From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 9, 2019): ASG leader yields in Basilan
ISABELA, Basilan –A notorious Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) sub-leader, alleged to have been involved in a series of kidnappings, and two of his followers surrendered to the Philippine Army Special Forces Company (SFC) in Hadji Mohammad Ajul town in this province.
Isabela, Basilan (Wikipedia / MANILA BULLETIN)
ASG-Kidnapped for Ransom Group (KFRG) leader Abdullah Indanan surrendered Monday at about 2 p.m. to the military, through the intervention of Basilan-based Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Commander Dan Asnawie.
Asnawi’s initiative was also complemented by officials of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and Basilan Governor Jim Hataman.
Indanan also brought with him two of his close aides, who served as bodyguards and point men in the conduct of kidnapping of prominent and wealthy people in the past.
Asnawi did not reveal the names of Indanan’s two men because they were still undergoing tactical interrogation by the military.
Reports indicated that Indanan was involved in a series of kidnapping activities in Zamboanga City, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi provinces.
Asnawi and officials of the SFC accompanied Indanan to the 104th Brigade located at Barangay Tabiawan in this city and presented him to Brig Gen Fernando Reyes.
Isabela Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin Hataman lauded the effort of OPAPP officials and Gov Hataman claiming among others, that their effort highly contributed to the peace and reconciliation effort of her government here.
“Their efforts were laudable and I hope other influential people like Gov. Hataman and former MILF commander Asnawi will also do the same,” Mayor Hataman said.
Their respective efforts also contributed to the peace and reconciliation program Isabela City government.
Meanwhile, about 5,000 Muslim tablig (Muslim religious group) held a three-day forum in this city aimed at further educating educate Muslim residents on the wisdom of Islam as religion.
Tuesday, July 9, 2019
4 foreign terror suspects nabbed (Updated)
From the Sun Daily (Jul 9, 2019): 4 foreign terror suspects nabbed (Updated)
PETALING JAYA: Four foreigners, including a Filipino with a fake Malaysian identity card, have been arrested for involvement in terrorist groups.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Datuk Seri Abdul Hamid Bador said they were arrested between June 14 and July 3 in simultaneous operations in Kedah and Selangor.
“A 54-year-old electrician from the Philippines was arrested in Klang on June 14 for his link with the Abu Sayyaf group,” Bador said in a statement. “He was involved in aiding kidnap for ransom (KFR) activities.”
Bador said the suspect is also wanted by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) and has been using a fake identification card to reside here.
“The second arrest was made on June 21 in Ampang. It involved an Indian national, 24, who was working as a lift maintenance worker. The suspect is arrested for his role as a facilitator for senior Babbar Khalsa International terror group members who entered Malaysia in November 2018 and June 2019.”
He said the suspect had channelled RM7,600 to the Babbar Khalsa group to fund its terror activities in Southeast Asia.
“A Myanmar national of Rohingya ethnicity was arrested in Sungai Petani on June 24,” Bador said. “The 41-year-old construction site worker is a supporter of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA).
“He also uploaded a video threatening the Bangladeshi Prime minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed through his social media account.”
The suspect had been arrested three times earlier for illegal entry into the country using fake travel documents. He was said to have been involved human trafficking.
Bador said a 25-year-old Myanmar national was arrested on July 3 in Alor Star. The suspect worked as a teacher at a Madrasah in Bukit Pinang, Kedah. He was a ARSA supporter.
“All the suspects were arrested for offences related to Terrorism, Penal Code (Act 574) and will be investigated in accordance with the procedures under the Security Act (Special Measures) 2012 (Act 747),” Bador said.
https://www.thesundaily.my/local/4-foreign-terror-suspects-nabbed-updated-LK1084793
PETALING JAYA: Four foreigners, including a Filipino with a fake Malaysian identity card, have been arrested for involvement in terrorist groups.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Datuk Seri Abdul Hamid Bador said they were arrested between June 14 and July 3 in simultaneous operations in Kedah and Selangor.
“A 54-year-old electrician from the Philippines was arrested in Klang on June 14 for his link with the Abu Sayyaf group,” Bador said in a statement. “He was involved in aiding kidnap for ransom (KFR) activities.”
Bador said the suspect is also wanted by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) and has been using a fake identification card to reside here.
“The second arrest was made on June 21 in Ampang. It involved an Indian national, 24, who was working as a lift maintenance worker. The suspect is arrested for his role as a facilitator for senior Babbar Khalsa International terror group members who entered Malaysia in November 2018 and June 2019.”
He said the suspect had channelled RM7,600 to the Babbar Khalsa group to fund its terror activities in Southeast Asia.
“A Myanmar national of Rohingya ethnicity was arrested in Sungai Petani on June 24,” Bador said. “The 41-year-old construction site worker is a supporter of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA).
“He also uploaded a video threatening the Bangladeshi Prime minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed through his social media account.”
The suspect had been arrested three times earlier for illegal entry into the country using fake travel documents. He was said to have been involved human trafficking.
Bador said a 25-year-old Myanmar national was arrested on July 3 in Alor Star. The suspect worked as a teacher at a Madrasah in Bukit Pinang, Kedah. He was a ARSA supporter.
“All the suspects were arrested for offences related to Terrorism, Penal Code (Act 574) and will be investigated in accordance with the procedures under the Security Act (Special Measures) 2012 (Act 747),” Bador said.
https://www.thesundaily.my/local/4-foreign-terror-suspects-nabbed-updated-LK1084793
Army slams rebels’ use of anti-personnel mines
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 9, 2019): Army slams rebels’ use of anti-personnel mines
CONDEMN LANDMINE USE. The photo shows nine anti-personnel mines recovered by the 61st Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army from the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) after an encounter on March 17, 2019 in Igbaras town, Iloilo. The Army's 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs Office on Tuesday (July 9, 2019) condemns the rebels' continued use of landmine after another anti-personnel mine was seized by Army soldiers in an encounter in President Roxas, Capiz on Friday. (File photo)
The 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) of the Philippine Army (PA) has condemned the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army’s (CPP-NPA) continuous stockpiling and production of anti-personnel mines.
The Army recovered an anti-personnel mine from the Sangay sa Partido sa Platoon (SPP)-East, Komiteng Rehiyon – Panay of CPP-NPA during a strike operation on Friday in President Roxas, Capiz.
Capt. Cenon Pancito III, 3ID’s Public Affairs Office chief, on Tuesday said the recovery of the anti-personnel landmine in the recent encounter manifests that the rebels continuously use the explosive to carry out their tactics.
“The AFP always condemns the use of landmines in any form, especially the anti-personnel mines. It could be used against the soldiers or the populace,” Pancito said in a phone interview.
“The landmines will explode once stepped upon by the recipient and can cause mass destruction," he said.
He said the minimum damage that can be left by the landmine to the victim is amputation or loss of body parts, especially on the bottom portion of the body.
The rebels usually plant anti-personnel mines to slow down operations of the Army, he said.
“For example, they will camp on top of the mountain, they will plant anti-personnel landmine on the way to their camp. Once the Army will operate against them, their instinct is to flee but the landmine will still be there and can cause destruction not only to the troops but also to the civilians,” he said.
The continuous use of this kind of explosive only shows their “coward” tactics in the battlefield, he added.
He said the use of anti-personnel landmine is a clear violation of the Republic Act 9851 or the crimes against International Humanitarian Law, genocide and other crimes against humanity.
“We consider it a crime against humanity because it is not only the Army or the government troops that can be casualties but also innocent people,” he said.
The rebels’ use of anti-personnel landmine is also a violation of the Comprehensive Agreement for Human Rights and International Law.
Pancito said the CPP-NPA claim to push for humanitarian law “and yet they are the first one to violate this.”
“Gladly, for Panay, we recover most of these landmines,” Pancito said.
Recovered anti-personnel landmines of the AFP are in the custody of the Explosives and Ordinance Division for proper disposition, he added.
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/1074446
The Army recovered an anti-personnel mine from the Sangay sa Partido sa Platoon (SPP)-East, Komiteng Rehiyon – Panay of CPP-NPA during a strike operation on Friday in President Roxas, Capiz.
Capt. Cenon Pancito III, 3ID’s Public Affairs Office chief, on Tuesday said the recovery of the anti-personnel landmine in the recent encounter manifests that the rebels continuously use the explosive to carry out their tactics.
“The AFP always condemns the use of landmines in any form, especially the anti-personnel mines. It could be used against the soldiers or the populace,” Pancito said in a phone interview.
“The landmines will explode once stepped upon by the recipient and can cause mass destruction," he said.
He said the minimum damage that can be left by the landmine to the victim is amputation or loss of body parts, especially on the bottom portion of the body.
The rebels usually plant anti-personnel mines to slow down operations of the Army, he said.
“For example, they will camp on top of the mountain, they will plant anti-personnel landmine on the way to their camp. Once the Army will operate against them, their instinct is to flee but the landmine will still be there and can cause destruction not only to the troops but also to the civilians,” he said.
The continuous use of this kind of explosive only shows their “coward” tactics in the battlefield, he added.
He said the use of anti-personnel landmine is a clear violation of the Republic Act 9851 or the crimes against International Humanitarian Law, genocide and other crimes against humanity.
“We consider it a crime against humanity because it is not only the Army or the government troops that can be casualties but also innocent people,” he said.
The rebels’ use of anti-personnel landmine is also a violation of the Comprehensive Agreement for Human Rights and International Law.
Pancito said the CPP-NPA claim to push for humanitarian law “and yet they are the first one to violate this.”
“Gladly, for Panay, we recover most of these landmines,” Pancito said.
Recovered anti-personnel landmines of the AFP are in the custody of the Explosives and Ordinance Division for proper disposition, he added.
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/1074446
NPA support in Eastern Mindanao in total collapse: Army
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 9, 2019): NPA support in Eastern Mindanao in total collapse: Army
The various underground mass organizations (UGMO) of the communist rebels in Eastern Mindanao are in the process of imminent total collapse after the departure of their members who pledged allegiance to the government during the first week of this month, military officials said.
Lt. Col. Ezra Balagtey, spokesperson of Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), said more than 150 members of Unyon ng Mag-uuma sa Agusan del Norte (UMAN), an organization in Barangay Bitan-agan, Butuan City, denounced their support to the new People’s Army (NPA) during a peace consultation dialogue in Butuan City.
Balagtey said UMAN is one of the mass-based organizations used by the CPP-NPA to recruit farmers as its source of manpower, finance, and logistics.
“Members are being made to pay dues with a promise to give them the lands that they are tilling,” Balagtey added.
Meanwhile, around 396 NPA members and supporters yielded to the Army's 30th Infantry Battalion in Surigao del Norte town of Malimono last Thursday, Balagtey said.
Balagtey said the surrenderers also yielded 11 assorted firearms to 30IB, led by Lt. Col Allen Tomas.
Lt. Gen. Felimon T. Santos Jr., Eastmincom commander, called on NPA supporters in the villages to reject the rebels.
"The purpose of the communists’ front organization is to agitate people of false issues against the government and then organize them to openly protest and destroy the system of governance and create chaos," Santos said.
Santos said he has directed all military units within Eastmincom jurisdiction to "continue reaching out to the groups to address the armed struggle strongly".
The NPA--the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines--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/1074500
Lt. Col. Ezra Balagtey, spokesperson of Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), said more than 150 members of Unyon ng Mag-uuma sa Agusan del Norte (UMAN), an organization in Barangay Bitan-agan, Butuan City, denounced their support to the new People’s Army (NPA) during a peace consultation dialogue in Butuan City.
Balagtey said UMAN is one of the mass-based organizations used by the CPP-NPA to recruit farmers as its source of manpower, finance, and logistics.
“Members are being made to pay dues with a promise to give them the lands that they are tilling,” Balagtey added.
Meanwhile, around 396 NPA members and supporters yielded to the Army's 30th Infantry Battalion in Surigao del Norte town of Malimono last Thursday, Balagtey said.
Balagtey said the surrenderers also yielded 11 assorted firearms to 30IB, led by Lt. Col Allen Tomas.
Lt. Gen. Felimon T. Santos Jr., Eastmincom commander, called on NPA supporters in the villages to reject the rebels.
"The purpose of the communists’ front organization is to agitate people of false issues against the government and then organize them to openly protest and destroy the system of governance and create chaos," Santos said.
Santos said he has directed all military units within Eastmincom jurisdiction to "continue reaching out to the groups to address the armed struggle strongly".
The NPA--the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines--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/1074500
No report on Egyptian couple on suicide mission in Sulu — AFP
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 9, 2019): No report on Egyptian couple on suicide mission in Sulu — AFP
The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Tuesday said it has no information on the reported Egyptian couple set to carry out a suicide mission in Sulu.
AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said it is currently pursuing leads to the perpetrators of the apparent suicide bombings in Basilan and Sulu.
“We have no information on the alleged Egyptian couple in cahoots with local terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group in improvised explosive device explosions in Sulu (as what was reportedly revealed by an ‘academic analyst on terrorism’),” he told reporters.
“We are in the process of pursuing leads to the perpetrators of the IED explosions in Sulu and Basilan. But we have no report so far pointing to the participation of such Egyptian couple,” he added.
Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence, and Terrorism President Rommel Banlaoi claimed that an Egyptian couple is already in Sulu to carry out a suicide bombing mission upon the instructions of the Islamic State.
He had no information, however, since when the Egyptian couple has been staying in the Philippines. He said the military and police are already aware of this report.
In less than a year, there have been three apparent suicide bombing attacks in Mindanao — two in Sulu and one in Basilan.
The third incident only happened two weeks ago at the headquarters of a military camp in Indanan, Sulu, which killed eight people and wounded 22 others. It was carried out by two attackers.
READ: IS claims Sulu suicide bombing; 8 dead
Last week, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said these attacks are “becoming an occurrence,” and they are “very much concerned” about it.
Arevalo said they will continue to collaborate with other agencies to prevent radicalism and counter violent extremism.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Tuesday said it has no information on the reported Egyptian couple set to carry out a suicide mission in Sulu.
AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said it is currently pursuing leads to the perpetrators of the apparent suicide bombings in Basilan and Sulu.
“We have no information on the alleged Egyptian couple in cahoots with local terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group in improvised explosive device explosions in Sulu (as what was reportedly revealed by an ‘academic analyst on terrorism’),” he told reporters.
“We are in the process of pursuing leads to the perpetrators of the IED explosions in Sulu and Basilan. But we have no report so far pointing to the participation of such Egyptian couple,” he added.
Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence, and Terrorism President Rommel Banlaoi claimed that an Egyptian couple is already in Sulu to carry out a suicide bombing mission upon the instructions of the Islamic State.
He had no information, however, since when the Egyptian couple has been staying in the Philippines. He said the military and police are already aware of this report.
In less than a year, there have been three apparent suicide bombing attacks in Mindanao — two in Sulu and one in Basilan.
The third incident only happened two weeks ago at the headquarters of a military camp in Indanan, Sulu, which killed eight people and wounded 22 others. It was carried out by two attackers.
READ: IS claims Sulu suicide bombing; 8 dead
Last week, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said these attacks are “becoming an occurrence,” and they are “very much concerned” about it.
Arevalo said they will continue to collaborate with other agencies to prevent radicalism and counter violent extremism.
Army repairs classroom in conflict-affected Lanao Sur town
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 9, 2019): Army repairs classroom in conflict-affected Lanao Sur town
BUTIG, Lanao del Sur -- Soldiers belonging to the Army's 49th Infantry Battalion (49IB) unveiled Monday a newly-repaired classroom for more than 40 kindergarten pupils in Barangay Ragayan here.
Lt. Col. Edgar Allan Villanueva, 49IB commander, said they started the renovation last month after seeing the situation of around 40 children -- aged 4 to 5 years old -- who were squatting on the floor as they attended their classes.
It was learned that the original school building was only built in May by Wahab Macabayao, a husband of one of the teachers, who is the school's watchman.
Macabayao volunteered to build the makeshift classroom using only light materials to assemble a roof, a blackboard, and a long wooden chair where the children could sit. It had no walls or tables.
Namraida Bao, Ragayan Elementary School principal, said some of their classrooms were destroyed during the series of armed clashes between terrorist groups and the military in 2016.
"We put on a mat for the children to squat while having classes, but this set-up caused some learners to fall asleep," Bao said, adding it was particularly challenging when it rains as the classroom had no walls.
Bao said the school had 260 pupils before the 2016 clashes, but only 171 so far have come back to Butig after several families decided not to return to the town.
Villanueva said the Army-led renovation repaired the roofing and installed laminated plastic sacks around the classroom to protect the children from the elements.
"We were able to communicate with the ICRC (International Committee on the Red Cross), but since the process is long, we decided to temporarily fix the classroom so that they can hold classes every day without them getting wet from the rain and be burned by the sun," the Army official said.
"The AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) under its Development Support and Security Plan (DSSP) is not only focused on addressing the insurgency but also in facilitating the delivery of basic services in coordination with local government units and other government agencies," he added.
During the turnover, Lanao del Sur District Supervisor Johaila Balt called on the teachers to "be passionate in their work" to reciprocate the effort of the soldiers "who are in Butig to secure the community and help the Department of Education."
Balt said there are 11 elementary and eight primary schools in the second district of Lanao del Sur that needed rehabilitation.
"My problem is... these schools are geographically far from one another and many are inaccessible to motor vehicles," Balt said.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074435
BUTIG, Lanao del Sur -- Soldiers belonging to the Army's 49th Infantry Battalion (49IB) unveiled Monday a newly-repaired classroom for more than 40 kindergarten pupils in Barangay Ragayan here.
Lt. Col. Edgar Allan Villanueva, 49IB commander, said they started the renovation last month after seeing the situation of around 40 children -- aged 4 to 5 years old -- who were squatting on the floor as they attended their classes.
It was learned that the original school building was only built in May by Wahab Macabayao, a husband of one of the teachers, who is the school's watchman.
Macabayao volunteered to build the makeshift classroom using only light materials to assemble a roof, a blackboard, and a long wooden chair where the children could sit. It had no walls or tables.
Namraida Bao, Ragayan Elementary School principal, said some of their classrooms were destroyed during the series of armed clashes between terrorist groups and the military in 2016.
"We put on a mat for the children to squat while having classes, but this set-up caused some learners to fall asleep," Bao said, adding it was particularly challenging when it rains as the classroom had no walls.
Bao said the school had 260 pupils before the 2016 clashes, but only 171 so far have come back to Butig after several families decided not to return to the town.
Villanueva said the Army-led renovation repaired the roofing and installed laminated plastic sacks around the classroom to protect the children from the elements.
"We were able to communicate with the ICRC (International Committee on the Red Cross), but since the process is long, we decided to temporarily fix the classroom so that they can hold classes every day without them getting wet from the rain and be burned by the sun," the Army official said.
"The AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) under its Development Support and Security Plan (DSSP) is not only focused on addressing the insurgency but also in facilitating the delivery of basic services in coordination with local government units and other government agencies," he added.
During the turnover, Lanao del Sur District Supervisor Johaila Balt called on the teachers to "be passionate in their work" to reciprocate the effort of the soldiers "who are in Butig to secure the community and help the Department of Education."
Balt said there are 11 elementary and eight primary schools in the second district of Lanao del Sur that needed rehabilitation.
"My problem is... these schools are geographically far from one another and many are inaccessible to motor vehicles," Balt said.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074435
Cotabato City, 63 villages placed under BARMM
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 9, 2019): Cotabato City, 63 villages placed under BARMM
DILG VISIT. Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Murad Ebrahim (left) and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año during the visit of BARMM officials to the DILG central office on Monday (July 8, 2019). In the same meeting, Año ordered the turnover of Cotabato City and the 63 villages in North Cotabato province under the BARMM jurisdiction after the areas voted for inclusion to the expanded BARMM territory during plebiscite held on January 21 and February 6 this year. (Photo from BPI-BARMM)
COTABATO CITY -- Secretary Eduardo Año of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has directed the turnover of Cotabato City and 63 villages in North Cotabato to the jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), pursuant to Republic Act 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law.
Año’s order came during the official visit of BARMM officials, headed by Interim Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, to the DILG office in Manila on Monday after the presentation made by Minister of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) Naguib Sinarimbo on the works being done by his office in the BARMM.
Sinarimbo, a lawyer, highlighted the significant accomplishments of the MILG as of June 30, among them the “Transparency and Accountability Measures” including the launching of the Bangsamoro Transparency Portal, and the orientation-cum-training for the newly-elected local chief executives.
Sinarimbo said the DILG Secretary also ordered the institutional arrangement for the DILG programs being implemented in Regions 9, 10, and 12.
“Pursuant to moral governance, Secretary Año was elated to learn the innovations reflective of the cultures and traditions of the Bangsamoro being introduced by the MILG,” Sinarimbo said in an interview over a local radio station Tuesday.
He said the DILG Secretary also promised to continue his support to the Bangsamoro government and the MILG, in particular, ever mindful of the autonomy granted it by the law including the powers and authority to regulate the affairs of BARMM constituent LGUs.
Ebrahim’s delegation was composed of Sinarimbo, Minister of Finance, Budget and Management Edward Guerra, Minister of Public Order and Safety Hussein Munoz, and Member of the Parliament Abdullah Macapaar, also known as Commander Bravo.
Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. accompanied the delegation.
The city of Cotabato and the 63 villages in six towns of North Cotabato voted for inclusion to the expanded autonomous region during the plebiscite held on January 21 and February 6 this year.
Other areas under BARMM are the provinces of Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur, and Basilan, and cities of Marawi and Lamitan.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074406
Año’s order came during the official visit of BARMM officials, headed by Interim Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, to the DILG office in Manila on Monday after the presentation made by Minister of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) Naguib Sinarimbo on the works being done by his office in the BARMM.
Sinarimbo, a lawyer, highlighted the significant accomplishments of the MILG as of June 30, among them the “Transparency and Accountability Measures” including the launching of the Bangsamoro Transparency Portal, and the orientation-cum-training for the newly-elected local chief executives.
Sinarimbo said the DILG Secretary also ordered the institutional arrangement for the DILG programs being implemented in Regions 9, 10, and 12.
“Pursuant to moral governance, Secretary Año was elated to learn the innovations reflective of the cultures and traditions of the Bangsamoro being introduced by the MILG,” Sinarimbo said in an interview over a local radio station Tuesday.
He said the DILG Secretary also promised to continue his support to the Bangsamoro government and the MILG, in particular, ever mindful of the autonomy granted it by the law including the powers and authority to regulate the affairs of BARMM constituent LGUs.
Ebrahim’s delegation was composed of Sinarimbo, Minister of Finance, Budget and Management Edward Guerra, Minister of Public Order and Safety Hussein Munoz, and Member of the Parliament Abdullah Macapaar, also known as Commander Bravo.
Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. accompanied the delegation.
The city of Cotabato and the 63 villages in six towns of North Cotabato voted for inclusion to the expanded autonomous region during the plebiscite held on January 21 and February 6 this year.
Other areas under BARMM are the provinces of Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur, and Basilan, and cities of Marawi and Lamitan.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074406
How this IP teacher risks life, limb to stand up vs. CPP-NPA
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 9, 2019): How this IP teacher risks life, limb to stand up vs. CPP-NPA
HERO. Indigenous people’s (IP) teacher Joel Dahusay narrates his struggle before members of the media in a conference at the Consulate General of the Philippines office in Chicago, Illinois on Monday (July 8, 2019). He lamented how the Salugpungan school has become an institution of deception, radicalization and corruption of IP culture. (Photo by Mac VIllarino/PCOO)
CHICAGO, Illinois — They say teaching is the noblest profession, but indigenous people’s (IP) leader Joel Dahusay went beyond proving that mantra — he risked his life to defend his students from people seeking to craft a movement advocating violence.
Immediately after graduating from college, Dahusay, a member of the Matigtalomo – Manobo Tribe, returned to his community to teach the youth and instill in them the value of education.
But he had no clue that his way of giving back to the community meant bracing for a tough enemy and exposing himself to danger in the process.
“Hindi ko alam na yung komunidad namin, sinasakop na ng mga komunistang terorista. Pinipigilan na nila lahat ng development na galing sa gobyerno. Kaya makikita mo, yung IP communities wala talagang improvement (I didn’t know that communist terrorists were already encroaching on our areas. They were hindering development programs provided by the government. That’s why you see, no improvements are seen in IP communities),” Dahusay said in an inteview.
Going beyond
It was not just his role, he said, but his responsibility, to educate disadvantaged members of his tribe and help build a better future for them.
“Nakita ko na dun sa mga remote areas, parang yung mga bahay kalat kalat, pero nag-effort kami na itipon yung mga bata para ma-edukar (I noticed that in the remote areas, houses are far from each other, but we took the effort to organize them so they can be educated),” he said.
But the guerilla warfare, he said, kept tribespeople divided — young people were indoctrinated of the communist ideology, recruited to join the armed struggle, and transformed them into warriors.
Disguised as teachers
Dahusay said members of the New People’s Army (NPA), armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines’ (CPP), kept pouring into the countryside, some of them disguised as teachers, educating children to rally against the government.
He said the Salugpungan school, for one, is a huge institution run by leftist groups in Southern Mindanao that teach children for free — but comes with a hefty price.
“Yung objective nila, i-brainwash yung mga bata sa ideolohiya ng communist terrorist. Ayaw ng mga NPA na mag-enrol ang mga bata sa ibang eskwelahan, dapat sa Salugpungan lang. (Its objective is to brainwash children in the communist terrorist ideology. NPA members don’t want the children to enrol in other schools, only in the Salugpungan),” he said.
In 2012, Dahusay said when he was absorbed by the local government unit in Davao del Norte as a day care teacher, leftist groups harassed him for supposedly “taking sides.”
“Dinakip ako ng kaliwa, inimbestigahan ako. Sabi nila, saan ka ba panig, sa gobyerno o sa kaliwa? Sabi ko hindi ako pwedeng pumanig, kasi teacher ako, neutral ako. (The Left arrested and investigated me. They asked me, where does your loyalty lie, to the Left or the government? I told them, ‘I cannot take sides, I’m a teacher, I should be neutral),” he said.
Dahusay said members of the NPA harassed parents who would choose to enroll their children in schools operated by the government, killing some of them who would resist their order.
Different curriculum
Braving intimidations posed by the armed group, Dahusay stood up and questioned the “huge difference” in the curriculum imposed by the Salugpungan school to that of the Department of Education.
“Lahat ng nakita ko du’n against sa government. Sasabihin nila, against sila sa illegal logging, sa mining, pero kung tutuusin, sila ang may pinakamalaki ang collection sa mga mining companies (I saw them educate children of anti-government teachings. They would pretend to be against illegal logging and mining, but if you look into it, they are the biggest collectors from mining companies),” he said.
The collected money, he said, is used by the armed group to further their campaign such as launching attacks against government troops while expanding their “schools of deception.”
The NPA, he said, targets businessmen, politicians, mining and logging firms, and even store owners in their extortion activities.
Given the series of harassments posed by the communist rebels, Dahusay still chose to resist, saying working in a climate of fear will not prevent him from “letting the truth out” and making the perpetrators of turning children into warriors accountable of their actions.
“Pitong beses na akong tinambangan ng NPA. Pero nandito pa rin ako. Siguro may plano ang Ginoo (Members of the NPA attempted to kill me seven times. But I’m still here. Maybe God has a purpose),” he said.
Dahusay now joins other tribal chieftains in voicing out the atrocities of communist terrorist groups in the Philippines.
He is among the eight tribal leaders who are making their way across the United States to rally the international community to help end the armed insurgency movement’s narratives.
The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
Dahusay said he would risk life and limb to defend his students from oppressors in his community, saying there is no bigger heartache for a teacher than seeing the future of his students stolen from them.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074443
Immediately after graduating from college, Dahusay, a member of the Matigtalomo – Manobo Tribe, returned to his community to teach the youth and instill in them the value of education.
But he had no clue that his way of giving back to the community meant bracing for a tough enemy and exposing himself to danger in the process.
“Hindi ko alam na yung komunidad namin, sinasakop na ng mga komunistang terorista. Pinipigilan na nila lahat ng development na galing sa gobyerno. Kaya makikita mo, yung IP communities wala talagang improvement (I didn’t know that communist terrorists were already encroaching on our areas. They were hindering development programs provided by the government. That’s why you see, no improvements are seen in IP communities),” Dahusay said in an inteview.
Going beyond
It was not just his role, he said, but his responsibility, to educate disadvantaged members of his tribe and help build a better future for them.
“Nakita ko na dun sa mga remote areas, parang yung mga bahay kalat kalat, pero nag-effort kami na itipon yung mga bata para ma-edukar (I noticed that in the remote areas, houses are far from each other, but we took the effort to organize them so they can be educated),” he said.
But the guerilla warfare, he said, kept tribespeople divided — young people were indoctrinated of the communist ideology, recruited to join the armed struggle, and transformed them into warriors.
Disguised as teachers
Dahusay said members of the New People’s Army (NPA), armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines’ (CPP), kept pouring into the countryside, some of them disguised as teachers, educating children to rally against the government.
He said the Salugpungan school, for one, is a huge institution run by leftist groups in Southern Mindanao that teach children for free — but comes with a hefty price.
“Yung objective nila, i-brainwash yung mga bata sa ideolohiya ng communist terrorist. Ayaw ng mga NPA na mag-enrol ang mga bata sa ibang eskwelahan, dapat sa Salugpungan lang. (Its objective is to brainwash children in the communist terrorist ideology. NPA members don’t want the children to enrol in other schools, only in the Salugpungan),” he said.
In 2012, Dahusay said when he was absorbed by the local government unit in Davao del Norte as a day care teacher, leftist groups harassed him for supposedly “taking sides.”
“Dinakip ako ng kaliwa, inimbestigahan ako. Sabi nila, saan ka ba panig, sa gobyerno o sa kaliwa? Sabi ko hindi ako pwedeng pumanig, kasi teacher ako, neutral ako. (The Left arrested and investigated me. They asked me, where does your loyalty lie, to the Left or the government? I told them, ‘I cannot take sides, I’m a teacher, I should be neutral),” he said.
Dahusay said members of the NPA harassed parents who would choose to enroll their children in schools operated by the government, killing some of them who would resist their order.
Different curriculum
Braving intimidations posed by the armed group, Dahusay stood up and questioned the “huge difference” in the curriculum imposed by the Salugpungan school to that of the Department of Education.
“Lahat ng nakita ko du’n against sa government. Sasabihin nila, against sila sa illegal logging, sa mining, pero kung tutuusin, sila ang may pinakamalaki ang collection sa mga mining companies (I saw them educate children of anti-government teachings. They would pretend to be against illegal logging and mining, but if you look into it, they are the biggest collectors from mining companies),” he said.
The collected money, he said, is used by the armed group to further their campaign such as launching attacks against government troops while expanding their “schools of deception.”
The NPA, he said, targets businessmen, politicians, mining and logging firms, and even store owners in their extortion activities.
Given the series of harassments posed by the communist rebels, Dahusay still chose to resist, saying working in a climate of fear will not prevent him from “letting the truth out” and making the perpetrators of turning children into warriors accountable of their actions.
“Pitong beses na akong tinambangan ng NPA. Pero nandito pa rin ako. Siguro may plano ang Ginoo (Members of the NPA attempted to kill me seven times. But I’m still here. Maybe God has a purpose),” he said.
Dahusay now joins other tribal chieftains in voicing out the atrocities of communist terrorist groups in the Philippines.
He is among the eight tribal leaders who are making their way across the United States to rally the international community to help end the armed insurgency movement’s narratives.
The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
Dahusay said he would risk life and limb to defend his students from oppressors in his community, saying there is no bigger heartache for a teacher than seeing the future of his students stolen from them.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074443
Military unseating PRRD just 'wishful thinking': Lorenzana
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 9, 2019): Military unseating PRRD just 'wishful thinking': Lorenzana
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. (File photo)
Claims that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will turn against President Rodrigo R. Duterte is just "wishful thinking" on the part of some critics of the administration, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Monday.
Lorenzana made this comment in response to Communist Party of the Philippine (CPP) founding chair Jose Maria "Joma" Sison's claims that the US, without firing a shot, can easily instruct its following within the military and police forces under Duterte to take him into custody as a traitor and to install Vice President Leni Robredo as the constitutional successor.
"As Spox (Presidential Spokesperson Salvador) Panelo said, it's 'wishful thinking' by Mr. Sison. It won't happen," Lorenzana said in a message to the Philippine News Agency.
“It is pitiful that this man has to rely on a foreign country to effect a change of leadership in this country. It is an admission, in fact, that their revolution has failed,” Panelo said.
The CPP, along with its armed wing the New People’s Army (NPA), is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
Panelo also stressed that the US will not listen to Sison, because the communist leader himself detests the US.
Earlier, the AFP dismissed and called Sison a "coward" and "insane" for making the above-mentioned allegations.
"This coward has gone insane. He is already muttering words of an old man whose memory has abandoned him. Come back to the Philippines and face reality," AFP public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato said.
Also, the military official stressed that the Philippines has its own democratic institutions and is a sovereign nation.
"We're a sovereign country. We have our own democratic institutions. 'Yung sinasabi ni Joma (What Joma is saying) is an indication of his state of mind," he added.
And definitely, the AFP official said they are not arresting the Chief Executive as Duterte is the duly-elected President and the Commander-in-Chief.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074417
Claims that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will turn against President Rodrigo R. Duterte is just "wishful thinking" on the part of some critics of the administration, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Monday.
Lorenzana made this comment in response to Communist Party of the Philippine (CPP) founding chair Jose Maria "Joma" Sison's claims that the US, without firing a shot, can easily instruct its following within the military and police forces under Duterte to take him into custody as a traitor and to install Vice President Leni Robredo as the constitutional successor.
"As Spox (Presidential Spokesperson Salvador) Panelo said, it's 'wishful thinking' by Mr. Sison. It won't happen," Lorenzana said in a message to the Philippine News Agency.
“It is pitiful that this man has to rely on a foreign country to effect a change of leadership in this country. It is an admission, in fact, that their revolution has failed,” Panelo said.
The CPP, along with its armed wing the New People’s Army (NPA), is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
Panelo also stressed that the US will not listen to Sison, because the communist leader himself detests the US.
Earlier, the AFP dismissed and called Sison a "coward" and "insane" for making the above-mentioned allegations.
"This coward has gone insane. He is already muttering words of an old man whose memory has abandoned him. Come back to the Philippines and face reality," AFP public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato said.
Also, the military official stressed that the Philippines has its own democratic institutions and is a sovereign nation.
"We're a sovereign country. We have our own democratic institutions. 'Yung sinasabi ni Joma (What Joma is saying) is an indication of his state of mind," he added.
And definitely, the AFP official said they are not arresting the Chief Executive as Duterte is the duly-elected President and the Commander-in-Chief.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074417
IP leaders laud PRRD’s anti-insurgency drive
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 9, 2019): IP leaders laud PRRD’s anti-insurgency drive
FIGHT VS. INSURGENCY. Tribal leaders answer questions from the media in a forum hosted by the Consulate General of the Philippines office in Chicago, Illinois on Monday (July 8, 2019). They are travelling across the United States to call on the US government, United Nations, and various international organizations to help end insurgency. (Photo by Mac Villarino/PCOO)
CHICAGO, Illinois — Indigenous people’s (IP) group leaders on Monday commended President Rodrigo Duterte for his move to push for a whole-of-nation approach in addressing communist insurgency in the Philippines.
“Nakita namin yung kanyang passion to help, not just the poor, but the indigenous pepople. Yung panawagan din namin na yung Executive Order 70 na kanyang pinirmahan, sana ma-implement na yun as soon as possible hanggang doon sa mga remote areas para matulungan na matapos na itong problema natin sa insurgency (We saw his passion in helping, not just the poor, but the indigenous people. We also call for the immediate implementation of the EO 70 up to the remote areas so our problem on insurgency will be addressed),” Bai Christine Banugan said in a media forum at the Consulate General of the Philippines office in Chicago.
Contained in Executive Order 70, Duterte has formed the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC), directing the adoption of a national peace framework and institutionalizing a whole-of-nation approach towards peace and development.
The NTF ELCAC, which he chairs, seeks to provide an efficient mechanism and structure for the implementation of the civilian-led approach to aid in realizing the country’s aspiration to attain sustainable peace.
Datu Nestor Apas, meanwhile, hailed Duterte’s efforts to attain sustainable peace with his campaign to address the root causes of rebellion, as he called for a bigger budget for the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in order to hasten the issuance of certificate of ancestral domain titles (CADT), a state land tenurial instrumentation that checks and defines the boundaries of ancestral domain and ancestral lands.
Ancestral domain titles
“Para sa akin, maganda ang performance ni presidente. Sa ngayon, nananawagan kami na dagdagan ang budget ng NCIP para paspas ang proseso ng delineation ng ancestral domain (For me, the President’s performance is good. Right now, we call for a higher budget for the NCIP to fast-track the process of delineation of ancestral domain),” he said.
Banugan echoed Apas’ call for a higher budget of the NCIP, given that securing sufficient money from the national coffers has been hampering NCIP’s programs in the past.
“Sana madagdagan ang budget ng NCIP para mapabilis din ang ancestral domain sustainable protection plan (We hope for a bigger budget for the NCIP to also speed up the ancestral domain sustainable protection plan), he said.
For his part, Datu Jacob Lanes said their group already submitted programs that should be prioritized by the NCIP.
“Kailangan namin i-prepara ang aming mga community dahil hindi lang gobyerno ang solusyon nito, ang solusyon ay ang pagdebelop, pag-organisa at pag-prepare ng communities para sa mga programang pangkapayapaan at pangkaunlaran (We need to prepare our community because the government is not only the solution here, the solution is to develop, organize and prepare communities for peace and development programs),” he said.
The NCIP is tasked to oversee the implementation of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA), which is a groundbreaking legislation in Southeast Asia.
Anti-insurgency drive
The tribal leaders, during the forum, slammed the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) for keeping IP communities poor by teaching young children to become instruments of war and blocking peace and development programs in their communities.
They are in the United States for a series of speaking engagements, as they rally the international community to resist the communist insurgency movement in the Philippines.
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/1074439
“Nakita namin yung kanyang passion to help, not just the poor, but the indigenous pepople. Yung panawagan din namin na yung Executive Order 70 na kanyang pinirmahan, sana ma-implement na yun as soon as possible hanggang doon sa mga remote areas para matulungan na matapos na itong problema natin sa insurgency (We saw his passion in helping, not just the poor, but the indigenous people. We also call for the immediate implementation of the EO 70 up to the remote areas so our problem on insurgency will be addressed),” Bai Christine Banugan said in a media forum at the Consulate General of the Philippines office in Chicago.
Contained in Executive Order 70, Duterte has formed the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC), directing the adoption of a national peace framework and institutionalizing a whole-of-nation approach towards peace and development.
The NTF ELCAC, which he chairs, seeks to provide an efficient mechanism and structure for the implementation of the civilian-led approach to aid in realizing the country’s aspiration to attain sustainable peace.
Datu Nestor Apas, meanwhile, hailed Duterte’s efforts to attain sustainable peace with his campaign to address the root causes of rebellion, as he called for a bigger budget for the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in order to hasten the issuance of certificate of ancestral domain titles (CADT), a state land tenurial instrumentation that checks and defines the boundaries of ancestral domain and ancestral lands.
Ancestral domain titles
“Para sa akin, maganda ang performance ni presidente. Sa ngayon, nananawagan kami na dagdagan ang budget ng NCIP para paspas ang proseso ng delineation ng ancestral domain (For me, the President’s performance is good. Right now, we call for a higher budget for the NCIP to fast-track the process of delineation of ancestral domain),” he said.
Banugan echoed Apas’ call for a higher budget of the NCIP, given that securing sufficient money from the national coffers has been hampering NCIP’s programs in the past.
“Sana madagdagan ang budget ng NCIP para mapabilis din ang ancestral domain sustainable protection plan (We hope for a bigger budget for the NCIP to also speed up the ancestral domain sustainable protection plan), he said.
For his part, Datu Jacob Lanes said their group already submitted programs that should be prioritized by the NCIP.
“Kailangan namin i-prepara ang aming mga community dahil hindi lang gobyerno ang solusyon nito, ang solusyon ay ang pagdebelop, pag-organisa at pag-prepare ng communities para sa mga programang pangkapayapaan at pangkaunlaran (We need to prepare our community because the government is not only the solution here, the solution is to develop, organize and prepare communities for peace and development programs),” he said.
The NCIP is tasked to oversee the implementation of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA), which is a groundbreaking legislation in Southeast Asia.
Anti-insurgency drive
The tribal leaders, during the forum, slammed the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) for keeping IP communities poor by teaching young children to become instruments of war and blocking peace and development programs in their communities.
They are in the United States for a series of speaking engagements, as they rally the international community to resist the communist insurgency movement in the Philippines.
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/1074439
Spanish firm to supply 76mm ammo of Jose Rizal-class frigates
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 9, 2019): Spanish firm to supply 76mm ammo of Jose Rizal-class frigates
Photo courtesy: Hyundai Heavy Industries
Spanish firm Expal Systems S.A. was named the winning supplier for the ammunition of the Oto Melara 76mm Rapid Gun arming the two Jose Rizal-class missile frigates now undergoing construction by South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries.
"This is to inform you that the proposal of Expal Systems S.A .for the Frigate Acquisition Project Lot 2C Sublot-1 (76mm Ammunition) of the Philippine Navy, with a corresponding contract price in the amount of PHP63,389,708 is hereby accepted," Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in the Notice of Award posted at the Department of National Defense website.
The project has an approved budget of PHP77,536,964. Aside from Expal Systems S.A., another firm, the Joint Venture of Elbit Systems Land and C41, Ltd. and IMI Systems Ltd, participated.
Earlier, the PN said the Oto Melara 76mm Rapid Gun was selected for the Jose Rizal-class frigates due to its high rate of fire and its ability to shoot down air targets like missiles.
"It (the gun) is capable of intercepting air targets to include missiles using special munitions," Navy spokesperson Captain Jonathan Zata quoting Offshore Combat Force head, Commodore Caesar Bernard Valencia, said.
Also, the Rapid Gun has a faster rate of fire, around 120 rounds per minute, compared to the current 76mm guns in the PN inventory which is only 80 rounds per minute.
These slower firing 76mm guns are fitted to the three Del Pilar-class offshore patrol vessels and three Jacinto-class patrol vessels.
And having the Super Rapid Gun fitted to BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and the BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) is ideal as PN personnel are already trained in the maintenance of 76mm guns and compatible with the current munition inventory.
"(And the Super Rapid Gun is) within Approved Budget Contract for the (frigates' weapons systems)," Zata said.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074437
Spanish firm Expal Systems S.A. was named the winning supplier for the ammunition of the Oto Melara 76mm Rapid Gun arming the two Jose Rizal-class missile frigates now undergoing construction by South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries.
"This is to inform you that the proposal of Expal Systems S.A .for the Frigate Acquisition Project Lot 2C Sublot-1 (76mm Ammunition) of the Philippine Navy, with a corresponding contract price in the amount of PHP63,389,708 is hereby accepted," Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in the Notice of Award posted at the Department of National Defense website.
The project has an approved budget of PHP77,536,964. Aside from Expal Systems S.A., another firm, the Joint Venture of Elbit Systems Land and C41, Ltd. and IMI Systems Ltd, participated.
Earlier, the PN said the Oto Melara 76mm Rapid Gun was selected for the Jose Rizal-class frigates due to its high rate of fire and its ability to shoot down air targets like missiles.
"It (the gun) is capable of intercepting air targets to include missiles using special munitions," Navy spokesperson Captain Jonathan Zata quoting Offshore Combat Force head, Commodore Caesar Bernard Valencia, said.
Also, the Rapid Gun has a faster rate of fire, around 120 rounds per minute, compared to the current 76mm guns in the PN inventory which is only 80 rounds per minute.
These slower firing 76mm guns are fitted to the three Del Pilar-class offshore patrol vessels and three Jacinto-class patrol vessels.
And having the Super Rapid Gun fitted to BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and the BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) is ideal as PN personnel are already trained in the maintenance of 76mm guns and compatible with the current munition inventory.
"(And the Super Rapid Gun is) within Approved Budget Contract for the (frigates' weapons systems)," Zata said.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074437
1,250 PNP-SAF to battle ASG
From Tempo (Jul 8, 2019): 1,250 PNP-SAF to battle ASG
One-thousand two-hundred fifty commandos in five battalions – 250 members each battalion – of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force may see action in Mindanao as part of the efforts to wipe out the extremist Abu Sayyaf Group.
Police Gen. Oscar Albayalde, PNP chief, said the training of the five battalions of police commandos which President Duterte ordered formed last year is almost complete and would graduate as soon as they pass the test mission.
Test mission is an actual battle with government armed enemies like the communist rebels and other large threat groups. It is one of the major requirements before a SAF commando is accepted as a full-time member of the elite, most equipped, and well trained strike force of the PNP.
Albayalde said they will be sent to augment troops in Mindanao. “That is their purpose, to augment our troops in Mindanao,” said Albayalde.
Over the weekend, Duterte ordered the police and the military to wipe out the ASG after the extremist group was tagged in the suicide bombing attack inside a military camp in Sulu that killed three soldiers and three civilians and injured 22 others.
Albayalde said there are three SAF battalions deployed in Mindanao and one of them is deployed in Basilan and Sulu.
Police Gen. Oscar Albayalde, PNP chief, said the training of the five battalions of police commandos which President Duterte ordered formed last year is almost complete and would graduate as soon as they pass the test mission.
Test mission is an actual battle with government armed enemies like the communist rebels and other large threat groups. It is one of the major requirements before a SAF commando is accepted as a full-time member of the elite, most equipped, and well trained strike force of the PNP.
Albayalde said they will be sent to augment troops in Mindanao. “That is their purpose, to augment our troops in Mindanao,” said Albayalde.
Over the weekend, Duterte ordered the police and the military to wipe out the ASG after the extremist group was tagged in the suicide bombing attack inside a military camp in Sulu that killed three soldiers and three civilians and injured 22 others.
Albayalde said there are three SAF battalions deployed in Mindanao and one of them is deployed in Basilan and Sulu.
He added that Duterte has not yet ordered the deployment of additional SAF in the area but assured they will help in other ways.
“But we will help in terms of intelligence-gathering and strenghtening the information-sharing with the military and foreign counterparts,” said Albayalde. “And of course, we have joint operations, active military operations by the military in coordination with our SAF,” he added.
The ASG has been a security headache for the government over the years due to its involvement in high-profile kidnapping-for-ransom, attacks on civilians, and bomb attacks. There have been attempts to wipe the ASG in the past but to no avail. (Aaron Recuenco)
http://tempo.com.ph/2019/07/08/1250-pnp-saf-to-battle-asg/
“But we will help in terms of intelligence-gathering and strenghtening the information-sharing with the military and foreign counterparts,” said Albayalde. “And of course, we have joint operations, active military operations by the military in coordination with our SAF,” he added.
The ASG has been a security headache for the government over the years due to its involvement in high-profile kidnapping-for-ransom, attacks on civilians, and bomb attacks. There have been attempts to wipe the ASG in the past but to no avail. (Aaron Recuenco)
http://tempo.com.ph/2019/07/08/1250-pnp-saf-to-battle-asg/
PNP intensifying intelligence to help in drive to crush ASG before end-2019
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 8, 2019): PNP intensifying intelligence to help in drive to crush ASG before end-2019
The Philippine National Police (PNP) will strengthen its information gathering to help realize President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to wipe out the Abu Sayyaf Group before the year ends.
PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde declared this Monday when asked what the institution will do to help carry out the Chief Executive’s order against the notorious bandit.
“Ang tulong usually na ginagawa natin dyan besides sa joint operations (with) Armed Forces of the Philippines ay ‘yung ating intelligence, ‘yung pagpapaigting ng ating intelligence gathering, Albayalde told reporters in a chance interview. (The help we usually do there besides the joint operations with the Armed Forces of the Philippines is our intelligence, the strengthening of our intelligence gathering.)
Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, the new commander of the Western Mindanao Command, was quoted in an earlier report as saying that Duterte wants the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu annihilated before December 31, following the bombing at a military camp in Indanan town that killed eight people and injured 22 others.
Albayalde said the intelligence gathered by PNP is being coordinated with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and its foreign counterparts.
He also said the PNP Special Action Force (SAF) may likewise partner with the military in launching operations to crush the terrorist group.
So far, Albayalde said, Duterte has not given orders for PNP to deploy additional troops in Sulu after the deadly bombing but added that some five battalions of SAF trainees are currently undergoing commando course to augment state forces in Mindanao.
He noted that the SAF trainees might complete the course in a month or two.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) will strengthen its information gathering to help realize President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to wipe out the Abu Sayyaf Group before the year ends.
PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde declared this Monday when asked what the institution will do to help carry out the Chief Executive’s order against the notorious bandit.
“Ang tulong usually na ginagawa natin dyan besides sa joint operations (with) Armed Forces of the Philippines ay ‘yung ating intelligence, ‘yung pagpapaigting ng ating intelligence gathering, Albayalde told reporters in a chance interview. (The help we usually do there besides the joint operations with the Armed Forces of the Philippines is our intelligence, the strengthening of our intelligence gathering.)
Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, the new commander of the Western Mindanao Command, was quoted in an earlier report as saying that Duterte wants the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu annihilated before December 31, following the bombing at a military camp in Indanan town that killed eight people and injured 22 others.
Albayalde said the intelligence gathered by PNP is being coordinated with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and its foreign counterparts.
He also said the PNP Special Action Force (SAF) may likewise partner with the military in launching operations to crush the terrorist group.
So far, Albayalde said, Duterte has not given orders for PNP to deploy additional troops in Sulu after the deadly bombing but added that some five battalions of SAF trainees are currently undergoing commando course to augment state forces in Mindanao.
He noted that the SAF trainees might complete the course in a month or two.
PNP deploys additional police commandos to ‘wipe out’ ASG bandits in Mindanao
From the Business Mirror (Jul 9, 2019): PNP deploys additional police commandos to ‘wipe out’ ASG bandits in Mindanao
The Philippine National Police (PNP) will be sending additional Special Action Force (SAF) troops in Mindanao in line with President Duterte’s order for security forces to “wipe out” the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), PNP chief Director General Oscar D. Albayalde said on Monday.
This developed as the PNP Crime Laboratory in Mindanao is expected to wrap up its report on the twin bombings at the camp of the Army’s 1st Brigade Combat Team in Indanan, Sulu, including the forensic examination of the bodies of the two supposed “suicide bombers.”
“I think the crime bab would be submitting [the report] anytime today there in Mindanao. The Armed Forces of the Philippines would be given a copy. It would be up to them to make the announcement,” Albayalde said.
Earlier, Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana said that while the remains of one of the reported bombers have been claimed by his Filipino family in Jolo, Sulu, cross matching would still have to be done in order to ascertain that the bomber was really a Filipino.
Albayalde said the sending of additional police commandos in Mindanao, including in Sulu and Basilan was planned in order to help Army and Marine forces there who have been running after the ASG and other lawless groups.
He said the augmentation force, which will also back up a battalion of SAF troopers deployed in Sulu and Basilan, will come from the five battalions of SAF that are seen to graduate, possibly in two months after undergoing the commando course.
“They are already on test missions. If they will have early encounters, they will graduate,” he said of the five battalions. Engaging in actual encounters is a mandatory part of graduating from the SAF course.
Albayalde said that aside from personnel, the PNP has been helping the military in its anti-terrorism campaign in Mindanao through joint operations and intelligence support.
“This is the intensified intelligence information gathering together with the counterparts from the AFP, and of course, from our foreign counterparts,” he said.
This developed as the PNP Crime Laboratory in Mindanao is expected to wrap up its report on the twin bombings at the camp of the Army’s 1st Brigade Combat Team in Indanan, Sulu, including the forensic examination of the bodies of the two supposed “suicide bombers.”
“I think the crime bab would be submitting [the report] anytime today there in Mindanao. The Armed Forces of the Philippines would be given a copy. It would be up to them to make the announcement,” Albayalde said.
Earlier, Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana said that while the remains of one of the reported bombers have been claimed by his Filipino family in Jolo, Sulu, cross matching would still have to be done in order to ascertain that the bomber was really a Filipino.
Albayalde said the sending of additional police commandos in Mindanao, including in Sulu and Basilan was planned in order to help Army and Marine forces there who have been running after the ASG and other lawless groups.
He said the augmentation force, which will also back up a battalion of SAF troopers deployed in Sulu and Basilan, will come from the five battalions of SAF that are seen to graduate, possibly in two months after undergoing the commando course.
“They are already on test missions. If they will have early encounters, they will graduate,” he said of the five battalions. Engaging in actual encounters is a mandatory part of graduating from the SAF course.
Albayalde said that aside from personnel, the PNP has been helping the military in its anti-terrorism campaign in Mindanao through joint operations and intelligence support.
“This is the intensified intelligence information gathering together with the counterparts from the AFP, and of course, from our foreign counterparts,” he said.
Think-tank chief claims Egyptian terrorist couple skulking in Sulu
From GMA News Online (Jul 9, 2019): Think-tank chief claims Egyptian terrorist couple skulking in Sulu
Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence, and Terrorism President Rommel Banlaoi on Tuesday claimed that an Egyptian couple related to the Indonesians behind the Jolo cathedral bombing were in Sulu, ready to carry out instructions from the Islamic State militant group.
“They are here... to conduct intermittent bombing operations in the Philippines,” Banlaoi alleged at the sidelines of a forum.
The couple, said to be related to the Indonesian suicide bombers who attacked the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in January, were being coddled by an Abu Sayyaf sub-group headed by Hajan Sawadjaan.
However, Banloi added that the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines were aware of the Egyptian couples presence, and were doing their best to prevent any planned terror attacks.
According to Banlaoi, security forces were already conducting focused military operations against the threat. Aside from this, the AFP and the PNP had also intensified their intelligence gathering efforts against the Egyptian couple.
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/700397/think-tank-chief-claims-egyptian-terrorist-couple-skulking-in-sulu/story/
Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence, and Terrorism President Rommel Banlaoi on Tuesday claimed that an Egyptian couple related to the Indonesians behind the Jolo cathedral bombing were in Sulu, ready to carry out instructions from the Islamic State militant group.
“They are here... to conduct intermittent bombing operations in the Philippines,” Banlaoi alleged at the sidelines of a forum.
The couple, said to be related to the Indonesian suicide bombers who attacked the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in January, were being coddled by an Abu Sayyaf sub-group headed by Hajan Sawadjaan.
However, Banloi added that the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines were aware of the Egyptian couples presence, and were doing their best to prevent any planned terror attacks.
According to Banlaoi, security forces were already conducting focused military operations against the threat. Aside from this, the AFP and the PNP had also intensified their intelligence gathering efforts against the Egyptian couple.
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/700397/think-tank-chief-claims-egyptian-terrorist-couple-skulking-in-sulu/story/
Sulu attack bares new ‘juramentados’
From the Philippine Star (Jul 8, 2019): Sulu attack bares new ‘juramentados’
The suicide bombings that targeted an Army camp in Indanan, Sulu last month could have been perpetrated by a new breed of Abu Sayyaf bandits, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said yesterday.
Lorenzana believed that the perpetrators of the attack on the headquarters of the First Brigade Combat Team were highly radicalized young Muslims.
“During the American occupation, local Muslim fighters known as ‘juramentados’ launched suicide attacks against the US forces in Mindanao,” he said.
“Filipino Muslims are not capable of carrying suicide bombings. But if you go back to history during the American occupation between 1901 and 1915, juramentados assaulted the Americans,” he added.
Lorenzana, however, said they could only confirm if the slain attacker was a Filipino once the DNA sample from the remains of the bomber matched that of a woman who claimed to be his mother.
Investigators were also working on a DNA sample from the remains of the other attacker, whom Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said could be the son of the Moroccan attacker in another suicide bombing incident in Lamitan, Basilan in July last year.
Sobejana identified one of the suicide bombers as 23-year-old Norman Lasuca.
Lasuca’s dismembered body was identified by a woman known only as Vivian, who claimed to be his mother.
“We are still trying to determine the veracity of that claim by matching the DNA samples of the bomber and that of his supposed mother,” Lorenzana said.
The twin blasts that rocked the Army camp on June 28 left three soldiers and three civilians dead and scores wounded.
A senior security official backed Lorenzana’s theory that the Abu Sayyaf could be employing “juramentado” tactics in fighting government forces in Sulu.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/07/08/1932968/sulu-attack-bares-new-juramentados
The suicide bombings that targeted an Army camp in Indanan, Sulu last month could have been perpetrated by a new breed of Abu Sayyaf bandits, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said yesterday.
Lorenzana believed that the perpetrators of the attack on the headquarters of the First Brigade Combat Team were highly radicalized young Muslims.
“During the American occupation, local Muslim fighters known as ‘juramentados’ launched suicide attacks against the US forces in Mindanao,” he said.
“Filipino Muslims are not capable of carrying suicide bombings. But if you go back to history during the American occupation between 1901 and 1915, juramentados assaulted the Americans,” he added.
Lorenzana, however, said they could only confirm if the slain attacker was a Filipino once the DNA sample from the remains of the bomber matched that of a woman who claimed to be his mother.
Investigators were also working on a DNA sample from the remains of the other attacker, whom Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said could be the son of the Moroccan attacker in another suicide bombing incident in Lamitan, Basilan in July last year.
Sobejana identified one of the suicide bombers as 23-year-old Norman Lasuca.
Lasuca’s dismembered body was identified by a woman known only as Vivian, who claimed to be his mother.
“We are still trying to determine the veracity of that claim by matching the DNA samples of the bomber and that of his supposed mother,” Lorenzana said.
The twin blasts that rocked the Army camp on June 28 left three soldiers and three civilians dead and scores wounded.
A senior security official backed Lorenzana’s theory that the Abu Sayyaf could be employing “juramentado” tactics in fighting government forces in Sulu.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/07/08/1932968/sulu-attack-bares-new-juramentados
2 political prisoners in Samar released
Posted to the pro-Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) online propaganda publication Bulatlat (Jul 8, 2019): 2 political prisoners in Samar released
Based on Karapatan’s data, there are 532 political prisoners in the country, 209 of whom were arrested under President Duterte’s administration.
MANILA – Not guilty.
This was the decision of Basey Regional Trial Court Judge Tarcelo Sabarre on the case of illegal possession of firearms and explosives against Joel Bayani, 29 and Orlando Versoza, 21. The court found the evidence filed by the 87th Infantry Battalion Philippine Army against the two as “doubtful.” They were released July 4.
Human rights group Katungod Sinirangan Bisayas welcomed the decision of the court. “Even the rotten justice system has proven their innocence against the accusations made by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP),” the group said in a statement.
Bayani and Versosa are both farmers. They were arrested in March 2016 in Basey, Samar. Their case was handled by Public Attorney’s Office lawyer Sheina Vallicera along with the illegal possession of explosives case of James Badillo, 42 years old, who was also released last April 12.
According to Katungod, Badillo was abducted and illegally arrested Nov. 16, 2017. He is a peasant and a fisherfolk organizer and an active member of the People Surge.
Katungod said there are a total of 29 political prisoners in Eastern Visayas. Most of them are in their 50s while the oldest is 72-year old Lilia Bucatcat who is now detained at Tacloban Bureau of Jail Management and Penology. She was arrested in Marikina City in February 2017.
“We have yet to free 29 political prisoners and hundred others from the bars of lies and oppression and from the desperation of AFP to suppress us,” the group.
Based on Karapatan’s data, there are 532 political prisoners in the country, 209 of whom were arrested under President Duterte’s administration.
Out of the 532 detainees, 44 are elderly while 61 are from the women’s sector. There are also 118 political prisoners who are sickly, five minors while 10 of them are National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) consultants.
https://www.bulatlat.com/2019/07/08/2-political-prisoners-in-samar-released/
MANILA – Not guilty.
This was the decision of Basey Regional Trial Court Judge Tarcelo Sabarre on the case of illegal possession of firearms and explosives against Joel Bayani, 29 and Orlando Versoza, 21. The court found the evidence filed by the 87th Infantry Battalion Philippine Army against the two as “doubtful.” They were released July 4.
Human rights group Katungod Sinirangan Bisayas welcomed the decision of the court. “Even the rotten justice system has proven their innocence against the accusations made by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP),” the group said in a statement.
Bayani and Versosa are both farmers. They were arrested in March 2016 in Basey, Samar. Their case was handled by Public Attorney’s Office lawyer Sheina Vallicera along with the illegal possession of explosives case of James Badillo, 42 years old, who was also released last April 12.
According to Katungod, Badillo was abducted and illegally arrested Nov. 16, 2017. He is a peasant and a fisherfolk organizer and an active member of the People Surge.
Katungod said there are a total of 29 political prisoners in Eastern Visayas. Most of them are in their 50s while the oldest is 72-year old Lilia Bucatcat who is now detained at Tacloban Bureau of Jail Management and Penology. She was arrested in Marikina City in February 2017.
“We have yet to free 29 political prisoners and hundred others from the bars of lies and oppression and from the desperation of AFP to suppress us,” the group.
Based on Karapatan’s data, there are 532 political prisoners in the country, 209 of whom were arrested under President Duterte’s administration.
Out of the 532 detainees, 44 are elderly while 61 are from the women’s sector. There are also 118 political prisoners who are sickly, five minors while 10 of them are National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) consultants.
https://www.bulatlat.com/2019/07/08/2-political-prisoners-in-samar-released/
Duterte likened to Emilio Aguinaldo; blasted for ‘double-sided subservience’
From Politiko (Jul 7, 2019): Duterte likened to Emilio Aguinaldo; blasted for ‘double-sided subservience’
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) has criticized President Rodrigo Duterte’s “faulty argument” that war is the only other option in defending the country’s interest in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and that the United States (US) should fire the “first shot” against China in the disputed waters.
Citing experts in international relations, academics and commentators, the CPP said there is a “wide range of political, diplomatic and military measures” that the Philippines can take to assert its rights over the disputed portions of WPS.
Duterte only claims the Philippines is left with no option but to fight China over the WPS dispute to “justify his kowtowing to China and his refusal to take action against Chinese incursions in Philippine seas which violate the country’s sovereign rights,” according to the rebels.
Challenging the US to lead the war against China only makes him look foolish, they added.
In so doing, the CPP said the President, who earlier revealed he and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to allow China to fish in the WPS because “we’re friends,” demonstrated more clearly his “double-sided subservience.”
“Albeit Duterte’s dare is a potshot against those who question his subservience to China, he is, on the other hand, painting himself a charlatan by making people believe that the only other option is to turn the country into a US protectorate, much like the way Aguinaldo wrongly believed in US ‘benevolence’ more than 120 years ago,” the revolutionary organization said.
The CPP, meanwhile, reminded Filipinos that both the US and China are “imperialist superpowers” who pursue their own independent interests.
“The Filipino people must unite and act to defend the country’s national sovereignty, first and foremost, by ousting the national traitor Duterte,” they concluded.
https://politics.com.ph/duterte-likened-to-emilio-aguinaldo-blasted-for-double-sided-subservience/
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) has criticized President Rodrigo Duterte’s “faulty argument” that war is the only other option in defending the country’s interest in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and that the United States (US) should fire the “first shot” against China in the disputed waters.
Citing experts in international relations, academics and commentators, the CPP said there is a “wide range of political, diplomatic and military measures” that the Philippines can take to assert its rights over the disputed portions of WPS.
Duterte only claims the Philippines is left with no option but to fight China over the WPS dispute to “justify his kowtowing to China and his refusal to take action against Chinese incursions in Philippine seas which violate the country’s sovereign rights,” according to the rebels.
Challenging the US to lead the war against China only makes him look foolish, they added.
In so doing, the CPP said the President, who earlier revealed he and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to allow China to fish in the WPS because “we’re friends,” demonstrated more clearly his “double-sided subservience.”
“Albeit Duterte’s dare is a potshot against those who question his subservience to China, he is, on the other hand, painting himself a charlatan by making people believe that the only other option is to turn the country into a US protectorate, much like the way Aguinaldo wrongly believed in US ‘benevolence’ more than 120 years ago,” the revolutionary organization said.
The CPP, meanwhile, reminded Filipinos that both the US and China are “imperialist superpowers” who pursue their own independent interests.
“The Filipino people must unite and act to defend the country’s national sovereignty, first and foremost, by ousting the national traitor Duterte,” they concluded.
https://politics.com.ph/duterte-likened-to-emilio-aguinaldo-blasted-for-double-sided-subservience/
Año, Murad share flashback on Marawi City’s liberation in 2017
From the Manila Standard (Jul 8, 2019): Año, Murad share flashback on Marawi City’s liberation in 2017
Cotabato City—As soon as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front gave its commitment to support the state security forces’ campaign against terrorism, top government officials including the President “knew that half of the war” in liberating Marawi City from homegrown extremists “was already won in 2017.”
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, then Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said President Rodrigo Duterte did not ask then MILF Chairman Hadji Murad Ebrahim for anything more than peripheral vigilance to prevent entry of possible reinforcement to local extremists in May that year.
During their meeting at his office on Monday, Año recalled that Murad then committed to deploy MILF guerrillas to fight side-by-side with government forces against pseudo Islamic extremists at the start of the Marawi siege in May 2017.
Murad visited Año for the first time since he assumed the top leadership of the newly created Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao last March.
“Secretary Año revealed that when the MILF made the commitment of support, they already knew that half of the battle in liberating Marawi has been won,” BARMM Interior and Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo said of the meeting.
Año said he and the President met Murad in Davao City upon their return from a shortened state visit to Russia then, when the President had to decide on launching military offensives against the Maute group holed at Marawi City’s main commercial district holding residents hostage.
“Secretary Año recalled that at that very crucial moment, he and the President were truly grateful for [Chairman Murad’s] expressed commitment to support the government by whatever means possible and necessary, including the deployment of MILF snipers and other armaments to promptly address the Marawi crisis,” said Sinarimbo.
But while the President received Murad’s gesture with much appreciation, Año said that the President merely asked the MILF chief to deploy their forces around all entry and exit points of Lanao del Sur to prevent any outward attempt to reinforce the Daesh-inspired Maute extremists.
Año was joined by Secretary Carlito Galvez of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process.
Murad’s team, on the other hand, was composed of Sinarimbo, BARMM Finance Budget Minister Eduard Uy Guerra, BARMM Public Order and Safety Hussien Munoz, and Bangsamoro Transition Authority Member of Parliament (MP) Abdullah Macapaa, alia Commander Bravo.
In their meeting, Sinarimbo said Año also reiterated that the government’s campaign against corruption, illegal drugs and the fight against violent extremism needed the support of the BARMM, and to which Murad gave his assurances of priorities in governance upholding such programs of the national government.
Sinarimbo also unveiled highlights of undertakings by the BARMM’s Ministry of the Interior and Local Government under him, towards attaining more transparent- and accountability-oriented local governance in the region, including the launch of the Bangsamoro Transparency portal by Chief Minister Murad himself.
He said Año was elated to learn of the innovations reflective of the culture and tradition of the Bangsamoros introduced by the MILG in its recently sponsored transparency training-cum-orientation which culminated in a mass oath before the Qur’an, in which, newly elected local officials swore to Allah to pursue moral governance. “This covenant before Allah and the elected officials is a very powerful means of fighting corruption,” Sinarimbo said he told the DILG chief.
http://www.manilastandard.net/news/national/299296/a-o-murad-share-flashback-on-marawi-city-s-liberation-in-2017-.html
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, then Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said President Rodrigo Duterte did not ask then MILF Chairman Hadji Murad Ebrahim for anything more than peripheral vigilance to prevent entry of possible reinforcement to local extremists in May that year.
During their meeting at his office on Monday, Año recalled that Murad then committed to deploy MILF guerrillas to fight side-by-side with government forces against pseudo Islamic extremists at the start of the Marawi siege in May 2017.
Murad visited Año for the first time since he assumed the top leadership of the newly created Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao last March.
“Secretary Año revealed that when the MILF made the commitment of support, they already knew that half of the battle in liberating Marawi has been won,” BARMM Interior and Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo said of the meeting.
Año said he and the President met Murad in Davao City upon their return from a shortened state visit to Russia then, when the President had to decide on launching military offensives against the Maute group holed at Marawi City’s main commercial district holding residents hostage.
“Secretary Año recalled that at that very crucial moment, he and the President were truly grateful for [Chairman Murad’s] expressed commitment to support the government by whatever means possible and necessary, including the deployment of MILF snipers and other armaments to promptly address the Marawi crisis,” said Sinarimbo.
But while the President received Murad’s gesture with much appreciation, Año said that the President merely asked the MILF chief to deploy their forces around all entry and exit points of Lanao del Sur to prevent any outward attempt to reinforce the Daesh-inspired Maute extremists.
Año was joined by Secretary Carlito Galvez of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process.
Murad’s team, on the other hand, was composed of Sinarimbo, BARMM Finance Budget Minister Eduard Uy Guerra, BARMM Public Order and Safety Hussien Munoz, and Bangsamoro Transition Authority Member of Parliament (MP) Abdullah Macapaa, alia Commander Bravo.
In their meeting, Sinarimbo said Año also reiterated that the government’s campaign against corruption, illegal drugs and the fight against violent extremism needed the support of the BARMM, and to which Murad gave his assurances of priorities in governance upholding such programs of the national government.
Sinarimbo also unveiled highlights of undertakings by the BARMM’s Ministry of the Interior and Local Government under him, towards attaining more transparent- and accountability-oriented local governance in the region, including the launch of the Bangsamoro Transparency portal by Chief Minister Murad himself.
He said Año was elated to learn of the innovations reflective of the culture and tradition of the Bangsamoros introduced by the MILG in its recently sponsored transparency training-cum-orientation which culminated in a mass oath before the Qur’an, in which, newly elected local officials swore to Allah to pursue moral governance. “This covenant before Allah and the elected officials is a very powerful means of fighting corruption,” Sinarimbo said he told the DILG chief.
http://www.manilastandard.net/news/national/299296/a-o-murad-share-flashback-on-marawi-city-s-liberation-in-2017-.html
AFP-CRS: JOIN the AFP Reserve Force
Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 8, 2019): JOIN the AFP Reserve Force
Calling all Filipino citizens to fulfill our patriotic duty. Aside from being law-abiding and responsible citizens, you can DO a lot more.
JOIN the AFP Reserve Force. Earn the distinct privilege of wearing the military uniform carrying the Philippine flag as your badge of honor.
Calling all Filipino citizens to fulfill our patriotic duty. Aside from being law-abiding and responsible citizens, you can DO a lot more.
JOIN the AFP Reserve Force. Earn the distinct privilege of wearing the military uniform carrying the Philippine flag as your badge of honor.
AFP-CRS: Digos Marks 30th Anniversary of a Dark Day
Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 8, 2019): Digos Marks 30th Anniversary of a Dark Day
https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2566706190014756/?type=3&theater
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https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2566706190014756/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo
AFP-CRS: Soldiers, LGUs Aid 400 Displaced Mangyan Families
Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 8, 2019): Soldiers, LGUs Aid 400 Displaced Mangyan Families
https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2566706656681376/?type=3&theater
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https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2566706656681376/?type=3&theater
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AFP-CRS: Toboso, Negros Occidental Declares Rebels Unwelcome
Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 8, 2019): Toboso, Negros Occidental Declares Rebels Unwelcome
https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2566707466681295/?type=3&theater
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https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2566707466681295/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo
AFP-CRS: AFP Chief Lauds Davao Oriental's Development, Peace Programs
Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 8, 2019): AFP Chief Lauds Davao Oriental's Development, Peace Programs
https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2566707850014590/?type=3&theater
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https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2566707850014590/?type=3&theater
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AFP-CRS: New NOLCOM Chief Assumes Post
Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 8, 2019): New NOLCOM Chief Assumes Post
https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2566708276681214/?type=3&theater
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https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2566708276681214/?type=3&theater
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AFP-CRS: Salute to the Flag, Salute to our beautiful country
Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 8, 2019): Salute to the Flag, Salute to our beautiful country
https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2568264733192235/?type=3&theater
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AFP-CRS: WestMinCom to adopt three solutions to resolve ASG problem in Sulu
Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 8, 2019): WestMinCom to adopt three solutions to resolve ASG problem in Sulu
https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2568272963191412/?type=3&theater
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AFP-CRS: AFP blasts Joma's coup remark: 'This coward has gone insane'
Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 8, 2019): AFP blasts Joma's coup remark: 'This coward has gone insane'
https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2568274773191231/?type=3&theater
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AFP-CRS: Former NPA Lumad child warrior expose CPP-NPA's deceit and exploitation
Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 8, 2019): Former NPA Lumad child warrior expose CPP-NPA's deceit and exploitation
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AFP-CRS: AFP, DSWD sign Memorandum of Understanding on social services delivery
Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 8, 2019): AFP, DSWD sign Memorandum of Understanding on social services delivery
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Kalinaw News: Another group of Agusan del Norte farmers disowns CPP-NPA terrorists
Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 9, 2019): Another group of Agusan del Norte farmers disowns CPP-NPA terrorists
BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – Another group of farmers in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte identified as members of Unyon ng Mag-uuma sa Agusan del Norte (UMAN), an NPA-allied organization, disowned the CPP-NPA Terrorist (CNT) group and took their pledge of loyalty and allegiance to the government during a Peace Consultation Dialogue in Barangay Bitan-agan, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte on July 6, 2019.
More than 150 UMAN members, NPA supporters and residents of Barangay Bitan- agan, Butuan City denounced their support to the CNTs during a Peace Consultation
Dialogue initiated by the Barangay Council of Barangay Bitan-agan, in partnership with the local government unit of Butuan City and the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion.
The dialogue aimed to address the issues raised by the residents and the former members of UMAN in the said area. Some of the issues discussed include: (1) security of land tenure; (2) livelihood and employment; (3) youth recruitment; and (4) peace and order, among others.
The UMAN is an organization used by the CPP-NPA Terrorists to recruit farmers as its source of manpower, finance and logistics. Members are being made to pay dues with a promise to give them the lands that they are tilling.
According to Joseph (not his real name), “Kung nakahibalo lang mi sa una na mao ang tomong sa UMAN, wala mi unta nag-apil. Nagpasalig sila na tagaan mig yuta.
Kinsa bay dili ganahag yuta busa niapil mi nila. Pero, nabutang hinuon mi sa kasamok. Paningkamutan namo na mausab among kinabuhi pinaagi sa mga programa sa atong gobyerno.” (If we only knew the real intent of UMAN, we could not have joined them. They promised to give us land so we joined them, only to find ourselves lodged in turmoil. We’ll do our best to straighten up our lives through the programs of our government).
After taking their pledge of loyalty and allegiance to the government, they took an oath to disown UMAN, end their support to the CPP-NPA-NDF, and not to succumb to any group who will organize and take advantage of them.
Meanwhile, Ms. Agnes L Reaño, a Former Rebel (FR) and the National President of People’s Advocacy for Collaboration and Empowerment (PEACE), which is an organization of FRs, explained the deception strategies and tactics of the CNTs in recruiting their members. She said, “Hangga’t may armado sa lugar ninyo, hindi kayo uunlad. Hanggang kailan ba matatapos ang patayan na walang saysay? Kung talagang para sa bayan pinaglalaban ng mga NPA, bakit nila sinisira ang mga tulay at gusali na itinayo ng gobyerno? Bakit sa loob ng singkwentang taon wala silang naitayong paaralan, tulay, kalsada, health centers o kahit mamigay man lang ng mga gamot? Mamulat na tayo sa katotohanan. Huwag na tayong magpaloko at magpagamit sa komonistang NPA”.
Moreover, Lieutenant Colonel Francisco Molina Jr, Commanding Officer, 23IB encouraged the former members of UMAN and CNT supporters to stop supporting the CNTs. He said “Akong giawhag ang tanan na dili na mag-apil-apil sa grupong UMAN og magsuporta sa Teroristang CPP-NPA. Kung inyo ning ipadayon mabutang lang sa piligro ang inyong kinabuhi. Walay maayong mahatag ang Teroristang CPP-NPA kung dili kadautan og kagubot”, (I encourage everyone not to join UMAN anymore and support the CNTs. It will not give you good but only destroys and makes your lives miserable.) Molina added.
In his statement, Col Maurito L Licudine, 402nd Brigade Commander said, “the trend of shift of support is the result of the convergence of effort being orchestrated and initiated by the local government leaders. The game changer in addressing the insurgency problem here in Caraga”.
Lastly, Col Licudine emphasized that with the Executive Order No. 70, the government shall prioritize and harmonize the delivery of basic services and social development in the conflict-affected areas and vulnerable communities facilitate social inclusivity and ensure participation of all sectors.
BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – Another group of farmers in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte identified as members of Unyon ng Mag-uuma sa Agusan del Norte (UMAN), an NPA-allied organization, disowned the CPP-NPA Terrorist (CNT) group and took their pledge of loyalty and allegiance to the government during a Peace Consultation Dialogue in Barangay Bitan-agan, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte on July 6, 2019.
More than 150 UMAN members, NPA supporters and residents of Barangay Bitan- agan, Butuan City denounced their support to the CNTs during a Peace Consultation
Dialogue initiated by the Barangay Council of Barangay Bitan-agan, in partnership with the local government unit of Butuan City and the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion.
The dialogue aimed to address the issues raised by the residents and the former members of UMAN in the said area. Some of the issues discussed include: (1) security of land tenure; (2) livelihood and employment; (3) youth recruitment; and (4) peace and order, among others.
The UMAN is an organization used by the CPP-NPA Terrorists to recruit farmers as its source of manpower, finance and logistics. Members are being made to pay dues with a promise to give them the lands that they are tilling.
According to Joseph (not his real name), “Kung nakahibalo lang mi sa una na mao ang tomong sa UMAN, wala mi unta nag-apil. Nagpasalig sila na tagaan mig yuta.
Kinsa bay dili ganahag yuta busa niapil mi nila. Pero, nabutang hinuon mi sa kasamok. Paningkamutan namo na mausab among kinabuhi pinaagi sa mga programa sa atong gobyerno.” (If we only knew the real intent of UMAN, we could not have joined them. They promised to give us land so we joined them, only to find ourselves lodged in turmoil. We’ll do our best to straighten up our lives through the programs of our government).
After taking their pledge of loyalty and allegiance to the government, they took an oath to disown UMAN, end their support to the CPP-NPA-NDF, and not to succumb to any group who will organize and take advantage of them.
Meanwhile, Ms. Agnes L Reaño, a Former Rebel (FR) and the National President of People’s Advocacy for Collaboration and Empowerment (PEACE), which is an organization of FRs, explained the deception strategies and tactics of the CNTs in recruiting their members. She said, “Hangga’t may armado sa lugar ninyo, hindi kayo uunlad. Hanggang kailan ba matatapos ang patayan na walang saysay? Kung talagang para sa bayan pinaglalaban ng mga NPA, bakit nila sinisira ang mga tulay at gusali na itinayo ng gobyerno? Bakit sa loob ng singkwentang taon wala silang naitayong paaralan, tulay, kalsada, health centers o kahit mamigay man lang ng mga gamot? Mamulat na tayo sa katotohanan. Huwag na tayong magpaloko at magpagamit sa komonistang NPA”.
Moreover, Lieutenant Colonel Francisco Molina Jr, Commanding Officer, 23IB encouraged the former members of UMAN and CNT supporters to stop supporting the CNTs. He said “Akong giawhag ang tanan na dili na mag-apil-apil sa grupong UMAN og magsuporta sa Teroristang CPP-NPA. Kung inyo ning ipadayon mabutang lang sa piligro ang inyong kinabuhi. Walay maayong mahatag ang Teroristang CPP-NPA kung dili kadautan og kagubot”, (I encourage everyone not to join UMAN anymore and support the CNTs. It will not give you good but only destroys and makes your lives miserable.) Molina added.
In his statement, Col Maurito L Licudine, 402nd Brigade Commander said, “the trend of shift of support is the result of the convergence of effort being orchestrated and initiated by the local government leaders. The game changer in addressing the insurgency problem here in Caraga”.
Lastly, Col Licudine emphasized that with the Executive Order No. 70, the government shall prioritize and harmonize the delivery of basic services and social development in the conflict-affected areas and vulnerable communities facilitate social inclusivity and ensure participation of all sectors.
23rd Infantry Battalion Philippine Army
1LT ROEL T MAGLALANG
CMO Officer, 23IB, 4ID, PA
Mobile Nr. 09171440972
Facebook Page: 23rd Infantry Battalion @ TeamMasigasig23
http://m.me/TeamMasigasig23
1LT ROEL T MAGLALANG
CMO Officer, 23IB, 4ID, PA
Mobile Nr. 09171440972
Facebook Page: 23rd Infantry Battalion @ TeamMasigasig23
http://m.me/TeamMasigasig23
[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.]
Kalinaw News: 1001st Brigade goes clean and green
Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 8, 2019): 1001st Brigade goes clean and green
Maco, Davao de Oro – In pursuit for zero-waste camp, the 1001 st Infantry (Pag-asa) Brigade officially launched its Solid Waste Management Program today, July 8, 2019.
This unit’s initiative is in compliance to the Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Waste Management Act of 2000 which adopts a systematic, comprehensive and ecological solid waste management program that ensures the protection of public health and the environment and the proper segregation, collection, transport, storage, treatment and disposal of solid waste through the formulation and adoption of best environmental practices. Moreover, it illustrates the potentials and benefits of recycling not only in addressing waste management problems but also in alleviating poverty.
The launching highlights the proper segregation of unit’s waste, education and awareness on proper waste management, posting of information education materials around the camp’s strategic areas, reduction on the volume of residual outputs and institutionalizing the Material Recovery Facility (MRF).
“Solid waste has been a long time dilemma in our country, which we believe we must take necessary actions. Our advocacy is to institutionalize the Solid Waste Management Program in the brigade; this small step could somehow lessen our looming garbage problem. Maintaining a clean and green camp is a reflection of our soldier’s individual discipline and aspiration for genuine transformation”. BGEN GILBERT SARET AFP, 1001 st Brigade Commander said.
R.A. 9003 further reads; solid waste management as a discipline associated with the control of generation, storage, collection, transfer and transport, processing, and disposal of solid wastes. The manner by which these activities are conducted shall be in accordance with the best principles of public health, economics, engineering, conservation, aesthetics, other environmental considerations, and public attitudes.
The brigades’ program includes proper waste segregation by offices and household around the brigade and the Pera sa basura concept. Moreover, the unit had designated a focal person who will oversee and ensure that the program will be properly implemented and conduct necessary coordination with its LGU counterparts.
In a statement, BGEN GILBERT F SARET AFP, Commander, 1001 st Brigade said that “this program is now a challenge on how it will be sustained and institutionalized not only to the unit but also to each and every soldier in their respective home and families”.
Source: 1001st Infantry Brigade, 10th Infantry Division, Philippine Army
Maco, Davao de Oro – In pursuit for zero-waste camp, the 1001 st Infantry (Pag-asa) Brigade officially launched its Solid Waste Management Program today, July 8, 2019.
This unit’s initiative is in compliance to the Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Waste Management Act of 2000 which adopts a systematic, comprehensive and ecological solid waste management program that ensures the protection of public health and the environment and the proper segregation, collection, transport, storage, treatment and disposal of solid waste through the formulation and adoption of best environmental practices. Moreover, it illustrates the potentials and benefits of recycling not only in addressing waste management problems but also in alleviating poverty.
The launching highlights the proper segregation of unit’s waste, education and awareness on proper waste management, posting of information education materials around the camp’s strategic areas, reduction on the volume of residual outputs and institutionalizing the Material Recovery Facility (MRF).
“Solid waste has been a long time dilemma in our country, which we believe we must take necessary actions. Our advocacy is to institutionalize the Solid Waste Management Program in the brigade; this small step could somehow lessen our looming garbage problem. Maintaining a clean and green camp is a reflection of our soldier’s individual discipline and aspiration for genuine transformation”. BGEN GILBERT SARET AFP, 1001 st Brigade Commander said.
R.A. 9003 further reads; solid waste management as a discipline associated with the control of generation, storage, collection, transfer and transport, processing, and disposal of solid wastes. The manner by which these activities are conducted shall be in accordance with the best principles of public health, economics, engineering, conservation, aesthetics, other environmental considerations, and public attitudes.
The brigades’ program includes proper waste segregation by offices and household around the brigade and the Pera sa basura concept. Moreover, the unit had designated a focal person who will oversee and ensure that the program will be properly implemented and conduct necessary coordination with its LGU counterparts.
In a statement, BGEN GILBERT F SARET AFP, Commander, 1001 st Brigade said that “this program is now a challenge on how it will be sustained and institutionalized not only to the unit but also to each and every soldier in their respective home and families”.
Source: 1001st Infantry Brigade, 10th Infantry Division, Philippine Army