Tuesday, March 19, 2019

NOLCOM: Collaborative efforts of NOLCOM's 5ID, LGUs and PNP made surrender of over 1000 rebels possible

Posted to the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Website (Mar 19, 2019): Collaborative efforts of NOLCOM's 5ID, LGUs and PNP made surrender of over 1000 rebels possible

PRESS RELEASE

Authenticated by: MAJ ERICSON C BULOSAN (INF) PA
Chief, Public Information Office, NOLCOM, AFP...
Date: March 19, 2019

COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS OF NOLCOM’S 5ID, LGUs, AND PNP MADE SURRENDER OF OVER 1000 REBELS POSSIBLE

Camp Aquino, Tarlac City – The joint efforts of the Provincial government of Cagayan and the 5th Infantry Division (5ID) triggered the surrender of over 1000 former members of leftist groups such as Anakpawis and others to return to the folds of the government yesterday (March 18, 2019) at the Provincial Capitol of Cagayan.

Said rebel returnees swore their oath of loyalty and allegiance to the government during the Flag Raising Ceremony led by Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba and was witnessed by the employees of Cagayan’s Provincial Government.

Rebel returnees like Purita Rodriguez, former leader of Anakpawis and Malou Atendino shared their experience being part of the New People’s Army and reminded the people to not be swayed by the false ideologies that these terrorist groups aim for. They both encouraged the remaining rebels to abandon their armed struggle against the government and live a peaceful life as they assure the help that the government is willing to give in the form of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Both former rebels (FRs) expressed their deepest gratitude to the government and the soldiers who helped them in their peaceful surrender.

After the Oath taking, the rebel returnees mingled with the police force, the soldiers, and government officials as they shake hands and embrace the FRs, welcoming them into the mainstream society.

The 5ID heightens its efforts in pressuring these terrorist groups to abandon their armed struggle and downgrade/reduce insurgency in their area of responsibility.

Facilitating the surrender of over 1000 rebel returnees is a huge achievement for the 5ID.

With this positive development, NOLCOM Commander, LTGEN EMMANUEL B SALAMAT expressed his gratitude for the support provided to the NOLCOM troopers by the local government of Cagayan, the PNP and the community. The collaborative efforts made by all stakeholders would finally lead the nation to a state of lasting peace and sustainable development.

AFP-CRS: Former front members yield to Cagayan LGU

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Mar 18, 2019): Former front members yield to Cagayan LGU

FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – At least 1,500 former members of various front organizations with ties to the Communist... Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army gathered at the Cagayan Provincial Capitol to participate in the flag raising ceremony on Monday morning, March 18, 2019.

The individuals, who used to be members of Anakpawis, Bayan Muna, Kadamay, Caguimungan, Anakbayan, Gabriela, and Makabayan in the province of Cagayan, all swore an oath of allegiance to the government and its pro-peace and development efforts while denouncing the said organizations’ corrupt practices, deceitfulness, and human rights violations.

They create issues so they could deceive us into joining them. They endeavor to gain our trust and support and then abandon us when they no longer have use for us”, said a certain Berna. “We thought they will truly help us. That is why we are pledging our allegiance back to the government because we know they are sincere and ready to welcome us despite all of our shortcomings,” said Berna.

Another said that she decided to leave the group due to the exploitation directed on the members themselves. “Our leaders were more concerned for their money-making schemes rather than the true plight of the lowly members such as myself”, she added.

“We laud them for voluntarily proclaiming their support to the government. It has been the desire of the Armed Forces all along to reintegrate them back to society. We are truly grateful to them for trusting us and giving peace a chance”, said Brigadier General Alden Juan Masagca, commander of the 5th Infantry Division which oversees military operations in Cagayan Valley and Cordillera Administrative Region.

“This is what true progress really means, that we all come together in unity despite our differing beliefs and backgrounds. We hope that this show of solidarity will convince more of our countrymen who may have been misled by false promises to return to the folds of the law”, said Lieutenant General Macairog S. Alberto, the Army Commanding General.

The joint flag raising ceremony was also attended by members of the 5th Infantry “Star” Division, Marine Battalion Landing Team-10, Cagayan Police Provincial Office, and local government officials.

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

CPP/NPA Negros Island: Angut sa gina-aligar nga campaign fees, permit to campaign sang NPA sunu sa military

NPA-Negros Island propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 19, 2019): Angut sa gina-aligar nga campaign fees, permit to campaign sang NPA sunu sa military

Juanito Magbanua
NPA-Negros Island (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)
New People's Army
March 19, 2019

Malisyuso nga ginapalapnag sang AFP/PNP nga kunu nagademanda nga maghatag sang kwarta ang tagsa ka kandedato nga magsulod sa teretoryo sang Demokratiko nga Gobyerno sang Pumuluyo para mangampanya sining panahon sang eleksyon.

May natalana nga polisiya sa tanan nga kandedato nga tuyo magkampanya sa sakop sa teretoryo sang Demokratiko nga Gobyerno sang Pumuluyo kag dapat istrikto nga ila sundon:

1.Kilalahon kag respituhon ang napundar nga Demokratiko nga Gobyerno sang Pumuluyo sa kaumhan

2.Ang Demokratiko nga Gobyerno sang Pumuluyo may kinamatarung sa paghibalo sa plataporma de gobyerno sang kandedato

3.Indi magdala sang goons o armas

4.Indi makig-angut sa AFP/PNP o mag-upod sang mga intel,asset sang mil.

5.Wala vote buying,vote or gabut

6.Indi magpamahog

7.Ang mga kandedato nga may utang nga dugo sa pumuluyo kag sa rebolusyonaryong kahublagan
wala ginatugutan nga makasulod kag manganpanya.

Basi sa anum ka polisiya nga gintalana,hilway nga makapangampanya ang mga kandedato sa teretoryo sakop sang Demokratiko nga Gobyerno sang Pumuluyo.

Ang NPA wala nagapadala sang sulat sa mga kandedato para magdemanda sang kwarta para lang makapanganpanya sa sakop sa teretoryo sang Demokratiko nga Gobyerno sang Pumuluyo.Ini isa ka pagpatalang nga ginahimo sang AFP/PNP agud gub-on ang maayo nga imahin sang rebolusyonaryong gobyerno sang pumuluyo nga natukod sa kaumahan kag kabukiran.Modus operandi man ini sang AFP/PNP agud maghatag proteksyon-raket sa mga kandedato agud makapangarta.

Sa mga kandedato nga naga pagapadalagan sa lain-lain nga posisyon sa gobyerno,kon may mabaton kamu nga sulat nga nagademanda sang kwarta gamit ang ngalan sang NPA,indi kamu maghatag kay segurado padihot ina sang AFP/PNP agud gub-on ang maayo nga imahin sang rebong kahublagan.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/angut-sa-gina-aligar-nga-campaign-fees-permit-to-campaign-sang-npa-sunu-sa-militar/

CPP/NPA-Negros Island: Peke nga pag-implementar sa reporma sa duta sang US-Duterte nga rehimen

NPA-Negros Island propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 19, 2019): Peke nga pag-implementar sa reporma sa duta sang US-Duterte nga rehimen

Juanito Magbanua
NPA-Negros Island (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)
New People's Army
March 19, 2019

Ang ginpatigayon ni Duterte ang pagpanagtag sa CLOA nga nagasakop sang 1000 ka hektariya sang duta sa 3000 ka mga mangunguma,pagpadayon lang sa pag-implementar sang peke nga reporma sa duta sang mga nagliligad nga mga rehimen Kon sumahon halos .33 hektariya lang ang mahimo nga matala-uma sang tagsa ka benepisyaryo.Ini kabahin sa kontra insurhensya agud patalangon ang mga mangunguma sa matuod nga reporma sa duta, paghinabon sa makasiligne nga natabu sa Sagay masaker, presyor sa mga agalon may duta nga wala nagakomporme sa iya plano nga peke nga pederalismo kag pamanipula sa resulta sang May 14 eleksyon.Ilikaw ang pumuluyo nga magsuporta o derikta nga mag-upod sa rebolusyonaryong kahublagan.

“Land return” indi genuine land reform ang plano sa pagpanagtag sang CLOA ni Duterte. Pagabayaran sang tagsa ka CLOA holder ang duta sa sulod sang 30 ka tuig kag may interest nga 6% kada tuig.Wala sang suporta halin sa gobyerno para sa nga farm implements, wala sang kasiguruhan nga mabakal ang ila produkto sa nagaka-igo nga presyo. Naga-antus sa kamalahalon sang abono kag pistisidyo. Bangud wala sang kapital nga igasto,mapwersa nga maghulam nga may mataas nga interest. Nagresulta ini sa pagkalubong sa utang nga indi na mabayran tubtob nga duta ang mangin kabayaran,iprenda,pa-aryenduhan o ibaligya.Resulta,kon sin-o ang may daku nga kapital amo ang makakontrol sang kadutaan. Sa simple nga pag-analisa,ang duta magabalik gihapon sa agalon may duta!

Sa masang mangunguma sa kaumhan kag kabukiran,indi mahadlok,aton ipadayon ang pagpabaskog sang aton hanay,paglunsar sang mga kontra-pyyudal nga paghimakas tubtob mapahuyang ang ekonomiya nga pundasyon sang dalagku nga AMD,pabaskugon ang suporta sa armadong paghimakas. Ang lubos nga kadalag-an sa paghimakas sa duta sang mga mangunguma amo ang pagpadaug sang pungsodnon nga demokratikong rebolusyon paagi sa pangmalawigon ng inaway banwa.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/peke-nga-pag-implementar-sa-reporma-sa-duta-sang-us-duterte-nga-rehimen/

NDF/Sison: Like his boss Duterte, Parlade is a brazen liar

Jose Maria Sison propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Mar 20, 2019): Like his boss Duterte, Parlade is a brazen liar

By Jose Maria Sison
NDFP Chief Political Consultant
March 20, 2019

Brig. Gen, Antonio Parlade is a brazen liar by claiming that patriotic and progressive organizations in the Philippines are communist merely because as Chairperson of the International League of Peoples’ Struggle I communicate with them and invite them to participate in the forthcoming International Assembly of the ILPS in Hongkong.

I must tell him what is publicly known. The ILPS is not a communist organization. It is an international alliance of anti-imperialist and democratic mass organizations whose civil and political rights are respected throughout the world. He is utterly stupid and illogical to label as communist any person or organization that I am supposed to mention or communicate with.

If he were to apply his own illogic on my previous communications and relations with his boss Duterte, he should also label him as a communist in the same way that he misuses the term to attack legal democratic organizations and with the same purpose of intimidating them. It is well known that I have had skype and phone conversations with Duterte.

Parlade is merely a rabid running dog of Duterte. He is an instrument for the fascisation of the Philippine political system by the Duterte ruling clique. All persons, organizations and institutions that are critical of the tyrannical Duterte regime are accused of being communist in order to intimidate them, silence them and render them vulnerable to brutal criminal action by Duterte’s death squads.

The escalating campaign of mass intimidation and mass murder against critics and opponents of the Duterte reign of greed and terror is being currently orchestrated with the electoral campaign of Duterte which is characterized by false claims of popularity with the use of paid poll surveys, troll armies in the social media, radio-TV adverts, planted stories in print media, tarpaulins, entertainment rallies and other means of propaganda.

The Duterte candidates are sure losers in the forthcoming May elections because of the outrageous crimes of the regime, including treason, mass murder and corruption of unprecedented proportions. Thus, Duterte is using terrorism and fakery during the electoral campaign and is expected to use the same in the conduct of elections and in the counting of votes. The Comelec and the military and police will be used to favor the Duterte candidates.

The tyrant and terrorist Duterte is desperate and hard pressed to steal the elections by all crooked and violent means so that he will have political agents at all levels to establish his fascist dictatorship through de facto or formally declared nationwide martial law and the charter change to a bogus kind of federalism. He wants to protect and promote his accumulation of private wealth though corrupt and likewise to pre-empt and prevent his prosecution and trial as a mastermind of mass murder before the International Criminal Court.

https://www.ndfp.org/like-his-boss-duterte-parlade-is-a-brazen-liar/

WESTMINCOM: Troops’ sustained operations lead to another clash with DI-Lanao

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Mar 19. 2019): Troops’ sustained operations lead to another clash with DI-Lanao



Soldiers heavily engaged Dawlah Islamiya fighters in Lanao del Sur yesterday afternoon, March 18.

Soldiers from 55th Infantry Battalion, on clearing operations, encountered an undetermined number of Dawlah Islamiya fighters in Barangay Padas, Pagayawan at 4:51pm yesterday.

As we speak, the gunfight is ongoing.

Operating troops established blockade in the area.

“Troops are on pursuit of Dawlah Islamiya fighters weakened by the spate of armed engagements initiated by ground units in Lanao province,” said Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, commander of Western Mindanao Command.

http://www.westmincom.com/troops-sustained-operations-lead-to-another-clash-with-di-lanao/

WESTMINCOM: Troops recover Sayyaf’s remains, rifle after gun fight in Basilan

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Mar 19. 2019): Troops recover Sayyaf’s remains, rifle after gun fight in Basilan



Sporadic gunfights between military troops and 10 Abu Sayyaf members under Furudji Indama led to the death of a militant and the seizure of a high-powered firearm in Basilan this morning, March 19.

Soldiers from 18th Infantry Battalion exchanged fire with said terrorists in Barangay Bohe Pahu, Ungkaya Pukan at 8:15am today.

Engaged troops scoured the area and retrieved an enemy’s cadaver and an M16 rifle from the encounter site, according to Colonel Fernando Reyeg, Joint Task Force Basilan Commander.

At 8:30am today, soldiers from 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion heavily engaged seven Abu Sayyaf militants under Indama in Barangay Bohe Pahu.

Said armed confrontation ensued for five minutes with no casualty reported on the government side.

Military troops scour the area and launch their combat operations to neutralize Abu Sayyaf militants in the province.

“We commit to sustain our campaign against terrorism that derails peace and development in the area of operations. Hitherto, we work hard to crumble terrorists and to address security threats by intensifying our offensives and by involving stakeholders and the people of Mindanao,” said Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, commander of Western Mindanao Command.

“All these operational accomplishments we achieved because we had the support of our peace partners and, ultimately, the people of Mindanao,” he added.

“We will continue to protect the people with integrity, upholding their rights and interests, as their true servants,” said the WestMinCom chief.

http://www.westmincom.com/troops-recover-sayyaf-remains-rifle-after-gun-fight-in-basilan/

WESTMINCOM: WestMinCom awards wounded personnel in Zambo City

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Mar 20. 2019): WestMinCom awards wounded personnel in Zambo City



Brigadier General Cirilo Thomas Donato, Jr., Western Mindanao Command Deputy Commander, conferred medals on wounded personnel in Zamboanga City this morning, March 19.

The Wounded Personnel Medal was awarded to Corporal Syruss Valenzuela, Private Gude Louisse Nabalan, and CAA Boy Hasim in Camp Navarro, Calarian at around 9am today.

Valenzuela and Nabalan sustained wounds in a gun battle between personnel of Marine Battalion Landing Team-3 and lawless elements on Simisa Island in Banguingui, Sulu at 7:45pm on March 15.



Hasim incurred wounds in an armed engagement between 4th Special Forces Battalion and Abu Sayyaf militants at Sampinit Complex in Masola, Isabela City, Basilan on February 25.

Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, WestMinCom Commander, said, “We salute our brothers-in-arms who valiantly fight the adversary and dedicate their lives to serve and protect the people.”

“Our frontline troops are instrumental in our journey to achieve peace and development in Mindanao.”

http://www.westmincom.com/westmincom-awards-wounded-personnel-in-zambo-city/

WESTMINCOM: Community’s support leads to neutralization of Sayyaf sub-leader, rifles in Sulu

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Mar 20. 2019): Community’s support leads to neutralization of Sayyaf sub-leader, rifles in Sulu



Military troops neutralized a notorious Abu Sayyaf sub-leader and another militant in the offensives launched in Talipao, Sulu at 4:45pm yesterday, March 19.

Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Angah Ajid was slain in the combat operations launched by soldiers from 2nd Special Forces Battalion in Barangay Upper Binuang, after civilians reported the presence of suspicious armed men in the area.

Military troops followed the directions provided by residents and encountered five Abu Sayyaf members in the area.

A 10-minute gun battle ensued, yielding to the deaths of sub-commander Ajid and another militant.

Ajid was the last remaining Abu Sayyaf leader involved in the Sipadan kidnapping in 2000.

Soldiers further seized an M14 rifle, an M16 rifle with an M203 Grenade Launcher, rounds of ammunition, and magazines.

Brigadier General Divino Rey Pabayo, Jr., Joint Task Force Sulu Commander, said the series of armed engagements in the province has been the result of the growing support of the civilians to the AFP.

“The people of Sulu are tired of the atrocities committed by the Abu Sayyaf in their communities. Your Joint Task Force Sulu will remain steadfast in fulfilling its mandate of bringing lasting peace in this part of our country,” added BGen Pabayo, Jr.

The military continues to launch its offensives to neutralize Abu Sayyaf militants in the area.

Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, commander of Western Mindanao Command, said, “Combat troops relentlessly pursue Abu Sayyaf militants and constrict their movement, leaving them in despair.”

“As community support amassed, military mounts its offensives to pressure and to defeat Abu Sayyaf militants in the area,” he added.

“We are committed to end terrorism and to bring internal security in Mindanao. We also attribute our accomplishments to the Suluanons who are one with us in working for peace in the province.”

http://www.westmincom.com/communitys-support-leads-to-neutralization-of-sayyaf-sub-leader-rifles-in-sulu/

WESTMINCOM: Troops overrun Sayyaf lair, neutralize militant in Basilan

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Mar 20. 2019): Troops overrun Sayyaf lair, neutralize militant in Basilan



Military troops overran a lair of the Abu Sayyaf and neutralized a militant in a ferocious gunfight in Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan yesterday, March 19.

Soldiers identified the slain enemy as Adam Asarakil, alias Abu Malik, listed as a follower of Abu Sayyaf leader Furidji Indama.

Asarakil died in the gunfight with military troops that ensued at 8:30am yesterday in Barangay Bohe Pahu.

After militants retreated, at 8:35am yesterday, engaged troops scoured the area and discovered two makeshifts built by the enemies.

Combat troops from 18th Infantry Battalion pursued the evading militants.

Soldiers further discovered an enemy camp that can accommodate 15 persons. Troops also recovered an M16 rifle left by militants in the area.



“Ground troops are determined to hunt militants and penetrate enemy lairs, taking prudent actions to neutralize terrorists in Basilan,” said Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“Tactical offensives will continue to crush terrorists and maintain internal security in the province,” he added.

http://www.westmincom.com/troops-overrun-sayyaf-lair-neutralize-militant-in-basilan/

Duterte, Misuari meet anew in Malacañang

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 20, 2019): Duterte, Misuari meet anew in Malacañang
 


President Rodrigo Duterte (right) embraces MNLF Chair Nur Misuari, who met with the Chief Executive in Malacañang on Tuesday night, March 19, 2019. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / ACE MORANDANTE

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte and Moro National Liberation Front founding chairperson Nur Misuari met again in Malacañang Tuesday night.

Photos released by Malacañang showed Duterte hugging Misuari in a meeting attended by Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Carlito Galvez Jr. and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr.

Malacañang has yet to issue a statement on the meeting of the two officials.

On February 25, Duterte and Misuari also met in Malacañang.

The day after that first meeting with the President, the Sandiganbayan Third Division granted Misuari’s plea to travel abroad.

READ: Duterte meets Misuari in Malacañang

Misuari is on trial at the Sandiganbayan for two counts of graft and two counts of malversation through falsification of public documents over the alleged anomalous purchase of educational materials when he was still governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

He is also facing rebellion charges for the 2013 Zamboanga siege.

Duterte has revealed that he had called the courts to allow Misuari to travel abroad but Panelo said someone might have told the court about Duterte’s position, dismissing the move as an interference.

READ: Duterte: I asked court to allow Misuari to travel abroad

Panelo said Duterte’s move was mere “persuasion” and not interference.

Jabidah massacre remembered in BARMM

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 19, 2019): Jabidah massacre remembered in BARMM

COTABATO CITY — The 51st anniversary of the Jabidah mas­sacre drew three separate com­memorations on Monday, two of which were held in this city, the official seat now of the Bang­samoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chaired by Murad Ebrahim, now BARMM interim chief minister, led a gathering at the front’s Camp Darapanan headquarters in adjacent Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao, to remember the tragic event, which sparked the formation of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).



Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim
(AFP PHOTO / TED ALJIBE / MANILA BULLETIN)


“Fifty-one years ago, a group of Moro youth was ruthlessly killed in what is now known in history as the Jabidah Massa­cre, spurring the contemporary Moro rebellion. On this day, we remember the mujaheedin who, since then, have made the ultimate sacrifice of giving their lives for the Bangsamoro cause,” Ebrahim said in a statement Monday.

Fatalities in the March 18, 1968 massacre were Moro youths recruited from Sulu archipelago by the Marcos regime purport­edly to invade and retake Sabah from Malaysia. Military trainers slew them in Corregidor for stag­ing a mutiny upon learning that they were to fight fellow Muslims in Sabah, which the Sultanate of Sulu claimed to be its property on lease to Malaysia, according to history.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/03/19/jabidah-massacre-remembered-in-barmm/

ACLED Regional Overview – Asia (19 March 2019)

Posted to Relief Web (Mar 19, 2019): ACLED Regional Overview – Asia (19 March 2019)

Published on 19 Mar 2019 — View Original


Download PDF (447.2 KB)

Last week, levels of organized violence declined while demonstration events too continued to decrease across the South and Southeast Asian regions. In South Asia, following the announcement of the dates for the general elections by the Election Commission of India, a surge in election-related events as well as organized violence by Maoist rebels was recorded. In Southeast Asia, as Thailand readies for elections next week, separatist violence continued in the south in Narathiwat province while a series of battles in the Philippines between the military and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters led to 21 reported fatalities.

In **Afghanistan **last week, fighting continued between multiple armed groups and Afghan/NATO forces throughout the country. The heaviest concentration of clashes occurred in the provinces of Ghazni, Helmand, Urozgan, and Badghis. In the latter, heavy fighting was focused in the district of Murghab, which borders Turkmenistan as well as two other districts with significant Taliban presence, Muqur and Ghormach (Long War Journal, March 2019). On 10 March 2019, over 20 Afghan security personnel were captured during a Taliban assault, with a half dozen more prisoners being taken by the group the day before. This past weekend, 150 more soldiers were reportedly captured, 100 of which were captured after fleeing across the Turkmen border and being forced back by local security personnel (NY Times, 18 March 2019). On the other hand, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defense reported heavy casualties to Taliban fighters as a result of military operations in the region.

Meanwhile, relations between the Afghan and US governments continued to sour as a result of the former being left out of ongoing peace talks between American and Taliban diplomats. Last week Afghanistan’s national security adviser, Hamidullah Mohib, visited Washington and made comments against the US’ lead negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad, stating that he was acting out of “personal ambition”, and that his reports to the Afghan government were incredibly brief (Washington Post, 14 March 2019). So far, Taliban diplomats have agreed only to talk with foreign and Afghan opposition officials, claiming that the ruling government is a so-called American ‘puppet’. With the upcoming presidential elections set for 20 July 2019, Afghan president Ashraf Ghani faces pressure to legitimize his administration.

In Pakistan, several battles between the security forces and suspected militants were recorded last week. In three such incidents, a police personnel and a militant were reportedly killed, while four were arrested in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. In Balochistan province, Levies officials arrested three suspected militants and their alleged facilitators after an exchange of gunfire. In addition, two people were killed and several others injured when a motorbike mounted with explosive materials went off in Panjgur, while four police personnel were reportedly injured in a similar attack in Quetta.

In other developments, unidentified men fatally shot a Brohi folk singer in Balochistan and a famous ophthalmologist in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In Sindh, the crackdown on banned organizations continued with government agencies taking control of 18 seminaries of Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JUD) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) along with several Deobandi madrasas and mosques alleged to have links with these groups.

In the contested Kashmir region, Indian and Pakistani forces continued with regular exchanges of small arms fire and shelling along the Line of Control (LoC), resulting in the reported deaths of two Pakistani civilians, as well as injuries to four Pakistani civilians, four Indian civilians and an Indian army porter.

In India, security forces in Jammu & Kashmir continued to be on high alert in the aftermath of the deadly Pulwama attack by Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) militants on 14 February (for more on this, see this past ACLED piece). Last week, between two to three JeM militants were reportedly killed by state forces during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in Pulwama district. Suspected militants staged several targeted attacks on civilians at their homes, resulting in injuries to a National Conference activist (JKNC) and the reported deaths of three people, including a former soldier and an off-duty special police officer.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India announced the dates for general elections and some state Assembly elections which will be held in seven phases from 11 April to 19 May. Following the Election Commission’s announcement on 10 March, the number of election-related violence events surged across India. In West Bengal, several clashes between political parties and attacks against party members were recorded, reportedly leaving one supporter of the Indian National Congress (INC) dead. Based on West Bengal’s history of violent elections (for more on this, see this past ACLED piece), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) urged the Election Commission to declare West Bengal a ‘super sensitive state’ and demanded the deployment of central forces at every polling booth to ensure fair elections (Times of India, 13 March 2019). Incidents of election-related clashes between political parties were also reported from Tamil Nadu and Andrah Pradesh. In North India, political parties started launching protest campaigns against their rivals, such as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) who held demonstrations both against BJP and INC and renewed their demand for full statehood for Delhi.

In addition, a rise in Maoist violence was reported last week with battles between rebels and security forces as well as attacks on civilians being recorded in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Maharashtra states. Maoist rebels have a history of boycotting elections and ramping up their military campaign in the run up to elections (for more on this, see this past ACLED infographic). A few days after the announcement of the election results, Maoist rebels left posters asking people to boycott the upcoming general and state elections in Odisha (Odisha Sun Times, 17 March 2019).

In other developments, people from all walks of life, often led by women’s organizations, took to the streets across South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, to protest the sexual harassment and extortion of more than 50 women across Tamil Nadu by a four-member gang from Pollachi. This latest rape case, which caught national media attention, also has taken a political turn with the alleged involvement of a senior leader of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) party (The Indian Express, 13 March 2019).

In Bangladesh, mill workers took to the streets last week to demand the reopening of factories, and students carried out protest demonstrations demanding fresh polls for the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) over allegations of rigging and irregularities (Independent, 14 March 2019).

In Nepal, the government branded the Netra Bikram Chand-led Communist Party of Nepal as a criminal group, signaling a crackdown on the party’s activities. The government’s declaration came in the backdrop of several bombings and other violent activities by members of the outfit. The government has also called on members of the Netra Bikram Chand-led Communist Party to submit all illegal weapons to the authorities within 35 days (My Republica, 15 March 2019).

In Sri Lanka, police forces fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse a student demonstration near the Parliament in Colombo city. Students had been protesting against the proposed Counter Terrorism Act (CTA)that is supposed to replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). Opponents claim that a repressive government can use these anti-terror laws to suppress peaceful dissenting voices from journalists, rights activists, opposition politicians, and others (Euroasia Review, 2 Mach 2019).

In the Philippines, there were 12 reported fatalities of drug suspects in police raids. The deaths come as Duterte recently released the third drug list of his administration (The Manila Times, 14 March 2019). Released two months before the May 2019 midterm elections, the list includes the names of politicians allegedly linked to the drug trade. Last week, there was a rise in reported fatalities from the ongoing fighting between the Philippine military and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). In Maguindanao province, 20 BIFF fighters and one Philippine soldier died in a series of battles.

Clashes in Myanmar between the Arakan Army (AA) and Myanmar military intensified last week in Rakhine state. As well, the Kachin Independence Organization/Kachin Independence Army (KIO/KIA) and Myanmar military clashed in Kutkai township in northern Shan state. Notably, the Myanmar military also clashed with the Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army-North (SSPP/SSA-N) in northern Shan state over several days. Despite the Myanmar military’s announcement of a four-month unilateral ceasefire in December 2018 which covers Kachin and Shan states, it appears the temporary ceasefire is beginning to unravel earlier than the given deadline.

A number of protests were also held by various ethnic, environmental and activist groups across the country on the International Day of Action for Rivers. Demonstrations were held in Kachin and Kayin states as well as in the Mandalay and Sagaing regions. Protesters were calling for an end to the construction of several dams across the country. The protests come as Daw Aung San Suu Kyi recently made comments that were interpreted as indicating that she was reconsidering allowing China to restart construction on the Myitsone dam (Radio Free Asia, 14 March 2019). Such a decision would be deeply unpopular (The Diplomat, 11 March 2019) as the dam would be constructed on the Irrawaddy river, a river considered to be the life source of the country and a point of national pride. It is likely that a decision to restart construction on the dam would lead to more demonstrations.

Last week, there were a number of bombings and attacks in Thailand in Narathiwat province by suspected separatists. Such violence occurred in Cho-Airang, Tak Bai, Yi Ngo, Bacho and Rueso districts. The violence comes in the run-up to the general election scheduled for 24 March with many doubting that the elections will resolve the many political conflicts in the country, particularly as the Thai military has engineered the constitution to weaken political parties and give the military power over both the executive and legislative branches of government (The Diplomat, 13 December 2018).

In Bangkok, students demonstrated as part of the global Youth Strike for Climate. Similar protests were also held in Penang in Malaysia. Also, in Malaysia, a six-day protest by several families over their forced eviction to make way for a development project in Penang concluded after an agreement was reached.

In Indonesia, the wife of a suspected member of Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) detonated explosives as police surrounded her home in North Sumatra, resulting in four reported fatalities (Time, 13 March 2019). The explosion occurred as police arrested several suspected JAD members in both North Sumatra and West Kalimantan provinces.

IDP Protection Assessment Report - Continuing Displacement in Maguindanao (AFP vs BIFF) (Issue No. 01; Date: 18 March 2019)

Posted to the Relief Web (Mar 18, 2019): IDP Protection Assessment Report - Continuing Displacement in Maguindanao (AFP vs BIFF) (Issue No. 01; Date: 18 March 2019)

Published on 18 Mar 2019 — View Original


Download PDF (1.04 MB)


INCIDENT BACKGROUND

There has been massive and recurrent displacement affecting the interior areas of SPMS box (Salibu, Pagatin, Mamasapano and Shariff Aguak) as a result of armed clashes and military operations against a DAESH-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). The SPMS box has been the center of conflict between the government troops and the BIFF for several years. The seemingly permanent hostilities have caused repeated and massive displacement affecting the same communities and populations.

On 27 February 2019, a high-ranking officer of the BIFF was gunned down in Barangay Sambulawan, Datu Salibu Municipality. On the following day, the militaries on board a private vehicle were ambushed in Barangay Sambulawan, Datu Salibu Municipality, two (2) were killed and the other two (2) have sustained injuries. Artilleries were fired in the areas of encampment of the BIFF, which has resulted to forcible displacement of civilians.

On 2 March 2019, the BIFF attacked military detachment in the boundary areas of Barangay Nabundas, Shariff Saydona Mustapha and Barangay Kuloy, Shariff Aguak. Militaries has then conducted air and artilleries shelling in areas believed to be encampment of BIFF. Another harassment of military detachment was reported on 7 March 2019 in Barangay Tuka, Mamasapano.

On 11 March 2019, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have launched surgical air, artillery and ground operations. Armed clashes between the warring parties has ensued on 12 March 2019 in Barangay Inaladan, Shariff Saydona Mustapha when the militaries have conducted a combat clearing operations supported with air and artillery fires.

At least 10 foreign terrorists lurk in southern Philippines: minister

From Xinhua (Mar 19, 2019): At least 10 foreign terrorists lurk in southern Philippines: minister

There are at least 10 foreign terrorists lurking in the southern Philippines, Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Tuesday.

Lorenzana said that his assessment is that many terrorists who went to the Middles East to join the Islamic State (IS) militants have gone back to their respective countries.

Analysts say that many IS cadres have decided to leave the Middle East after losing its major strongholds in Syria and Iraq. The militants have reportedly targeted the Philippines as in their plan to build an IS caliphate in Southeast Asia.

"While (IS militants) are losing their territories there (in Iraq and Syria), they are fleeing, they are going back to their own countries. Now, if we have Filipinos fighting there in Syria, then we might expect them to be coming back here," Lorenzana said.

Nevertheless, he said that the Philippines is "intensifying its (security) cooperation" with Malaysia and Indonesia to prevent the militants from crossing borders.
Lorenzana further said that Philippine security forces have intensified their operation to eliminate the IS-linked militants in the southern Philippines. "I do not believe that they are growing in number here," he added.

However, a senior military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said there are about 40 to 100 foreign terrorists currently embedded with various local terrorist groups in the Philippines.

Last week, Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Philippine Army's 6th Infantry Division based in Mindanao, claimed that the military troops killed a foreign terrorist in Shariff Saydona Mustapha town in Maguindanao after troops shelled a camp of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Security officials have earlier said that there are 40 foreign militants in the country. The foreign terrorists, who include Indonesians, Malaysians, Pakistanis, Moroccans, Egyptians, and Singaporeans, are mostly in Sulu archipelago and Maguindanao province in central Mindanao.

There are a number of radical fighters with alleged link to IS operating in the southern Philippines, including the BIFF, the Abu Sayyaf Group, and the Maute Group.

Abu Sayyaf and Maute militants co-plotted the siege of Marawi City in May 2017 that triggered a five-month fierce fighting between government forces and militants. The military claimed foreign terrorists also helped in plotting the Marawi siege that led to the death of at least 1,200.

Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and Maute brothers Abdullah and Omar were killed, along with some 900 terrorists, as troops liberated Marawi in October 2017. New terrorist leaders emerged, including Abu Dar, who the army has described as IS' new chief in Southeast Asia.

http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-03/19/c_137907598.htm

AFP: Desperate Abus losing space, resources

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 20, 2019): AFP: Desperate Abus losing space, resources

An Abu Sayyaf terrorist was killed while another was wounded in an encounter that took place between the terrorist group and government troops in Simusa Island, Municipality of Banguingui on Monday.

The Philippine Marine Ready Force Sulu (PMRFS) Marine Battalion Landing Team 3 engaged the terrorists ASG under a certain Najir Arik in a firefight which transpired at about 11:44 a.m. on Monday when the terrorists were trying to get potable water.

The five-minute clash resulted in one ASG terrorist being killed, and one wounded and eventually captured by the Marines.

The captured ASG was immediately given first aid and was subsequently evacuated by helicopter to Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital for treatment.

Earlier, PMRFS troops under Marine Battalion Landing Team 1 engaged the ASG in a firefight that resulted in the death of one Marine.

Brig. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo Jr., Commander of Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu, reiterated his appreciation of the support of the local populace.

“The people of Simusa Island will soon be able to live in peace,” Pabayo said.

He further praised the gallantry and perseverance of the Philippine Marines who are continuously doing their duty to bring about peace in the area.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/03/20/afp-desperate-abus-losing-space-resources/

Troops recover Sayyaf’s remains, rifle after clash in Basilan

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 19, 2019): Troops recover Sayyaf’s remains, rifle after clash in Basilan

Sporadic gunfights between military troops and 10 Abu Sayyaf members under Furudji Indama Tuesday in Basilan resulted in the death of a militant and the seizure of a high-powered firearm.

Soldiers from the Army’s 18th Infantry Battalion exchanged fire with the terrorists in Barangay Bohe Pahu, Ungkaya Pukan at about 8:15 a.m.

After the encounter they found the body of an Abu Sayyaf member and an M16 rifle,
according to Col. Fernando Reyeg, Joint Task Force Basilan Commander.

About 15 minutes later, soldiers from 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion engaged seven Abu Sayyaf militants under Indama in Barangay Bohe Pahu.

The firefight lasted for five minutes with no casualty reported on the government side.

“We commit to sustain our campaign against terrorism that derails peace and development in the area of operations. Hitherto, we work hard to crumble terrorists and to address security threats by intensifying our offensives and by involving stakeholders and the people of Mindanao,” Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, the commander of Western Mindanao Command, said.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/03/19/troops-recover-sayyafs-remains-rifle-after-clash-in-basilan/

Abu Sayyaf leader in Sipadan kidnappings, 1 other killed in Sulu clash —military

From GMA News (Mar 20, 2019): Abu Sayyaf leader in Sipadan kidnappings, 1 other killed in Sulu clash —military

Two suspected Abu Sayyaf terrorists, including a leader in the 2000 Sipadan kidnappings, were killed in an encounter with the military in Sulu province, according to Mark Makalalad's report on Dobol B sa News TV on Wednesday.

Lieutenant Colonel Ralph de Mesa, acting spokesperson of Joint Task Force Sulu, identified one of the fatalities as Angah Adjih.
 

According to a Philippine Army news release, Adjih was one of the bandits who seized 21 hostages from the dive resort island of Sipadan, Malaysia, on April 23, 2000. The victims were taken to an Abu Sayyaf lair in Jolo, Sulu, and were eventually rescued following a major military offensive.
The other Abu Sayyaf fatality, on the other hand, was identified asd Sarih Edris, the Philippine Army said.

The encounter took place in a remote barangay in Talipao on Tuesday afternoon between Abu Sayyaf members and troops from the 2nd Special Forces Battalion who were conducting combat patrol.

Recovered from the area following the 10-minute encounter were two rifles and a grenade launcher.

Brigadier General Divino Rey Pabayo Jr., JTF Sulu commander, credited the military's successful operations against the Abu Sayyaf to the cooperation of residents in the area.

"The series of encounters in Sulu is a result of growing support of the civilians toward the AFP who are now tired of the atrocities committed by the ASG in their communities," Pabayo said.

"The Joint Task Force Sulu, together with the local populace, remain steadfast with our mandate of bringing lasting peace in this part of the country."

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/688557/abu-sayyaf-leader-in-sipadan-kidnappings-1-other-killed-in-sulu-clash-military/story/

Army condemns NPA for Cafgu murder

From the Sun Star-Bacolod (Mar 20. 2019): Army condemns NPA for Cafgu murder

THE Philippine Army has condemned the killing of a member of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary by the New People’s Army (NPA) in Negros Oriental Sunday, March 17.

Lt. Col. Randy Pagunuran, commanding officer of the 94th Infantry Batallion, identified the victim as Cerilo Malig-on, of Sitio Batong Buang, Barangay Trinidad, Guihulngan, Negros Oriental.
Pagunuran said Malig-on was killed by five armed men believed to be members of the NPA outside his house.

He said the incident was witnessed by Malig-on’s wife.

Pagunuran recalled that on March 14, NPA also executed an innocent civilian in Sitio Tuko, Barangay Trinidad, Guihulngan.

“We strongly condemn the treacherous acts of the NPA. We decry the terroristic acts and brutalities of the NPA bandits,” Pagunuran said.

He said Guihulngan town has been covered with fear since these terrorists started to lord over the lives of the people through Special Partisan Unit operations.

“These are all in contrary their claims that they are protector of the masses and everyone must be given due process. This is also a solid proof of the NPA’s continuing campaign to take control and terrorize the helpless masses, that anyone who gets in their way will be killed,” he added.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1797724/Bacolod/Local-News/Army-condemns-NPA-for-Cafgu-murder

Army says it foiled rebels’ landmine planting plot

From The Daily Guardian (Mar 19, 2019): Army says it foiled rebels’ landmine planting plot

The Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion said it foiled the New People’s Army (NPA)’s plan to plant landmines after another armed clash between the two groups.

The latest encounter happened 6 a.m. of March 19, 2019 at Barangay Osorio 1, San Remigio, Antique.

Soldiers from the 61st IB and CAFGU Active Auxiliary were patrolling the area when they encountered an undetermined number of rebels.

Lieutenant Colonel Sisenando Magbalot Jr., 61st IB commander, said a five-minute firefight occurred before the rebels retreated.

“We believe they have plans to set up landmines and ambush government troops,” Magbalot said.


No one was killed or wounded among government troopers.

Recovered from the area were materials used for making improvised explosive device (IED) and empty shells of various firearms.

Meanwhile, Magbalot expressed alarm over the perceived “mass production” of IEDs by the NPA that were left at the house of their alleged militiamen.

Nine IEDs, weighing around nine kilos each, were seized after the March 17 encounter at Barangay Mulangan, Igbaras, Iloilo.


Also recovered were forty pieces of calibre 5.56 mm ammunition shells, nine pieces of calibre 7.62 mm cartriges, an undetermined device made of sealed orange pipe, and a black pistol holster.

But the NPA’s Coronacion Chiva “Waling-Waling” Command labeled the encounter in Igbaras as fake news.

Magbalot laughed it off and challenged the rebels to explain the big IEDs seized from their supporter’s abode.

“Ipaliwanag nyo kung fake din ba ang mga anti-personnel landmine na na-recover,” Magbalot said.

The 61st IB commander said the public should expect more encounters between their troops and the NPA rebels.

“It is to be expected because we have been on active offense mode as the NPA anniversary nears,” he said.

The NPA will celebrate its 50th founding anniversary on March 29.

On top of that, Magbalot said the continuous outpour of information from the community made it possible for them to track the rebels’ path.

https://thedailyguardian.net/local-news/army-says-it-foiled-rebels-landmine-planting-plot/

NPA losing heavily in eastern Mindanao – military

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 19, 2019): NPA losing heavily in eastern Mindanao – military

The New People’s Army (NPA) operating in the area of responsibility of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) has reportedly been suffering from severe setbacks as a result of the relentless security operations for the past three days.

This was pointed out by the military as troops from the Army’s 28th Infantry Battalion (IB), encountered NPA members in Sitio Washington, Barangay Las Arenas, Pantukan in Compostela Valley Province last Sunday, March 17.

The soldiers, responding to information provided by the community, sent the rebels scampering while leaving behind two M16 rifles and a grenade launcher.

On Sunday, March 17, 2019, troops from the Army’s 28th Infantry Battalion (IB), encountered On another occasion last March 15, members of the Third Special Forces Battalion encountered insurgents in the outskirts of Sitio Ago, Brgy. Magsaysay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

A 10-minute firefight ensued that resulted in the death of an NPA rebel and the recovery of an M14 rifle and bandolier with magazines and ammunition.

Since no one has come forward to identify or claim the remains of the ill-fated rebel, the Prosperidad government, police and military accorded him with a decent burial last Sunday at the Prosperidad public cemetery.

In recent days, the troops have figured in 59 encounters with the Communist insurgents in different areas of eastern Mindanao.
These skirmishes led to the capture of 68 firearms, 53 landmines, and death of 15 CNTG members.

Lt. General Felimon T. Santos Jr., Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command, reminded his units to ensure the protection of communities after the leadership of the CPP openly directed the NPAs to conduct atrocities.

“Let us ensure the safety of the communities. We should not allow anyone to disturb their economic endeavor and be the collateral of their evil political ideology,” Santos said.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/03/19/npa-losing-heavily-in-eastern-mindanao-military/

Former front members yield to Cagayan LGU

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 19, 2019): Former front members yield to Cagayan LGU

 Story image for "new people's army" from Manila Bulletin

At least 1,500 former members of various front organizations with ties to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) gathered at the Cagayan Provincial Capitol to participate in the flag raising ceremony on Monday morning, March 18, 2019.
The individuals, who used to be members of Anakpawis, Bayan Muna, Kadamay, Caguimungan, Anakbayan, Gabriela, and Makabayan in the province of Cagayan, all swore an oath of allegiance to the government and its pro-peace and development efforts while denouncing the said organizations’ corrupt practices, deceitfulness, and human rights violations.

“They create issues so they could deceive us into joining them. They endeavor to gain our trust and support and then abandon us when they no longer have use for us,” said a certain Berna.

“We thought they will truly help us. That is why we are pledging our allegiance back to the government because we know they are sincere and ready to welcome us despite all of our shortcomings,” she added.

Another said that she decided to leave the group due to the exploitation directed on the members themselves.

“Our leaders were more concerned for their money-making schemes rather than the true plight of the lowly members such as myself,” the woman said.

Brig. Gen. Alden Juan Masagca, commander of the 5th Infantry Division which oversees military operations in Cagayan Valley and Cordillera Administrative Region, lauded the former members of the front organizations for voluntarily proclaiming their support to the government.

“It has been the desire of the Armed Forces all along to reintegrate them back to society. We are truly grateful to them for trusting us and giving peace a chance,” Masagca said.

Army Chief Lt..Gen. Macairog S. Alberto, said their surrender is what true progress really means.

“We all come together in unity despite our differing beliefs and backgrounds. We hope that this show of solidarity will convince more of our countrymen who may have been misled by false promises to return to the folds of the law,” Alberto said.

The joint flag raising ceremony was also attended by members of the 5th Infantry “Star” Division, Marine Battalion Landing Team-10, Cagayan Police Provincial Office, and local government officials.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/03/19/former-front-members-yield-to-cagayan-lgu/

Soldier dead, 2 hurt in highway collision

From the Sun Star-Zamboang (Mar 19, 2019): Soldier dead, 2 hurt in highway collision

A SOLDIER died and two civilians were injured when two motorcycles collided along the highway in Zamboanga del Sur before dawn Tuesday, March 19.

Police Major Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office Zamboanga Peninsula information officer, identified the fatality as Abdurakim Hammisani, 43, a member of the Philippine Army and a native of Jolo, Sulu. Those injured were Julito Escalante, 26, a sales boy, and his back rider, Kristene Vellagonzalo, 24, a merchandiser.

Galvez said Hammisani was driving a motorcycle towards Tigbao while Escalante, also driving a motorcycle with Vellagonzalo as his back rider, was traveling to Pagadian City when they collided head on at about 2:20 a.m. Tuesday in the village of Camanga, Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur.

The three were rushed to the Zamboanga City Medical Center but Hammisani, who had sustained a severed head injury, died along the way. Escalante and Vellagonzalo were hospitalized.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1797587/Zamboanga/Local-News/Soldier-dead-2-hurt-in-highway-collision

2 Abu Sayyaf bandits killed, another captured

From the Sun Star-Zamboang (Mar 19, 2019): 2 Abu Sayyaf bandits killed, another captured

TWO Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed while another was captured in separate clashes in the provinces of Sulu and Basilan.

Colonel Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, said no casualty was reported on the government side in both clashes. The Abu Sayyaf bandits are on the run.
Besana said the first clash broke out around 11:44 a.m. Monday, March 18, on Simusa Island, Banguingui, Sulu when the troops from the 21st Marine Company of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-1 (MBLT-1) chanced upon a group of Abu Sayyaf bandits while conducting focused military operation on Simusa Island, Banguingui.

Besana said the firefight lasted for about five minutes after which the Abu Sayyaf bandits fled, leaving behind two of their companions. One was dead while another was wounded.

He said the slain Abu Sayyaf bandit was identified as Hamza Hamad, 19, a resident of Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte. The remains were taken to the MBLT-1 command post for proper disposition.

The wounded bandit who was captured by the military was identified as Alvin Mohammad, a resident of Simusa Island. He was taken to the Kuta Heneral Teodulfo

Bautista Station Hospital for treatment and debriefing.

Another firefight erupted and lasted for about three minutes as Marine soldiers pursued and caught up with the fleeing Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sitio Mono-Mono, Simusa Island. The bandits were still on the run.

Besana said Mohammad disclosed during his debriefing that they were led by Najir Arik and that they were running out of food supply and ammunition.

Colonel Fernando Reyeg, Army’s 104th Infantry Brigade commander, said another clash ensued as troops from the Army’s 18th Infantry Battalion chanced upon 10 Abu Sayyaf bandits led by Furudji Indama in the village of Bohe Pahu, Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan.
Reyeg said an Abu Sayyaf bandit was killed. The troops recovered an M-16 Armalite rifle from the clash site.

Reyeg said that another firefight ensued around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 19, in the same village between the troops of the Army’s 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion and seven Abu Sayyaf bandits who are also allegedly followers of Indama.


Reyeg said the firefight lasted for about five minutes after which the Abu Sayyaf bandits fled to the hinterlands.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1797588/Zamboanga/Local-News/2-Abu-Sayyaf-bandits-killed-another-captured

Rebels, Army clash in Antique

From the Panay News (Mar 20, 2019): Rebels, Army clash in Antique

Ten days before the 50th anniversary of the New People’s Army (NPA) on March 29, government troops clashed with rebels in Barangay Osorio 1, San Remegio, Antique.

An undetermined number of rebels fired at the troops of the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) around 7:45 a.m. yesterday.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Sisenando Magbalot, commanding officer of the battalion, his men led by Staff Sergeant Eduardo Estologa were unscathed.

The firefight lasted for some five minutes. The rebels withdrew after augmentation troops arrived, said Magbalot.

During the exchange of fire, Magbalot said, four loud explosions were heard not far away.

“Those were probably improvised explosive devices intended for us. Luckily those went off far from our men,” said Magbalot.

Just this Sunday, March 17, Magbalot’s men seized nine improvised explosive devices from a house in Barangay Mulangan, Igbaras, Iloilo where some 10 rebels gathered.

The rebels fled buts Army soldiers arrested three members of the Elamparo family that owned the house.

Magbalot said the three later confessed to have been recruited by the NPA.

The battalion commander also said the nine improvised explosive devices recovered were designed to inflict considerable damage.

“Talagang damaging ang na-recover. Kayang paliparin ang truck natin ng ilang feet kasi malakas,” said Magbalot.

The explosives each weighed 10 kilos.

The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines. It was founded on March 29, 1969.

https://www.panaynews.net/rebels-army-clash-in-antique/

NegOr rebels get E-CLIP aid

From the Visayan Daily Star (Mar 19, 2019): NegOr rebels get E-CLIP aid

Four former members of the New People’s Army from the towns of Mabinay and Zamboanguita in Negros Oriental received financial assistance amounting to P312,000 recently, under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government.

Each former rebel received P78,000, in P15,000 cash and check for P50,000 livelihood aid, plus an additional P10,000 as personal support of Gov. Roel Degamo and P3,000 from the province’s assistance to individual in crisis situation (AICS), a government press release said.

The formal turnover of the cash and livelihood assistance was led by the chair of the Task Force Balik Loob of the Department of National Defense, Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu, along with Degamo, commander of the Central Command of Armed Forces of the Philippines, Lt. Gen. Noel Clement, and Department of Interior of Local Government Provincial Director Dennis Quiñones.

The government officials recognized the former rebels’ decision to return to mainstream society and formally welcomed them to renew their lives.

Clement said the former rebels were victims of the "deceptive strategy" Communist Terrorist Groups’ (CTGs).

“Instead of being in school and taking care of their family, they were tricked into joining the combat in the mountains," he said.

The AFP aims to work with local government units together with development partners and private sectors to achieve a holistic program towards peace, development, and governance to give the needed solutions for the residents in the province, Clement said.

Degamo called on other NPAs to surrender to the authorities and take advantage of the programs of the government.

He vowed that the province will add P50,000 financial support, on top of the E-CLIP assistance, especially to those who will bring in their firearms, the press release said.

“I reiterate that we cannot win peace by bullets or armed struggle and the false belief that NPAs give to members to go against the government,” Degamo said.

Mapagu urged other NPA members to return to the folds of the law and avail of the benefits of the government’s program.

“It is high time to end this communist insurgency problem as the government is serious in the program to win them back and ensure their well-being to become productive Filipino citizens,” he added.

The rebel returnees shared some stories of their plights and thanked the government for the opportunity to change their lives and the chance to live peacefully with their families.

Mapagu said that in 2018, some 7,797 rebels surrendered. Of that number, 1,700 were original members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA, and the rest were Militia Ng Bayan, or paramilitaries, and all of them were given assistance.

E-CLIP is one of the flagship programs of the Duterte administration that seeks to address social healing and national unity towards the higher objective of having just and lasting peace.

It aims to provide social equity to former members of the NPA, CPP, National Democratic Front of the Philippines, and the Militia ng Bayan to reintegrate them into mainstream society, the press release said.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/March/19/topstory9.htm

NPA owns assassination of Guihulngan militiaman

From the Visayan Daily Star (Mar 19, 2019): NPA owns assassination of Guihulngan militiaman

New People’s Army rebels continued their murderous rampage by killing a member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit Sunday night in Sitio Batong-boang, Brgy. Trinidad, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, Brig. Gen. Ignacio Madriaga, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, said yesterday.

The killing of CAFGU member Cerillo Malig-on, 44, was claimed yesterday by the NPA Leonardo Panaligan Command in a statement issued to the media.

Madriaga said five suspected Special Partisan Unit members of the NPA shot Malig-on, while he was preparing food for the birthday celebration of his son, Marlyn, the wife of the victim, told him.

Ka JB Regalado justified the killing of Malig-on, by claiming that he was a legitimate military target, being assigned at the 12th Infantry (Cadre) Battalion of the Philippine Army.

The death of Malig-on came in the wake of the killing of a civilian identified as Johnny Albino on March 14 also in Brgy. Trinidad, Guihulngan City.

Madriaga condemned anew the series of killings perpetrated by NPA rebels in the hinterlands of Guihulngan City, stressing that the victim was off duty and unarmed when he was killed by the communist rebels.

Regalado claimed that Malig-on also engaged in spying activities and was one of those actively involved in the implementation of the Synchronized Enhanced Managing Police Operations (SEMPO) and Oplan Sauron of the combined Armed Forces of the Philippines and National Police Dec. 27 last year that claimed the lives of six civilians.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/March/19/topstory6.htm

Ampatuan compound raid yields explosives, ammunition

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 20, 2019): Ampatuan compound raid yields explosives, ammunition

Police raided on Tuesday the compound of the late Maguindanao governor Datu Andal Ampatuan Sr. in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao and seized explosives and ammunition.

Maguindanao police director, Col. Ronald Briones, said combined elements of the Maguindanao police force and Shariff Aguak police office, armed with eight search warrants issued by a local court, swooped down on the Ampatuan compound in Barangay Satan at about 7 a.m. to implement the order.

Seized by the raiding team were two rifle grenade projectiles and 240 rounds of 5.56 live ammunition mainly used for M16 rifles.

“Unfortunately, we missed the six principal suspects of the operation,” Briones said.

A police report identified the targets as Kamsa Salik, Kuryano Usop, Babai Mama Usop, Nasri Salik, Benjar Salik, and Pangandaman Salik, whose affiliation to the Ampatuans have yet to be fully determined.

Briones said the suspects are facing charges for violation of Republic Act (RA) 10591 (Illegal Possession of Firearms and Ammunition) and RA 9516 (Illegal Possession of Explosives).

The remains of Ampatuan Sr. was buried in the same compound in 2015.

The clan's patriarch was one of the principal suspects in the infamous election-related Nov.23, 2009 massacre of 58 persons, 32 of them newsmen. He died due to liver cancer at a hospital in Manila in July 2015.

More than a dozen other members of the Ampatuan clan, including main massacre suspect Andal “Datu Unsay” Ampatuan Jr., are currently being detained at a maximum-security prison facility in Taguig City.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065057

EastMinCom chief leads donning of rank of reservists

From the Mindanao Times (Mar 19, 2019): EastMinCom chief leads donning of rank of reservists

The Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) donned the rank to newly commissioned reserve officers during the flag ceremony at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Panacan yesterday.

Lt. General Felimon T. Santos Jr., commander of EastMinCom, led the ceremonies.

“The newly commissioned officers’ expertise, skills, and talent will be tapped in the different peace and security efforts, organizational transformation initiatives, and humanitarian assistance operations of EastMinCom and the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Santos said in his message.

“The organization is grateful for having you as reservists whose qualities are highly needed, professionals who put a premium on national interest and well-being of the people,” Santos said.

Col. Ezra Balagtey, the EastMinCom spokesperson, said director Raymundo G. Agravante, regional director of Department of Labor and Employment XI, and Dr. Mary Christine R. Daligdig, head of the Davao Occidental District Hospital, were donned the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Judge Charles S. Concon of the Municipal Trial Court of Maragusan, Atty Kenneth N. Dabi of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, and Pastor Lazaro Atencio of Harvest Hill Baptist Church were donned the rank of major.

Dr. Alejandro C. Rodriguez of Tagum Doctors Hospital and Dr. Shera L. Elefante of the Southern Philippines Medical Center have donned the captain rank, and Allan G. Sacopayo of Multi-Test Diagnostic Center donned the 2nd Lieutenant rank.

The donning was capped with a parade in their honor and witnessed by their families and friends, officers from EastMinCom and other units in naval command.

http://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2019/03/19/eastmincom-chief-leads-the-donning-of-rank-of-reservists/

Malaysia holds 12 Filipino terror suspects

From the Mindanao Examiner (Mar 19, 2019): Malaysia holds 12 Filipino terror suspects

Malaysia is holding a dozen Filipinos, including a woman, who are suspected as terrorists or protecting terrorists in Sabah.

Police Inspector-General Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun announced the capture of the suspects on Monday following their arrest in Semporna and Tambunan during two days of anti-terrorism operations launched by the Special Branch and the VAT 69 Commando Unit, according to the official Malaysia news agency Bernama.

“All of them were arrested on suspicion of being members of one of several terrorist groups, such as the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), Maute and Royal Sulu Force (RSF). Some of them are suspected to have given protection to terrorist elements believed to be in hiding in Sabah,” he said.

He said police arrested 5 Filipinos and Malaysian citizens, aged between 40 and 60, in Semporna on March 11. “Four of them are suspected to have been involved in the Maute terrorist group siege of Marawi City, Philippines, in 2017. They are also suspected to have given protection to Maute terrorist elements and several Middle Eastern nationals believed to be hiding in Sabah,” he said, adding, two others are suspected to be members of the RSF involved in 2013 attacks in Lahad Datu and Semporna.

He added that those arrested were also allegedly recruiting Filipinos in Sabah to join the RSF, and that two other suspects – who fled to the southern Philippines after security forces battled RSF fighters – sneaked into Sabah November last year to revive their activities in the oil-rich state.

Harun said that also on March 11, the police arrested 5 Filipinos and a Filipina, aged between 23 and 63, in Tambunan.

“One of the suspects, a construction laborer, is suspected to be a member of the ASG that was involved in the attack on Marawi City. The suspect sneaked into Sabah in December last year to escape the Philippine military operations. The five others are suspected to have given shelter to ASG and Maute terrorist elements who are still free,” he said.

“With these arrests, the police believe they can trace and hunt the remnants of the ASG and Maute members suspected to be hiding in the country, especially in Sabah,” he added.

There was no immediate statement either from the Philippine military or Foreign Affairs on the arrest of the Filipinos.

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/malaysia-holds-12-filipino-terror-suspects/

AgNor PPOC immersion set

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 19, 2019): AgNor PPOC immersion set

BUTUAN CITY – To fully serve communities in insurgency-influenced barangays in the province of Agusan del Norte, the Provincial Peace and Order Council Oversight and Advisory Committee (ADNOAC) of Agusan del Norte is set to conduct a one-day PPOC Immersion on March 28, 2019 in Barangay Tagmamarkay, Tubay, Agusan del Norte.

The event will bring services from different government agencies and private groups to the residents of the four barangays of Tubay, to include residents of barangays Tagmamarkay, Sta. Ana, Doña Telesfora, and Doña Rosario.

Residents of the four barangays including the Indigenous Peoples, Persons With Disabilities, pregnant women and children will benefit services from the Department of Health, Department of Agriculture-Provincial Agriculturist Office, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Provincial Health Office, Department of Agrarian Reform-Provincial Agrarian Reform Office, Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Provincial Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Red Cross, Department of Labor and Employment, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, and Department of Justice-Public Attorney’s Office.

Other offices that will also give their services are the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Department of Education, Philippine health Insurance Corporation, Philippine Statistics Authority, Land Transportation Office and other private groups.

Expected services during activity will include free medical and dental, vaccination, massage, haircut, legal counseling and many others.

Also, food packs will be given to the indigenous people and other residents. Contraceptives will be provided to couples; buntis kits to pregnant women; seedlings to farmers; and fingerlings to fishermen.

A skills training and demo and lectures on illegal recruitment and trafficking will also take part of the event.

The incoming PPOC Immersion is the 4th in the province.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1019762

NegOr PPOC adopts motion to declare NPAs as persona non grata

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 19, 2019): NegOr PPOC adopts motion to declare NPAs as persona non grata



Provincial Board Member Jessica Villanueva (with microphone) during the Negros Oriental Provincial Peace and Order Council Meeting held March 12, 2019 at Capitol, Dumaguete City. (PIA7-NegOr)

DUMAGUETE CITY -- Members of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) here approved in principle a motion that seeks to declare the New People’s Army (NPA) as persona non grata in the province.

Office for Senior Citizens Affairs President George Villamor moved for the motion which was seconded by Provincial Board Member Jessica Villanueva. Both are members of the PPOC.

Board Member Villanueva raised this topic during the council’s meeting held March 12 at the Capitol.

Villanueva disclosed that a high ranking official of the Philippine Army (PA) is asking if the council can issue such resolution.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Provincial Director Dennis Quiñones believes that areas like Guihulngan City, where a lot of atrocities allegedly committed by NPA took place, should be the first to issue the declaration and the provincial government will follow their lead.

“The PPOC will have better appreciation on the seriousness of the matter kay nauna man ang Guihulngan (because Guihulngan took the first step),” Quiñones said.

On this, Villuenava underscored that it would be wise for the provincial government if it will initiate such action rather than following the lead of cities and municipalities.

“I think it is also wise that we lead. Nia man ta sa province. What if naghulat ra pod sila sa atong action? Hearing the reports from AFP, hearing the report from PNP, nakita man gyud nato ang atrocities na gihimo na sa atoang mga left leaning brother (What if the cities and municipalities are also waiting for our action? Hearing the reports from the AFP and PNP, we have seen the atrocities made by our left leaning brothers),” Villanueva told members of the council.

She also believes the Philippine Army has good reasons for asking the council to pass a resolution declaring NPAs as persona non grata in Negros Oriental.

“The PA, who is part of our government, is asking us to pass such resolution because this is a concerted effort nato tanan sa community na makipagbatok ining mga kontra sa gobyerno to protect the citizens of our community (The PA, who is part of our government, is asking us to pass such resolution because this is part of the concerted efforts of the members of community in fighting the threats to our government and to protect the citizens of our community),” Villanueva explained.

With no objections on the motion raised by Villamor, PPOC Private Sector Representative Fernando Martinez announced the motion is carried out by the body.

Martinez presided the meeting after being nominated by the members of the council since there is no representative from the PPOC chair during that day.

However, Martinez asked Major Orly Brigoli of the 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) of PA if they have a position paper on this which the body can use as reference to make a clear pronouncement on the matter.

In response, Brigoli said he will refer to this to his superiors.

On the other hand, Brigoli considers the move a welcome development from the side of the Philippine Army noting that there are provinces particularly in Mindanao that already made the declaration even at the city or municipal level.

“Sa part namin sir, hindi lang kami ang may concern dito. Ano to, whole-of-nation approach. Kung manggagaling sa inyo lalo na sa LGU na mag-declare ng ganito mas malaking tulong iyon sa part namin (We are not the only agency concerned in this. This is a whole-of-nation approach. It will be a big help to us if this declaration will come from the LGUs),” Brigoli told members of PPOC.

With this, Martinez asked the Army to coordinate with the secretariat which is the DILG and provide technical assistance in drafting the resolution.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1019824