreach-mblt-7-conducts-medical-mission-in-maguindanao/

DWDD: MULTILATERAL EXERCISE | BRP Alcaraz back in Australia for KAKADU 2018

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Aug 30): MULTILATERAL EXERCISE  |  BRP Alcaraz back in Australia for KAKADU 2018



DARWIN, NT, Australia (DWDD) – After four years, BRP Ramon Alcaraz returns to Australia for Exercise KAKADU

At 9 o’clock in the morning (local time) of August 28, 2018, BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF16) with one Agusta Westland 109 naval helicopter arrived at Fort Wharf Hill Port to participate in Exercise KAKADU 2018.

Onboard FF16 are the more or less 200-man contingent headed by the Commander, Naval Task Force 91, Captain Junjie B Tabuada PN (MNSA). NPAO / MCAG 




http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/08/30/multilateral-exercise-brp-alcaraz-back-in-australia-for-kakadu-2018/

DWDD: RETRIEVAL OPERATIONS | PN ship ran aground in West PH Sea

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Aug 30):  RETRIEVAL OPERATIONS   |  PN ship ran aground in West PH Sea



PUERTO PRINSESA, Palawan (DWDD) – estern Command is conducting operations to retrieve Philippine Navy’s BRP Gregorio del Pilar (FF15) that ran aground at the vicinity 2.2 Nautical Miles North-North East off Hasa-hasa Shoal on 29 August 2018.

According to the AFP Western Command (WESCOM) around 9:40PM, the said Navy frigate accidentally ran aground on Hasa-hasa Shoal (Half Moon Shoal) while conducting routine patrol mission enroute to Ulugan Bay, Palawan.

Hasa-hasa shoal is about 60 NM away from the nearest point of Palawan. Western Command, through its naval and air components, is currently providing necessary assistance to FF15 to subsequently bring her to the nearest port. WESCOM PIO / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/08/30/retrieval-operations-pn-ship-ran-aground-in-west-ph-sea/