Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Analyst: Pro-IS Militants in Southern Philippines to Gain from US Pullout

Posted to BenarNews (Apr 14, 2020): Analyst: Pro-IS Militants in Southern Philippines to Gain from US Pullout (By Jeoffrey Maitem)



Philippine security forces prepare to clear the site of a bomb blast in Indanan, a town in southern Sulu province, June 28, 2019.  Reuters

The Philippines stands to lose surveillance capability against peace “spoilers” linked to pro-Islamic State (IS) extremists in the south once a bilateral military pact with the United States expires in August, a U.S.-based security analyst said Tuesday.

President Rodrigo Duterte last month refused to reverse his position on ending the 1999 Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with Washington, in what was widely seen as a political protest after the U.S. State Department revoked an American visa for his former police chief.

“If they pull out along with the U.S. defense contractors down there, it means the Armed Forces of the Philippines is blinded,” Greg Poling, a director of the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think-tank, told foreign correspondents in Manila in an online news conference, referring to the volatile southern Philippines.

Duterte took the unilateral decision to terminate the VFA amid a resurgent threat in the Philippines from IS, which was largely defeated three years ago when its fighters were ousted by military force from the southern city of Marawi with American intelligence help.

“They will lose a lot of their intelligence collection and surveillance capability,” Poling said of Philippines soldiers.

That situation would be “very good news for spoilers who, all of the sudden, will find it much easier to evade because the military is blind,” he said.

Poling was talking about the Abu Sayyaf Group and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), which were among groups that backed the Marawi siege, a five-month battle in 2017 that killed around 1,200 people, most of them militants linked to IS.

BIFF is a splinter group of the former separatist group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which has signed a peace deal with Manila and now controls a Muslim autonomous region in the south. BIFF did not officially join the siege in Marawi, but some of its members launched deadly diversionary attacks elsewhere in the Philippine south to divert military attention from that city, authorities said.

“The biggest driver of stability in Mindanao is going to be the consolidation of Bangsamoro and how much they implement the framework agreement,” Poling said, referring to the autonomous region governed by MILF for the past year.

Manila’s termination of VFA came after Duterte became angered by Washington’s decision to revoke a visa for his former national police chief, Ronald dela Rosa, who is now a senator.

The pact had allowed for large-scale joint military exercises between the two longtime allies after the U.S. vacated two of its largest overseas military installations – the Subic Bay Naval Base and Clark Air Base, both located northwest of Manila – in the 1990s.

Poling noted that Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana had recently talked about the success of a military raid in the south in 2015 that was launched with U.S. intelligence help and led to the killing of Malaysian bomb maker Zulkifli bin Hir (also known as Marwan).

While 44 elite police commandos were killed during the raid after a miscommunication with MILF forces, military officials still considered it a win as security forces took out one of Southeast Asia’s most-wanted terrorists.

“Those kind of operation will be impossible,” in the future without the VFA, Poling said. “The two biggest winners of the termination of VFA is China and Abu Sayyaf.”

Manila meanwhile is locked in a maritime territorial dispute with Beijing, which claims most of the mineral-rich South China Sea, including areas that reach the shores of its smaller neighbors. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan also have overlapping claims to the sea region.

https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/philippines-militants-04142020132756.html

WESTMINCOM: Soldiers back relief operations in Maguindanao

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 14, 2020): Soldiers back relief operations in Maguindanao

Troops of the 601st Infantry Brigade backed the provincial government in the distribution of relief goods in Maguindanao.

The launching of the distribution was spearheaded by Gov. Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu at the Old Capitol Ground of the Municipality of Shariff Aguak on April 11, 2020.

The truckloads of relief goods presented will be dispatched to the different municipalities and barangays of Maguindanao for the further distribution of the relief goods to families who are severely affected by the enhance community quarantine.

In her message, Gov. Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu said, “My salute to our frontliners, the health workers, law enforcers as well as all volunteers who became part of this endeavors harnessing our efforts to contain the COVID-19 and be responsive to the needs of my constituents in the whole province."

“As public servants, it is our sole responsibility to instill awareness and enforce all guidelines in order to normalize our situation and as we join together to prevent the spread of COVID-19”, the governor added.

Said relief goods were jointly by the PLGU-Maguindanao and the AFP-PNP troops on the last week of March in response to the call of the national government relative to the declaration of state of public health emergency throughout the country.

“Your Army is on top of the situation, rendering 24/7 duties to monitor, update, and strictly enforce COVID-19 implementing guidelines on the ground to further ensure that the Maguindanao-IATFEID mandates are timely and totally imposed. Further, the 601st Infantry Brigade as IATF support-agency likewise optimize its capabilities and give full commitment in these endeavors as we go hand in hand to fight the spread of COVID-19," said Col. Joel Mamon, Officer In-Charge, 601IBde.

For the first wave of distribution, twenty-four vehicles were dispatched to distribute relief goods in the municipalities of Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Talayan, Talitay, Guindulungan, and South Upi that will aid 9,909 households of the province.

"As the national campaign says, We Heal as One, your armed forces will always be here to aid and abet the people and the government until our beloved Philippines will be totally healed from the COVID-19 crisis," said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

"Moreover, Team WestMinCom continuously conducts military operations to ensure that peace and order in its area of operation are sustained," Lt. Gen. Sobejana added.

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6th Infantry Division - Kampilan 601 Infantry - Unifier Brigade 602nd Liberator Brigaded 603 Persuader Brigade 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade Unang Marinong Brigada Team Tabak Joint Taskforce Basilan HARIBON TEAM Magbalantay Cmo 11 Infantry Division "Alakdan Troopers" Gagandilan Siete 1102 Infantry "ganarul" Brigade 1st BCT Aegis Kwatromarinobrigada Sulu Jtf Tawi Tawi IndomalphiJoint Task Force Zamboanga Joint Task Force Zamboanga Virtual Center Unbeatable Ranger Battalion Matatag Battalion Tow Westmin Cmo Tow Westmin Pio Naval Forces Western Mindanao Cmou Western Mindanao Katapatan Pangkatihan-Dagatan 33rd Infantry Makabayan Battalion 57th Infantry Masikap Battalion 1st Mechanized Lakan Battalion 90th Infantry Bigkis Lahi Battalion Seventh Infantry Tapat Battalion Reliablecmo R Section 6IB Redskin37IB - Conqueror Battalion 40 Infantry "Magiting" Battalion 2nd Mechanized Infantry-MAKASAGBattalion OnlyOurBest MbltFive 38th Infantry We Clear Battalion Breathe Heart Ruel Casanes Ar-ar Galvez Afman Rosales Jr. Antriosanjh Espenida Nenea Sancus Princy Necessitas La Independencia Filipinas



WESTMINCOM: Six more BIFF militants yield in Maguindanao

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 14, 2020): Six more BIFF militants yield in Maguindanao

Six more members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters laid down their arms in Maguindanao on April 13, 2020.

Naldo Babalay; Nashrudin Kanapia; Abil Kusain; Dok Adam; Alamansa Manampad; and Antok Pendatun, members of the Bungos Faction surrendered to soldiers of 33rd Infantry Battalion at the Alpha Company Base in Barangay Mileb, Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao.

"Our mounting offensives at their strongholds as well as our increased community engagements to counter terrorism are gaining positive results," said Col. Joel Mamon, Officer-in-Charge 601st Infantry Brigade.

Said surrenderors yielded to military troops two Cal .30 M1 Garand rifles (converted to M14), one improvised Cal. 30 Sniper Rifle, one improvised Cal. 50 Sniper Rifle, and two improvised 40mm M79 Grenade Launchers.

"Our series of accomplishments are attributed to our soldiers, partners, stakeholders, and to the peace-loving people of Maguindanao," said Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, JTF Central commander.

Subject personalities were brought to 33IB headquarters for custodial debriefing.

"As I always say, convergence is the key to long-lasting peace and sustainable development in the island of Mindanao," said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, WestMinCom commander.

"Our sincerest gratitude to all our partners and to the communities who provide utmost support in all our endeavors," Lt. Gen. Sobejana added.

"We operate to win peace but best of all to win the hearts of our enemies and allow them to return to the loving arms of their families," the commander concluded.

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6th Infantry Division - Kampilan 601 Infantry - Unifier Brigade 602nd "Liberator" Brigade 603 Persuader Brigade 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade Unang Marinong Brigada Team Tabak Joint Taskforce Basilan HARIBON TEAM Magbalantay Cmo 11 Infantry Division "Alakdan Troopers" Gagandilan Siete 1102 Infantry "ganarul" Brigade 1st BCT Aegis Kwatromarinobrigada Sulu Jtf Tawi Tawi Indomalphi Joint Task Force Zamboangaa Joint Task Force Zamboanga Virtual Center Unbeatable Ranger Battalion Matatag Battalion Tow Westmin Cmo Tow Westmin Pio Naval Forces Western Mindanao Cmou Western Mindanao Katapatan Pangkatihan-Dagatan 33rd Infantry Makabayan Battalion 57th Infantry Masikap Battalion 1st Mechanized Lakan Battalion 90th Infantry Bigkis Lahi Battalion Seventh Infantry Tapat Battalion Reliablecmo R Section 6IB Redskin 37IB - Conqueror Battalion 40 Infantry "Magiting" Battalion 2nd Mechanized Infantry-MAKASAGBattalion OnlyOurBest MbltFive 38th Infantry "We Clear" Battalion Breathe Heart Ruel Casanes Ar-ar Galvez Afman Rosales Jr. Antriosanjh Espenida Nenea Sancus Princy Necessitas La Independencia Filipinas

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WESTMINCOM: High-powered firearm yielded in Basilan

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 14, 2020): High-powered firearm yielded in Basilan

One Abu Sayyaf Group member yielded in Basilan bringing along with him one high-powered firearm.

Muhammad Basih, a.k.a. Iyong, a member of the terror group under Furuji Indama, submitted himself to the troops of the 4th Special Forces Battalion in Barangay Cabunbata, Isabela City, Basilan on April 12, 2020.


Subject personality handed over one improvised rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) and one rifle grenade ammunition.

"Basih was involved in the clash between the ASG and the troops of the 44th Infantry Battalion in Baguindan, Tipo-Tipo last 2016," said Brig. Gen. Fernando Reyeg, commander of the Joint Task Force Basilan.

Said surrenderor underwent custodial debriefing at the 4SFB headquarters.

"Amid the health crisis, we hope that more abus will surrender as we continue to implement the whole-of-nation approach in our area of operation," said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, WestMinCom Commander.

"Rest assured that help is underway for former rebels to rebuild their lives," Lt. Gen. Sobejana added

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6th Infantry Division - Kampilan 601 Infantry - Unifier Brigade - 602nd "Liberator" Brigade 603 Persuader Brigade 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade Unang Marinong Brigada Team Tabak Joint Taskforce Basilan HARIBON TEAM Magbalantay Cmo 11 Infantry Division "Alakdan Troopers" Gagandilan Siete 1102 Infantry "ganarul" Brigade 1st BCT Aegis Kwatromarinobrigada Sulu Jtf Tawi Tawi Indomalphi Joint Task Force Zamboanga Joint Task Force Zamboanga Virtual Center Unbeatable Ranger Battalion Matatag Battalion Tow Westmin Cmo Tow Westmin Pio Naval Forces Western Mindanao Cmou Western MindanaoKatapatan Pangkatihan-Dagatan 33rd Infantry Makabayan Battalion 57th Infantry Masikap Battalion 1st Mechanized Lakan Battalion 90th Infantry Bigkis Lahi Battalion Seventh Infantry Tapat Battalion Reliablecmo R Section 6IB Redskin 37IB - Conqueror Battalion 40 Infantry "Magiting" Battalion 2nd Mechanized Infantry-MAKASAGBattalion OnlyOurBest MbltFive 38th Infantry "We Clear" Battalion Breathe Heart Ruel Casanes Ar-ar Galvez Afman Rosales Jr. Antriosanjh Espenida Nenea Sancus Princy Necessitas La Independencia Filipinas

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WESTMINCOM: Explosives recovered in Maguindanao

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 14, 2020): Explosives recovered in Maguindanao

Combined military and MILF forces recovered Monday two improvised explosive devices in a clearing operation in Maguindanao.

Troops recovered two explosives and several components at Sitios Dungguan and Dama Kayo in Barangay Kalumamis, Guindulungan at 4am on April 13.


Soldiers of the 7th Infantry Battalion brought the improvised explosives to the battalion's tactical command post at 11:40am yesterday.

Said troops subsequently coordinated with the Explosive Ordnance Battalion for proper identification, evaluation, and disposal of the recovered explosives.

Maj. Gen Diosdado Carreon, Joint Task Force Central commander, said military troops continue to secure the area against lawless groups in the midst of the implemented community quarantine in Mindanao.

"Security forces keep guard against hostile groups who may threaten and take advantage of the situation to disrupt the security in the area," said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

"We sustain security operations as measures to preempt terror ploys and neutralize implements of hostilities in the area," he added.

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6th Infantry Division - Kampilan 601 Infantry - Unifier Brigade 602nd "Liberator" Brigade 603 Persuader Brigade 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade Unang Marinong Brigada Team Tabak Joint Taskforce Basilan HARIBON TEAM Magbalantay Cmo 11 Infantry Division "Alakdan Troopers" Gagandilan Siete 1102 Infantry "ganarul" Brigade 1st BCT Aegis Kwatromarinobrigada Sulu Jtf Tawi Tawi Indomalphi Joint Task Force Zamboanga Joint Task Force Zamboanga Virtual Center Unbeatable Ranger Battalion Matatag Battalion Tow Westmin Cmo Tow Westmin Pio Naval Forces Western Mindanao Cmou Western Mindanao Katapatan Pangkatihan-Dagatan 33rd Infantry Makabayan Battalion 57th Infantry Masikap Battalion 1st Mechanized Lakan Battalion 90th Infantry Bigkis Lahi Battalion Seventh Infantry Tapat Battalion Reliablecmo R Section 6IB Redskin 37IB - Conqueror Battalion 40 Infantry "Magiting" Battalion 2nd Mechanized Infantry-MAKASAGBattalion OnlyOurBest MbltFive 38th Infantry We Clear Battalion @Arvin John Gullos Encinas Breathe Heart Ruel Casanes Ar-ar Galvez Afman Rosales Jr. Antriosanjh Espenida Nenea Sancus Princy Necessitas La Independencia Filipinas

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