PH Army conducts medical, dental services in Calinog

From Panay News (Sep 9, 2019): PH Army conducts medical, dental services in Calinog

Volunteers of the 61st Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army conduct free dental services to residents of Barangay Supanga in Calinog, Iloilo on Aug. 31. 61IB/PIA

The 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) of the Philippine Army’s Community Support Program conducted medical and dental civic action program, “Pulong-Pulong,” feeding and gift-giving activity in Barangay Supanga, Calinog.

“We are so happy and thankful for the services of the Philippine Army to us,” said village chief Danilo Canja Jr.

He added it was their first time during his term to receive various services.

The activity on Aug. 31 was led by Lieutenant Colonel Joel Benedict Batara, Commanding Officer of the 61IB.

More than 500 residents and its adjacent barangays benefited from the health services led by the following: doctors Mary Anne Sarrosa, Luz Abordaje and Maris Pasicolan; May Anne Cachumbo, Freddie Tamayo, June Perez, Beng Ballos, Mindamar Molase, Anabel Tondo, Jenny and Chrislyn Gierza.

The activity aimed to reach out and help the local populace through the participation of the national government agencies’ representatives.

While an officer hands free books to students of the Supanga Elementary School. 61IB/PIA

It was part of the “whole of nation approach” initiative of the government in bringing various services to the grassroots especially the far flung areas.

The locals brought home a kilo of rice, noodles, sardines, vegetable seeds, clothes, coloring books, and toys.

Some of the activities were free haircuts for males and females, circumcision and feeding program for kids.

Batara thanked the stakeholders and soldiers in their efforts in serving the far flung barangays.

“To end local communists armed conflict, we must be aware that they are targeting the far flung barangays, and we need to be partners for peace, work together for future generations, let us secure our youngsters,” Batara said.

Wilmon Subong, teacher-in-charge of the Supanga Elementary School, expressed his appreciation to the Army for giving free books, crayons and vitamins to the students.

https://www.panaynews.net/ph-army-conducts-medical-dental-services-in-calinog/

Court orders arrest of former priest

From the Visayan Daily Star (Sep 9, 2019): Court orders arrest of former priest

Former Negrense priest-turned-rebel leader Luis Jalandoni was among the 37 communist rebels ordered by a Manila court to be arrested, in line with the Inopacan massacre in Leyte in the late 1980s.

It was Manila Regional Trial Court Judge Thelma Bunyi-Medina who issued the arrest warrant dated August 28 against Jalandoni, CPP leader Jose Maria Sison, and 35 others, who were charged with 15 counts of murder.

Jalandoni is the senior adviser of the National Democratic Front of the CPP-NPA.

“This is long overdue in the quest for justice of the many victims of the atrocities of the CPP-NPA," Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said yesterday.

Joma Sison and his cohorts should also be held responsible and accountable for so many killings and terroristic activities, not only in the past, but most especially these recent times, more so when he ordered the NPA on different occasions to launch attacks against the government forces that caused so many deaths and destruction, Arevalo added.

The 37 accused respondents were denied bail by the court. Sison, in his Facebook account, disclosed that the long drawn Inopacan case of “walking skeletons” is a cruel joke at the expense of patriotic and progressive activists.

He claimed that the bones were collected by General HermogenesEsperon, who is now the National Security Adviser of President Rodrigo Duterte, from various cemeteries during the time of then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in order to make his “legal offensive” and persecute the opponents of the Arroyo regime.

Sison alleged that when the fake Inopakan massacre was supposed to have happened, he was still under maximum security detention by the Marcos regime. “I was not in any position then to go over the head of the leadership of the CPP and revolutionary movement,” he added.

Sison described the list of accused as “utterly stupid and obviously fabricated.”




http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/September/07/topstory2.htm

2 soldiers wounded

From the Mindanao Times (Sep 9, 2019): 2 soldiers wounded

Two soldiers were wounded in an encounter against members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Tibagon, Pantukan, Compostella Valley on Saturday morning.

The unnamed injured soldiers, both private first class, assigned at the 71st Infantry Battalion, are now in stable condition.

The troopers were conducting combat operation in Sitio Kabaihan when they encountered an estimated 30 rebels believed to be members of the Guerilla Front 2, Sub Regional Command 2, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee at 10:05 a.m.

The gunfight lasted for about 25 minutes as the rebels fled to Barangay Magnaga, Pantukan, Compostela Valley.

The wounded soldiers were immediately brought to Camp Panacan here for medication.

http://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2019/09/09/2-soldiers-wounded/

Was Sulu suicide bomber a man disguised as woman,foreigner? (WARNING: Contains graphic images)

From the Mindanao Examiner (Sep 9, 2019): Was Sulu suicide bomber a man disguised as woman,foreigner? (WARNING: Contains graphic images)

Was the latest suicide attack in southern Philippines carried by a foreigner or a man disguised as a woman in hijab to conceal the explosives belt under the traditional garb?

Police and military reports said a woman blew herself up before dusk Sunday near an army checkpoint in the Muslim province of Sulu. The explosion occurred even before the bomber could get near the checkpoint just outside the camp of the 35th Infantry Battalion in the village of Kajatian in Indanan town.

No soldiers were killed or wounded in the powerful blast, but the explosion obliterated the bomber. The identity of the attacker remains unknown, but the military’s Western Mindanao Command said the bomber was “foreign-looking” and that a severed arm recovered in the area was similar to that of a man.

Police photos show what was left of the suicide bomber.

“The suicide bomber was in an abaya attire, a woman and foreign-looking with long hair based on the recovered mutilated head; however, the recovered dismembered hand is similar to that of a man,” it said, adding, forensic investigators were sent to the village to piece together all recovered evidence.

The trigger mechanism used by the bomber to detonate the explosives was also recovered, it added.

A separate police report said a soldier, Corporal Asmada Sabdani, of the 35th Infantry Battalion, noticed the suspicious woman, who was wearing a black hijab approaching the checkpoint and warned her. Sabdani quickly took cover and ordered the woman to stop, but she blew herself up.

“Initial investigation disclosed that on on the above-cited date and time, CPL Asmada S Sabdani of 35IB PA noticed a female person wearing black hijab known as abaya who was walking along the road of the KM3 Highway going to the Camp of Alpha Company, 35IB (PA) located in the aforementioned place. When she was about to enter the gate, the duty guard took cover himself and warned the suspect. However, the suspect detonated an IED causing her body to be blown/shredded into pieces. No casualty was reported as a result of the incident. Post-blast investigation and crime scene processing is ongoing,” the report said.

The latest suicide bombing was the second in Kajatian village and the third in Sulu since early this year. In January, an Indonesian ISIS couple simultaneously detonated their explosives belt inside and outside the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Jolo town and killing over 2 dozen mostly soldiers deployed at the church.

And it was followed by twin suicide attacks in June by 2 Abu Sayyaf militants at the tactical command post of the 1st Brigade Combat Team in the village of Kajatian that killed eight people and wounded 22 others which was eventually claimed by ISIS.

ISIS also claimed a suicide attack on an army checkpoint by a Moroccan militant, Abu Katheer al Maghribi, in Lamitan City in the neighboring Muslim province of Basilan in August 2018. At least 11 soldiers and pro-government militias were killed in the attack.

All the suicide bombings occurred despite an extended martial rule in the troubled region where security forces are battling Filipino and foreign Islamic extremists.

Just recently, a motorcycle bomb exploded outside a public market in Sultan Kudarat’s Isulan town and wounded at least 7 people. The powerful blast was claimed by the Islamic State – it was the 3rd time that the town was attacked since last year.

The motorcycle, rigged with explosives, was parked outside the market when it went off and wounded those nearby, including a traffic constable. It was unclear how the bomber managed to sneak into the town, passing through several police and military checkpoints and road blocks and left the motorcycle bomb undetected by authorities.

In April this year, over a dozen people were injured when a motorcycle rigged with explosives also went off outside the Carlito’s Chicken restaurant in Isulan town. The blast coincided with the town’s 61st founding anniversary.

A similar attack – claimed by the Islamic State – also occurred in August 2018 when a motorcycle bomb exploded outside a row of shops in Isulan and wounded several civilians.

The BIFF was believed to have carried out the two previous bombings and possibly the latest attack. It was not immediately known if the attack was connected to the surrender of the MILF rebels to the government.

Security forces have been fighting several Islamic extremist groups in the southern region where President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the armed forces to crush terrorism. (Zamboanga Post)

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/was-sulu-suicide-bomber-a-man-disguised-as-womanforeigner-warning-contains-graphic-images/

Dagyawan, Serbisyo Caravan set in Guihulngan City

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 9, 2019): Dagyawan, Serbisyo Caravan set in Guihulngan City

During a recent NOTF-ELCAC meeting, PCCI Central Visayas Regional Governor Edward Du presenting the NOCCI-NegOr-DICT Free Wifi project to provide online digital jobs training to all jobless people living in areas under communist-armed conflict under the StratComm Cluster of the task force. (ED/PIA Negros Oriental)

NEGROS ORIENTAL -- The Negros Oriental Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NOTF-ELCAC) in cooperation with the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV) will hold a two-day Dagyawan sa Barangay: Talakayan ng Mamayan and Caravan on Basic Services on Sept. 10 and 11 in Guihulngan City.

Around 150 participants from the 15 barangays in Guihulngan, including those identified as affected by insurgency, are expected to attend with national and local government officials coming from the region and province to respond to issues and concerns from the grassroots.

For the second day, Gobyerno Serbisyo Para sa Bayan now called “Serbisyong Malasakit,” which aims to bring government frontline services closer to the people in the remote barangays, will be conducted together with OPAV Sec. Michael Dino.

Frontline agencies will extend basic services during the Serbisyo caravan in Brgy. Trinidad, Guihulngan City.

National and provincial government agencies and local government unit of Guihulngan will extend their delivery of basic services through a one-stop shop in the barangay.

These services include livestock, seedlings and farm materials distribution, selling of NFA rice, live birth/cenomar registration, issuance of SSS number, medical, dental, licensing, postal ID issuance, job hiring, among others.

Gov. Roel Degamo said that a farm-to-market-road worth P380 million from Brgy. Hilaitan to Brgy. Trinidad will also be part of the activity for a groundbreaking ceremony.

Degamo also disclosed to the members of NOTF-ELCAC that some P5 million was initially allocated by the provincial government to kick off the activities and programs of the task force.

The Dagyawan and Serbisyo Caravan are seen to help in the efforts to secure peace and pave the way for growth and development in the communities. (jct/PIA7 Negros Oriental)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1026855

Army aids in delivery of health services to IPs

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 9, 2019): Army aids in delivery of health services to IPs (By 26IB, Philippine Army)

TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur -- The 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion participated in the government's whole-of-nation approach led by the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga in delivering health services to indigenous peoples (IPs) residing in geographically isolated areas particularly in Sitio Pinamuyanan, La Paz, this province on August 30, 2019.

The activity was conducted following the increase in number of measles cases in Agusan del Sur in which IPs are at higher risk of morbidity and mortality due to limited access to proper healthcare caused by geographic restrictions.

Other concerned government agencies like PhilHealth, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), provincial local government unit (LGU) of Agusan del Sur, LGU of La Paz, Philippine National Police (PNP), and 401st Infantry Brigade, among others actively joined in the activity and carried out various services to residents of Sitio Pinamuyanan.

Apart from providing security and manpower assistance in medical and dental services, the 26IB Ever Onward troopers also provided free haircut, film showing and distributed hygiene kits to the IPs.

Lt. Col. Romeo Jimenea, 26IB commanding officer stated that “as defenders of the country and its people, we do not only act in response to war and insurgency but also during health urgencies."

"The Department of Health and other government agencies of Caraga can expect full support from the 26th IB in their future undertakings to deliver services especially to our indigenous people and other locals from far-flung areas,” he added. (2Lt. Jezaira Buenaventura, CMO officer, 26IB/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1026769

Alert sentinel thwarts ‘suicide bomb attack’ in Sulu camp

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9, 2019): Alert sentinel thwarts ‘suicide bomb attack’ in Sulu camp



An alert sentinel thwarted what appeared to be a “suicide bomb attack” at a military camp in the province of Sulu, an official disclosed.

Maj. Arvin John Encinas, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) spokesperson, said the incident, which happened around 5:45 p.m. Sunday in Barangay Kajatian, Indanan, Sulu, resulted in the death of a likely female bomb carrier.

Encinas said the attack was thwarted when the duty sentinel, Cpl. Asmada Sabdani of the 35th Infantry Battalion’s alpha company, noticed “a female person wearing black hijab, known as abaya, who was walking along the road of the Kilometer 3 highway going to the camp.”

Encinas said Sabdani immediately took cover and warned the suspect to stop, while about to enter the camp’s gate.

However he said the suspect disregarded the warning and detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) that caused her death.

He said the suspect was unidentified as her body was shredded into pieces.

He described the suspect as a “woman and foreign looking with long hair based on the recovered mutilated head; however, the recovered dismembered hand is similar to that of a man”.

He added that the trigger mechanism was recovered and investigation is ongoing.Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Westmincom chief, has called on every Suluanon to remain vigilant and to report suspicious items and personalities to authorities.

“We assure the public that the Westmincom forces shall sustain our security and peace efforts to prevent hostile acts that may disrupt the peace and development in the Bangsamoro Region,” Sobejana said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079895

Military tags BIFF faction in Isulan bombing

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9, 2019): Military tags BIFF faction in Isulan bombing



AFTERMATH. The scene at the blast site after the Sept. 7, 2019 bombing that left eight persons injured in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat. (Photo courtesy of Isulan MPS)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – The military here has pointed to the Abu Turaife faction of the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters as the group behind the September 7 bombing in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat that injured eight persons.

“Military investigation indicated that the group of Abu Toraife had a hand in the Isulan bombing,” Lt. Colonel Edwin Alburo, 6th Infantry Division spokesperson, said in a radio interview Monday.

Abu Turaife is the leader of one of three BIFF factions operating in Central Mindanao, whose members are blamed for previous bomb attacks in Isulan last year and in April this year.

“The group is known for terror attacks,” the military official said, adding the group was extorting from the local government of Isulan and threatened to set off bombs if their demands are not met.

Lt. Colonel Joven Bagaybay, Isulan town police chief, said the extortionists have been asking PHP250,000 in monthly protection money to spare the town from bomb attacks.

Bagaybay said the group phoned Isulan Mayor Marites Pallasigue on Sept. 2 demanding the protection money.

Police are now studying the CCTV footage that showed a woman onboard a motorbike arriving at the empty “habal-habal” (motorcycle-for-hire) terminal situated along the highway the night before the blast.

“Moments later, the bomber left behind the motorbike together with what appeared to be a backpack before walking away,” Bagaybay said.

He said the same security camera footage disclosed that the bomber was a man disguised as a woman wearing a wig and lady’s casual attire.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079902

Army to create more brigade combat teams

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9, 2019): Army to create more brigade combat teams



Philippine Army Spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala (Photo courtesy of PIA-11)

Two more brigade combat teams (BCTs) will be created to boost the Philippine Army's defense capabilities, a ranking military official said Sunday.

In an interview, Army Spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said the Army targeted to activate the second brigade combat team within the year and the third next year. The first BCT is based in Sulu.

The creation of more combat teams would allow the Army to have a force ready to fight threats, Zagala said.

The combat teams would consist of around 1,500 to 1,700 trained officers and enlisted personnel.

"It must be able to project power and dominate the enemy," he said.

Zagala said the brigade combat teams are planned to be a modern combined-arms team that is supported by "enablers" such as modern artillery, to include air defenses and land base missile systems and aviation.

"This BCT will have infantry, mechanized, artillery, aviation and special operations and other support enablers for them to be able to utilize the land power maneuver concept and utilize its capabilities to defeat current, emerging and future threats," Zagala added. (

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079896

Manila moves to junk Joma’s refugee status

From the Manila Times (Sep 9, 2019): Manila moves to junk Joma’s refugee status

The Philippine government is seeking to revoke the political refugee status of exiled Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria “Joma” Sison by tapping the European Union (EU) for help, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said on Sunday.

Jose Maria “Joma” Sison

The move came as Sison, his wife Juliet and 36 others were ordered arrested by the Manila City Regional Trial Court Branch 32 over an alleged massacre in Inopacan, Leyte during the 1980s. No bail was recommended.

The communist leader, who is on self-exile with his wife in Utrecht, The Netherlands, has called the murder charges against him and his co-accused as “fake.”

Año, however, said he already talked with the EU about the possible revocation of Sison’s status as political refugee in The Netherlands, a member-state of the union.

“We are seeking to revoke the refugee status of Joma Sison so we can extradite him here to the Philippines and [for him] to answer all his cases. This is a wonderful development so he can be put back to jail,” he added.

He said officials of the EU Embassy in Manila gave assurances that they were willing to assist Manila on its appeal for assistance.

Año also said in an interview over DZBB radio that he already discussed the matter with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Armed Forces chief Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr. and Philippine National Police chief Oscar Albayalde.
The four of them, he added, agreed that a joint team of military and police should be formed to track down the accused individuals indicated in the warrant of arrest issued by the court.

On Friday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines committed to exert its efforts to have Sison and the others nabbed by coordinating with the International Police to effectively enforce the arrest order on those outside the Philippines.

In an interview on Saturday night over an online radio, Sison said he cannot be arrested by Philippine authorities since Manila and Amsterdam did not have an extradition treaty.

The Philippines only has extradition treaties with Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Spain, Thailand, South Korea, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.

“There is no extradition treaty existing between The Netherlands and the Philippines, and I have rights as a recognized political refugee under the Geneva Refugee Convention (1951 Refugee Convention) and the European Convention on Human Rights,” Sison explained.

Sison again maintained his innocence over the Inopacan massacre, saying from the time it happened, he was already placed under maximum security detention in 1985, which would have disabled him to make orders to the CPP and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA).

He, however, admitted that there were NPA cadres who steered into the “wrong line of militarism” during the timeline of the massacre, making the CPP realize in 1992 to “straighten” the wrongdoings of those rebels over their crimes.

Sison blamed President Rodrigo Duterte for the arrest order issued against him and the others.

“It’s true that Duterte has raged against me because I often criticize his wrong policies and moves. He obviously wants to scare off those who are opposed to his ideas,” he said.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2019/09/09/news/top-stories/manila-moves-to-junk-jomas-refugee-status/613193/

Suicide bomber killed in Sulu blast

From CNN Philippines (Sep 8, 2019): Suicide bomber killed in Sulu blast



Authorities are investigating a suicide bombing incident that happened in Sulu Sunday afternoon.

Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said the incident happened at around 5:45 p.m. at a military detachment in Barangay Kajatian, Indanan.

The bomber was described as wearing a black abaya, but it was not clear whether it was a man or a woman. The nationality has not been determined either.

In a separate statement, Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu spokesman Lt. Col. Gerard Montfort said the bomber was told by the detachment's guard on duty to leave the place after noticing unusual behavior.

Montfort added the guard even interpreted the warning in Tausug dialect, which warned other soldiers in the detachment to be on guard and to take their respective fighting positions.

The bomber, however, went on with the act and was the only person killed in the incident.

Recovered from the site was one manual fuse igniter, believed to be from the suicide bomber.

JTF Sulu said the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) was behind the incident.

JTF Sulu commander Major General Corleto Vinluan Jr. said the incident was an indication of the ASG's desperate attempt to sow fear among the people of Sulu.

"It is very ironic that the ASG who is projecting to be a Muslim advocate for change is practising un-Islamic acts of terror forbidden in the Muslim faith. It is for this reason that I urge the peace-loving Tausugs to remain steadfast against the deceptive propaganda of the ASG who have brought the decade-long menace in Sulu. Let us condemn this un-Islamic and terroristic act and remain firm in our resolve to end these senseless barbaric acts committed by the ASG," he said.

Meanwhile, Sobejana said, "The scene of the crime has been secured and preserved while SOCO (scene of the crime operatives) investigation is ongoing as of this report."

He added, "We call on every Suluanon to remain vigilant and to report suspicious items and personalities to authorities."

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/regional/2019/9/8/indanan-sulu-suicide-bombing.html

Another suicide bombing hits Sulu

From the Manila Times (Sep 9): Another suicide bombing hits Sulu

A suicide bomber, suspected to be a woman, was killed when the bomb strapped to her body went off at the entrance of a military detachment in Indanan, Sulu on Sunday, the military said.

At 5:48 p.m., the suicide bomber, wearing an abaya, a loose fitting garment, tried to enter the detachment manned by the Philippine Army’s 35th Infantry Battalion, according to Lt. Col. Gerard Monfort, spokesman of Joint Task Force Sulu.

Jolo Island in Sulu (Image from Google Maps)

The soldiers, who were suspicious because of the person’s unnaturally big stomach, stopped the attacker from entering the detachment.

Moments later, the explosive went off.

Monfort said no soldiers were wounded.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the military’s Western Mindanao Command, said based on the recovered body parts, the suspect could have been a foreigner. He said authorities recovered the bomber’s head.

Sobejana however could not confirm if the bomber was a woman because he said the recovered hand looked like a man’s.

“The trigger mechanism [of the bomb] was also recovered. The scene of the crime has been secured and preserved while SOCO (scene of the crime operatives) investigation is ongoing,” Sobejana said.

The military said the Abu Sayyaf Group could be behind the bombing attack.

The first suicide bombing attack perpetrated by a Filipino, Norman Lasuca, also happened in Indanan, Sulu on June 28 this year. Eight people died in the attack, including two of the suspects.


Suicide bombing was also suspected in the twin explosions in January at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Jolo, Sulu where more than 20 people died and dozens injured.

Authorities said an Indonesian couple was behind the Jolo attack.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2019/09/09/news/headlines/another-suicide-bombing-hits-sulu/613204/

Army wants one brigade combat team for each PHL island–group

From the Business Mirror (Sep 9, 2019): Army wants one brigade combat team for each PHL island–group

THE Army is planning to create another brigade-size combat team (BCT) for its continuing force strengthening following the creation and deployment this year of a similar unit in Mindanao.

Army Spokesman Lt. Col. Ramon P. Zagala said the Army leadership is looking at creating another BCT this year and another one next year.

“Part of our modernization is for us to have a territorial defense division so that we could confront all threats using these forces,” he said.

Zagala said the plan has been to cover all the country’s three main islands with one BCT each.

Early this year, the first BCT was deployed to Sulu to not only help in the campaign against the Abu Sayyaf Group in Western Mindanao but also against all lawless groups in the region.

A suicide bombing perpetrated by Norman Lasuca, a member of the ASG, and a Caucasian-looking man rocked the headquarters of the first BCT in Indanan, Sulu, in June this year, killing three soldiers and civilians.

Lasuca and the other bomber were also killed. Twenty-two others were also wounded in the twin bombings.

“The thrust of the Army is to have a ready force that is capable and can be rapidly deployed to adapt to any threat. It must be able to project power and dominate the enemy,” Zagala said.

“This BCT will have Infantry, mechanized, artillery, aviation and special operations, and other support enablers for them to be able to utilize the land power maneuver concept and utilize its capabilities to defeat current, emerging and future threats,” he added.

Zagala said the creation of BCTs were part of the Army’s capability development plan that seeks to address both material and nonmaterial capability gaps.

“This is doctrine, organization, training, material, leadership, personnel and facilities,” he said.

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/09/09/army-wants-one-brigade-combat-team-for-each-phl-island-group/

MILF combatants and firearms decommissioned; Duterte accepts gun from MILF chair

From MindaNews (Sep 8, 2019): MILF combatants and firearms decommissioned; Duterte accepts gun from MILF chair

COTABATO CITY (MindaNews / 08 September) — The chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and interim Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) handed over, at the start of the decommissioning of 30% of the MILF’s firearms and combatants on Saturday, an Israeli-made Tavor assault rifle to President Rodrigo Duterte as “a token of our very strong appreciation for what he has done to the Bangsamoro people and our homeland.”

Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim gave the token during the implementation of the Phase 2 of the Normalization of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) at the gymnasium of the old provincial capitol in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat in Maguindanao.

Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim, chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and interim Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao hands over a firearm as the MILF’s token of appreciation for the President’s strong political will to implement the peace agreement signed in 2014. MindaNews photo by FROILAN GALLARDO

The MILF turned over 920 high-powered firearms including 81mm mortars; crew-mounted caliber 50 machineguns; and RPG 7 rocket launchers to the International Decommissioning Body (IDB) headed by Turkey.

The MILF also turned over 600 rounds for the RPG 7 rocket launchers, which Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez described as “significant considering how deadly the weapon was for government tanks and personnel.”

A total of 1,060 combatants were decommissioned, including 106 from the Bangsamoro Islamic Women Auxiliary Brigade of the the MILF’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces.

“We will continue to uphold our part of the bargain,” Ebrahim said.

He profusely thanked President Duterte for “his steadfast support” in the passage of RA 11054 or the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and its ratification during a plebiscite early this year.

“We are giving him a token. This token represents our appreciation, our very strong appreciation for what he has done to the Bangsamoro people and our homeland,” he said as he handed over the gray Pelican case containing the rifle to President Duterte.

Phase 2 of the four-phase Normalization process under the Annex on Normalization signed by government and the MILF under the CAB, involves the decommissioning of 30% of the MILF’s 40,000-member BIAF and 30% of its claimed 7,000 MILF-owned firearms.

Altogether under Phase 2, a total of 12,000 combatants and 2,100 firearms will be decommissioned from September 7 until March or April next year, the processing done in eight decommissioning areas, in the MILF’s own camps.

The rest of the 40,000 combatants and 7,000 firearms will be decommissioned in the next two phases.

Ebrahim said the 1,060 MILF combatants who were decommissioned would now have a chance to live peaceful and productive lives because of government’s support.

He said the MILF mujahideens were trained to fight for their homeland.

“For many years our trainings were grounded by armed struggle. We will now face a different kind of struggle to transform ourselves into civilians,” Ebrahim said.

President Duterte said he is satisfied with the implementation of the normalization process.

Duterte said the decommissioning of firearms is a step in the right direction.

“This is a huge step in achieving lasting peace,” Duterte said

Duterte assured Ebrahim and the MILF former combatants that the government will support them in their quest for productive lives.

The government promised each of the MILF combatants who would be decommissioned a package worth a million pesos from the government, consisting of 100,000 cash, scholarships and other socio-economic benefits for him, his family and his community.

Abdullah Yosop, 53, an MILF fighter from Camp Rajamuda in Pikit, North Cotabato welcomed this support.

“Me and my brothers can go back to tilling our land which we have neglected after we became mujahideens,” Yosop said.

Yosop and four of his brothers were among the 1,060 MILF fighters that were decommissioned last Saturday.

Yosop said he and his brothers chipped in money to buy an M14 assault rifle for P80,000.

He said they would take turns in their duties with the MILF, always sharing the rifle among them.

Yosop said the rifle was also useful to them to protect them from roving bandits.

Banditry and ridos were among the reasons cited by MILF why many of their fighters were still holding on to their privately-owned firearms.

https://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2019/09/milf-combatants-and-firearms-decommissioned-duterte-accepts-gun-from-milf-chair/

Woman blows self near Sulu army checkpoint (WARNING: Contains graphic images)

From the Mindanao Examiner (Sep 8, 2019): Woman blows self near Sulu army checkpoint (WARNING: Contains graphic images)

A woman blew herself up before dusk Sunday near an army checkpoint in the Muslim province of Sulu in southern Philippines, reports said.

The explosion occurred even before the woman could get near the checkpoint just outside the camp of the 35th Infantry Battalion in the village of Kajatian in Indanan town. No soldiers were killed or wounded in the powerful blast, but the explosion obliterated the bomber.

The identity of the woman was unknown and the military did not release any statement on the latest suicide bombing, the second in Kajatian village and the third in Sulu since early this year.





Police photos show what was left of the suicide bomber.











A police report said a soldier, Corporal Asmada Sabdani, of the 35th Infantry Battalion, noticed the woman, who was wearing a black hijab approaching the checkpoint and warned her. Sabdani quickly took cover and ordered the woman to stop, but she she blew herself up.

“Initial investigation disclosed that on on the above-cited date and time, CPL Asmada S Sabdani of 35IB PA noticed a female person wearing black hijab known as abaya who was walking along the road of the KM3 Highway going to the Camp of Alpha Company, 35IB (PA) located in the aforementioned place. When she was about to enter the gate, the duty guard took cover himself and warned the suspect. However, the suspect detonated an IED causing her body to be blown/shredded into pieces. No casualty was reported as a result of the incident. Post-blast investigation and crime scene processing is ongoing,” the report said.

In January, an Indonesian ISIS couple simultaneously detonated their explosives belt inside and outside the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Jolo town and killing over 2 dozen mostly soldiers deployed at the church.









Military photos released to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner show the aftermath of the twin bombings at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo town in Sulu province in January 27, 2019.

And was followed by twin suicide attacks in June by 2 Abu Sayyaf militants at the tactical command post of the 1st Brigade Combat Team in the village of Kajatian that killed eight people and wounded 22 others which was eventually claimed by ISIS.

ISIS also claimed a suicide attack on an army checkpoint by a Moroccan militant, Abu Katheer al Maghribi, in Lamitan City in the neighboring Muslim province of Basilan in August 2018. At least 11 soldiers and pro-government militias were killed in the attack.

All the suicide bombings occurred despite an extended martial rule in the troubled region where security forces are battling Filipino and foreign Islamic extremists. (Zamboanga Post)

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/woman-blows-self-near-sulu-army-checkpoint-warning-contains-graphic-pictures/

Soldiers participate in Singampo IP ritual, address military issues

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 8, 2019): Soldiers participate in Singampo IP ritual, address military issues (By 8th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)



IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon -- Troopers of the 8th Infantry “Dependable" Battalion of the Philippine Army attended the Higaonon Ritual and answered all military concerns of the IP community during the 142nd Impasugong Founding Anniversary grand opening held at the Municipal Ground on September 5, 2019.

Impasugong being the tribal capital of Bukidnon started its 142nd Foundation Day with a tribal ritual called “SINGAMPO”- a prayer in a customary way to appease the Supreme Creator for the success of the activity and for the safety of everybody. During the ritual, chieftains slaughtered two hogs and several free-range chickens as an offering to the Loving Creator and smeared the blood in their palms and forehead to include the visitors.

The 8th IB troopers assigned in the area to serve and secure the constituents were among those invited to be a part of the said ritual.

After the ritual, a program was conducted to give IP leaders a chance to speak out their concerns regarding the service of the local government unit and national line agencies. One of the concerns raised was the alleged red-tagging of tribal chieftains by their colleagues accusing them of helping the NPA-terrorists in their area and the processing of the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title in claiming their ancestral domains.Ltc. Ronald Illana, commanding officer of the 8th Infantry “Dependable" Battalion of the Philippine Army, clarifies issues on alleged red-tagging of tribal chieftains during the 142nd founding anniversary of Impasug-ong. (8th IB)

“In winning the insurgency, we are counting friends, not the enemies. I am reminding the friends of the government to stop tagging others to the NPA group,” said Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Illana, 8IB Commanding Officer.

“If ever some of them support the terrorists, maybe they were forced to do so. They were victims of threat so we are visiting them through our Community Support Program efforts,” Illana further said.

Chieftain Benny Cumatang, IP Mandatory Representative of Impasugong meanwhile reminded his fellow IP that they are to love their community and children. "Let us live as one, avoid accusing your colleagues as supporters of NPA-terrorists unless you have concrete evidence, ” he said.

He also underscored their roles in maintaining peace and order. "We have our 8th IB and the PNP to work on the insurgency problem and the peace and order situation in our municipality, let us help them by giving information and guiding our community,” he added. (8th IB/PIA10)


https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1027017

Army provides assistance during Pakighimagat

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 8, 2019): Army provides assistance during Pakighimagat (By 8th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)



IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon -- Army representatives from the 403rd Infantry Brigade and 8th Infantry Battalion has provided security assistance to Bukidnon State University (BukSU) during its “Pakighimagat (Welcoming the Freshies)” on Friday, September 6. 

Upon the request of BukSU - Supreme Student Council and University President, army troops were deployed in the entrance and exit points of the school to assist in inspecting students, faculty members, vehicles and visitors entering the vicinity.

The security was conducted to make sure that students are secured while getting acquainted with their new friends and classmates during the activity.

“The Philippine Army, in all ways we can, will support our community especially our schools in educating our youth. We believe that even in this kind of small acts, we contribute to building resilient and dependable youth because they are the hope of our nation, “ said Ltc. Ronald Illana, commanding officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion.

He said the Philippine Army will continue its efforts in countering insurgency for peace, order, and progress of the country.

Pakighimagat is an annual event to give an opportunity to first-year students to get to know their classmates, teachers and the school as well. (8th IB)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1027023

Duterte inspects, welcomes MILF decommissioned firearms

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 8, 2019): Duterte inspects, welcomes MILF decommissioned firearms



JOURNEY TO PEACE. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (left photo) shakes the hand of one of 1,060 decommissioned Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants following the launching of the second phase of the decommissioning activity as part of the normalization track for the GPH-MILF comprehensive peace process on Saturday (Sept. 7, 2019). A total of 940 firearms (right photo) from the MILF were also decommissioned. (PNA photos by Noel Punzalan)

SULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao -- President Rodrigo Duterte welcomed here on Saturday the decommissioning of 1,060 former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels and vowed to do his best to bring about peace in Mindanao.

While here, Duterte also inspected some 940 decommissioned firearms, including 20 crew-served weapons, at the decommissioning process area as he attended to the second-phase launching of the decommissioning of MILF combatants and weapons at the old capitol compound in Barangay Simuay here.

“Today, we mark another important milestone in the history of the Bangsamoro peace process,” he said during his speech here before the decommissioned Moro fighters.

“This is indeed a huge step toward our goal in achieving lasting peace for Mindanao,” the President added.

With this, Duterte said he looks forward to having the former MILF members as government partners in further securing peace and order in Mindanao.

“Let us set aside our differences and avoid further armed conflict,” he said.

He told the MILF members not to be sad that they have turned over their firearms as they are now with the government.

“Kung kailangan nyo talaga ng armas para idepensa ang gobyerno dito sa BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao), walang problema, bigyan ko kayo ng mas bago (If you really need firearms to defend the BARMM government, no problem I will give you new ones,” Duterte said.

He then told the Bangsamoro people that the land in this part of Mindanao is now theirs to take care of and make progress.

He asked the people of Mindanao to put a stop to land grabbing.

“As long as I am the President, makukuha ninyo (you will get) what we promised to you. Help? Financial? We will do it,” he told the decommissioned MILF members.

The President said his administration would provide all the necessary support so the Bangsamoro can exploit its natural resources.

“Exploit the oil so you will be like Arabs in luxury cars,” he told the Bangsamoro people in jest referring to the potential natural gas deposit the province has in its 220,000-hectare Liguasan marshland.

“What we need to address is communication,” he said as he asked the Bangsamoro to take care of its environment. “Before you decide on anything about the environment, let us talk.”

He assured that his heart is for Moro people.

“I love the Moro people because I am one of them,” he said as the crowd roared.

In his welcome remarks, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Chief Minister Ahod “Murad” Ebrahim lauded the President for his unwavering quest for peace and development in the Bangsamoro.

“We owe you Mr. President, and we pledge to uphold our commitment to peace and development in the Bangsamoro.

For his part, Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez vowed not to leave anyone behind in the peace process.

“This is a truly a momentous event for the Bangsamoro people and the Filipino nation as a whole,” he said.

Each decommissioned MILF combatant is set to receive an initial amount of PHP100,000 in cash assistance and some PHP950,000 worth of health, education and livelihood support from the government.

“Gamitin mo ang pera para sa livelihood n’yo (Use the money for your livelihood),” the President said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079866

BIFF leader, 13 others yield to Army’s 33IB in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 8, 2019): BIFF leader, 13 others yield to Army’s 33IB in Maguindanao



BIFF SURRENDER. Col. Jose Narciso (2nd left), 601st Army Brigade commander, hands over an undisclosed amount of assistance to a BIFF member (left) during surrender rites as Lt. Col. Elmer Boongaling and local officials look on Saturday (Sept. 7, 2019). A total of 14 BIFF members voluntarily surrendered to military and local officials in Maguindanao on Saturday. (Photo courtesy of 33IB)

RAJAH BUAYAN, Maguindanao -- Fourteen members of outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) on Saturday voluntarily surrendered to military and local officials here hoping to live normal lives anew.

Lt. Col. Elmer M. Boongaling, the commander of the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion (33IB), said the surrender came after they initiated talks with one of the factions of the BIFF operating in Sultan sa Barongis, Maguindanao.

A sub-leader of the BIFF and 13 of his men positively responded to the Army’s peace and development advocacy program.

The group turned in three rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launchers, two M16 Armalite rifles, a .45-caliber pistol, an M14 rifle, one 9mm Uzi submachine pistol, and one homemade .50-caliber Barrett sniper’s rifle to Boongaling and 601st Army Brigade commander, Col. Jose Narciso during the turnover ceremony.

“I have been a rebel since 1972 and being so did not give me and my family any good, I am looking forward to the future of my children,” said the former BIFF commander who requested anonymity for security reasons.

“The BARMM is in place, I and my men now believe we no longer have reasons to rebel against the government,” he said referring to the new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao set-up.

“The 33IB is always open to any rebel who wishes to embrace peace,” Boongaling said.

“We are ready to talk peace to all enemies of the state for the sake of their children and families.”

Narciso lauded the rebels for choosing the path on returning to the mainstream society.

“I am happy for your decision, your government is always ready to accept those who wish to surrender peacefully,” Narciso said.

The surrenderers will receive cash and livelihood assistance from the Maguindanao provincial government, including free education for their children and medical assistance.

Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, also lauded the initiative of the 33IB and congratulated the rebels for their right decision to yield.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079871

Sultan Kudarat blast shows need to fast-track normalization

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 8, 2019): Sultan Kudarat blast shows need to fast-track normalization



Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles

MANILA -- Malacañang said the explosion in a public market in Isulan town, Sultan Kudarat on Saturday (Sept. 7) shows the need to fast-track the normalization process as part of efforts to end decades of conflict in Mindanao.

“The blast this morning is a reminder of why we must exhaust all efforts to ensure that future generations are spared from the conflict and violence that has plagued Mindanao in the past," Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said in a statement.

Nograles also expressed hope that the eight persons wounded in the blast would have a speedy recovery.

"We pray for a speedy recovery for those hurt in the blast and we hope that our partners in peace will remain steadfast in their commitment to the peace and normalization process,” he added.

Nograles also hailed the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte to push through with his attendance on the second phase of decommissioning Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants and weapons in Sultan Kudarat just hours after the blast took place.

During the event, Duterte told the decommissioned fighters not to be sad or disheartened in handing over their weapons and returning to civilian life.

“Do not be sad na ang armas ninyo binigay ninyo sa gobyerno. Kasi kayo gobyerno na. Eh kung kailangan talaga ninyo ng armas para idepensa ninyo ang gobyerno dito sa BARMM. Walang problema. Bigyan ko kayo mas bago (Do not be sad that you turned over your arms to the government. Because you are the government now. IF you really need arms to defend your government here in BARMM, no problem. I’ll give you new ones),” Duterte said.

Despite possible hurdles along the way, Nograles said Duterte remains committed to push forward normalization plans in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

He said Duterte’s presence there "reflects the government's commitment to end decades of conflict in Mindanao in order to bring peace and stability to the region."

"As the first chief executive from Mindanao, President Duterte recognizes the necessity and urgency of forging a just and lasting peace with our Muslim brothers and sisters," Nograles said.

"We expect to encounter challenges on the road to peace, but this morning's criminal act will not deter us from moving forward," he added.

Meanwhile, Nograles said efforts to fast-track normalization process are ongoing including the decommissioning of 12,000 MILF troops, or close to a third of MILF combatants, is expected to be completed by March 2020.

“The 12,000 combatants and their families are set to receive between half a million to PHP1 million in financial assistance on top of provisions for housing, livelihood assistance, skills development training, scholarships, employment opportunities, PhilHealth coverage, conditional cash transfers, and documentation such as birth certificates and postal IDs,” Nograles said.

Currently, the government is in phase two of the decommissioning of MILF forces, with phase three to be completed by next year and the remaining MILF forces to be decommissioned before the signing of the Exit Agreement in 2022.

Nograles co-chairs the Inter-Cabinet Cluster Mechanism (ICCMN) on Normalization with Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079881

Pinoy Korean War vets to observe Memorial Day

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 8, 2019): Pinoy Korean War vets to observe Memorial Day



Retired Army Maj. Maximo Young

MANILA -- Some 160 aging Filipino veterans of the Korean War will converge on Monday to celebrate the 20th Korean War Veterans of the Philippines Memorial Day in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.

The occasion will coincide with the observance of the 45th Philippine Veterans Affairs, Inc. (PVAI) anniversary.

Heading the celebration will be retired Army Maj. Maximo Young, a decorated war hero of the Korean War from 1950-1953, and president of the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK).

At age 97, Young is also the oldest and longest-surviving PEFTOK member.

It may be recalled that Young was a tank commander when he and his men confronted overwhelming Chinese troops in the epic battle at Yultong.

It was in this battle that he was awarded the “Taegeuk Medal”, the highest Korean military medal for bravery in combat, together with another Filipino soldier, the late Capt. Conrado D. Yap.

The Philippines was the first Asian country that sent 4,720 combat troops when the Korean War broke out on June 25, 1950.

Of that number, 92 Filipino soldiers were killed in action, 299 wounded, 57 missing in action, and 40 were captured.

Through the years, many of the PEFTOK troops who came home, died due to illness and old age with only some 160 alive today.

Retired Lt. Roberto Oliver, 89, is the youngest living PEFTOK veteran, who is expected to attend Monday’s celebration with retired Brig. Gen. Manuel Gonzales, assistant secretary and chief of the Inter-Agency Council for Traffic of the Department of Transportation, as guest speaker and honor.

Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Han Dong-Man and retired Lt. Gen. Ernesto Carolina, administrator of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), are also invited to grace the affair.


https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079888

Alleged NPA member arrested in Pasig

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 8, 2019): Alleged NPA member arrested in Pasig



MANILA -- Authorities have arrested an alleged New People’s Army (NPA) member who has PHP100,000 bounty on his head, the Eastern Police District (EPD) reported on Sunday.

Joselito Naag, 45, and resident of Daraga, Albay, was nabbed after long hours of surveillance along Christ the King St. in Barangay Santolan, Pasig on Saturday evening (Sept. 7).

Naag was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest for cases of robbery, murder, and frustrated murder issued by the Regional Trial Court of Legaspi City, Albay.

The EPD said Naag is listed as member of Kilusang Larangang Guerilla 78 in Albay and listed as No. 30 ‘most wanted person’ in the Bicol Region.

He is now under the custody of District Intelligence Division of EPD for documentation prior to his return to Albay.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government had earlier issued PHP100,000 bounty for Naag’s arrest.

Brig. Gen. Johnson Almazan, head of the EPD, said the successful arrest of Naag was “in line with the intensified campaign against criminality and illegal drugs”.

The NPA, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, is listed as 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/1079869