Basilan firefight may last for several weeks – LGUs

From CNN Philippines (Jul 9): Basilan firefight may last for several weeks – LGUs

[Video report]

Basilan (CNN Philippines) — Abu Sayyaf militants fighting government forces in Basilan may be in for a long haul.

Local officials expect the latest round of clashes in the tri-boundaries of Tipo-Tipo, Ungkaya Pukan and Al Barka towns to last for several weeks.

One indication is the deployment of more army troops in Tipo-Tipo late Friday to help augment security in the town proper and its municipal hall.

Earlier reports say the latest attack by the Abu Sayyaf group (ASG) targeted government buildings in the area, as the terror group aimed to raise the ISIS flag. The military earlier said the militants were led by Isnilon Hapilon, a senior Abu Sayyaf leader who recently pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, and Basilan-based commander Furuji Indama.

Military and police units in the area managed to repel the assault, as fear-stricken residents fled on foot to safer grounds.

Sporadic clashes between government forces and ASG fighters in the hinterlands began late Wednesday when the militants tried to enter the town of Tipo-Tipo. The lull in the fighting may be attributed to bad weather.

Following his meeting with Basilan officials, Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Mujiv Hataman said the military operation could drag on up to three months.

He said the goal is to flush out the ASG, many of whom had come from nearby Jolo Island, where there is also an intensified military operation against them.

Also read: Who are the Abu Sayyaf?



Dwindling food supply for evacuees

Relief aid from the provincial and national government has yet to come. Basilan governor Jim Saliman blamed the delay on government bureaucracy.

A social worker on the ground expressed concern over the dwindling food supply for displaced residents now living in temporary shelters.

“Sa ngayon, nakikita ko, meron pa siguro pero medyo paubos na. Yung iba meron nakapagdala ng mga plato nila,” Sara Tanjil said. “Hindi na nila kaya doon sa bahay kasi ang bagsak ng kanyon palapit palapit sa bahay, kaya natatakot sila.”

[Translation: “For now, I can see that there is still (food supply) but it’s running out. Some residents were able to bring plates… They can no longer stay inside their homes because artillery fire are getting closer, so the people are afraid.”]

Armed Forces chief General Ricardo Visaya was scheduled to visit Basilan Saturday but re-scheduled it the next day due to bad weather. Visaya was Basilan's former military commander.

Speaking to reporters in Zamboanga City earlier today, Visaya said his visit to Basilan highlights the new administration's refocused military operations, targeting mostly internal security threats such as the Abu Sayyaf.

Related: New AFP Chief vows ‘unrelenting’ ops vs. Abu Sayyaf, terror groups

http://cnnphilippines.com/regional/2016/07/09/Basilan-firefight-may-last-for-several-weeks.html

Abu Sayyaf plans to raise ISIS flag in town hall’s compound in Basilan

From GMA News (Jul 9): Abu Sayyaf plans to raise ISIS flag in town hall’s compound in Basilan

Security forces have fortified Tipo-Tipo, Basilan after uncovering an Abu Sayyaf Group's (ASG) plan to attack the town hall and raise an ISIS flag in the local government's compound, a police official said Saturday.

Basilan Provincial Police Office director Senior Superintendent Oscar Nantes said that he placed the whole police force in Tipo-Tipo on full alert in anticipation of the attack.

Nantes said military personnel have augmented the police's security around the municipal hall.

He said the information on the ASG's plan came six days ago. As the police received the information, the military started pounding known lairs of the ASG in Tipo-Tipo.

The military said its air assets have been dropping bombs on ASG's lairs in Tipo-Tipo along with cannons fired by troops from the Philippine Army's 64th and 18th Infantry Battalion.

Basilan Governor Jim Hataman said eight barangays in the town of Tipo-Tipo, Albarka and Ungkaya Pukan have been affected by the miltary's offensive against the bandits. The areas affected include Migcawa, Bohepiang, Sitio Layohan, Baguindan, Silangkim, Tipo-tipo proper, Sungkayut, and Bohesuyak.

The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office reported that as of Friday, a total of 1,312 families have been displaced due to the offensive.

Malacañang on Saturday said that the government will continue to pursue the ASG despite President Rodrigo Duterte's announcement that he does not see the bandits as criminals.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella clarified that Duterte was just providing a context for the ASG's actions.

"Hindi po niya (Duterte) pinapalampas ‘yung mga ginawa nila, pero nilalagay lang po niya in context ‘yung mga, ‘yung kanilang pinaggagawa, that they were forced to desperation," Abella said in an interview over state-run Radyo ng Bayan.

In his visit in Zamboanga City, Armed Forces chief Gen. Ricardo Visaya said that Duterte is serious in fighting the ASG. Visaya said that Duterte himself ordered him to provide a report on the results of the military's actions against the bandits in three to six months. 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/573061/news/regions/abu-sayyaf-plans-to-raise-isis-flag-in-town-hall-s-compound-in-basilan

Hunt for Apo Mike group behind latest Sabah kidnapping

From The Star Online (Jul 10): Hunt for Apo Mike group behind latest Sabah kidnapping



Security agencies under the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) have launched a hunt for the group of gunmen who snatched three Indonesians in Sabah waters Sunday.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Abdul Rashid Harun (pic) said the authorities had also informed their counterparts in the Philippines about the incident that occurred just before midnight Saturday.

Five armed men, some in military fatigues, slipped into the high-security waters of Tungku in Sabah’s east coast Lahad Datu district to grab the three fishermen from a Malaysian-registered fishing trawler.

It could not be ascertained which group is behind the latest incident, though suspicion is falling on an Abu Sayyaf sub-commander known as Apo Mike, who has been responsible for several recent kidnappings involving sailors on tugboats plying the international waters between Sabah and Philippines.

Rashid said according to initial reports, five armed men were on a speedboat that pulled up near the trawler.

Three of the suspects armed with M14 and M16 rifles boarded the trawler and ordered the crew of four Indonesians and three “pelau (sea gypsies)” to gather at the bow, he said.

The gunmen asked for their passports and took the three Indonesians while the pelau, who did not have any documents, were released, he said, adding that no shots were fired.

The kidnappers, who spoke in poor and broken Malay, also seized the special permit allowing the crew to be in the curfew zone during curfew hours, six handphones and the trawler registration card before fleeing.

The abducted Indonesian Timorese men have been identified as Lorence Koten, 34, Teo Dorus Kopong, 42, and Emanuel, 46.

Police said that based on the description given by the freed men, the kidnappers are in their 30s and 40s.

No ransom demand has been received, Rashid said.

The latest kidnapping comes just as the Philippines military launched a massive crackdown against the Abu Sayyaf in Jolo and Basilan where over thousands of troops have been deployed.

The Abu Sayyaf is threatening to behead a Norwegian citizen if a 250mil peso (RM25mil) ransom is not paid. They are also holding seven Indonesian sailors kidnapped on June 22 and demanding 20mil pesos (RM2mil) for their release.

This is the latest in a series of kidnappings by kidnap groups that had also grabbed four Malaysian sailors off Pulau Ligitan in Semporna on April 1. All four were released unharmed last month.

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/07/10/hunt-for-apo-mike-group-behind-latest-sabah-kidnapping/

Three Indonesians kidnapped off Lahad Datu

From The Star Online (Jul 10): Three Indonesians kidnapped off Lahad Datu



Three Indonesians were believed to have been kidnapped by five armed men off Lahad Datu late Saturday, the latest in a spree of abductions.  

It is believed that the Indonesians were on a fishing trawler when the incident occurred at about 11.40pm.  

Sabah police commissioner Datuk Abdul Rashid Harun said a press conference would be held in Lahad Datu on Sunday afternoon, without elaborating further.  

On June 20, seven Indonesian seamen were taken hostage in the Sulu Sea, allegedly by Abu Sayyaf militants.

The Abu Sayyaf, notorious for kidnapping people and demanding millions of dollars in ransom for their return, in April abducted a group of Malaysian sailors in the same waters, releasing them last month. 

The militants abducted 10 Indonesian sailors on March 29, and another four on April 15. All were also released last month.

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/07/10/three-indonesian-sailors-kidnapped-off-lahad-datu/

3 Indonesians kidnapped off Malaysia – police

From Rappler (Jul 10): 3 Indonesians kidnapped off Malaysia – police

Authorities haven't disclosed yet if they believe the Abu Sayyaf is involved

Three Indonesians have been kidnapped by armed men off an area in Malaysia, police said Sunday, July 10, where militants from the Abu Sayyaf group have been blamed for repeated kidnappings.

Malaysian marine police chief Abdul Rahim Abdullah confirmed the kidnapping to Agence France-Presse, adding: "It happened close to midnight yesterday. The three were crew in a fishing trawler."

Authorities did not say if they believed the Abu Sayyaf was involved.

The incident happened off Lahad Datu in Malaysia's eastern Sabah state on Borneo island, which is just a short boat ride away from Mindanao in the Philippines.

Islamist guerillas from Mindanao staged a bloody assault in the area in 2013.

Earlier this year, the Abu Sayyaf beheaded 2 Canadian tourists who had been kidnapped and a Malaysian man was beheaded last year.

Seven Indonesian sailors were kidnapped at gunpoint in June.

Also this year, the group kidnapped 14 Indonesian sailors, holding them in their stronghold in the southern Philippines. They were later freed but there was no information on whether a ransom was paid.

The Abu Sayyaf is a loose network of a few hundred Islamist militants, formed in the 1990s with seed money from Osama bin Laden's Al-Qaeda network, that has earned millions of dollars from kidnappings-for-ransom.

Although its leaders have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, analysts say they are mainly focused on lucrative kidnappings.

The abduction was reported a day after Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte said the group's activities do not fit his definition of criminality, as they were driven by "desperation" to commit such acts.

Malacañang reiterated on Sunday, July 10, that the Abu Sayyaf would be held accoutable for all their criminal acts.

http://www.rappler.com/world/regions/asia-pacific/139246-indonesians-kidnapped-malaysia-abu-sayyaf

Foreign jihadists helping Abu Sayyaf

From the Manila Times (Jul 9): Foreign jihadists helping Abu Sayyaf

Indonesian and Malaysian militants have joined the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in fighting Filipino security forces in the southern province of Basilan in the Muslim autonomous region, reports said.

Abu Sayyaf chieftain Isnilon Hapilon who is based in Basilan province is now the leader of the Islamic State’s new battalion in the Philippines, the Katibah Al-Muhajir or the “Battalion of Migrants” made mostly of Indonesian and Malaysian jihadists.

Malaysian media also quoted Singapore-based terrorism expert Rohan Gunaratna as saying that the new battalion in Basilan was set up because of difficulties faced by IS recruits in going to Syria and Iraq.

 

“Now we have seen that in the Philippines, IS has created Katibah Al-Muhajir, the Battalion of Migrants. They are (made up of) Malaysians and Indonesians,” he was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times. “There are about 10 Malaysians (there now),” he added, citing intelligence on the new battalion.

Just last month, IS released a propaganda video telling its supporters in Southeast Asia to head to the Philippines if they found it hard to go to Syria and Iraq.

“The Philippines can be a very important launching pad to reach Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore because southern Philippines is very centrally located,” Gunaratna said, noting that regional militants have changed their focus to the new battalion base instead of IS’s base in Syria and Iraq.

There was no immediate confirmation from the Philippine military about the new IS battalion, but security forces had previously killed several foreign jihadists in Basilan, the base of the Abu Sayyaf in southern Philippines, just several nautical miles south of Zamboanga City.

Basilan IS base

In January this year, the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner reported that Basilan province has become the bastion of power of the Abu Sayyaf after it pledged allegiance to the caliph of the Islamic and named Hapilon as its new chieftain.

In a propaganda video released by the Abu Sayyaf late last year, more than two dozen gunmen, including child warriors, led by Hapilon were seen hiking in the hinterlands of Basilan while chanting the “Dawlah Islamiyah (Islamic State)” and reciting an Arabic script of bayah or pledge of allegiance.

Hapilon, alias Abu Abdullah, took over Abu Sayyaf founder Abdurajak Abubakar Janjalani who was slain in a police shootout in Basilan in December 1998.

The Abu Sayyaf evolved into a notorious group known for having carried out kidnappings, bombings and other criminal activities in southern Philippines.
The US government has offered a $5 million bounty for Hapilon’s head – dead or alive.

 In the video, Hapilon was shown with Abu Harith Al-Filibbieni, reportedly the deputy commander of al-Ansar Infantry Division of the IS, and Mohd Najib Husen (Hussein), alias Abu Annas Al Muhajir, a division head of the Ansar al-Sharia of the IS.

The militants explained in the video that they had previously done the bayah, but did it again in front of their new leaders. It was unknown when the video was recorded, but it was released just after the military’s Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City claimed in December that Husen was killed during offensive operations in Basilan.

Husen was with other Malaysian jihadists – Mahmud Ahmad, Muhammad Joraimee Awang Raimee, Amin Baco and Jeknal Adil – who fled to southern Philippines reportedly to recruit militants and send them to “Dar al-Harb (place of war),” referring to Syria and Iraq, where the ISIS established its own caliphate state.

IS-affiliates in Lanao, Maguindanao

In Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur provinces, the radical Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and the Ansarul Khilafah also pledged allegiance to the ISIS.

Radical militants in Indonesia and Malaysia, including the Southeast Asian terror group Jema’ah Islamiyah, had also done the same.

The jihadists also released a video of the IS’s Alhayat Media Center which shows the Philippines as among countries in Southeast Asia they were planning to expand its “Khilafah (caliphate).”

The Abu Sayyaf is now using the Daesh flag and also the Khilafah Islamiyah Movement and other radical groups in Lanao del Sur where local militants of the Ghuraba (Strangers) – both the Ghuraba and Khilafah Islamiyah Movement are headed by a leader called Humam Abdul Najid, who was implicated in the 2013 Cagayan de Oro City bombings.

The Ghuraba is reportedly harboring foreign militants, including an agent of the Jama’at al-Tawhid wal-Jihad, a group believed to be the original name of now infamous international threat group IS.

Sporadic fighting between security and Abu Sayyaf forces since early this week was also reported in Basilan and Sulu province where the Abu Sayyaf militants had beheaded a Malaysian and two Canadian hostages, and is threatening to execute a kidnapped Norwegian man.

http://www.manilatimes.net/foreign-jihadists-helping-abu-sayyaf/272732/

ASG still accountable for overt acts: Abella

From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 9): ASG still accountable for overt acts: Abella

A Malacañang official on Saturday emphasized that President Rodrigo R. Duterte does not condone criminal activities of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG). Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said that the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) is still accountable, under the law, for their kidnapping, beheading, and other criminal activities.

 

Sec. Ernesto Abella. Photo courtesy of politics.com.ph

Abella made the statement after the president said in his speech during the Mindanao Hariraya Eid’l Fit’r 2016 in Davao City on Friday that he did not consider the ASG as a band of criminals. “I am not including Abu Sayaff dito sa criminality. You’ve never heard me say ‘mga kriminal‘,” Duterte said, as he explained that “these are the guys who were driven to desperation.”

According to Duterte, “there was no sufficient semblance of governance (in the region) and that is why they are pushed to the wall, then they became radicalized.”

Abella, when asked how the president’s statement would affect the pursuit of justice for those kidnapped and beheaded by ASG, made it clear that: “Hindi po niya (president) pinapalampas ‘yung mga ginawa nila.” He explained that the president was only trying to explain the context for the ASG’s actions.

“Basically, he was saying that these are people who already have become desperate. In other words, he (Duterte) understands what they are doing, but they still have to answer for their actions,” Abella said. “I believe that was the context of the (president’s) statement. . . hindi lang sila basta crime in the sense of just ordinary bandits, may pinanggagalingan, meron silang motive, kaya lang po they still have to be answerable for the actions,” he added.

The president, in his previous statements, has warned the ASG against continuing its kidnapping activities, saying that “there will always be a time for reckoning.” ASG was already listed by the United Nations Security Council as being associated with Al Qaeda since October 2001. It was also tagged as a terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department and the Australian National Security. In 2014, the group also pledged allegiance to the jihadist militant Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

The ASG landed in the limelight again after it kidnapped seven Indonesian sailors in the Sulu Sea last June 22, eight days after it beheaded Canadian hostage Robert Hall in Sulu. Meanwhile, in his speech at the Mindanao Hariraya Eid’l Fit’r 2016, Duterte reiterated his promise to Muslim Filipinos that he bring lasting peace in Mindanao. This, as he also called on them to help him “build a nation that will be founded on peace and understanding”.

“Ang tingin ko, with the grace of Allah, I might be able to do this within six years. It will not come overnight. Certainly, it will not come next year. Probably, it will be something about two to three years from now. But I assure you that something will change before I end my term,” said Duterte.

Though pointing out that he would talk first with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), the president said that his administration will create a framework for federalism, which would solve the violence in Mindanao. “I’m working overtime with Jun Evasco and the rest to constitute; our group in the government is ready to talk to the MILF and MNLF ,” he said.

He further urged them to talk before doing anything that would spill violence. Eid’l Fit’r, also known as the “festival of breaking the fast”, is a religious holiday of Muslims worldwide, marking the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.

 

http://www.mb.com.ph/asg-still-accountable-for-overt-acts-abella/

Reds told to stop all attacks on military

From The Standard (Jul 10): Reds told to stop all attacks on military

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday urged Communist rebels to stop their attacks against the military  and start building goodwill as the peace talks are set to resume next month.

Duterte in a speech before the Muslim community in his hometown   on Friday sought a stop to ambuscades and kidnapping of soldiers.

 “Let’s stop the killings and kidnapping of soldiers. It’s nonsense. Let’s do this so there’s no rambling whatsoever. Because the military cannot just keep silent while all of their men are being kidnapped and killed and while we’re in the process of perfecting the wherewithals of how to proceed with the peace talks,” he added.

On Wednesday, the New People’s Army has been ordered to strengthen its ranks and continue launching tactical offensives against “enemy units that have committed fascist crimes against the people” amid efforts to forge an alliance with the Duterte administration.

In an editorial in its official publication, Ang Bayan, the Communist Party of the Philippines also urged its armed wing to “disarm and arrest the biggest criminals involved in peddling illegal drugs” and to “launch actions to protect the environment against destructive mining, logging and plantation operations.”

The editorial, written in Filipino, acknowledged the “great potential” of building a “progressive and pro-people alliance between Duterte and the national democratic forces” even as it stressed that its forces are aware of “the limitations of this alliance” and the “dangers of being tied down, sucked up and drowned by this work.”

It recognized that Duterte himself  “is working on and pushing this alliance” as it pointed out that he is also the head of a “reactionary state” that remains dominated by elite and foreign interests.

Duterte cited as an example chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which has kept its peace despite the non-passage of a Bangsamoro Basic Law, the key to its peace agreement with the government.

“And Nur is also just having a stand down somewhere in Jolo,” Duterte added.

Duterte earlier expressed interest in granting safe conduct passes and  political amnesty to four leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines who are currently locked behind bars and or currently seeking political asylum in other countries as long as Communist rebels lay down their arms and give way to the peace process initiated by the government.

Government peace negotiators added that up to 21 consultants are currently in the list of those being considered to be given safety conduct passess from the Jasig, all of which are currently incarcerated in different parts of the country of criminal charges.

http://thestandard.com.ph/news/-main-stories/210385/reds-told-to-stop-all-attacks-on-military.html

NPA claims its abduction of Surigao del Sur cop is drug related

From InterAksyon (Jul 9): NPA claims its abduction of Surigao del Sur cop is drug related



Female members of the New People's Army resting after a long hike to a hinterland community in Surigao del Sur. Photographed by Erwin Mascariñas, InterAksyon.

The New People's Army (NPA) has claimed responsibility for the abduction of a police officer in the town of Carmen in Surigao del Sur last July 5, stating that their action was related to illegal drugs activity in the area.

According to Ka Sandara of the NPA, they abducted PO1 Richard Yu Jr., outside his house to investigate the police officer regarding his alleged involvement in illegal drugs in the area.

Ka Sandara added that the rebel movement is still unsure as to how long they will be keeping the police officer, as this will depend on the outcome of the investigation, even as she assured the family of Yu that he is well taken care by the guerilla group.

PO1 Richard V. Yu, 32, is assigned to the Carmen Municipal Police Station, and was taken away by heavily armed men while tending to his livestock at around 6:25 in the morning of July 5, in Sitio Hubason, Barangay San Vicente, Carmen town, Surigao del Sur.

Michael Escuyos, municipal council member and designated spokesperson of the Crisis Management Committee of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Carmen, said authorities are confident Yu will be released shortly.

"We strongly believe that Yu, will not be found guilty of the allegation, and we hope he will be released soon back to his family. The family was also relieved to have heard the statement of the NPA that he is well taken care for and that they are also confident that he will be released unharmed," said Escuyos.

Escuyos pointed out that Yu was also given a chance to contact his wife and parents.

The family of Yu has refused to be interviewed by the media for the fear that it might complicate the situation and undermine the safety of the abducted police officer.

The family, nevertheless, expressed concern for the ongoing military operation in pursuit of the rebels in the hinterland and mountain areas covering Carmen, Madrid, Lanuza and other parts of Surigao del Sur, fearing that this might compromise the safety of the abducted police officer.

Captain Welmar Ladlad, Civil Military Operations Officer of the Philippine Army 16th Infantry Battalion, indicated that the hot pursuit operation would still continue.
http://interaksyon.com/article/130153/npa-claims-its-abduction-of-surigao-del-sur-cop-is-drug-related

Philippines' new military chief visits base in south

From Anadolu Agency (Jul 9): Philippines' new military chief visits base in south

Visit by President Rodrigo Duterte’s military chief aimed at addressing how to combat Abu Sayyaf in Muslim south

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte’s newly installed military chief visited the largest military base in southern Mindanao island Saturday to address efforts to combat the Abu Sayyaf militant group.

 

Gen. Ricardo Visaya told reporters at Western Mindanao Command’s Camp Navarro that his visit was aimed at putting their plans into action under a timeline based on Duterte's pledge to curb corruption and criminality within three to six months.

 

"Primarily, it's about our actions against the Abu Sayyaf. Our plan is against the Abu Sayyaf," he said in Zamboanga City. "This is our main objective. The president is very serious in solving this Abu Sayyaf problem, particularly on kidnappings."

 

Earlier this year, the group beheaded two Canadian hostages after ransoms failed to be paid. It has threatened to decapitate a Norwegian captured with them in September.

 

Visaya underlined that while security forces would continue putting pressure on the militants, operations must not endanger the lives of the remaining hostages -- among whom are a Dutch national, seven Indonesians and several Filipinos.

 

He also insisted that “on and off” clashes between government troops and militants in the majority Muslim island provinces of Basilan and Sulu -- strongholds of the Abu Sayyaf -- are not “an all-out war”.

 

He, however, stressed “we have to really keep them on the run” and “will do our best… [and] employ all our resources”.

 

The chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines also denied reports of the presence of Daesh in the Basilan towns of Ungkaya Pukan and Tipo-Tipo, although the Abu Sayyaf leaders on the island have pledged allegiance to the Middle East-based extremist group.

 

Visaya is set to meet with the governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Mujiv Hataman, in the afternoon to plan how local government units can assist the military in its operations.

 

Since 1991, the Abu Sayyaf -- armed with mostly improvised explosive devices, mortars and automatic rifles -- has carried out bombings, kidnappings, assassinations and extortions in a self-determined fight for an independent province in the Philippines.

 

It is notorious for beheading victims after ransoms have failed to be paid for their release.

 

http://aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/philippines-new-military-chief-visits-base-in-south/604599#

Islamic State and Southeast Asia

From the Asia Sentinel (Jul 8): Islamic State and Southeast Asia



 Attacks in Malaysia, Indonesia generate concerns

On June 28, Malaysia joined the ranks of countries under attack by the Islamic State when male suspects tossed mini-hand grenades onto the patio of the upscale Movida Bar and Lounge in a mall in the Kuala Lumpur suburb of Puchong, wounding eight patrons.

Police later rounded up Mohd Saifuddin Muji and Jasanizam Rosni, two of those suspected of throwing the grenades, and said they were hunting for two more.

Inspector General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar told reporters later that the suspects had received orders from Muhammad Wanndy Mohamed Jedi, who had joined ISIS in Syria, to launch attacks on senior leaders of the government, police and judges.

Later, as the Malaysian police dragnet expanded, as many as 15 persons were taken into custody including two low-ranking police officers. So far, police say, they have rolled up as many as nine separate plots related to ISIS since 2014. This is the first that was actually carried out.

“It’s the first,” said a Malay lawyer. “The next one will be worse.” But so far, police intelligence officials in Southeast Asia have been remarkably successful at foiling jihadi plots. And the jihadis in some instances seem to have been largely incompetent, although that could change. However, the Malaysia incident, and another on July 5 in which a jihadi reportedly allied with IS attempted to blow up a police station but killed himself, has raised regional concerns about IS’s ability to exploit weaknesses. Across the Middle East in recent days, hundreds of Muslims have died in Iraq, Saudi Arabia and other countries as IS operatives, threatened by the steadily collapsing borders of their caliphate, have resorted to murderous attacks.

While the Malays involved in the incident were hardly successful, killing nobody, it puts the prosperous, moderate Southeast Asian country onto the scoreboard. Police in the Southeast region have been on heightened alert for the past two years, since it became evident that Muslims seduced by the idea of the caliphate, have left the region for Syria and Iraq to fight with the radicals. In December, police estimated as many as 100 Malaysians were in the Levant. Transport Minister Liow Tiong told reporters that at least 50,000 people in Malaysia supported the Islamic State’s aims. But authorities in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore have detained locals seeking passage to the Middle East, and have detained Southeast Asians trying to return to start trouble.

However, either because of logistical problems or a lack of appetite for violence, Southeast Asia so far is remarkably far down the list in providing fighters for IS. A Feb. 8 study by the Washington, DC-based Brookings Institution quoted a study by the Australian scholar Greg Fealy estimating that for every million people in Indonesia, 1.4 have set out to join ISIS. In Malaysia, the number is 8.5. But 14 per million Australians, 18 per million French, and 40 per million Belgians have joined ISIS. As many as 31,000 potential combatants are estimated to have found their way to the proposed caliphate. Southeast Asia statistically doesn’t show up on the chart.

” The fact that Southeast Asia is not yet on the radar of the core ISIS leadership, however, or that the number of Southeast Asians fighting under the ISIS standard pales in comparison with the number of Europeans or Australians, should not be grounds for complacency,” according to the Brookings paper. “ISIS will always struggle to gain considerable popularity in Southeast Asia. The social, political, economic, and cultural conditions in Indonesia and Malaysia are such that the appeal of the ISIS brand of extremism will always remain limited. Even in Thailand and the Philippines, where Muslim minorities suffer more persecution, the conditions they face are nowhere near those confronted by alienated Muslims in Europe.”

The only earlier attack definitely traced to IS occurred Jan. 14 in Indonesia, when four perpetrators launched a mid-morning attack in the busy Sarinah area of Jakarta. Two bombs were detonated at a Starbucks Café and a traffic police post, with a third bomb exploding in the face of one of the jihadists. Three improvised grenades were also thrown at police and two of the attackers drew guns and fired on the police and bystanders.
The main effect was that all four attackers died, as well as four civilians, including one foreigner, a Canadian. In the following days, the perpetrators were identified as Dian Juni Kurniadi, Ahmad Muhazan, Muhammad Ali and Sunakim alias Afif.

It was the first attack in Southeast Asia with a confirmed endorsement from the s- called Islamic State (IS). Shortly after the operation IS claimed responsibility and subsequent investigations have confirmed the perpetrators’ pro-IS orientation.

The attack itself was amateurish and the perpetrators must surely have planned for a far higher death toll than four civilians, especially given that hundreds of people were in the vicinity. They would particularly have hoped to kill multiple policemen and foreigners, their main targets.

Even if extremists were eventually able to attempt to create their own caliphate in southeast Asia, as some members of the criminal gang Abu Sayyaf have threatened in the Philippines, according to the Brookings paper its origins are more likely to stem from the fringes of society in southern Thailand, where a nativist insurrection has been cooking for decades, in rural Indonesia, where jihadist organizations such as Jemaah Islamiyah have functioned as well, or in Mindanao. 

The real danger “is not that the black banner of ISIS will be raised the world over but that the appearance of ISIS would trigger dynamics among existing jihadist groups and personal networks within Indonesia, possibly joined by groups from the Philippines and Malaysia, that may well escalate into further violence.”

IS has called for jihadis across the region to regroup in Mindanao, where a low-grade Muslim insurgency has bubbled for decades, rising and falling in intensity. The Abu Sayyaf, the most violent group, are largely regarded as criminals masquerading as Islamists, although their leader recently vowed fealty to the Middle Eastern organization.

Although the Philippine congress has refused to ratify the far-reaching Bangsamoro agreement put together by outgoing President Benigno S. Aquino III, and it appears unlikely they will deliver it to the new president, Rodrigo Duterte, Duterte as mayor of Davao City was arguably more effective at engaging Muslims. This week, for the first time, he ordered Eid’l Fitr, the celebration at the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, to be a national holiday. That is an important signal that this predominantly Catholic country recognizes the validity of Islam. At the same time, he has declared the eradication of Abu Sayyaf a major priority. Most Muslims are not likely to care.

http://www.asiasentinel.com/politics/islamic-state-southeast-asia/

US Naval Rear Admiral Bolivar leads turnover ceremony of classrooms in Albay

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 9): US Naval Rear Admiral Bolivar leads turnover ceremony of classrooms in Albay

United States Navy Rear Admiral Bette Bolivar of US Naval Command led on Friday the turnover ceremony of a two-classroom building to a public school in Kinawitan, Daraga in Albay.

The school building is part of the Humanitarian Mission of the ongoing Pacific Partnership 2016 in the province of Albay.

Starting her speech in the Filipino langauage, Bolivar greeted the Albayanos, specially the students of Kinawitan school: “Magandang hapon at mabuhay kayo lahat”.

"Thank you for the honor for having me here today, as well as the unveiling of the recent renovation and construction of the classroom here in your school," she continued.

Bolivar said for the Pacific Partnership 2016, the Engineering Civic Action Program (ENCAP) affords them another great opportunity to build a poster relationship with the Filipino community.

Bolivar added, “Para sa atin mga kabatan at sa atin kinabukasan” (for our children and for our future) over the last month and a half, engineers from the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, Guam National Guard and Hawaii National Guard and our Philippine Counterpart Army worked together to construct these new buildings and with rest rooms and renovated other existing classrooms to accommodate Kinawitan growing students population.

Now, the students have designated classrooms that will improve the learning environment, Bolivar said.

The project will not just benefit the students but also the residents of the area for it will also serve as a shelter during any natural disaster, a safe haven for the families seeking help or shelter from any catastrophe, she emphasized.

Phil. Army Lt. Col Baylon Aler of the Army Engineering Brigade in an interview with Philippines News Agency said for the engineering component of the project, the joint team of engineers finished construction works of two-classrooms building with comfort rooms including repair works of other classrooms in barangays Cotmon, in Camalig, Kinawitan in Daraga and a water tank and lavatory in Mabini Elementary school in barangay Mabini, Daraga all in Albay.

Bolivar, a Bicolana by blood, is the first Filipino Fil-Am Admiral in the US Naval Command.

She entered the Naval Academy with the blessing of her father Teddy and mother Virginia, both Filipinos. Her father is from Nabua, Camarines Sur while her mother hails from Pangasinan. Bolivar said she was raised in a traditional Filipino household.

The two-week Pacific Partnership 2016 humanitarian and disaster relief preparedness mission that will last until July 11 has ongoing medical, dental services, including construction and repair of school buildings in poor villages of Camalig, Daraga, and the cities of Legazpi, Tabaco and Ligao.

Pacific Partnership is an annual deployment of forces from the Pacific Fleet of the United States Navy (USN), in cooperation with regional governments and military forces, along with humanitarian and non-government organizations.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=902489

Zambo police arrest Abu Sayyaf Group supporter

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 9): Zambo police arrest Abu Sayyaf Group supporter

The police have arrested in a raid early Saturday a suspected supported of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in an east coast barangay this city.

Chief Inspector Edilberto Alvarez, Intelligence chief of the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO), identified the arrested suspect as Hasbi Ahaddin, a resident of Sitio Marangan, Barangay Muti, 58.80 kilometers east of City Hall.

Alvarez said Ahaddin was arrested around 4:30 a.m. Saturday in his residence in Barangay Muti, which is a coastal village.

Alvarez said Ahaddin was arrested when they served search warrants on two houses in Barangay Muti on orders of the court in relation to the June 29 twin roadside bombings in the area.

A motorcyclist, who was on the way to attend a funeral in Barangay Vitali, was injured during the incident.

Alvarez said Ahaddin is allegedly a member of a locally-based kidnap-for-ransom-group (KFRG) headed by a certain Marzan Ajilul.

 

He said Ajilul has ties with ASG leader Furuji Indama, whose group is based in Basilan.

He added that Ahaddin is also providing refuge to other members of lawless group from nearby areas coming to this city.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=902591

Hataman: No signs of hostages in Basilan

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 9): Hataman: No signs of hostages in Basilan

Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) said there are no signs that the Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) has transferred their hostages to this province.

Hataman issued the statement after he disclosed that there were Sulu-based ASG brigands who had fled to this province to escape from the continuous military offensive in the province of Sulu.

“I’m sure there are no hostages, we have information there are no hostages here. They (ASG brigands) transferred here due to (the military) pressure in nearby Sulu,” Hataman said.

The ASG brigands are still holding captives nine foreigners and three Filipinos in the province of Sulu.

The foreigners included a Dutchman birdwatcher, a Norwegian and seven Indonesian sailors.

Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) spokesman said the Joint Task Force Sulu continued to conduct focused military operations.

Westmincom received intelligence report that nine ASG brigands were killed while 13 wounded when the troops pounded on Thursday the ASG position in Barangay Kabuntakas, Patikul, Sulu.

Hataman said based on reports he received, there were about 200 ASG brigands operating in this province.

“Ang nagparami sa kanila ay yon taga Sulu, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Marangan, Zamboanga City,” Hataman said.

Marangan is a sitio in Barangay Muti, Zamboanga City, which Hataman said around 30 ASG brigands came from the area and joined their comrades in this province.

He disclosed they learned there were some ASG brigands from Zamboanga Sibugay here since one of them was arrested by the military in the nearby town of Al-Barka.

He said the ASG brigands staged the attack on Wednesday in Tipo-Tipo as they wanted to instill fear among the residents in the area.

“Hindi namin papayagan at hindi namin hahayaan na gagawin nila yon,” he said.

Hataman met with the provincial, city and municipal officials of this province and discussed measures to address the problem on peace and order of this province.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=902638

AFP awards medals to soldiers wounded in Sulu clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 9): AFP awards medals to soldiers wounded in Sulu clash

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Saturday awarded medals to the five soldiers who were wounded in the latest clash with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) brigands in the province of Sulu.

Gen. Ricardo Visaya, AFP chief-of-staff, personally pinned the medals to the wounded soldiers who were admitted at Camp Navarro General Hospital in this city.

Lt. Gen. Mayoralgo Dela Cruz, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, assisted Visaya in the awarding of medals to the recipient-soldiers.

Awarded the Wounded Personnel Medal (WPM) were Cpl. Ian Dexter Gavina; Cpl. Rambo Balnawi; PFC Radel Gumban; PFC Christian Naganag; and, PFC Bernie Joe Nagoy.

They were wounded in an intense fighting against 150 ASG brigands, led by ASG senior leader Radulan Sahiron and sub-leader Hadjan Sawajaan on Thursday in Patikul, Sulu.

Intelligence report showed that nine Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed while 13 wounded when the troops pounded them with artillery.

Visaya visited Westmincom to get first hand information of the ongoing focus military operations against the ASG brigands in the provinces of Sulu and Basilan.

“I am here now to see how Westmincom implemented our plans (against the ASG),” Visaya said.

He said the troops were directed to ensure the safety of the hostages as they were ordered to continuously pursue the ASG brigands.

The ASG brigands are still holding captives nine foreigners and three Filipinos in the province of Sulu.

The foreigners included a Dutchman birdwatcher, a Norwegian and seven Indonesian sailors.

Visaya said the focus military operations against the ASG brigands had no time frame.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=902647