Monday, April 15, 2019

Suspected NPA commander nabbed in Surigao del Sur

From GMA News Online (Apr 16, 2019): Suspected NPA commander nabbed in Surigao del Sur

A suspected New People’s Army (NPA) commander was arrested in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur during an operation on Sunday, a military statement said.

The statement released on Tuesday identified the suspect as Robert ‘Satur or Arpak’ Tejero Calipay, 29, who was arrested by the joint forces of the Army’s 75th Infantry Battalion and Bislig City Police Station at Sitio San Agustin in Barangay San Roque.

Calipay, a resident of Lianga in Surigao del Sur, was allegedly the commander of Platoon 2, Weakened Guerrilla Front (WGF) 14 of the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).

A warrant of arrest was issued against Calipay for arson, frustrated murder, attempted homicide, multiple attempted murder and attempted murder.

Among the recovered items from the suspect were a hand grenade, a bundle of detonating cord, 16 blasting caps, three cellphones with accessories and P48, 000 cash.

Calipay is currently detained at the Bislig City Police Station to undergo inquest proceedings.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/691416/suspected-npa-commander-nabbed-in-surigao-del-sur/story/

NPA loses grip in western Leyte: Army

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 16, 2019): NPA loses grip in western Leyte: Army

ORMOC CITY, Leyte – The New People’s Army force has weakened in the third district of Leyte after the surrender of a top leader and months of intensified military operation against the communist rebels.
Philippine Army 802nd brigade commander, Brigadier Gen. Lope Dagoy, said the surrender of thousands of rebels has weakened the organization this year in rebel-infested areas of Leyte province
.

The military, national government agencies, and local government officials held a service caravan on Saturday in San Isidro town attended by more than a thousand rebel returnees, who, during the occasion, pledged to return to the folds of law.

Dagoy said on Saturday they finally managed to wipe out insurgency in the villages of San Isidro, which the rebels had exerted influence over for decades. Rebel returnees, mostly farmers, will avail of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

“The mass surrender is a manifestation that the armed bandits are already weakening, that the people have lost confidence in them. After recovering the 3rd district, our next target is the 3rd district," Dagoy told reporters.

The surrender of NPA leader and combatant Rolando Tarong last March caused the dwindling support of the members to the terrorist group, resulting in the mass renunciation of the NPA supporters, Dagoy said.

In his surrender, Tarong turned over long and short firearms, improvised explosive devices, and several live ammunition, among others. The army also confiscated subversive documents from him.

The Army also recovered more subversive documents used in community lectures, along with buried plastic containers containing stocks of rice.

Representatives from the national government agencies assisted former rebels during the caravan to fast track the processing of their assistance for these farmers to be able to live in the mainstream with a bearable source of living.

Dagoy said that under E-CLIP, former rebels will get PHP450,000 for housing, PHP15,000 for immediate financial assistance, cash equivalent to a surrendered firearm (depending on the category), PHP50,000 for livelihood assistance, modified conditional cash transfer, and PHP5,000 for conditional cash transfer.

They are also entitled to a loan slot for business, school matriculation, PHP100,000 worth of livelihood kit, medical aid, psychological services, and legal assistance.

San Isidro Mayor Susan Ang said that in response to President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s call directing local governments to identify a specific area for agricultural development, the town distributed corn seeds, livestock and pump boats to farmers as she believes that insurgency stops if families have food in their tables.

San Isidro, a 4th class town with a population of 31,641, is subdivided into 19 villages. Other towns in the 3rd legislative district are Calubian, Tabango, Leyte, and Villaba.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1067334

MNLF: Photos: Meeting with the leaders commanders of the MNLF at the NUR - INKA MOSQUE, Astana', Dragon Mt. Kagay, Indanan.

Posted to the Facebook page of Moro National Liberation Front Secretary General Ustadz Murshi Ibrahim (Apr 14, 2019): Photos: Meeting with the leaders commanders of the MNLF at the NUR - INKA MOSQUE, Astana', Dragon Mt. Kagay, Indanan.

Image may contain: 1 person, crowd, outdoor and indoor

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=881494145534938&set=pcb.881497512201268&type=3&theater

Image may contain: 1 person, crowd and indoor

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=881497385534614&set=pcb.881497512201268&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/ustadzmurshi.ibrahim.3?hc_ref=PAGES_TIMELINE&fref=nf

OPAPP’s Galvez: New peace panel to oversee localized talks

From GMA News  Online (Apr 15, 2019): OPAPP’s Galvez: New peace panel to oversee localized talks

A new peace panel that President Rodrigo Duterte plans to create will oversee the localized talks aimed at ending the decades-old communist insurgency in the country, Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. said Monday.

Through the formulation of the new panel, Galvez said the government "will be directly engaging the people on the ground to address the fundamentals of the problem."

"The panel will oversee the localized peace engagements. It will act as the adviser for local peace dialogues through the establishment of protocols and other legal and systematic procedures," Galvez said.

"This includes the vital component of a security lens in this process, hence the need for former security officials to be part of the panel."

Duterte bared his plan to create a new panel on Saturday, weeks after he terminated the peace talks, including the appointments of government negotiators led by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, and told the rebels to just talk with the next administration.

The President said the new panel will be composed of three members from the military and two civilians.

Communist Party of the Philippines founding chairman Jose Maria Sison immediately rejected the idea, telling CNN Philippines in an interview on Sunday that they would not want to be "baited into accepting a war panel" or a panel that is dominated by the military whose main "purpose" is to seek the surrender of New People's Army members.

Galvez hit Sison's remark.

"As the President expressed his intention of peace, it is unfortunate that instead of reciprocating the government’s initiative to move the peace process forward, Joma Sison immediately rejected the idea. And this raises the question: Is Mr. Sison for genuine peace?" he said.

The Cabinet official cited for instance the alleged use by the rebels of previous peace agreements "not to pursue real peace but to meet their objective of overthrowing the legitimate government."

Galvez said the creation of a new peace panel was in line with the "whole-of-nation approach" as embodied in Executive Order 70 issued by the President in December last year.

"Through the localized peace engagements, the government is creating the enabling environment for the peace process to progress and move forward," he added.

He said the new framework will provide practical, rational and objective principles of local peace engagements that will end the the rebels' "manipulation and deception against the government and the people."

"This paradigm shift is the result of historical facts and lessons derived from the previous talks," Galvez said.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/691342/opapp-s-galvez-new-peace-panel-to-oversee-localized-talks/story/

Sison warns against Duterte’s peace plan

From the Business World (Apr 15, 2019): Sison warns against Duterte’s peace plan

Jose Maria C. Sison

Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria C. Sison -- PHILSTAR

COMMUNIST Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria C. Sison has warned consultants of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) as well as “the Filipino people” about President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s plan to form a new panel to negotiate with communist rebels.

“The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the Filipino people should be alert to Duterte’s militarist purposes in announcing that he wishes to reopen the peace talks with the use of a militarized negotiating panel under the militarized office of the presidential adviser, General Galvez,” said Mr. Sison in a statement on Sunday evening, April 14.

Mr. Duterte said last month he is ending the peace negotiations and told communist rebels to just talk to the next administration.

This time, the President said he wants a peace panel to be composed of at least two civilians and three military officials.

“I will look for a new one. A new way, a new person to talk. Maybe two, or one from military and then maybe around … Five. Two civilians, three military,” Mr. Duterte said at a campaign rally in Bukidnon last Saturday.

In response, Mr. Sison said: “The NDFP does not want to be baited into accepting a war panel of the Duterte regime whose purpose is merely to seek the impossible, such as the surrender of the revolutionary forces, especially the New People’s Army.”

The exiled communist leader said the President should answer first the question, “Why did he terminate the peace negotiations and annul all agreements painstakingly made since the The Hague Joint Declaration of 1992?”

Mr. Sison added that Mr. Duterte should also explain why he terminated the government’s section of the Joint Monitoring Committee formed under the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Humans Rights and International Humanitarian Law.

“The NDFP must remind Duterte that he cannot dictate the terms of whatever kind of negotiations he seeks from the revolutionary movement of the people,” said Mr. Sison.

Mr. Duterte is “merely play-acting in the name of peace while carrying out an all-out war and scheming to rig the May 2019 elections,” the exiled rebel leader added.

For his part, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs chief Col. Noel J. Detoyato said in a message to reporters on Monday, “We are prepared to offer not only the hand of peace but the whole arm if need be. But first, Mr. Sison has to show sanity and coherence. He must also accept the fact that there are many roads towards peace but the road he has taken is not one of them…..The problem is here and not in the Netherlands.”

https://www.bworldonline.com/sison-warns-against-dutertes-peace-plan/

Gov't looks to engage 'directly' with Reds with localized peace panel

From ABS-CBN (Apr 15, 2019): Gov't looks to engage 'directly' with Reds with localized peace panel

President Rodrigo Duterte wants the creation of a new peace panel to give a "fresh hope" to ending the long-standing armed conflict in the country, the government's peace adviser said Monday.

In a statement, Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez said the new peace panel will oversee ongoing localized peace negotiations.

"The panel will oversee the localized peace engagements. It will act as the adviser for local peace dialogues through the establishment of protocols and other legal and systematic procedures. This includes the vital component of a security lens in this process, hence the need for former security officials to be part of the panel," he explained.

With the new peace panel, the government said it will be engaging directly with the people involved.

"Through the formulation of the new panel, government will be directly engaging the people on the ground to address the fundamentals of the problem," Galvez said.

Galvez also said the government has learned its lesson from the previous formal negotiations, thus, focusing more on localized peace engagements.

"The government has learned its lessons, albeit the hard way, from the previous formal negotiations that produced lopsided agreements that are not totally beneficial to the people," he said.

"Through the localized peace engagements, the government is creating the enabling environment for the peace process to progress and move forward," Galvez added.

The President formally announced the end of government's peace negotiations with communist rebels in March, after MalacaƱang terminated a government panel tasked to hold peace talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines. 

Government to form localized peace panels for talks with Reds

Duterte had signed Proclamation No. 360 on Nov. 23, 2017 declaring the termination of peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines - Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army.

Another resumption was scheduled in late June last year but it was canceled as the government sought to review all agreements the communists signed with past administrations.

In December 2018, Duterte signed Executive Order No. 70 directing the creation of a national task force to “end local communist armed conflict.”

Government has also sought the declaration of the communist movement as a terrorist group. 

2 soldiers killed, 1 wounded in clash with rebels in Samar

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 15, 2019): 2 soldiers killed, 1 wounded in clash with rebels in Samar

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — Two soldiers were killed while another was wounded in two separate attacks believed to be perpetrated by communist rebels in Samar on Monday.

According to reports reaching the Police Regional Office in Eastern Visayas (PRO-8) based in Palo town, Leyte, the soldiers, identified only as Corporal Bueno and Private First Class Labid, were killed at the boundary Barangay San Antonio and Barangay Catotogan in Las Navas, Northern Samar about 11:20 a.m. on Monday.

The soldiers, who were clad in civilian clothes, were part of the clearing and route security personnel of the 543rd Engineer Combat Battalion.

The group was inspecting road projects in the villages of San Antonio, Aguinaldo, and Isidro, all in Las Navas town under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana), when they were reportedly ambushed by members of the New People’s Army (NPA).


Meanwhile, PFC Renan Antojado was wounded in a separate ambush in Barangay Literon, Calbiga town, also in Samar around 10:20 a.m. Monday, the PRO-8 report said.

Antojado was with other soldiers resting along the Calbiga River in Barangay Literon when they were fired upon by about five rebels.

Antojado was wounded in the exchange of gunfire and was brought to the Calbiga Municipal Health Station for treatment.

WHAT WENT BEFORE: Who was Abu Dar?

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 15, 2019): WHAT WENT BEFORE: Who was Abu Dar?

On March 14, 2019, four suspected terrorists were reportedly killed in a clash with government troops in Tubaran town in Lanao del Sur.

Believed to be killed was Owayda Benito Marohombsar, also known as Abu Dar, who was suspected by the military intelligence officials to be the emir of the Islamic State (IS) in Southeast Asia.

Marohombsar assumed leadership of the Maute group after its founding leaders, Omarkhayam and Abdullah Maute, were killed in Marawi in 2017 and became the Southeast Asia emir of IS after the death of Isnilon Hapilon.

A native of Pagayawan, a fifth-class town of 13,000 in Lanao del Sur province, Marohombsar saw action only in skirmishes with government forces in the province’s Butig town before the Marawi siege.

Little is known about Marohombsar, who also went by the alias Humam. Sources who declined to be identified said Marohombsar served as spiritual adviser to the Maute brothers.

Marohombsar was also related to Moro National Liberation Front leader Faisal Marohombsar, who was involved in the kidnapping of five Chinese engineers in Carmen town, North Cotabato province, in 2001.

In July 2018, his wife, Nafisah Pundug, was arrested during a raid by the police and military.

After the encounter on March 14, 2019, Col. Romeo Brawner, head of the Philippine Army’s 103rd Brigade, said that American experts were helping Philippine forensic teams confirm the identity of one of the bodies.

It was difficult to determine Marohombsar’s identity by face because one of the bodies “was deformed,” Brawner said.

RELATED VIDEO

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1106734/what-went-before-who-was-abud-dar

Wave of orchestrated ISIS terrorist retaliation attacks around the globe: overview and assessment

From the Meir Amit Terrorism and Information Center (Apr 14, 2019): Wave of orchestrated ISIS terrorist retaliation attacks around the globe: overview and assessment


The current situation (as of April 14, 2019)

During four days, between April 8 and 11, 2019, the various ISIS provinces in Syria, Iraq and around the globe carried out a wave attacks in retaliation for the blow ISIS suffered in Syria. ISIS reported that eight of its provinces carried out more than 92 attacks in more than 80 areas. The attacks were accompanied by a media campaign and claims of responsibility entitled “Battle of vengeance for blessed [Province of] Sham” [Syria].

The following is the distribution of the attacks according to an ISIS announcement: the largest number of attacks was carried out by the Iraq Province (37 attacks, more than one third of the total number). Following them were the provinces in Syria (30 attacks), West Africa (five attacks), Sinai (five attacks), Somalia (five attacks), Khorasan (three attacks), Libya (two attacks) and the North Caucasus (one attack). Most of the attacks were directed against security targets and were relatively uncomplicated. They included shooting attacks, detonating IEDs, ambushes, attacks on military camps and compounds and the execution of “collaborators.” Very few were suicide bombings or complex attacks.

ISIS claimed the retaliation attacks carried out during the four days damaged or destroyed 62 vehicles, destroyed seven military bases and headquarters, and destroyed houses of six “infidels.” According to ISIS, 362 people were killed or injured. (Note: ISIS announcements tend to exaggerate for propaganda purposes. In addition, ISIS does not indicate its losses. However, ISIS did in fact carry out extensive and exceptional attacks in its various provinces.)

ISIS provinces in addition to its core provinces in Iraq and Syria




In ITIC assessment, the attacks and accompanying media campaign were orchestrated by the ISIS leadership. Their objective was to raise the morale of ISIS operatives and supporters around the globe. They also aimed to send a message to the American-led coalition countries that despite the severe blow inflicted on ISIS in Syria, ISIS is growing stronger and its operatives are still active in Iraq, Syria and around the globe. In effect, the ISIS leadership did in fact prove that even after the loss of its province in the lower Euphrates Valley, it continues to function and is capable of carrying out a concentrated, extensive, coordinated effort in all its provinces worldwide. The retaliation attack illustrated that ISIS has changed into a global terrorist organization which focuses on guerrilla attacks on its many enemies, especially the security forces in the countries where it operates (while continuing its activities against Shi’ites and other groups of populations its considers “infidels”).

In addition, its recent attacks raise two additional inputs:

The intensity of the attacks in its various provinces reflects the operational capabilities of each province. Judging by the number of attacks, the Iraq Province has become the center of its guerrilla-terrorist activities. In Syria, on the other hand, ISIS continues to operate mainly in the northeastern and northern parts of the country but its capabilities are less than those in Iraq. Beyond its core provinces, the most prominent is the West Africa Province, where the organization operates in Nigeria and neighboring countries. Also prominent is the Sinai Province, where despite the continued pressure of the Egyptian security forces, it has managed to carry out a series of attacks, some of them showcase attacks. The ISIS province in East Asia retains its ability to withstand the intensive activities of the Filipino army in the southern part of the country.

In the recent wave of retaliation attacks there was a conspicuous lack of ISIS-inspired attacks in Western and other countries (beyond ISIS’s provinces). The campaign against the ISIS enclave in the lower Euphrates Valley was also not accompanied by ISIS-inspired attacks in the West. During the four days of retaliation attacks ISIS called for attacks by its supporters abroad, especially in the West, but none was carried out. That may indicate the weakening of the ISIS brand among the Muslim communities in Western countries around the world, at least temporarily. However, it is still too early to reach any definite conclusions about the matter.

Media Campaign

The wave of retaliation attacks was accompanied by a media campaign called “The battle of vengeance for blessed Sham Wilayah [“province”],” i.e., attacks carried out to avenge the blow inflicted on ISIS in the lower Euphrates Valley. Most of the claims of responsibility were issued via Telegram. Some of them were also posted to ISIS’s Shabakat Shumukh website, and to a lesser degree on the Akhbar al-Muslimin website. That may indicate that those are ISIS’s main information platforms.

On April 11, 2019, ISIS’s weekly magazine al-Nabā’ (issue 177) published an infographic summing up the retaliation attacks carried out between April 8 and 11, 2019. It was accompanied by a statement from ISIS spokesman Abu al-Hassan al-Muhajir. The main objective of the attacks, he said, was retaliation for what happened in Syria. He called on ISIS operatives to avenge the blood of their brothers and sisters and to carry out retaliation attacks that will uproot the “infidels” and “atheists.” He called for suicide bombing attacks, IED attacks, sniper fire and the detonation of car bombs (al-Nabā’, April 11, 2019, based on Shabakat Shumukh in Arabic, April 12, 2019).



ISIS infographic (al-Nabā’, April 11, 2019).


The notice reads, “The retaliation invasion of the blessed al-Sham Province is on the way – the Islamic State following the path of the Prophet [Muhammad] – military actions of the jihadi fighters for the sake of Allah [with a reminder of the suicide bombing attacks in the Sinai Peninsula and the takeover of the town of al-Fuqaha in central Libya carried out as a retaliation attack] – Allahu akbar and glory to Islam (Telegram, April 10, 2019).

During the retaliation attacks ISIS supporters issued notices calling for attacks in Western countries. No attacks were carried out.



Right: Notice posted by an ISIS-affiliated source to Telegram. The Arabic reads, “One body#retaliation_campaign” (Telegram, April 10, 2019). Left: Poster from an ISIS-affiliated source calling itself “Nur al-Tawhid” (“the light of the oneness of Allah”). It shows the World Trade Center subway stop in New York City with an ISIS operative next to a sign that reads, “Soon [we will operate] in the middle of your countries” with the hashtag of the retaliation attacks on the social networks (Telegram, April 10, 2019).

Retaliation attacks carried out in the various provinces[1]

Syria

In Syria ISIS attacks focused on the Kurdish forces in the al-Mayadeen and al-Raqqa areas in the Euphrates Valley, where there are routinely intensive guerrilla activities. Attacks were also carried out in Manbij and al-Hasakeh in northern and eastern Syria (areas controlled by the Kurds). Most of the attacks involved detonating IEDs to attack the vehicles of SDF forces, and some were shooting attacks and executions of SDF commanders and fighters.

The following are the attacks on the SDF forces in the region of al-Mayadeen (the al-Sham al-Kheir and al-Sham al-Raqqa Provinces, via Telegram):

Assassination attempt on the life of a senior figure in the security forces, 25 kilometers northeast of al-Mayadeen.

Killing of a fighter in an elite SDF unit and taking another fighter hostage in the village of al-Busayra, about 14 kilometers north of al-Mayadeen.

Shooting attack and detonation of two IEDs to attack two SDF vehicles, about nine kilometers north of al-Mayadeen.

Detonating an IED to attack an SDF vehicle in the region of the village of al-Busayra.

Attack on an SDF roadblock, about 11 kilometers north of al-Mayadeen.

Break-in into the homes of two military intelligence agents, 11 kilometers north of al-Mayadeen. The two were shot to death.

Shooting a Syrian soldier to death while he was on leave in his village, about nine kilometers north of al-Mayadeen.

Detonating an IED to attack an SDF vehicle, five kilometers east of al-Mayadeen. Two SDF fighters were killed.

The following attacks were carried out against SDF forces in the al-Raqqa region (al-Sham al-Raqqa Province, via Telegram):

Shooting at a roadblock, 36 kilometers east of al-Raqqa. Three SDF fighters killed and five wounded.

Detonating an IED to attack a vehicle, about 33 kilometers east of al-Raqqa. Six SDF fighters wounded.

Detonating an IED to attack a vehicle, about 43 kilometers east of al-Raqqa. Three SDF fighters killed or wounded.

Shooting at a vehicle near a roadblock, about 43 kilometers east of al-Raqqa.

Shooting and killing two SDF fighters, about 70 kilometers north of al-Raqqa, near the border with Turkey.

Blowing up a motorcycle and killing two SDF fighters east of al-Raqqa.

Blowing up the home of an SDF commander.

The following were attacks carried out in the city of Manbij (Telegram, April 11, 2019):

Detonating an IED to attack an SDF forces’ vehicle. Three SDF fighters killed.

Detonating an IED to attack an SDF forces’ vehicle on a Manbij street. Four SDF fighters killed.



Regions where ISIS carried out retaliation attacks in the Euphrates Valley, the area of al-Mayadeen, al-Raqqa and Manbij (Google Maps)

The following attacks were carried out in the al-Hasakeh region:

Detonating an IED to attack an SDF forces’ vehicle in a rural area near al-Shaddadi. Two SDF fighters wounded (RisboLensky Twitter account, April 10, 2019).

Shooting attack at four SDF vehicles transporting fighters in the al-Hasakeh region. About ten SDF fighters killed or wounded, among them two commanders (RisboLensky Twitter account, April 10, 2019).

Iraq

In western and northern Iraq a wave of attacks was carried out in the various provinces. Most of the attacks targeted the Iraq security forces (although some targeted Shi’ite civilians). There were various types of attacks: detonating IEDs (the most common type), detonating a leech demolition charge (a magnetically-attached explosive device) to a vehicle, attacking military bases and headquarters, shooting attacks, executions of “agents” and detonating a car bomb.

The following are attacks carried out throughout the Iraqi provinces (according to Telegram and Shabakat Shumukh):

Detonating IEDs to attack two Iraqi army vehicles in the center of the city of al-Qa’im, near the Syrian border. Eight Iraqi soldiers were killed or wounded.

Detonating a leech demolition charge (a magnetically-attached explosive device) to the vehicle of an Iraqi army intelligence commander in al-Qa’im. The commander was killed and his vehicle was destroyed.

Attacking an Iraqi army headquarters near the Jordanian border. ISIS claimed 11 Iraqi soldiers were killed or wounded.

Killing a Shi’ite [civilian] with an IED about 60 kilometers northeast of Baghdad.

Detaining a tribal recruiting activist and “agent” of Iraqi national security in the northern suburb of Baghdad.

Detonating an IED and throwing hand grenades at the home of a policeman in Tarmiyah, about 30 kilometers north of Baghdad.

Firing light arms at an officer in the national security forces in al-Taji, 16 kilometers north of Baghdad.

Killing a Shi’ite [civilian] in a village about 70 kilometers northwest of Baghdad.

Attacking a tribal recruitment headquarters east of Fallujah with light arms and hand grenades. 

According to an ISIS report, ten tribal recruitment activists were killed, including a local commander.

Detonating an IED to attack a vehicle of the Iraqi police force east of Fallujah. Three policemen in the vehicle were killed or wounded.

Detonating an IED to attack a vehicle of the Iraqi police force in the center of the city of Ramadi.

Detonating an IED to attack a vehicle of the tribal recruitment in the region of al-Shirqat, about 100 kilometers west of Kirkuk. According to an ISIS report, a colonel in the police force and two of his companions were wounded.

Detonating an IED to attack a popular recruitment vehicle about 30 kilometers west of Khanaqin. Six popular recruitment fighters were killed or wounded.

Detonating two IEDs to attack an Iraqi army vehicle and a concentration of Shi’ite forces (“infidels”) about 30 kilometers west of Mosul. One soldier was killed and another wounded.

Detonating an IED to attack a foot patrol of Iraqi policemen about ten kilometers north of Baqubah. Three policemen were injured.

Detonating four IEDs to attack two vehicles of the emergency police force and the tribal recruitment about 20 kilometers south of Fallujah. Six people in the vehicle were killed or wounded.

Detonating a car bomb to attack a convoy of the Shi’ite Badr Militia north of Baiji. Fighters in the convoy were killed or wounded, including a commander.

Throwing a hand grenade at an Iraqi army post in the Old City in the western part of Mosul. An Iraq soldier was killed and another was wounded.

Sinai Province

ISIS retaliation attacks in the Sinai Province included ambushes, detonating IEDs and shooting sniper fire at Egyptian security forces in the northern Sinai Peninsula. The one exceptional attack was a suicide bombing attack at the entrance to the market in Sheikh Zuweid, killing civilians and members of the Egyptian security forces.

In Sheikh Zuweid a suicide bomber wearing an explosive belt blew himself up at the entrance to the market in the center of the town (Shabakat Shumukh, April 9, 2019). Four operatives of the security forces and two civilians were killed. About 26 people were injured (France 24, April 9, 2019).


Abu Hajar the Egyptian, the ISIS operative who carried out a suicide bombing attack in the market in Sheikh Zuweid (Shabakat Shumukh, April 9, 2019).

Other attacks carried out in the Sinai Province as part of the retaliation campaign were the following:
Detonating an IED to attack an Egyptian army tank south of el-Arish. According to an ISIS announcement the crew of the tank was killed (Shabakat Shumukh, April 9, 2019).

Sniper fire to attack an Egyptian army roadblock on the international road in Rafah. An Egyptian army soldier was killed (Shabakat Shumukh, April 9, 2019).

Detonating an IED from an ambush to attack an Egyptian army vehicle on the international road west of el-Arish. According to an ISIS announcement four Egyptian army soldiers were killed, one of them an officer, and three were injured. The officer killed was Captain Muhammad Isma’il (Shabakat Shumukh, April 10, 2019).



Right: Egyptian army Captain Muhammad Isma’il, killed when an ISIS IED exploded, west of el-Arish (Mu’ta News Agency, reposted by Shabakat Shumukh, April 10, 2019). Left: Weapons and military equipment seized by the operatives of the ambush (Shabakat Shumukh, April 11, 2019).

Libya Province

As part of the retaliation campaign in the Libya-Barqa Province there was a raid in the town of al-Fuqaha in central Libya (633 kilometers southeast of Tripoli). ISIS operatives broke into houses and searched for men affiliated with the army of General Khalifa Haftar. They killed the mayor and the town police chief. They also killed and captured others affiliated with Haftar’s army and set fire to their houses (ISIS’s A’maq News Agency and Shabakat Shumukh, April 9, 2019).




The city of al-Fuqaha in central Libya (Google Maps)

The Libya Province-Fezzan region announced its operatives had executed six operatives of General Haftar’s militia. The six were captured in a raid carried out by ISIS operatives in the village of Ghudwa, about 65 kilometers south of the city of Sabha in central Libya (Telegram, April 11, 2019).

West Africa Province

Nigeria

As part of the retaliation campaign, ISIS announced the following attacks:

An attack on Nigerian army soldiers’ barracks in the city of Damaturu in the Yobe State in the northeastern part of the country (April 9, 2019). According to an ISIS announcement its operatives in the province killed and wounded a number of soldiers and seized an ATV, a weapon and ammunition.
A “support company” of the West Africa Province launched mortar shells at soldiers’ barracks in the village of Goniri in the Yobe State in the northeastern part of the country (April 9, 2019). No casualties were reported.

The head of the local council in the town of Gajiram (Borno State) was assassinated. ISIS claimed he collaborated with the “African Coalition” (the Multinational Joint Task Force).




The locations of the ISIS attacks northeaster Nigeria:
Damaturu (1), Goniri (2) and Gajiram (3).

Niger

Attacking the headquarters building of the Niger border guard in the city of Diffa in the southeastern part of the country (near the border with Nigeria). Both sides suffered losses. Operatives of ISIS’s West Africa Province killed the mukhtar of one of the villages in the region and burned his house (Shabakat Shumukh, April 10, 2019).




The city of Diffa in Niger  (Google Maps).



Four terrorists who carried out the attack on the border guard headquarters in Diffa on the Niger border (Shabakat Shumukh, April 10, 2019).

Firing rockets at the Diffa airport and at a Niger army base nearby. According to an ISIS announcement, Niger army soldiers were killed and wounded (West Africa Province via Telegram, April 9, 2019).

Cameroon

ISIS’s West Africa Province announced its operatives had ambushed a Cameroon army force near the city of Fotokol in the northern part of the country, near the Nigerian border. In the clashes that followed ISIS operatives used light, medium-weight and heavy arms. According to the ISIS report, more than 20 soldiers of the Cameroon army were killed and wounded, an a large quantity of military equipment was seized.



Right: The city of Fotokol in the Far North Region of Cameroon (Google Maps). Left: A Cameroon army vehicle with a double-barrel anti-aircraft gun, seized by ISIS in Fotokol (Shabakat Shumukh, April 9, 2019).

Khorasan Province

ISIS’s Khorasan Province announced that its operatives had detonated an IED to attack an Afghan army mine-detection vehicle in Jalalabad. Two soldiers were killed and the vehicle was destroyed. The Khorasan Province also claimed responsibility for killing two Taliban operatives(Telegram, April 10, 2019)

East Asia Province

ISIS’s East Asia Province announced that its operatives had invaded a concentration of Filipino army forces in the city of Patikul, the seat of government in Sulu, South Philippines. According to the announcement 25 Filipino soldiers were killed or wounded (Shabakat Shumukh, April 13, 2019). The Western media reported that nine ISIS operatives were killed in two clashes in Patikul. Five Filipino soldiers and 19 ISIS operatives were wounded (ABS – CBN News, April 14, 2018).

Somalia Province

ISIS’s Somalia Province announced that its operatives had shot and killed a Somali policeman near the city hall of Bosaso, on the coast of the Gulf of Aden, in the northeastern part of the country (Somalia Province via Telegram, April 9, 2019).

ISIS Somalia Province announced that its operatives has detonated an IED to attack a vehicle of the Somali government police force in Bosaso. The seven policemen in the vehicle were wounded (Telegram, April 10, 2019). According to a Somali news website, the explosion damaged a police vehicle in Bosaso. Hussein Ali Muhammad, the local police commander, was not hurt in the explosion but six of his bodyguards were wounded (Mareeq Media, April 11. 2019).



The city of Bosaso in northeastern Somalia (Google Maps)

Caucasus Province

ISIS’s Caucasus Province announced its operatives had blown up a apartment in the ancient city of Kolomna, Russia (Kolomna is located in the Muscovy Oblast, about 90 kilometers southeast of Moscow.) Two Christians were killed in the explosion and several others were wounded (Shabakat Shumukh, April 10, 2019).

Full document in PDF format

This section includes only the attacks ISIS announced were carried out as retaliation attacks (between April 8 and 11, 2019). It does not include "routine" terrorist attacks carried out in the various provinces. The ITIC's information is not complete and the number of ISIS attacks in the provinces may be higher. ↑

Arrested ASG terrorist tries to blow himself up

From Tempo (Apr 15, 2019): Arrested ASG terrorist tries to blow himself up

A suspected Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) terrorist wanted for seven criminal cases in Basilan tried to blow himself up with a hand grenade before being arrested by the authorities in Quezon City, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced yesterday.

Police Gen. Oscar Albayalde, PNP chief, identified the suspect as Abuhair Kullim Indal, alias “Annual Dasil” and “Abu Khair,” 32, of Barangay Culiat, Quezon City.


Indal was arrested by operatives of the Quezon City Police District’s (QCPD) Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU), PNP-Intelligence Group (IG), Talipapa Police Station (PS-3), and QCPD-Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) who served a warrant of arrest in his house around 4:25 p.m. Friday.

“When confronted by the arresting officers, Abu Khair attempted to resist arrest by running to his room to get a hand grenade but was effectively subdued before he can detonate the explosive,” Albayalde stressed.

The PNP chief said Indal was a “trusted aide” of Abu Sayyaf leader Furuji Indama and a member of a unit led by former subleader Nur Hassan Jamiri, who surrendered to authorities on March 28, 2018.

Indal is a respondent in seven criminal cases in connection with his alleged participation in the kidnapping of 15 plantation workers of the Golden Harvest Plantation in Barangay Tairan, Lantawan, Basilan on June 11, 2001. The kidnapping incident was led by the late ASG leader Isnilon Hapilon.

He is also the subject of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Leo Jay Principe, presiding judge of the Regional Trial Court, 9th Judicial Region, Branch 1, Isabela City, Basilan dated January 28, 2008 for kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

Police Brig. Gen. Joselito Esquivel, QCPD director, said they received information about Indal from residents in Barangay Culiat.

“When we received the information, it was just his alias and we do not know what his true name is,” Esquivel said in a press briefing in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Esquivel said they later got another tip that Indal, known among the locals as “Annual Dasil” and “Abu Khair,” has an existing warrant of arrest in Region 9 for the kidnapping of the 15 plantation workers.

“What we did was we took a picture of him and sent it to Region 9. It turned out that when the picture was shown (to one of the kidnap victims), he positively identified the said picture as one and the same person who guarded them when the 15 of them were kidnapped in 2001,” Esquivel explained.

Indal’s presence in Quezon City was first detected by the locals five weeks ago and the police had to work on his true identity for a month before his capture, Esquivel said.

Despite the presence of a suspected “high-ranking” Abu Sayyaf terrorist, both Albayalde and Esquivel assured the public that there is “no cause for alarm” since he was arrested by the police.

Esquivel also said they were still determining whether Indal has plans to launch an attack in Metro Manila this Holy Week or he is just hiding from the law because of his case.

“That is still under investigation and there were no document attesting that he has other plans but to hide. As of now, we are treating him as a fugitive from the law who got arrested because of the service of a warrant of arrest,” Esquivel stated.

He was temporarily detained at the QCPD headquarters in Camp Karingal, Quezon City and charged with violation of Republic Act 9516 or Unlawful Possession of Explosives in relation to the Omnibus Election Code, and Resistance and Disobedience to a Person in Authority.

http://tempo.com.ph/2019/04/15/arrested-asg-terrorist-tries-to-blow-himself-up/

Nolcom holds ‘Bike For Peace’ in Tarlac

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 15, 2019): Nolcom holds ‘Bike For Peace’ in Tarlac


About 50 bikers participated in the “Bike for Peace” activity organized by the Armed Forces of the Philippines Northern Luzon Command in Tarlac City. (Cherie Joyce V. Flores/PIA 3)
TARLAC CITY - About 50 bikers participated in the “Bike for Peace” activity organized by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) in the capital city.

“The activity is in line with the AFP You Can Trust Campaign which seeks to sustain and maintain the high trust rating of the military. It follows the highly successful Support Our Troops Campaign,” Nolcom 1st Civil Relations Group Acting Commander Major Noel Tagao said.

“We all know that we are all for peace and we cannot attain any development, security and stability of a community if we don’t have peace. That is why we as the protector of the people and our land will remain true and responsible so that people will definitely say AFP You Can Trust,” Tagao emphasized.

Other activities under this campaign include clean-up drives and community assistance.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1020956

PH, Croatia sign MOU for defense cooperation

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 15, 2019): PH, Croatia sign MOU for defense cooperation

The Philippines and Croatia recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Defense Cooperation, which seeks to strengthen bilateral defense relations between the two nations.

The MOU, which was signed by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Damir Krstičević last April 11 in Split, Croatia, provides a framework for cooperation in the field of defense “on the basis of reciprocity and mutual benefit”.

Through the MOU, both countries agreed to cooperate in defense and security policy, military education, training and capacity building, military equipment, logistics and maintenance, defense industry and technology, and other areas mutually approved by both parties.

There will be exchanges of delegations and personnel; personnel for on-the-job-training; information, documentation and materials; and participation in seminars, workshops and other activities organized by both countries, Defense Spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said.

The MOU would increase and strengthen DND's international defense and security engagements (IDSE) with other countries under the national government’s independent foreign policy.

Despite its young existence as an independent nation and having a small population, Croatia is a proud contributor of peacekeeping forces to the United Nations and boasts of its own modern and highly-advanced defense industry.

Lorenzana assured that the bilateral meeting will propel better and warmer friendly relations between the two countries.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1067315

PRRD wants more military men in new peace panel

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 15, 2019): PRRD wants more military men in new peace panel

President Rodrigo R. Duterte said he is considering the creation of a new peace panel despite his earlier pronouncement to permanently end talks with members of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

Duterte, in his speech during a PDP-Laban campaign rally in Malaybalay, Bukidnon on Saturday (April 13), said he wants the new peace panel to have at least three representatives from the military.

“I abolished the peace panel too. It’s been three years but I wasn’t even able to achieve anything. So I’ll look for another way and new people to talk to. Maybe one, two, or three from the military, and… Maybe around five -- two civilians and three from the military,” Duterte said in Bisaya.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, in a Palace briefing Monday, explained that although Duterte announced the permanent termination of peace talks, he has always kept a “window” of opportunity.

“The President has always made himself open to any talks on peace. Ever since, sinasabi niya yun. Di ba sabi niya ‘bigyan natin ng konting window’ (he has been saying that. Remember, he said, ‘let’s give them a small window of opportunity’),” Panelo said.
Panelo, meanwhile, shrugged off the recent statement of CPP founding chair Jose Maria Sison that Duterte would only be creating a “war panel” by including military representatives.

Sison, in a TV interview, also said that the National Democratic Front (NDF), its political wing, will not recognize the new peace panel.

“It doesn’t matter whether he likes it or not. We will ignore him,” Panelo said, stressing that communist rebels no longer listened to him.

Panelo, however, clarified that the President’s plan to form a new peace panel remains an “idea.”

“Wala pa siyang kini-create (He hasn’t created anything yet). It’s still an idea,”

He also said that localized peace talks will continue.

The localized peace talk setup allows local government units to take charge in conducting the negotiations while the military would provide security to the participants and rebels interested in surrendering.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1067345

Confirmation of Abu Dar's death ‘milestone’ in counter-terror efforts

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 15, 2019): Confirmation of Abu Dar's death ‘milestone’ in counter-terror efforts


Maute Group leader Owaydah Marohombsar alias "Abu Dar"

The confirmed death of Maute Group leader Owaydah Marohombsar alias "Abu Dar" is another milestone in the government's campaign to eliminate terrorism in the country.

"Your Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), together with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the concerned local residents of the areas affected by the terror group Maute-ISIS have gained another milestone in the eventual eradication of the ISIS footprint through Maute in this part of the country," said Col. Noel Detoyato, military public affairs office chief, in a text message.

"With the help and cooperation of our foreign counterparts against terrorists, our initiative is gaining speed and traction in our fight to put a stop to our local terror groups from expanding or from gaining foothold," he added.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, in a message to reporters Sunday, said that with Maute Group now leaderless, they are now monitoring the possible replacement of the slain terrorist.

"Well for now, his group is leaderless. We are now monitoring who will replace (Abu) 'Dar'," he added.

"Abu Dar" was one of the four terrorists killed in an encounter with troops of the 49th Infantry Battalion last March 14 in Tubaran, Lanao Del Sur.

Authorities requested the US to subject the then-unidentified body to DNA testing when informants initially identified it as that of the terror leader. He was believed to be the only terrorist leader who escaped when government forces retook Marawi City in October 2017.

"Abu Dar" is regarded as the successor of Isnilon Hapilon, the emir of ISIS in Southeast Asia who was also killed in Marawi along with the Maute brothers.

Also seized from the encounter site were an M-16 rifle, an M-653 rifle, .45-caliber pistol, two grenades, several magazines and ammunition, and cellphones.

On the other hand, four soldiers were killed and two were wounded in the clash. "Abu Dar" is said to be responsible for bombing the Limketkai commercial area in Cagayan de Oro City in 2013 where several persons were killed.

He was also responsible for killing several soldiers, policemen, and Christians in Marawi City and Lanao del Sur.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1067320

ASG member nabbed in QC

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 15, 2019): ASG member nabbed in QC


ASG MEMBER ARRESTED. Abuhair Kullim Indal was arrested last Friday (April 12, 2019) inside his residence in Barangay Culiat, Quezon City. He was arrested in connection with the kidnapping of several workers of Golden Harvest Plantation in Lantawan, Basilan in 2001 led by the late ASG leader Isnilon Hapilon. (Contributed photo)

A suspected member of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) has been arrested by operatives of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Quezon City over the weekend.

In a press briefing on Monday, PNP chief, Gen. Oscar Albayalde identified the arrested ASG member as Abuhair Kullim Indal, 32, a native of Basilan.

He was arrested during an operation conducted by the operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU) of Quezon City Police District, PNP Intelligence Group (IG), Talipapa Police Station (PS-3), and QCPD-SWAT in Barangay Culiat in Quezon City on April 12.

Albayalde said Indal who uses the aliases, Annual Dasil and Abu Khair, has standing arrest warrants on seven separate criminal cases issued by the Branch 1 of the Regional Trial Court (RTC), 9th Judicial Region in Isabela City, Basilan in connection with the kidnapping of several workers of the Golden Harvest Plantation in Tairan, Lantawan, Basilan in 2001 led by the late ASG leader Isnilon Hapilon.

Albayalde said there is no need to be alarmed over Indal’s arrest as intelligence monitoring is continuous to ensure the safety of the public.

“Palagi 'yan meron tayong information dyan na merong magpapasabog, merong ganito pero wala naman mangyayari (That’s always the case, we have this and that kind information on bomb threats but nothing happened) so probably these are all parts of their propaganda or probably mas maganda ‘yung monitoring nape-prevent natin itong mga incidents na ito (we have an effective monitoring and prevent them from happening),” he told reporters.

Brig. Gen. Joselito Esquivel, QCPD director, said Indal tried to resist arrest by rushing to his room to reach for a hand grenade but was subdued before he can detonate the explosive.

Esquivel said the operation stemmed from over a month of intelligence gathering with the help of the community.

Reports also showed Indal was one of the trusted men of ASG Commander Furuji Indama and a former ASG sub-leader Nur Hassan Jamiri who surrendered last year, Esquivel said.

Esquivel said Indal refused to divulge any information regarding the group’s possible plot to conduct attack in the metropolis.

Aside from preventing possible threats posed by the suspect, Esquivel said the arrest means justice for their kidnap victims.

In a related development, Albayalde said the PNP welcomed the confirmation of the death of Owaydah Marohombsar alias Abu Dar, leader of the Dawlah Islamiya of the Lanao del Sur area who figured in the Marawi siege in 2017.

Abu Dar was among the five terrorists killed in an encounter with government security forces last March 14 in Tubaran, Lanao del Sur.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1067335

More than 300 gov't execs continue to pay campaign fees to NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 15, 2019): More than 300 gov't execs continue to pay campaign fees to NPA



Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Oscar Albayalde on Monday said they continue to monitor the more than 300 national and local government officials who have been included in the Department of the Interior and Local Government's (DILG) watch list for allegedly providing financial support to the Communist Party of the Philippines- New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

Albayalde said there were 349 local and national government officials allegedly providing support to the CPP-NPA in the form of extortion money and permit to campaign fees.

“Sa ngayon (right now) they are just being monitored. We have to get hard evidence para dito (for this). These are all intelligence information that we get na meron tayong mga nakuhang information (we received information) that they give extortion money to the CPP-NPA kasi sa totoo lang mahirap, parang bribery, mahirap din i-prove na itong taong ito ay siyang nagbigay ng pera (like bribery, it's difficult to prove that these people gave money) because for all you know they will also deny this,” he told reporters during Monday’s press briefing in Camp Crame.

Asked if the list would be presented to the public, Albayalde said the DILG secretary will decide whether to publicize the name of the politicians or not.

The PNP chief, meanwhile, warned candidates, private individuals, and juridical entities, who willfully donate to the coffers of the enemies of the state of possible criminal liability for violation of RA 10168 or The Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012.

Aside from the crime of financing of terrorism, he said the act of giving any amount or item of value to the CPP-NPA is tantamount to disloyalty punishable under the Revised Penal Code.

“If it is proven that the "fee" is made as part of a conspiracy to overthrow the government, the "donor" may be held liable as co-conspirator in the crime of rebellion,” said Albayalde.

Furthermore, the PNP chief said incumbent elective public officials campaigning for reelection remain to be government officials, thus, their culpability in this crime is further aggravated by violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Government Officials.

President Rodrigo Duterte issued Proclamation 374 on December 5, 2017 declaring the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization under RA 10168.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

According to DILG Secretary Eduardo M. AƱo, based on the consolidated figures gathered by the intelligence groups, a total of PHP195.5 million was accumulated by the CPP-NPA from their various extortion activities nationwide during the 2016 and 2018 polls.

The same intelligence reports revealed that of the 349 officials, 11 are provincial governors; five vice governors; 10 provincial board members; 55 mayors; 21 vice mayors and 41 councilors.

Also in the list are 126 barangay chairmen, 50 barangay councilors, and eight other barangay officials.

Last month, the DILG and Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines issued a joint statement reminding aspirants in the May 13 mid-term polls that “financing the NPA and their terror activities will make them criminally and administratively liable under our laws”.

The candidates have also been advised to immediately report to the authorities the extortion activities of the NPA.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1067337

Parlade may have basis for linking NUPL with Reds

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 15, 2019): Parlade may have basis for linking NUPL with Reds

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has “basis” in accusing human rights organizations such as the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) of links with the Leftist movement, MalacaƱang said Monday.

“If a military man says that, they may have basis for saying what they’re saying,”Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in an interview.

Panelo defended the military after a group of human rights lawyers sought protection from the Supreme Court from alleged harassment and "red-tagging" of their members by state forces including the military and President Rodrigo Duterte.

Panelo, however, said the Palace will not interfere with the high court’s decision.

”We will not interfere with the function of the judiciary. It’s a free country, they can file (whatever they want),” Panelo said.

He noted that the NUPL has the right to make any kind of petition before the high court.

“Just the same, they have the right to question whatever they want to raise before the court and let us wait for the court to decide,” he added.

The NUPL on Monday filed a petition for writ of amparao and writ of habeas data before the Supreme Court to ask for the protection from “harassment, intimidation, and violence committed against them by State forces and their agents.”

Their petition came after AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations, Major Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr., one of the respondents in the petition, accused NUPL among other organizations like Karapatan as having links with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

The petitioners are led by NUPL chairman and senatorial candidate Neri Colmenares and NUPL President Edre Olalia together with Catherine Salucon, vice president; Ian Anthony Sapayan, vice president for NUPL-Visayas; Ephraim Cortez, secretary-general; Edgar Carmona, auditor; and Bayan Muna Partylist Carlos Isagani Zarate.

Aside from the President and Parlade, other respondents in the petition were National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana; Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr.; AFP Deputy Commander for Intelligence, Brig. Gen. Fernando Trinidad; AFP Chief of the Intelligence Service, Major Gen. Erwin Bernard Neri; and Philippine Army chief, Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto.

A writ of amparo can be filed when any person whose right to life, liberty and security is violated or threatened with violation by an unlawful act or omission of a public official or employee, or of a private individual or entity.

On the other hand, a writ of habeas data protects a person’s right to control information especially when the information against the person was illegally obtained.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1067414

New peace panel to ‘oversee’ localized peace talks: Galvez

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 15, 2019): New peace panel to ‘oversee’ localized peace talks: Galvez



Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. on Monday welcomed President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s desire to create a new peace panel noting that the committee will be tasked to “oversee” localized peace talks.

“The panel will oversee the localized peace engagements. It will act as the adviser for local peace dialogues through the establishment of protocols and other legal and systematic procedures,” Galvez said in a statement.

“This includes the vital component of a security lens in this process, hence the need for former security officials to be part of the panel,” he added.

Duterte mentioned his intention to create a new peace panel with at least three representatives from the military in a speech during a PDP-Laban campaign rally in Malaybalay, Bukidnon on Saturday (April 14).

Galvez said the government will be “directly engaging the people on the ground to address the fundamentals of the problem” through the creation of the new peace panel.

He emphasized that it is through localized peace engagements where the government can create an environment for the peace process to move forward.

“The new framework will provide practical, rational, and objective principles of local peace engagements that will end the manipulation and deception against the government and the people,” Galvez said.

He also stressed the importance of peace talks in enabling agreements based on mutual trust and understanding.

“The ultimate objective is to create a just, harmonious, and peaceful society and conflict-resilient communities,” he added.

Educate Sison

Galvez lamented on Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chair Jose Maria Sison’s statement describing new peace panel as a “war panel” that he would not recognize.

“It is unfortunate that instead of reciprocating the government’s initiative to move the peace process forward, Joma Sison immediately rejected the idea. And this raises the question: Is Mr. Sison for genuine peace?” Galvez said.

He said Sison should be “educated” for being out of touch with realities since he has been in self-exile in The Netherlands for so long.

“It is but fitting to educate Mr. Sison, who has been living in a foreign land for decades and is no longer in touch with actual realities in the Philippine situation,” Galvez said.

He pointed out that the new peace panel is in line with the whole-of-nation approach as embodied in Executive Order 70 which provides for the creation of a national task force to end local communist armed conflict, as well as the adoption of a national peace framework that will contain policies addressing the root causes of insurgencies.

“The government has learned its lessons, albeit the hard way, from the previous formal negotiations that produced lopsided agreements that are not totally beneficial to the people,” Galvez said.

Galvez also criticized Sison for using The Hague Joint Declaration and Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) as tools to delay the resolution to conflict instead of pushing the peace negotiations.

“All the while, they continued with their manipulation of and attacks on the civilian communities and state security forces,” Galvez said.

“Worse, the leadership of the CPP-NPA-NDF is using the previous peace agreements not to pursue real peace but to meet their objective of overthrowing the legitimate government,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1067418

Duterte leads Whole-of-Nation Movement for peace, dev’t

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 15, 2019): Duterte leads Whole-of-Nation Movement for peace, dev’t



President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Monday rallied all instrumentalities of the government, private sector, and entire Filipino nation to actively work together in a whole-of-nation movement to address violent conflicts, as well as build a culture of peace and development throughout the country.

Duterte, at the first meeting of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) held in MalacaƱang, approved a National Plan that would integrate and harmonize the various efforts of the whole of government and of all sectors of society in delivering goods and services, as well as in providing for peace and security, especially in conflict-affected communities.

Members of the Cabinet and other heads of agencies, who were present at the meeting, agreed that the Whole-of-Nation Movement is not directed primarily at defeating the communist insurgency, but also to demonstrate genuine good governance for the betterment of people’s lives.

To effectively manage the Whole-of-Nation Movement, the President will assign specific Cabinet members to oversee the peace and development efforts in every region of the country. The designated Cabinet officer for the region will be supported by a unified and integrated Regional Development Council (RDC) and Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC).

Also to be pursued is the fast-tracked implementation of the National Wifi and 911 projects in all barangays nationwide.

By effectively managing barriers and challenges to peace and development, the Whole-of-Nation Movement envisions to build resilient and robust communities that promote the welfare and well-being of the Filipino people.

The NTF-ELCAC was created by virtue of Executive Order 70 on December 4, 2018 “to provide an efficient mechanism and structure for the implementation of the Whole-of-Nation approach to aid in the realization of the collective aspirations for inclusive and sustainable peace.”

It is chaired by President Duterte and constituted by the heads of 19 concerned departments and agencies of government, including two representatives from the private sector.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1067420

Mangyan tribe slams NPA for Mindoro IP leader’s slay

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 15, 2019): Mangyan tribe slams NPA for Mindoro IP leader’s slay



BANSUD, Oriental Mindoro -- The Hanunuo Tribe of the Mangyan Indigenous Peoples (IPs) condemned on Sunday the killing of their tribal leader allegedly by the New People's Army (NPA), which they described as “inhumane, senseless, and brutal.”

Hanunuo chieftain May-at Luzon expressed outrage over the brutal murder of Jose Barera alias “Gegs”, 47, who was killed in Sitio Liberty, Barangay Naibuan, San Jose, Occidental Mindoroon April 12.


“Parang hayop nilang pinatay ang isa sa mga lider ng tribu namin, wala silang mga konsensya. Mabuting tao ito. Akala ko para sila sa tao pero anung ginagawa nila sa amin (They killed our tribal leader like an animal, they don’t have any conscience at all. He is a good man. We thought they (NPAs) are for the people, but look at what they did to us),” Luzon said.

Barera succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds in different parts of his body, which was found at the Tumalo River and ater identified by his brother, Boy.

Boy disclosed that at least seven NPA members, along with female rebels, forcibly took his brother from their house last Friday afternoon.

He said Jose’s wife and six children witnessed the abduction. They cried and begged to the rebels to spare their father’s life but to no avail as they were also threatened to be killed.

The rebels were identified to be members of NPA's Kilusang Larangang Gerilya–Silangan (KLG Silangan), led by a certain Rosita Serrano of the Sub-Regional Military Area – 4D operating in Southern Mindoro.

The military disclosed that Barera was a former member of the NPA’s Sangay ng Partido (SPL) in their barangay before he surrendered to the government.

The tribal leader was also a well-known supporter of Mindoro Occidental Rep. Josephine Sato and Governor Mario Gene Mendiola, who are actively providing support to the Mangyan community.

Both local government officials also condemned the brutal killing of the Mangyan chieftain.

Col. Marceliano Teofilo, Commander of the 203rd Infantry Brigade based in Mindoro, rallied IP communities and the people of Mindoro to stand against the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA, declared a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

He also slammed human rights group Karapatan for keeping mum on the IP leader's slay.

“Where are the Karapatan and other human rights groups? This is the right time for you to show up and prove that you are true defenders of the people. We are calling your attention to conduct an impartial investigation and help the families of the victim attain justice. Speak up and slam the atrocities of the NPAs,” Teofilo said.

Lt. Col. Alexander Arbolado, Battalion Commander of the 4th Infantry Battalion (4IB) also condemned the killing.

“They are very desperate due to their sagging strength. They even resorted to kidnapping and forced their victims to join their group. Their heinous crimes show that they are merely like the terrorists Abu Sayyaf and ISIS,” Arbolado said.

The killing is among the series of violent acts of the NPAs in the island-province, following the kidnapping last April 6 of CAFGU Mabuhay Patrol Base member Reymundo Malupa, together with a Barangay Malo village chief and two other civilians in Bansud town.

The three, however, were released while Malupa remains in captive.

Military officials also confirmed that the NPAs were responsible for the killing of Kennedy Dam-in Aquino in Barangay Manoot, Rizal town in Occidental Mindoro and Jun-jun Ysog in Panaytayan, Oriental Mindoro.

They added that the NPAs were also behind the recent attempted kidnapping of four villagers, who managed to escape, in Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1067310

Troops seize guns from abandoned NPA lair

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 15, 2019): Troops seize guns from abandoned NPA lair



NPA ENCOUNTER. Lt. Col. Egberto Dacoscos, commanding officer of 62nd Infantry Battalion, says the encounter between the military and New People's Army rebels took place after the troops received information from concerned citizens. Seized from the rebel's lair were high-powered firearms. (File photo from 303rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army)

Philippine Army soldiers seized high-powered firearms in a central Negros hideout abandoned by the New People’s Army (NPA) during an encounter on Sunday.

A report of the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) said joint units of the 62nd Infantry Battalion from Negros Occidental and 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) from Negros Oriental engaged at least 20 communist fighters at around 6:50 a.m. at Sitio Mansuluway, Barangay Cabcaban in Bindoy town.


Lt. Col. Egberto Dacoscos, commanding officer of 62IB, on Sunday said that after the five-minute firefight, the troops found the NPA lair and recovered two M16 rifles and an M4 rifle.

The rebels also left behind a sack of rice, medical kits, cooking utensils, jungle hammocks, personal items, and subversive documents.


Dacoscos said the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) and its political wing, the National Democratic Front (NDF), are being demoralized as the masses they had been deceiving have awakened from their abuses.

The encounter took place after the troops received information from concerned citizens, he added.

Dacoscos said the series of encounters and discoveries of the rebel hideouts and recoveries of firearms and anti-personnel mines show that the people can no longer be deceived.

Maj. Gen. Dinoh Dolina, commander of 3ID based in Jamindan, Capiz, on Monday renewed his call on Negrenses to remain vigilant and continue supporting and cooperating with the government troops.

“Report the presence and activities of the CPP-NPA terrorists in your area,” he added.

Capt. Eduardo Precioso Jr., spokesperson of 3ID, said the troops are still conducting operations to ensure the security and safety of civilians and to run after the fleeing rebels.

“We will continue to pressure the enemy,” he said.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1067325

2 ASG supporters surrender, yield firearms in Basilan

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 15, 2019): 2 ASG supporters surrender, yield firearms in Basilan

Two Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) supporters have surrendered to military authorities in Basilan province, an Army official said Monday.

Brig. Gen. Fernando Reyeg, Joint Task Force Basilan commander, identified the ASG supporters who surrendered over the weekend as Jolmy Ambihal Pingli and Roma Pawaki Tapsi.


Pingli surrendered a Garand rifle while Tapsi turned over an M-203 grenade launcher, Reyeg said.

Reyeg said Pingli surrendered to the Army’s 18th Infantry Battalion in Ungkaya Pakan town while Tapsi on Hadji Mohammad Ajul municipality, also to the same Army battalion.

He said the two surrendered out of fear they will become targets of the focused military operations launched by the Joint Task Force Basilan against ASG bandits in the province.

He added that the surrender of the two ASG supporters was an offshoot of the active collaboration of barangay officials and the ongoing campaign of the Joint Task Force Basilan against terrorism.

Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said the two ASG supporters were "despaired by the ASG’s deception."

He said the bandits are gradually losing mass support because of the military’s "incessant operation and collaboration with the local government units and peace partners."

“This synergy (collaboration) is maintained to facilitate the attainment of long- term security and development that every BasileƱo deserves,” Dela Vega said

“Your armed forces is one with you in this journey to quell Mindanao of peace spoilers,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1067364

Maute Group’s “last remaining leader” confirmed dead

From MindaNews (Apr 14, 2019): Maute Group’s “last remaining leader” confirmed dead

The Philippine Army on Sunday confirmed the death of Obwaydah Marohombsar alias Abu Dar, the Maute Group’s “last remaining leader,” following the release of DNA test results that one of four terrorists killed on March 14 in Tubaran, Lanao del Sur, was, indeed, Abu Dar.

Col. Romeo Brawner Jr., chief of the Army 103rd Infantry Brigade said the US forces and the Philippine National Police Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO), which conducted separate DNA tests on a body found near the encounter site, confirmed beyond doubt that it was Abu Dar.

He said the tissues were compared to samples taken from two of Abu Dar’s children who voluntarily gave tissue samples upon intercession of an uncle.


Obwaydah Marohombsar alias Abu Dar, the Maute Group’s “last remaining leader,” is dead. He was killed in an encounter in Tubaran, Lanao del Sur, on March 14 but his death was confirmed only upon the release of the DNA test results. PHoto courtesy of 103rd Brigade.

“Both of the tests conducted by the US forces and PNP SOCO confirmed it was Abu Dar,” Brawner said.

Abu Dar and three other militants were killed along with four soldiers in an encounter in Tubaran town, Lanao del Sur on March 14.

Army soldiers backed by US drones that downlinked vital information, fought the militants for days in the jungle near Tubaran town.

Brawner said at first they did not recognize it was Abu Dar because its face was burned beyond recognition.

He said they were suspicious, however, because the body bore telltale scars and moles of Abu Dar’s right hand and body.

The military used an enlarged picture of Abu Dar to compare it with the remains.

Brawner said the body was already two to three days old when found. They immediately asked the PNP and US forces to conduct DNA tests.

He said while the PNP SOCO took tissues of the body in the encounter site, the US forensic team conducted theirs in Camp Ranao, headquarters of the 103rd Infantry Brigade, where the body was brought.

“Abu Dar’s surviving men tried to hide his death but DNA tests have proven it was he who died that day,” Brawner said.

The military had tagged Abu Dar responsible for the 2013 bombing in Limketkai Rosario arcade that left at least ten persons dead and 46 others injured

He was also among the Maute leaders recorded in a video planning the attack of Marawi on May 23, 2017.

Abu Dar, an Aleem or preacher, was supposed to be named “acting Emir of the Islamic State in the Philippines” following the death of Isnilon Hapilon during the Marawi siege but the leadership went to Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, an Abu Sayyaf leader is Sulu.

“We thank our US counterparts and the citizens of Lanao del Sur for helping us neutralize the last remaining leader of the Maute-ISIS Group in the persons of Abu Dar. We will not rest until we neutralize all the other remnants of this terrorist group,” Brawner said.

With the death of Abu Dar, a little known Maute leader, Zacharia, is expected to take his place as leader but according to Brawner, “Zacharia is not a preacher like Abu Dar. He does not have the same clout.”

He said a P6-million bounty for the capture or death of Abu Dar would be given to the civilian informant who gave the soldiers the whereabouts of the militants. 

Abu Sayyaf member nabbed in Quezon City

From The Manila Times (Apr 15, 2019): Abu Sayyaf member nabbed in Quezon City

An Abu Sayyaf Group member was apprehended in Quezon City, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Oscar Albayalde said on Monday, 11 years after a warrant for his arrest was issued.



Abuhair Kullim Indal alias Annual Dasil and Abu Khair was arrested in his residence in Barangay Culiat at 4:25 p.m. on Sunday.

Authorities retrieved a hand grenade during the operation.

Indal faces charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention based on a warrant of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court in Isabela City, Basilan in January 2008.

PNP braces for Abu Sayyaf's revenge after ISIS emir's death

From ABS-CBN (Apr 15, 2019): PNP braces for Abu Sayyaf's revenge after ISIS emir's death

The Philippine National Police (PNP) assured the public Monday that it is ready to respond to possible retaliation efforts of local terror group Abu Sayyaf following the death of one of its leaders.

This after a DNA test confirmed the death of Abu Dar, the supposed emir of the Islamic State in Southeast Asia.

Police General Oscar Albayalde said the PNP continues to receive intelligence reports on possible retaliation efforts of the terror group but assured the public that the police force has not monitored any terror threat this Holy Week.

“We’re not taking any chances here. We’ll be deploying more than 91,000 of our people in different places of convergence especially sa mga malalaking simbahan or pinupuntahan ng worshippers natin, churchgoers natin para magdasal,” he told reporters Monday.

Albayalde also assured the public that the double bomb attack that rocked the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Jolo last January would not happen again as police intensified security measures.

The attack left at least 22 people dead and prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to order the military to "destroy" the Islamic State-inspired terrorists in the restive south.

PNP: High-ranking Abu Sayyaf member nabbed in Quezon City

From Rappler (Apr 15, 2019): PNP: High-ranking Abu Sayyaf member nabbed in Quezon City

The police arrest Abuhair Kullim Indal for his alleged involvement in a 2001 kidnapping

'TRUSTED MAN.' Abuhair Kullim Indal is arrested in Barangay Culiat, Quezon City. Photo by Rambo Talabong/Rappler

'TRUSTED MAN.' Abuhair Kullim Indal is arrested in Barangay Culiat, Quezon City. Photo by Rambo Talabong/Rappler

The police said they have arrested a high-ranking member of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Quezon City involved in the kidnapping of 15 people in Basilan 18 years ago.

Philippine National Police (PNP) police chief General Oscar Albayalde announced on Monday, April 15, that they arrested Abuhair Kullim Indal, also known by the aliases Annual Dasil and Abu Khair, at around 4:25 pm on April 12 in Barangay Culiat, through warrants of arrest for his alleged involvement in the 2001 abduction of 15 individuals in a plantation in Basilan.


The warrants were dated 2008, or more than a decade ago.

According to Quezon City Police District (QCPD) chief Brigadier General Joselito Esquivel, they got a tip from locals on the movements of Indal. Upon the service of the warrants, Esquivel said, Indal allegedly took out a hand grenade from under his pillow to drive cops away.

Cops eventually seized him with the grenade and added a case of illegal explosives possession to the criminal cases he faces.

The PNP said Indal was "one of the trusted men" of Abu Sayyaf commander Furuji Indama, and former subleader Nur Hassan Jamiri who surrendered in March 2018.

His kidnapping case, Esquivel said, involves the 2001 abduction of 15 people at the Golden Harvest Plantation in Basilan.

Esquivel said that Indal has been staying in Quezon City for about "5 weeks" already before his capture. They have yet to determine why he was staying in the city.

He is currenty detained with QCPD before a court hears his cases.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/228209-high-ranking-abu-sayyaf-member-arrested-quezon-city-april-12-2019

Philippines Edges Back into US Alliance as New Friend China Stirs Anger

From the Voice of America (Apr 15, 2019): Philippines Edges Back into US Alliance as New Friend China Stirs Anger

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, left, greets U.S. State Secretary Mike Pompeo upon arrival at Villamor Air Base in suburban Pasay city southeast of Manila, Philippines, Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, left, greets U.S. State Secretary Mike Pompeo upon arrival at Villamor Air Base in suburban Pasay city southeast of Manila, Philippines, Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019.

The Philippines is edging further back into a once strained alliance with the United States as China, a friend of three years, keeps challenging Manila’s maritime claims and offers less aid than many Filipinos had hoped.

Philippine-U.S. cooperation has picked up over the past two months with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s visit to Manila followed by a wide-reaching series of joint naval exercises.

President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines sidelined his country’s U.S. alliance after taking office in 2016 to seek peace with China. Since then China has alarmed Manila’s military as well as citizens by sending flotillas near a tiny Philippine-held island in a sea that they dispute and harassing Filipino fishermen near another islet.

“Every time one of these incidents happens, he faces an enormous domestic backlash and a whole bunch of criticism that he’s being played for a fool by Beijing,” said Gregory Poling, director of the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative under Washington, D.C.-based think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies.

A swing back to the United States would position the Philippines where it was geopolitically before Duterte took office -- one in a chain of U.S. Western Pacific allies – and put China on the defensive against growing U.S. influence in Asia.

Firmer US ties

Pompeo visited March 1 to “reaffirm U.S. support for this critical treaty ally,” the State Department said. Pompeo said on the ground that his government would back the Philippines militarily if China attacked its vessels or planes in the South China Sea, domestic news outlet Rappler.com said.

Coinciding with the visit, Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin expressed opposition to reviewing the Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States – a process that could overturn the 68-year-old document.

During annual joint military exercises April 1-12, the U.S. Navy sent its USS Wasp amphibious assault ship and F-35B Lightning II aircraft operated by the U.S. Marines, Washington’s Indo-Pacific Command said. The Wasp was the largest U.S. ship ever sent for the exercises.

The vessels simulated defense of the South China Sea, an exercise that Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte cut in 2017 while he was building ties with Beijing.

Duterte set aside the Sino-Philippine sovereignty dispute and began talks with China in 2016. Duterte’s vociferous rejection of U.S. help at the time enchanted China, which has viewed Washington with suspicion since the Cold War.

China disappoints

China and the Philippines have generally avoided each other’s maritime holdings over the past three years without settling their sovereignty dispute.

But since the start of the year, from 200 to 300 Chinese vessels have come in waves to surround Philippine-held Thitu Island, where construction of a beaching ramp is underway. The military outpost 500 kilometers from the main Philippine archipelago lies near three Chinese-held Spratly features.

Following periodic reports of Filipino fishermen being harassed by Chinese vessels near the contested Scarborough Shoal, a presidential spokesman confirmed last year that Beijing’s Coast Guard had confiscated one boat’s catch. The government “relayed the information to Chinese officials, and in turn China is taking steps to address the issue,” the presidential office website said.

China in 2016 pledged $24 billion in aid and investment for the Philippines to help build relations, but Filipinos say too little has come through or worry that dependence on Chinese loans would push their country into debt.

“It’s quite clear that he’s not going to get the enormous largesse that he hoped for, that the Chinese are not fundamentally shifting their South China Sea policy just because he’s being nice,” Poling said.

Beijing claims about 90 percent of the sea. China, with the strongest armed forces in Asia, has angered Manila as well as four other governments over the past decade by building up small isles for military use.

Public pressure
Some 44 percent of Filipinos disagree that China’s intentions are “good for the Filipinos” and 27 per cent agree, Metro Manila research organization Social Weather Stations found in late 2018. More trust the United States.

Duterte said this month he would send troops on a “suicide” mission unless China backed off from Philippine maritime claims. The president has talked tough against China before when under public scrutiny but otherwise makes pro-China remarks.

“You wind up the Chinese and then he actually added something that sort of made the whole thing ridiculous, because he said that if China doesn't relent he'll be sending a suicide force," said Herman Kraft, political science professor at the University of the Philippines. "You're not really too sure what he meant by that."

Duterte may be talking tougher against China now to grab votes for supporters in mid-term congressional elections in May, said Oh Ei Sun, senior fellow with the Singapore Institute of International Affairs.

“The Philippines is making an issue out of (China’s maritime activities) I think for election purposes,” he said. “I think after the election they would revert back to being very friendly with China.”

https://www.voanews.com/a/us-philippines-alliance/4875944.html