Monday, August 24, 2020

Kalinaw News: LGU Alabel namigay ng tulong pangkabuhayan sa mga nagsipagtapos sa Bagani Training

From Kalinaw News (Aug 24, 2020): LGU Alabel namigay ng tulong pangkabuhayan sa mga nagsipagtapos sa Bagani Training
Malapatan, Sarangani Province – Kasabay ng pagtatapos ng Bagani Training ay ang pagbigay ng tulong pangkabuhayan ng Lokal na Ahensya ng Gobyerno ng Alabel, Sarangani Province sa mga 60 na partisipante ng training sa So Luot, Poblacion ng Malapatan, Sarangani Province kahapon, Agosto 23, 2020.

Dinaluhan ang nasabing aktibidades ni Atty. Ryan Jay Ramos, Chief of Staff, Congressional of Sarangani Province, Hon. Vic Paul Salarda, Alkalde ng Alabel, at si Hon Salway Sumbo, Alkalde ng Malapatan na kung saan binigyan ng isang sakong bigas, hospital at medical insurance ang mga nagsipagtapos. Bilang pangako ni Hon. Salarda, magkakaroon din sila ng buwanang sweldo na kung saan sila ay magsisilbing Forest Guard (Bantay Kagubatan) ng Alabel.
Binigyang diin ni Hon. Salarda na ang mga Bagani ay magsisilbing katulong ng 73rd Infantry Battalion sa pagbantay ng kagubatan laban sa mga ilegal na gawain lalo na ang pagpasok ng mga rebelde.

Sa mensahe ni Lt. Col. Ronaldo G Valdez, kumander ng 73IB, na nirepresentahan ni 1LT Orestes Fausto, kanyang binabati ang mga nagtapos ng training. “Lahat ng mga natutunan ninyo sa inyong training ay inyong magagamit sa pagprotekta ng inyong lugar. Nawa’y maging instrumento kayo sa pagsugpo ng mga masasamang gawain ng rebeldeng NPA”, kanyang dagdag.

Bilang karagdagan, hinikayat ng alkalde ng Alabel na pagaralin ng mga Bagani ang kanilang mga anak upang maging susi sa kapayapaan.









[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/lgu-alabel-namigay-ng-tulong-pangkabuhayan-sa-mga-nagsipagtapos-sa-bagani-training/

Pemberton withdraws appeal, accepts 10-year sentence from 2015

From Rappler (Aug 24, 2020): Pemberton withdraws appeal, accepts 10-year sentence from 2015 (By LIAN BUAN)



The withdrawal came on June 2, the same day that the Philippines suspended its termination of its Visiting Forces Agreement with the US

US Marine Joseph Scott Pemberton – who killed Filipino transgender woman Jennifer Laude – has withdrawn his appeal from the Supreme Court (SC), accepting a 2015 lower court ruling which sentenced him to 10 years in prison over homicide.

This means he would walk free in 5 years, or sooner, if his Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) and Credit of Preventive Imprisonment (CPI) are taken into account. CPI is jail time served before conviction, a credit which the Court of Appeals upheld for Pemberton.

The SC notice showed Pemberton filed a motion for leave to withdraw his petition on June 2, 2020.


"The Court grants petitioner's urgent motion for leave to withdraw stating that after thoughtful consideration of the circumstances of this case, he has decided to withdraw his petition, both as to criminal and civil accepts of the appeal, and accepts and recognizes that his conviction will become final and executory," said the SC 3rd Division in a notice sent to media Monday, August 24.

The Olongapo City Regional Trial Court Branch 74 convicted Pemberton of homicide on December 1, 2015, over the killing of Laude – whom he met in Olongapo and was supposed to have sex with.

The court found that when Pemberton discovered Laude had male genitals, the soldier "arm-locked the deceased, and dunked his (her) head in the toilet."

Autopsy found that Laude died due to asphyxia by drowning and strangulation.

The Court of Appeals affirmed that ruling on August 15, 2017.

The Philippine and US governments say that Pemberton is in a restricted facility in Camp Aguinaldo, a perk afforded to the marine courtesy of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

The Duterte government has, in the past year, revoked and then maintained the VFA. The Philippines suspended the supposed termination of the VFA on June 2, the same day Pemberton withdrew his appeal.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque was a lawyer to the Laude family.

https://rappler.com/nation/pemberton-withdraws-appeal-accepts-10-year-sentence
From Rappler (Aug 24, 2020): 14 people killed, 75 wounded as twin blasts hit Jolo town center (By JC GOTINGA)



(6th UPDATE) The second of two explosions was caused by a female suicide bomber, says the military

Back-to-back explosions rocked downtown Jolo, Sulu, around noon on Monday, August 24, killing at least 14 people and wounding 75 others, the military said.

"4 soldiers died on the spot, 17 wounded, no details yet regarding about civilian casualties," Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan Jr, chief of the Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command, initially told reporters. Vinluan, ironically, just hurdled his confirmation hearing at the Commission on Appointments on Monday.

"Secondary blast is on the same street, just 100 meters from the first one. Initially, it's an IED planted in a motorbike," he said in a text message to reporters.

Hours later, Vinluan said the death toll had risen to 14, with 7 soldiers, 6 civilians, and one police killed in the two blasts.

At least 75 people were wounded – 48 civilians, 21 soldiers, 3 local police, and 3 police Special Action Force personnel, Vinluan added.

The first explosion happened at around 11:55 am, when an improvised explosive device (IED) went off near Paradise Food Plaza along Serantes Street, Barangay Walled City in downtown Jolo. Six soldiers were killed in this first blast, the military said.

A second explosion happened at around 01:15 pm along Sanchez Street, near a branch of the Development Bank of the Philippines, in front of New Trading store, also in Barangay Walled City. This blast killed one more soldier, and wounded at least 3 soldiers and 6 police, according to the military.

The second explosion was caused by a female suicide bomber with suspected links to Abu Sayyaf bomber Mundi Sawadjaan, nephew of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader and Islamic State (ISIS) head in the Philippines Hajan Sawadjaan, said Philippine Army 11th Infantry Division civil-military relations officer Lieutenant Colonel Ronaldo Mateo.

Senator Richard Gordon, chairperson of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), tweeted about the first explosion at 1:12 pm, and about the second blast at 1:30 pm. He said the PRC has set up a First Aid and Welfare Station on the ground, and pre-positioned blood supply in case it is needed.

The aid group treated a female civilian with an abrasion on her left foot, Gordon added.

A motorcycle loaded with IED exploded beside a military truck in Brgy Walled City, Jolo at around 11:58AM today, reportedly killing 4 soldiers and 2 civilians. PRC treated 1 female civilian with abrasion on left foot and has set up First Aid and Welfare Station for assistance.— Richard J. Gordon (@DickGordonDG) August 24, 2020

Representative Koko Nograles of the Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta party shared an initial military report with reporters, indicating there were civilian casualties from the incident.

AFP spokesperson Major General Edgard Arevalo said an investigation on the site is underway. Military troops are on hand to secure the area, and to evacuate and provide treatment to casualties.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Sulu said its Explosives and Ordnance Division swept the area "for possible further explosive device or devices."

The explosions happened on a busy day at the town center because Monday is market day in Jolo.

The AFP Joint Task Force Sulu and the Philippine Army's 11th Infantry Division are on high alert, Arevalo said.

"We condemn in the strongest possible terms the explosion incidents in Jolo, Sulu today, which left scores dead and wounded, including soldiers. We likewise condole with the families and loved ones of those who died in these tragic incidents. Authorities are now conducting an investigation, which includes identifying individuals or groups behind these dastardly attacks," Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement on Monday afternoon.

"We call on the residents of Jolo to stay vigilant, and report suspicious personalities and unattended items in their areas," Roque added.

The island province of Sulu is the lair of the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group. One of its top leaders, Abduljihad "Idang" Susukan, was handed over to police by Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari on August 13. (READ: Lacson hits 'politics' in Misuari's handover of Abu Sayyaf leader)

Monday's explosions happened near the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, where a suicide attack on January 27, 2019 killed at least 23 people and wounded 109 others. The bombers were an Indonesian couple with links to the Abu Sayyaf.

Bomb attacks also happened around the time Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana officially assumed command of the military in Western Mindanao on September 4, 2019. Days later, on September 7, at least 7 people were wounded when an IED went off near the public market in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat. The following day, a suicide bomber tried to attack an Army Camp in Indanan, Sulu, killing only herself. An investigation found the female attacker was a foreigner.

https://rappler.com/nation/deadly-twin-explosions-jolo-town-center

Defense chief Lorenzana accuses China of fabricating sea claims

From Rappler (Aug 24, 2020): Defense chief Lorenzana accuses China of fabricating sea claims (By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE)



The remarks from Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana come during a fresh row between Manila and Beijing over the disputed Panatag Shoal

China's "9-dash line" used to claim most of the South China Sea is a fabrication, Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said, as he accused Beijing of illegally occupying Filipino maritime territory.

The remarks late Sunday, August 23, come during a fresh row between Manila and Beijing over the disputed Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, which has long been a flashpoint between the two countries.

The Philippine foreign ministry last week lodged a diplomatic protest over what it said was the "illegal confiscation" by China's coast guard of fishing equipment near the shoal.

China seized Scarborough from the Philippines in 2012 following a tense standoff.


The shoal, one of the region's richest fishing grounds, is located 240 kilometres (150 miles) west of the Philippines' main island of Luzon and 650 kms from the nearest major Chinese land mass, the southern island province of Hainan.

"That area is within our EEZ," Lorenzana told reporters in a text message, referring to the country's exclusive economic zone.

"Their (China's) so-called historical rights over an area enclosed by their 9-line doesn't exist except in their imaginations.

"Our fishermen are within our EEZ and likewise our ships and planes conduct patrol sorties within our area.

"They (China) are the ones who have been doing provocations by illegally occupying some features within our EEZ. Hence they have no right to claim they are enforcing their laws."

Beijing claims the majority of the sea, often invoking its so-called nine-dash line to justify its alleged historic rights to the key waterway that is also contested by the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan and Brunei.

It rejected a 2016 UN-backed tribunal's ruling that its claims were without legal basis.

China's foreign ministry on Friday defended the coast guard, saying they had carried out law enforcement activities and "their actions are understandable."

It also accused Philippine military aircraft of invading Chinese airspace in another disputed section of the sea and urged Manila to "immediately stop illegal provocative activities".

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's spokesman has played down the spat which comes as the coronavirus-ravaged country seeks to secure a coronavirus vaccine from China.

"Our diplomats routinely lodge protests like that if we believe our sovereign rights are violated," Harry Roque said Friday.

"But it will not affect the overall good relations between our country and China.

Philippine-China relations have improved under Duterte, who revived once-icy diplomatic ties after being elected in 2016 when he largely set aside maritime disputes in favor of wooing Chinese aid, trade and investment.

Chinese President Xi Jinping told Duterte in Beijing last year that its position on the sea was not up for negotiation, a spokesman for Duterte said at the time. –

https://rappler.com/nation/defense-chief-lorenzana-accuses-china-fabricating-sea-claims

Parlade grilled on social media regulation, press freedom at confirmation hearing

From Rappler (Aug 24, 2020): Parlade grilled on social media regulation, press freedom at confirmation hearing (By NIKKO DIZON)



Southern Luzon Command chief Lieutenant General Antonio Parlade Jr is a veteran military spokesperson who gets entangled in controversial statements

A ranking military commander told lawmakers on Monday, August 24, that social media use should be regulated, especially to prevent terrorist attacks, but admitted he does not know how this could be done under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) of 2020.

At his confirmation hearing on Monday, Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) chief, Lieutenant General Antonio Parlade Jr, ultimately found himself being grilled by opposition senators on how social media regulation as well as his previous statements against journalists affect freedom of expression and press freedom.


Parlade was a former Army spokesperson and currently serves as the mouthpiece for the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). The NTF-ELCAC is the group created by President Rodrigo Duterte through an executive order in December 2018 as his administration’s definitive effort to end the 50-year-old communist insurgency, the longest in Asia. It aims to address the root cause of insurgency and other conflicts, which had also been the campaign of previous administrations.

Senator Franklin Drilon asked Parlade if he agreed with the statement of Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Lt Gen Gilbert Gapay that social media use should be regulated under the ATA to prevent terrorist acts.

Parlade said that “of course, we support press freedom, we support freedom of expression.” But he noted that, "through the years, technology has evolved and social media is being used by elements, organizations to destabilize the government.”

“As we speak, they are talking on social media how to make bombs, Molotov bombs, and we are speaking here of some legal organizations discussing about how to make Molotov bombs in social media. I think the chief of staff is right about discussing this issue, the IRR, on the use of social media if only to make sure that this aspect of terrorism or preventing terrorism is addressed,” Parlade said.

Drilon, however, said that he does not recall any provision in the law that allows social media regulation. Neither does Parlade. But the general said there should be a clause in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the law that could help security forces prevent terrorist acts that are being planned on social media.

Parlade said he agreed that “social media per se should be available to all but the actions of people using this platform should be regulated.”

“So, I don’t know exactly how we can do that but I think that’s the idea of the chief of staff,” Parlade said.

Lacson's reminder

Senator Panfilo Lacson, chair of the Senate committee on national defense and security, reminded Parlade, Gapay, and the rest of the AFP to be "very careful" when issuing statements.

"And be very conscious because if you say regulate social media, that is what Senator Drilon is saying as prior restraint. We will be in violation of the doctrine, prior restraint," Lacson said, adding:

"I know that the intention of the CSAFP when he issued the statement, was not along the line of imposing restraint on social media or media in general."

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana himself earlier rejected Gapay's statement.

Lacson emphasized that prior restraint is not the "legislative intent" of the ATA when lawmakers deliberated on the measure. (READ: Calida asks Supreme Court to cancel anti-terror law oral arguments)

Defeat enemy propaganda

At the hearing, Parlade said that the AFP is now addressing the propaganda campaign of the communist insurgency, a strategy that he said has long been overlooked by state security forces which they now realize is as important as engaging enemies in the battlefield.

He said that the failure of the military to address the “propaganda of the enemy” was one of the reasons why the communist insurgency has dragged on for decades.


Parlade’s remark was borne out of the probing of opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros who asked him about his alleged red-tagging of media workers, including Rappler's senior editors Maria Ressa and Glenda Gloria, noting how the practice could endanger the lives of journalists and also violate military rules.

Parlade said he never said Ressa and Gloria were communists. He said that he only took particular exception to Gloria’s recent commentary on the government and military’s anti-insurgency campaign.

“But I was just saying that her line is way off. Her line is way off. Her comments cannot be accepted by the Armed Forces, especially saying that in the past, the Armed Forces of the Philippines has been dealing with the combatants. That’s true,” he said, adding:

“But that’s also where we failed because the Armed Forces of the Philippines did not address the propaganda of the enemy. And that’s why we are here now. Until now, we have this insurgency. So this is now the time for us to understand that there’s a problem with the effort of the government, especially the AFP. Whereas before, 90% of our effort was on tactical, and 10% only to address the propaganda, now, we would like to shift to the more important aspect of this political war, which is propaganda.”

Parlade said that the military is addressing social and human rights issues, and now understands the “dynamics of this insurgency”.

“So, we are now shifting towards defeating the propaganda machinery of the NPA (New People’s Army). And if they happen to be part of that machinery, then we will destroy it,” he said.

Hontiveros, whose late husband was a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) as well as her brother, a Marine, replied that Parlade’s answer was “not a very happy note on which to end” the hearing.

Herself a former broadcast journalist, Hontiveros said the issue of red-tagging or red-baiting impacts on the importance of upholding freedom of expression and press freedom without prior restraint.

At the end of the hearing, the powerful CA confirmed Parlade's appointment as Solcom commander.

https://rappler.com/nation/parlade-grilled-social-media-press-freedom-confirmation-hearing

Jolo suicide bomber subject of 4 slain soldiers' intel mission – sources

From Rappler (Aug 24, 2020): Jolo suicide bomber subject of 4 slain soldiers' intel mission – sources (By NIKKO DIZONJC GOTINGA)



The attacker was one of two Filipino women allegedly planning a suicide bombing in late June, and who evaded capture after cops killed the soldiers tracking them, sources tell Rappler

The second of two explosions in downtown Jolo, Sulu, on Monday, August 24, was caused by a female suicide bomber, the military said. This attacker, intelligence sources told Rappler, was one of the two subjects of an Army intelligence mission in late June, which ended with the fatal shooting of 4 soldiers by police.
A first bomb – an improvised explosive device on a motorcycle – went off at around 11:55 am Monday near the Paradise Food Plaza grocery store along Serantes Street at Plaza Rizal in Barangay Walled City in downtown Jolo. This killed 6 soldiers and several civilians.

Military and police were securing the area at around 1:15 pm when a woman walked up to a group of soldiers of the Philippine Army’s 35th Infantry Battalion posted near Leng’s Snack House, also around Plaza Rizal. The woman “suddenly stood beside the troops and suddenly blew herself up and [was] shredded to pieces,” a military report said.

Lieutenant Colonel Ronaldo Mateo, Army 11th Infantry Division civil-military relations officer, confirmed this report to Rappler.

The suspected suicide bomber is believed to be linked to Abu Sayyaf bomber Mundi Sawadjaan, the nephew of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Hajan Sawadjaan – the leader of the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist network in the Philippines.

Two independent military intelligence sources told Rappler the attacker was one of two women who had been the subject of the Army's signals intelligence mission on June 29. At the time, the women were believed to have been planning a suicide bomb attack somewhere in Jolo within days.

Rappler asked Western Mindanao military commander Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan Jr to confirm the information from the two sources, but he deferred to the investigation by the Philippine National Police Scene of the Crime Operatives.

Vinluan said the subjects of the June 29 intel mission were two Tausug women who had volunteered to carry out suicide attacks. One of them was the wife of Norman Lasuca, who launched a suicide attack on a military camp in Indanan, Sulu, on June 28, 2019 – the first by a Filipino.
No other women are known to have agreed to carry out suicide attacks besides these two, Vinluan added.

If the attacker behind the second blast in Jolo on Monday was indeed one of the two Tausug suspects, it would be the second known suicide bombing by a Filipino, and the first by a Filipino woman.

Killings in June

On the afternoon of June 29, four Army intelligence soldiers – Major Marvin Indammog, Captain Irwin Managuelod, Sergeant Jaime Velasco, and Corporal Abdal Asula – were tracking the two suspects and driving back to downtown Jolo from the outskirts when a group of police flagged them at a checkpoint, according to the military. In plainclothes, the soldiers agreed to go with the cops to their municipal station.

When the soldiers parked their SUV some 50 meters past the police station, the cops followed and confronted them.

According to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Indammog got off the vehicle and approached the cops unarmed, but he was shot dead on the spot. Police also shot the other 3 soldiers dead, but there was no indication of a firefight, the NBI said. 

(READ: AFP accuses PNP of cover-up in Jolo shooting)

With the 4 soldiers’ killing, the two terrorists got away that day, the military said, adding the incident was a setback to their campaign to hunt down Abu Sayyaf terrorists.

The military initially said the subject of the mission included Mundi Sawadjaan, but Vinluan told a Senate panel on August 19 that the specific targets were “two female suicide bombers.”

At the time, intelligence operatives could not yet identify where the two suspects were planning to attack, so Vinluan said he decided to inform local authorities, including the police, that the military was conducting a mission to track down the would-be bombers.

In the same Senate hearing, however, the police said one of the slain soldiers had links to illegal drugs.

Women were behind two of several suicide bombing incidents in Western Mindanao last year. One was an Indonesian, Ulfah Handayani Saleh, who, with her husband Rullie Rian Zeke, self-detonated during Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in downtown Jolo on January 27, 2019. That incident killed at least 23 people and wounded 109 others.

On September 8, 2019, a caucasian-looking woman tried to attack an Army detachment in Indanan, Sulu, but the explosives on her went off as she was approaching the entrance, killing only herself. No one else was reported injured from that incident.

The military attributed these attacks in Jolo and Indanan to the Abu Sayyaf, particularly the ISIS-linked faction under Hajan Sawadjaan.
Monday’s twin blasts occurred in the same town square as the Jolo Cathedral, where the January 2019 bombing happened.

As of 9 pm Monday, the military said at least 14 people were killed in Monday’s explosions, excluding the attacker: 7 soldiers, 6 civilians, and one police. At least 75 other people were wounded: 48 civilians, 21 soldiers, 3 local police, and 3 police from the elite Special Action Force. 

https://rappler.com/nation/sources-say-jolo-suicide-bomber-subject-slain-soldiers-intel-mission

Cops who killed 4 intel soldiers linked to Abu Sayyaf? Possible, says military commander

From Rappler (Aug 24, 2020): Cops who killed 4 intel soldiers linked to Abu Sayyaf? Possible, says military commander (By JC GOTINGA)



Sulu is a small province where it’s common to find lawmen and terrorists belonging to the same clan, says Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan Jr

What motivated a group of policemen to shoot 4 soldiers on an intelligence mission dead in broad daylight? The military commander over Jolo, Sulu, hesitated to answer, but after persistent questioning by a senator, he admitted the cops might have connived with the mission's targets.

Those targets were two Tausug women allegedly plotting a suicide attack in bustling Jolo, the capital of the island province.


"Could a conspiracy have been possible here, between those whom our intelligence officers were trying to arrest – the terrorist bombers – and the members of the police who shot them?" Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon asked Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan Jr, chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).

Vinluan was one of 15 military officers who faced the Commission on Appointments (CA) at the Senate on Monday, August 24. Responding to Drilon, the general said conspiracy was one of the motives the military is considering in the fatal shooting of the soldiers by Jolo cops on June 29.

"Posible 'yon…dahil halos magkakamag-anak naman sa Sulu (That's possible…because nearly everyone is related in Sulu)," Vinluan said.

"May mga ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group) na may kamag-anak na pulis, and then may MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front) naman na kamag-anak 'yung pulis, dahil maliit lang naman ang Sulu," he added. (There are ASG members who have relatives who are police, and then there are MNLF members who are related to police, because Sulu is a small place.)

The CA hearing was underway when back-to-back explosions rocked downtown Jolo, killing at least 14 people and wounding 75 others.

The second blast was caused by a female suicide bomber, the military said. Intelligence sources told Rappler the attacker was one of the two suspects the 4 soldiers were tracking down on the day they were killed.

Vinluan told Rappler the two targets of the June 29 mission were Tausug women who had volunteered for suicide attacks. One of them was the widow of Norman Lasuca, who launched a suicide bombing at a military camp in Indanan, Sulu, in June 2019 – the first by a Filipino.

Although Vinluan did not confirm whether one of them was the bomber from Monday, he said no women besides the two earlier suspects are known to have agreed to suicide attacks.

The military said the targets of the June 29 mission and the bomber behind Monday's Jolo blasts were connected to Abu Sayyaf bomb-maker Mundi Sawadjaan, the nephew of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Hajan Sawadjaan, the leader of the Islamic State or ISIS terrorist network in the Philippines.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has yet to establish a clear motive behind the killing of Major Marvin Indammog, Captain Irwin Managuelod, Sergeant Jaime Velasco, and Corporal Abdal Asula. The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Asula was involved in the illegal drug trade, but Vinluan denied this, saying the deceased soldier was "matino" or upright.

The 4 soldiers were on a roving signals intelligence (SIGINT) mission to track the would-be bombers, but were waylaid by police at a checkpoint in the outskirts of Jolo. The cops questioned the identities of the soldiers, who were in plainclothes. Both parties agreed to meet at the municipal police station downtown to settle the matter.

When the soldiers parked their SUV some 50 meters past the police station, 9 cops on their patrol vans followed them, confronted them, and then shot them dead on the spot. The NBI said there was no indication of a firefight.

Vinluan told the panel of lawmakers that the soldiers had to park some distance from the busy police station to protect their SIGINT equipment, which contained sensitive information.

"And who among the 9 members of the police do you think have relatives in the ASG?" Drilon asked Vinluan.

"I cannot give you a definite answer yet…because our investigation is still ongoing," Vinluan replied.

Senator Panfilo Lacson, a former soldier and national police chief, told Vinluan to ensure the incident "would not drive any wedge between the PNP and AFP as institutions."

Vinluan's appointment as Westmincom chief, and promotion to the 3-star rank of lieutenant general, was confirmed by the commission. –

https://rappler.com/nation/military-commander-says-possible-cops-killed-soldiers-linked-abu-sayyaf

Two NPA armed militias arrested

From the Visayan Daily Star (Aug 24, 2020): Two NPA armed militias arrested

Army soldiers apprehended two suspected armed Yunit Militia members of the New People’s Army in Brgy. Carol-an, Ayungon town of Negros Oriental, Saturday.

Lt. Col. Angelo Guzman, 94th Infantry Battalion commander, disclosed yesterday that the two apprehended NPA members were observed to have been suspiciously tracking his soldiers, who were conducting combat clearing operations.

The arrest of the two suspected NPA militia unit members identified as Judy Amorganda, 33, and Ryan Abrio, 19, yielded a 12 gauge shotgun with five live ammunition and a .38 caliber revolver with six live ammunition.
Guzman said that the apprehended NPA members, who are also serving as logistics couriers of the NPA, aside from being Yunit Militia members, were tasked by their leaders to monitor closely the conduct of Army and PNP operations in the area.


Both are now detained at the Ayungon Municipal Police Station, pending the filing of charges against them in court for illegal possession of firearms.

Guzman thanked the local residents who provided them the information that led to the arrest of the two NPA members.

Meanwhile, the two minors, who are NPA recruits, and were rescued by the military during an encounter in Brgy. Sandayao, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, are now under the custody of the local Social Welfare and Development Office.

Guihulngan City Social Welfare and Development Officer Gianne Marie Mijares said the two minors are now being subjected to psychosocial interventions, which includes counselling and behavioral management, among other tools, to ensure that their development will not be prejudiced.

The recent simultaneous encounters in two remote sitios of Brgy. Sandayao, Guihulngan City, claimed the life of a suspected NPA member, capture of another one, as well as injuries of two Army soldiers.

https://www.visayandailystar.com/2020/August/24/topstory9.htm

(Updated) 14 persons killed, 75 others wounded in Jolo twin blasts

From MindaNews (Aug 24, 2020): (Updated) 14 persons killed, 75 others wounded in Jolo twin blasts (By FRENCIE CARREON)

ZAMBOANGA CITY (MindaNews / 24 August) — At least 14 persons, including seven soldiers, were killed while 75 others were wounded as two powerful explosions rocked Jolo, the capital of Sulu province, Monday in a span of just an hour, the local police and military said.

The Jolo Municipal Police Station reported the first blast occurred at 11:53 a.m., shortly before the noontime Islamic prayer, near Paradise Enterprises Grocery and Syntax along Serrantes Street corner Plaza Rizal in Barangay Walled City.

It added the second explosion happened over an hour later at 1:03 p.m. also in Barangay Walled City, reportedly a hundred meters away from the site of the first blast.

Serrantes Street is one of Jolo’s busy roads and Syntax is a popular computer shop in the area that is next to Paradise Enterprises.

The wounded victims were rushed to the Camp General Teodulfo Bautista hospital and the Sulu provincial hospital for treatment.

Jolo Mayor Kerkhar Tan ordered a total lockdown in the locality about three hours after the first explosion rocked the downtown area.

“Cancelation of entry and exit to and from Jolo shall be strictly enforced except on some special cases,” he said in a public advisory.

The mayor did not elaborate what could be considered as special cases.

Tan said the lockdown will be lifted until the investigation is finished.

Col. Antonio Rafael Abundabar, spokesperson of the Western Mindanao Command, said in a statement that six soldiers died and 16 others were wounded in the first explosion.

Four civilians were also reportedly killed and nine others were wounded in the incident, he added.

While troops were cordoning off the bomb site, a suicide bomber attempted to penetrate the area and blasted himself near the Development Bank of the Philippines, in front of New Trading along Sanchez St, Barangay Walled City, at 1 p.m. which resulted in the killing of one soldier and the wounding of nine government forces (three soldiers and six Philippine National Police personnel), Abundabar said.

In a statement, the Joint Task Force Sulu (JTFS) said the soldiers belonged to the Army’s 21st Infantry Battalion, under the 11th Division.

The JTFS said that a parked motorcycle near an M-35 military truck exploded, resulting to the numerous casualties. Security forces immediately cordoned off the area.

The JTFS vowed to bring the perpetrators of the carnage behind the bars of justice. The military suspected the Islamic State-aligned Abu Sayyaf Group to be behind the twin bombings.

Naguib Sinarimbo, spokesperson of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, condemned the deadly explosions to hit Sulu, one of the provinces under the new Bangsamoro region, anew.

“We condemn in the strongest possible words the twin bombings in Jolo today that killed innocent civilians and state forces out to buy their food supplies. We sympathize with the families of the victims and express our solidarity with the people of Sulu,” he said.

Fatmawati Salapuddin, former Commissioner of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, also condemned the twin explosions.

“Who will possibly bomb a province with a 98-percent Muslim population? We cannot trust that investigations are accurate and true. So, as Muslims we can only turn to the Almighty and pray hard that the mastermind to all these chaos will be revealed,” she told MindaNews.

Preciosa Chiong, Philippine National Red Cross Sulu administrator, said in a phone interview that during the first explosion, Red Cross responders attended to the wounds of a woman and three men, all civilians.

As of posting time, the military and the police were still conducting a parallel investigation.

The first explosion occurred near the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Jolo where at least 20 persons were killed during the twin explosions in January last year, said Sonny Abing, Sulu information officer.

“The wounds are still fresh and here we go again. I woke up with the news and graphic photos from back home. I can’t deny the anger I feel for the low lives behind these heartless acts,” said Lloyd Joshua Reyes, son of broadcaster Romy Reyes who, along with his wife, died during the bombing of the Jolo Cathedral last year. (With a report from Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)

Twin Jolo bombings leave dozen of casualties

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Aug 24, 2020): Twin Jolo bombings leave dozen of casualties

At least a dozen soldiers and civilians were killed and wounded in twin bombings Monday by suspected pro-ISIS militants in the southern Philippine province of Sulu.

The simultaneous attacks targeted soldiers buying provisions in the capital town of Jolo, but security officials have not released any statement on the bombings or the number of soldiers killed and wounded from the powerful blasts.

Other reports said a motorcycle laden with explosives went off near a military truck used by the soldiers. And that a second bomb exploded minutes later while soldiers and policemen rushed to the scene.

One report said the blast occurred near or inside Paradise Food Shop beside Syntax computer shop.

Several civilians were also reported killed and wounded and photos of the casualties and videos of the aftermath of the bloody attacks posted by villages immediately went viral on social media.

Pictures also showed soldiers carrying their bloodied companions and civilians sprawled on the street and soaked in their own blood near where the attack occurred.

No individual or group claimed responsibility for the blasts, but authorities suspect the Abu Sayyaf, a small group notorious for its brutal campaign for a self-rule whose leaders pledged allegiance to ISIS.

The daring attacks occurred barely two weeks after security forces arrested a senior Abu Sayyaf leader, Idang Susukan, from the house of former rebel chieftain Nur Misuari, chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front, in Davao City.

Susukan reportedly surrendered in April to Misuari in Sulu, one of 5 provinces under the Muslim autonomous region, and brought him to Davao on a private jet to have him fitted with a prosthetic arm after losing one arm in a bloody battle with soldiers in the province.

It was unclear whether the twin bombings were in retaliation of the Abu Sayyaf for Susukan’s arrest.


Just this month, the U.S. Department of State warned Americans to stay away from the restive southern region due to terrorism. “Do not travel to the Sulu Archipelago, including the southern Sulu Sea, due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. (And) Marawi City in Mindanao due to terrorism and civil unrest,” it said in an updated advisory August 7.

“Terrorist and armed groups continue plotting possible kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks in the Philippines. Terrorist and armed groups may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. The Philippine government has declared a State of National Emergency on Account of Lawless Violence in Mindanao,” it added.

The bombings were timed while the country is battling the spread of the coronavirus that had killed nearly 3,000 people since the start of the pandemic in March. (Zamboanga Post)

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2020/08/twin-jolo-bombings-leave-dozen-of.html

Motorcycle bomb, suicide bomber kill 13, injure dozens more in Sulu

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Aug 24, 2020): Motorcycle bomb, suicide bomber kill 13, injure dozens more in Sulu

The Philippine military said a motorcycle bomb and a suicide bomber had killed over a dozen people and injured dozens more in daring attacks Monday in Sulu province.



Military photos show the aftermath of Monday's twin bombings in Sulu's capital
town of Jolo.


Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, said seven soldiers and 6
civilians were confirmed dead from the twin bombings in the capital town of Jolo.

He said 48 civilians and nine policemen and 19 soldiers were wounded in the attacks near Paradise
Food Plaza along Serantes Street at noontime.

The first blast, Vinluan said, was from a parked motorcycle rigged with explosives. He said troops
were in the area.

"While troops were cordoning off the bomb site, a suicide bomber attempted to penetrate the area
and blasted himself near the Development Bank of the Philippines, in front of New Trading along
Sanchez Street at 1:00 p.m.," he said.

Vinluan did not say whether the suicide bomber was a foreigner or Filipino, but a military report
claimed a woman carried out the attack.

"Combat clearing operations and investigations are currently being conducted to identify the
perpetrators. Metro Jolo was locked down to prevent further casualties and pre-empt any other
untoward incident," he added.

Vinluan said the military's Anti-terror Joint Task Force Sulu "assures the public that they will
continue to sustain the security efforts for peace and stability in the province. Ground troops continue
to establish the circumstances and identify the perpetrators behind this inhumane attack," he said,
adding, “as per initial investigation, the first explosion emanated from a vehicle-borne Improvised
Explosive Device whereby two of our military vehicles parked in the area were partially damaged,”
Vinluan said.

The Abu Sayyaf is largely blamed for the daring attacks. (Zamboanga Post)

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2020/08/motorcycle-bomb-suicide-bomber-kill-13.html

Government, people winning the war on insurgency in Benguet

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 24, 2020): Government, people winning the war on insurgency in Benguet (By Redjie Melvic M. Cawis)

Featured Image

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Aug. 24 (PIA) -- Benguet Provincial Police Office Director PCol. Elmer Ragay said that the government and the people are winning the war on insurgency without firing shots and encounters in the mountains.

“For the system itself, we are gaining grounds. We are winning the war (on insurgency) without firing shots,” Ragay said during the Kapihan sa Benguet forum recently.



Ragay explained that this is through the institutionalization of Executive Order No. 70 or the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict in the country.

EO 70 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in December 2018 called for the institutionalization of a whole-of-nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace.

Ragay said that since he assumed as the Benguet PPO Director in September last year, at least 22 members of the CPP-NPA already surrendered to the government thru the PPO. They turned over their firearms and gave vital information to the authorities during their surrender.

The most recent surrenders to the PPO involved high ranking political officer of the NPA at the Camp Molintas in Buguias and the two combatants who surrendered during the celebration of the 33rd Cordillera Foundation Day.

He said most of the rebel returnees are not from Benguet but mostly from the nearby provinces in the Cordillera region who coordinated with the local leaders, local police officers, Army officials and others members of the community in the province of Benguet to surrender back to the folds of the law.

The former rebels received incentives for their surrendered firearms and they were processed under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) in order to receive welfare assistance and livelihood assistance from the government.

Ragay said that at least two have already received their livelihood packages and are now enjoying the benefits under the ECLIP program.

He said that with the success of the whole-of-the nation approach to ELCAC, he calls on other members of the communist groups and their front organizations to surrender to the government authorities and seek for better and more peaceful life lives in the mainstream society. (JDP/RMC- PIA CAR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1051097

2 rebels in Aurora surrender to Army

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 24, 2020): 2 rebels in Aurora surrender to Army (By Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu)

Featured Image

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Aug.24 (PIA) -- Two rebels in Aurora returned to the folds of government Friday.

They voluntarily surrendered to Army's 91st Infantry Battalion (91IB) in Baler, Aurora.

91IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Reandrew Rubio said alias “Kristina” is 21 years old and a resident of Nueva Ecija. She surrendered 1 M14 rifle and 1 magazine with 10 rounds of live ammunition.

“She disclosed that she is the Youth Organizer of Kabataang Makabayan and a Medic of New Peoples’ Army (NPA) operating in the provinces of Aurora and Nueva Ecija,” Rubio said.

The other was identified as alias “Bert” who is 41 years old, also a resident of Nueva Ecija and a member of the NPA group operating in Aurora. He surrendered a M16 rifle with 2 short magazines and 26 live ammunition.


Two rebels in Aurora returned to the folds of government. They voluntarily surrendered to Army's 91st Infantry Battalion in Baler, Aurora. (91st Infantry Battalion)

“We attribute these surrenders to the efforts of our local Task Force in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict in Aurora that supports the relentless efforts of our troops in combat operations. Both efforts are indispensable to encourage more members of the NPA in the provinces of Aurora and Nueva Ecija to surrender,” Rubio said.

Both are now in the custody of 91IB for proper documentation and interview.

In a statement, 7th Infantry Division Commander Major General Alfredo Rosario Jr. welcomed the surrender of the two NPA personalities, saying that abandoning the bandit group is the right choice.

“Their act of presenting themselves to the authorities is a courageous move on their part. Being deceived and recruited to join the armed struggle is not their fault, it is a crime committed by the leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA. I am glad for this new development in Aurora and hopefully, there will be more surrenderees in the future,” Rosario added. (CLJD-PIA 3)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1051124

Joint efforts of RTF-ELCAC result to rebel surrenders- CL Top Cop

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 24, 2020): Joint efforts of RTF-ELCAC result to rebel surrenders- CL Top Cop (By Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu)

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Aug.24 (PIA) -- Joint efforts of members of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) has led Friday to the surrender of five more rebels in Aurora and Nueva Ecija.

“The continuous Local Peace Engagement activities of the Philippine National Police and other RTF-ELCAC members made the communist-terrorist group members aware of the government's programs and the opportunity to change their lives and correct the mistakes they have committed due to deception,” Police Regional Director PBGen. Rhodel Sermonia said.

Returnee from Aurora is a member of Milisyang Bayan of Timog Sierra Madre. The individual voluntarily turned over 1 M-16 rifle with defaced serial number together with 2 short magazines loaded with 26 rounds of live 5.56 ammunition.


Police Regional Director PBGen. Rhodel Sermonia. (Police Regional Office 3 file photo)

The four others from San Jose City are members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army.

The returnees are eligible to avail the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program and will be provided with a holistic package of benefits such as livelihood, medical, education, housing and legal assistance.

"I am once again urging those who are still actively fighting the government to lay down their arms and embrace other peaceful means to attain their sought after changes and to refrain from recruiting youth from poor families and students from state colleges and universities in Central Luzon. Our government has several programs to retool you so that you could all become even more productive members of our society,” Sermonia added. (CLJD-PIA 3)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1051125

15 killed, 77 hurt in two Jolo bomb blasts

From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 24, 2020): 15 killed, 77 hurt in two Jolo bomb blasts (By Martin Sadongdong & Aaron Recuenco)

At least 15 persons, including seven soldiers, were killed while 77 others were hurt after two explosions believed to be caused by a bomb placed inside a parked motorcycle and another detonated by a “foreign-looking” female suicide bomber rocked two separate places in Jolo, Sulu on Monday, the military and the police disclosed.


TWIN BLASTS – Six soldiers, four civilians, and a reported female suicide bomber were killed while 40 were wounded, 18 from the military, when two explosions set off an hour apart rocked the town of Jolo in Sulu, Mindanao on Monday. The bodies of some of the victims are seen lying on the street. (Nickee Butlangan / AFP / MANILA BULLETIN)

Major Gen. Corleto Vinluan, commander of Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), said five soldiers and four civilians were initially killed in the first explosion.

Meanwhile, a soldier perished in the second explosion while he was about to accost a foreign-looking woman, who detonated a hand-held improvised explosive device (IED).


In an update as of 5:29 p.m., the WestMinCom said two more soldiers died in the grim attack.

Sonny Abing III, information officer of the Sulu Provincial Government, the among the fatalities were seven members of the Philippine Army, six civilians and a member of the police’s elite Special Action Force (SAF).

He said a total of 21 Army troopers, three SAF commandos, and three members of the Sulu Provincial Police Office were injured along with 48 civilians.
PNP chief Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa said the first explosion occurred at 11:53 a.m. in front of a grocery store in Barangay Walled City, a business district in Jolo

The target appeared to be the soldiers since the bomb-packed motorcycle was parked and detonated near a military truck where the Army troopers from the 21st Infantry Battalion were standing as part of the target-hardening measures.

Four of the soldiers died on the spot while 17 others were injured as a result of the first powerful blast as shown by the post-explosion photos from the local police wherein some of the victims’ body parts looked mangled.

Asked for comment, Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said : “The 11th Infantry Division and the Joint Task Force Sulu are on high alert following this incident. We advise the public to stay calm but be vigilant to monitor and report any suspicious persons or items or unusual activities in the area.”

The two explosions occurred while security forces are still on the hot pursuit on suspected local and foreign terrorists, including those engage in suicide bombing, responsible for the bombing on Jolo Cathedral that left at least 20 people dead and more than 100 other churchgoers injured in January last year.

The same group is also being eyed in the twin bomb blasts that left eight people dead and more than 20 others injured in a suicide bombing in a military camp in Indanan town also in Sulu in June last year.

Captain Rex Payot, spokesperson of the Joint Task Force Sulu, said the soldiers were conducting a security operation to support local government officials who were on a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) response effort when the first explosion occurred in a town plaza on Selantes Street, Plaza Rizal in Barangay Walled City.


Payot said the first blast occurred when an IED planted on a motorcycle which was parked near a military truck suddenly went off at 11:53 a.m. The truck was carrying soldiers from the 21st Infantry Battalion (21IB).

“We are conducting a COVID-19 support response together with the local officials. Suddenly, nagkaroon ng explosion sa isang motorcycle na nakapark malapit sa M35 truck ng sundalo natin (Suddenly, there was an explosion on a motorcycle parked near our soldiers’ M35 truck),” he told the Manila Bulletin in a phone call.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Mateo, civil military operations officer of the 11th Infantry Division (11ID), said the second explosion occurred at 1 p.m. about 100 meters from the site of the first incident just as authorities were conducting a post-blast assessment.

Vinluan believes that the two explosions are “related.”

“Related siya. Isa lang ‘yan (These are related incidents),” he said.

Mateo said investigators are looking at the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) as the possible perpetrators of the attack.

“Ang ASG talaga ang tinitingnan kasi sila ang may kakayahan na mag-carryout ng ganoong klaseng pag-atake (We are looking at ASG because they are the only ones who have the capability to carry out an attack like that),” he said.

The motive behind the attack is yet to be determined although Mateo said among those being considered are the arrest of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) sub-commander Anduljihad “Idang” Susukan last April 13.


He added that probers will also investigate whether the attack was connected to the suicide bombers being tracked by four Army intelligence operatives who were slain by nine cops in Jolo last June 29.

“Sa ngayon nag-lockdown na kami dito sa Jolo, then tuloy-tuloy ang security operations namin,” Mateo said.

The site of the explosions was near the Mt. Carmel Cathedral which was the site of a twin bombing in Jolo on January 27, 2019, killing 23 people and injuring over 100 others.

14 killed in Jolo twin bombings in southern Philippines

Posted to Al-Jazeera (Aug 24, 2020): 14 killed in Jolo twin bombings in southern Philippines

Female suicide bomber blamed for second of twin attacks in mainly Muslim island, a stronghold of Abu Sayyaf Group.


Authorities said a motorcycle loaded with improvised explosive device went off near a military truck in Jolo [Nickee Butlangan/AFP]

At least 14 people have been killed and several others wounded after two explosions, including one reportedly carried out by a female suicide bomber, struck the southern Philippine town of Jolo, according to the authorities.

Philippine Red Cross Chief Richard Gordon said the first explosion hit at approximately noon (04:00 GMT) on Monday in the capital of Sulu, one of the country's southernmost provinces.


Gordon, who is also a senator, said a motorcycle loaded with improvised explosive device went off near a military truck. The Red Cross office in Jolo is located near the site of the blast.

According to news reports, as authorities were cordoning off the area, a second explosion was reportedly carried out by a female suicide bomber.

"A female suicide bomber detonated herself as a soldier stopped her from entering the cordoned area,"
Lieutenant Colonel Ronaldo Mateo, an army spokesman told Manila radio station DZMM.


In total, eight members of the security forces, six civilians and the bomber were killed in the two blasts, while 27 security personnel and 48 civilians were wounded.

Jolo is one of a chain of mainly Muslim islands in the southwest of the majority Roman Catholic country.



The blasts happened not far from the site of a major explosion that killed more than 20 people inside a Catholic church in early 2019, according to state-run PTV channel.

Images posted by PTV on social media on Monday showed debris and bodies lying on a street next to a military vehicle.

Monday's incident was one of at least six suicide bombings in the past three years, a mode of attack previously rare in the Philippines.
Island stronghold of Abu Sayyaf Group

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

In a statement, Philippine police chief General Archie Francisco Gamboa said he has ordered an investigation into the deadly incident.

Sulu is known as the stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf Group, an armed group that has allied itself with ISIL (ISIS).

Abu Sayyaf has long been battling for independence in the southern region of Mindanao, which they regard as their ancestral homeland dating back to the pre-Spanish colonial period.

The group is notorious for kidnappings, robberies and deadly bombings.

"We condemn in the strongest possible terms the explosion incidents in Jolo," presidential spokesman Harry Roque said.

"Authorities are now conducting an investigation, which includes identifying individuals or groups behind these dastardly attacks."

In June, four soldiers were killed in Jolo following an alleged confrontation with police officers, igniting tensions between the two government forces.

The soldiers were reportedly pursuing suspected armed fighters, when they were stopped by police leading to the deadly incident.

Earlier on Monday, Major Gen Vinluan, a military commander in Mindanao, told senators in Manila that it is "possible" that the police officers involved in the shooting may be related by blood to the Abu Sayyaf suspects pursued by the military.

"That is possible, because almost everyone are related to each other in Sulu. There are ASG [Abu Sayyaf Group] who have relatives in the police force ... Sulu is small."


Military personnel move away some of the victims [Nickee Butlangan/AFP] 

9 killed in 2 successive bomb explosions in Jolo

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 24, 2020): 9 killed in 2 successive bomb explosions in Jolo (By Ely Dumaboc)



JOLO BLASTS. Nine people, including four soldiers, are killed in two successive bomb explosions in Jolo, Sulu. Soldiers carry one of the casualties in the first bomb explosion around 11:53 a.m. Monday (Aug. 24, 2020) in front of an eatery in Barangay Walled City, Jolo, Sulu. The second explosion occurred around 1:06 p.m. (Photo courtesy of 11th Infantry Division Explosive Ordnance Demolition)

Nine people, including four soldiers, were killed in two successive bomb explosions in downtown Jolo, the capital of Sulu, where troops are continuously pursuing the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits.

Military and police reports said all the deaths were related to the first explosion, which occurred in front of an eatery around 11:53 a.m. Monday in Serrantes Street, Barangay Walled City, Jolo, Sulu.

Police investigation showed that the explosion occurred moments later when an unidentified person parked a bomb-laden motorcycle beside an M35 truck of the Army’s 11th Infantry Division.

The explosion site is the usual place where the troops park their vehicle whenever they go on marketing duties.


“Immediately after the (first) incident, elements of Jolo MPS (Municipal Police Station) responded to the scene purposely to cordon the area and to evacuate casualties of the said explosion,” the local police said in a report.

The second explosion occurred around 1:06 p.m. just 100 meters away from the site of the first explosion.

Sonny Abing, Sulu provincial information officer, said those hit in the second bomb explosion were the responding soldiers and policemen.


Abing cannot immediately say how many victims were injured in the second explosion.

Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., Western Mindanao Command chief, said the blasts wounded 17 individuals but did not say how many are soldiers and policemen.

Vinluan said they have no details yet about civilian injuries or casualty.

In a statement following the blasts, the Joint Task Force Sulu assured the public that "we will continue to sustain the security efforts for peace and stability in the province".

“Together with the PNP (Philippine National Police) and Local Government Units, we will look for the perpetrators of the bombing incident and put them into justice,” the task force said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113180

IP leader slain in North Cotabato

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 24, 2020): IP leader slain in North Cotabato (By John Andrew Tabugoc and Edwin Fernandez)



SLAIN IP LEADER. Murdered leader Merlin Ansabu Celis, 50, of the Manobo indigenous community in Barangay Mahongkog, Magpet, North Cotabato is shown in this file photo preparing for food of tribal members during an undated gathering. She was killed on Sunday (Aug. 23, 2020) by two suspects for still unknown reasons. (Photo courtesy of Magpet LGU)

MAGPET, North Cotabato--Police and Army troopers are in pursuit of two armed suspects who shot dead a female indigenous people (IP) leader here on Sunday.

Police Major Judgie Barotas, municipal police chief, identified the victim as Merlin Ansabu Celis, 50, leader of the Manobo community in Sitio Tagaytay, Barangay Mahongcog in this town.

The suspects were identified as Bonileto Rubito and Rupino Rubito, both residents of the same village.

The victim, together with daughter Jovelyn, were walking toward their farm at neighboring Sitio Vee around 2:30 p.m. when fired upon by the suspects with a 12-gauge shotgun.

As she fell, one of the suspects finished her off using a machete.

“The daughter managed to escape and has sought help to a nearby house,” Barotas said.

The suspects run towards the direction of adjacent Sitio Kiapat, Barangay Ganatan, Arakan, which is now being scoured by members of the Magpet police and the Army’s 72nd Infantry Battalion. Police investigators are looking at personal grudge as a possible motive behind the killing.

North Cotabato Gov. Nancy Catamco, meanwhile, has strongly condemned the incident, saying that those behind the killing should be arrested soonest.

“This act may instill fear among our IP sisters and brothers whose only desire is to live in our ancestral domain according to our culture and tradition,” said Catamco, a member of Manobo-Dulangan tribe, in a strongly-worded statement.

Catamco called on the police to dig deeper into the case.

“No stone should be left unturned in ferreting out the truth behind this cowardly act,” the governor said, even as she assured the victim’s family that the government will not abandon them and urged the tribe to remain strong amid the incident.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113186

3 members of ‘NPA-linked’ group yield in Agusan Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 24, 2020): 3 members of ‘NPA-linked’ group yield in Agusan Norte (By Alexander Lopez)



FAILED PROMISES. Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo (left), commander of the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion, welcomes the 25 members and supporters of Guerrilla Front-4A of the New People’s Army who surrendered and pledged allegiance to the government on Sunday (Aug. 23, 2020) in a ceremony held in Aclan, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte. Among those who surrendered due to the rebels' failed promises was 'Noni' and two of his companions from Unyon ng Mag-uuma sa Agusan, a peasant organization suspected of having links with the NPA. (Photo courtesy of 23IB)

Three members of peasant group, Unyon ng Mag-uuma sa Agusan (UMA), suspected of having links with the communist rebel movement, were among the 25 members and supporters of the New People’s Army (NPA) who surrendered to the government in Agusan del Norte.

1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang, the civil-military operations officer of the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion, told Philippine News Agency Monday (Aug. 24) that
the 25 NPA members and supporters pledged allegiance to the government on Sunday in a ceremony held in Barangay Aclan, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte.

Of the 25 surrenderers, 15 were members of the Militia ng Bayan (MB) while 10 were NPA supporters in Barangay Aclan, including the three members of UMA, he added.


“As they withdrew their support to the communist movement last Sunday, the former Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) members also vowed to support the different peace and development initiatives of the government that will be implemented in their communities,” Maglalang said.

The 25 surrenderers were part of the underground network of the Guerrilla Front 4A that operates in the areas of Agusan del Norte under the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) of the NPA, the Army official said.

On Aug. 20, a mass surrender ceremony of 29 MB members and 121 mass supporters of GF-4A was also facilitated by 23IB in the town of Carmen, Agusan del Norte.
The ceremony on Sunday was graced by 23rd IB commander Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, Councilor Felipe Abigan who heads the Committee on Peace and Order of the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of Nasipit, and the barangay officials of Barangay Aclan.

In a statement on Monday, 23IB quoted alias “Noni”, a member of UMA, expressing regret in joining the NPA for more than three years.

“For more than three years of sacrifices I saw no chances that the communist movement can provide us land to be tilled as they promised,” Noni said in the dialect, adding he was enticed by the NPA by promising him land and financial support for his family.

“I was convinced given that a piece of land will be given to me and some considerable support to my family. My life was put in danger during the years of my active membership to the organization. No support was given to my family and the land they promised is impossible to be realized,” Noni said.

He said he was encouraged to surrender upon hearing from former rebels of the government's assistance for NPA returnees.


PLEDGE OF SUPPORT. At least 25 former members and underground mass supporters of the communist New People’s Army pledged support to the government in a surrender ceremony held on Sunday (Aug. 23, 2020) in Barangay Aclan, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte. Military officials have called on the remaining rebels to surrender and avail of the government's economic assistance for NPA returnees. (Photo courtesy of 23IB)

Meanwhile, Paulo lauded the determination of the members of MB and underground mass supporters of GF-4A to "change their lives for a better and brighter future".

“Your presence here signifies that you are no longer happy with the presence of the CNTs in your communities. In the last fifty-two (52) years of waging their futile ideology, no developments and peace were facilitated by the CNTs in your communities but hardships, hunger, and poverty. That’s a fact,” Paulo said.

He told the surrenderers that while the ordinary NPA members suffer, including their families, "the CNT leaders are the ones who benefited from the useless revolution they are waging".

“Compare your lives with the CNT leaders and you can see a big difference. It only means that this revolution has turned into a milking cow of the CNT leaders, especially those at the national level,” Paulo said.

He added that the day they pledged allegiance to the government marks the start of the entry of development interventions of various agencies and the LGU into their communities.

“The CNTs hindered and prevented the projects and programs of the government because they don’t want to see development in every community. They only want the people to suffer and remain poor so that they can use poverty and other social issues in their propagandas to recruit new members,” Paulo said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113185

Zambo Sur-based troops undergo 'specialized' training

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 24, 2020): Zambo Sur-based troops undergo 'specialized' training (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



SPECIALIZED TRAINING. Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera, commander of the Army's 53rd Infantry Battalion (on the podium), addresses the 8th batch of soldiers during the opening of the Small Unit Leadership Training Class 01-2020 in Camp Sabido, Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur on Sunday (Aug. 23, 2020). The training aims to prepare the troops to be ready to “face any circumstances” while on mission. (Photo courtesy of the 53IB)

Another batch of soldiers from the Army's 53rd Infantry Battalion (53IB) is undergoing a weeklong Small Unit Leadership Training (SULT) in Camp Sabido that houses the battalion headquarters in Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur, an official said Monday.

Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera, 53IB commander, said the training for SULT Class 01-2020 kicked off on Sunday.

It was the eighth batch of trainees composed of a squad from 53IB’s Charlie Company led by 2Lt. John Peter Paul Gaquing.

Herrera said the squad would be trained on how to handle a small unit team, which will help them develop their skills, ability, stamina, mental strength, camaraderie, and friendship.


The training aims to prepare the troops “for whatever circumstances they may face during combat operations,” he added.

“Always put your training in your minds and hearts and never take it for granted. Always remember that the best weapon against the enemy is a well-trained and well-motivated soldier,” he told the troops.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113198

Provocations coming from China, not PH: Defense chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 24, 2020): Provocations coming from China, not PH: Defense chief (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (File photo)

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has said provocations in the hotly disputed areas in the South China Sea are coming from the Chinese, who have illegally occupied some features within the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Lorenzana was responding to China's claims that the Philippines is doing "illegal provocations" by sending its patrol aircraft over the Spratlys and reefs occupied by Chinese forces.

"Illegal provocations? That area is within our EEZ. Their so-called historical rights over an area enclosed by their nine-line doesn’t exist except in their imaginations," he said in a message to reporters on Sunday.

Lorenzana said Philippine aircraft and ships conducting patrol sorties are doing so within the country's EEZ, just like Filipino fishermen going about with their lawful business.

"Our fishermen are within our EEZ and likewise our ships and planes conduct patrol sorties within our area," he added. "They (China) are the ones who have been doing provocations by illegally occupying some features within our EEZ. Hence they have no right to claim they are enforcing their laws."

On Thursday last week, the Department of Foreign Affairs lodged a diplomatic protest against China over the illegal confiscation of some Filipino fishermen’s equipment at the Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc or Panatag in Filipino) by the Chinese Coast Guard in May.

It slammed China's "continuing illicit issuances of radio challenges on Philippine aircraft conducting legitimate regular maritime patrols in the West Philippine Sea."

The Scarborough Shoal is a triangle-shaped coral reef situated 124 nautical miles off Zambales.

In a 2016 landmark decision, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that both Filipinos and Chinese, as well as other fishermen from other countries, have "traditional fishing rights" at the Scarborough Shoal and that China cannot restrict access to the area.

Since a standoff between some Chinese ships and the Philippine Navy in 2012, China has maintained a steady presence in the area.

Filipino fishermen were only able to operate back after Manila pursued friendlier ties with China in 2016, which paved for a temporary arrangement between the two nations.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113137

AFP will not support ‘RevGov’ call; DND chief wants probe

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 24, 2020): AFP will not support ‘RevGov’ call; DND chief wants probe (By Priam Nepomuceno)



The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will not support any effort to establish a "revolutionary government," its spokesperson said on Monday.

"It’s very clear to every soldier, airman, sailor, and marine that our unequivocal fidelity and unwavering loyalty is to the Constitution and to the flag that represents our people and the state,"
Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said when asked to comment on the issue.

People pushing for the creation of a "revolutionary government" (RevGov) should be investigated, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said.

"No, I have not. They should be investigated," Lorenzana said in a message to reporters when asked whether he had talked with officials and members of groups calling for a revolutionary government.

Establishing a "revolutionary government", he said, is illegal and unconstitutional.

"Of course, it is illegal and unconstitutional. As I said, we have a popularly elected President (who) still enjoys about 80-percent approval rating," Lorenzana said.

Earlier, he said there is no need for a "RevGov" as the country has a legally constituted government.

"The President is an elected president and enjoys popular support. Why should there be a need for a 'RevGov'?" Lorenzana said.

On Saturday, the People’s National Coalition for Revolutionary Government and Charter Change assembled at Clark Freeport in Pampanga pushing for the establishment of a revolutionary government and the adoption of a new federal constitution.

"The (AFP) Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Gilbert Gapay, assures our citizens that the AFP, as the armed force constitutionally mandated to protect the people and secure the state, will uphold such sacred obligation and rejects the establishment of a revolutionary government," Arevalo said.

Meanwhile, spokesperson of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya, said calls for a "RevGov" is only a distraction from the government's ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) containment efforts.

Malaya said a revolutionary form of government has never been considered, as it is beyond the bounds of the Constitution.

"Given that we are battling a great crisis right now, this could be a distraction from what we are doing right now," he said in a television interview.

On Sunday, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo brushed aside efforts to establish a revolutionary government, saying it would only matter if there is an “overwhelming call” from the public.

In a statement, Panelo said the call for a revolutionary government “must come from the people and not from a single organization or an individual.”

“It must be an overwhelming call, and there is no present perceptible people’s clamor for such,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113151

AFP advises public to remain vigilant as blasts rock Jolo

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 24, 2020): AFP advises public to remain vigilant as blasts rock Jolo (By Priam Nepomuceno)



AFP spokesperson Marine Major Gen. Edgard Arevalo

Following the two explosions in Jolo, Sulu that left nine people dead and 16 others wounded, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday advised the public to remain calm, vigilant and report any suspicious persons or activities.

This as military and police immediately conducted investigation to determine the details of the twin explosions with the first happened around at 11:53 a.m. along Serrantes Street in Barangay Walled City in Jolo.


"We advise the public to stay calm but be vigilant to monitor and report any suspicious persons or items or unusual activities in the area," said AFP spokesperson, Marine Major Gen. Edgard Arevalo in a statement Monday.

As of press times, he said troops on the ground are evacuating and providing treatment for the casualties while securing the area.

"The 11th Infantry Division and the Joint Task Force Sulu are on high alert following this incident," Arevalo added.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Archie Gamboa, directed the Provincial Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region under Brig. Gen. Manuel Abu to secure the area and expedite investigation.

Elements of Jolo Municipal Police Station immediately responded to the scene to evacuate the casualties and ensure the safety of other residents for possible secondary device/s.

According to reports, nine people, including four soldiers, were killed in the two successive bomb explosions as the troops are continuously pursuing the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits.

Military and police reports said all the deaths were related to the first explosion.

Police investigation showed that the explosion occurred moments later when an unidentified person parked a bomb-laden motorcycle beside an M35 truck of the Army’s 11th Infantry Division.

The explosion site is the usual place where the troops park their vehicle whenever they go on marketing duties.

The second explosion occurred around 1:06 p.m. just 100 meters away from the site of the first explosion.

Sonny Abing, Sulu provincial information officer, said those hit in the second bomb explosion were the responding soldiers and policemen.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113183

Communist terrorism persists despite pandemic: Palace exec

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 24, 2020): Communist terrorism persists despite pandemic: Palace exec (By Gigie Arcilla)



Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea (PNA File photo)

While the country battles coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), internal armed conflict continues to beleaguer the country as the threat posed by local communists persists.

Thus, said Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea in his statement read at a webinar on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) on August 20, in observance of IHL Day.

“The trying times wrought by the pandemic have not deterred extortions, harassments, ambuscades, and killings by terrorists, thereby derailing the effective delivery of relief goods and other basic services to far-flung communities by our national and local governments, with the assistance of our men and women in uniform,” Medialdea said in his statement.

Specific acts of terrorism, he said, have been reported to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, at a time when the government aggressively responds to contain the spread of an invisible enemy and mitigate its impact on Filipinos and the economy.

“The list of incidents is long, but each province that suffered these terrorist acts is worth mentioning. Atrocities occurred in the provinces of Abra, !locos Sur, Tarlac, Aurora, Quezon, Rizal, Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, Masbate, and Albay in Luzon; Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Samar, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Iloilo, and Bohol in the Visayas; and Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Davao de! Sur, Davao de Oro, Davao de! N01ie, Zamboanga Sibugay, Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Agusan del Norte, North Cotabato, and South Cotabato in Mindanao,” Medialdea added.

As he lamented that in every instance, the wound was inflicted on the whole country, he vowed that these acts will not remain unaddressed as government forces stay focused on their mission to protect national security.

“The work will always be done in full cognizance of IHL rules that respect the right to life and the freedom from violence not only of State enemies wounded in battle or rendered out-of-combat but more importantly, of innocent civilians who are caught in the crossfire and whose communities are in need of economic succor in this time of the pandemic,” he said during the webinar sponsored by the Armed Forces of the Philippines Human Rights Office in partnership with non-government organization Sulong PEACE and attended by senior commanders and officials, human rights officers from all the major AFP services and commands, among others.

The observance of IHL Day, which actually falls on Aug. 12, was moved to Aug. 20 by the Department of National Defense that chairs the IHL Ad Hoc Committee. The Department of Foreign Affairs alternately co-chairs the observance on a yearly basis, pursuant to Executive Order 134 issued in 1999.

The committee is also composed of representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, AFP, Philippine National Police, Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat, International Committee of the Red Cross in Manila, Philippine Red Cross, and Commission on Human Rights.

Adherence to IHL

“It is this time of year that we once again gather to affirm the Philippine government's continued commitment to adhere to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) as a State party to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols,” Medialdea said.

He added that in keeping with IHL, the government is reminded that uplifting the dignity of the people in such difficult times remains the government's utmost concern.

This, he said, is embedded in and underpins relevant laws, such as Republic Act (RA) No. 9851 on crimes against IHL, genocide, and other crimes against humanity; RA No. 10530 on protecting the Red Cross and Red Crescent emblems; RA No. 11188 on special protection of children in situations of armed conflict; and most recently, RA No. 11479, or the enhanced law on preventing, prohibiting, and penalizing acts of terrorism.

“It is crucial that our people realize the relevance of IHL and related local laws to their lives. The DND's program to launch a public information campaign on IHL through social media will surely enrich our people's awareness of the efforts of the government, especially the security sector, to protect its citizens,” he said.

The DND's nationwide webinar on the legal instruments that reinforce IHL implementation will serve the same purpose, he added.

“These efforts will go a long way in truly making IHL a shared responsibility, and I encourage the DND to pursue such endeavors in earnest and to involve other government instrumentalities as well,” Medialdea said.

He also lauded DND, chair for 2020 of the IHL Ad Hoc Committee for spearheading the inter-agency commemorative activities this year, guided by the theme "IHL: Preserving Human Dignity in the Midst of Armed Conflict: A Shared Responsibility."

“I also commend the support of the Department of Foreign Affairs as committee co-chair and of the other Executive agencies concerned in these activities,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113200

Palace hands off Army’s new StratCom panel chief Robin Padilla

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 24, 2020): Palace hands off Army’s new StratCom panel chief Robin Padilla (By Azer Parrocha)



Actor Robin Padilla (File photo)

Malacañang on Monday declined to comment on the decision of the Philippine Army Multi-Sectoral Advisory Board (PA MSAB) to elect actor Robin Padilla as chairperson of its Strategic Communications (StratCom) Committee.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the board is in the best position to decide on persons to appoint to the committee.

“Pinauubaya ko na po ‘yan sa (Armed Forces of the Philippines) dahil alam naman nila ang kanilang pangangailangan (I leave it to the AFP because they know their needs),”
Roque said in a virtual Palace briefing.

He, however, said media personalities play an important role in influencing society.

“Siyempre po hindi natin matatanggi na ang media personalities like Robin Padilla, ay sila po talaga ay kilala ng tao at pinakikinggan ng tao (Of course, we cannot deny that media personalities like Robin Padilla, they are known by and listened to by the people),” Roque said.

Padilla assumed the position as StratComm Committee Chief less than a month after joining the board on July 8.

He succeeded lawyer Alexander Lacson and will be serving alongside StratCom Vice Chairperson Muntinlupa District Rep. Rufino Biazon.

The actor, also a reservist of the Philippine Army, was appointed to the board alongside Davao City Mayor and presidential daughter Sara Duterte.

The StratCom is the PA MSAB’s arm responsible for ensuring information dissemination on the Army’s operations.

The current board is led by Philippine Economic Zone Authority Director General Charito Plaza and composed of members Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, Representatives Rozzano Rufino Biazon, and Ruwel Peter Gonzaga, Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy, Mayor Benjamin Magalong, actor and Army reservist Matteo Guidicelli, among others.

Netizens have questioned Padilla’s appointment due to his criminal record as ex-convict and qualifications.

In an interview over ABS-CBN, Army spokesman Col. Ramon Zagala said it was former Army chief, retired Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto who nominated Padilla to the position.

He also noted that the military sees Padilla as a Muslim youth advocate who can dissuade them from joining violent extremist groups.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113197