From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Aug 9): Moro rebels said to be harboring foreign terrorists
SULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao—A Malaysian wanted by the US government for alleged involvement in bombings and other terror activities across Southeast Asia has been hiding with former members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in this province, a senior Moro leader said Thursday.
Another source, meanwhile, said a member of the Southeast Asian terror group Jemaah Islamiyah was also hiding in the province.
Von Al Haq, MILF spokesman, said in a phone interview that Zulkifli bin Hir, also known as Marwan, was with the armed group led by Ameril Umra Kato.
Kato, formerly with the MILF’s 105th Base Command, bolted the rebel group over serious disagreements with other leaders on the conduct of the peace negotiations with the government.
He founded the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement, whose armed wing, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), has been involved in recent attacks on government forces in Maguindanao—including the Aug. 7 roadside bombing in Datu Piang town that wounded seven soldiers.
As for Marwan, Al Haq said he may have played a role in the Aug. 5 bombing in Cotabato City that killed eight people and wounded nearly 30 others.
Feedback
Earlier, National Security Adviser Cesar Garcia told a television interviewer that the Cotabato blast had similarities to previous attacks perpetrated by Marwan.
“That’s what we got on the ground. He’s hiding with BIFF members. We also got feedback from residents near BIFF camps,” he said.
Marwan has been monitored in the country since 2003 and was reported to be hiding among Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu.
Last year, a military report said he had moved to central Mindanao, where the MILF operates. The MILF is currently wrapping up peace negotiations with the government after decades of a secessionist war.
Marwan has a $5-million bounty on his head, dead or alive, from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Meanwhile, a military source, who refused to be named because he was not authorized to release highly classified information to the media, said an Indonesian national was among those killed in a recent military offensive against the BIFF in Datu Piang.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/82855/moro-rebels-said-to-be-harboring-foreign-terrorists
Thursday, August 8, 2013
UN court to rule soon on PH case vs China
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Aug 9): UN court to rule soon on PH case vs China
The arbitration case the Philippines filed in the United Nations’ arbitral tribunal seeking to invalidate China’s nine-dash line claim to nearly all of the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) is moving along, with the body soon expected to rule on the matter of jurisdiction over the case.
According to Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario, the five-member ad hoc tribunal may decide whether or not it has jurisdiction over the case in “maybe one or two weeks.”
“I think it’s moving forward,” said Del Rosario on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) 46th anniversary celebration Wednesday night.
He said the UN body, currently holding court in The Hague, was looking into the question of jurisdiction and would release a ruling “hopefully soon.” The panel held its first session on July 11 on the legal action the Philippines is pursuing as a “last resort” to clarify maritime boundaries with China in the contested waters.
Filed in January, the suit seeks to nullify China’s nine-dash line claim and halt its incursions into the Philippines’ established maritime domain. The proceedings continue despite Beijing’s refusal to participate in them, asserting its “indisputable sovereignty” over the contested waters.
The Philippines took the action as it hoped China would sit down with the Asean and finalize the long-delayed Code of Conduct (COC) among claimant nations in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).
The COC is supposed to be an upgrade of the “watered down” Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).
Del Rosario is set to fly to Thailand next week for Asean’s preparatory meetings on the COC talks. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, ahead of consultations on the COC between Asean and China to be held in Beijing next month.
“I think there’s full consensus on the part of Asean, and it has always been our hope that we would have China on board in terms of a full and effective implementation of the DOC for one, and moving on to, as I said, an expeditious conclusion of the COC,” said Del Rosario.
After meeting with Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh in Manila last week, Del Rosario said the Philippines and Vietnam would try to convince Asean to prod China into proceeding to negotiations, instead of mere consultations, on the COC.
Apart from the Philippines and Vietnam, two other Asean countries—Malaysia and Brunei—lay claim to potentially rich territories in the South China Sea.
During a visit to Vietnam on Monday, however, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China was in “no rush” to conclude the COC as he called out certain countries for having “unrealistic expectations” in the talks and for disturbing the process.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/82871/un-court-to-rule-soon-on-ph-case-vs-china
The arbitration case the Philippines filed in the United Nations’ arbitral tribunal seeking to invalidate China’s nine-dash line claim to nearly all of the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) is moving along, with the body soon expected to rule on the matter of jurisdiction over the case.
According to Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario, the five-member ad hoc tribunal may decide whether or not it has jurisdiction over the case in “maybe one or two weeks.”
“I think it’s moving forward,” said Del Rosario on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) 46th anniversary celebration Wednesday night.
He said the UN body, currently holding court in The Hague, was looking into the question of jurisdiction and would release a ruling “hopefully soon.” The panel held its first session on July 11 on the legal action the Philippines is pursuing as a “last resort” to clarify maritime boundaries with China in the contested waters.
Filed in January, the suit seeks to nullify China’s nine-dash line claim and halt its incursions into the Philippines’ established maritime domain. The proceedings continue despite Beijing’s refusal to participate in them, asserting its “indisputable sovereignty” over the contested waters.
The Philippines took the action as it hoped China would sit down with the Asean and finalize the long-delayed Code of Conduct (COC) among claimant nations in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).
The COC is supposed to be an upgrade of the “watered down” Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).
Del Rosario is set to fly to Thailand next week for Asean’s preparatory meetings on the COC talks. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, ahead of consultations on the COC between Asean and China to be held in Beijing next month.
“I think there’s full consensus on the part of Asean, and it has always been our hope that we would have China on board in terms of a full and effective implementation of the DOC for one, and moving on to, as I said, an expeditious conclusion of the COC,” said Del Rosario.
After meeting with Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh in Manila last week, Del Rosario said the Philippines and Vietnam would try to convince Asean to prod China into proceeding to negotiations, instead of mere consultations, on the COC.
Apart from the Philippines and Vietnam, two other Asean countries—Malaysia and Brunei—lay claim to potentially rich territories in the South China Sea.
During a visit to Vietnam on Monday, however, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China was in “no rush” to conclude the COC as he called out certain countries for having “unrealistic expectations” in the talks and for disturbing the process.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/82871/un-court-to-rule-soon-on-ph-case-vs-china
China’s maritime ambitions making waves in Pacific
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Aug 9): China’s maritime ambitions making waves in Pacific
China’s communist rulers are making waves in the Pacific as they extend their naval strength and reach while Japan and the Philippines bolster their own fleets, increasing the risk of a maritime conflict, analysts say.
Five warships completed China’s first circumnavigation of Japan last week in a clear show of force. Other vessels regularly patrol various territories contested by Tokyo and other neighbors – prompting Japan to summon Beijing’s ambassador for a protest on Thursday.
At the same time, China’s first aircraft carrier is already in service, and top naval commanders have promised it will have more.
“What we are seeing is that China’s Communist Party leadership is now trying to leverage its new military capabilities to achieve political-strategic goals,” said Rick Fisher, an expert on Asian military affairs with the US-based International Assessment and Strategy Center.
President Xi Jinping has in recent weeks reaffirmed his country’s aim of establishing itself as a maritime power.
At the same time Washington, which maintains military bases around the region and has strong ties with South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines, intends to “pivot” its attention towards Asia.
Beijing insists that it has no interest in “hegemony” and its intentions are peaceful, but analysts say the threat of conflict is rising.
China’s circumnavigation of Japan saw its vessels pass through the Soya strait between Japan and Russia – on their way to joint exercises in Russia’s Peter the Great Bay – and the Miyako strait near Okinawa.
Of itself the journey is not physically challenging, but in the current context the symbolism was unmistakable.
The state-run China Daily said Beijing’s forces had “fragmented” what it called the “first island chain,” the land masses stretching from the northern tip of Japan to the Philippines that divide the Chinese mainland from the Pacific.
“By sending patrols through these sensitive maritime choke points China shows its neighbors that it will defend its interests beyond the China Seas, that it seeks to build a true ocean-going navy,” said Jonathan Holslag of the Brussels Institute of Contemporary China Studies.
Fisher added that for China, “being acknowledged as a ‘superpower’ that can deploy large scale force to Africa and Latin America would also be a very significant ‘victory’.”
China’s actions and ambitions are prompting its neighbors to take their own defensive measures.
This week Manila took delivery of a Hamilton-class cutter from the US – days after announcing a purchase from France – while Tokyo unveiled its biggest warship since World War II, a helicopter carrier that could be adapted to carry vertical take-off jets.
The development raises the prospect of a potential Asian arms race. “To respond to Japan’s light carrier… China can only develop its own real aircraft carriers,” the state-run Global Times said on Wednesday.
Beijing’s first such vessel, the refitted Soviet-era Liaoning, went into service last autumn, and Song Xue, deputy chief of staff of the navy, said in April that “China will have more than one aircraft carrier.”
Its first domestically built carrier may already be under construction at a shipyard near Shanghai, security consultancy IHS Jane’s reported this week, based on analyses of satellite photos.
The images appear to show a section of the deck that might serve as the track for an aircraft-launching catapult – a feature specialists say would let it carry a wider variety of larger planes.
“We know that China has been working on this, but putting it so fast on a carrier is a major step,” said Holslag.
Other suggestions are that the images may only be of a practice section intended to help the yard secure a contract to build such a vessel.
Beijing took effective control of the disputed Scarborough shoal just 200 kilometers (120 miles) from the Philippines last year, humiliating Manila, and keeps up nearly daily pressure in the South China Sea, which it claims almost in its entirety.
Chinese media have released in recent days photos of tourist ships landing on the Xisha islands, the Chinese name for the Paracels, whose sovereignty is challenged by Vietnam. Taiwan also claims them.
At the same time Beijing’s vessels frequently patrol near the disputed East China Sea islands known as Senkaku in Tokyo, which controls them, and in China as Diaoyu.
“For now the party is content to wage a virtual war of coast guard versus coast guard with Japan,” Fisher said. “We can consider this a ‘shoving match’, no punches yet. But the contest is real and China will push harder and harder against Japan’s ships.”
Once Beijing has built up its capabilities, he said, “China will be tempted to engineer an ‘incident’ to justify a small war at sea that it thinks it can ‘win’.
“You can be sure that Xi Jinping understands how a very well timed brief, contained and decisively won war can be very good for China,” he added.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/82887/chinas-maritime-ambitions-making-waves-in-pacific
China’s communist rulers are making waves in the Pacific as they extend their naval strength and reach while Japan and the Philippines bolster their own fleets, increasing the risk of a maritime conflict, analysts say.
Five warships completed China’s first circumnavigation of Japan last week in a clear show of force. Other vessels regularly patrol various territories contested by Tokyo and other neighbors – prompting Japan to summon Beijing’s ambassador for a protest on Thursday.
At the same time, China’s first aircraft carrier is already in service, and top naval commanders have promised it will have more.
“What we are seeing is that China’s Communist Party leadership is now trying to leverage its new military capabilities to achieve political-strategic goals,” said Rick Fisher, an expert on Asian military affairs with the US-based International Assessment and Strategy Center.
President Xi Jinping has in recent weeks reaffirmed his country’s aim of establishing itself as a maritime power.
At the same time Washington, which maintains military bases around the region and has strong ties with South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines, intends to “pivot” its attention towards Asia.
Beijing insists that it has no interest in “hegemony” and its intentions are peaceful, but analysts say the threat of conflict is rising.
China’s circumnavigation of Japan saw its vessels pass through the Soya strait between Japan and Russia – on their way to joint exercises in Russia’s Peter the Great Bay – and the Miyako strait near Okinawa.
Of itself the journey is not physically challenging, but in the current context the symbolism was unmistakable.
The state-run China Daily said Beijing’s forces had “fragmented” what it called the “first island chain,” the land masses stretching from the northern tip of Japan to the Philippines that divide the Chinese mainland from the Pacific.
“By sending patrols through these sensitive maritime choke points China shows its neighbors that it will defend its interests beyond the China Seas, that it seeks to build a true ocean-going navy,” said Jonathan Holslag of the Brussels Institute of Contemporary China Studies.
Fisher added that for China, “being acknowledged as a ‘superpower’ that can deploy large scale force to Africa and Latin America would also be a very significant ‘victory’.”
China’s actions and ambitions are prompting its neighbors to take their own defensive measures.
This week Manila took delivery of a Hamilton-class cutter from the US – days after announcing a purchase from France – while Tokyo unveiled its biggest warship since World War II, a helicopter carrier that could be adapted to carry vertical take-off jets.
The development raises the prospect of a potential Asian arms race. “To respond to Japan’s light carrier… China can only develop its own real aircraft carriers,” the state-run Global Times said on Wednesday.
Beijing’s first such vessel, the refitted Soviet-era Liaoning, went into service last autumn, and Song Xue, deputy chief of staff of the navy, said in April that “China will have more than one aircraft carrier.”
Its first domestically built carrier may already be under construction at a shipyard near Shanghai, security consultancy IHS Jane’s reported this week, based on analyses of satellite photos.
The images appear to show a section of the deck that might serve as the track for an aircraft-launching catapult – a feature specialists say would let it carry a wider variety of larger planes.
“We know that China has been working on this, but putting it so fast on a carrier is a major step,” said Holslag.
Other suggestions are that the images may only be of a practice section intended to help the yard secure a contract to build such a vessel.
Beijing took effective control of the disputed Scarborough shoal just 200 kilometers (120 miles) from the Philippines last year, humiliating Manila, and keeps up nearly daily pressure in the South China Sea, which it claims almost in its entirety.
Chinese media have released in recent days photos of tourist ships landing on the Xisha islands, the Chinese name for the Paracels, whose sovereignty is challenged by Vietnam. Taiwan also claims them.
At the same time Beijing’s vessels frequently patrol near the disputed East China Sea islands known as Senkaku in Tokyo, which controls them, and in China as Diaoyu.
“For now the party is content to wage a virtual war of coast guard versus coast guard with Japan,” Fisher said. “We can consider this a ‘shoving match’, no punches yet. But the contest is real and China will push harder and harder against Japan’s ships.”
Once Beijing has built up its capabilities, he said, “China will be tempted to engineer an ‘incident’ to justify a small war at sea that it thinks it can ‘win’.
“You can be sure that Xi Jinping understands how a very well timed brief, contained and decisively won war can be very good for China,” he added.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/82887/chinas-maritime-ambitions-making-waves-in-pacific
New group tagged in CDO explosion
From the Manila Times (Aug 8): New group tagged in CDO explosion
A new Jihadist group is believed to have carried out the bombing in Cagayan de Oro City that killed eight people and wounded scores late last month.
The group is called “Al Khilafa Al Islamiya (AKAI)”, according to an intelligence and assessment report that was shown to the The Manila Times.
The report said Al Khilafa has links with Jemaah Anshorut Tauhid (JAT), which is associated with the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI).
Al Khilafa was organized by a certain Ustadz Human Abdul Najid early in 2012, the report said.
While in Afghanistan, Najid was reportedly asked by an unidentified Afghan to go back to Mindanao and set a group made up of Muslim militants.
Back in Mindanao, Najid got in touch with some of his contacts in Abu Sayyaf and laid out a plan to bomb certain areas in Mindanao.
The report said Najid linked up with an Abu Sayyaf Group led by a certain Abu Said. The group is being held responsible for the bombing of a bus in Barangay Guiwan, Zamboanga City, on August 8 last year.
Najid’s group teamed up with JI operative Zulkipli Bin Hir alias Marwan to bomb the Maxandra Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City on December 24, 2012, the report said.
Najid also set off a bomb near a pension house in Iligan City to test the proficiency of his recruits.
A certain Abu Janiti and Abu Katab, both believed to be Moro rebels, joined Najid’s operations to entice young Muslims to join the Al Khilafa.
A Manila police intelligence agent who asked not to named said the Al Khilafa uses a black flag as its banner, and maintain ties with Moro rebel groups in Mindanao, particularly with the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
Professor Rommel Banlaoi, executive director of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research (PIPVTR) said his group has monitored the same Jihadist group in Mindanao.
“There’s a new shadow group of jihadist formed and raising a black flag in Mindanao,” said Banlaoi, whose organization is doing research on terrorism in the Southern Philippines.
On Thursday, President Benigno Aquino 3rd pointed to three groups, among them the Abu Sayyaf, who he said are responsible for the recent bombings in Mindanao.
Speaking to reporters during his visit to Davao City, the President said the three groups that have “joined forces” to mount attacks and derail the peace process.
”He said the groups “are desperate to obstruct the peace process in Mindanao.”
Reports earlier said the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a splinter group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), claimed responsibility for the roadside bombing in Maguindanao on Wednesday that wounded at least seven soldiers.
Military intelligence, meanwhile, said the Abu Sayyaf and some MILF units have joined forces in Albarka, Basilan. The President said he is “not at liberty to tell you all of the details in the operation to neutralize and capture all of these people wanted by the government.”
He added that he will meet again with the Cabinet security cluster in Malacañang.
”There is a theory that all of these bombings are related to that to lessen the pressure of ongoing follow-up operations against these BIFF elements that attacked North Cotabato,” Aquino said.
The President said rewards will be offered for information leading to the arrest of suspects in the bombing incidents.
”Part of what I will be appealing for later on is greater citizen involvement in detecting suspicious either individuals or activities to increase,” he said.
Asked if the attacks could spill over to major cities in the south, Aquino said, “They have aspirational plans. There are always reports of this intention, Davao in particular, but they are prevented by the strict security here.”
Warning
He warned the people behind the attacks they will feel “the full brunt and might of the of the State’s response.”
“You will not get in the way of the peace and the stability that will help fulfill the potential of Mindanao,” Aquino said in his speech during the 22nd Mindanao Business Conference.
In just a span of two weeks, two deadly bombings have rocked Mindanao. On July 26, an explosive went off in a bar at the Limketkai shopping complex in Cagayan de Oro City, killing at least eight people and wounding nearly 50 others.
On Monday, a car bomb exploded in Cotabato City and killed eight persons and injured at least 30 more.
The President claimed that the bombing incidents are “desperate act by a small sector” dead set against the attainment of peace in Mindanao.
The government, he said, has been working to neutralize these elements and a “few successes” have been attained.
“It was vital for us to achieve lasting peace and stability in Mindanao so that those affected by the tensions could get their lives back, so that they could hold steady jobs, so that businesses—both big and small—could focus on efficiency and innovation instead of just worrying for their safety; all this with the greater vision of inclusive growth for all Mindanaoans,” Aquino said.
Metro among targets
Also on Thursday, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin did not rule out the possibility of a terrorist attack in Metro Manila.
“It is possible but we are doing everything we can to ensure that it will not happen in Manila,” Gazmin said.
The President, he said, has ordered a “target hardening” or higher security alert, particularly in areas where there is a bigger concentration of people, like malls and churches as well as on vital government installations.
Gazmin said police visibility was increased and intelligence agents have been deployed to monitor and identify persons with the capability to stage terror attacks.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Public Information Chief Senior Supt. Reuben Theodore Sindac said the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) has assigned 500 more police officers in Metro Manila.
“This is action framework against terrorism… these additional police personnel came from the Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB), NCRPO and some intelligence personnel,” Sindac told reporters in Camp Crame.
He said that they have not monitored any activity or reports of possible attack in the metropolis.
He said that 150 additional personnel were assigned to Quezon City Police District (QCPD); 150 to Southern Police District (SPD); 75 to Northern Police District (NPD); 75 to Eastern Police District (EPD) and 50 to Manila Police District (MPD).
http://www.manilatimes.net/new-group-tagged-in-cdo-explosion/27493/
A new Jihadist group is believed to have carried out the bombing in Cagayan de Oro City that killed eight people and wounded scores late last month.
The group is called “Al Khilafa Al Islamiya (AKAI)”, according to an intelligence and assessment report that was shown to the The Manila Times.
The report said Al Khilafa has links with Jemaah Anshorut Tauhid (JAT), which is associated with the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI).
Al Khilafa was organized by a certain Ustadz Human Abdul Najid early in 2012, the report said.
While in Afghanistan, Najid was reportedly asked by an unidentified Afghan to go back to Mindanao and set a group made up of Muslim militants.
Back in Mindanao, Najid got in touch with some of his contacts in Abu Sayyaf and laid out a plan to bomb certain areas in Mindanao.
The report said Najid linked up with an Abu Sayyaf Group led by a certain Abu Said. The group is being held responsible for the bombing of a bus in Barangay Guiwan, Zamboanga City, on August 8 last year.
Najid’s group teamed up with JI operative Zulkipli Bin Hir alias Marwan to bomb the Maxandra Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City on December 24, 2012, the report said.
Najid also set off a bomb near a pension house in Iligan City to test the proficiency of his recruits.
A certain Abu Janiti and Abu Katab, both believed to be Moro rebels, joined Najid’s operations to entice young Muslims to join the Al Khilafa.
A Manila police intelligence agent who asked not to named said the Al Khilafa uses a black flag as its banner, and maintain ties with Moro rebel groups in Mindanao, particularly with the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
Professor Rommel Banlaoi, executive director of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research (PIPVTR) said his group has monitored the same Jihadist group in Mindanao.
“There’s a new shadow group of jihadist formed and raising a black flag in Mindanao,” said Banlaoi, whose organization is doing research on terrorism in the Southern Philippines.
On Thursday, President Benigno Aquino 3rd pointed to three groups, among them the Abu Sayyaf, who he said are responsible for the recent bombings in Mindanao.
Speaking to reporters during his visit to Davao City, the President said the three groups that have “joined forces” to mount attacks and derail the peace process.
”He said the groups “are desperate to obstruct the peace process in Mindanao.”
Reports earlier said the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a splinter group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), claimed responsibility for the roadside bombing in Maguindanao on Wednesday that wounded at least seven soldiers.
Military intelligence, meanwhile, said the Abu Sayyaf and some MILF units have joined forces in Albarka, Basilan. The President said he is “not at liberty to tell you all of the details in the operation to neutralize and capture all of these people wanted by the government.”
He added that he will meet again with the Cabinet security cluster in Malacañang.
”There is a theory that all of these bombings are related to that to lessen the pressure of ongoing follow-up operations against these BIFF elements that attacked North Cotabato,” Aquino said.
The President said rewards will be offered for information leading to the arrest of suspects in the bombing incidents.
”Part of what I will be appealing for later on is greater citizen involvement in detecting suspicious either individuals or activities to increase,” he said.
Asked if the attacks could spill over to major cities in the south, Aquino said, “They have aspirational plans. There are always reports of this intention, Davao in particular, but they are prevented by the strict security here.”
Warning
He warned the people behind the attacks they will feel “the full brunt and might of the of the State’s response.”
“You will not get in the way of the peace and the stability that will help fulfill the potential of Mindanao,” Aquino said in his speech during the 22nd Mindanao Business Conference.
In just a span of two weeks, two deadly bombings have rocked Mindanao. On July 26, an explosive went off in a bar at the Limketkai shopping complex in Cagayan de Oro City, killing at least eight people and wounding nearly 50 others.
On Monday, a car bomb exploded in Cotabato City and killed eight persons and injured at least 30 more.
The President claimed that the bombing incidents are “desperate act by a small sector” dead set against the attainment of peace in Mindanao.
The government, he said, has been working to neutralize these elements and a “few successes” have been attained.
“It was vital for us to achieve lasting peace and stability in Mindanao so that those affected by the tensions could get their lives back, so that they could hold steady jobs, so that businesses—both big and small—could focus on efficiency and innovation instead of just worrying for their safety; all this with the greater vision of inclusive growth for all Mindanaoans,” Aquino said.
Metro among targets
Also on Thursday, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin did not rule out the possibility of a terrorist attack in Metro Manila.
“It is possible but we are doing everything we can to ensure that it will not happen in Manila,” Gazmin said.
The President, he said, has ordered a “target hardening” or higher security alert, particularly in areas where there is a bigger concentration of people, like malls and churches as well as on vital government installations.
Gazmin said police visibility was increased and intelligence agents have been deployed to monitor and identify persons with the capability to stage terror attacks.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Public Information Chief Senior Supt. Reuben Theodore Sindac said the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) has assigned 500 more police officers in Metro Manila.
“This is action framework against terrorism… these additional police personnel came from the Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB), NCRPO and some intelligence personnel,” Sindac told reporters in Camp Crame.
He said that they have not monitored any activity or reports of possible attack in the metropolis.
He said that 150 additional personnel were assigned to Quezon City Police District (QCPD); 150 to Southern Police District (SPD); 75 to Northern Police District (NPD); 75 to Eastern Police District (EPD) and 50 to Manila Police District (MPD).
http://www.manilatimes.net/new-group-tagged-in-cdo-explosion/27493/
Navy admits new cutters not warships
From the Manila Standard Today (Aug 9): Navy admits new cutters not warships
THE two 46-year-old cutters that the Philippines acquired from the US Coast Guard are not warships but offshore patrol vessels, but the Navy will explore all possibilities to equip them with sophisticated weapons, Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano said Wednesday.
“This is part of our upgrade capability,” Alano said.
“It [the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, one of the cutters] has naval guns, but for it to perform its job we’re looking at providing it with greater capabilities.”
Alano made his statement even as waterfront sources said two US warships, including the USNS Flint that rescued 86 Filipino fishermen at the height of Typhoon Kading on Oct. 15, 1978, would be arriving in Subic this week.
The USNS Flint, a Kilauea-Class ammunition ship, will anchor in Subic on Aug. 9 for a four-day port call. This warship provides replenishment of all types of ordnance and frequently assists in the transfer of ammunition between weapons storage and maintenance facilities worldwide.
The other warship, the USNS Pecos, a Henry J. Kaiser-class oiler, will be berthing in Subic on Aug. 9 for a three-day visit.
Meanwhile, the US Navy dispatched more than 220 Seabees on Aug. 6 for a six-month deployment in the Pacific including the Philippines.
In his article posted on the Internet by the US Pacific Fleet, Petty Officer First Class Chris Fahey said Seabees staff from the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3 will split into nine groups to perform critical construction projects in remote island areas such as Timor-Leste, Tonga, Cambodia and the Philippines.
Alano on Tuesday joined President Benigno Aquino III in welcoming the BRP Ramon Alcaraz in Subic.
The only weapons the ship has are a 76mm gun and a couple of 25mm bushmaster gun systems.
The BRP Gregorio del Pilar, the first cutter that the Navy acquired from the US in 2011, has no weapons except its 76mm, 50mm and 60mm guns.
The government bought both cutters for more than P1 billion under the terms and conditions set by the US Foreign Military Sales, which requires approval from the US Congress in case the Navy wants to install sophisticated weapons on them.
Those acquisitions boosted the Navy’s ability to patrol the areas in the South China Sea that China has been claiming as its own.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/08/08/navy-admits-new-cutters-not-warships/
THE two 46-year-old cutters that the Philippines acquired from the US Coast Guard are not warships but offshore patrol vessels, but the Navy will explore all possibilities to equip them with sophisticated weapons, Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano said Wednesday.
“This is part of our upgrade capability,” Alano said.
“It [the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, one of the cutters] has naval guns, but for it to perform its job we’re looking at providing it with greater capabilities.”
Alano made his statement even as waterfront sources said two US warships, including the USNS Flint that rescued 86 Filipino fishermen at the height of Typhoon Kading on Oct. 15, 1978, would be arriving in Subic this week.
The USNS Flint, a Kilauea-Class ammunition ship, will anchor in Subic on Aug. 9 for a four-day port call. This warship provides replenishment of all types of ordnance and frequently assists in the transfer of ammunition between weapons storage and maintenance facilities worldwide.
The other warship, the USNS Pecos, a Henry J. Kaiser-class oiler, will be berthing in Subic on Aug. 9 for a three-day visit.
Meanwhile, the US Navy dispatched more than 220 Seabees on Aug. 6 for a six-month deployment in the Pacific including the Philippines.
In his article posted on the Internet by the US Pacific Fleet, Petty Officer First Class Chris Fahey said Seabees staff from the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3 will split into nine groups to perform critical construction projects in remote island areas such as Timor-Leste, Tonga, Cambodia and the Philippines.
Alano on Tuesday joined President Benigno Aquino III in welcoming the BRP Ramon Alcaraz in Subic.
The only weapons the ship has are a 76mm gun and a couple of 25mm bushmaster gun systems.
The BRP Gregorio del Pilar, the first cutter that the Navy acquired from the US in 2011, has no weapons except its 76mm, 50mm and 60mm guns.
The government bought both cutters for more than P1 billion under the terms and conditions set by the US Foreign Military Sales, which requires approval from the US Congress in case the Navy wants to install sophisticated weapons on them.
Those acquisitions boosted the Navy’s ability to patrol the areas in the South China Sea that China has been claiming as its own.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/08/08/navy-admits-new-cutters-not-warships/
Notorious Abu Sayyaf arrested
From the Manila Standard Today (Aug 9): Notorious Abu Sayyaf arrested
A joint police and military team arrested on Thursday a notorious leader of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, national police spokesman Sr. Supt. Reuben Theodore Sindac said.
Sindac said Sehar Muloc, alias Commander Red Eye, who is a native of Barangay Mucas, Salug in Zamboanga del Norte, was nabbed at the Pasalubong Center at Barangay Poblacion at about noon.
“He is a notorious bandit leader tagged as responsible for a string of kidnapping cases in the Zamboanga Peninsula,” Sindac said.
He said Muloc was the principal suspect in the kidnapping of Salug Mayor Jeffrey Lim and three other victims in 2012.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/08/09/notorious-abu-sayyaf-arrested/
A joint police and military team arrested on Thursday a notorious leader of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, national police spokesman Sr. Supt. Reuben Theodore Sindac said.
Sindac said Sehar Muloc, alias Commander Red Eye, who is a native of Barangay Mucas, Salug in Zamboanga del Norte, was nabbed at the Pasalubong Center at Barangay Poblacion at about noon.
“He is a notorious bandit leader tagged as responsible for a string of kidnapping cases in the Zamboanga Peninsula,” Sindac said.
He said Muloc was the principal suspect in the kidnapping of Salug Mayor Jeffrey Lim and three other victims in 2012.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/08/09/notorious-abu-sayyaf-arrested/
PH in talks with allies for greater access to bases
From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 8): PH in talks with allies for greater access to bases
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario disclosed that efforts are being taken to schedule meetings with officials from the United States and Japan to discuss plans of allowing access of their war assets to the country's existing military bases.
"We're trying to do it as soon as we can, as early as we can," del Rosario told reporters at the sidelines of the celebration of the 46th Anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Wednesday night at the National Museum.
"I think if we're talking about access we need to discuss the modalities and parameters," he added. "That's something that we need to start doing, starting with the US."
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin earlier announced that the Philippines will not build new air and naval bases, but simply allow access to the US, Japan and other allies to the country's military bases.
Gazmin said the government is still preparing the access agreement, adding that if the agreement is done, then the Philippines will allow access of US and Japanese war assets to Philippine bases. He said the former US naval base in Subic, Zambales province, was among the bases being considered to be covered by the access agreement.
He said Japan is welcomed to have joint military exercises with the Philippines. But Japanese troops cannot step on Philippine soil without a visiting forces agreement between the two countries, he said.
Malacañang defended the access plan, saying the country was free to do anything within its territory.
http://mb.com.ph/News/National_News/26199/PH_in_talks_with_allies_for_greater_access_to_bases_#.UgRXZo7D9jo
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario disclosed that efforts are being taken to schedule meetings with officials from the United States and Japan to discuss plans of allowing access of their war assets to the country's existing military bases.
"We're trying to do it as soon as we can, as early as we can," del Rosario told reporters at the sidelines of the celebration of the 46th Anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Wednesday night at the National Museum.
"I think if we're talking about access we need to discuss the modalities and parameters," he added. "That's something that we need to start doing, starting with the US."
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin earlier announced that the Philippines will not build new air and naval bases, but simply allow access to the US, Japan and other allies to the country's military bases.
Gazmin said the government is still preparing the access agreement, adding that if the agreement is done, then the Philippines will allow access of US and Japanese war assets to Philippine bases. He said the former US naval base in Subic, Zambales province, was among the bases being considered to be covered by the access agreement.
He said Japan is welcomed to have joint military exercises with the Philippines. But Japanese troops cannot step on Philippine soil without a visiting forces agreement between the two countries, he said.
Malacañang defended the access plan, saying the country was free to do anything within its territory.
http://mb.com.ph/News/National_News/26199/PH_in_talks_with_allies_for_greater_access_to_bases_#.UgRXZo7D9jo
Army counter-insurgency gains noted in 1st semester 2013
From the Leyte Samar Daily Express (Aug 8): Army counter-insurgency gains noted in 1st semester 2013
The 8th Infantry Division based here has gained considerable achievements in its anti-insurgency campaign in Eastern Visayas for the past seven months of this year, a military report said.
Major General Gerardo Layug.commanding general of the 8th ID, told reporters in a press conference at his office here that his division has scored heavily against New People’s Army operating in Eastern Visayas during the first seven months of the year in its campaign against the communist insurgency in the region.
Layug informed reporters that one of the significant accomplishments of his division include the arrest of 15 NPA insurgents, 5 of whom held key and high positions in the CPP-NPA hierarchy in the region; recovery of 17 high powered firearms and 23 low-powered firearms; neutralization of seven NPA insurgents during encounters; surrender of 101 rebels composed of 20 NPA insurgents and 81 NPA organized mass members; and the discovery and seizure of 77 NPA camps.
Layug disclosed that the most significant accomplishment of 8ID was the joint declaration of Eastern Samar as “Manageable Conflict-Affected and Development-Ready Area (MCADRA)” in a ceremony held last March 26, 2013 at the Capitol Building in Borongan City, Eastern Samar. He added that with the success of his division in its anti-insurgency campaign has resulted to the decline of the communist massbase support in Eastern Samar where before a hotbed of insurgency.
Layug claims that declaring Eastern Samar as MCADRA, the province is now ready for economic investment and sustainable development as experienced in Cebu, Bohol, Biliran, Leyte and Southern Leyte where businesses started to thrive and attract investments when they were declared as MCADRA years back.
In these provinces, insurgency related problems have become manageable and reduced to mere police concern, Layug added.
The commanding general also informed reporters that the local chief executives of Samar and Northern Samar are looking forward to yearend 2013 and 2014, respectively, when their provinces become truly insurgency free and to be declared also as MCADRA.
Layug declared that the successes of 8ID can be attributed to the implementation of Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan” and its wide-acceptance by and among stakeholders. Through “Bayanihan” 8ID troops have become effective agents of peace in the region showcasing adherence to and observance of human rights, rule of law and International Humanitarian Laws.
Layug stated that due to the positive image created by “Bayanihan”, recently arrested and surrendered NPA leaders cooperated with the government in reaching out to other active NPA members to surrender and return to the folds of the law and restart a new life, he added. “Winning the peace needs hard work, dedication, cooperation and collaboration. I am confident that with their zeal and enthusiasm, all stakeholders in Eastern Visayas will contribute for the attainment of peace and sustainable development in the region.”
http://leytesamardaily.net/2013/08/army-counter-insurgency-gains-noted-in-1st-semester-2013/
The 8th Infantry Division based here has gained considerable achievements in its anti-insurgency campaign in Eastern Visayas for the past seven months of this year, a military report said.
Major General Gerardo Layug.commanding general of the 8th ID, told reporters in a press conference at his office here that his division has scored heavily against New People’s Army operating in Eastern Visayas during the first seven months of the year in its campaign against the communist insurgency in the region.
Layug informed reporters that one of the significant accomplishments of his division include the arrest of 15 NPA insurgents, 5 of whom held key and high positions in the CPP-NPA hierarchy in the region; recovery of 17 high powered firearms and 23 low-powered firearms; neutralization of seven NPA insurgents during encounters; surrender of 101 rebels composed of 20 NPA insurgents and 81 NPA organized mass members; and the discovery and seizure of 77 NPA camps.
Layug disclosed that the most significant accomplishment of 8ID was the joint declaration of Eastern Samar as “Manageable Conflict-Affected and Development-Ready Area (MCADRA)” in a ceremony held last March 26, 2013 at the Capitol Building in Borongan City, Eastern Samar. He added that with the success of his division in its anti-insurgency campaign has resulted to the decline of the communist massbase support in Eastern Samar where before a hotbed of insurgency.
Layug claims that declaring Eastern Samar as MCADRA, the province is now ready for economic investment and sustainable development as experienced in Cebu, Bohol, Biliran, Leyte and Southern Leyte where businesses started to thrive and attract investments when they were declared as MCADRA years back.
In these provinces, insurgency related problems have become manageable and reduced to mere police concern, Layug added.
The commanding general also informed reporters that the local chief executives of Samar and Northern Samar are looking forward to yearend 2013 and 2014, respectively, when their provinces become truly insurgency free and to be declared also as MCADRA.
Layug declared that the successes of 8ID can be attributed to the implementation of Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan” and its wide-acceptance by and among stakeholders. Through “Bayanihan” 8ID troops have become effective agents of peace in the region showcasing adherence to and observance of human rights, rule of law and International Humanitarian Laws.
Layug stated that due to the positive image created by “Bayanihan”, recently arrested and surrendered NPA leaders cooperated with the government in reaching out to other active NPA members to surrender and return to the folds of the law and restart a new life, he added. “Winning the peace needs hard work, dedication, cooperation and collaboration. I am confident that with their zeal and enthusiasm, all stakeholders in Eastern Visayas will contribute for the attainment of peace and sustainable development in the region.”
http://leytesamardaily.net/2013/08/army-counter-insurgency-gains-noted-in-1st-semester-2013/
American’s link to blast probed
From the Visayan Daily Star (Aug 8): American’s link to blast probed
The assistant legal attaché of the United States Embassy, who came to Bacolod City yesterday, has gathered evidences for the filing of charges against an American national, believed to be linked to some rebel personalities in Mindanao.
Senior Supt. Edgardo Ordaniel, acting officer-in-charge of the Bacolod City Police Office, said James Windsor, the deputy attaché of the US Embassy who is also connected to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, confirmed yesterday that the FBI and the Central Intelligence Agency identification cards seized from the house of Daniel Cruz Xavier on March 27, this year were not authentic.
Ordaniel said charges for possession of fake IDs and passport are being readied by the FBI against him in the US.
He said that, aside from the IDs, Windsor also procured copies of the arrest warrants for estafa and illegal possession of firearms charges against Xavier, who is linked to some personalities in Mindanao like Nur Misuari, a Moro politician, the founder and leader of the Moro National Liberation Front.
“They have documents on hand showing that Xavier is connected to some personalities in Mindanao”, Ordaniel said.
Xavier, who was also linked by the police to the Ozamiz robbery group earlier, had posed as a United Nations secret agent and had rented a house in Purok Matiayon in Brgy. Singcang-Airport, Bacolod, where the police recovered two high-powered firearms, several bullets, and tools used for making fake IDs, police records show.
Ordaniel said Xavier was last seen in Jolo, Sulu and the police are investigating if he is, indeed, connected with rebel groups involved in terrorism in the southern Philippines.
Meanwhile, Ordaniel also said they are also trying to see if Xavier is involved in the Cagayan de Oro blast recently, since he has facial similarities to the computer-generated profile of one of the suspects in the bombing released by the PNP SGG Computer-generated profile of one of the suspects in the Cagayan de Oro blast on July 26, this year.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/August/08/topstory2.htm
The assistant legal attaché of the United States Embassy, who came to Bacolod City yesterday, has gathered evidences for the filing of charges against an American national, believed to be linked to some rebel personalities in Mindanao.
Senior Supt. Edgardo Ordaniel, acting officer-in-charge of the Bacolod City Police Office, said James Windsor, the deputy attaché of the US Embassy who is also connected to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, confirmed yesterday that the FBI and the Central Intelligence Agency identification cards seized from the house of Daniel Cruz Xavier on March 27, this year were not authentic.
Ordaniel said charges for possession of fake IDs and passport are being readied by the FBI against him in the US.
He said that, aside from the IDs, Windsor also procured copies of the arrest warrants for estafa and illegal possession of firearms charges against Xavier, who is linked to some personalities in Mindanao like Nur Misuari, a Moro politician, the founder and leader of the Moro National Liberation Front.
“They have documents on hand showing that Xavier is connected to some personalities in Mindanao”, Ordaniel said.
Xavier, who was also linked by the police to the Ozamiz robbery group earlier, had posed as a United Nations secret agent and had rented a house in Purok Matiayon in Brgy. Singcang-Airport, Bacolod, where the police recovered two high-powered firearms, several bullets, and tools used for making fake IDs, police records show.
Ordaniel said Xavier was last seen in Jolo, Sulu and the police are investigating if he is, indeed, connected with rebel groups involved in terrorism in the southern Philippines.
Meanwhile, Ordaniel also said they are also trying to see if Xavier is involved in the Cagayan de Oro blast recently, since he has facial similarities to the computer-generated profile of one of the suspects in the bombing released by the PNP SGG Computer-generated profile of one of the suspects in the Cagayan de Oro blast on July 26, this year.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/August/08/topstory2.htm
F/A-50 to hone maneuvering capability of PAF pilots
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 8): F/A-50 to hone maneuvering capability of PAF pilots
The acquisition of F/A-50 "Golden Eagle" jet aircraft from the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) will help the Philippine Air Force (PAF) pilots develop their "air command maneuvering" (ACM) skills.
Department of National Defense (DND) spokesperson Dr. Peter Paul Galvez on Thursday said the acquisition of the 1.5-Mach capable plane is now on its closing stage,
Galvez said the plane can detect, track and maneuver into position and destroy hostile aircraft intruding in the country's airspace.
"The F/A-50 (once officially in the PAF inventory) will help our pilots regain their ACM skills. The aircraft is very ideal for this training as it is modeled very closely in with (General Dynamics) F-16 'Fighting Falcon', one of the most successful jet fighter designs in the world," he said.
The ACM skills of Filipino fighter pilots have been seriously eroded with the retirement of the PAF's Northrop F-5 "Tiger" fleet sometime in 2005.
Galvez the F/A-50 will also give Filipino pilots the necessary "fast mover" experience needed once the PAF acquires its real modern fighter aircraft.
"The F/A-50 will be the PAF's interim fighter jet aircraft for the moment and it will teach our pilots the skills needed in piloting high performance jet aircraft," he stressed.
The F/A-50 is also known as the TA-50.
The F/A-50 design is largely derived from the F-16 "Fighting Falcon", and they have many similarities: use of a single engine, speed, size, cost, and the range of weapons.
KAI's previous engineering experience in license-producing the KF-16 was a starting point for the development of the F/A-50.
The aircraft can carry two pilots in tandem seating. The high-mounted canopy developed by Hankuk Fiber is applied with stretched acrylic, providing the pilots with good visibility, and has been tested to offer the canopy with ballistic protection against four-pound objects impacting at 400 knots.
The altitude limit is 14,600 meters (48,000 feet), and airframe is designed to last 8,000 hours of service.
The aircraft has a maximum speed of Mach 1.4 to 1.5.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=552789
The acquisition of F/A-50 "Golden Eagle" jet aircraft from the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) will help the Philippine Air Force (PAF) pilots develop their "air command maneuvering" (ACM) skills.
Department of National Defense (DND) spokesperson Dr. Peter Paul Galvez on Thursday said the acquisition of the 1.5-Mach capable plane is now on its closing stage,
Galvez said the plane can detect, track and maneuver into position and destroy hostile aircraft intruding in the country's airspace.
"The F/A-50 (once officially in the PAF inventory) will help our pilots regain their ACM skills. The aircraft is very ideal for this training as it is modeled very closely in with (General Dynamics) F-16 'Fighting Falcon', one of the most successful jet fighter designs in the world," he said.
The ACM skills of Filipino fighter pilots have been seriously eroded with the retirement of the PAF's Northrop F-5 "Tiger" fleet sometime in 2005.
Galvez the F/A-50 will also give Filipino pilots the necessary "fast mover" experience needed once the PAF acquires its real modern fighter aircraft.
"The F/A-50 will be the PAF's interim fighter jet aircraft for the moment and it will teach our pilots the skills needed in piloting high performance jet aircraft," he stressed.
The F/A-50 is also known as the TA-50.
The F/A-50 design is largely derived from the F-16 "Fighting Falcon", and they have many similarities: use of a single engine, speed, size, cost, and the range of weapons.
KAI's previous engineering experience in license-producing the KF-16 was a starting point for the development of the F/A-50.
The aircraft can carry two pilots in tandem seating. The high-mounted canopy developed by Hankuk Fiber is applied with stretched acrylic, providing the pilots with good visibility, and has been tested to offer the canopy with ballistic protection against four-pound objects impacting at 400 knots.
The altitude limit is 14,600 meters (48,000 feet), and airframe is designed to last 8,000 hours of service.
The aircraft has a maximum speed of Mach 1.4 to 1.5.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=552789
Gov't security forces nab notorious bandit leader in Zamboanga Peninsula
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 8): Gov't security forces nab notorious bandit leader in Zamboanga Peninsula
Police and military security forces arrested a notorious bandit leader tagged as responsible in a string of kidnapping cases in theZamboanga Peninsula
Sehar Muloc alias "Commander Red Eye" of Barangay Mucas, Salug, Zamboanga Del Norte was arrested on Thursday by a joint team of operatives from Police Regional Office 9 and AFP Special Units, at thePasalubong Center
Muloc is the principal accused in Criminal Case Number IM-13-0573 for the crime of kidnapping and serious illegal detention in connection with the kidnapping of Mayor Jeffrey Lim of Salug, Zamboanga Del Norte and three other victims in 2012.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=552923
Police and military security forces arrested a notorious bandit leader tagged as responsible in a string of kidnapping cases in the
Sehar Muloc alias "Commander Red Eye" of Barangay Mucas, Salug, Zamboanga Del Norte was arrested on Thursday by a joint team of operatives from Police Regional Office 9 and AFP Special Units, at the
Muloc is the principal accused in Criminal Case Number IM-13-0573 for the crime of kidnapping and serious illegal detention in connection with the kidnapping of Mayor Jeffrey Lim of Salug, Zamboanga Del Norte and three other victims in 2012.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=552923
5 soldiers wounded in NPA ambush in Agusan Del Sur
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 8): 5 soldiers wounded in NPA ambush in Agusan Del Sur
Five soldiers assigned to the 4th Infantry Division's 26th Infantry Battalion were wounded after being ambushed by 15 New People's Army (NPA) fighters in Purok 2, Kauswagan, Loreto, Agusan Del Sur Thursday morning.
Lt. Col. Leo Bongosia, 4th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the incident took place around 7:15 a.m.
He added the rebels started their attack by detonating radio-controlled landmines and shrapnel wounded five enlisted troopers, all with the rank of private first class.
The exchange of gunfire lasted for 10 minutes after which the rebel force quickly withdrew.
The soldiers were conducting foot patrols in the area and were headed towards their base when attacked by the NPAs, Bongosia said.
Pursuit operations are ongoing.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=552801
Five soldiers assigned to the 4th Infantry Division's 26th Infantry Battalion were wounded after being ambushed by 15 New People's Army (NPA) fighters in Purok 2, Kauswagan, Loreto, Agusan Del Sur Thursday morning.
Lt. Col. Leo Bongosia, 4th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the incident took place around 7:15 a.m.
He added the rebels started their attack by detonating radio-controlled landmines and shrapnel wounded five enlisted troopers, all with the rank of private first class.
The exchange of gunfire lasted for 10 minutes after which the rebel force quickly withdrew.
The soldiers were conducting foot patrols in the area and were headed towards their base when attacked by the NPAs, Bongosia said.
Pursuit operations are ongoing.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=552801
8th ID says it scores heavily vs. NPAs
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 8): 8th ID says it scores heavily vs. NPAs
The Samar-based 8th Infantry Division said it had scored heavily against the New People’s Army group operating inEastern Visayas
during the first seven months of the year.
The most significant accomplishment of the unit was the joint declaration of Eastern Samar as “Manageable Conflict-Affected and Development-Ready Area” in a ceremony last March 26, 2013 at the Capitol Building in Borongan City, Eastern Samar.
The declaration makes the province ready for economic investment and sustainable development as experienced in Cebu, Bohol, Biliran, Leyte andSouthern Leyte .
It is in these areas where businesses started to thrive and attract investments when they were declared as Manageable Conflict-Affected and Development-Ready Area.
Other significant accomplishments of the 8th Infantry Division included the arrest of 15 NPA insurgents, 5 of whom held key and high positions in the CPP-NPA hierarchy in the region; recovery of 17 high powered firearms and 23 low-powered firearms; neutralization of seven NPA insurgents during encounters; surrender of 101 rebels composed of 20 NPA insurgents and 81 NPA organized mass members; and the discovery and seizure of 77 NPA camps.
In these provinces, insurgency-related problems have become manageable and reduced to mere police concern.
Local chief executives of Samar andNorthern Samar
are looking forward to yearend 2013 and 2014, respectively, when their
provinces become truly insurgency free and to be declared also MCADRA.
The successes of 8th Infantry Division can be attributed to the implementation of Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan” and its wide-acceptance by and among stakeholders.
Through “Bayanihan” 8th Infantry Division troops have become effective agents of peace in the region showcasing adherence to and observance of human rights, rule of law and International Humanitarian Laws.
Due to the positive image created by “Bayanihan”, recently arrested and surrendered NPA leaders cooperated with the government in reaching out to other active NPA members to surrender and return to the folds of the law and restart a new life.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=553032
The Samar-based 8th Infantry Division said it had scored heavily against the New People’s Army group operating in
The most significant accomplishment of the unit was the joint declaration of Eastern Samar as “Manageable Conflict-Affected and Development-Ready Area” in a ceremony last March 26, 2013 at the Capitol Building in Borongan City, Eastern Samar.
The declaration makes the province ready for economic investment and sustainable development as experienced in Cebu, Bohol, Biliran, Leyte and
It is in these areas where businesses started to thrive and attract investments when they were declared as Manageable Conflict-Affected and Development-Ready Area.
Other significant accomplishments of the 8th Infantry Division included the arrest of 15 NPA insurgents, 5 of whom held key and high positions in the CPP-NPA hierarchy in the region; recovery of 17 high powered firearms and 23 low-powered firearms; neutralization of seven NPA insurgents during encounters; surrender of 101 rebels composed of 20 NPA insurgents and 81 NPA organized mass members; and the discovery and seizure of 77 NPA camps.
In these provinces, insurgency-related problems have become manageable and reduced to mere police concern.
Local chief executives of Samar and
The successes of 8th Infantry Division can be attributed to the implementation of Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan” and its wide-acceptance by and among stakeholders.
Through “Bayanihan” 8th Infantry Division troops have become effective agents of peace in the region showcasing adherence to and observance of human rights, rule of law and International Humanitarian Laws.
Due to the positive image created by “Bayanihan”, recently arrested and surrendered NPA leaders cooperated with the government in reaching out to other active NPA members to surrender and return to the folds of the law and restart a new life.
Maj. Gen. Gerardo T. Layug, 8th Infantry Division commander,
said: “Winning the peace needs hard work, dedication, cooperation and
collaboration. I am confident that with their zeal and enthusiasm, all
stakeholders in Eastern Visayas will
contribute for the attainment of peace and sustainable development in the region.”
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=553032
P118-M worth of PAMANA projects boost development of Eastern Samar
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 8): P118-M worth of PAMANA projects boost development of Eastern Samar
Eastern Samar is a recipient of some P118
million worth of development projects under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan
(PAMANA), the framework and program for peace and development specially in
conflict-affected areas of the national government through the Office of the
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).
According to the provincial technical working group headed by Dept. of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Eastern Samar was given P20 million for the rehabilitation and improvement of road from Jipapad Eastern Samar to Barangay Imelda Lapinig Northern Samar in 2012.
This year, P34 million is added to the previous release for this continuing project. This will provide easier access to people from Jipapad and unlock their isolation in terms of socio-economic activities.
This 5.27 kilometer road rehabilitation in Jipapad is worth P105.4 million while the 120 meter bridge is P120 million as proposed. With the first two releases the projects is heading way to the clamor of the people in the upstream.
Another recipient is the remote town ofMaslog
Surveyors have identified a transport access traversing through the vast riceland valley in Dolores, passing through barangayCarolina
The road opening to Maslog, which started during the time of then Cong. Marcelino C. Libanan, reached the most difficult area in sitio Pasak Barangay, Aroganga Dolores.
The rehabilitation under the PAMANA Project resumed in Barangay Hinolaso going to Maslog. It includes bridges of Barangays Villahermosa, Rizal, Hinolaso.
This farm-to-market road continuing project was first released P 10 million and P24 million this year. Farmer-producers are anticipating this will ensure market access for their products.
Further, P30 million was also released for the rehabilitation of Can-avid-Malogo-Obong-Mabuhay-Barok-Caghalong and Can-ilay farm-to-market roads. This proposed continuing project is worth P245 million.
Engr. Nida B. De la Cruz of DILG and member of the technical working group said that funds for various projects under the PAMANA are downloaded to the agency with the capacity to implement and sufficient knowledge as to the realities of the area. Farm-to-market roads allocations are entrusted to the Department of Agriculture.
Eastern Samar , also known for its coconut
farming, was allotted P7 million for Coconut Industry Development (CDA) still
under the PAMANA program. Dela Cruz said it is now at the pipeline to be
released as soon as proper documents are accomplished.
The province also expected releases under the PAMANA program in 2014 for its continuing rehabilitation of farm-to-market road projects to include barangays Binalay andLaurel
All these projects are accounted for and liquidated according to government’s auditing rules and procedures, otherwise there will be no more release of funds, De la Cruz said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=552963
According to the provincial technical working group headed by Dept. of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Eastern Samar was given P20 million for the rehabilitation and improvement of road from Jipapad Eastern Samar to Barangay Imelda Lapinig Northern Samar in 2012.
This year, P34 million is added to the previous release for this continuing project. This will provide easier access to people from Jipapad and unlock their isolation in terms of socio-economic activities.
This 5.27 kilometer road rehabilitation in Jipapad is worth P105.4 million while the 120 meter bridge is P120 million as proposed. With the first two releases the projects is heading way to the clamor of the people in the upstream.
Another recipient is the remote town of
Surveyors have identified a transport access traversing through the vast riceland valley in Dolores, passing through barangay
The road opening to Maslog, which started during the time of then Cong. Marcelino C. Libanan, reached the most difficult area in sitio Pasak Barangay, Aroganga Dolores.
The rehabilitation under the PAMANA Project resumed in Barangay Hinolaso going to Maslog. It includes bridges of Barangays Villahermosa, Rizal, Hinolaso.
This farm-to-market road continuing project was first released P 10 million and P24 million this year. Farmer-producers are anticipating this will ensure market access for their products.
Further, P30 million was also released for the rehabilitation of Can-avid-Malogo-Obong-Mabuhay-Barok-Caghalong and Can-ilay farm-to-market roads. This proposed continuing project is worth P245 million.
Engr. Nida B. De la Cruz of DILG and member of the technical working group said that funds for various projects under the PAMANA are downloaded to the agency with the capacity to implement and sufficient knowledge as to the realities of the area. Farm-to-market roads allocations are entrusted to the Department of Agriculture.
The province also expected releases under the PAMANA program in 2014 for its continuing rehabilitation of farm-to-market road projects to include barangays Binalay and
All these projects are accounted for and liquidated according to government’s auditing rules and procedures, otherwise there will be no more release of funds, De la Cruz said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=552963
Soldier killed, 7 ASG men wounded in Basilan clash
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 8): Soldier killed, 7 ASG men wounded in Basilan clash
A soldier was killed while seven Abu Sayyaf Group bandits were wounded as Army troops clashed with the brigands in Sitio Bohe Libi, Macalang, Al-barka, Basilan early morning Thursday.
Col. Carlito Galvez, 104th Infantry Brigade commander, said his men were conducting security and clearing operations in the area following reports the ASG were planning to conduct improvised explosive device attacks and other harassment tactics against security forces based in Isabela and Zamboanga.
He added the firefight started around 4 a.m. and lasted until 10 a.m.
Galvez said one soldier was killed while three other troops were wounded.
He added they are still evaluating reports that seven ASG men were wounded in the six-hour long encounter.
The bandits were reportedly led by Isnilon Hapilon and Furuji Indama.
Pursuit operations are ongoing.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=552855
A soldier was killed while seven Abu Sayyaf Group bandits were wounded as Army troops clashed with the brigands in Sitio Bohe Libi, Macalang, Al-barka, Basilan early morning Thursday.
Col. Carlito Galvez, 104th Infantry Brigade commander, said his men were conducting security and clearing operations in the area following reports the ASG were planning to conduct improvised explosive device attacks and other harassment tactics against security forces based in Isabela and Zamboanga.
He added the firefight started around 4 a.m. and lasted until 10 a.m.
Galvez said one soldier was killed while three other troops were wounded.
He added they are still evaluating reports that seven ASG men were wounded in the six-hour long encounter.
The bandits were reportedly led by Isnilon Hapilon and Furuji Indama.
Pursuit operations are ongoing.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=552855
Troops recover 20 improvised bombs, clash with Abu Sayyaf
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 8): Troops recover 20 improvised bombs, clash with Abu Sayyaf
Government forces have recovered more than 20 improvised bombs when they raided a lair of an Abu Sayyaf leader in the hinterlands of Al-Barka town in this province, a military official disclosed Thursday.
Army’s 104th Infantry Brigade commander Col. Carlito Galvez said the improvised bombs were recovered when the troops swooped down the lair of Abu Sayyaf leader Nurhassan Jamiri around 4 a.m. Wednesday in Sitio Bohe Libi, Barangay Macalang, Al-Barka town.
The military received intelligence report that the improvised bombs are to be used by the Abu Sayyaf bandits in bomb attacks in several areas in the region to include this city.
The other reported targets of the bombings are:Isabela
City , Basilan; Zamboanga
City ; Pagadian City
Galvez disclosed that a soldier was killed while eight others were wounded in the firefight that broke out when the raided Jamiri’s hideout.
He disclosed the troops launched pursuit operation against the bandits the fled to different directions.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=552894
Government forces have recovered more than 20 improvised bombs when they raided a lair of an Abu Sayyaf leader in the hinterlands of Al-Barka town in this province, a military official disclosed Thursday.
Army’s 104th Infantry Brigade commander Col. Carlito Galvez said the improvised bombs were recovered when the troops swooped down the lair of Abu Sayyaf leader Nurhassan Jamiri around 4 a.m. Wednesday in Sitio Bohe Libi, Barangay Macalang, Al-Barka town.
The military received intelligence report that the improvised bombs are to be used by the Abu Sayyaf bandits in bomb attacks in several areas in the region to include this city.
The other reported targets of the bombings are:
Galvez disclosed that a soldier was killed while eight others were wounded in the firefight that broke out when the raided Jamiri’s hideout.
He disclosed the troops launched pursuit operation against the bandits the fled to different directions.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=552894
Aquino says peace panels are all set to finalize work on Framework Agreement
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 8): Aquino says peace panels are all set to finalize work on Framework Agreement
After successfully coming to terms on the revenue generation and wealth sharing annex of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB), President Benigno S. Aquino III said the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels will start working on power sharing and normalization annexes after Ramadan.
In an interview with the media after attending the opening program of the 22nd Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon) 2013 held at the SMX Convention Center, 3rd Level, SM Lanang Premier, Lanang, Davao City on Thursday, the Chief Executive said the members of the GRP and MILF peace panels have now set their sights on agreeing on the last two remaining annexes of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro which is power sharing and normalization.
"Itong patapos na ang Ramadan – ang susunod na pag-uusapan ay ang power-sharing at ang normalization. Ano ba ang mga powers na ide-devolve doon sa bagong gobyerno ng ARMM at iyong tinatawag na normalization, ang pagbaba ng armas," the President Aquino said.
"Sa Congress, I understand, there is widespread support but, of course, everybody wants to look at the details of the proposed Organic Act. Ang Transition Commission ang nagda-draft nitong proposed new measure to replace the current ARMM organic act," the President said.
The wealth-sharing annex was signed by both parties after concluding the 38th series of exploratory talks inKuala
Lumpur , Malaysia
In a joint statement released by both panels, the GRP and MILF said the wealth-sharing annex will “provide sufficient guidance for the crafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law’s provision on wealth sharing and revenue generation for the Bangsamoro as envisioned by the Framework Agreement.
The Parties believe that the Annex on Wealth Sharing, which forms part of the Framework Agreement, will provide sufficient guidance for the crafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law’s provisions on wealth sharing and revenue generation for the Bangsamoro as envisioned by the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=552940
After successfully coming to terms on the revenue generation and wealth sharing annex of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB), President Benigno S. Aquino III said the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels will start working on power sharing and normalization annexes after Ramadan.
In an interview with the media after attending the opening program of the 22nd Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon) 2013 held at the SMX Convention Center, 3rd Level, SM Lanang Premier, Lanang, Davao City on Thursday, the Chief Executive said the members of the GRP and MILF peace panels have now set their sights on agreeing on the last two remaining annexes of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro which is power sharing and normalization.
"Itong patapos na ang Ramadan – ang susunod na pag-uusapan ay ang power-sharing at ang normalization. Ano ba ang mga powers na ide-devolve doon sa bagong gobyerno ng ARMM at iyong tinatawag na normalization, ang pagbaba ng armas," the President Aquino said.
"Sa Congress, I understand, there is widespread support but, of course, everybody wants to look at the details of the proposed Organic Act. Ang Transition Commission ang nagda-draft nitong proposed new measure to replace the current ARMM organic act," the President said.
The wealth-sharing annex was signed by both parties after concluding the 38th series of exploratory talks in
In a joint statement released by both panels, the GRP and MILF said the wealth-sharing annex will “provide sufficient guidance for the crafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law’s provision on wealth sharing and revenue generation for the Bangsamoro as envisioned by the Framework Agreement.
The Parties believe that the Annex on Wealth Sharing, which forms part of the Framework Agreement, will provide sufficient guidance for the crafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law’s provisions on wealth sharing and revenue generation for the Bangsamoro as envisioned by the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=552940
DENR employs ‘spy plane’ to fight illegal logging
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 8): DENR employs ‘spy plane’ to fight illegal logging
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Caraga has acquired an unmanned aircraft to closely monitor the activities and movements of illegal logging operations in remote mountain villages in the region.
Regional Executive Director Nonito M. Tamayo on Thursday said that the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) also known as the “drone” was developed by Filipino scientists and engineers and the first to be employed by the DENR in any part of the country.
The “drone” or “spy plane” monitors the activities in areas where suspected illegal loggers operate and subsequently send photos to the command center at the DENR regional office here.
Tamayo said that the DENR’s Forest Management Sector would then analyze the data and pictures that were taken through the video camera of the UAV related to the National Greening Program being implemented by the DENR .
He said that the UAV provides up-to-date data and real time information of the forest condition of the various areas in the Caraga Region.
Tamayo said that the “drone” will also examine the status of all forest species planted under the government’s National Greening Program.
Tamayo admitted that illegal logging and timber poachers continue to proliferate in the region although its incidence has gone down to low level due to sustain anti-illegal campaign in the area.
“In spite of the government’s no-nonsense anti-illegal logging drive, timber smugglers were always there waiting for an opportune time to break in and transport illegally cuts logs,” Tamayo added.
He said that the use of the unmanned aircraft would definitely boost the anti-illegal logging campaign in the region.
“With the employment of the spy plane, we hope to put a stop to all illegal logging activities in the Caraga region,” Tamayo said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&sid=&nid=0&rid=552971
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Caraga has acquired an unmanned aircraft to closely monitor the activities and movements of illegal logging operations in remote mountain villages in the region.
Regional Executive Director Nonito M. Tamayo on Thursday said that the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) also known as the “drone” was developed by Filipino scientists and engineers and the first to be employed by the DENR in any part of the country.
The “drone” or “spy plane” monitors the activities in areas where suspected illegal loggers operate and subsequently send photos to the command center at the DENR regional office here.
Tamayo said that the DENR’s Forest Management Sector would then analyze the data and pictures that were taken through the video camera of the UAV related to the National Greening Program being implemented by the DENR .
He said that the UAV provides up-to-date data and real time information of the forest condition of the various areas in the Caraga Region.
Tamayo said that the “drone” will also examine the status of all forest species planted under the government’s National Greening Program.
Tamayo admitted that illegal logging and timber poachers continue to proliferate in the region although its incidence has gone down to low level due to sustain anti-illegal campaign in the area.
“In spite of the government’s no-nonsense anti-illegal logging drive, timber smugglers were always there waiting for an opportune time to break in and transport illegally cuts logs,” Tamayo added.
He said that the use of the unmanned aircraft would definitely boost the anti-illegal logging campaign in the region.
“With the employment of the spy plane, we hope to put a stop to all illegal logging activities in the Caraga region,” Tamayo said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&sid=&nid=0&rid=552971
Public transport affected by BIFF bombing of bridge in Maguindanao
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 8): Public transport affected by BIFF bombing of bridge in Maguindanao
Transportation to and from Datu Piang, Maguindanao has been paralized.
This, after Moro bandits detonated an improvised explosive device on a bridge Wednesday night, public works officials Thursday said.
Engr. James Mlok of the Dept. of Public Works and Highways Maguindanao Second Engineering District, said the Lintokan bridge in Barangay Lintokan, Datu Piang, Maguindanao is no longer passable to heavy trucks or any four-wheel vehicles but for motorcycles only.
Mlok said the blast at about 6 p.m. on Wednesday damaged the Lintokan bridge's foundation and it would be dangerous for four wheel vehicles to pass over it.
Two bridges along the main road to Datu Piang from Cotabato-Gen. Santos highway had been bombed by members of the brigand Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces in an effort to prevent military trucks and military hardware from reinforcing government troops subjected to attacks by BIFF.
Col. Dickson Hermoso, speaking for the military in Maguindanao, said soldiers have been deployed near government infrastructures to ensure all bridges, cell sites and other public works institutions are safe.
Hermoso said the Army also deployed personnel along the highway to secure power lines which are vulnerable to BIFF sabotage operations.
Engr. Mlok said the DPWH-Maguindanao is constructing a temporary bridge to serve as detour for heavy vehicles. However, Mlok said it will take sometime to complete the temporary structure.
Aside from movement of military vehicles, Muslim farmers in Datu Piang and Datu Salibo were also affected since they have to spend extra money in transporting their goods to public markets.
Hermoso condemned the atrocities committed by the BIFF and vowed the military will use its might to neutralized the bandit group.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=553006
Transportation to and from Datu Piang, Maguindanao has been paralized.
This, after Moro bandits detonated an improvised explosive device on a bridge Wednesday night, public works officials Thursday said.
Engr. James Mlok of the Dept. of Public Works and Highways Maguindanao Second Engineering District, said the Lintokan bridge in Barangay Lintokan, Datu Piang, Maguindanao is no longer passable to heavy trucks or any four-wheel vehicles but for motorcycles only.
Mlok said the blast at about 6 p.m. on Wednesday damaged the Lintokan bridge's foundation and it would be dangerous for four wheel vehicles to pass over it.
Two bridges along the main road to Datu Piang from Cotabato-Gen. Santos highway had been bombed by members of the brigand Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces in an effort to prevent military trucks and military hardware from reinforcing government troops subjected to attacks by BIFF.
Col. Dickson Hermoso, speaking for the military in Maguindanao, said soldiers have been deployed near government infrastructures to ensure all bridges, cell sites and other public works institutions are safe.
Hermoso said the Army also deployed personnel along the highway to secure power lines which are vulnerable to BIFF sabotage operations.
Engr. Mlok said the DPWH-Maguindanao is constructing a temporary bridge to serve as detour for heavy vehicles. However, Mlok said it will take sometime to complete the temporary structure.
Aside from movement of military vehicles, Muslim farmers in Datu Piang and Datu Salibo were also affected since they have to spend extra money in transporting their goods to public markets.
Hermoso condemned the atrocities committed by the BIFF and vowed the military will use its might to neutralized the bandit group.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=553006
Bombing incidents won't stop Bangsamoro peace talks
From the Philippine Star (Aug 7): Bombing incidents won't stop Bangsamoro peace talks
The recent bombings in two Mindanao cities won't affect the yet-to-be concluded peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), according to peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer.
Colonel-Ferrer said in a statement that the bombing incidents are an insult to the people of Mindanao’s right to personal and collective wellbeing and security.
She said the culprits behind the explosions showed "utter disregard" to civilians as they targeted places that seemed to indicate a goal to inflict maximum casualties.
"It is very clear that these criminals have no place in the nation’s aspirations to take violence away from our politics, to build peace and attain justice and development," said Coronel-Ferrer.
The government chief negotiator said the two parties remain "steadfast" in pursuing the peace deal.
"Bombings and other inhumane acts have not softened our resolve to continue to work for non-violence, peace and development in these areas that have suffered far too long from hostilities. The peace process remains on track," she said.
On July 27, a car bomb exploded in Cagayan de Oro City, killing at least eight people.
At least eight more people were killed while about 30 others were injured when another explosion rocked Cotabato City.
The latest explosion occurred after the United States issued a global alert against the Al Qaeda. But President Benigno Aquino III said he has not seen any indicators that the bombing incidents are linked to the terror group.
But he said there are groups who want to derail the ongoing peace process.
“Huwag nating kalimutan na meron talagang mga ilang sektor na ayaw magpatuloy ‘yung ating peace process. At siguro, talaga namang pinaghahandaan ito, pero talagang magiging imposible na nandoon tayo parati sa lahat ng lugar, sa lahat ng oras para ma-prevent lahat ito,” he said.
The peace negotiations are set to resume after the end of Ramadan.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/08/07/1062731/bombing-incidents-wont-stop-bangsamoro-peace-talks
The recent bombings in two Mindanao cities won't affect the yet-to-be concluded peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), according to peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer.
Colonel-Ferrer said in a statement that the bombing incidents are an insult to the people of Mindanao’s right to personal and collective wellbeing and security.
She said the culprits behind the explosions showed "utter disregard" to civilians as they targeted places that seemed to indicate a goal to inflict maximum casualties.
"It is very clear that these criminals have no place in the nation’s aspirations to take violence away from our politics, to build peace and attain justice and development," said Coronel-Ferrer.
The government chief negotiator said the two parties remain "steadfast" in pursuing the peace deal.
"Bombings and other inhumane acts have not softened our resolve to continue to work for non-violence, peace and development in these areas that have suffered far too long from hostilities. The peace process remains on track," she said.
On July 27, a car bomb exploded in Cagayan de Oro City, killing at least eight people.
At least eight more people were killed while about 30 others were injured when another explosion rocked Cotabato City.
The latest explosion occurred after the United States issued a global alert against the Al Qaeda. But President Benigno Aquino III said he has not seen any indicators that the bombing incidents are linked to the terror group.
But he said there are groups who want to derail the ongoing peace process.
“Huwag nating kalimutan na meron talagang mga ilang sektor na ayaw magpatuloy ‘yung ating peace process. At siguro, talaga namang pinaghahandaan ito, pero talagang magiging imposible na nandoon tayo parati sa lahat ng lugar, sa lahat ng oras para ma-prevent lahat ito,” he said.
The peace negotiations are set to resume after the end of Ramadan.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/08/07/1062731/bombing-incidents-wont-stop-bangsamoro-peace-talks
MILF offers help solve Oro blast
From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Aug 8): MILF offers help solve Oro blast
Moreno , who was in Manila
Moreno
Moreno
THE Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) gave its
commitment to help authorities solve the July 26 bomb explosion in the city,
Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno said Wednesday.
MILF peace panel member Robert Alonto met with Moreno
in a visit Tuesday, lifting any cloud of doubt the group has a hand in the bomb
blast that killed eight persons and injured 46.
Aside from holding an important position in the MILF,
Alonto is also a Bangsamoro Transition Commissioner.
Senate inquiry
In a text message to Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro, City
Information Officer Maricel Rivera said Alonto has relayed to Moreno
“Sometimes tragedy can change the character of a person.
This (incident) will change the character of the people of Cagayan de Oro,” Moreno
During the inquiry, Department of Interior and Local
Government Sec. Mar Roxas has made it clear that the Cagayan de Oro and
Cotabato incidents are not in any way linked.
Roxas also concluded that the July 26 blast was designed to
kill and maim since it was detonated in a crowded place during “happy hour.”
Lone identified suspect charged
The city police office have informed the senate inquiry body
that they have already filed charges against lone identified suspect Usman
Hapids at the city prosecutor’s office Tuesday.
Cagayan de Oro City Police Office Chief Graciano Mijares
said Hapids is now facing multiple murder and frustrated murder charges.
City Prosecutor Fidel Macauyag said Usman Hapids, a
suspected member of the Thalifa Islamiah Mindanao, is responsible for the
incident.
Reports said Thalifa Islamiah Mindanao is a terrorist group
based in Mindanao .
Macauyag said there are seven complainants and seven
witnesses who identified Hapids as the suspect.
“Based on the records and evidence submitted to me, if not
controverted, I would say these are enough to indict the suspect,” he said.
Macauyag said he created a panel of three prosecutors to
handle the case and will hold a clarificatory hearing on August 20. At this
hearing, the complainants and witnesses will appear to clarify the complaint.
“Few days after, they might get a resolution because the
respondents cannot locate the suspect. Our target is to come up with the
resolution before the fiesta celebration in Cagayan de Oro. This must be
hastened since this case involves public interest,” he added.
Macauyag said they will be the one to determine the charges,
“but in our initial evaluation, all the evidences are enough…if we find the
probable cause.”
Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao Regional Director
Lyndel Desquitado said they have intensified the security blanket in Northern Mindanao . Even during the city’s fiesta
celebration in August 27-28, “is part of the security plan.”
He said they have heightened security measures not only in
Cagayan de Oro but in whole of Northern Mindanao .
“We are positive, very positive (in due time the bombing
will be solved),” he added.
Augment police capacity, resources
For his part, Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III said there should
be a need to augment the capacity and resources of the police to solve
incidents like these.
“Justice can only be achieved if we solve this crime. If
nobody gets caught, nobody gets punished,” Pimentel said.
Pimentel also questioned the intelligence-gathering capability
of the law enforcement agencies. “Is it excusable that something this big is
not detected by the intelligence community?”
Sen. Gregorio Honasan said that these incidents are nothing
new. “Paulit-uli na ito. Nagbago lang ang petsa (This has been recurring time
and again. Only the date has changed.)”
Honasan said there is a need to strengthen the laws and to
do an inventory of laws in connection with the bombings and similar acts.
He cited a 2008 legislation that would charge a person for
unauthorized possession of explosives.
In a statement, Poe said the bombing will affect the
investor confidence in Cagayan de Oro and that “we should not take this bombing
lightly.”
Four soldiers, 1 militia man wounded in Agusan Sur blast — army official
From GMA News (Aug 8): Four soldiers, 1 militia man wounded in Agusan Sur blast — army official
Four soldiers and one militia man were wounded in an explosion that rocked a barangay in Agusan del Sur at about 6 a.m. Thursday, an army official said.
Army Maj. Nilo Canesero told GMA News Online suspected New People's Army guerrillas planted an improvised explosive device (IED) along the soldiers' path.
Canesero said soldiers belonging to the 26th Infantry Battalion were passing by an area just 70 meters away from an elementary school in Barangay Kauswagan in Loreto town when the IED went off, wounding four soldiers and a militia man.
He said wounded soldiers were to be airlifted to Cagayan de Oro City for treatment.
On Wednesday, an explosion also occurred in Midsayap in Cotabato province, although no casualties were reported. Hours later, seven soldiers were wounded after an improvised bomb exploded along the road they were traveling in Maguindanao province.
The incident was the fourth explosion in Mindanao since the deadly Cagayan de Oro blast on July 26 which claimed eight lives. Just last Monday, eight people also died from a powerful explosion in Cotabato City.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/321139/news/regions/four-soldiers-1-militia-man-wounded-in-agusan-sur-blast-army-official
Four soldiers and one militia man were wounded in an explosion that rocked a barangay in Agusan del Sur at about 6 a.m. Thursday, an army official said.
Army Maj. Nilo Canesero told GMA News Online suspected New People's Army guerrillas planted an improvised explosive device (IED) along the soldiers' path.
Canesero said soldiers belonging to the 26th Infantry Battalion were passing by an area just 70 meters away from an elementary school in Barangay Kauswagan in Loreto town when the IED went off, wounding four soldiers and a militia man.
He said wounded soldiers were to be airlifted to Cagayan de Oro City for treatment.
On Wednesday, an explosion also occurred in Midsayap in Cotabato province, although no casualties were reported. Hours later, seven soldiers were wounded after an improvised bomb exploded along the road they were traveling in Maguindanao province.
The incident was the fourth explosion in Mindanao since the deadly Cagayan de Oro blast on July 26 which claimed eight lives. Just last Monday, eight people also died from a powerful explosion in Cotabato City.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/321139/news/regions/four-soldiers-1-militia-man-wounded-in-agusan-sur-blast-army-official
PMA assures applicants: ‘No hazing’
From the Sun Star-Baguio (Aug 7): PMA assures applicants: ‘No hazing’
As the academy calls for applicants for the 2013 PMA Entrance Examination (PMAEE), the implementation of the “No Maltreatment” and the “Zero Tolerance to Maltreatment” policies are also being laid down as the law.
PMA information chief Agnes Lynette Flores said the academy “adheres to the respect of human rights, and observance of the principles of International Humanitarian Law and the rule of law.”
The PMAEE is set on August 25 in 37 examination centers all over the country. The exam is the first stage in the selection process for cadetship.
Hazing is one of the major issues deterring interested applicants from entering the Academy. “The PMA has made a firm stand on its policy against maltreatment in the Cadet Corps, Armed Forces of the Philippines (CCAFP),” Flores said.
Requirements for admission in the Philippine Military Academy are the following: Natural-born Filipino citizen, physically fit and of good moral character, single and has never been married, at least high school graduate, minimum of 5’0 but not to exceed 6’4 for both male and female, no administrative/criminal case, must pass the PMAEE, and should be born from April 01, 1992 to April 01, 1997.
The applicants must pass the PMA Cadet Qualification Test (PMACQT) which covers Algebra and Geometry, Grammar and Composition, Reading and Comprehension, Verbal and Numerical Reasoning and Pattern Analysis before they will be able to proceed to the next phase of cadet selection which is the Complete Physical Examination (CPE). In the said phase they will undergo medical and physical fitness test to comply with the requirements for the military training they will undergo in the Academy.
THE Philippine Military Academy (PMA) has assured
its applicants that there will be no maltreatment inside its hallowed walls.
As the academy calls for applicants for the 2013 PMA Entrance Examination (PMAEE), the implementation of the “No Maltreatment” and the “Zero Tolerance to Maltreatment” policies are also being laid down as the law.
PMA information chief Agnes Lynette Flores said the academy “adheres to the respect of human rights, and observance of the principles of International Humanitarian Law and the rule of law.”
The PMAEE is set on August 25 in 37 examination centers all over the country. The exam is the first stage in the selection process for cadetship.
Hazing is one of the major issues deterring interested applicants from entering the Academy. “The PMA has made a firm stand on its policy against maltreatment in the Cadet Corps, Armed Forces of the Philippines (CCAFP),” Flores said.
Requirements for admission in the Philippine Military Academy are the following: Natural-born Filipino citizen, physically fit and of good moral character, single and has never been married, at least high school graduate, minimum of 5’0 but not to exceed 6’4 for both male and female, no administrative/criminal case, must pass the PMAEE, and should be born from April 01, 1992 to April 01, 1997.
The applicants must pass the PMA Cadet Qualification Test (PMACQT) which covers Algebra and Geometry, Grammar and Composition, Reading and Comprehension, Verbal and Numerical Reasoning and Pattern Analysis before they will be able to proceed to the next phase of cadet selection which is the Complete Physical Examination (CPE). In the said phase they will undergo medical and physical fitness test to comply with the requirements for the military training they will undergo in the Academy.
Successful applicants will compose the PMA Class
2018 who will be officially received in the Academy in an oath-taking ceremony
and reception rites on April 1, 2014.
Another blast rocks Maguindanao; bridge damaged
From the Sun Star (Aug 7): Another blast rocks Maguindanao; bridge damaged
Suspected members of a breakaway Moro rebel group set off another improvised explosive device Wednesday evening in Maguindanao to disable vital road network in Datu Piang town.
Maguindanao police chief Rodelio Jocson said members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were believed to be behind the blast on a vital bridge in Barangay Lintokan, Datu Piang around 5:30 p.m.
The group earlier claimed responsibility for the roadside bombing on Wednesday morning in another town in Maguindanao province that wounded seven soldiers. Read the related story.
But Abu Misry, spokesman for BIFF, told media here that contrary to earlier reports, they used M79 grenade launchers when they attacked the convoy of the soldiers while passing through the highway, in particular along crossing Datu Kilay-Datu Bakal in Barangay Nabundas in Shariff Saydona Mustapha town in Maguindanao, around 9:35 a.m. Wednesday.
The bombings occurred just few hours after a powerful improvised explosive device went off in front of MLhuiller and an FM radio station located along Santo Nino Street in Midsayap, North Cotabato.
In the bombing in Datu Piang, Jocson said nobody was hurt.
He said the blast came as Muslims prepare to break a day-long fast with an "iftar" (evening prayer).
The bridge was damaged but remained passable to light vehicles, Jocson said, quoting a report from Datu Piang police office.
Members of the Army 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade bomb disposal unit were in the police as of this posting Wednesday conducting post-blast investigation amid moderate downpour.
Jocson said the bomb was believed to have been fashioned from a 60 mm mortar with mobile phone as trigger mechanism.
Despite the bombings Wednesday, which occurred just two days after the blast that killed eight people and wounded 40 others in Cotabato City, the Philippine government said there was no need to deploy more troops to Mindanao.
Intelligence gathering, however, will be heightened after the explosions.
"We have several commands already in Mindanao. So, whether we want to add more troops, we have lots of soldiers there already. It's the intelligence gatherings. We will wait for the inputs from the intel agencies," presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing.
In a text message later in the day quoting Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff General Emmanuel Bautista, he said, "we have enough troops in Mindanao and there is no reason to increase deployment."
Lacierda assured that the government is doing everything to protect the people of Mindanao.
View 2013 bombing incidents in a larger map
Suspected members of a breakaway Moro rebel group set off another improvised explosive device Wednesday evening in Maguindanao to disable vital road network in Datu Piang town.
Maguindanao police chief Rodelio Jocson said members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were believed to be behind the blast on a vital bridge in Barangay Lintokan, Datu Piang around 5:30 p.m.
The group earlier claimed responsibility for the roadside bombing on Wednesday morning in another town in Maguindanao province that wounded seven soldiers. Read the related story.
But Abu Misry, spokesman for BIFF, told media here that contrary to earlier reports, they used M79 grenade launchers when they attacked the convoy of the soldiers while passing through the highway, in particular along crossing Datu Kilay-Datu Bakal in Barangay Nabundas in Shariff Saydona Mustapha town in Maguindanao, around 9:35 a.m. Wednesday.
The bombings occurred just few hours after a powerful improvised explosive device went off in front of MLhuiller and an FM radio station located along Santo Nino Street in Midsayap, North Cotabato.
In the bombing in Datu Piang, Jocson said nobody was hurt.
He said the blast came as Muslims prepare to break a day-long fast with an "iftar" (evening prayer).
The bridge was damaged but remained passable to light vehicles, Jocson said, quoting a report from Datu Piang police office.
Members of the Army 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade bomb disposal unit were in the police as of this posting Wednesday conducting post-blast investigation amid moderate downpour.
Jocson said the bomb was believed to have been fashioned from a 60 mm mortar with mobile phone as trigger mechanism.
Despite the bombings Wednesday, which occurred just two days after the blast that killed eight people and wounded 40 others in Cotabato City, the Philippine government said there was no need to deploy more troops to Mindanao.
Intelligence gathering, however, will be heightened after the explosions.
"We have several commands already in Mindanao. So, whether we want to add more troops, we have lots of soldiers there already. It's the intelligence gatherings. We will wait for the inputs from the intel agencies," presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing.
In a text message later in the day quoting Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff General Emmanuel Bautista, he said, "we have enough troops in Mindanao and there is no reason to increase deployment."
Lacierda assured that the government is doing everything to protect the people of Mindanao.
Several other blasts occurred in other areas in
Mindanao this year. The map below shows where the bombing incidents were
reported.
View 2013 bombing incidents in a larger map
Palace rules out deployment of more troops in Mindanao after bombings
From the Sun Star (Aug 7): Palace rules out deployment of more troops in Mindanao after bombings
But intelligence gathering will be heightened after the explosions in Cagayan de Oro City, Cotabato City, North Cotabato and Maguindanao during the past two weeks killing at least 17 people and injuring several others.
"We have several commands already in Mindanao. So, whether we want to add more troops, we have lots of soldiers there already. It's the intelligence gatherings. We will wait for the inputs from the intel agencies," Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing.
In a text message later in the day quoting Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Emmanuel Bautista, he said, "we have enough troops in Mindanao and there is no reason to increase deployment."
Lacierda assured that the government is doing everything to protect the people of Mindanao.
"We assure the public that we are looking into all these situations," he said.
The investigation for the attacks in Cagayan de Oro City, Cotabato City, Midsayap in North Cotabato, and Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao are currently ongoing and the government expects results soon, he said.
"They are all going to be investigated. The Cagayan de Oro blast is being investigated right now. This morning's bombing in Midsayap and also in Shariff Aguak will also be investigated. We're asking for updates from the PNP (Philippine National Police) and AFP," Lacierda said.
President Benigno Aquino III held a Cabinet security cluster meeting on Tuesday to discuss the spate of bombings in Mindanao.
Aquino meanwhile will proceed with his trip to Davao City on Thursday to grace the Mindanao Business Forum.
"Yes, the meeting tomorrow with the Davao businessmen will push through. They will discuss about the situation in Davao in his meeting with the business people there in Mindanao. So there's no contrary notice given so far," Lacierda said.
But Presidential Security Group (PSG) commander, Brigadier General Ramon Mateo Dizon said extra precautions would be implemented.
"Let's just say that I've given instructions to PSG commanders to take extra precautions in all presidential engagements...we are going to be extra vigilant," he told reporters in a text message.
MALACAÑANG said Wednesday that there was no need to
deploy more troops to Mindanao following the series of bombings that hit
southern Philippines.
But intelligence gathering will be heightened after the explosions in Cagayan de Oro City, Cotabato City, North Cotabato and Maguindanao during the past two weeks killing at least 17 people and injuring several others.
"We have several commands already in Mindanao. So, whether we want to add more troops, we have lots of soldiers there already. It's the intelligence gatherings. We will wait for the inputs from the intel agencies," Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing.
In a text message later in the day quoting Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Emmanuel Bautista, he said, "we have enough troops in Mindanao and there is no reason to increase deployment."
Lacierda assured that the government is doing everything to protect the people of Mindanao.
"We assure the public that we are looking into all these situations," he said.
The investigation for the attacks in Cagayan de Oro City, Cotabato City, Midsayap in North Cotabato, and Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao are currently ongoing and the government expects results soon, he said.
"They are all going to be investigated. The Cagayan de Oro blast is being investigated right now. This morning's bombing in Midsayap and also in Shariff Aguak will also be investigated. We're asking for updates from the PNP (Philippine National Police) and AFP," Lacierda said.
President Benigno Aquino III held a Cabinet security cluster meeting on Tuesday to discuss the spate of bombings in Mindanao.
Aquino meanwhile will proceed with his trip to Davao City on Thursday to grace the Mindanao Business Forum.
"Yes, the meeting tomorrow with the Davao businessmen will push through. They will discuss about the situation in Davao in his meeting with the business people there in Mindanao. So there's no contrary notice given so far," Lacierda said.
But Presidential Security Group (PSG) commander, Brigadier General Ramon Mateo Dizon said extra precautions would be implemented.
"Let's just say that I've given instructions to PSG commanders to take extra precautions in all presidential engagements...we are going to be extra vigilant," he told reporters in a text message.
However, he said that in order not to cause panic
among the people in Davao City, the security measures would be "mostly behind
the scene."
EastMinCom: Bomb making skills growing
From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Aug 8): EastMinCom: Bomb making skills growing
Cruz, who was in Cagayan de Oro to attend the formal assumption of command of Brigadier General Ricardo Visaya as commander of the army’s 4th Infantry Division added that the recent bombings in Mindanao could be or not related but one thing is sure -- bomb making skills has proliferated and instructions on how to make one are available on the internet.
Checkpoints
Cruz said the AFP has spread its forces to conduct searches in checkpoints and following leads to capture those who have the capabilities to provide materials and transport those bomb materials and prevent it from reaching their target areas.
On July 26, a bomb exploded in Kyla’s Bistro at Rosario Arcade inside Lim Ket Kai Complex killing eight and wounding 46.
Ten days later, a bomb rocked Cotabato City killing nine and wounded 40.
On Wednesday dawn, a bomb exploded outside a pawnshop in Midsayap town in North Cotabato with no casualty and wounded reported, but left damaged properties.
Philippine Army Commanding General Lieutenant General Noel Coballes also said that the army are now on heightened alert and is providing continuous supports to the local government units in preventing further bombing incidents.
“Bomb for hire”
Coballes added that they are now on the move to provide and locate where the bombs are being made, where it is transported and where its targets are.
Coballes also said that they are into “maximum stakeholders” engagement citing reasons that security concerns are not just of the police and the military but a full cooperation from the public.
He also said that there are now groups operating a “bomb for hire” and that these are being monitored.
Cruz added that it has also doubled its Explosive and Ordnance Disposal teams to help assists in bomb dispersals.
Its intelligence groups are also monitoring the coastal areas and river systems in Mindanao as these are possible new transportation routes of bombs and bomb components.
The AFP is also conducting arms access interceptions in areas where there are known bomb making activities.
EASTERN Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) of the Armed
Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief Lieutenant General Rainier Cruz said, “it
has stepped up its intelligence gathering and set-up check and chokepoints in
light of the recent bombings and terror threats in the last four weeks.”
Cruz, who was in Cagayan de Oro to attend the formal assumption of command of Brigadier General Ricardo Visaya as commander of the army’s 4th Infantry Division added that the recent bombings in Mindanao could be or not related but one thing is sure -- bomb making skills has proliferated and instructions on how to make one are available on the internet.
Checkpoints
Cruz said the AFP has spread its forces to conduct searches in checkpoints and following leads to capture those who have the capabilities to provide materials and transport those bomb materials and prevent it from reaching their target areas.
On July 26, a bomb exploded in Kyla’s Bistro at Rosario Arcade inside Lim Ket Kai Complex killing eight and wounding 46.
Ten days later, a bomb rocked Cotabato City killing nine and wounded 40.
On Wednesday dawn, a bomb exploded outside a pawnshop in Midsayap town in North Cotabato with no casualty and wounded reported, but left damaged properties.
Philippine Army Commanding General Lieutenant General Noel Coballes also said that the army are now on heightened alert and is providing continuous supports to the local government units in preventing further bombing incidents.
“Bomb for hire”
Coballes added that they are now on the move to provide and locate where the bombs are being made, where it is transported and where its targets are.
Coballes also said that they are into “maximum stakeholders” engagement citing reasons that security concerns are not just of the police and the military but a full cooperation from the public.
He also said that there are now groups operating a “bomb for hire” and that these are being monitored.
Cruz added that it has also doubled its Explosive and Ordnance Disposal teams to help assists in bomb dispersals.
Its intelligence groups are also monitoring the coastal areas and river systems in Mindanao as these are possible new transportation routes of bombs and bomb components.
The AFP is also conducting arms access interceptions in areas where there are known bomb making activities.
“We’re trying to contain it, we are following leads
on bombs,” Cruz said.
Army seizes explosives in Basilan
From Rappler (Aug 8): Army seizes explosives in Basilan
The military raided the house of a slain Abu Sayyaf leader in Albarka, Basilan early Thursday, August 8, and seized 30 pieces of improvised explosive device (IED).
Col Carlito Galvez, commander of the Army's 104th brigade in Basilan, said the explosives were intended for planned attacks in Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Zibugay, Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur, as well as Isabela and Lamitan in Basilan. He was citing intelligence reports.
The same reports said members of the Abu Sayyaf and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have joined forces in a blockade in Albarka, according to Galvez.
Only last Tuesday, August 6, Army troops and ASG members were caught in a gun battle that killed one soldier and wounded 3 others.
The Thursday raid was conducted following reports of planned terrorist attacks in Mindanao. On Wednesday, August 7, armed men bombed 3 areas in central Mindanao.
One explosion in Maguindanao wounded 7 Army soldiers; the Bangsamoro Islamic Liberation Front (BIFF) claimed responsibility for the attack.
Even Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is considering canceling the annual Kadayawan festival due to reports of planned attacks in the region.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/35930-army-seizes-explosives-in-basilan
The military raided the house of a slain Abu Sayyaf leader in Albarka, Basilan early Thursday, August 8, and seized 30 pieces of improvised explosive device (IED).
Col Carlito Galvez, commander of the Army's 104th brigade in Basilan, said the explosives were intended for planned attacks in Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Zibugay, Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur, as well as Isabela and Lamitan in Basilan. He was citing intelligence reports.
The same reports said members of the Abu Sayyaf and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have joined forces in a blockade in Albarka, according to Galvez.
Only last Tuesday, August 6, Army troops and ASG members were caught in a gun battle that killed one soldier and wounded 3 others.
The Thursday raid was conducted following reports of planned terrorist attacks in Mindanao. On Wednesday, August 7, armed men bombed 3 areas in central Mindanao.
One explosion in Maguindanao wounded 7 Army soldiers; the Bangsamoro Islamic Liberation Front (BIFF) claimed responsibility for the attack.
Even Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is considering canceling the annual Kadayawan festival due to reports of planned attacks in the region.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/35930-army-seizes-explosives-in-basilan
Aquino says 3 groups behind attacks
From Rappler (Aug 8): Aquino says 3 groups behind attacks
CRIME SCENE. Outside Kyla's Bistro at an arcade in Cagayan de Oro City, right after the July 26 explosion. Photo EPA/Bobby Lagsa
http://www.rappler.com/nation/35939-aquino-groups-behind-blasts
CRIME SCENE. Outside Kyla's Bistro at an arcade in Cagayan de Oro City, right after the July 26 explosion. Photo EPA/Bobby Lagsa
President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday, August 8, said
government is eyeing 3 groups behind the spate of attacks in central and
northern Mindanao .
"Basically, there are threat groups that have joined
together because maybe, to a large degree, their individual capacities have
decreased. These 3 groups we're looking at were not as strong but they seem to
have come together or are exerting serious effort because they are quite
desperate to stop the peace process here in Mindanao," Aquino told
reporters on the sidelines of a business summit in Davao City
The President didn't elaborate, although three groups
operating in the Mindanao have worked against
the peace process: a breakaway group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front
(MILF), the Abu Sayyaf and remnants of the group once known as Jemaah Islamiyah
(JI).
JI's leaders in the Philippines
are the two most wanted terrorists in Southeast Asia -
Malaysian Marwan and Singaporean Muawiyah. Marwan is an alias used by Zulkifli
bin Hir; Muawiyah is the pseudonym of Mohammed Ali. They were the targets of the first joint US-Philippine smart bomb attack in Sulu on
February 2, 2012. That attack killed a key Abu Sayyaf leader, but the two foreigners escaped to central Mindanao and found
sanctuary in territory controlled by the BIFF.
Aquino also shared a theory the government is looking at to
explain the recent violence in the region.
"We're looking at all possible angles. Among them,
there was an encounter recently between the BIFF (Bangsamoro Freedom Fighters)
and the Armed Forces and there is a theory that all of these bombings are
related to that to lessen the pressure of ongoing follow-up operations against
these BIFF elements that attacked North Cotabato ,"
he said.
In a speech earlier that day, Aquino vowed to fight back.
"Make no mistake about it: This is a desperate act by a
small sector dead set against the attainment of peace in Mindanao ,"
he said.
"For a long time, we have been working to neutralize
these elements; and this is a fight in which we have had quite a few
successes," he added. "And so our continuing message is this: To
those willing to partner with us for peace, we welcome you as brothers; but to
those who want to challenge the authority of the State, you will feel the full
brunt, depth, and might of the State’s response. You will not get in the way of
the peace and the stability that will help fulfill the potential of Mindanao ."
On Thursday morning, one soldier was
killed while 4 others were wounded in a dawn encounter in Albarka, Basilan.
On Wednesday, 3 bombs exploded in different areas in
Maguindanao and North Cotabato . One of the
attacks, a roadside bomb, wounded 7 Army
soldiers.
Various angles
In a radio interview, Defense Secertary Voltaire Gazmin said
the military doesn't have any information that could link the attacks to the
global Al Qaeda threats raised by Western governments this week.
"We do not see a connection. But we are not ruling out
that information. We are studying it carefully," he said in a radio
interview.
"We are looking at various angles. One is terrorism.
Second, this may be political or personal. We're also looking at bombers for
hire and bombers for sale. We are looking at all these angles. We don't have a
conclusive report yet," Gazmin said.
He called on Filipinos to stay vigilant. "This is not
just the job of the police. It's not just the problem of our soldiers. This is
a problem of all Filipinos. We all have to work together to deter these
terroristic acts."
Aquino acknowledged that despite the peace process between
the government and the MILF "challenges to our stability…exist." He
cited the July 26 blast in Cagayan de Oro City that killed 8 people.
The government and the
MILF in July signed a crucial annex on wealth sharing in talks in Kuala Lumpur
The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a breakaway
group of the MILF, claimed responsibility for the Maguindanao roadside bombing.
Military intelligence said that the ASG and some MILF units
have joined forces in Al-Barka, Basilan.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/35939-aquino-groups-behind-blasts
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