Saturday, July 13, 2019

MILF: Duterte, CM Ebrahim meet over concerns on Sec. Piñol’s appointment as Point Man in BARMM

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Jul 12, 2019): Duterte, CM Ebrahim meet over concerns on Sec. Piñol’s appointment as Point Man in BARMM



BTA Chief Minister Murad Ebrahim updates President Rodrigo Duterte on the BARMM. Malacañang file photo

Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao— Philstar reported on July 12 that President Duterte met with Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Al Hajj Murad Ebrahim over their concerns on the appointment of resigned agriculture secretary Emmanuel Piñol as head of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).

“We are trying to fine-tune. That is why the truth of the matter is I really transferred Piñol to assist them. This is not husbandry. It’s there already,” Duterte told Philstar in a chance interview at Malacañang on July 11.

Duterte emphasized that Piñol’s role would focus on overseeing the development in the region to speed up progress there since he feels it has not jumpstarted yet despite the creation of the new independent entity.

I don’t have a point man who was born and raised there, said Duterte.

I’m sure he can help the BARMM and the government to fast track everything,” Duterte added.

He also told Philstar during the interview that he is focused on improving the welfare of the Moro people who have been longing for peace and progress in the region.

In a televised interview recently, CM Ebrahim said Piñol remains to be “very unpopular among the Bangsamoro people,” even with his efforts to help the region.

“Despite Piñol expressing support to the Bangsamoro region even when he was still agriculture secretary, he is still not okay for some other people,” Ebrahim said.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1845/duterte--cm-ebrahim-meet-over-concerns-on-sec--pi--ol---s-appointment-as-point-man-in-barmm

MILF: DBM releases funds for BTA officials and staff wages

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Jul 12, 2019): DBM releases funds for BTA officials and staff wages



The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) and cash allocation, in the total amount of Php59.4 million to cover additional funding for the salaries and other personnel services of 273 support staff of the BTA (Bangsamoro Transition Authority) for the months of July to December this year, the agency said in a statement posted in its website.

The DBM said the release was made after receipt of the complete documentary requirements from the BTA.

“Last month, the DBM released a total Php180.6 million for the FY 2019 personnel services of the 80 member-officials of the BTA,” the agency further stated.

“The above-releases are in addition to the Php214.9 million (PS - Php184.7 million and MOOE - Php30.2 million) released on May 2 to the Regional Legislative Assembly (RLA) for its operating requirements pursuant to Section 14, Article XVI of Republic Act No. 11054,” the DBM said.

On June 25, BTA Minister Maleiha B. Candao raised the issue of their delayed salary in a statement posted in social media saying, “The Office of the Interim Chief Minister thru his Executive Secretary Mike Pasigan has been moving heaven and earth to fastrack the release of the salaries of the BTA members but all of these depend largely on the Department of Budget and Management.”

“Government protocol and the delay of services do not necessarily mean the lack of commitment by the BARMM leadership,” she added.

Established in February this year, the BTA will serve in an interim capacity of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao until June 2022.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1844/dbm-releases-funds-for-bta-officials-and-staff-wages

MILF: Some Moro leaders cautious about Piñol’s appointment as point man in Bangsamoro-CM Ebrahim

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Jul 11, 2019): Some Moro leaders cautious about Piñol’s appointment as point man in Bangsamoro-CM Ebrahim



Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao— Some Moro leaders who still remember the role Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol played in the junking of the memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain (MOA-AD) in 2008 are cautious about President Rodrigo Duterte’s plan to make him the government’s “point man” in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), CM Al Haj Ahod Ebrahim said as quoted by PDI on July 9.

However, he said he would respect the President’s prerogative to choose the person he would want to represent him in the BARMM, instead of dwelling on the Moro people’s reaction to Piñol’s prospective appointment.

Ebrahim added that they would instead focus their attention on the creation of the body that would function as the official link between the BARMM and the central government, particularly the Office of the President.

In a text message sent to PDI Monday, July 8, Ebrahim said the reality is that Manny Piñol is not popular among the Bangsamoro people, having been known in the past as principally and vocally against the struggle of the Bangsamoro.

Piñol’s negative comments against the Moro Struggle was further aggravated when he led the petition in the Supreme Court against the MOA-AD that would have been the first framework agreement to be signed between the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) and the government before it was struck down as unconstitutional by the Supreme Court,” Ebrahim further said.

He said BARMM officials wanted to push for the creation of the Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) Body under the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

“What we want to push is the immediate creation of the IGR because that is the one provided in the BOL as go-between [for] the central government, including the Office of the President, and BARMM,” Ebrahim said.

Ebrahim stressed that the post of point man to the BARMM is not provided by law but I think it is still the prerogative of the President as an extension of his supervisory function,” he added.

“Piñol is not welcome among the Moro (people). He was once hated by the Moros for his role in the junking of MOA-AD in 2008,” said Drieza Lininding, chair of the Marawi-based Moro Consensus Group.

For her part, Maranao leader Samira Gutoc-Tomawis has also urged the President to reconsider his decision, saying Piñol is perceived by many Moro communities as anti-Moro. (Source: PDI)

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1843/some-moro-leaders-cautious-about-pi--ol---s-appointment-as-point-man-in-bangsamoro-cm-ebrahim

NDF/CPP: Reaction to the UNHRC resolution to investigate Duterte killings 12 July 2019

Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) propaganda comment posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Jul 11, 2019): Reaction to the UNHRC resolution to investigate Duterte killings 12 July 2019


Communist Party of the Philippines
July 12, 2019

1. The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) welcomes the resolution of the UN Human Rights Commission seeking a comprehensive report on the widespread killings carried out both by police and state-endorsed death squads in the course of the Duterte government’s so-called drug war.

The tactic of mass killings against drug suspects and its terror effect is now being widely used against the patriotic and democratic forces and against all forms of opposition to stifle dissent and put down the people’s resistance and stifle their demand for justice.

2. The statement of the PNP Chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde that the CPP is behind the UNHRC resolution is extremely laughable and shows the extent to which Duterte’s minions would invent scenarios and act stupid in their desperation to keep the truth from coming out. In their anti-communist delusion, Duterte’s minions have resorted to red-tagging even the UNHRC itself.

3. It is utterly hypocritical and self-serving for Duterte to claim national sovereignty in the face of the UNHRC’s resolution, when at the same time, it conveniently sets aside the sovereignty and national patrimony questions in the face of China’s intrusions into the Philippine exclusive economic zone and maritime territory, as well as presence of US military troops in the country.

Duterte makes false claims the UNHRC resolution violates Philippine national sovereignty. The bigger question is how Duterte seeks to suppress the people’s sovereign power, their demand for an end to the mass killings and a stop to Duterte’s tyrannical abuse of power.

4. The UNHRC resolution will surely boost the Filipino people’s struggle to defend their rights and civil liberties. The people will surely welcome the representative and investigators of the UNHRC and provide them will all the support and security.

NDF/Sison: On Duterte fixing the plunder cases of biggest crooks in previous regimes

Jose Maria Sison propaganda comment posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Jul 11, 2019): On Duterte fixing the plunder cases of biggest crooks in previous regimes

Comment by Jose Maria Sison
NDFP Chief Political Consultant

July 11, 2019

Arroyo unwittingly exposes the fact that Duterte has been responsible for having the corrupt and obedient Supreme Court dismiss the plunder case against her. Duterte and the Supreme Court are exposed as major factors of corruption in the Philippines.

Duterte pretends to hate corruption. But his strongest alliance is with the plunderers like Arroyo, the Marcoses, Estradas, Enrile and others. He is now the chieftain of the biggest Filipino crooks in Philippine history.

Against the interest of the people, he has fixed all the plunder cases against these Luzon-based plunderers in exchange for their giving him some 14 percentage points in addition to the 25 percentage points of Bisayas votes to make him president at 39 percentage points in 2016.

The Luzon-based plunderers delivered the crucial bailiwick votes that made Duterte president, contrary to the notion that the troll armies made the difference for him. The troll armies were only good for hyping him and putting down his opponents.

Now, the people are at the mercy of a president who is hell-bent on surpassing the corruption of Marcos and who is in alliance with the most successful plunderers in past regimes. Duterte and his evil alliance of the biggest crooks in the Philippines will continue to wreak havoc, unless the people rise up to end their reign of greed.

https://www.ndfp.org/on-duterte-fixing-the-plunder-cases-of-biggest-crooks-in-previous-regimes/

AFP-CRS: AFP committed to Philippine development, security

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 11, 2019): AFP committed to Philippine development, security

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AFP-CRS: Group of farmers in Agusan del Norte disowns CPP-NPA terrorists

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 11, 2019): Group of farmers in Agusan del Norte disowns CPP-NPA terrorists

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AFP-CRS: CPP-NPA support in Eastern Mindanao in total collapse

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 11, 2019): CPP-NPA support in Eastern Mindanao in total collapse



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AFP-CRS: CPP-NPA couple, former child soldiers surrender in Bukidnon

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 11, 2019): CPP-NPA couple, former child soldiers surrender in Bukidnon

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AFP-CRS: CAPDev addresses armed conflict in peaceful manner

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 11, 2019): CAPDev addresses armed conflict in peaceful manner

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AFP-CRS: Farmer's group disowns CPP-NPA terrorists, pledge loyalty to government

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 11, 2019): Farmer's group disowns CPP-NPA terrorists, pledge loyalty to government



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AFP-CRS: Karapatan-Quezon lied about human rights violations in the towns of Lopez, Macalelon, and Catanauan

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 12, 2019): Karapatan-Quezon lied about human rights violations  in the towns of Lopez, Macalelon, and Catanauan

Isang malaking kasinungalingan ang inilabas ng Karapatan-Quezon tungkol sa
kanilang inilathala na paratang na militirasyon na nangyayari sa mga bayan ng
Lopez, Macalelon, at Catanauan sa Lalawigan ng Quezon. Mga paratang na
Human Rights Violations na walang basehan at gawa gawa lamang upang
makatawag pansin sa ating mamamayan.

Wala pong katotohanan ang kanilang mga paratang at Fake News lamang na
pinakakalat lalo na sa social media. Mismong mga awtoridad na ang nagpatunay
na walang paglabag sa karapatang Pantao at pag bakwit ng taong barangay ang
naitala sa mga nabangit na munisipalidad.

Ito’y nag papakita lamang ng kanilang tunay na kulay, na katulad ng panlilinlang na
ginagawa ng CPP/NPA sa ating mamamayan.


No photo description available.

AFP-CRS: Twenty-six former rebels (FRs) received Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) benefits

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 13, 2019): Twenty-six former rebels (FRs) received Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) benefits

Twenty-six former rebels (FRs) received Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) benefits after completing their livelihood training on July 6, 2019, in Happy Home Mati City, Davao Oriental. The FRs received the National Certificate 1 from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) after undergoing training for more than one month on Shielded Metal Arc Welding; they are the first batch of graduates for 2019. They also graduated from the Alternative Learning System (ALS).

The former rebels each received livelihood project and immediate assistance amounting to Php65,000.00 from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) as well as an additional Php3,700.00 pesos allowance for their training and welding tool kits.

The officials in attendance emphasized the importance of the convergence of the LGU, lead and partner agencies of Task Force Balik-Loob in realizing a peaceful and progressive province. They also reminded the former rebels to use the benefits they received wisely to improve their lives.

After the awarding of E-CLIP benefits, the attendees were given a tour of the newly-built extension facilities of the Davao Oriental’s halfway house.

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https://www.facebook.com/balikloobph/photos/pcb.439134060002905/439133616669616/?type=3&theater

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AFP-CRS: Rebel returnees call for revolutionary forces to cease resistance

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 13, 2019): Rebel returnees call for revolutionary forces to cease resistance

Rebel returnees' call for our brothers/sisters in the revolutionary forces to surrender, return to the folds of law, and avail of the government aid to start their lives anew.

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AFP-CRS: AFP modernization now more relevant due to global terror threat

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 13, 2019): AFP modernization now more relevant due to global terror threat



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AFP-CRS: PNP, AFP ramp up efforts against violent terrorism

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 13, 2019): PNP, AFP ramp up efforts against violent terrorism

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AFP-CRS: Teroristang CPP-NPA patay matapos ipain ng mga kasamahan

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 13, 2019): Teroristang CPP-NPA patay matapos ipain ng mga kasamahan

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AFP-CRS: 'Whole of Nation' approach hailed as best way to end insurgency

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 13, 2019): 'Whole of Nation' approach hailed as best way to end insurgency

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AFP-CRS: JTF-NCR to help secure President's 4th SONA

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 13, 2019): JTF-NCR to help secure President's 4th SONA

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AFP-CRS: CPP-NPA deceived 4 former members

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 13, 2019): CPP-NPA deceived 4 former members

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AFP-CRS: 4 former rebels freed from communist terrorists' deception

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 13, 2019): 4 former rebels freed from communist terrorists' deception

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AFP-CRS: AFP modernization now more relevant due to global terror threat

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 13, 2019): AFP modernization now more relevant due to global terror threat

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AFP-CRS: PNP seeks tougher Anti-terror measures

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 13, 2019): PNP seeks tougher Anti-terror measures

Image may contain: 1 person, text that says 'PNP SEEKS TOUGHER ANTI- TERROR MEASURES "I have been telling that to Congress that we really have to prepare for this. think no less than the President said that there are dangerous times ahead it's because he foresees these kinds of global terrorism will in years Between now three years hence, the PNP is better position to perform its law enforcement and public safety mandate thru enhanced operational capability." PBGEN OSCAR D ALBAYALDE Chief, Philippine National Police afpcrs.com #AFP TRUST'

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AFP-CRS: 3 Abu Sayyaf group supporters surrender.

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 13, 2019): 3 Abu Sayyaf group supporters surrender

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Kalinaw News: 6th ID joins GMA Kapuso Foundation’s prosthetic hands donation

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 13, 2019): 6th ID joins GMA Kapuso Foundation’s prosthetic hands donation

6th ID joins GMA Kapuso Foundation’s prosthetic hands donation 1

6th ID joins GMA Kapuso Foundation’s prosthetic hands donation 2

6th ID joins GMA Kapuso Foundation’s prosthetic hands donation 3

6th ID joins GMA Kapuso Foundation’s prosthetic hands donation 4

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – The 6th Infantry Division hosted this morning the distribution of prosthetic arms and hands, a project of the GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc. (GMAKFI), to the people in need in Central Mindanao.

Around 50 individuals who suffered amputated arms that live in 6 th ID’s area of responsibility received free prosthetics coming from GMAKFI in partnership with LN-4 Foundation, a foreign organization providing mechanical prosthetic hands for free for those who need them around the world.

The GMAKF also partnered with 6 th ID and Naked Wolves Rider in South Cotabato, a group of motorcycles riders that go around all over the Philippines, in looking for the beneficiaries of the program.

The distribution of prosthetics was held at Camp Siongco Station Hospital as part of the commemoration of the National Disability Week every 3 rd week of July Rikki Escudero-Catibog, GMAKFI Executive Vice-President and Chief Operations Officer, cited that the purpose of their endeavor was to provide support to the people with disability to function well in the society so they can help out in their family needs.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito E. Sobena, who graced the activity, thanked the GMAKFI for their efforts in providing prosthetics to the people of Central Mindanao that give them the opportunity to become effective in the society and in their family.

“We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the GMA Kapuso Foundation, LN-4 Foundation, and Naked Wolves as this activity is a fitting highlight to National Disability Week,” said 6 th ID Commander Diosdado C. Carreon.

The Commander committed that the 6 th ID will help identify and locate more beneficiaries for the project next year as well as look for people who are in need of wheelchairs.



Division Public Affairs Office 6th Infantry Division Philippine Army
Maj Arvin G Encinas
Chief, Public Affairs Office, 6ID, PA
Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao
+6391775226469

[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: PRRD Appoints Former AFP Spox, Alliance Builder as Army Commander in Southern Tagalog

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 13, 2019): PRRD Appoints Former AFP Spox, Alliance Builder as Army Commander in Southern Tagalog

PRRD Appoints Former AFP Spox, Alliance Builder as Army Commander in Southern Tagalog 1

PRRD Appoints Former AFP Spox, Alliance Builder as Army Commander in Southern Tagalog 2

CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal- A former military spokesman and Commander of the Army unit which has operational jurisdiction over CALABARZON was designated as Commander of the 2nd Infantry Division which covers Regions 4A and 4B on Friday afternoon.

BGen Arnulfo Marcelo B Burgos Jr replaced BGen Elias H Escarcha during a ceremony presided by Lt Gen Macairog S Alberto, the Commanding General Philippine Army, at Camp Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal.
During his assumption speech, BGen Burgos expressed his gratitude to President Rodrigo Duterte “for his unwavering trust and confidence in entrusting upon my shoulders the security of the areas in the immediate south of our duly constituted government’s seat of power.”

He added that “the men and women of the 2nd Division will be active members, partners and participants in Regions 4A and 4B’s Task Forces to End Local Communist Armed Conflict” in line with the Presidential Directive of adopting a whole of nation approach strategy to defeat communist insurgency and pave the way for peace, prosperity and development across the country.

BGen Burgos ended his speech by asking the people of CALABARZON and MIMARO to support their soldiers and by assuring them that “the men and women of the Jungle Fighter Division are willing and ready to serve and defend our constituents wherever, whenever, whoever or whatever the threat may be.”

On his part, BGen Escarcha expressed his gratitude to his soldiers and subordinate commanders for the support that they have extended upon him during his incumbency.

He added that “the close coordination and collaboration between and among the security forces and the civilian sector has made the difference” in this part of the country.

He ended his speech by urging his troops “to extend to your new commander the same degree of support that you have extended upon me.” Lt Gen Alberto congratulated BGen Burgos for the well-deserved designation and urged him “to continue the Army’s operational momentum in this critical part of our land.”

He ended his remarks by commending BGen Burgos for the “excellent job that he did as Brigade Commander, this, I expect nothing but excellence from him now that he is already a Division Commander.”

RTF ELCAC 4A is the first to be organized in the country with 2ID as the pioneering Army unit to implement the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program in Luzon and Visayas since August 2018.

BGen Burgos is a member of PMA “Maringal” Class of 1988 and the 39th Commander of the 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division.



Division Public Affairs Office 2nd Infantry Division Philippine Army
Cpt Patrick Jay Retumban
Chief, DPAO, 2ID, PA
Camp General Mateo Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal
09772771986

[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: Army continues to hit forces of CPP-NPA Terrorist in Negros

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 13, 2019): Army continues to hit forces of CPP-NPA Terrorist in Negros

Army continues to hit forces of CPP-NPA Terrorist in Negros 1


Army continues to hit forces of CPP-NPA Terrorist in Negros 2

Army continues to hit forces of CPP-NPA Terrorist in Negros 3
CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz – The 62nd Infantry (Hunter) Battalion, 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division figured an encounter with more or less fifteen (15) fully-armed members of the CPP-NPA Terrorist within the borders of Carol-an, Kabankalan and Upper Carol-an, Ayungon all of Negros Occidental at around 5:00 a.m. on Saturday.
The encounter transpired while the troops are conducting combat operations upon receiving information from the local populace regarding the presence of armed men in the area. The firefight lasted for about 20 minutes resulting to the death of one (1) NPA and recovery and war materials including: one M16A1; one (1) anti-personnel landmine; two (2) improvised black bandolier; two hundred thirty seven (237) rounds of live ammunition 5.56mm ball; two (2) rifle grenades, ten (10) rounds of live ammunition 7.62mm ball (AK47); one (1) round of live ammunition of 40mm (high explosive); one (1) 30 cap aluminum magazine assembly; three (3) 20 cap aluminum magazine assembly; subversive documents with high intelligence value; four (4) backpacks and personal belongings. No casualty on the government side.
Government troops are now conducting follow-on operations to ensure the security and safety of the civilians and to run after the fleeing CPP-NPA terrorist.

LTC Egberto Dacoscos, Commanding Officer, 62IB ensured the public that the Army will continue to protect the people of Negros and will put an end to NPA’s terroristic activities.

Major General Dinoh Dolina, the Commander of the Army’s 3ID said, “We appreciate all the efforts of the community in giving us accurate information regarding the presence of the communist-terrorist group. This is their way of showing that they are tired of them persistently pestering their way of life thru extortion, disturbance, and violence. I’m very glad to know that we are indeed working together in obtaining a more secure and progressive environment for the Negrenses.”

Further, Dolina expressed his sympathy to the family and friends of the one killed. “We are saddened that another victim of the CPP-NPA Terrorist’s deception and false promises wasted his life again. With this, we are humbly calling the ranks of the terrorist group to lay down their arms; there is a better and peaceful life waiting for you down here. Your Army alongside with other concerned government agencies is very much willing to help you in your mainstreaming. We are giving you the choice to embrace peace and claim your normal life for bloody and senseless armed struggle will only bring you nothing but death.”

This is the fourth encounter between the government forces and CPP-NPA terrorists in just a span of three weeks. It can be recalled that the terrorist group lost two members after an encounter in a CAFGU Detachment in Sta. Catalina on June 21; 94th IB with the CNTs in Manjuyod, Negros Oriental on June 22 which thwarted their plans of attacks using anti-personnel landmines; and 11th IB’s clash with the terrorist group in Bindoy, Negros Oriental on July 2, 2019.



Division Public Affairs Office 3rd Infantry Division Philippine Army
CPT CENON C PANCITO III (SC) PA
Chief, 3rd Division Public Affairs Office
Camp General Martin T Delgado, Fort San Pedro, Iloilo City
Contact: dpao.3idpa@gmail.com / 0917-124-1983

[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: Provincial Task Force Holds “Whole-of-Nation” Immersion Activity in Hinterland Village in Lupon

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 13, 2019): Provincial Task Force Holds “Whole-of-Nation” Immersion Activity in Hinterland Village in Lupon

Provincial Task Force Holds “Whole-of-Nation” Immersion Activity in Hinterland Village in Lupon 1

Provincial Task Force Holds “Whole-of-Nation” Immersion Activity in Hinterland Village in Lupon 2

Provincial Task Force Holds “Whole-of-Nation” Immersion Activity in Hinterland Village in Lupon 3

Provincial Task Force Holds “Whole-of-Nation” Immersion Activity in Hinterland Village in Lupon 4

Provincial Task Force Holds “Whole-of-Nation” Immersion Activity in Hinterland Village in Lupon 5
LUPON, DAVAO ORIENTAL – In a continuous and serious bid to provide long-term solutions for poverty and insurgency, Governor Nelson Dayanghirang takes President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order 70 or “Whole-of-Nation Approach to Attain Sustainable Peace and to End Local Communist Armed Conflict” down to the barangays through the province’s localized version Executive Order

After it piloted in Barangay Taocanga, Manay Davao Oriental, where departments of the provincial government and national agencies immersed with barangay folks and made a dialogue with them, the Provincial Government held its next stop in Barangay Marayag in the Municipality of Lupon on July 9-10.

Barangay Marayag was chosen for the activity as it is one of the biggest barangays of Lupon with a history of CPP-NPA-NDF influence.

During the two-day immersion activity, the Provincial Task Force on Ending Local Communist Insurgency (PTF-ELCAC) composed of twelve clusters was able to converse with the locals and diagnose their community’s needs through a Comprehensive Needs Analysis. This, thus, gave the task force a concrete and realistic guide to the interventions it can implement in the community.

The structure of the localized version was replicated from EO 70, the Whole-of-Nation Approach of President Rodrigo Duterte, composed of clusters parallel to the national government.

“In going to the barangays, there will be no services delivered. We will focus on our ultimate goal to ascertain the needs of the people and know the ills of society. Our strategies are localized peace talk with the families so that the message will go down quickly. We will also strategize through community immersion and sectoral dialogue. What is really important is the participation of our people, and this is empowering them and gaining mutual respect,” said PTF-ELCAC Vice Chairman Ednar Dayanghirang.

IMMERSION RESULTS

In the needs assessment of the community, the needs which surfaced included water system, employment, livelihood, education, activity centers for the schools, land tenure security, tribal hall for the indigenous people, and sanitation, among others.

Some agencies were quick to give their commitment to respond to the needs of the barangay residents.

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) was quick to act with the distribution of the Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) scheduled on July 17, 2019.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and Department of Trade and Industry also scheduled a meeting with the barangay officials to ascertain what skills training do they need for their livelihood, while the Provincial Agriculture Office also set a meeting with the barangay officials to know what seedlings of crops do they need. And equally committed, the Provincial Task Force on Socialized Housing, strongly encouraged the residents to avail of the socialized housing projects of the provincial government.

Mr. Dayanghirang furthered that the Governor wants a systematic and practical way of addressing the people’s needs.

“Those needs that can be accommodated by the barangay will be addressed by the barangay. Needs that require bigger attention and budget will be referred to the local government and to the province. This way, we inculcate a sense of belongingness to the measures that will be undertaken to find solutions to the problems, of which everybody must be a part of the solution,” he explained.

The Provincial Planning and Development Office was tasked to consolidate the assessment made in the barangays.

Barangay Chairman Helen Manggob was elated upon knowing that her barangay will be assessed.

In the dialogue, the residents from the different sectors were divided into groups. In each group, a teacher moderator jotted down what the residents had poured out and made a reporting to the task force.

The residents were asked to verbalize their dream for their family, for their community, and municipality, and for the sector that they represent. After which, they were asked to share the hindrances they see and experience in materializing those dreams, and recommend possible solutions.

Governor Nelson Dayanghirang emphasized that the program has to reach and has to be felt in all 183 barangays of the province, and in all the corners of the provincial government.

“Through the program we will promote participatory government and enhance the responsibility of the local government units. Through the program, we will have a continuous fight against poverty and insurgency,” he reiterated.

Further, Dayangirang added that his ardent desire is to greatly improve governance by including the different sectors in barangay in the different process of governance, in consistency to his thrust of an inclusive government.



Province of Davao Oriental
Website:
http://www.davaooriental.com.ph
Facebook:
@provinceofdavaooriental

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

CPP denies it is behind UNHRC resolution to probe drug war

From GMA News Online (Jul 13, 2019): CPP denies it is behind UNHRC resolution to probe drug war

The Communist Party of the Philippines on Friday denied the allegation by Philippine National Police chief Police General Oscar Albayalde that it is behind the United Nations Human Rights Council's move to investigate the government's war on drugs.

"The statement of the PNP Chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde that the CPP is behind the UNHRC resolution is extremely laughable and shows the extent to which Duterte's minions would invent scenarios and act stupid in their desperation to keep the truth from coming out," the CPP said in a statement posted on the National Democratic Front of the Philippines' website.

"In their anti-communist delusion, Duterte's minions have resorted to red-tagging even the UNHRC itself," it added.

Albayalde said on Friday that the CPP and its armed wing, the New People's Army, could be behind the UNHRC's move to adopt a resolution seeking a probe into the government's drug war.

"Possible, it's because it's part of propaganda. Also, and you know, 'yung CPP-NPA is so against the Duterte administration now," Albayalde suggested on Friday said.

The PNP chief added that it is possible for the Philippine communist group to have such an influence on UNHCR because it has "contacts and connections."

The UNHRC voted on Thursday to set up a probe into the thousands of killings in the government's war on drugs.

The CPP added it welcomes the UNHRC resolution, saying the mass killings "tactic" against drug suspects and its effect "is now being widely used against the patriotic and democratic forces and against all forms of opposition to stifle dissent and put down the people’s resistance and stifle their demand for justice."

The party also said Duterte's claiming national sovereignty over the matter is "utterly hypocritical and self-serving" since "at the same time, it conveniently sets aside the sovereignty and national patrimony questions in the face of China’s intrusions into the Philippine exclusive economic zone and maritime territory, as well as presence of US military troops in the country.

"Duterte makes false claims the UNHRC resolution violates Philippine national sovereignty. The bigger question is how Duterte seeks to suppress the people’s sovereign power, their demand for an end to the mass killings and a stop to Duterte’s tyrannical abuse of power," the CPP added.

President Rodrigo Duterte can bar UN investigators from entering the country if he finds no basis for them to conduct a probe into the human rights situations in the Philippines, Malacañang said on Friday.

Duterte on Thursday vowed to study whether to allow UN investigators in the Philippines to investigate the deaths linked to his war on drugs and other human rights concerns.

He also said the critics of the drug war did not have a full grasp of the social, economic and political problems of the Philippines.

The CPP also said the UNHRC resolution will be of help to the struggle to defend Filipinos' rights and civil liberties.

"The UNHRC resolution will surely boost the Filipino people’s struggle to defend their rights and civil liberties. The people will surely welcome the representative and investigators of the UNHRC and provide them will all the support and security," it said.

Albayalde also said the Philippines does not need an international body to look into the thousands of drug war deaths as the country's own Commission of Human Rights is capable of investigating the matter.

Meanwhile, Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, who was PNP chief when the war on drugs started in 2016, dared the UNHRC to investigate the alleged 22,000 drug-related deaths under the Duterte administration not as a "lump" of cases but "one by one."

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/700881/cpp-denies-it-is-behind-unhrc-resolution-to-probe-drug-war/story/

DepEd orders temporary closure of 55 Lumad schools in Davao region

From Rappler (Jul 13, 2019): DepEd orders temporary closure of 55 Lumad schools in Davao region

DepEd regional officials say the closure is based on the findings of an anti-insurgency task force, which alleged that the schools teach students to rebel against the government

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The Department of Education (DepEd) in Southern Mindanao has ordered the temporary shutdown of 55 schools catering to indigenous peoples communities in the region for allegedly deviating from the basic curriculum, among other reasons.

The closure of the schools, operated and owned by the
Salugpungan Ta’ Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Centers was contained in an order dated July 12, 2019, and was signed by DepEd Southern Mindanao director-in-charge Evelyn Fetalvero.


DepEd regional spokesperson Jenielito Atillo said the order was based on the report of National Security Adviser Secretary Hermogenes Esperon Jr, who chairs the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. (INFOGRAPHIC: Who are the Lumad?)


Among the findings of the task force was that the Lumad schools deviated from the curriculum set by the DepEd; that school officials made it mandatory for the learners to join anti-government rallies; and that the schools teach them to rebel against the government.

President Rodrigo Duterte himself had made the same allegation against the Lumad schools, and even threatened to "bomb" the schools.

Atillo said all students of the Salugpungan schools will be enrolled in nearby public schools so their education would not be disrupted.

He said school officials were given 5 days upon receipt of the order to suspend operations to submit their counter-affidavits.

The DepEd order came less than two months after tribal leaders in Calinan district here asked the government to shut down the Lumad schools for allegedly serving as recruitment facilities of the New People's Army, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

Tribal leader Datu George Mandahay said those who would be displaced by the closure of the Lumad schools can enroll in public schools anyway.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/235305-deped-orders-closure-lumad-schools-davao-region

‘Reds persona non grata in Central Luzon’

From the Philippine Star (Jul 14, 2019): ‘Reds persona non grata in Central Luzon’


“We are gathered here with one common objective: to finally put an end to communist insurgency in Region 3,” Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Carlito Galvez Jr. said during RTF-ELCAC’s meeting at the Kingsborough International Convention Center in San Fernando City, Pampanga yesterday. File photo

The Central Luzon Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) has declared the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) as persona non grata.

“We are gathered here with one common objective: to finally put an end to communist insurgency in Region 3,”
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Carlito Galvez Jr. said during RTF-ELCAC’s meeting at the Kingsborough International Convention Center in San Fernando City, Pampanga yesterday.


“We are going to address it by the strong cooperation as mandated under Executive Order 70,” Galvez, who is concurrent Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security for Central Luzon, said.

EO 70, which President Duterte signed last December, institutionalizes a “whole-of-nation approach” by enjoining local government units and members of the community to initiate “localized peace engagements” with communist rebels.

The EO created the RTF-ELCAC under the National Task Force-ELCAC, which was also tasked to adopt a National Peace Framework.

Help end rebellion

Meanwhile, DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said ordinary citizens should help the government end the 50-year communist rebellion by convincing NPA rebels to surrender.

“Help us convince communist rebels that armed conflict is not the solution to the country’s problems,” Año said.

He gave assurance that the President is addressing the issues on poverty, injustice and corruption, which are being raised by communist rebels.

Records show that more than 8,000 rebels have surrendered since last December.

At least 2,129 rebel returnees received benefits and assistance under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP.

Año said they also recently launched the Retooled Community Support program, which aims to address issues on the ground through a convergence of government initiatives with the participation of the public.

NPA rebel slain in Negros clash

From the Philippine Star (Jul 14, 2019): NPA rebel slain in Negros clash

A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed in an encounter with soldiers of the 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Carol-an in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental yesterday.

First Lt. Maria Allein Veluz, 62nd IB civil-military operations officer, said the body of the rebel was recovered after a firefight that lasted for around 20 minutes.


Veluz said soldiers also recovered an M16 rifle, an improvised explosive device, improvised bandoleers, two rifle grenades, various types of ammunition and backpacks, which contained personal belongings and subversive documents, at the scene.

Pursuit operations for the rebels are ongoing.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/07/14/1934441/npa-rebel-slain-negros-clash

Sulu suicide bombing raises ante in government’s counterterrorism drive

From the Business Mirror (Jul 14, 2019): Sulu suicide bombing raises ante in government’s counterterrorism drive



THE attack on an Army camp in Sulu two weeks ago carried out by what appeared to be a Moroccan boy and a son of a Filipino Muslim convert, has raised to a higher level­—or into a new form—the government’s campaign against terrorism in Mindanao.

The “suicide bombing,” which Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) commander Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana still refuses to acknowledge as such, also fulfilled the highest purpose of Moro radicalization that the government is struggling to stop.

Sobejana said that by the definition of suicide bombing, the bomb should be detonated by the bomber itself, which, in the case of Norman Lasuca, one of the two men in the attack of the camp of the 1st Brigade Combat Team in Indanan, Sulu, brought the possibility that it could have been detonated by somebody else from a distance.

While the Philippine National Police (PNP) Crime Laboratory has confirmed the identity and nationality of Lasuca after cross matching his DNA samples with members of his family, it did not probe the possibility raised by Sobejana.

Nevertheless, the military’s general headquarters declared the attack as a suicide bombing.

“The AFP and the PNP would like to allay the fears of our countrymen, notwithstanding this development where we can confirm, and is now confirming, the incidence of the first suicide bombing in the Philippines perpetrated by Norman Lasuca,” said military spokesman Brig. Edgard Arevalo.

“We wish to highlight the fact that the AFP has its keen focus on Sulu to defeat the Abu Sayyaf Group [ASG], put a stop to the terrorist activities and atrocities they commit against the people of Sulu, in Mindanao and the country,” he added during a joint news briefing with PNP Spokesman Col. Bernard Banac on Wednesday.

Until the first suicide bombing by a Filipino happened, Sobejana said they had been working to stop the continuing radicalization of the Moros in Mindanao, and he said this as the top military commander in Sulu in 2017, and later in Central Mindanao. Sobejana was being installed as the Wesmincom commander when the attack happened in Sulu.

The attack that killed seven people, including Lasuca and the other suicide bomber, was blamed on the ASG, whose members are being relentlessly hunted by Sobejana and his men in Sulu. The bombing, however, was initially owned by the Islamic State.

“We’ve been working hard to combat radicalization and its spread among the Moros in Mindanao. We are visiting schools, including Islamic schools, teaching students and the Moros about the dangers of radicalization,” Sobejana said.

He said Moro leaders, local officials and community leaders were also involved in the initiative.

Islamic schools
Earlier, Brig Gen. Romeo Brawner, commander of the 103rd Brigade based in Marawi City, said they have monitored some Islamic schools, even those in the northern area of the country, including Baguio City, that have been teaching radical lessons about Islam.

“We talked to them and showed the battered Marawi as an example,” he said.

The government feared that moves by Islamic groups to radicalize the Moros would give birth to Filipino suicide bombers, and that may have happened in the case of Lasuca.

The 23-year-old Lasuca, a son of a Balik Islam, was only about 16 or 17 years old when he joined the ASG.

“Another reason that he joined the group is to escape from his mechanic father, who constantly beat him,” Sobejana said.


He said Lasuca initially joined the group of ASG Commander Yasser Igasan in Sulu, but when Igasan died, he joined the group of Hajan Sawadjaan, who is now the acting leader of the Dawla Islamiya in Mindanao.

Sobejana said the military in Mindanao was actively implementing the National Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism that aims to stop the spread of radicalism and violent extremism, especially among the Moros.

They were also using Executive Order (EO) 70 issued by President Duterte as a guide in dealing with terrorism and radicalization.

“While EO 70 deals with the insurgency problem, we are also using it as a template in dealing with violent extremism,” Sobejana.

“Dangerous time ahead”

The Philippine National Police (PNP), meanwhile, cited the need for lawmakers to understand the need to support measures that will enhance its capability to secure the country against the threat of terrorism.

PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde made the remark after President Duterte asked the police and the military to be prepared for “dangerous times ahead”.

Citing the case of the first suicide bombing perpetrated by a Filipino in Sulu last June 28, the PNP chief said he has earlier warned Congress to prepare for these situations.

“I have been telling that to Congress that we really have to prepare for this. I think no less than the President said that there are dangerous times ahead it’s because he foresees these kinds of global terrorism will not end in few years time,” Albayalde told reporters on the sidelines of a gun show in Mandaluyong City.

“Unang-una definitely, the playing field will evolve. I think the more that we should get serious on this, not only the AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines] and PNP but also the whole government. There is a need to intensify this campaign, especially our counter-terrorism efforts,” he added.

The country’s top cop said certain measures to improve the country’s response to terrorism is up to Congress to act on.

“We need a lot of equipment and even the laws, these need to be amended for it to be applicable to the present situation. There is need to amend especially the Human Security Act and the [National] ID system. There are various surveillance equipment. Many are offering that we really have to determine what do we need,” Albayalde said.

Albayalde added the PNP and AFP could not afford yet to improve on its surveillance capabilities because it is costly, for “political reasons” and because of the law, which protects the people’s privacy.

Once amended, the country’s top cop said the Human Security Act could also boost the law enforcer’s surveillance capability and anti-terrorism and insurgency operations.

Since Duterte’s assumption in 2016, the PNP has been provided with not just operational requirements but also morale and welfare services, which have improved living standards of uniformed personnel and their families.

“Over the last three years, the PNP has been able to keep up with our modernization and development plan with the procurement of more and better equipment, and recruitment of more personnel,” PNP spokesman, Col. Bernard Banac said.

“Between now and three years hence, the PNP is in a better position to perform its law enforcement and public safety maough enhanced operational capability,” he added.

The June 28 incident is the third of its kind in Mindanao, with the first in a military checkpoint in Lamitan, Basilan on July 31, 2018, killing 10 people.

The second was in a cathedral in Jolo, Sulu, that killed 20 persons, including the alleged suicide bombers, last January 27. With PNA

Islamic State Terror Group Ramping Up Video Messaging

Posted to the Voice of America (Jul 12, 2019): Islamic State Terror Group Ramping Up Video Messaging



FILE - This image made from video posted on a militant website July 5, 2014, purports to show the leader of the Islamic State group, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, delivering a sermon at a mosque in Iraq.

Islamic State media operatives appear to have regrouped, at least in part, intent on showing the world that the terror organization is living up to its motto of “remaining and expanding” despite its lack of a physical caliphate.

For almost a month, the group’s core media channels have been pumping out a series of videos showing fighters pledging allegiance, or renewing their pledges, to IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

Intelligence officials and analysts say, so far, the group, also known as ISIS or by its Arabic acronym, Daesh, has produced and disseminated eight of these videos under the title, “The Best Outcome is for the Pious.”

The video series “aims at proving that ISIS has not been defeated and that its militants in several parts of the world remain loyal to their leaders,” a U.S. counterterrorism official told VOA.

IS media operatives issued the most recent of the videos this past Wednesday, the first-ever video from the terror group’s Turkish province.

“If you think that by weakening the Islamic State and its soldiers, that they will divert from their path or leave their jihad, you have great delusions,” said a fighter, identified as Abu Qatada al-Turki, according to a translation by the SITE Intelligence Group.

Turki further threatened Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, calling him an “arrogant tyrant.”

“Do not think that the swords of the soldiers of the Caliphate are far from you or from those who stand on your side,” he warned.

Previous videos highlighted fighters from IS provinces in West Africa, Sinai, East Asia (Philippines), the Caucasus, Afghanistan, Libya and Azerbaijan, another first.

Some of the videos have featured large groups of fighters. Others, like the video from Turkey and another from Azerbaijan, feature just five and three fighters, respectively.

Yet there is a sense that, in this case, size does not matter.

Along with the videos, there has been a steady drumbeat of official IS claims, celebrating attacks on government forces and civilians in places like Nigeria, Mozambique, Afghanistan, the Philippines and Tunisia. And IS leadership appears mindful of a need for operational security in order to maintain momentum.

"Do we really expect ISIS to show us a terror training camp with 200 fighters primed and ready," Raphael Gluck, the co-founder of Jihadoscope, a company that monitors online activity by Islamist extremists, told VOA in an email.

"ISIS is in insurgency mode but wants to remind you, its presence and influence remains everywhere," he added.

And while IS has long been practiced in the art of smoke and mirrors, finding ways to make itself look bigger than it really is, dismissing the latest videos could be a mistake.

"There's no doubt that the group has a presence in these spots," according to Thomas Joscelyn, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

Organizational integrity

Additionally, that the videos have been disseminated by the group's official media outlets is significant.

"It is one thing for groups to make bay'at [pledges of allegiance], but it is a much more serious affair when the highest levels of Islamic State leadership accept their allegiance," said Jade Parker, a former counterterrorism analyst in support of U.S. military activities.

"Is it possible that Islamic State central is recognizing their external governance entities earlier in the provincial development process than they previously did? Yes," Parker added. "The external provinces would still need to surpass a common minimum benchmark of organizational requirements, though."

That IS has retained such a strong degree of organizational integrity has worried U.S. intelligence officials for months, some warning that fighters fleeing the collapsing caliphate in Syria and Iraq would find refuge with IS branches in more than a dozen countries, including Turkey.

Just as concerning for analysts is that along with the videos, there has been a steady drumbeat of IS claims, celebrating attacks on government forces and civilians in places like Nigeria, Mozambique, Afghanistan, the Philippines and Tunisia.

Jihadoscope's Raphael Gluck believes, at the least, the steady stream of propaganda is unlikely to abate.

"ISIS could possibly still spring a few surprises with more videos from Europe and the West," he said. "From this point, it looks like Wilayat Internet' [Internet province] is very much a thing."

From clashes to classes: Former Abu Sayyaf bandits earn diplomas

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 13, 2019): From clashes to classes: Former Abu Sayyaf bandits earn diplomas



BATCHMATES Former Abu Sayyaf fighter Motong Indama offers a peace sign during graduation rites for the Alternative Learning System program at Basilan State College on Thursday. Another ex-member of the bandit group, Ibrahim Malat Fernandez (right), plans to take up political science. —PHOTOS BY JULIE ALIPALA

Isabela City, Basilan—Beaming in a white toga and academic cap, Ibrahim Malat Fernandez, 40, proudly marched to the stage of Basilan State College here.

His immediate family members and relatives were there to applaud his life-changing feat. “It’s like a dream. Once, I was in the mountains, fighting soldiers. Now I’m a high school graduate.” said an emotional Fernandez.

He is the younger brother of the late Abu Sayyaf commander Long Malat, whom he joined in the hills. When Malat was killed in an encounter with the military in 2014, Fernandez took over his command and became one of the bandit group’s leaders in Basilan.


But his new role in the group led to strained relations between him and his three wives and nine children. He soon feared suffering the same fate that befell his sibling.

Fernandez decided to surrender in May 2017.

He availed himself of the Alternative Learning System (ALS) program of the Department of Education (DepEd), which allowed him to finish secondary school.

Longing to study

In the May 13 polls, while still an ALS student, he was elected municipal councilor of Al Barka town. He now plans to take up political science.

Disbelief is how Motong Indama, 30, described his feelings as he marched with Fernandez to the stage during the July 11 rites.

“I still cannot believe that I am here. It is one of my dreams to become an educated person,” said Indama, a nephew of Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf leader Furuji Indama.

His next goal, Indama said, is to start a business or earn a degree in management.

When he joined his uncle at the age of 16, Indama was made one of the group’s subleaders.

In 2016, Indama decided to turn his back on banditry, pressured by his wife, Raida, who demanded that they settle down to a life of peace so she could pursue her studies.

“I love my wife and children; their welfare comes first,” Indama said, recalling his thoughts back then.

After his surrender, Indama also developed a desire to go to school. To put himself in that path, he sought the assistance of officials of the now-defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the local military unit.

In January, the ARMM gave way to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) with the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

That Thursday morning at Basilan State College, Fernandez and Indama led a group of 49 former Abu Sayyaf fighters who completed the one-year DepEd-ALS program.

Myra Borja Mangkabong, the Lamitan City schools division superintendent who represented BARMM Education Minister Mohager Iqbal in the graduation program, said the former bandits were among the 512 students who completed the program in Basilan.

Collaboration for peace

“This is the first time in the history of Basilan that former bandits known for their notorious activities, decided to return to the fold of the law … and finished their secondary education,” Mangkabong told the Inquirer in an interview.

Some 214 Abu Sayyaf members have surrendered to the government since early 2016.

They later availed themselves of the Program Against Violent Extremism (PAVE), a joint initiative of the ARMM in collaboration with the Basilan local governments and security forces.

Under PAVE, the former Abu Sayyaf fighters were each given an assistance package consisting of housing, livelihood and education support [the last extending to their children].

By ensuring sufficient delivery of economic and social services, then Gov. Mujiv Hataman expected to stave off, if not defeat, the spread of extremism in Basilan.

Hataman, who is now Basilan congressman, said the accomplishments of the 49 graduates should be taken as a sign of “a better Basilan” and that the choices they made would redound to lasting peace and security in the entire province.

Mangkabong attributed the program’s success in the province to the hard work of the soldiers who also served as teachers of the 49 former Abu Sayyaf fighters.

When they started implementing ALS, many of the former bandits were not yet cleared by the military or had pending court cases.

“What the military did was to have soldiers act as teachers for them and the military camps became their schools,” Mangkabong said.

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/244772/from-clashes-to-classes-former-abu-sayyaf-bandits-earn-diplomas