U.S. pledges more help to Philippines' fight vs terrorism

From Rappler (Jul 16, 2019): U.S. pledges more help to Philippines' fight vs terrorism

Officials from both countries agree to deepen counterterrorism cooperation as the Philippines grapples with the emergence of suicide attacks

FIGHTING TERROR. The ground breaking ceremony for the rehabilitation and rebuilding of Marawi City's Most Affected Area finally pushed through on Tuesday, October 30, 2018, after several delays and rescheduling. The ceremony, attended by MAA residents, LGU, Army, and NGOs, formally signal the start of the city's rehabilitation.

The United States will “cooperate more” with the Philippines to curb terrorism and violent extremism, said officials from both countries on Tuesday, July 16, a week after the police and the military confirmed “the first suicide bombing by a Filipino” in Sulu.

Filipino and American senior diplomats at the 8th Bilateral Strategic Dialogue (BSD) held in Manila pledged "improved information sharing, and port and aviation security, in order to prevent terrorist attacks within the Philippines, and the transit of foreign terrorist fighters into and within the Philippines,” a joint statement released after the two-day meeting said.

The officials said work will also be done to detect and stop "money laundering and the financing of terrorism.”

Security and defense cooperation is a highlight of the annual BSD meetings. Philippine Defense Undersecretary for Operations Cesar Yano and US Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Randall Schriver were co-chairs of their respective delegations.

The Philippines and the US have been treaty allies since 1951, and officials at the meeting said the alliance remains “strong” even as the Philippines forges broader ties with other powerful countries such as China and Russia.

Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez emphasized intelligence sharing as one of the crucial ways the US has assisted Filipino security forces in combatting terrorists.

In the 2017 siege of Marawi City, US forces provided technical and surveillance assistance to Philippine troops battling the pro-Islamic State (ISIS) Maute group.

Romualdez said this year's BSD meeting was "very productive as working groups were able to discuss how to cooperate more now, especially with the recent bombing in [Sulu].”

Last Wednesday, July 10, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced probe results pointing to a Filipino man as one of the two suicide bombers in the June 28 attack on an army camp in Indanan, Sulu.

The findings marked an escalation in terror tactics by local extremist groups, which security officials earlier deemed incapable of suicide attacks because it was uncharacteristic of Filipinos.

The attack in Indanan followed two other alleged suicide bombings by foreigners: the vehicle explosion in Lamitan, Basilan on July 31, 2018, and the twin blasts at the Jolo Cathedral in Sulu last January 27.

The AFP and PNP suspect the ISIS-linked Sawadjaan faction of the Abu Sayyaf terror group were behind the 3 attacks.

David Stilwell, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs and co-chair of the US delegation, said in a statement, "We are committed to continuing our partnership with the Philippines to fight ISIS and other terrorist groups, as well as to counter violent extremism.”

https://www.rappler.com/nation/235582-united-states-pledges-more-help-philippine-fight-vs-terrorism

9 Abu Sayyaf fighters surrender in Sulu

From ABS-CBN (Jul 17, 2019): 9 Abu Sayyaf fighters surrender in Sulu

Nine members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) surrendered to authorities in Jolo, Sulu amid intensified combat operations against the terrorist group, the military said Tuesday.

The military said they are pursuing Abu Sayyaf fighters who are allegedly responsible in the attack in Indanan, Sulu on June 28 that left 5 dead and 22 others wounded.

Seized from the bandits were 2 M16 rifles, 5 M1 Garand rifles and 2 .45 pistols.

The military said in a statement that the Abu Sayyaf "felt tremendous hardships caused by the all out offensives of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) in Sulu."

"With the active support of the local government units and the entire Tausug community, I am confident that the problem with the ASG in Sulu will soon be over," said Brig. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of Joint Task Force Sulu.

"The growing support of the civilians to the AFP who are now tired of the atrocities committed by the ASG in their communities is a clear manifestation that misleading the Tausugs with foreign evil ideology and propaganda lies have backfired on the Daullah Islamiya and ISIS-inspired ASG," he added.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/07/17/19/9-abu-sayyaf-fighters-surrender-in-sulu

NPAs in Caraga, NorthMin continue to crumble: Army

From the Mindanao Times (Jul 17, 2019): NPAs in Caraga, NorthMin continue to crumble: Army

The 4th Infantry Division continues to make gains against the New People’s Army as it intensifies its military offensives in Northern Mindanao and Caraga.

Maj. Regie Go, the spokesperson of the 4th ID, said on July 10, a guerrilla was killed in an encounter with the troops of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion under Lt. Col. Joey Baybayan in Barangay Mabuhay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

Go said the unidentified rebel was left behind by his comrades in their haste to escape. Soldiers recovered one improvised explosives device, one backpack with personal belongings, one commercial radio, cellphone and gallons of gasoline.

On July 12, the troops of the 23rd Infantry Battalion, under Lt. Col. Francisco Molina Jr, captured an NPA hideout following a clash in Barangay Guinabsan, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

The next day, an NPA leader surrendered to the 23rd IB and pinpointed the location of three hidden high-powered firearms in Sitio Malague, Barangay Guinabsan, Agusan del Norte.

Alias Belly, vice commander of Squad 1, SPP Kingdom, assisted the troops in recovering one 5.56mm M16 rifle, two M4A1 carbine rifles, magazines, medicines, food supplies, assorted backpacks, hammocks, civilian clothing, and subversive documents.

Further, four other NPA died in a clash with the government troops in Barangay Bunawan Brook, Agusan del Sur on 2 separate encounters on July 14.

Meanwhile, troops of the 75th Infantry Battalion, under Lt. Col. Jaime Datuin, responded to the reports of NPA extortion activities, which resulted in the deaths of four NPAs and the recovery of two Norinco AK-47 rifles, two M16A1 rifles, one Cal. 45 pistol, one hand grenade, empty magazines, backpacks, and personal items.

On the other hand, Loreto Rinsulat Celosia, a former team leader of Guerrilla Front 21-A, was apprehended through a joint AFP-PNP law enforcement operation in Purok 4, Barangay Wawa, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur on July 14.

Celosia has a pending case for multiple attempted murder, attempted murder, and rape. Recovered from his possession was one .45 caliber pistol with one magazine loaded with seven rounds ammunition.

Furthermore, 70 NPA members and supporters surrendered to the 65th Infantry Battalion under Ltc. Benjamin Pajarito, on July 14 in Barangay San Rafael, Talakag, Bukidnon.

Maj. Gen. Franco Nemesio Gacal, commander of the 4th ID, said they will continue the offensives to flush out the remaining guerrillas.

“We are calling on to the NPA terrorists to surrender and return to the folds of the law and avail of the E-CLIP while you still can,”Gacal said.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2019/07/17/npas-in-caraga-northmin-continue-to-crumble-army/

Albayalde meets Tagle over insurgency issues

From the Sun Star posted to Yahoo! Philippines (Jul 16, 2019): Albayalde meets Tagle over insurgency issues



POLICE and military officials met with church leaders on Tuesday, July 16, to explore and reaffirm their collaboration, particularly on the government's anti-insurgency campaign.Philippine National

POLICE and military officials met with church leaders on Tuesday, July 16, to explore and reaffirm their collaboration, particularly on the government's anti-insurgency campaign.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Oscar Albayalde, Manila Archbishop Antonio Cardinal Tagle and other military officials discussed the prospects of pursuing localized peace talks with members of the communist New People’s Army, as the government conducts the “whole of nation” approach in order to end local communist armed conflict in various parts of the country which has been going on for 50 years.

Tagle then suggested the creation of an ecumenical fellowship among the various congregations all throughout the country.

“Any call for peace talks must come from the broad sector of society and not just a unilateral declaration from either government or underground movement,” said Albayalde.

Meantime, Albayalde raised their concern over infiltration of some church organizations by the terrorist groups.

Albayalde and Tagle, however, vowed to continue collaboration to address such issues and other matters related to the national unity and stability.

Aside from the insurgency aspect, Albayalde also sought for the assistance of the church in the ongoing internal cleansing among the ranks of the PNP.

Earlier, the PNP said its internal cleansing will be more intimate and personal, as it will cover spiritual, personal and family matters of erring policemen.

https://ph.news.yahoo.com/albayalde-meets-tagle-over-insurgency-090400256.html

TESDA sets up mechanism to attain inclusive, sustainable peace

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2019): TESDA sets up mechanism to attain inclusive, sustainable peace

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) gathered various local government units and national government agencies to discuss mechanisms on how to bring the government and the public closer together in reaching achievable goals.

“There is a need to strengthen the convergence among government agencies and stakeholders to efficiently implement government programs and services to let the people feel the government’s concern for uplifting their lives and address the problem of poverty,” said TESDA-6 regional director Gaspar S. Gayona.

Gayona is referring to Executive Order No. 70, signed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte in December 2018, that institutionalizes the whole-of-nation approach in attaining development and peace-building initiatives in conflict-affected places.

TESDA-6 regional director Gaspar S. Gyona explains during an interview with PIA personnel the objectives of the Livelihood, Poverty Reduction and Employment Cluster of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. He says the cluster aims to develop self-reliant, resilient, productive and sustainable communities through harmonized and culturally responsive development programs. (PIA Antique/TW V)

As stipulated in the Executive Order, the whole-of-nation approach addresses the root causes of insurgencies, internal disturbances and tensions, and other armed conflicts and threats by prioritizing and harmonizing the delivery of basic services and social development packages by the government; facilitating societal inclusivity; and ensuring active participation of all sectors of the society in the pursuit of the country’s peace agenda.

Gayona emphasized that the province is not a conflict-affected area but reminded to keep one’s guard up in order to maintain security, peace and order in the province.

TESDA is head of the Livelihood, Poverty Reduction and Employment Cluster of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

This cluster aims to develop self-reliant, resilient, productive and sustainable communities through harmonized and culturally responsive development programs.

“Together with various stakeholders we will ensure that the communities are provided with relevant training packages for self-employment so that the more enterprises are created in the communities, we could create economic activity,” Gayona said during the orientation on EO No. 70, here.

Gayona also requested the provincial government through vice governor Edgar Denosta to help provide one or two buses which will be used as mobile training buses to be fielded to municipalities that requested for livelihood skills training. (JBG/VWV/PIA Antique)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1024599

Ma claims body of slain 'rebel' in NegOr town

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2019): Ma claims body of slain 'rebel' in NegOr town



The body of Joseph Besano Pacheco, an alleged New People's Army member who was killed in a clash with government soldiers in Kabankalan, Negros Occidental. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)

DUMAGUETE CITY – The mother of an alleged member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) who was killed in an encounter last Saturday, July 13 between government troops and suspected rebels claimed the body on Tuesday after having positively identified it as that of her son.

A report from the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) said the mother, Julita Besano Pacheco, 53, of Barangay Buenavista in Himamaylan, Negros Occidental, appeared at the Ayungon Police Station around 10 a.m. to claim the body.

She identified her son as Joseph Besano Pacheco, 22 also of Barangay Buenavista in Himamaylan.The mother identified her son through a burn scar on the cadaver’s left arm and on the back.

The body of the alleged NPA member was buried on Sunday by the Ayungon local government unit at the town’s public cemetery, said Capt. Cenon Pancito III, chief of the Public Affairs Office of the 3rd Infantry Division.

Pacheco was killed after some 15 armed NPA members clashed with 62nd Infantry Battalion troops at the boundary of Upper Carol-an in Ayungon, Negros Oriental and Barangay Carol-an in Kabankalan, Negros Occidental.

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/1075103

NoCot guv vows support to security forces’ peace initiatives

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2019): NoCot guv vows support to security forces’ peace initiatives



PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT. North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco (center) speaks during the Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting on Monday (July 15), while Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon (left) and Department of the Interior and Local Government provincial officer Ali Abdullah (right) listen. The governor vowed to support all peace and development efforts in the province. (Photo courtesy of North Cotabato PIO)

COTABATO CITY – North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco has assured government security forces of her administration's support to various peace and development initiatives in the province.

During the first Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting that she presided Monday, Catamco said the provincial government will focus on peace programs so that it can effectively deliver services to the people.

Catamco also assured government security sectors that the capitol will actively take a lead role in the national government's peace and development programs.

The governor also expressed elation over the commitment showed by frontline agencies, the police, military, and other stakeholders in maintaining peace and order in North Cotabato.

She said the new administration will reciprocate the security sector's commitment to peace, adding: “Your attendance here is a clear manifestation that we are one in advocating peace in our beloved province."

“Your commitment in keeping your area of responsibility safe from terrorism, insurgency and man-made calamities was indeed the most serious and noble job,” she added.

Catamco, the first governor to hail from an Indigenous People community, said she will also push for diplomatic approach in conflict resolution and that the "use of force must be the last option."

She assured all local officials, partners, and other stakeholders that her administration will not only be “working behind” but instead will "work closely with everyone in all peace efforts."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075084

BARMM starts drafting new Bangsamoro local gov’t code

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2019): BARMM starts drafting new Bangsamoro local gov’t code

LOCAL CODE PREPARATION. Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Chief Minister Ahod “Murad” Ebrahim (left) listens as BARMM Ministry of the Interior and Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo (right) speaks during the opening session for the drafting of the Bangsamoro local government code in Cotabato City on Monday (July 15, 2019). (Photo courtesy of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party)

The Ministry of the Interior and Local Government in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MILG-BARMM) began drafting on Monday a priority legislation entrusted to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) -- the Bangsamoro Local Government Code.

BARMM Chief Minister Ahod “Murad” Ebrahim said the code is one of the important legislations to be passed by the BTA as it will clearly define the relationship between the local government units and the Bangsamoro government.

"The only way to realize the aspiration of the decades-struggle of the Bangsamoro people is to be able to achieve the changes we want in the governance," Ebrahim said in his statement, during the opening program at EM Manor hotel here.

MILG–BARMM Minister Naguib Sinarimbo said the code -- expected to be enacted in 2022 -- will also outline and define the mandate of the Bangsamoro government in its relation with the different local government units.

"Let us attempt to create a system that will allow us, for the first time, not just in the region but in the country to integrate service delivery and programming to the different LGUs," he said.

Ebrahim also recognized the importance of LGUs as they are the "real face of governance", to which constituents can easily relay their concerns.

The chief minister has already issued a memorandum directing BARMM agencies to align their plans, projects, and programs to the 12-point agenda of the Bangsamoro government.

The 12-point agenda of the BARMM published by the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority are the enactment of priority bills; integration of development plans; establishment of appropriate bureaucracy; continuity of existing government services; special programs for transitioning combatants; support for the on-going Marawi rehabilitation; development of enabling policy environment; activation of job-generating industries; enhancement of security; maximizing synergistic partnerships; ensure environmental compliance; and exploration of the Bangsamoro economic potentials.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075074

Salugpungan granted 5-day extension on show cause order

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2019): Salugpungan granted 5-day extension on show cause order

DepEd-11 spokesperson Jenielito Atillo said Salugpungan Ta'tanu Igkanugon Community Learning Center Inc. has been granted a five-day extension for the group to answer its alleged links with the communist rebel movement. (PNA File Photo)

The Department of Education-Region 11 (DepEd-11) said the show cause order on Salugpungan Ta'tanu Igkanugon Community Learning Center Inc. (Salugpungan) has been extended for another five days.

In a text message Monday afternoon, DepEd-11 spokesperson Jenielito Atillo said the extension, from July 17 to July 22, was granted on the request of Maria Eugenia Nolasco, Salugpungan executive director.

Atillo said the non-extendable extension granted by DepEd-11 Director Evelyn Fetalvero meant that Nolasco has enough time to answer the allegation made by National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon about Salungpungan's supposed ties with the communist rebel movement.

Esperon, who also chairs the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, alleged that the Salugpungan tribal school system promotes the New People's Army's (NPA) communist ideology that espouses the violent overthrow of the government; trains its students to hold mass actions against the government; and uses curriculums not in accordance with the DepEd guidelines.

DepEd issued the show cause order on July 12, when it suspended its 55 schools in Davao Region following Esperon's allegations.

According to Atillo, Esperon's allegations are backed by the testimonies of a former teacher of a Salugpungan school who has since left the organization.

“The basis of Secretary Esperon is the affidavit executed by Melvin Loyod who is a former student of a certain Salugpungan school and eventually became a volunteer teacher in a Salugpungan school in Sitio Pongpong, Barangay Sto. Niño Talaingod Davao del Norte,” Atillo said.

In his affidavit executed on Dec. 6, 2018, Loyod claimed that Salugpungan learners were taught with rebellion tactics against the government. The military also claimed that the schools are training grounds for NPA recruitment, where students are trained in guerilla warfare.

Loyod claimed that the students are taught NPA literature, made to sing songs praising the communist rebellion, and made to act in plays depicting alleged military abuses on the Indigenous Peoples (IPs).

Antonio Ortiz, DepEd-11 legal counsel, said Monday the agency will be compelled to decide on the issue if Salugpungan cannot submit their answer on time.

"If they cannot answer after the given time or cannot submit their explanation, DepEd will decide the matter on the basis of available evidence,” Ortiz stressed.

Ortiz said that since the case against Salugpungan is administrative in nature, the DepEd-11 director "is given by law a wide discretion to decide."

Atillo said Salugpungan can always appeal any decision by DepEd-11 to Education Secretary Leonor Briones.




https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075037

PRRD leads turnover of houses for ex-rebels

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2019): PRRD leads turnover of houses for ex-rebels



TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte -- President Rodrigo Duterte led the awarding of housing units for former communist rebels and the demilitarization of firearms Tuesday evening here.

The housing project inside the Freedom Residences subdivision benefited 375 families of former New People's Army (NPA) and paramilitary group Militia ng Bayan members.
In his speech, President Duterte said government resources that have been spent in the 53-year-old war with the NPA have already amounted to billions of pesos.

The President reiterated that the problem of insurgency often stems from the inability of the government to provide basic services for the people, especially in far-flung areas.

“I am glad to welcome these former rebels as they commence their reintegration to the society,” Duterte said.

The President also assured the former rebels of the government's commitment to take concrete measures in addressing their needs, including financial assistance, firearms remuneration, and housing units.

“I hope that today’s event will continue to encourage the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, the Task Force Balik-Loob, and their local counterparts to work doubly hard in addressing the problems of insurgency so that our people can enjoy safer and more secure [communities],” he said.

In the newly-built housing village for former rebels here, Duterte promised to build schools to provide better education for the beneficiaries' children.

“Mag-aral kayong mabuti hangga’t ako pa ang Presidente (Do study well while I'm still President) and participate in skills training,” he added.

Implemented under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), the housing project is an enhanced row-house with loft with a total land area of three hectares that was formerly intended for military and police personnel.

The project became a reality when the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) beneficiaries waived their rights in favor of the former rebels last year.

According to the National Housing Authority (NHA), each of the housing unit costs PHP450,000. Former rebels with existing houses, meanwhile, may also avail of assistance worth PHP100,000 under the E-CLIP.

To date, 60 housing units have been completed and ready for occupancy for the former rebels from Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley Province, and Davao del Norte.

“As we come together and conduct the first demilitarization of surrendered firearms as part of the E-CLIP, let us take this occasion as a significant step towards ending unlawful violence and strengthening our commitment in implementing progressive reforms,” Duterte said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075150

Suspected 'Reds' strafe CAA detachment in Cagayan

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2019): Suspected 'Reds' strafe CAA detachment in Cagayan



At least five heavily armed, suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, strafed the detachment of the Army-led Civilian Active Auxiliary (CAA) detachment in far-flung Barangay Balanni in Sto. Niño, Cagayan on Monday night.

Army Lt. Colonel Jesus Pagala, 17th Infantry Battalion commanding officer, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in a phone interview on Tuesday that the incident happened at around 9 p.m., wherein the armed men fired their M-16 Armalite rifles at the detachment, which houses the soldiers and volunteers.

He said “the Army soldiers and volunteers were able to repel the attack”.

The government troops found spent M-16 Armalite rifle bullets at the site but have yet to fully account for the number.

Pagala said there was no casualty on the part of the soldiers and civilian volunteers in the strafing as they fired back at the rebels, who reportedly retreated at once.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075070

Duterte declares Feb. 4 as PH-US War Memorial Day

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2019): Duterte declares Feb. 4 as PH-US War Memorial Day

President Rodrigo R. Duterte
President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law an act declaring February 4 of every year as a special working holiday known as “Philippine-American War Memorial Day.”

Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11304 on April 17, 2019 but a copy of the document was given to reporters on Tuesday.

The special working holiday will be held "in commemoration of the sacrifice and bravery of the men and women who fought and died in defense of the Filipino nation during the Philippine-American war."

The Philippine-American war, which broke out on the evening of February 4, 1899 at Manila's San Juan del Monte bridge left 2,000 Filipinos either dead or wounded.

Under the law, the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) must ensure that appropriate activities are held in schools at all levels to commemorate the Philippine-American War Memorial Day.

Meanwhile, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) shall be responsible for providing the DepEd, CHED, and the general public with the necessary information to ensure a meaningful commemoration of the Philippine-American War Memorial Day.

Within 90 days from the approval of this act, the NHCP, in consultation with the DepEd and the CHED, formulate the rules and regulations implementing the provisions of this act.

The act will take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075146

2 more Leyte LGUs declare NPA ‘persona non-grata’

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2019): 2 more Leyte LGUs declare NPA ‘persona non-grata’



DENOUNCING TERROR. Some of the 20 supporters of the New People's Army in Burauen, Leyte, who surrendered to the Philippine Army, sign a document denouncing the terrorist group on June 28, 2019. They also took an oath that they will no longer support the rebels by any means. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army 78IB)

Two more local government units in Leyte Island have declared the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, New People’s Army (NPA), “persona non-grata” for derailing development efforts in their communities.

Joining the list of areas formally denouncing the communist rebels are the towns of Hindang, Leyte and Sogod, Southern Leyte. These towns issued a resolution during their respective municipal peace and order council meetings on July 11, according to the Philippine Army 78th Infantry Battalion (78IB).

The Army said these two towns and other areas in the southern part of Leyte Island have been closely watched by soldiers as armed rebels attempt to move in closer to Southern Leyte after they were “pressured by military operations” in Leyte province.

“Declaring rebels as persona non-grata signifies the continuing support of our local government units in the endeavors of the Philippine Army towards the sustainment of the stable internal peace and security condition in the area,” Army 78IB commander Lt. Col. Roberto Obaob said in a statement issued Tuesday.

From January to June 2019, at least 13 areas in the Eastern Visayas region, including villages, have denounced the terrorist group through a resolution signed by local chief executives.

In Northern Samar, these towns are San Antonio, San Vicente, and Lope de Vega. Curry village in Lope de Vega and Roxas village in Las Navas town also issued the same declaration.

Leyte province has the most towns that declared the insurgents “persona non-grata”. These are Baybay City, Burauen, Leyte, Inopacan, Hilongos, and Mahaplag.

Other areas that rejected the communist rebels are Maasin City in Southern Leyte and Matuguinao in Samar.

The CPP-NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, 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/1075048

33 ex-NPA rebels in SoCot get financial aid

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2019): 33 ex-NPA rebels in SoCot get financial aid



FINANCIAL AID. South Cotabato Governor Reyanaldo Tamayo Jr. (left) hands over a check to one of the recipients of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP in a ceremony at the provincial capitol on Tuesday (July 16, 2019). Some 33 former rebels from different parts of South Cotabato province received a total of PHP1.97 million worth of financial assistance under the reintegration program. (PNA photo by Allen V. Estabillo)

Some 33 former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels from the different parts of South Cotabato province received around PHP1.97 million worth of financial assistance from the government’s reintegration program on Tuesday.

Haide Agustin, head of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), said the recipients comprised the latest batch of former rebels, who qualified for the financial grants under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

The assistance was released during a simple awarding ceremony held at the South Cotabato Sangguniang Panlalawigan session hall in Koronadal City.

Agustin said 21 of the former rebels received PHP15,000 each from the provincial government.

She said the recipients were former NPA cadres, who surrendered from 2008 to 2011 and were not included in the social integration program and E-CLIP, as well as its forerunner, the CLIP, which only started in 2014.

The 12 other recipients, who surrendered from 2017 to 2018, were given PHP50,000 as livelihood assistance, PHP21,000 reintegration assistance and PHP15,000 as immediate assistance from the national government, through the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Agustin said.

She said they also received remuneration for surrendered firearms ranging from PHP30,000 to PHP472,000.

“These were part of the comprehensive assistance packages they are entitled to under the E-CLIP,” she said.

Agustin said they will also receive housing assistance, skills trainings, and other social interventions.

The former rebels, mostly from the Tboli and Blaan tribes, came from Koronadal City and the municipalities of Lake Sebu, Banga, and Tboli.

They were previously under the NPA’s Front 23, which operates in parts of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani provinces.

South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. assured the returnees that the local government will provide them with other necessary assistance, including free hospitalization and educational assistance for their dependents.

He said they will also monitor them to ensure that their chosen livelihood projects will be sustained and prosper.

“Rest assured we are doing everything to provide the best services to our people and address various problems at the community level.

Lt. Col. Jones Otida, commanding officer of the Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion, said the release of the financial assistance shows that the government is committed to assist the rebel returnees.

He expressed hope that more NPA rebels in the area will also surrender in the coming months.

“There’s no more reason for them (NPAs) to take up arms since the government is already addressing their needs and giving them all the chances,” Otida said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075075

ASG leader killed, 2 nabbed in Basilan law enforcement op

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2019): ASG leader killed, 2 nabbed in Basilan law enforcement op



Google map of Lantawan town, Basilan province.

A leader of the Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) died while two others were arrested during a law enforcement operation in Basilan province, a top military official said Tuesday.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, identified the slain ASG leader as Arod Wahing, a mid-level commander under the group of Radulan Sahiron, the most senior leader of the Sulu-based bandit group.

Sobejana said Wahing was killed when he "resisted" the arresting team during the serving of an arrest warrant at around 3:25 a.m. Monday in Barangay Parian-Baunoh, Lantawan, Basilan.

Sobejana said Wahing pulled his .45-caliber pistol upon seeing the military and police team, prompting the government forces to open fire.

He said the troops recovered from Wahing's possession a .45-caliber pistol loaded with seven rounds of ammunition.

Police said Wahing had a standing warrant of arrest for murder issued by a court in Jolo, Sulu, and is listed as number 113 on the National Periodic Status Report of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Authorities also arrested two persons who were at Wahing's hideout during the raid. They were identified as Nasser Jumadil, a resident of Jolo, and Jerry Ahang, a member of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) of Parian-Baunoh, Lantawan.

Sobejana said the raiding team also recovered a .30 caliber M1 Garand rifle and one fragmentation grenade.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075069

Keep hands off tribal schools, 10ID chief tells NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2019): Keep hands off tribal schools, 10ID chief tells NPA



SALUGPONGAN ISSUE. Maj. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr., commander of the Army's 10th Infantry Division, expresses his support for the Department of Eduction (DepEd) decision to suspend the permit of 55 Salugpongan schools in Davao Region in an interview with reporters on Monday in Tagum City. (Photo by Che Palicte)

The chief of the Army's 10th Infantry Division (10ID) has called on the New People's Army (NPA) to stop using the Indigenous Peoples (IPs), particularly tribal schools, in its "ongoing armed rebellion."

Maj. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr. issued the call Monday following the Department of Education's (DepEd) suspension order against the 55 schools managed by Salugpungan Ta'tanu Igkanugon Community Learning Center Inc. (Salugpungan) for alleged links with the communist rebel movement.

Faustino, who spoke to reporters after the signing of the creation of Task Force Davao del Norte and the launching of the Provincial Peace Framework here, said the 10ID "stands with the peace-loving IPs who only wanted their children to have brighter future and being taught with proper and quality education."

“We will continue to coordinate and provide necessary security assistance to our partner agencies in the government so it will continue to serve our people,” he added.

The 10ID said education remains vital for the success of the youth, especially for children in poor, far-flung areas.

“But what if our educational system is tainted by deceitful individuals who just want to push their own agenda of toppling down the government? What will this make our country in the future?” Faustino said.

He was referring to Salugpungan schools that have been accused by National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon of having ties with the NPA.

Esperon, who also chairs the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, alleged that the Salugpungan tribal school system promotes the NPA's goal to overthrow the government by violent means; trains its students to hold mass actions against the government; and uses curriculums not in accordance with the DepEd guidelines.

Meanwhile, the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) also expressed its support to DepEd's decision to suspend the 55 Salungpungan-managed schools.

Lt. Col Ezra Balagtey, Eastmincom spokesperson, said DepEd was within its mandate to ensure that schools "teach the right and proper education."

“The revelations of the IPs proved that Salugpungan schools are used to teach them to hate the government,” Balagtey said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075039

PNP slams US-based group's 'research' on PH

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2019): PNP slams US-based group's 'research' on PH



Philippine National Police chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde (PNA file photo)

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde on Monday slammed the United States-based research and analysis group that said the Philippines ranked fourth on the list of countries where violence against civilians is leading to rising casualty figures.

“I think that is unfounded. That cannot be covered by data. I don't know how they were able to say that through what's their basis of saying that. I really do not know kung ano ang basehan nila,” Albayalde told reporters during Monday’s press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (Acled) said the Philippines ranked fourth on the list of countries most dangerous for civilians, largely because of President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs - which it said accounted for at least three-fourths of all civilian killings it monitored.

Albayalde challenged the group behind the analysis on the basis of the report, and said it is being misled by those feeding them erroneous information on the drugs campaign.

“I challenged these people na kung sino mga nagsasalita they probably based 'yung mga sinasabi nila base lang doon sa naninira lang din na unfortunately na kapwa rin natin Filipino ang naninira sa ating bansa, kaya nagkakaroon ng maling interpretation at paniniwala sa ating bansa (This group probably based their report only from erroneous information fed to them by fellow Filipinos whose goal is to malign the country),” he said.

"Ito ang nakakapagbigay ng maling impression sa ating bansa (this gives these people a wrong impression about our country) that's why we challenge these people to come here and live here and see for themselves how peaceful the Philippines is,” Albayalde said.

He cited a survey conducted by the 2019 HSBC Expat’s annual survey that ranked the Philippines as the 24th best place to live and work in the world.

“This only shows that the continuing peace and order campaign of the government significantly contributed in creating a secure environment where our fellowmen and even foreign tourists feel safe to work, live, and do business in our country,” Albayalde said.

Albayalde also said from January to May of this year, a total of 3,489,270 tourists visited the Philippines, marking a 9.76 percent increase from last year’s figure.

“All these surveys and data indicate a positive outlook of our peace and order situation and an affirmation of our accomplishments in the campaign against criminality, illegal drugs, and corruption,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074959

US banks on PH to ensure COC in SCS consistent with int'l law

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2019): US banks on PH to ensure COC in SCS consistent with int'l law



State Department Assistant Secretary David Stilwell during the opening of the US-Philippines Bilateral Strategic Dialogue in Manila. (Photo courtesy of State Department-Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs)

The United States government is banking on the Philippines as a claimant state in the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea to ensure that the conclusion of a Code of Conduct in the contested waters would be consistent with international law.

"As a claimant state in the South China Sea, the Philippines is well-positioned to ensure that the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) code of conduct text is fully consistent with international law, protecting the freedom of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the sea for all countries, as well as the rights of claimant states to pursue security and development arrangements with partners of their choosing," State Department Assistant Secretary David Stilwell said Tuesday in a statement on the conclusion of the US-Philippines Eight Bilateral Strategic Review in Manila.

China, Taiwan and some ASEAN member-states including the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Vietnam, have respective their claims in the South China Sea.

For more than a decade, China and the ASEAN committed to working toward the early adoption of the COC but it was only during the 20th ASEAN-China Summit in the Philippines in November 2017 that development on the document began to move forward.

To date, Beijing and the 10-member states of the bloc are holding a series of negotiations to finish a mutually agreed edict.

The US, a non-claimant state to the South China Sea, on the other hand, wants an effective and substantive COC that would not prejudice the rights under international law of both claimant states and non-claimant states.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075088

US reaffirms attack vs. PH to trigger defense pact

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2019): US reaffirms attack vs. PH to trigger defense pact



While the United States and the Philippine government did not discuss the calls for a Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) review during a dialogue in Manila, Washington on Monday reaffirmed that any armed attack against the Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the South China Sea will trigger Article IV of the defense pact.

This assurance was given during the Eight Bilateral Strategic Dialogue between the two nations in Manila, where officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs met with a delegation from the State Department led by Assistant Secretary David Stilwell.

"They recalled Secretary [Mike] Pompeo’s statements on the 1951 MDT during his March 2019 visit to Manila, particularly the clarification that the South China Sea (SCS) is in the Pacific, and that any armed attack on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the SCS will trigger Article IV of the Mutual Defense Treaty," the two sides said in a joint statement.

"Noting this, senior officials discussed a wide variety of issues of mutual interest and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the alliance and expanding areas of cooperation," it said.

On whether Washington gave any commitment to the defense of the West Philippine Sea, Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez said the two sides only agreed to strengthen their cooperation.

"The only thing we have is that we will continue to cooperate, we will continue the EDCA (Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement), we will try to strengthen that and make it work for our mutual benefit," he said in an ambush interview.

On the MDT, Romualdez said, "there was no talk about (the) review."

He, however, said the nations pledged to enhance their already robust defense cooperation, including by improving defense infrastructure, updating personnel and logistics procedures, and increasing mutual communication and coordination on operational elements of regional security.

In this context, both sides committed to begin planning on a range of activities to improve maritime domain awareness, he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075106

US supports PH's P9-T infra program

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2019): US supports PH's P9-T infra program



US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim

The United States government supports the Philippines' multi-billion dollar infrastructure program, Ambassador Sung Kim said Tuesday following the recently concluded 8th Bilateral Strategic Dialogue between the two states in Manila.

The initiative that has around USD180 billion (PHP9 trillion) in the budget over the next five years, targets to roll out road construction projects, irrigation systems, and energy and flood control facilities.

"We understand and applaud the Philippine government focus on infrastructure development and we support that primarily," Kim told reporters during a press conference in Makati City.

"Some US companies are already involved. And as you know US companies have great expertise on major infrastructure projects. I think they can bring a lot to the initiatives under consideration," he added.

In a press statement, State Department Assistant Secretary David Stilwell also said Washington is looking forward to bolstering the economic relations of the two states.

"We welcome progress on legislation which could provide more opportunities for US companies, especially in infrastructure, as part of the 'Build, Build, Build' program. We look forward to building on strong momentum in areas such as energy, trade, intellectual property, and science and technology," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075115

4 NPAs killed in Agusan Sur skirmishes

From MindaNews (Jul 16, 2019): 4 NPAs killed in Agusan Sur skirmishes

Government troops killed four members of the New People’s Army following a series of skirmishes in Agusan del Sur over the weekend.

Col. Allan Hambala, commander of the Army’s 401st Infantry Brigade, said their troops caught the rebels foraging for food in Barangay Brook, Bunawan town in Agusan del Sur.

Hambala said the first clash occurred last Saturday and followed by another skirmish last Sunday.

He said they recovered four assault rifles (AK47 and M16) and hundreds of rounds of ammunition from the rebels.

Hambala said there were no casualties on their side.

He credited the success of their operations to the program dubbed Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) that was designed to isolate the rebels from tribal communities.

“Without the efforts of the residents themselves in giving us timely and accurate information, we would not have pinpointed the exact location of the rebels,” Hambala said.

He said it was the villagers who tipped soldiers of the rebels’ location.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana introduced ECLIP, the new counter-insurgency program to replace the old campaign strategies in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The new campaign aims to isolate the rebels from the communities by enticing their sympathizers or their mass base to surrender or go back to the fold of government.

ECLIP centralized all government agencies to provide benefits for “the reintegration of the tribal communities.”

It offers cash benefits ranging from P25,000 to P80,000 implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) or agencies like PhilHealth.

Col. Eugene Osias, of the AFP Eastern Command, said a total of 2,699 NPA supporters have already availed the program and have disavowed the rebels since January this year.

Osias said because of this, the rebels lost several of their sanctuaries or villages who were sympathetic to them.

“Their guerilla forces have lost the initiative in the battlefield,” he said.

Maj. Gen. Nemesio Gacal, chief of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, said the target of the program are the mass bases of the NPA that have provided them support for a long time.

“The NPA can replace their armed regulars anytime but their mass supporters are irreplaceable,” he pointed out.

The New People’s Army in Mindanao has (disputed) the military’s claims.

Dereka Magtanggol, spokesperson of the NPA in North Central Mindanao, said Lorenzana’s and the military’s claims that 11,000 NPA rebels have surrendered are a farce.

Magtanggol said those who surrendered are actually civilians forced by the AFP without evidence to present themselves as “rebels” and to “surrender” under pain of constant harassment and threat

“We have documented cases of military forcing residents to surrender in Bukidnon and Davao Oriental, “ Magtanggol said.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/07/4-npas-killed-in-agusan-sur-skirmishes/

Military encourages Muslim youth to help gov’t in thwarting extremism, terrorism

From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 16, 2019): Military encourages Muslim youth to help gov’t in thwarting extremism, terrorism

The military highlighted the role of the youth in preventing and countering violent extremism as they are deemed the most vulnerable targets of extremist groups.



Actor and Army reservist Probationary 2nd Lieutenant Matteo Guidicelli (PHOTO COURTESY OF PHILIPPINE ARMY PAO / MANILA BULLETIN)

Lieutenant General Macairog Alberto, commanding general of the Philippine Army (PA), spearheaded a youth forum at the Notre Dame of Jolo College in Jolo, Sulu Monday which centered on the young generation’s role in preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE).

Captain Sherhannah Paiso, Philippine Military Academy (PMA) chief of education branch and a PCVE expert, said the young ones were usually the ones falling prey into becoming violent extremists.

“The youth are very emotional since they are not yet equipped with critical thinking skills. If they talk to someone who is manipulative and who tend to manipulate the verses of the Quran in their own advantage, then they might be believing that,” Paiso said.

She said PCVE “is all about prevention by recognizing the signs, particularly the push and pull factors of someone becoming a violent extremist.”

“Discrimination and lack of economic opportunity are just some of the push factors, while the pull factors come from these threat groups who try to entice the youth especially those under the poverty line by giving them money, firearms and false promises,” she noted.

Alberto said educating the youth on the dangers of joining threat groups will help the government in thwarting extremism and terrorism in the country.

“Our intention is to stop terrorism, to stop the recruitment of our youth to join these terrorist groups and hope we will have a successful effort and we will have a good future,” the Army Chief stated.

“If we get the youth to denounce terrorism, we may put an end to terrorism,” he added.

Meanwhile, Probationary 2nd Lieutenant Matteo Guidicelli also attended the forum and emphasized the Muslim’s youth as one of the country’s foundations in advancing the nation’s peace and development processes through PCVE.

Guidicelli said he wanted to erase the stigma against Muslim youths.

“We hold a very,very strong part in our country and we can create a big change in the future. I want to show them how big of hearts you guys have,” Guidicelli told the Muslim youths.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/07/16/military-encourages-muslim-youth-to-help-govt-in-thwarting-extremism-terrorism/

Philippines, US to step up war on terror amid suicide attacks

From the Straits Times (Jul 16, 2019): Philippines, US to step up war on terror amid suicide attacks

The US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim (right) with the Philippines Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez after a joint press conference at a hotel in Manila on July 16, 2019.PHOTO: AFP

The Philippines and the United States have agreed to step up efforts to fight violent extremism in the South-east Asian nation following the first suicide attack carried out by a Filipino militant in June.

"We know danger still exists in parts of the country. This is why counter-terrorism has been such a key element of our bilateral cooperation," US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim told reporters shortly after two days of bilateral talks between Manila and Washington ended on Tuesday (July 16).

His counterpart, Mr Jose Manuel Romualdez, said in the same news briefing that the talks were "clearly very productive in the sense that we were able to discuss how we can cooperate even more, especially with what happened with the recent bombing in Jolo".

Security officials confirmed last week the first-ever case of a suicide attack carried out by a Filipino, in what they said marked an escalation in the deadly tactics used by militants linked to the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

Norman Lasuca, 23, who ran away from home four years ago because of the beatings he received from his father and later joined the Abu Sayyaf extremist group, set off on June 28 one of two bombs that exploded inside a temporary camp of a special army counter-terrorism unit in Indanan town, on Jolo island, 1,000km south of the capital Manila.

Three soldiers who were manning the camp's gate were killed, along with three civilians who were nearby.

Lasuca and another attacker had explosives strapped around their torsos. Both died.

ISIS later claimed responsibility for the attack, although security officials insisted the group had nothing to do with it.

Security officials and analysts said the attack was a "game changer".



There have been two other instances of suicide bombings in the Philippines since last year. But both involved militants from abroad.

Mr Rommel Banlaoi, head of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research, said a new crop of younger, more ideologically-driven militants is emerging.

"These are millennials. They are influenced by a lot of indoctrination via social media. Their level of frustration is much higher compared to the old ones'," he said.

Over 200 US troops are in the southern Philippines, as part of a counter-terrorism campaign that began in 2002, and restarted in 2017.

US Marine commandos were in Marawi in 2017 helping Philippine troops eject militants that had seized half the city for five months.

They helped break the siege by training Philippine snipers and flying drones to gather intelligence.

Now, Marine Special Operations units work quietly alongside Philippine troops spread throughout the country's southern isles on civil works projects such as building water pumps.

These efforts are part of a three-year programme started by the US State Department to help grassroots officials in the Philippines pick out and fix problems that could stoke extremism among Muslims.

Mr Kim said the US would continue to look for more ways to help the Philippines defeat militants still fighting in the war-torn southern island of Mindanao.

The Philippine side said in a statement that counter-terrorism efforts would include "improved information sharing" to stem the movement of militants across the region and curb financing for them.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin said in a tweet that he told US Assistant Secretary of State David Stilwell, who headed the American side in the talks, that if the US would sell over 70,000 new assault rifles to the Philippines, "Duterte will finish all security threats to our democracy".

https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/philippines-us-to-step-up-war-on-terror-amid-suicide-attacks

PH, U.S. ‘to cooperate even more’ after first Filipino suicide bombing

From CNN Philippines (Jul 16, 2019): PH, U.S. ‘to cooperate even more’ after first Filipino suicide bombing



The military has identified Norman Lasuca, a Filipino in his early 20s and a supposed member of the Abu Sayyaf group, as one of two suspected suicide bombers. (FILE PHOTO)

The Philippines and U.S. have agreed to strengthen security cooperation after the suicide bombing at a military camp in Sulu last June, which the Armed Forces believes was the first suicide attack carried out by a Filipino.

Officials from the two countries discussed the incident during the recently concluded Bilateral Strategic Dialogue in Manila. The two-day dialogue involved senior government officials talking about cooperation in the areas of defense, economics, rule of law, and diplomacy.

"The working groups were able to discuss how we can cooperate even more now especially with what happened in the recent bombing," Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez said Tuesday in a joint media briefing with his counterpart, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim.

"Both the U.S. and the Philippines are quite concerned about extremist activities in the Philippines," Kim said, adding that both countries are looking for ways to increase anti-terrorism efforts.

Violent extremism is considered among the shared concerns in the Philippines-U.S. alliance, Romualdez said, including addressing the presence of foreign fighters, countering transnational crimes, defense modernization, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response. He said the two countries will continue to cooperate "especially in the intelligence sharing aspect."

Authorities said there are a number of foreign terrorists being harbored by the Sulu faction of the Abu Sayyaf group led by Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, the supposed acting leader of international terrorist network ISIS in the Philippines. Some of them are in the country to encourage locals to conduct suicide attacks, something Filipino terrorists do not usually do.

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered security forces "to enhance the technology in surveillance and intelligence work" after the June 28 twin blasts at a military camp in Indanan, Sulu. The military has identified Norman Lasuca, a Filipino in his early 20s and a supposed member of the Abu Sayyaf group, as one of two suspected suicide bombers. The attack killed three soldiers and three civilians, while two bodies of the alleged suicide bombers were found.

Mindanao has been under martial law since May 23, 2017, the day local and international terrorists attacked Marawi City, sparking a five-month war with government forces. Military rule stays until yearend as Duterte argued it is needed to secure the island region against terrorists and rebels.

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2019/7/16/PH,-U.S.-%E2%80%98to-cooperate-even-more%E2%80%99-after-first-Filipino-suicide-bombing-.html

ASG leader killed, 2 nabbed in Basilan law enforcement op

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2019): ASG leader killed, 2 nabbed in Basilan law enforcement op



Google map of Lantawan town, Basilan province.

A leader of the Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) died while two others were arrested during a law enforcement operation in Basilan province, a top military official said Tuesday.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, identified the slain ASG leader as Arod Wahing, a mid-level commander under the group of Radulan Sahiron, the most senior leader of the Sulu-based bandit group.

Sobejana said Wahing was killed when he "resisted" the arresting team during the serving of an arrest warrant at around 3:25 a.m. Monday in Barangay Parian-Baunoh, Lantawan, Basilan.

Sobejana said Wahing pulled his .45-caliber pistol upon seeing the military and police team, prompting the government forces to open fire.

He said the troops recovered from Wahing's possession a .45-caliber pistol loaded with seven rounds of ammunition.

Police said Wahing had a standing warrant of arrest for murder issued by a court in Jolo, Sulu, and is listed as number 113 on the National Periodic Status Report of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Authorities also arrested two persons who were at Wahing's hideout during the raid. They were identified as Nasser Jumadil, a resident of Jolo, and Jerry Ahang, a member of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) of Parian-Baunoh, Lantawan.

Sobejana said the raiding team also recovered a .30 caliber M1 Garand rifle and one fragmentation grenade.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075069

200 Basilan teachers skip classes due to kidnapping fears

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 16, 2019): 200 Basilan teachers skip classes due to kidnapping fears

Fears of kidnapping and harassment prevented some 200 elementary and high school teachers from reporting for work in Sumisip, Basilan on Tuesday, July 16.

Nuriya Jamaldin, assistant schools division superintendent of the Department of Education (DepEd) in Basilan, said the fears were brought about by text messages urging the teachers not to report to their schools for a week.

“I was surprised to discover that only a handful of teachers reported. Even students failed to report to school,” Jamaldin said.

Surprised by the situation, Jamaldin asked Soaira Abdulah, DepEd’s Sumisip town supervisor, to explain what happened, only to be told about the text message from an unknown sender telling them not to go to school.

Sumisip Mayor Adnan Hataman was furious that classes had to be suspended just because of a text scare.

Hataman narrated that the teachers claimed the text message came from Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Radzmil Janatul.

“But when I asked them if they know Radzmil, no one can say for certain that they know this Radzmil,” said Hataman.

“They declared a suspension of classes without informing us. Had they informed us, we can verify it (text message) and we can convene the military and police on how to go about their security,” Hataman noted.

“They just decided on their own,” he added.

Brigadier General Fernando Reyeg, commander of Joint Task Force Basilan, said the fears may have been anchored on Sunday’s attack.

On Sunday, July 14, around 8:30 a.m., suspected Abu Sayyaf fighters led by Pasil Bayalia attacked a detachment in Barangay Central Sumisip.

Police Colonel Rufino Inot, Basilan provincial police chief, said one government militia identified as Norman Aramal, 46, died in the attack.

Four others were wounded: Ernesto Acalul, 50, a teacher; Nursali Asakali, 32; and minors Sheila Mae Baakal, 12, and her younger brother Alwari.

Classes have been suspended because of the teachers’ absence but Jamaldin wanted them to explain their actions in writing.

“They should follow protocols, they should have coordinated with the local authorities, the police and military,” Jamaldin said.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1142417/200-basilan-teachers-skip-classes-due-to-kidnapping-fears

2 more Leyte LGUs declare NPA ‘persona non-grata’

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2019): 2 more Leyte LGUs declare NPA ‘persona non-grata’

DENOUNCING TERROR. Some of the 20 supporters of the New People's Army in Burauen, Leyte, who surrendered to the Philippine Army, sign a document denouncing the terrorist group on June 28, 2019. They also took an oath that they will no longer support the rebels by any means. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army 78IB)

Two more local government units in Leyte Island have declared the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, New People’s Army (NPA), “persona non-grata” for derailing development efforts in their communities.

Joining the list of areas formally denouncing the communist rebels are the towns of Hindang, Leyte and Sogod, Southern Leyte. These towns issued a resolution during their respective municipal peace and order council meetings on July 11, according to the Philippine Army 78th Infantry Battalion (78IB).

The Army said these two towns and other areas in the southern part of Leyte Island have been closely watched by soldiers as armed rebels attempt to move in closer to Southern Leyte after they were “pressured by military operations” in Leyte province.

“Declaring rebels as persona non-grata signifies the continuing support of our local government units in the endeavors of the Philippine Army towards the sustainment of the stable internal peace and security condition in the area,” Army 78IB commander Lt. Col. Roberto Obaob said in a statement issued Tuesday.

From January to June 2019, at least 13 areas in the Eastern Visayas region, including villages, have denounced the terrorist group through a resolution signed by local chief executives.

In Northern Samar, these towns are San Antonio, San Vicente, and Lope de Vega. Curry village in Lope de Vega and Roxas village in Las Navas town also issued the same declaration.

Leyte province has the most towns that declared the insurgents “persona non-grata”. These are Baybay City, Burauen, Leyte, Inopacan, Hilongos, and Mahaplag.

Other areas that rejected the communist rebels are Maasin City in Southern Leyte and Matuguinao in Samar.

The CPP-NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, 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/1075048

Ex-military exec joins Bangsamoro cabinet

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 16, 2019): Ex-military exec joins Bangsamoro cabinet

COTABATO CITY –– A veteran of the Moro rebellion in Mindanao has been appointed minister at the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the first and only Christian former military official to hold a top position in the newly created political entity.

Retired Army Colonel Dickson Hermoso, former spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division (ID), was installed BARMM Minister for Transportation and Communications effective July 15.

BARMM interim Chief Minister Murad Ebrahim signed the appointment of Hermoso, who is currently an assistant secretary at the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process.
“(My appointment is) true to what is the essence of the Bangsamoro—that it is a convergence of Moro, Christian, and IP (indigenous peoples) communities,” he told the Inquirer on Tuesday.

After almost three decades, Hermoso retired from military service in 2016 as inspector general of the 6th ID, fighting the war against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) forces in Central Mindanao.

The government and the MILF, chaired by Ebrahim, signed the final Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) in 2014 after four decades of conflict that killed over 120,000 persons, including civilians.

The CAB’s key component is the creation of a new Bangsamoro region, now known as BARMM.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1142237/ex-military-exec-joins-bangsamoro-cabinet

Sayyaf commander linked to Germans, Dutch kidnappings slain in South

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Jul 16, 2019): Sayyaf commander linked to Germans, Dutch kidnappings slain in South

Security forces shot dead an Abu Sayyaf sub-leader linked to the kidnapping of a German couple and a Dutch wildlife photographer in the Philippines.

Arod Wahing, who had escaped military campaign in the southern Sulu province, was killed Monday in his hideout in the village of Parian-Baunoh in Basilan’s Lantawan town where soldiers and police commandos tracked him down.

Two other cohorts were also captured by security forces and being interrogated by the army. Several weapons had been seized by troops from Wahing’s hideout.

Wahing, a henchman of Abu Sayyaf leader Radulan Sahiron, was killed after he tried to fight off security forces sent to arrest him after a court in Sulu issued a warrant for his capture.

The slain militant commander was implicated in the April 2014 kidnapping of German scientist Stefan Viktor Okonek and Henrike Dielen who were taken off their yacht near Palawan province while on their way to Sabah in Malaysia.

The duo was freed seven months later after Germany paid an equivalent of P250 million ransoms stashed in several black bags and delivered by a private jet to Sulu province. The Abu Sayyaf even posted a photo on social media showing the huge pile of ransom money they received.

Wahing was also linked by authorities to the kidnapping of Ewold Horn and Swiss wildlife photographer Lorenzo Vinciguerra in the coastal village of Parangan in Panglima Sugala town in Tawi-Tawi province in February 2012.

Vinciguerra managed to escape from his guards and recovered by soldiers in December 2014 after he allegedly killed one of his guards – Juhurim Hussien – with a bolo.

Horn, who joined the pro-ISIS group after developing Stockholm syndrome after 7 years in captivity, was killed during a firefight with army soldiers in May this year in Pansul village in Patikul town in Sulu. One of the wives of Sahiron was also slain in the fighting that left 8 soldiers wounded.

The Dutchman’s body was recovered along with the corpse of Mingayan Sahiron. (Zamboanga Post)

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/sayyaf-commander-linked-to-germans-dutch-kidnappings-slain-in-south/

Philippines: Mindanao Displacement Dashboard, June 2019 - Issue No. 59

Posted to the Relief Web (Jul 16, 2019): Philippines: Mindanao Displacement Dashboard, June 2019 - Issue No. 59

REPORT from UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Protection Cluster
Published on 16 Jul 2019 —View Original

Download PDF (3.93 MB)


This June, Mindanao has had a high level of displacement, with the number of IDPs reaching a total number of 50,539 individuals. Out of this figure, 44,955 individuals were displaced due to natural disasters, while 2,500 individuals were displaced due to armed conflict. Other reasons for displacement were clan feuds (978 individuals), and crimes and violence (2,106 individuals).

Out of 50,539 individuals displaced throughout the month, 89% (45,205 individuals) have returned to their homes by the end of June, leaving 11% (5,334 individuals) still displaced by the end of the reporting period.

Based on the report of the Ministry of Social Services (MSS) – Maguindanao, approximately 8,991 families (44,955 individuals) in the municipalities of Sultan sa Barongis and Datu Salibo have been affected by floods due to heavy rains. Those affected by the flood need immediate assistance, including those who chose to remain in their communities even if their homes were already submerged in flood water and those who initially fled but have returned to their habitual residences. Livelihoods have been disrupted, with crops having been damaged by the floods. The municipal local government unit (LGU) of Sultan sa Barongis has extended assistance to the most affected barangays.

These areas are within the SPMS box, an area known as a hotbed of conflict in the province of Maguindanao. A number of families affected by the floods are also affected by ongoing armed conflict in their communities.

Meanwhile, in Sulu, 8 civilians were killed and 13 were injured due to an improvised explosive device detonated in front of a military camp in Indanan municipality. This led to a firefight between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and alleged members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), which triggered the displacement of more than 249 families. Said families were able to return to their habitual residences shortly after tension in the area eased.

UNHCR has been conducting protection monitoring activities across Mindanao, accounting for and responding to IDP needs, in coordination with local protection partners, government units from local to the national level, and other UN agencies. It co-leads the Protection Working Group in the Bangsamoro region, an area which is currently easing into a political transition. It also convenes and facilitates the Protection Forum based in Iligan, which aims to uphold the rights of the vulnerable population affected by the Marawi conflict and ensure that persons affected by the conflict have access to safe and dignified services which mitigate and respond to rights violations.

https://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/philippines-mindanao-displacement-dashboard-june-2019-issue-no-59

DVIDS: MASA 2019 Kicks Off

Posted to the Defense Visual Information Distribution System (DVIDS) (Jul 15, 2019): MASA 2019 Kicks Off




Photo By Lance Cpl. Ryan Persinger | A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 attached to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, III Marine Expeditionary Force, takes off from Marine Barracks Gregorio Lim during exercise KAMANDAG 2 at Ternate, Philippines on Oct. 7, 2018. KAMANDAG 2 is an exercise that helps maintain a high level of readiness and enhances combined military-to-military relations and capabilities. (Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Christian J. Lopez)

Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 19.2, a semiannual U.S.-Philippine military exercise focused on mutual defense, counterterrorism and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, is scheduled to take place in the Philippines from July 15 - 25, 2019.

Marines and aircraft from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 and 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, based in Okinawa, Japan, will be partnering with the Armed Forces of the Philippines during this exercise.

This iteration of MASA focuses on building interoperability and enhancing the capabilities of both the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. armed forces.

Philippine and U.S. service members will conduct cooperation and interoperability training consistent with the Mutual Defense Treaty and Visiting Forces Agreement.

Military training exercises like these allow the U.S. to strengthen our longstanding security alliance with our friends, partners and allies in the Philippines.

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/331300/masa-2019-kicks-off