WESTMINCOM: Rescued Malaysian captive dies in Zambo City

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Apr 9, 2019): Rescued Malaysian captive dies in Zambo City

Malaysian kidnap victim Jari Bin Abdullah passed away at West Metro Medical Center in Zamboanga City at 1:17pm today, April 9.



Abdullah’s death, caused by gunshot wounds inflicted by his captors during the rescue operation, was witnessed by his family, the Malaysian Consul General, and officials of the International Monitoring Team.

Abdullah’s family executed a waiver consenting the removal of his life support.

He was rescued by the Philippine Marine Ready Force Sulu that engaged Abu Sayyaf militants under Najir Arik on Simusa Island on April 4.

“We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the families of Abdullah. Our troops are exhausting all efforts to defeat the Abu Sayyaf and bring justice to the victims of terror,” said Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command chief.

At 12:15pm today, Indonesian kidnap victim Heri Ardiansyah was formally received by Indonesian DAFA Colonel Sigit Himawan Sutanto

Ardiansyah arrived in Manila at 2pm today.

The cadaver of Indonesian kidnap victim Hariadin was brought to Manila at 8pm yesterday, April 8.

Ardiansyah and Hariadin were rescued by the PMRFS troops while on pursuit of Abu Sayyaf militants under Arik in the seawaters off Simusa Island on April 5.

http://www.westmincom.com/rescued-malaysian-captive-dies-in-zambo-city/

WESTMINCOM: Duterte commemorates Valor Day with Sulu troops

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Apr 9, 2019): Duterte commemorates Valor Day with Sulu troops


President Rodrigo Roa Duterte joined soldiers of the Joint Task Force Sulu during the commemoration of the 77th Araw ng Kagitingan in Jolo, Sulu today, April 9.

During said ceremony, Duterte recognized soldiers wounded in the series of engagements with Abu Sayyaf militants in Sulu.

The Commander-in-Chief reiterated his support for military troops and assured them that their families will be assisted.

Together with Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, President Duterte arrived at the JTF Sulu headquarters in Jolo, Sulu at 5:45pm today.

He was met by General Benjamin Madrigal, Jr., AFP Chief of Staff; Lieutenant General Macairog Alberto, Philippine Army Commanding General; and Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command chief.

In his message, President Duterte expressed his gratitude to the valiant men in Jolo for what they are doing for the country.

“I am specially pleased with our military’s present accomplishments against the Abu Sayyaf Group,” PRRD said.

“Your efforts have brought us even closer to our ultimate objective of totally clogging the violent extremism at its roots,” Duterte added.

http://www.westmincom.com/duterte-commemorates-valor-day-with-sulu-troops

EASTMINCOM: Eastmincom joins Araw ng Kagitingan: Military Honors highlights celebration

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Website (Apr 9, 2019): Eastmincom joins Araw ng Kagitingan: Military Honors highlights celebration



Photo courtesy of 5CRG

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) joins the multi-sectoral group who gathered at Rizal Park, Davao City to celebrate the 77th Araw ng Kagitingan on April 9, 2019.
BGen Ernesto Torres Jr., Deputy Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command lead the contingent from the Army, Airforce, Navy component units, and Headquarters EMC. Colonel Sharon G. Gernale, Commander of the Tactical Operations Wing-Eastern Mindanao, on the other hand, delivered a message as the invited Guest Speaker.

Photo courtesy of 5CRG

The celebration which was organized by the City of Davao was highlighted with a wreath laying ceremony to the Dambana ng Kagitingan; Military honors rendered by 10th Infantry Division, Philippine Army and recognition by the City to the living World War II veterans.

Photo courtesy of 5CRG

In Bukidnon, 403rd Infantry Brigade under Col Edgardo Y De Leon commemorated the Araw ng Kagitingan with the Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the bust monument of a peace advocate Col Osito Bahian in Malaybalay,Bukidnon exactly 34 years after his death, Col Bahian was remembered and honored through a 21 Gun Salute tendered by soldiers of 403rd Infantry Brigade with the presence of his daughters Mrs. Ann Lucille Bahian Adag and Mrs. Aileen Marie Bahian Cruzado.

Meanwhile, Lt. General Santos Jr. emphasized the relevance of the celebration in today's present situation in his message to all Military units and personnel in Eastern Mindanao.

Photo courtesy of 403Bde

"It is but important to celebrate this occasion honoring the gallantry of our Filipino soldiers who fought for our freedom. It will remind us of our obligation to protect what they have fought for. The celebration will also continue to inspire us to work on suppressing the physical threat against our communities coming from terrorist and facilitate the resolution of socio-economic and cultural marginalization." Lt. Gen Santos said.

Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP

http://www.eastmincomafp.com.ph/2019/04/eastmincom-joins-araw-ng-kagitingan.html

EASTMINCOM: Bukidnon Encounter: 1 CNTG killed, 6 FA captured

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Website (Apr 9, 2019): Bukidnon Encounter: 1 CNTG killed, 6 FA captured

Photo courtesy of 3IB

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - Encounters erupted between the troops of 3rd Infantry Battalion (3IB) under Ltc. Oscar Partuza and an undetermined number of CPP-NPA Terrorist Group (CNTG) in the hinterland of Sitio Ngaran, Barangay Kipilas, Kitaotao, Bukidnon in the morning of April 7, 2019.

In a report rendered by Col. Nolasco Mempin, Commander of 1003rd Infantry Brigade to Lt. Gen. Felimon T. Santos Jr., Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command, the first encounter transpired at about 9:50 AM after a Community Support Team was fired upon by the CNTG while on the process of validating information on the presence of armed group in the area. The CNTG withdrew to a northeasterly direction after a brief encounter.

Photo courtesy of 3IB

Col. Mempin further stated that pursuing troops of Alpha Company of 3IB engaged the withdrawing troops at about 10:15 AM and lasted for two hours after which the CNTG scampered to different direction leaving one of their dead fellow, one AK47 rifle; one M653 rifle; one M16 rifle; 3 cal 45 pistols; one improvised explosive; one combat pack; personal belongings and subversive documents.

Continuous pursuit operations are being conducted by the troops of 3rd IB to prevent the CNTG from conducting atrocities against the neighboring communities.

Meanwhile, Lt.Gen. Santos again reiterated his appreciation to the cooperation of the communities and for the CNTG to heed the communities message.

"Enough for your terrorism, heed the call of the communities, lay down your arms and avail of the integration program of the government and allow the government to resolve the issues of the communities and end this Filipino vs. Filipino armed conflict". Lt. Gen. Santos said.

Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP

http://www.eastmincomafp.com.ph/2019/04/bukidnon-encounter-1-cntg-killed-6-fa.html

Fernandez lucky to be captured

From the Visayan Daily Star (Apr 9, 2019): Fernandez lucky to be captured

Rebel priest Frank Fernandez, secretary of the Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros, is lucky to have been captured, Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said yesterday.

Arevalo, who met face-to-face with Fernandez and his wife and deputy, Cleofe Lagtapon, at the Army General Hospital on Saturday, said the couple is better off now, as Army doctors and nurses are taking care of them, compared to their lives in the mountains where they were always on the run and hiding from the authorities..

Fernandez, 71, and Lagtapon, 66, who had been hiding from the authorties for more than 40 years, were captured by the police and military intelligence operatives on March 24 in Liliw, Laguna,

Arevalo said Lagtapon, who is suffering from depression, was attended by a psychologist at the Army hospital, where soldiers injured in gunbattle are also being treated.

He said he observed that Fernandez and Lagtapon drew strength from each other, and staying together gave them strength.

If this is how the Army and the government treat the NPA leaders like Fernandez and Lagtapon, how much more the regular NPA members who are only being fooled and used by their leaders and political officers? Arevalo said.

He also revealed that Fernandez, whom he had been hunting in southern Negros since he was a lieutenant in the early 1990s, was trying to engage him in a debate.

But Arevalo said he told Fernandez that he does not want to debate with him, stressing that he wants to check his status, and to relay to the people of Negros that he is being cared for by the Philippine Army.

When told of the killings perpetrated by his comrades in Negros, while he was still in hiding, Arevalo said Fernandez requested him for a list of those killed.

Apparently, Fernandez was not aware of it, he added.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/April/09/topstory6.htm

257 rebels surrender: Army

From the Visayan Daily Star (Apr 9, 2019): 257 rebels surrender: Army

The localized peace initiatives of the 79th Infantry Battalion in the hinterlands of San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, led to the surrender of 257 mass supporters of the New People’s Army, who expressed their support to the government.

Lt. Col. Emelito Thaddeus Logan, 79IB commander, yesterday said that the two-day live-in seminar of 257 NPA supporters from the hinterland barangays of Quezon, Codcod, Bulwangan and Nataban, all in San Carlos City, culminated with an indignation rally on Sunday, denouncing continued rebel atrocities.

Carrying placards and streamers, the former rebel supporters went around the poblacion of San Carlos City to express their sentiments and dismay against the false promises to them by communist rebels, Logan said.

It was highlighted by the burning of a CPP-NPA flag as their way of showing their disgust to the group who they had supported before, he added.

Logan said that the surrender of NPA supporters was a result of the collaborative effort of the city government of San Carlos, 79IB, police and various agencies in the government.

In previous months, he reported that 229 former supporters of CPP-NPA from the insurgency-affected barangays of Sagay, Escalante, Cadiz, Victorias and San Carlos Cities and the municipalities of Manapla and E.B Magalona took their oath of allegiance to the government.

It was followed by the surrender of 25 members of the NPA in Salvador Benedicto, who endorsed 27 firearms, as well as the surrender of 27 more former Yunit Militias and mass supporters from Barangay Paitan in Escalante City who also yielded their firearms.

Within a period of three months since February, Logan said that the CPP-NPA lost 537 supporters and fighters, which he described as a setback to the rebel movement.*

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/April/09/topstory9.htm

IN PHOTOS: Russian warships open doors to Filipinos on Day of Valor

From Rappler (Apr 9, 2019): IN PHOTOS: Russian warships open doors to Filipinos on Day of Valor

The Russian Navy welcomes Filipinos with a free tour aboard two of their warships at the Port of Manila

ALL ABOARD. The Russian Navy allows Filipinos to board and tour its two warships docked at the Port of Manila, Admiral Tributs and Admiral Vinogradov, in its Open Doors day on April 9. Photos by Rambo Talabong/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – Russians welcomed Filipinos aboard their warships on Tuesday, April 9, when the country was observing its Day of Valor (Araw ng Kagitingan).

The Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet docked destroyer ships Admiral Tributs and Admiral Vinogradov at the Port of Manila for an "Open Doors Day" as part of their 5-day goodwill visit to the Philippines. 

(READ: 3 Russian warships dock in Manila amid Balikatan)

From 1 pm to 4 pm, Russian officers welcomed Filipinos to their ships with a free tour of their flight deck. By groups of 20, Filipinos were brought aboard the ships.

As both ships were built to battle submarines, they are equipped with high-tech turrets, guns, and missiles. Each ship also has two helicopters for surveillance at sea.

But on Tuesday, the imposing vessels were turned into lively photo spots for curious Filipinos.

Russian crew members stood ready to explain the capacity of their equipment, and that they have come from Vladivostok in Russia for their visit.

One of the ships' helicopters was even left outside for display, its pilot seats open to Filipinos to pose for photos.

More of these Open Days are expected to be organized by the Russian Navy, as the Philippines has pursued warmer ties with Russia in its bid for an independent foreign policy. (READ: Duterte admin 'independent' from US, 'bullied' by China?)

Here are photos from the tour:

https://www.rappler.com/nation/227782-photos-russian-warships-open-doors-filipinos-day-of-valor-2019

8,000 people in three regions march to denounce CPP-NPA

From the Mindanao Times (Apr 9, 2019): 8,000 people in three regions march to denounce CPP-NPA

Close to 8,000 residents, composed mostly of indigenous people, former Communist rebels, non-government organizations, Youth for Peace Movement, and government officials marched to condemn the New People’s Army.

The simultaneous event started at 7 a.m. on March 29 in different parts of regions 10, 11, and 12.

Capt. Jerry Lamosao, the spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division, the participants marched through the main thoroughfares of Davao City, General Santos City, Kidapawan City, Mati City of Davao Oriental and Tagum City of Davao del Norte on Friday, March 29 to campaign for peace and express their support in the government’s fight against communist insurgency.

The event was timed with the New People’s Army’s 50th anniversary.

In a statement, Brig. Gen. Mario G. Lacurom, general officer-in-charge of the 10th ID, said, “With our 10th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Jose C. Faustino Jr, the army’s core purpose of ‘protecting the people and securing the land’ will always be our focus in all activities and operations we are doing.

“The 10th ID expresses support to the peace initiatives of our stakeholders through their ‘peace rally’ that aims to inform, solicit popular support, and pose a challenge to all peace-loving Mindanaoans,” Lacurom said.

“The people can no longer endure the suffering they have long experienced with the unabated violation of their rights done by the communist-terrorists,” he added.

He said the people want to enjoy living in a peaceful community and do business without any fear while enjoying the fruits of their labor.

“The people themselves now are speaking in public conveying their strong desire for a kind of community they want to live peacefully,” he said.

http://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2019/04/09/8000-people-in-three-regions-march-to-denounce-cpp-npa/

2 more towns, 1 village in Caraga close door on NPA

From the Mindanao Times (Apr 9, 2019): 2 more towns, 1 village in Caraga close door on NPA

Three more communities declared the New People’s Army as persona non-grata in Caraga region.

Capt. Regie Go, the division public affairs office chief of the 4th Infantry Division, said two more towns and one barangay in Caraga passed resolutions condemning the Communist Party of the Philippines, its armed wing, and front organizations.

Go said the peace and order councils of San Francisco in Agusan del Sur and Tagbina in Surigao del Sur, along with Barangay Ilang-Ilang of Loreto, Agusan del Sur, have declared the guerrillas as persona non grata.

“The intensified ‘whole-of-nation’ approach and “peaceful war” efforts of the local government units, together with the 4th Infantry Division and other stakeholders, are causing the rebels to lose ground,” he said.At present, one province, three municipalities, and 18 barangays in Northern Mindanao and Caraga have already declared the NPA and its front organizations unwelcome in their places.

The communities are: the province of Surigao del Sur; the municipalities of San Francisco and Sibagat of Agusan del Sur; Tagbina, Surigao del Sur; Barangay San Pedro, San Luis, Agusan del Sur; Barangay Maharlika, Bislig City Surigao del Sur; Barangay Ilang-ilang, Loreto, Agusan del Sur; Barangay Camam-onan, Gigaguit, Surigao del Norte; Barangay Mampi and Pakwan in Lanuza, Surigao del Sur; Barangay San Roque, Madrid, Surigao del Sur; Barangay Cabangahan, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur; Barangay Pantukan, Carrascal, Surigao del Sur; Barangay Imbayao and Barangay Mapayag of Malaybalay City in Bukidnon; Barangay New Eden and Barangay Concepcion of Pangantucan, Bukidnon; Barangay Kaatuan, Lantapan, Bukidnon; Barangay Guinoyoran; Barangay Barobo; Barangay Lurugan; and Barangay San Carlos, all of Valencia City, Bukidnon.

Maj. Gen. Franco Nemesio M. Gacal, commander of the 4th ID, said, “I truly appreciate the effort and initiatives of our local government units in their gallant stand and genuine concern of protecting and saving their constituents against deception and lies of the communist terrorists group.”

“It is high time for us to unite and end communist insurgency by addressing the identified socio-economic concerns in order to attain inclusive and sustainable peace in Caraga and Northern Mindanao,” Gacal said.

http://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2019/04/09/2-more-towns-1-village-in-caraga-close-door-on-npa/

One rebel killed, six firearms recovered in Bukidnon clash

From the Mindanao Times (Apr 10, 2019): One rebel killed, six firearms recovered in Bukidnon clash

An alleged Communist rebel was killed and six firearms recovered following a clash in Sitio Ngaran, Barangay Kipilas, Kitaotao, Bukidnon at 9:50 a.m. on Sunday.

Capt. John Timothy Tagle, the civil-military operations officer of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade, said a 15-minute clash ensued between 3rd Infantry Battalion troops and New People’s Army rebels. Reportedly, the soldiers acted on a tip from residents regarding the presence of an armed group in the area.

Tagle said the soldiers encountered more or less 30 rebels, believed to be members of the Guerrilla Front 56, Sub-Regional Command 5, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee under a certain Ka Egor.
Another clash transpired around 10:15 a.m. as troops of Alpha Company of the same battalion conducted a pursuit operation against the escaping rebels. The second firefight lasted for almost two hours, which resulted in one rebel killed.

After the encounter, they recovered one AK-47 rifle; one M653 rifle; M16 rifle; three .45 caliber pistols; one improvised bomb; personal belongings, and subversive documents.

He said no civilians were hurt in the encounters.

Lt. Col. Oscar Partuza, the commanding officer of the 3rd IB, said urged the cooperation of the community in finally ending communist rebellion.

http://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2019/04/10/one-rebel-killed-six-firearms-recovered-in-bukidnon-clash/

Institutionalizing EO 70: 4ID conducts peace, devt forum

From the Mindanao Examiner(Apr 8, 2019): Institutionalizing EO 70: 4ID conducts peace, devt forum

THE 4TH Infantry “Diamond” Division Philippine Army conducted a forum relative to the operationalization and institutionalization of Executive Order (EO) no. 70.

The activity aims to discuss the two significant local peace and development initiatives, which are being spearheaded by the Regional Development Council and Regional Peace and Order Council of Region X and CARAGA.

Formulated with the active support and participation of the Philippine Army units in Caraga and Region 10, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police, Balay Mindanao, local chief executives and other stakeholders, these initiatives, also known as the Peace and Development Zones (PDZs) in Caraga, and the Convergence Areas for Peace and Development (CAPDev) in Region X, were thoroughly discussed at the headquarters of 4th ID, Philippine Army, Camp Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City last March 29, 2019.

The forum successfully apprised the attendees on the very important factors of these initiatives as these relates to 4th IDs’ campaign in its area of responsibility.

It was attended by officers, key enlisted personnel and civilian employees from 4ID headed by its commander Major General Franco Nemesio M Gacal AFP, who was also one of the speakers together with National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Region X Director Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cariño, and Cagayan de Oro City Administrator Teodoro A Sabuga-a Jr.

Sabuga-a presented a briefing on the importance of Executive Order (EO) 70 in addressing insurgency and other forms of conflict anchoring his lecture on “The Lantad Experience” wherein the administrator shared his personal experience and further went into details how the army, local government units (LGUs), IP leaders and the community worked hand-in-hand to address peace and order concerns and brought the much needed development in Lantad.

“We will address the root causes of insurgency since this is one of the main concerns of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) Region X. We must win the hearts and minds of the people to finally deliver peace and development programs in the conflict affected communities. Our urgent task is to bring the services closer to the people,” he said.

In the same manner, Director Cariño thoroughly presented information brief about the PDZs in CARAGA and the CAPDev in Region X wherein she cited the importance of the peace and development efforts of all concerned government agencies.

She pointed out the importance of utilizing existing mechanisms and the need to integrate the delivery of identified government services so that interventions are focused in priority areas of convergence.

Priority are the Conflict Affected Areas (CONAAs) and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAS) which were jointly identified by the secretariat of RDC in partnership and in consultation with the 4th Infantry Division, 1st Infantry Division, Philippine National Police (PNP), DILG, Balay Mindanao and other stakeholders.

Further, Cariño ensured that they will facilitate the funding requirements for the urgent priority programs and projects (PAPs) in FY 2020 for focused areas of intervention by specifying in the FY 2020 Northern Mindanao Regional Budget Guidelines the prioritization of focused areas of intervention in the identification of PAPs and allocation of budgets.

Finally, Major General Gacal also presented a briefing on the “Journey Towards Hope and Transformation” and shared with the participants the initiatives and best practices of 402nd Infantry Brigade that significantly contributed to its mission accomplishment and their significant impact in the socio-economic development in CARAGA region.

MGen Gacal emphasized the specific roles of the security sector and the LGUs and National Government Agencies (NGAs) in terms of security and developmental interventions.

Gacal said, “We are very much thankful on the time, effort and expertise shared by our speakers. Experts say that where development ends, insurgency begins. In Region X and CARAGA, we are about to make that generalization completely irrelevant, because the entire apparatus of government is passionately working together to address the root causes of socials issues that enable an insurgency to gain traction. Together, we shall transform conflict affected areas into conflict resilient communities.”

The activity was conducted on a date where the NPA was supposed to celebrate their futile armed struggle but failed to do so because of disintegration of members and non-support of the people while the government is talking and working for peace and development.

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/institutionalizing-eo-70-4id-conducts-peace-devt-forum/

2 Sayyafs slain, 3 soldiers wounded in Sulu clash

From the Mindanao Examiner(Apr 9, 2019): 2 Sayyafs slain, 3 soldiers wounded in Sulu clash

Two Abu Sayyaf fighters were killed and 3 soldiers wounded in a clash in the southern Philippine province of Sulu where security forces are battling pro-ISIS militants since last month, officials said Tuesday.

Officials said one of those killed, known only by his alias Barak Ingog, allegedly helped carry out a twin suicide attacks by an Indonesian couple on a Catholic church in the capital town of Jolo in January this year that killed and wounded dozens of people, mostly civilians and soldiers.

The other slain militant, Nasser Sawadjaan, was a nephew of Abu Sayyaf leader Hajan Sawadajaan. Both of them were killed in a firefight Monday afternoon in the village of Bangkal in Patikul town.

Officials said the fighting lasted 40 minutes, but the military did not say whether soldiers recovered the bodies of the slain militants, although it reported that troops recovered an M16 rifle in the area.

“Firefight lasted for 40 minutes, supported by indirect fires and close air support, resulting to the neutralization of Barak Ingog, one of the facilitators of the bombing of the Cathedral in Jolo last 27 January this year. Another ASG member, identified as Nasser Sawadjaan, nephew of ASG leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, was also killed during the encounter,” the Western Mindanao Command said.

There were no reports of civilian casualties, but Governor Toto Tan has deployed social workers and dispatched food aid since March to assist villagers who were affected by the military campaign. It was unknown whether the regional government had sent aid to Sulu, one of 5 provinces under the newly-created Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/2-sayyafs-slain-3-soldiers-wounded-in-sulu-clash/

NPA kills soldier, 6 more wounded in battle in Lanao Sur

From the Mindanao Examiner(Apr 9, 2019): NPA kills soldier, 6 more wounded in battle in Lanao Sur 

Communist insurgents killed an army soldier and wounded 6 more in ferocious clashes in Lanao del Sur, one of 5 provinces under the Muslim autonomous region in southern Philippines, the military said Tuesday.

It said soldiers from the 15th Division Reconnaissance Company clashed with about 50 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the village called Malna in Kapai town. The Monday fighting erupted following earlier clashed in Kalilangan village in Iligan City in the neighboring province of Lanao del Sur.

There were no immediate reports of enemy casualties in both clashes. But the military said “pursuit operations” are ongoing in the provinces in an effort to flush out rebel forces.

Government troops have been battling communist rebels and pro-ISIS militants in the troubled Muslim region where the NPA has managed to establish strongholds in areas where Caliphate fighters are operating. It was unclear if communist rebels, who are fighting for secessionist for many decades now, have forged an alliance with pro-ISIS militants belonging to different groups in the southern Philippines.

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/npa-kills-soldier-6-more-wounded-in-battle-in-lanao-sur/

Davao City assures security after Isulan blast

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 9, 2019): Davao City assures security after Isulan blast

Security officials during I-Speak Forum discuss the Davao City's security situation after the Isulan blasts.
DAVAO CITY - An official of the Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSCC) here assured the safety and security of Dabawenyos in the aftermath of the explosion of improvised explosive device in Isulan, Kudarat which wounded several people.

Speaking at the Information-Speak forum, Ret. MajGen. Benito De Leon, chair of the PSSCC said city residents need not worry with their safety and security despite the incident.

He said Dabawenyos are safer since security forces are looking seriously on all events happening outside Davao City like the Isulan bombing incident.

The blast in Isulan occurred at around three o’clock , April 3, Wednesday.

“We are certain that Dabawenyos are safer because any incident that happened outside including the Isulan bombing incident is being looked into by all security forces,” De Leon said.

Colonel Randolph Cabangbang, deputy commander of the Task Force Davao said that the city has been placed in Threat Level III for so long.

He said the basis of the declaration is a generic threat that is experienced by major cities in Mindanao.

Cababang stressed the threat is not specific in Davao City alone, but is shared by all urban centers. He revealed that in the past, there were five major cities which were subjected by diversionary attacks.

He stressed that since the security forces want to be a step ahead with terror groups, the city is placed under Threat Level III.

The TF Davao deputy commander said that threat level III is not even imminent but more of a possibility.

Cabangbang said that the latest Isulan bombing could be motivated by business jealousy based on the latest post blast investigation and the coming up of an improvised explosive device-prototype.

“If that is the case, the city is very far from the reasons why it happened there. However, we continue to be prepared,” he stressed.

Cabangbang said that all the security measures in the city are in place, even if bombing incidents happen outside the city.

He said residents can be more proactive with any incident by training more about bomb awareness.

“What we want to happen is that the city residents sleep soundly because they know what to do once a contingency occurs,” Cabangbang said.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1020615

Pres. Duterte honors Sulu soldiers on Day of Valor

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 9, 2019): Pres. Duterte honors Sulu soldiers on Day of Valor

President Rodrigo Duterte spent the later part of Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) in Jolo, Sulu to honor the soldiers there who have been in continuous operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), many of whom have died or have been wounded in the service of their country.

The President, in his speech congratulated the successful military operations, which resulted to the surrender or neutralization of ASG members including sub-leaders, the rescue of kidnap victims, and the recovery of firearms.

“We acknowledge our troops today for their relentless efforts against lawless elements that continue to threaten our nation. I am especially pleased with our military’s present accomplishments against the Abu Sayyaf Group. Your efforts have brought us even closer to the ultimate objective of totally crushing violent extremism at its roots,” President Duterte said.

Because of the soldiers’ gallantry, the President declared “ISIS will never gain foothold anywhere in the Philippines.”

President Duterte said the Filipinos are “eternally indebted” to the soldiers and their sacrifices, and because of this gratitude, he committed to always look after the welfare of the soldiers and their families.

“During my time, you will be rewarded with good pay and with everything you would need after. I will see to it that you will have funds when you retire and that your children’s schooling will be assured even if we are no longer there even by natural or any other means of saying goodbye to this world. I have your back,” he said.

Yesterday (April 8), the military encountered more or less 30 armed ASG in the neighboring municipality of Patikul. According to Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) spokesperson Col. Gerry Besana, two bandits were killed in the firefight, while no casualties were reported on the government side. The military has been in continuous operations against the ASG particularly in Sulu and Basilan provinces.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1020720