From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 10): Mayor of Balete, Batangas shot dead
A municipal mayor of Balete, Batangas was ambushed while watching a basketball game in Barangay Poblacion here on Saturday morning by still unidentified assailants.
Batangas acting Police Director Senior Superintendent Randy Quines Peralta said Balete Mayor Leovino Hidalgo was rushed to the Metro Lipa Medical Center in Lipa City but was declared dead on arrival.
Peralta said the mayor was gracing the basketball league game sponsored by the municipal government in Poblacion when the unknown suspects fired at him around 10:30 a.m.
Police report from Batangas public information officer-in-charge Inspector Hazel P. Luma-ang disclosed the assailants fled on board a white van.
The initial investigation by Balete Municipal Police Station chief Police Senior Inspector Gerry Malipol said that the mayor was shot once in the head.
Initially recovered from the crime scene was a deformed slug of suspected caliber M-16 rifle.
Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) technicians have processed the crime scene and now conducting follow-up investigations. “OPLAN KALASAG” is now activated province-wide to track down and capture the suspects.
Peralta also said that the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) will be formed by the Provincial Headquarters to assist in the investigation of the said killing.
He also urged witnesses to provide any pertinent information and lead on the case by contacting the mobile number (0926) 207-2776 or the Balete Municipal Police Station for appropriate action.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/994649
Sunday, June 11, 2017
Tricycle driver shot dead in Sorsogon
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 10): Tricycle driver shot dead in Sorsogon
An undetermined number of gunmen killed a tricycle driver who was sleeping inside his tricycle on Friday evening in Matnog, Sorsogon, said reports that reached the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO5) on Saturday.
Sr. Insp. Ma. Luisa Calubaquib, PRO5 spokesperson, said Vicente G. Gaton, 54, was napping inside his tricycle parked at a tricycle waiting area along the road in Barangay Camcaman, Matnog at 9:50 p.m. when a van suddenly stopped and the gunmen disembarked and shot him.
Gaton died from multiple gunshot wounds in the body while the suspects fled on board their getaway vehicle.
Calubaquib said scene of crime operatives recovered 13 empty shells from a gun of an unknown caliber at the crime scene.
She said investigation of the Matnog Municipal Police Office is still ongoing to determine if the New People’s Army rebels could be behind the attack.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/994675
An undetermined number of gunmen killed a tricycle driver who was sleeping inside his tricycle on Friday evening in Matnog, Sorsogon, said reports that reached the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO5) on Saturday.
Sr. Insp. Ma. Luisa Calubaquib, PRO5 spokesperson, said Vicente G. Gaton, 54, was napping inside his tricycle parked at a tricycle waiting area along the road in Barangay Camcaman, Matnog at 9:50 p.m. when a van suddenly stopped and the gunmen disembarked and shot him.
Gaton died from multiple gunshot wounds in the body while the suspects fled on board their getaway vehicle.
Calubaquib said scene of crime operatives recovered 13 empty shells from a gun of an unknown caliber at the crime scene.
She said investigation of the Matnog Municipal Police Office is still ongoing to determine if the New People’s Army rebels could be behind the attack.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/994675
4 gunmen kill rookie cop in Camarines Sur
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 10): 4 gunmen kill rookie cop in Camarines Sur
A new policeman suffered a gruesome death after four gunmen shot him in the head and various parts of the body in Nabua, Camarines Sur Thursday, said a belated report that reached the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO5) here at Camp Simeon Ola on Friday.
Sr. Insp. Ma.Luisa Calubaquib, PRO5 spokesperson, identified the victim as PO1 Noel Pili, who was killed around 7:25 p.m. on Thursday in Barangay San Antonio Poblacion, Nabua town.
She said Pili was on his motorcycle parked on the roadside while waiting for his wife when the gunmen approached and shot him.
Calubaquib said the killing was “brutal” as the gunmen even “toyed around” with Pili’s body.
“Besides shooting Pili on the head, they pumped bullets on all parts of his boy, including his behind,” she said.
Investigators found 16 shells of a gun with an unknown caliber at the crime scene.
Initial investigation showed the victim had come from police duty and decided to wait for his wife in Nabua town so they could go home together in the neighboring town of Bato, also in Camarines Sur, when he was waylaid by the gunmen.
Relatives told police they do not know of any enemies of Pili who would want him killed.
“Pili was one of four siblings, all of them male and working as either policemen or soldiers,” said Calubaquib.
She said investigation is ongoing to determine motive for the killing and identity of the gunmen.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/994677
A new policeman suffered a gruesome death after four gunmen shot him in the head and various parts of the body in Nabua, Camarines Sur Thursday, said a belated report that reached the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO5) here at Camp Simeon Ola on Friday.
Sr. Insp. Ma.Luisa Calubaquib, PRO5 spokesperson, identified the victim as PO1 Noel Pili, who was killed around 7:25 p.m. on Thursday in Barangay San Antonio Poblacion, Nabua town.
She said Pili was on his motorcycle parked on the roadside while waiting for his wife when the gunmen approached and shot him.
Calubaquib said the killing was “brutal” as the gunmen even “toyed around” with Pili’s body.
“Besides shooting Pili on the head, they pumped bullets on all parts of his boy, including his behind,” she said.
Investigators found 16 shells of a gun with an unknown caliber at the crime scene.
Initial investigation showed the victim had come from police duty and decided to wait for his wife in Nabua town so they could go home together in the neighboring town of Bato, also in Camarines Sur, when he was waylaid by the gunmen.
Relatives told police they do not know of any enemies of Pili who would want him killed.
“Pili was one of four siblings, all of them male and working as either policemen or soldiers,” said Calubaquib.
She said investigation is ongoing to determine motive for the killing and identity of the gunmen.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/994677
Suspected NPA rebels ambush policeman in Sorsogon town
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 10): Suspected NPA rebels ambush policeman in Sorsogon town
Gunmen suspected to be New People’s Army rebels gunned down a policeman in Matnog, Sorsogon on Friday, said a report received by the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO5) on Saturday.
Sr. Insp. Ma.Luisa Calubaquib, PRO5 spokesperson, said PO3 Ramir G. Sy, 36, a member of the Matnog Municipal Police Office, was in the vicinity of a tourism office in Barangay Camcaman, Matnog at 7:20 a.m. on Friday when two armed men approached and shot him in the head.
Sy was the second policeman to be killed in a span of two days.
“Witnesses told police that when the suspects were sure that Sy was already dead they fled on board a motorcycle without a plate number,” she said.
Calubaquib said scene of crime operatives found several empty shells from a .45-caliber gun in the crime scene.
She said investigators believed the gunmen to be members of an urban liquidation squad of the communist rebels known as “Sparrow unit.”
A day earlier, on Thursday evening, four armed men shot rookie policeman PO1 Noel Pili in Nabua, Camarines Sur.
He was dead on the spot from gunshot wounds in the head, various parts of the body and buttocks.
Earlier this week, on June 3, Emory Garil, a retired policeman, was fetching water from a water pump near his house in Barangay Culasi, a remote village in Matnog, Sorsogon, when two gunmen approached and riddled his body with bullets.
The successive killings have prompted Chief Supt. Melvin Ramon Buenafe, PRO5 director, to issue an alert order to the Bicol police to take extra security precautions and implement the “buddy system.”
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/994673
Gunmen suspected to be New People’s Army rebels gunned down a policeman in Matnog, Sorsogon on Friday, said a report received by the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO5) on Saturday.
Sr. Insp. Ma.Luisa Calubaquib, PRO5 spokesperson, said PO3 Ramir G. Sy, 36, a member of the Matnog Municipal Police Office, was in the vicinity of a tourism office in Barangay Camcaman, Matnog at 7:20 a.m. on Friday when two armed men approached and shot him in the head.
Sy was the second policeman to be killed in a span of two days.
“Witnesses told police that when the suspects were sure that Sy was already dead they fled on board a motorcycle without a plate number,” she said.
Calubaquib said scene of crime operatives found several empty shells from a .45-caliber gun in the crime scene.
She said investigators believed the gunmen to be members of an urban liquidation squad of the communist rebels known as “Sparrow unit.”
A day earlier, on Thursday evening, four armed men shot rookie policeman PO1 Noel Pili in Nabua, Camarines Sur.
He was dead on the spot from gunshot wounds in the head, various parts of the body and buttocks.
Earlier this week, on June 3, Emory Garil, a retired policeman, was fetching water from a water pump near his house in Barangay Culasi, a remote village in Matnog, Sorsogon, when two gunmen approached and riddled his body with bullets.
The successive killings have prompted Chief Supt. Melvin Ramon Buenafe, PRO5 director, to issue an alert order to the Bicol police to take extra security precautions and implement the “buddy system.”
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/994673
Army: 2 Maute leaders killed in Marawi clash
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 10): Army: 2 Maute leaders killed in Marawi clash
Founding leaders of Maute Terrorist Group fighting the government forces, Omar and Mhade Maute, were killed in the ongoing military offensives in Marawi City, the Army today said.
This according to Lt. Col. Jo-Ar Herrera, Joint Task Force Marawi spokesperson, during a news conference Saturday afternoon.
“We are validating this information but that is the report,” Herrera said.
Herrera said the local government of Masiu and civilians helped in the arrest of Farhana Maute, mother of siblings Abdul, Omar and Mhade Maute on Friday night.
Mhade was the one arguing with Abdulah Maute in a video, showing how they prepared the plan to invade Marawi City.
To date, a total of 58 government forces have been killed in the operation against ISIS linked Maute. The latest were 13 members of Philippine Marines, Herrera said.
One of the fatalities was 1st Lt. Sevillano, a Marine company commander, of Marine unit that recovered PHP52 million cash and firearms of Maute.
Twelve other Marines were killed during Friday’s skirmishes, Herrera said.
“We are on the offensive mode, we are constantly moving toward the position of enemies, unfortunately we incurred several casualties, we are doing our best to re-strategize,” he said.
“The enemy has strong defensive positions, maximize presence of high structure buildings and civilian hostages used as human shields,” he added.
“We are making adjustments in our offensives,” he said, adding that air strikes were effective in the operations.
“We hit the logistical hubs, several command and control and communications and snipers’ nest of Maute,” Herrera said.
“We have so many head ways, we are close to their exact positions, lumalakas and firefight,” the official said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/994657
Founding leaders of Maute Terrorist Group fighting the government forces, Omar and Mhade Maute, were killed in the ongoing military offensives in Marawi City, the Army today said.
This according to Lt. Col. Jo-Ar Herrera, Joint Task Force Marawi spokesperson, during a news conference Saturday afternoon.
“We are validating this information but that is the report,” Herrera said.
Herrera said the local government of Masiu and civilians helped in the arrest of Farhana Maute, mother of siblings Abdul, Omar and Mhade Maute on Friday night.
Mhade was the one arguing with Abdulah Maute in a video, showing how they prepared the plan to invade Marawi City.
To date, a total of 58 government forces have been killed in the operation against ISIS linked Maute. The latest were 13 members of Philippine Marines, Herrera said.
One of the fatalities was 1st Lt. Sevillano, a Marine company commander, of Marine unit that recovered PHP52 million cash and firearms of Maute.
Twelve other Marines were killed during Friday’s skirmishes, Herrera said.
“We are on the offensive mode, we are constantly moving toward the position of enemies, unfortunately we incurred several casualties, we are doing our best to re-strategize,” he said.
“The enemy has strong defensive positions, maximize presence of high structure buildings and civilian hostages used as human shields,” he added.
“We are making adjustments in our offensives,” he said, adding that air strikes were effective in the operations.
“We hit the logistical hubs, several command and control and communications and snipers’ nest of Maute,” Herrera said.
“We have so many head ways, we are close to their exact positions, lumalakas and firefight,” the official said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/994657
NPA men killed in clash with Army in North Cotabato
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11): NPA men killed in clash with Army in North Cotabato
Two communist rebels were killed following a late evening clash in a remote village in North Cotabato.
Lt. Colonel Harold Argamosa, 39th IB commander, said the 10 p.m. clash in the hinterlands of Barangay Malasila, Makilala, North Cotabato came after residents tipped off the military about the presence of heavily armed New People's Army (NPA) in the village.
Following the confirmation of the rebels' presence, soldiers from the 39th IB Alpha company proceeded to the village but were fired upon by the rebels, triggering an hour- long firefight amid light rains.
Sensing their defeat, the rebels fled deep into the forest at the foot of Mt. Apo.
After the clearing operation, soldiers found the remains of two unidentified guerillas with a gun and an improvised bomb.
In a phone interview, Argamosa said the rebels were plotting to harass an Army detachment nearby or shut down portions of the Cotabato-Davao highway.
Clearing operations continue Sunday morning.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/994712
Two communist rebels were killed following a late evening clash in a remote village in North Cotabato.
Lt. Colonel Harold Argamosa, 39th IB commander, said the 10 p.m. clash in the hinterlands of Barangay Malasila, Makilala, North Cotabato came after residents tipped off the military about the presence of heavily armed New People's Army (NPA) in the village.
Following the confirmation of the rebels' presence, soldiers from the 39th IB Alpha company proceeded to the village but were fired upon by the rebels, triggering an hour- long firefight amid light rains.
Sensing their defeat, the rebels fled deep into the forest at the foot of Mt. Apo.
After the clearing operation, soldiers found the remains of two unidentified guerillas with a gun and an improvised bomb.
In a phone interview, Argamosa said the rebels were plotting to harass an Army detachment nearby or shut down portions of the Cotabato-Davao highway.
Clearing operations continue Sunday morning.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/994712
Marawi crisis evacuees to get one-time cash aid: DSWD
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 10): Marawi crisis evacuees to get one-time cash aid: DSWD
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has begun processing a one-time PHP1,000 cash assistance for each family displaced by the ongoing hostilities in Marawi City in Lanao del Sur.
According to a department news release, Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo said the assistance will be provided under the DSWD Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS).
“Most of our fellow citizens from Marawi are Muslims. We are now processing to provide them cash assistance because it is Ramadan. They can use it to buy fruits because they are breaking their fast,” Taguiwalo said during a radio interview.
She noted that representatives from Lanao suggested the provision of the cash assistance to help Muslim evacuees who are observing the fasting month of Ramadan despite being in evacuation centers.
Taguiwalo said this is only a one-time cash aid, as her department continues to provide the evacuees food.
The DSWD is also preparing the provision of additional assistance, such as tents, once the evacuees return to Marawi, the social welfare chief said.
According to the department, as of last Thursday, the armed conflict has displaced a total of 50,327 families or 245,341 persons in 27 barangays in Marawi City and 13 barangays in Marantao, Lanao del Sur.
Of the figure, 4,244 families or 20,627 individuals are staying in 63 evacuation centers, while 44,999 families or 219,339 persons are with relatives or friends in Central Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), and the Negros islands.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/994608
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has begun processing a one-time PHP1,000 cash assistance for each family displaced by the ongoing hostilities in Marawi City in Lanao del Sur.
According to a department news release, Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo said the assistance will be provided under the DSWD Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS).
“Most of our fellow citizens from Marawi are Muslims. We are now processing to provide them cash assistance because it is Ramadan. They can use it to buy fruits because they are breaking their fast,” Taguiwalo said during a radio interview.
She noted that representatives from Lanao suggested the provision of the cash assistance to help Muslim evacuees who are observing the fasting month of Ramadan despite being in evacuation centers.
Taguiwalo said this is only a one-time cash aid, as her department continues to provide the evacuees food.
The DSWD is also preparing the provision of additional assistance, such as tents, once the evacuees return to Marawi, the social welfare chief said.
According to the department, as of last Thursday, the armed conflict has displaced a total of 50,327 families or 245,341 persons in 27 barangays in Marawi City and 13 barangays in Marantao, Lanao del Sur.
Of the figure, 4,244 families or 20,627 individuals are staying in 63 evacuation centers, while 44,999 families or 219,339 persons are with relatives or friends in Central Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), and the Negros islands.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/994608
PHL being checked by ISIS after failure to establish in Indonesia: analyst
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 10): PHL being checked by ISIS after failure to establish in Indonesia: analyst
The Philippines, especially Mindanao, is being eyed by ISIS terrorists as another base for operations after their failure to establish a caliphate in Indonesia, a Singaporean analyst on security affairs has said.
The terror group's expansion began in 2014 when ISIS decided to go beyond the borders of Iraq, Iran, Syria and the Middle East and set their sight on Africa, the Caucasus and Asia, Dr. Rohan Gunaratna said in a Skype interview during PTV-4's Countering Violent Extremism Forum Friday.
"The Philippines was selected because they (ISIS) could not establish a caliphate in Indonesia," Gunaratna said, adding that ISIS also found in the Philippines local terrorist groups willing to support its extremism cause.
These include Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon's group in Basilan, Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan’s band in Sulu, the Ansar Khalifa Philippines in the Soccsksargen region, the Maute Group in Lanao del Sur, and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, to name a few.
With these new alliances, Gunaratna said, the ISIS saw an opportunity to create a new threat landscape in the southern Philippines.
When asked why the Maute Group, which is now locked in a battle with government forces after attacking Marawi City, decided to follow and indoctrinate its supporters with Wahhabism, the Singaporean security analyst said this is because its founders, Omar and Abdullah, both studied in the Middle East and brought home this Middle Eastern type of ideology.
Wahhabism is defined as an ultra-conservative form of Islam that justifies punishments for those who don't follow its teachings.
To counter this, Gunaratna said the Philippines should maintain its local tradition of Islam, the one that espouses tolerance and peace that has existed in the country for centuries.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/994602
The Philippines, especially Mindanao, is being eyed by ISIS terrorists as another base for operations after their failure to establish a caliphate in Indonesia, a Singaporean analyst on security affairs has said.
The terror group's expansion began in 2014 when ISIS decided to go beyond the borders of Iraq, Iran, Syria and the Middle East and set their sight on Africa, the Caucasus and Asia, Dr. Rohan Gunaratna said in a Skype interview during PTV-4's Countering Violent Extremism Forum Friday.
"The Philippines was selected because they (ISIS) could not establish a caliphate in Indonesia," Gunaratna said, adding that ISIS also found in the Philippines local terrorist groups willing to support its extremism cause.
These include Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon's group in Basilan, Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan’s band in Sulu, the Ansar Khalifa Philippines in the Soccsksargen region, the Maute Group in Lanao del Sur, and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, to name a few.
With these new alliances, Gunaratna said, the ISIS saw an opportunity to create a new threat landscape in the southern Philippines.
When asked why the Maute Group, which is now locked in a battle with government forces after attacking Marawi City, decided to follow and indoctrinate its supporters with Wahhabism, the Singaporean security analyst said this is because its founders, Omar and Abdullah, both studied in the Middle East and brought home this Middle Eastern type of ideology.
Wahhabism is defined as an ultra-conservative form of Islam that justifies punishments for those who don't follow its teachings.
To counter this, Gunaratna said the Philippines should maintain its local tradition of Islam, the one that espouses tolerance and peace that has existed in the country for centuries.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/994602
Youth addicts in Sulu being recruited by Abu Sayyaf: mily officer
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 10): Youth addicts in Sulu being recruited by Abu Sayyaf: mily officer
Groups of youths hooked on illegal drugs, called "Ajang-Ajang", are being tapped by Abu Sayyaf terrorists to do some of their dirty work, such as the beheading of some hostages, a military officer has said.
If they pass this initiation rite and commit other crimes, then they are deemed worthy to become members of the terrorist group, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, said in a video clip presented during PTV-4's Countering Violent Extremism Forum on Friday.
Sobejana thus dismissed claims that religion plays a part when prospective recruits join the ranks of the Abu Sayyaf.
"The beheading of (innocent civilians and captives) is not mentioned in the Koran or even in the Bible," he said in the video footage.
The "Ajang-Ajang", he said, is also engaged in kidnapping activities and is known to torture their victims.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/994637
Groups of youths hooked on illegal drugs, called "Ajang-Ajang", are being tapped by Abu Sayyaf terrorists to do some of their dirty work, such as the beheading of some hostages, a military officer has said.
If they pass this initiation rite and commit other crimes, then they are deemed worthy to become members of the terrorist group, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, said in a video clip presented during PTV-4's Countering Violent Extremism Forum on Friday.
Sobejana thus dismissed claims that religion plays a part when prospective recruits join the ranks of the Abu Sayyaf.
"The beheading of (innocent civilians and captives) is not mentioned in the Koran or even in the Bible," he said in the video footage.
The "Ajang-Ajang", he said, is also engaged in kidnapping activities and is known to torture their victims.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/994637
Muslim Filipinos not receptive to Maute Group ideologies
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 10): Muslim Filipinos not receptive to Maute Group ideologies
The extremism idealogies being espoused by the ISIS-inspired Maute Group does not sit well with the Muslim Filipinos who have grown up in the peaceful and just teachings of traditional Islam.
This was bared by Dr. Rohan Gunaratna, a Singaporean analyst on security affairs during PTV-4's Countering Violent Extremism Forum Friday.
"You can see that when (the Maute Group) went to (attack) Marawi City, the (residents) there were shocked by ISIS. They did not follow ISIS. So I believe that ISIS is trying to force their ideology and their doctrine and their methods of operation in the Philippines and there is a lot of resistance from the Filipino Muslims," he noted.
The Maute Group and ISIS idealogies are based on Wahabism which is defined as an ultra-conservative form of Islam that calls for the harsh and stringent teachings of the Koran and justifies punishments for those who don't.
During their May 23 attack, videos circulating in the Internet shows Maute Group terrorists pillaging and vandalizing churches, executing police officers, and generally creating mayhem.
Aside from the videos, there are reports claiming that these lawless elements segregated Christians and executed them regardless of age and sex.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/994607
The extremism idealogies being espoused by the ISIS-inspired Maute Group does not sit well with the Muslim Filipinos who have grown up in the peaceful and just teachings of traditional Islam.
This was bared by Dr. Rohan Gunaratna, a Singaporean analyst on security affairs during PTV-4's Countering Violent Extremism Forum Friday.
"You can see that when (the Maute Group) went to (attack) Marawi City, the (residents) there were shocked by ISIS. They did not follow ISIS. So I believe that ISIS is trying to force their ideology and their doctrine and their methods of operation in the Philippines and there is a lot of resistance from the Filipino Muslims," he noted.
The Maute Group and ISIS idealogies are based on Wahabism which is defined as an ultra-conservative form of Islam that calls for the harsh and stringent teachings of the Koran and justifies punishments for those who don't.
During their May 23 attack, videos circulating in the Internet shows Maute Group terrorists pillaging and vandalizing churches, executing police officers, and generally creating mayhem.
Aside from the videos, there are reports claiming that these lawless elements segregated Christians and executed them regardless of age and sex.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/994607
Marine losses in Marawi clearing ops painful but only a temporary setback —AFP
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 10): Marine losses in Marawi clearing ops painful but only a temporary setback —AFP
Even as it praised the heroism and dedication of the 13 Marine troopers killed and 40 others wounded in the clearing operations in Marawi City Friday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said this incident was but a temporary setback in the efforts to eliminate the Maute Group remnants in the locality.
"This temporary setback has not diminished our resolve a bit. It instead primed up our determination to continue our prudent advances to neutralize the enemy, save the innocent lives trapped in the fight, and set the conditions for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Marawi," AFP public affairs office chief Marine Col. Edgard Arevalo said.
"We salute these enormous display of heroism and raw courage of these fallen Marines in the course of the fight to clear Marawi of the remaining members of the Maute-ISIS Group," he added.
Reports coming in at AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City indicated that a major engagement, lasting for some 14 hours, erupted between Marine units and Maute Group terrorists at Barangay Lilot Madaya in Marawi City Friday.
Arevalo said fighting started 3:30 a.m. and ended 5 p.m. of June 9.
"The Marines were able to inflict heavy casualties to the terrorist group at the expense of 13 killed-in-action and 40 others wounded-in-action at a raging close quarter combat," he added.
No other details are available yet as fighting is still ongoing.
Arevalo said that the AFP cannot make the names of the fallen and wounded available until such time that we have informed the next of kin.
"We urge our people to pray for eternal rest for our fallen heroes and those of innocent civilians killed by the terrorist group as well as comfort and solace for the bereaved families," the AFP public affairs office chief stressed.
Government losses in the more than three week campaign has been placed at 58, including Friday's casualties, and at least 140 in the side of the lawless elements.
The conflict started May 23 when government forces attempted to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon who is touted to be the ISIS emir in Southeast Asia.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/994674
Even as it praised the heroism and dedication of the 13 Marine troopers killed and 40 others wounded in the clearing operations in Marawi City Friday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said this incident was but a temporary setback in the efforts to eliminate the Maute Group remnants in the locality.
"This temporary setback has not diminished our resolve a bit. It instead primed up our determination to continue our prudent advances to neutralize the enemy, save the innocent lives trapped in the fight, and set the conditions for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Marawi," AFP public affairs office chief Marine Col. Edgard Arevalo said.
"We salute these enormous display of heroism and raw courage of these fallen Marines in the course of the fight to clear Marawi of the remaining members of the Maute-ISIS Group," he added.
Reports coming in at AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City indicated that a major engagement, lasting for some 14 hours, erupted between Marine units and Maute Group terrorists at Barangay Lilot Madaya in Marawi City Friday.
Arevalo said fighting started 3:30 a.m. and ended 5 p.m. of June 9.
"The Marines were able to inflict heavy casualties to the terrorist group at the expense of 13 killed-in-action and 40 others wounded-in-action at a raging close quarter combat," he added.
No other details are available yet as fighting is still ongoing.
Arevalo said that the AFP cannot make the names of the fallen and wounded available until such time that we have informed the next of kin.
"We urge our people to pray for eternal rest for our fallen heroes and those of innocent civilians killed by the terrorist group as well as comfort and solace for the bereaved families," the AFP public affairs office chief stressed.
Government losses in the more than three week campaign has been placed at 58, including Friday's casualties, and at least 140 in the side of the lawless elements.
The conflict started May 23 when government forces attempted to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon who is touted to be the ISIS emir in Southeast Asia.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/994674
Naming Hapilon as ISIS 'Emir' highlight terror group's plan to expand in PHL
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11): Naming Hapilon as ISIS 'Emir' highlight terror group's plan to expand in PHL
The announcement of Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon's designation as the 'Emir' of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Southeast Asia indicates that the group is planning to expand in the Philippines.
This was stressed by Major Gen. Melquiades Feliciano, AFP Civil-Military Operations deputy chief-of-staff, during PTV-4's Countering Violent Extremism Forum Friday.
"So another indication of (ISIS) the expansion in the Philippines, Isnilon Hapilon was (earlier) declared by (ISIS leader) Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi as the "Emir" in Southeast Asia," he added.
Feliciano also stressed that Hapilon decided to go to Lanao Del Sur because there was unrelenting military operations in the traditional Abu Sayyaf areas in Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and Sulu and the latter saw an opportunity to establish a caliphate in the province with the help of Maute Group and other local terrorist groups.
In the same forum, Dr. Rohan Gunaratna, a Singaporean analysts on security affairs, said ISIS is looking at Philippines, especially Mindanao, after its failure to establish a caliphate in Indonesia.
The terror group's expansion started in 2014 when ISIS decided to go beyond the borders of Iraq, Iran, Syria and the Middle East and look into Africa, the Caucasus and Asia, he added in the network's Skype interview.
"The Philippines was selected because they could not establish a caliphate in Indonesia," Gunaratna added.
Also, in the Philippines, ISIS found local terrorist groups willing to support its extremism cause.
This includes Hapilon's group in Basilan, ASG sub-leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan band in Sulu and the Ansar Khalifa Philippines in the SOCCSKSARGEN region, and the Maute Group in Lanao Del Sur and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters to name a few.
With these new alliances, Gunaratna said ISIS saw an opportunity to create a new threat landscape in the southern Philippines.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/994706
The announcement of Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon's designation as the 'Emir' of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Southeast Asia indicates that the group is planning to expand in the Philippines.
This was stressed by Major Gen. Melquiades Feliciano, AFP Civil-Military Operations deputy chief-of-staff, during PTV-4's Countering Violent Extremism Forum Friday.
"So another indication of (ISIS) the expansion in the Philippines, Isnilon Hapilon was (earlier) declared by (ISIS leader) Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi as the "Emir" in Southeast Asia," he added.
Feliciano also stressed that Hapilon decided to go to Lanao Del Sur because there was unrelenting military operations in the traditional Abu Sayyaf areas in Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and Sulu and the latter saw an opportunity to establish a caliphate in the province with the help of Maute Group and other local terrorist groups.
In the same forum, Dr. Rohan Gunaratna, a Singaporean analysts on security affairs, said ISIS is looking at Philippines, especially Mindanao, after its failure to establish a caliphate in Indonesia.
The terror group's expansion started in 2014 when ISIS decided to go beyond the borders of Iraq, Iran, Syria and the Middle East and look into Africa, the Caucasus and Asia, he added in the network's Skype interview.
"The Philippines was selected because they could not establish a caliphate in Indonesia," Gunaratna added.
Also, in the Philippines, ISIS found local terrorist groups willing to support its extremism cause.
This includes Hapilon's group in Basilan, ASG sub-leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan band in Sulu and the Ansar Khalifa Philippines in the SOCCSKSARGEN region, and the Maute Group in Lanao Del Sur and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters to name a few.
With these new alliances, Gunaratna said ISIS saw an opportunity to create a new threat landscape in the southern Philippines.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/994706
Maute death toll now at 191 — AFP
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11): Maute death toll now at 191 — AFP
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday announced that it has so far neutralized 191 Maute Group terrorists in the ongoing operations to clear Marawi City of the lawless elements.
"The AFP has greatly diminished the number of the terrorists. So far 191 were confirmed dead while undetermined number of them killed were being validated," AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said.
A total of 158 firearms were also seized in the ongoing operations, he added.
Government losses as of Saturday stands at 58 troops with 20 civilians executed by the terrorists.
"However, the recalcitrant remnants of the Maute-ISIS continue their stiff resistance while holed in fortified buildings and structures," Arevalo pointed out.
Using these defensive positions, the terrorists are using sniper fires, mortar fire, anti-tank rounds, and improvised explosive devices to kill anyone -- government security forces, relief and rescue workers, and civilians -- who get in the way of their fanatical desire to dismember Marawi from the Philippines and establish it as a “Wilayat” or an ISIS province in this part of Asia, the military official said.
"Your AFP and PNP will continue to break the heavy resistance of and clear Marawi from the Maute-ISIS group, restore normalcy in the city, and make way for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Marawi," he added.
And to be able to fulfill that mission, Arevalo said that there is need to use armor, artillery and air power assets to breach the terrorists stronghold and their underground fortresses.
"This has since become a fight not only of your security forces, but also of every peace-loving Filipino deserving of a peaceful and progressive nation," he pointed out.
"This war is between good and evil. Everyone needs everybody to stand up, unite, fight against, and repulse the onslaught of the forces of evil attempting to establish foothold in our land. We would not and should not surrender even an inch of our soil to the harbingers of doom and perfidy," Arevalo concluded.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/994771
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday announced that it has so far neutralized 191 Maute Group terrorists in the ongoing operations to clear Marawi City of the lawless elements.
"The AFP has greatly diminished the number of the terrorists. So far 191 were confirmed dead while undetermined number of them killed were being validated," AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said.
A total of 158 firearms were also seized in the ongoing operations, he added.
Government losses as of Saturday stands at 58 troops with 20 civilians executed by the terrorists.
"However, the recalcitrant remnants of the Maute-ISIS continue their stiff resistance while holed in fortified buildings and structures," Arevalo pointed out.
Using these defensive positions, the terrorists are using sniper fires, mortar fire, anti-tank rounds, and improvised explosive devices to kill anyone -- government security forces, relief and rescue workers, and civilians -- who get in the way of their fanatical desire to dismember Marawi from the Philippines and establish it as a “Wilayat” or an ISIS province in this part of Asia, the military official said.
"Your AFP and PNP will continue to break the heavy resistance of and clear Marawi from the Maute-ISIS group, restore normalcy in the city, and make way for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Marawi," he added.
And to be able to fulfill that mission, Arevalo said that there is need to use armor, artillery and air power assets to breach the terrorists stronghold and their underground fortresses.
"This has since become a fight not only of your security forces, but also of every peace-loving Filipino deserving of a peaceful and progressive nation," he pointed out.
"This war is between good and evil. Everyone needs everybody to stand up, unite, fight against, and repulse the onslaught of the forces of evil attempting to establish foothold in our land. We would not and should not surrender even an inch of our soil to the harbingers of doom and perfidy," Arevalo concluded.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/994771
Mother of Maute Group leaders nabbed
From MindaNews (Jun 10): Mother of Maute Group leaders nabbed
A joint police and military team arrested the mother of Maute Group leaders Omar and Abdullah in Masiu town, Lanao del Sur Friday.
Supt. Lemuel Gonda, spokesperson of the Philippine National Police in Northern Mindanao said Ominta Romato “Farhana” Maute, was arrested with two others in Barangay Kormatan, Masiu town.
The arrest of Omar and Abdullah Maute’s mother came three days after their father, Cayamora was arrested with three others in a checkpoint in Davao City. The father denied involvement in the terror group led by his sons.
Gonda said Farhana and her group was about to board a gray Toyota Revo when they were intercepted by government troops.
He said several bundles of money, firearms and mortar rounds were found inside the vehicle.
Farhana is the alleged financier of her sons, Omar and Abdullag, leaders of the Maute Group who reportedly plotted with Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon to take over Marawi City.
Before the Maute Group became popular, Farhana was reportedly a contractor doing business with the government’s road and drainage projects.
She allegedly financed her two sons as they organized the group in Butig, Lanao del Sur.
Gonda said the police learned about the whereabouts of Farhana when intelligence reports surfaced that several women were in a buying spree for vehicles.
He said the team just arrived in Masiu when they intercepted the vehicle.
Gonda said Farhana was arrested with two wounded members of the Maute Group.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/06/mother-of-maute-group-leaders-nabbed/
A joint police and military team arrested the mother of Maute Group leaders Omar and Abdullah in Masiu town, Lanao del Sur Friday.
Supt. Lemuel Gonda, spokesperson of the Philippine National Police in Northern Mindanao said Ominta Romato “Farhana” Maute, was arrested with two others in Barangay Kormatan, Masiu town.
The arrest of Omar and Abdullah Maute’s mother came three days after their father, Cayamora was arrested with three others in a checkpoint in Davao City. The father denied involvement in the terror group led by his sons.
Gonda said Farhana and her group was about to board a gray Toyota Revo when they were intercepted by government troops.
He said several bundles of money, firearms and mortar rounds were found inside the vehicle.
Farhana is the alleged financier of her sons, Omar and Abdullag, leaders of the Maute Group who reportedly plotted with Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon to take over Marawi City.
Before the Maute Group became popular, Farhana was reportedly a contractor doing business with the government’s road and drainage projects.
She allegedly financed her two sons as they organized the group in Butig, Lanao del Sur.
Gonda said the police learned about the whereabouts of Farhana when intelligence reports surfaced that several women were in a buying spree for vehicles.
He said the team just arrived in Masiu when they intercepted the vehicle.
Gonda said Farhana was arrested with two wounded members of the Maute Group.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/06/mother-of-maute-group-leaders-nabbed/
Saturday, June 10, 2017
Army says no US troops in Marawi, but Moro group scores PHL’s subservience to US
From the often pro-CPP online publication the Davao Today (Jun 10): Army says no US troops in Marawi, but Moro group scores PHL’s subservience to US
http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/army-says-no-us-troops-in-marawi-but-moro-group-scores-phls-subservience-to-us/
IN DANGER. Ground forces involved in the continuing military offensives against the ISIS-linked Maute group and Abu Sayyaf in Marawi are also in danger of being hit by the so-called “friendly” fire or airstrikes. On Wednesday, 11 soldiers were killed while 10 others were wounded when a bomb dropped from an air force plane landed into their position. (Alexander D. Lopez/davaotoday.com photo)
MARAWI CITY, Philippines — An official of the Philippine Army explained that the assistance given by the US troops in the fight versus the local terrorists are limited to exchanges of intelligence, training and technical support.
Lt. Col. Joar Herrera said the US troops assisting the soldiers in Marawi are not participating in combat operations.
“US counterparts facilitate the exchanges of intelligence, provide training and of course the technical support,” Herrera said.
He added: “They are not fighting, they are just providing technical support.”
Reporters covering the Marawi siege has captured on video a US P3 Orion surveillance plane flying here Friday, but Herrera refused to comment on the purpose of the said activity.
However, a Moro organization condemns the presence of US troops in Marawi.
Jerome Succor Aba, national chairperson of Suara Bangsamoro, said unless the Philippines ends “subservience” to the “US War on Terror”, problems of terrorism in Mindanao, like the Maute and ASG will continue.
MARAWI CITY, Philippines — An official of the Philippine Army explained that the assistance given by the US troops in the fight versus the local terrorists are limited to exchanges of intelligence, training and technical support.
Lt. Col. Joar Herrera said the US troops assisting the soldiers in Marawi are not participating in combat operations.
“US counterparts facilitate the exchanges of intelligence, provide training and of course the technical support,” Herrera said.
He added: “They are not fighting, they are just providing technical support.”
Reporters covering the Marawi siege has captured on video a US P3 Orion surveillance plane flying here Friday, but Herrera refused to comment on the purpose of the said activity.
However, a Moro organization condemns the presence of US troops in Marawi.
Jerome Succor Aba, national chairperson of Suara Bangsamoro, said unless the Philippines ends “subservience” to the “US War on Terror”, problems of terrorism in Mindanao, like the Maute and ASG will continue.
Aba said these local terrorist groups “were created by the US to justify military intervention in the country.”
“The Philippines’ subservience to US causes us trouble aside from violating the country’s sovereignty. It is the US which brings terrorism here like the US-CIA that created ISIS and which is now linked to the Maute group and the ASG,” Aba said.
Aba said “the role of US in Marawi is not new as the US troops have been to Camp Ranao where Gregan Cardeño, a Filipino who worked as an interpreter for the US, was found dead.”
In a report by Reuters, it quoted a US embassy spokesperson saying that US special forces are helping the Armed Forces of the Philippines in its fight in Marawi City.
The Reuters report quoted the spokesperson as saying: “At the request of the government of the Philippines, U.S. special operations forces are assisting the AFP with ongoing operations in Marawi that help AFP commanders on the ground in their fight against Maute and ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group) militants.”
Asked whether the assistance of the US was made upon the request of the Philippine government, Herrera said the two countries already have existing agreements on military assistance.
“The Philippines’ subservience to US causes us trouble aside from violating the country’s sovereignty. It is the US which brings terrorism here like the US-CIA that created ISIS and which is now linked to the Maute group and the ASG,” Aba said.
Aba said “the role of US in Marawi is not new as the US troops have been to Camp Ranao where Gregan Cardeño, a Filipino who worked as an interpreter for the US, was found dead.”
In a report by Reuters, it quoted a US embassy spokesperson saying that US special forces are helping the Armed Forces of the Philippines in its fight in Marawi City.
The Reuters report quoted the spokesperson as saying: “At the request of the government of the Philippines, U.S. special operations forces are assisting the AFP with ongoing operations in Marawi that help AFP commanders on the ground in their fight against Maute and ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group) militants.”
Asked whether the assistance of the US was made upon the request of the Philippine government, Herrera said the two countries already have existing agreements on military assistance.
http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/army-says-no-us-troops-in-marawi-but-moro-group-scores-phls-subservience-to-us/
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