From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 10): Cops hunt killers of trader, school exec
Police are hunting down gunmen who shot and killed in separate incidents Monday a businesswoman in this city and a school district supervisor in nearby Midsayap, North Cotabato.
In an interview, Sr. Supt. Rolly Octavio, Cotabato City police director, said gunmen shot dead Dr. Amalia Gutierrez, 58, of Gov. Gutierrez Avenue in Barangay Rosary Heights 9,this city.
Gutierrez was on board her Ford Everest (KEL-921) with her driver, Alexander Cuanan, 22, of Kabuntalan, Maguindanao, when the shooting took place.
Octavio said Gutierrez, separated from her husband, was a graduate of medicine, but did not take the board.
“She is not a practicing medical doctor but more of a businesswoman,” Octavio said.
The shooting occurred along the road leading to the regional center for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), a busy thoroughfare during the time of the incident, according to Senior Inspector Reynaldo Delatien, police station 2 chief.
Delantien said Cuanan told investigators that he had just parked the Ford Everest when he heard gun burst at around 4:30 p.m.
Seeing Gutierrez shot, Cuanan ran for his life and hid in a nearby store.
Witnesses said Gutierrez tried to run from the vehicle but the gunman fired more shots. The killer sped off aboard a motorbike driven by a companion.
“We are looking at different angles as to the motive, our investigation is going on,” Octavio said.
Earlier on same day in Midsayap town, motorcycle riding-in-tandem gunmen also shot dead Bernard Viloan, a newly-designated school district supervisor.
Supt. Gilbert Tuzon, Midsayap town police chief, said Viloan, supervisor of Department of Education South-West district, had just finished lunch with a school principal at an eatery at around 1:30 p.m. in Barangay Rangaban, when fired upon by the gunmen in the head and body using .45 cal. pistols.
He died on the spot while his companion was unharmed. Viloan’s predecessor as supervisor was also shot dead last year in the same village. Tuzon said they are still looking closely into Viloan’s case.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1012300
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Army hits NPA for Bukidnon plantation attack
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 10): Army hits NPA for Bukidnon plantation attack
The military has lambasted the New People’s Army (NPA) on Tuesday for attacking a pineapple plantation in Bukidnon, even as it accused the Maoist guerrillas of violating an international human rights agreement.
Some 30 armed men suspected to be members of the NPA razed to the ground the compound of Davao Agricultural Ventures Corp. (Davco) in Barangay Merangeran in Quezon town on Sunday afternoon (Oct. 8), reports reaching the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) said.
Davco is engaged in the production and export of fresh pineapples. The insurgents also burned the vehicles parked inside the Davco compound and took away the company’s firearms.
Torched were a boom spray tractor, a boom harvester, two nurse trucks and a generator set.
In a statement admitting the raid, the NPA said its South Central Bukidnon Sub-regional Command carried out the burning of the properties.
Ka Malem Mabini, of the NPA-North Central Mindanao Region, said their fighters confiscated at least 15 high-powered firearms from the company’s security personnel.
Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez, 4ID spokesperson, said the rebels violated the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), one of the four substantive agenda that was formulated following the peace talks between the government and the Communist rebels in the past years.
“The incident is another violation of CARHRIHL when the NPA deliberately and dastardly attacked civilians and their properties. This is their (NPA) way of compelling companies and other small business entities to give in to their extortion demands,” Martinez said.
He said the attack's immediate impact would be loss of jobs for the locals.
He said the military is supporting the police pursue the perpetrators.
Col. Eric Vinoya, commanding officer of the Army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade, said “it is very unfortunate that despite being a signatory to the CARHRIHL, the NPA, with the guidance of their leaders, still continue to attack innocent civilians.”
“We strongly condemn the NPA’s act of banditry and their insincerity by attacking, yet again, a civilian facility and murdering a public official that poses an even bigger threat to the civilian populace and to the economic situation of Bukidnon,” Vinoya said, referring to the gunning down of Romeo Bantilan Jr., village councilor of Barangay White Kulaman, Kitaotao, Bukidnon, last Oct. 8.
Bantilan was allegedly killed by a member of the NPA’s Guerrilla Front 53 only known as “Aman.”
He added: “Those attacks only fuel our utmost desire to protect our people from these thugs. And in so doing, we need the full cooperation of the public in ensuring that these NPA atrocities will be pre-empted.”
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1012303
The military has lambasted the New People’s Army (NPA) on Tuesday for attacking a pineapple plantation in Bukidnon, even as it accused the Maoist guerrillas of violating an international human rights agreement.
Some 30 armed men suspected to be members of the NPA razed to the ground the compound of Davao Agricultural Ventures Corp. (Davco) in Barangay Merangeran in Quezon town on Sunday afternoon (Oct. 8), reports reaching the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) said.
Davco is engaged in the production and export of fresh pineapples. The insurgents also burned the vehicles parked inside the Davco compound and took away the company’s firearms.
Torched were a boom spray tractor, a boom harvester, two nurse trucks and a generator set.
In a statement admitting the raid, the NPA said its South Central Bukidnon Sub-regional Command carried out the burning of the properties.
Ka Malem Mabini, of the NPA-North Central Mindanao Region, said their fighters confiscated at least 15 high-powered firearms from the company’s security personnel.
Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez, 4ID spokesperson, said the rebels violated the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), one of the four substantive agenda that was formulated following the peace talks between the government and the Communist rebels in the past years.
“The incident is another violation of CARHRIHL when the NPA deliberately and dastardly attacked civilians and their properties. This is their (NPA) way of compelling companies and other small business entities to give in to their extortion demands,” Martinez said.
He said the attack's immediate impact would be loss of jobs for the locals.
He said the military is supporting the police pursue the perpetrators.
Col. Eric Vinoya, commanding officer of the Army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade, said “it is very unfortunate that despite being a signatory to the CARHRIHL, the NPA, with the guidance of their leaders, still continue to attack innocent civilians.”
“We strongly condemn the NPA’s act of banditry and their insincerity by attacking, yet again, a civilian facility and murdering a public official that poses an even bigger threat to the civilian populace and to the economic situation of Bukidnon,” Vinoya said, referring to the gunning down of Romeo Bantilan Jr., village councilor of Barangay White Kulaman, Kitaotao, Bukidnon, last Oct. 8.
Bantilan was allegedly killed by a member of the NPA’s Guerrilla Front 53 only known as “Aman.”
He added: “Those attacks only fuel our utmost desire to protect our people from these thugs. And in so doing, we need the full cooperation of the public in ensuring that these NPA atrocities will be pre-empted.”
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1012303
3 soldiers hurt in BIFF ambush
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 10): 3 soldiers hurt in BIFF ambush
Police and military authorities here have launched a manhunt operation against suspected ISIS-inspired armed men who ambushed and injured three soldiers in Barangay Nabalawag on Sunday night, police said Tuesday.
Supt. Gilbert Tuzon, Midsayap town police chief, said joint police and military forces are now tracking the suspects believed to be members of a faction of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) operating in Maguindanao.
“We are currently working with the Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion and that the attackers could still be in the outskirt villages of Midsayap,” Tuzon said.
Government troops who sustained minor injuries in the ambush incident were Army Corporal Ameridon Dimasangca, and Privates 1st Class Ronel Mahilom and Buenaventura Raygon, all of the Army’s 34th IB.
The soldiers are now confined at Camp Siongco military hospital inside the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) headquarters.
Tuzon said the victims were on board a red Mitsubishi Adventure vehicle when the attackers opened fire at past 10 p.m. Sunday in Barangay Nabalawag.
The Army's 6ID commander, Major Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, said Tuesday that the three soldiers were out on a special mission when gunmen with assault rifles shot at their vehicle.
Tuzon said the gunmen could be members of the outlawed BIFF – ISIS faction who are also into illegal drugs trade; or cohorts of drug peddlers arrested by joint police and 34th IB troops in Midsayap the past several months.
Barangay Nabalawag is situated near the borders of Midsayap, North Cotabato and Datu Piang, Maguindanao where the BIFF armed men are active.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1012336
Police and military authorities here have launched a manhunt operation against suspected ISIS-inspired armed men who ambushed and injured three soldiers in Barangay Nabalawag on Sunday night, police said Tuesday.
Supt. Gilbert Tuzon, Midsayap town police chief, said joint police and military forces are now tracking the suspects believed to be members of a faction of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) operating in Maguindanao.
“We are currently working with the Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion and that the attackers could still be in the outskirt villages of Midsayap,” Tuzon said.
Government troops who sustained minor injuries in the ambush incident were Army Corporal Ameridon Dimasangca, and Privates 1st Class Ronel Mahilom and Buenaventura Raygon, all of the Army’s 34th IB.
The soldiers are now confined at Camp Siongco military hospital inside the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) headquarters.
Tuzon said the victims were on board a red Mitsubishi Adventure vehicle when the attackers opened fire at past 10 p.m. Sunday in Barangay Nabalawag.
The Army's 6ID commander, Major Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, said Tuesday that the three soldiers were out on a special mission when gunmen with assault rifles shot at their vehicle.
Tuzon said the gunmen could be members of the outlawed BIFF – ISIS faction who are also into illegal drugs trade; or cohorts of drug peddlers arrested by joint police and 34th IB troops in Midsayap the past several months.
Barangay Nabalawag is situated near the borders of Midsayap, North Cotabato and Datu Piang, Maguindanao where the BIFF armed men are active.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1012336
President Duterte tours HMAS Adelaide, renews full support to allies
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 10): President Duterte tours HMAS Adelaide, renews full support to allies
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Tuesday, October 10, visited the largest ship of the Royal Australian Navy and reiterated full support to the Philippines’ allies.
The President was given a tour of the landing helicopter dock ship HMAS Adelaide anchored at the Port of Manila as part of the regional deployment by the Australian Defence Force to strengthen ties within the region.
In his remarks, President Duterte welcomed the officials and crew of the navy ship that is in its maiden deployment to Southeast Asia.
“I’d like to welcome you officially to the Philippines. And we’re happy that you found time to visit us,” he said.
The President discussed the ongoing tension in the Korean Peninsula.
“It’s good to raise our awareness actually now. And it would be also to our advantage if you just go around showing solidarity with the rest of the world. Not only because we face so many challenges and threats, but the small guy there in North Korea is playing with dangerous weapons,” he said.
President Duterte expressed hopes that the situation would not deteriorate into something violent that may destroy Southeast Asia.
“So I hope that in the coming days, we should stay together, especially the alliance between us, Philippines, America, and even China," he said.
“It’s just a neighbor of China. And any distraction using nuclear bombs, nuclear arms, would destroy Southeast Asia immediately. And the Philippines is no exception,” he added.
The President then reiterated his support to Australia and to the Philippines’ allies.
“And that is why we reiterate our full support with our Australian friends, Americans, and even Chinese, Malaysian, all, to show to this one guy that he has to stop threatening the world. Because he runs the risk of being destroyed first,” he said.
Duterte told the crew of HMAS Adelaide that the Philippines is also suffering from a severe case of terrorism, citing the country’s battle against the Maute terrorist group in Marawi City.
“We’re coping up. We hope that it would be finished in about one week. We have suffered casualties, the biggest so far in present years. And I am sad that terrorism has arrived in my land,” he said.
“We are not against the Moro or the Muslim people. I myself have a little of --- because of my grandmother, who was a Maranao Muslim. I don’t have anything against them, but it’s the terrorism that’s being imported,” he explained.
HMAS Adelaide, weighing 27,800 tonnes and 230 meters in length, is designed to provide medical and humanitarian assistance during regional emergencies with its 40-bed hospital that is complete with two operating theatres.
The ship’s 200-meter flight deck can carry up to 12 helicopters. It can accommodate more than 100 vehicles, 2,100 tonnes of cargo and can transport 1,000 military personnel and equipment for a rapid disaster response deployment.
The navy ship will also dock in Subic to continue the crew’s engagement with their Filipino counterparts.
More than 100 Philippine Armed Forces personnel, including the elite Philippine Marines, will participate in a sea-ride on Adelaide’s landing craft for a hands-on experience of the Australian Defence Force’s humanitarian and disaster relief capability.
The Australian Embassy noted Australia and the Philippines’ long-standing Defence Cooperation Program, which includes counter-terrorism, maritime security, and capability development assistance to the Armed Force of the Philippines. (PND)
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1012398
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Tuesday, October 10, visited the largest ship of the Royal Australian Navy and reiterated full support to the Philippines’ allies.
The President was given a tour of the landing helicopter dock ship HMAS Adelaide anchored at the Port of Manila as part of the regional deployment by the Australian Defence Force to strengthen ties within the region.
In his remarks, President Duterte welcomed the officials and crew of the navy ship that is in its maiden deployment to Southeast Asia.
“I’d like to welcome you officially to the Philippines. And we’re happy that you found time to visit us,” he said.
The President discussed the ongoing tension in the Korean Peninsula.
“It’s good to raise our awareness actually now. And it would be also to our advantage if you just go around showing solidarity with the rest of the world. Not only because we face so many challenges and threats, but the small guy there in North Korea is playing with dangerous weapons,” he said.
President Duterte expressed hopes that the situation would not deteriorate into something violent that may destroy Southeast Asia.
“So I hope that in the coming days, we should stay together, especially the alliance between us, Philippines, America, and even China," he said.
“It’s just a neighbor of China. And any distraction using nuclear bombs, nuclear arms, would destroy Southeast Asia immediately. And the Philippines is no exception,” he added.
The President then reiterated his support to Australia and to the Philippines’ allies.
“And that is why we reiterate our full support with our Australian friends, Americans, and even Chinese, Malaysian, all, to show to this one guy that he has to stop threatening the world. Because he runs the risk of being destroyed first,” he said.
Duterte told the crew of HMAS Adelaide that the Philippines is also suffering from a severe case of terrorism, citing the country’s battle against the Maute terrorist group in Marawi City.
“We’re coping up. We hope that it would be finished in about one week. We have suffered casualties, the biggest so far in present years. And I am sad that terrorism has arrived in my land,” he said.
“We are not against the Moro or the Muslim people. I myself have a little of --- because of my grandmother, who was a Maranao Muslim. I don’t have anything against them, but it’s the terrorism that’s being imported,” he explained.
HMAS Adelaide, weighing 27,800 tonnes and 230 meters in length, is designed to provide medical and humanitarian assistance during regional emergencies with its 40-bed hospital that is complete with two operating theatres.
The ship’s 200-meter flight deck can carry up to 12 helicopters. It can accommodate more than 100 vehicles, 2,100 tonnes of cargo and can transport 1,000 military personnel and equipment for a rapid disaster response deployment.
The navy ship will also dock in Subic to continue the crew’s engagement with their Filipino counterparts.
More than 100 Philippine Armed Forces personnel, including the elite Philippine Marines, will participate in a sea-ride on Adelaide’s landing craft for a hands-on experience of the Australian Defence Force’s humanitarian and disaster relief capability.
The Australian Embassy noted Australia and the Philippines’ long-standing Defence Cooperation Program, which includes counter-terrorism, maritime security, and capability development assistance to the Armed Force of the Philippines. (PND)
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1012398
Top aide of Malaysia’s most wanted terrorist killed in Marawi — AFP
From MindaNews (Oct 10): Top aide of Malaysia’s most wanted terrorist killed in Marawi — AFP
The military on Monday said its troops have killed the top lieutenant of Malaysia’s most wanted terrorist who was fighting alongside the ISIS-inspired militants in this city.
Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. said Muhammad Joraimee Awang Raimee, 39, also a Malaysian, was killed along with 15 others in the battle to retake Bato Ali Mosque last month.
Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. (2nd from left), Western Mindanao Command chief, airs optimism on Monday (October 9, 2017) that the Marawi siege will end this month. MindaNews photo by H. MARCOS C. MORDENO
“We can confirm he was killed along with the others in the fighting around the mosque,” Galvez said.
He did not present solid proof of Raimee’s death but said the Malaysian government confirmed it in an exchange of intelligence information.
He said Malaysian intelligence agencies knew of Raimee’s death when it was announced in various chat rooms in the social media.
He said statements from the 17 hostages who escaped from their Maute captors last week corroborated this information.
Raimee was the most trusted lieutenant of Malaysia’s most wanted terrorist Dr. Mahmud Ahmad who along with another Malaysian reportedly went to Basilan and Sulu in 2014 to establish an Islamic caliphate.
Ahmad played a key role in planning the attack of Marawi City based on a video footage showing him and other militant leaders being briefed by Abdullah Maute, one of the leaders of the Maute group.
Galvez said they don’t know the whereabouts of Ahmad but they are certain that there are still six foreign terrorists fighting in Marawi.
“We believed there are still six foreign fighters down from 19,” he said.
Galvez added they have checked on reports that 15 Indonesian terrorists have flown in through Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental to join the fighting.
He said that with the help of the Indonesian consulate in Davao City, they have tracked down all the Indonesians and found they were legitimate visitors who joined an international conference for Muslim preachers in Marawi.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/10/top-aide-of-malaysias-most-wanted-terrorist-killed-in-marawi-afp/
The military on Monday said its troops have killed the top lieutenant of Malaysia’s most wanted terrorist who was fighting alongside the ISIS-inspired militants in this city.
Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. said Muhammad Joraimee Awang Raimee, 39, also a Malaysian, was killed along with 15 others in the battle to retake Bato Ali Mosque last month.
Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. (2nd from left), Western Mindanao Command chief, airs optimism on Monday (October 9, 2017) that the Marawi siege will end this month. MindaNews photo by H. MARCOS C. MORDENO
“We can confirm he was killed along with the others in the fighting around the mosque,” Galvez said.
He did not present solid proof of Raimee’s death but said the Malaysian government confirmed it in an exchange of intelligence information.
He said Malaysian intelligence agencies knew of Raimee’s death when it was announced in various chat rooms in the social media.
He said statements from the 17 hostages who escaped from their Maute captors last week corroborated this information.
Raimee was the most trusted lieutenant of Malaysia’s most wanted terrorist Dr. Mahmud Ahmad who along with another Malaysian reportedly went to Basilan and Sulu in 2014 to establish an Islamic caliphate.
Ahmad played a key role in planning the attack of Marawi City based on a video footage showing him and other militant leaders being briefed by Abdullah Maute, one of the leaders of the Maute group.
Galvez said they don’t know the whereabouts of Ahmad but they are certain that there are still six foreign terrorists fighting in Marawi.
“We believed there are still six foreign fighters down from 19,” he said.
Galvez added they have checked on reports that 15 Indonesian terrorists have flown in through Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental to join the fighting.
He said that with the help of the Indonesian consulate in Davao City, they have tracked down all the Indonesians and found they were legitimate visitors who joined an international conference for Muslim preachers in Marawi.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/10/top-aide-of-malaysias-most-wanted-terrorist-killed-in-marawi-afp/
PRO 2 slams NPA atrocities in Cagayan Valley
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 9): PRO 2 slams NPA atrocities in Cagayan Valley
The head of the regional police office here condemned the series of atrocities allegedly perpetrated by the Henry Abraham Command of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the municipalities of Buguey and Sta. Teresita in Cagayan province over the weekend.
Chief Superintendent Robert Quenery said the violent activities of the rebels hinder development in the region.
“We denounce these atrocities perpetrated by the NPA for hampering development and growth in the region. The threats and intimidation of the NPA to our barangay (village) officials who are performing peacekeeping operations had adverse effect to the development of the community,” Quenery said.
He said at around 5:20 a.m. on October 7, a group of 50 suspected NPAs wearing Army uniform called the presence of the village officials of Barangay Villa Cielo, Buguey, Cagayan. After gathering the barangay officials, the rebels introduced themselves as members of the NPA.
At around 6:40 a.m. of the same day, around 50 alleged communist rebels, armed with high-powered firearms, burned and destroyed one dump truck and one backhoe owned by Danilo Tamayo Jr. of the DATAJ Aquafarm, Inc. and a backhoe owned by architect Rodolfo Tibuc Jr. at Sitio Karayatan, Barangay Dungeg in Sta Teresita.
Initial investigation showed the group arrived at the kiosk barracks of the security guards and took the caliber .45 firearm of one of the guards and instructed them to leave the area.
Pursuit operations are ongoing to apprehend the suspected rebels.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1012175
The head of the regional police office here condemned the series of atrocities allegedly perpetrated by the Henry Abraham Command of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the municipalities of Buguey and Sta. Teresita in Cagayan province over the weekend.
Chief Superintendent Robert Quenery said the violent activities of the rebels hinder development in the region.
“We denounce these atrocities perpetrated by the NPA for hampering development and growth in the region. The threats and intimidation of the NPA to our barangay (village) officials who are performing peacekeeping operations had adverse effect to the development of the community,” Quenery said.
He said at around 5:20 a.m. on October 7, a group of 50 suspected NPAs wearing Army uniform called the presence of the village officials of Barangay Villa Cielo, Buguey, Cagayan. After gathering the barangay officials, the rebels introduced themselves as members of the NPA.
At around 6:40 a.m. of the same day, around 50 alleged communist rebels, armed with high-powered firearms, burned and destroyed one dump truck and one backhoe owned by Danilo Tamayo Jr. of the DATAJ Aquafarm, Inc. and a backhoe owned by architect Rodolfo Tibuc Jr. at Sitio Karayatan, Barangay Dungeg in Sta Teresita.
Initial investigation showed the group arrived at the kiosk barracks of the security guards and took the caliber .45 firearm of one of the guards and instructed them to leave the area.
Pursuit operations are ongoing to apprehend the suspected rebels.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1012175
Abu Sayyaf leader killed, another surrenders
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 9): Abu Sayyaf leader killed, another surrenders
An Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) leader was killed while another surrendered as the government offensive has continued against them in parts of Mindanao, military officials said Monday.
Killed was Guro Idzri alias Commander Idris, who was also a kidnap-for-ransom cell leader in the province of Tawi-Tawi.
The ASG member who surrendered was identified as Julasbi Misuari alias Imbuh, a follower of the slain Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Alhabsy Misaya.
Brig. Gen. Custodio Parcon Jr., Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi commander, said Idzri was killed when he resisted arrest by government troops in a law enforcement operation at around 7:10 a.m. Sunday at Sitio Suwang Kagang, Barangay Pasiagan, Bongao municipality.
“When troops are about to serve the warrant of arrest, Idzri fired at them using his caliber .45 pistol prompting our troops to shoot back,” Parcon said.
Parcon said Idzri was rushed to the Datu Halun Sakilan Memorial Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
He said the troops recovered from Idzri’s possession a caliber .45 pistol with ammunition. The firearm was turned over to the police.
Parcon said Idzri was recently monitored casing for a possible victim to be kidnapped at the construction site of a diesel power plant in Barangay Pahut, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.
Idzri was a follower of slain Sulu-based ASG spokesperson Muamar Askali alias Abu Rami and was believed to be involved in the November 5, 2016 kidnapping of German national Jurgen Kantner.
Government troops killed Askali in a clash on April 11 this year in Bohol while the ASG beheaded Kantner in February, also this year.
Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said Misuari surrendered and turned over to authorities a caliber .30 machine gun around 10 p.m. Saturday.
Sobejana said the 545th Engineer Construction Brigade and the Sulu-based Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) facilitated the surrender of Misuari, who was reportedly the ASG conduit in the island municipality of Banguingui.
“Misuari revealed that there are more Abu Sayyaf members who are already contemplating to surrender as a result of the relentless operations and pressure employed by the Joint Task Force Sulu to neutralize the Abu Sayyaf and kidnap for ransom members, particularly at their staging areas on the islands of Sulu,” Sobejana said.
He said the surrender of Misuari brought the number of ASG members who surrendered in the province of Sulu since January to a total of 24.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1012197
An Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) leader was killed while another surrendered as the government offensive has continued against them in parts of Mindanao, military officials said Monday.
Killed was Guro Idzri alias Commander Idris, who was also a kidnap-for-ransom cell leader in the province of Tawi-Tawi.
The ASG member who surrendered was identified as Julasbi Misuari alias Imbuh, a follower of the slain Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Alhabsy Misaya.
Brig. Gen. Custodio Parcon Jr., Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi commander, said Idzri was killed when he resisted arrest by government troops in a law enforcement operation at around 7:10 a.m. Sunday at Sitio Suwang Kagang, Barangay Pasiagan, Bongao municipality.
“When troops are about to serve the warrant of arrest, Idzri fired at them using his caliber .45 pistol prompting our troops to shoot back,” Parcon said.
Parcon said Idzri was rushed to the Datu Halun Sakilan Memorial Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
He said the troops recovered from Idzri’s possession a caliber .45 pistol with ammunition. The firearm was turned over to the police.
Parcon said Idzri was recently monitored casing for a possible victim to be kidnapped at the construction site of a diesel power plant in Barangay Pahut, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.
Idzri was a follower of slain Sulu-based ASG spokesperson Muamar Askali alias Abu Rami and was believed to be involved in the November 5, 2016 kidnapping of German national Jurgen Kantner.
Government troops killed Askali in a clash on April 11 this year in Bohol while the ASG beheaded Kantner in February, also this year.
Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said Misuari surrendered and turned over to authorities a caliber .30 machine gun around 10 p.m. Saturday.
Sobejana said the 545th Engineer Construction Brigade and the Sulu-based Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) facilitated the surrender of Misuari, who was reportedly the ASG conduit in the island municipality of Banguingui.
“Misuari revealed that there are more Abu Sayyaf members who are already contemplating to surrender as a result of the relentless operations and pressure employed by the Joint Task Force Sulu to neutralize the Abu Sayyaf and kidnap for ransom members, particularly at their staging areas on the islands of Sulu,” Sobejana said.
He said the surrender of Misuari brought the number of ASG members who surrendered in the province of Sulu since January to a total of 24.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1012197
Monday, October 9, 2017
Explosives, gun, shabu seized during anti-ISIS ops in Maguindanao
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 9): Explosives, gun, shabu seized during anti-ISIS ops in Maguindanao
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- Government forces recovered improvised explosives, a high powered .50-caliber sniper gun and suspected shabu in separate operations over the weekend against an ISIS-inspired armed group in Maguindanao, the military here said Monday.
Captain Arvin John Encinas, Army’s 6th Infantry Division spokesman, said combined elements of Army’s 19th and 6th Infantry Battalions were conducting combat strike operations against some 20 members of an ISIS-faction of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) at the borders of two towns when they found the illegal materials.
In particular, Encinas said these were found at the escape route of BIFF armed men at the borders of Sitio Siboloy, Barangay Kuden in Talitay and Barangay Brar in Datu Anggal Midtimbang, both in Maguindanao Saturday afternoon.
"Our troops were responding to reports by civilians about the presence of ISIS-inspired local terrorist group in the area that resulted to the recovery of suspected shabu and Improvised Explosive Device mechanisms," Encinas said.
Also on Saturday, combined elements of the Army’s 22nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion and 57th Infantry Battalion, clashed with lawless elements while conducting pursuit operations in Barangay Alongangen, Datu Piang, Maguindanao.
"Government forces were responding to residents report about high-powered guns hidden in the area and about to be transferred to another site when the clashes erupted," Encinas said.
Soldiers found one high-quality, locally-made 50-caliber sniper rifle.
Major Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, has commended the local residents for providing timely and vital information to authorities.
He also lauded the soldiers for their relentless campaign against lawless armed group to secure the safety of the local populace.
The successful operation was a result of the focused and intensified military operation against the local terror groups in Central Mindanao and the campaign against illegal drugs, Dela Vega, said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1012172
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- Government forces recovered improvised explosives, a high powered .50-caliber sniper gun and suspected shabu in separate operations over the weekend against an ISIS-inspired armed group in Maguindanao, the military here said Monday.
Captain Arvin John Encinas, Army’s 6th Infantry Division spokesman, said combined elements of Army’s 19th and 6th Infantry Battalions were conducting combat strike operations against some 20 members of an ISIS-faction of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) at the borders of two towns when they found the illegal materials.
In particular, Encinas said these were found at the escape route of BIFF armed men at the borders of Sitio Siboloy, Barangay Kuden in Talitay and Barangay Brar in Datu Anggal Midtimbang, both in Maguindanao Saturday afternoon.
"Our troops were responding to reports by civilians about the presence of ISIS-inspired local terrorist group in the area that resulted to the recovery of suspected shabu and Improvised Explosive Device mechanisms," Encinas said.
Also on Saturday, combined elements of the Army’s 22nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion and 57th Infantry Battalion, clashed with lawless elements while conducting pursuit operations in Barangay Alongangen, Datu Piang, Maguindanao.
"Government forces were responding to residents report about high-powered guns hidden in the area and about to be transferred to another site when the clashes erupted," Encinas said.
Soldiers found one high-quality, locally-made 50-caliber sniper rifle.
Major Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, has commended the local residents for providing timely and vital information to authorities.
He also lauded the soldiers for their relentless campaign against lawless armed group to secure the safety of the local populace.
The successful operation was a result of the focused and intensified military operation against the local terror groups in Central Mindanao and the campaign against illegal drugs, Dela Vega, said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1012172
Locals help secure NGCP towers vs bombers
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 9): Locals help secure NGCP towers vs bombers
Safety measures are in place to prevent future bombings by lawless elements on steel towers of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) in North Cotabato, police here said Monday.
Chief Inspector Julius Malcontento, the town's police chief, said residents near transmission towers of NGCP have volunteered to cooperate and work with the village officials and police in securing these facilities.
“We sought the help of local residents and they are cooperative,” Malcontento told the PNA in a phone interview.
Four improvised explosive devices were set off by suspected extortionists at the foot of NGCP Steel Tower 106 at Purok 1, Barangay Manarapan here last week, triggering power interruption in parts of North Cotabato, the whole of Maguindanao and Cotabato City.
Steel Tower No. 106 carries the 138KV line of NGCP from its station in Maramag, Bukidnon to Kabacan, North Cotabato and other parts of Central Mindanao.
Malcontento said while Tower 106 was toppled down, it did not affect the other towers, which also carry the 138KV line.
NGCP Tower 106 is located about five kilometers from the Carmen town center and situated in the middle of a banana plantation.
Malcontento said village watchmen and members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPT) are helping the police identify and locate the perpetrators.
Army and police bomb experts recovered IED components used by the culprits. In the past, suspected militants-cum-extortionists in North Cotabato have bombed more than 20 NGCP steel towers in what authorities believe as a means to divert attention of military operations against them in nearby Maguindanao province.
Currently, government forces and its allies, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have been pursuing the ISIS-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao’s second district.
Bambie Capulong, speaking on behalf of NGCP, said restoration of Tower 106 had been completed.
Capulong said bombings of NGCP towers only serve to increase the burden of the public who will suffer service interruptions. The consumers are also made to shoulder the repair expenses of bombed NGCP towers.
NGCP continues its appeal to the local and national government, local community leaders, and the public, to help identify the perpetrators of the bombings, and to negotiate with uncooperative landowners, to prevent longer power interruptions," she said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1012171
Safety measures are in place to prevent future bombings by lawless elements on steel towers of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) in North Cotabato, police here said Monday.
Chief Inspector Julius Malcontento, the town's police chief, said residents near transmission towers of NGCP have volunteered to cooperate and work with the village officials and police in securing these facilities.
“We sought the help of local residents and they are cooperative,” Malcontento told the PNA in a phone interview.
Four improvised explosive devices were set off by suspected extortionists at the foot of NGCP Steel Tower 106 at Purok 1, Barangay Manarapan here last week, triggering power interruption in parts of North Cotabato, the whole of Maguindanao and Cotabato City.
Steel Tower No. 106 carries the 138KV line of NGCP from its station in Maramag, Bukidnon to Kabacan, North Cotabato and other parts of Central Mindanao.
Malcontento said while Tower 106 was toppled down, it did not affect the other towers, which also carry the 138KV line.
NGCP Tower 106 is located about five kilometers from the Carmen town center and situated in the middle of a banana plantation.
Malcontento said village watchmen and members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPT) are helping the police identify and locate the perpetrators.
Army and police bomb experts recovered IED components used by the culprits. In the past, suspected militants-cum-extortionists in North Cotabato have bombed more than 20 NGCP steel towers in what authorities believe as a means to divert attention of military operations against them in nearby Maguindanao province.
Currently, government forces and its allies, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have been pursuing the ISIS-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao’s second district.
Bambie Capulong, speaking on behalf of NGCP, said restoration of Tower 106 had been completed.
Capulong said bombings of NGCP towers only serve to increase the burden of the public who will suffer service interruptions. The consumers are also made to shoulder the repair expenses of bombed NGCP towers.
NGCP continues its appeal to the local and national government, local community leaders, and the public, to help identify the perpetrators of the bombings, and to negotiate with uncooperative landowners, to prevent longer power interruptions," she said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1012171
Soldier kills comrade inside military outpost
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 9): Soldier kills comrade inside military outpost
Criminal charges are set to be filed against a soldier who allegedly killed his comrade at a military outpost in Basilan province, the police reported Monday.
Chief Insp. Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) information officer, disclosed the incident happened at around 5:27 a.m. Sunday in Barangay Masola in the capital city of Isabela.
Galvez identified the victim as PFC Jerry Arasain, 27, a member of the 15th Special Force Company of the Army’s 4th Special Forces Battalion.
Galvez identified the suspect as PFC Arkim Julain, 26, who belong to the same military unit.
Arasain and Julain are residents of the towns of Jolo and Panamao, Sulu, respectively.
Galvez said investigation showed that Arasain was sleeping in a hammock when the suspect repeatedly shot him. The victim died instantly.
She said that the company commanding officer immediately arrested the suspect.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1012230
Criminal charges are set to be filed against a soldier who allegedly killed his comrade at a military outpost in Basilan province, the police reported Monday.
Chief Insp. Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) information officer, disclosed the incident happened at around 5:27 a.m. Sunday in Barangay Masola in the capital city of Isabela.
Galvez identified the victim as PFC Jerry Arasain, 27, a member of the 15th Special Force Company of the Army’s 4th Special Forces Battalion.
Galvez identified the suspect as PFC Arkim Julain, 26, who belong to the same military unit.
Arasain and Julain are residents of the towns of Jolo and Panamao, Sulu, respectively.
Galvez said investigation showed that Arasain was sleeping in a hammock when the suspect repeatedly shot him. The victim died instantly.
She said that the company commanding officer immediately arrested the suspect.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1012230
8 foreigners among remaining Maute terrorists in Marawi: AFP
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 9): 8 foreigners among remaining Maute terrorists in Marawi: AFP
Some eight foreigners are among the estimated 40 Maute Group terrorists remaining in Marawi City, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo Año said late Sunday.
These foreign terrorists are acting as leaders of the remaining lawless elements, he added.
The AFP chief said the report is based on the information provided by local residents.
He added that these men are suicidal, prompting the military to exert extra care in the ongoing operations to avoid a backlash on the estimated 40 hostages.
Fighting in the city started May 23 after government forces attempted to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and his cohorts.
As of October 6, the number of slain Maute terrorists was placed at 753 along with 155 government forces killed in action.
Recovered enemy weapons included 805 firearms and 14 improvised explosive devices. At least 47 civilians have been killed in the conflict while those rescued stood at 1,750.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1012169
Some eight foreigners are among the estimated 40 Maute Group terrorists remaining in Marawi City, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo Año said late Sunday.
These foreign terrorists are acting as leaders of the remaining lawless elements, he added.
The AFP chief said the report is based on the information provided by local residents.
He added that these men are suicidal, prompting the military to exert extra care in the ongoing operations to avoid a backlash on the estimated 40 hostages.
Fighting in the city started May 23 after government forces attempted to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and his cohorts.
As of October 6, the number of slain Maute terrorists was placed at 753 along with 155 government forces killed in action.
Recovered enemy weapons included 805 firearms and 14 improvised explosive devices. At least 47 civilians have been killed in the conflict while those rescued stood at 1,750.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1012169
Duterte sacks 2 PNP 'narco-generals'
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 9): Duterte sacks 2 PNP 'narco-generals'
President Rodrigo Duterte has dismissed two high ranking police officials he earlier accused of being involved in the illegal drug trade.
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella named the two officials as former National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director, Chief Supt. Joel Pagdilao; and former Quezon City Police District (QCPD) head, Chief Supt. Edgardo Tinio.
“In line with the President's promise to render the nation crime and corruption free, he has dismissed from service two presidential appointees who are officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP),” Abella said in a Palace briefing Monday.
“A decision signed by the Executive Secretary last Thursday, has found Police Chief Superintendent Edgardo G. Tinio and Police Director Joel Pagdilao administratively liable for serious neglect of duty and serious irregularity in the performance of duty, and have been duly dismissed,” he said.
Pagdilao and Tinio were among the five active and retired PNP officials publicly accused by Duterte in July last year as alleged protectors of the drug trade.
The others were Chief Supt. Bernardo Diaz, and retired Chief Superintendent Vicente Loot,who became mayor of Daanbantayan in northern Cebu, and retired PNP Deputy Chief for Administration Marcelo Garbo.
Abella said the President decided to dismiss the two police officers after evidence showed that both generals deliberately refused, without cause, to perform their duties as police officers allegedly resulting in the proliferation of the drug trade in their areas of jurisdiction.
However, the Palace official said there are no indications yet if criminal charges would be filed against the dismissed PNP officials.
“As far as I know, these are administrative charges only and that they have been let go. We’re not yet privy whether there are enough evidence to file criminal charges against them,” Abella said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1012203
President Rodrigo Duterte has dismissed two high ranking police officials he earlier accused of being involved in the illegal drug trade.
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella named the two officials as former National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director, Chief Supt. Joel Pagdilao; and former Quezon City Police District (QCPD) head, Chief Supt. Edgardo Tinio.
“In line with the President's promise to render the nation crime and corruption free, he has dismissed from service two presidential appointees who are officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP),” Abella said in a Palace briefing Monday.
“A decision signed by the Executive Secretary last Thursday, has found Police Chief Superintendent Edgardo G. Tinio and Police Director Joel Pagdilao administratively liable for serious neglect of duty and serious irregularity in the performance of duty, and have been duly dismissed,” he said.
Pagdilao and Tinio were among the five active and retired PNP officials publicly accused by Duterte in July last year as alleged protectors of the drug trade.
The others were Chief Supt. Bernardo Diaz, and retired Chief Superintendent Vicente Loot,who became mayor of Daanbantayan in northern Cebu, and retired PNP Deputy Chief for Administration Marcelo Garbo.
Abella said the President decided to dismiss the two police officers after evidence showed that both generals deliberately refused, without cause, to perform their duties as police officers allegedly resulting in the proliferation of the drug trade in their areas of jurisdiction.
However, the Palace official said there are no indications yet if criminal charges would be filed against the dismissed PNP officials.
“As far as I know, these are administrative charges only and that they have been let go. We’re not yet privy whether there are enough evidence to file criminal charges against them,” Abella said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1012203
Body formed to expedite cases committed vs cops, soldiers
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 9): Body formed to expedite cases committed vs cops, soldiers
The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday signed an agreement creating the Inter-Agency Committee on Legal Action (IACLA).
The agreement was signed during the conduct of the 20th AFP-PNP National Joint Peace and Security Coordination Council meeting in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
PNP chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and AFP Chief of Staff Eduardo Año signed the agreement which will expedite the prosecution of cases against the New People’s Army (NPA) and other armed groups that commit atrocities against the PNP and the AFP.
According to Police Director Camilo Cascolan, chief of the PNP Directorate for Operations, even before the agreement, the PNP and the AFP already had the so-called Inter-Agency Legal Action Group (IALAG), which pursued cases against rebels and bandits.
Cascolan noted that the IALAG was abolished in 2012 and the PNP created the Committee on Legal Action, but it was not as effective as the IALAG which it replaced.
PNP Directorate for Investigation and Detection Management Director Augusto Marquez explained that there are 2,504 cases of atrocities committed against the policemen and soldiers in the countryside which were recorded from January 2012 to July 2017, of which only 292 cases are considered “cleared” or “solved."
Marquez noted that this was a very low level of performance in the prosecution of those who commit atrocities against policemen and soldiers.
He said the newly-created IACLA is geared towards solving the big backlog of unresolved cases against the NPA and other enemies of the state.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1012196
The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday signed an agreement creating the Inter-Agency Committee on Legal Action (IACLA).
The agreement was signed during the conduct of the 20th AFP-PNP National Joint Peace and Security Coordination Council meeting in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
PNP chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and AFP Chief of Staff Eduardo Año signed the agreement which will expedite the prosecution of cases against the New People’s Army (NPA) and other armed groups that commit atrocities against the PNP and the AFP.
According to Police Director Camilo Cascolan, chief of the PNP Directorate for Operations, even before the agreement, the PNP and the AFP already had the so-called Inter-Agency Legal Action Group (IALAG), which pursued cases against rebels and bandits.
Cascolan noted that the IALAG was abolished in 2012 and the PNP created the Committee on Legal Action, but it was not as effective as the IALAG which it replaced.
PNP Directorate for Investigation and Detection Management Director Augusto Marquez explained that there are 2,504 cases of atrocities committed against the policemen and soldiers in the countryside which were recorded from January 2012 to July 2017, of which only 292 cases are considered “cleared” or “solved."
Marquez noted that this was a very low level of performance in the prosecution of those who commit atrocities against policemen and soldiers.
He said the newly-created IACLA is geared towards solving the big backlog of unresolved cases against the NPA and other enemies of the state.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1012196
Data, circumstances needed in filing raps vs AFP personnel: Año
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 10): Data, circumstances needed in filing raps vs AFP personnel: Año
While it welcomes any complaints against its abusive members, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff Gen. Eduardo Año said groups planning to do so must provide the military pertinent data and circumstances so it can launch an investigation.
Año issued this statement in wake of a United Nations Security Council report claiming that the AFP was involved in the alleged killing 11 children sometime in 2016.
"Regarding (the UN report), the AFP welcomes any complaint just provide us the data, circumstance and we will conduct the investigation. We do not condone any extra-judicial killing or violation of human rights (as) from top up to the lowest unit of our troops in the field, we have a designated human rights officers," he added.
Also, Año said the leftist groups often file unverified reports against the military, hence, his desire for complainants to give exact data and circumstances.
The AFP chief added that complaints similar to those mentioned above should be filed in the proper forum.
"We have a Commission of Human Rights so welcome any filing of cases against our personnel," he stressed.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1012279
While it welcomes any complaints against its abusive members, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff Gen. Eduardo Año said groups planning to do so must provide the military pertinent data and circumstances so it can launch an investigation.
Año issued this statement in wake of a United Nations Security Council report claiming that the AFP was involved in the alleged killing 11 children sometime in 2016.
"Regarding (the UN report), the AFP welcomes any complaint just provide us the data, circumstance and we will conduct the investigation. We do not condone any extra-judicial killing or violation of human rights (as) from top up to the lowest unit of our troops in the field, we have a designated human rights officers," he added.
Also, Año said the leftist groups often file unverified reports against the military, hence, his desire for complainants to give exact data and circumstances.
The AFP chief added that complaints similar to those mentioned above should be filed in the proper forum.
"We have a Commission of Human Rights so welcome any filing of cases against our personnel," he stressed.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1012279
NPA attacks, extortion hinder resumption of peace talks -- AFP
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 10): NPA attacks, extortion hinder resumption of peace talks -- AFP
The time is not yet right for the government to pursue peace negotiations with the New People's Army rebels.
This was emphasized by AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año as he noted the continued extortion activities and attacks by the rebels -- targetting civilian and soldiers, instead of convincing the government of their desire to return to the peace table and resolve armed conflict.
"For now, the situation, I think is not conducive to have a peace negotiation (because) instead of doing some confidence measures (or) actions, ang ginagawa nila lalo pa nilang pinag iigting yung pag atake (What they do is intensify the attacks)," he said.
He said the government is more than willing to resume the stalled peace negotiations -- but only if the rebels also reciprocate the willingness.
"Yung condition lang naman natin at ng Presidente ay Number 1, stop nila ang extortion at saka yung burning and then ceasefire tayo and then we can talk (Our number one condition which is the same as that of the President is for them to stop their extortion and burning activities, then we can have a ceasefire and then we can talk)," he said.
Peace talks with the rebel group were terminated last Feb. 4 following a series of unprovoked attacks against civilian and military targets nationwide.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1012278
The time is not yet right for the government to pursue peace negotiations with the New People's Army rebels.
This was emphasized by AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año as he noted the continued extortion activities and attacks by the rebels -- targetting civilian and soldiers, instead of convincing the government of their desire to return to the peace table and resolve armed conflict.
"For now, the situation, I think is not conducive to have a peace negotiation (because) instead of doing some confidence measures (or) actions, ang ginagawa nila lalo pa nilang pinag iigting yung pag atake (What they do is intensify the attacks)," he said.
He said the government is more than willing to resume the stalled peace negotiations -- but only if the rebels also reciprocate the willingness.
"Yung condition lang naman natin at ng Presidente ay Number 1, stop nila ang extortion at saka yung burning and then ceasefire tayo and then we can talk (Our number one condition which is the same as that of the President is for them to stop their extortion and burning activities, then we can have a ceasefire and then we can talk)," he said.
Peace talks with the rebel group were terminated last Feb. 4 following a series of unprovoked attacks against civilian and military targets nationwide.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1012278
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