From Tempo (Feb 3): ASG attacks gov’t troops in South; 1 dead, 12 hurt
Abu Sayyaf militants ambushed Friday a truckload of soldiers bound for Jolo, in Patikul, Sulu, wounding five soldiers.
The attack took place hours after a bomb explosion in Basilan killed a bystander and injured four others, and an attack on a group of militiamen that left three civilians wounded.
Ensign Chester Ian Ramos, Joint Task Force Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi (ZamBaSulTa) information officer reported that three soldiers were wounded during a 30-minute firefight last Friday with ASG militants at Sitio Panding in Bunkaong, Patikul town, Sulu.
He said that aside from the three wounded soldiers, two others were injured when they fell from their vehicle.
Ramos said the encounter started at about 1:30 p.m. when a convoy of the 35th Infantry Battalion bound for Jolo was ambushed by ASG bandits.
The soldiers, according to Ramos, were approaching Sitio Panding when the ASG gunmen sprayed them with bullets.
On the same day, at about 8:30 a.m., alleged ASG militants exploded an improvised explosive device (IED) in the village of Limbocandis, Sumisip, Basilan, killing one Mannah Jallma, 25, and wounding four others, one whom was identified as 16-year-old Spia Abduhu.
Senior Inspector Achmad Alibonga, Sumisip police chief, said the victims were pasturing their cow when Jallama stepped on an improvised bomb fashioned out as a landmine.
Alibonga said Jallama died on the spot while Abduhu was rushed to a hospital for treatment.
After an hour, the ASG also ambushed a group of militiamen, conducting security patrol near a government project site in Limbocandis.
During the brief exchange of gunfire, three civilians were hit by stray bullets.
The militiamen recovered an improvised bomb after the clash.
http://www.tempo.com.ph/2015/02/03/asg-attacks-govt-troops-in-south-1-dead-12-hurt/
Monday, February 2, 2015
BIFF mustering fighters
From the Philippine Star (Feb 2): BIFF mustering fighters
The military is monitoring movements of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Mamasapano, Maguindanao in apparent anticipation of an assault by government forces.
A security official, citing the developing security situation, said the tension is very high in Mamasapano and nearby areas, as the BIFF for the past days has been mobilizing its fighters.
“Despite this, our troops are under orders to maintain their positions,” the official said.
The town of Mamasapano was the scene of the worst loss of life by the Philippine National Police (PNP), where 44 of its elite Special Action Force (SAF) commandos were killed in separate clashes with the BIFF and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) last weekend.
Over 400 SAF troops swooped down on a remote village in Mamasapano on Jan. 25 to capture Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir and his Filipino cohort, Basit Usman.
Zulkifli is a top suspect in the 2002 Bali bombings and one of the United States’ most wanted militants, with a $5-million bounty for his capture.
But after killing a person they believed to be Zulkifli, the SAF commandos came under separate ambushes from the BIFF and the MILF. Usman, however, was able to escape.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/02/02/1419221/biff-mustering-fighters
The military is monitoring movements of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Mamasapano, Maguindanao in apparent anticipation of an assault by government forces.
A security official, citing the developing security situation, said the tension is very high in Mamasapano and nearby areas, as the BIFF for the past days has been mobilizing its fighters.
“Despite this, our troops are under orders to maintain their positions,” the official said.
The town of Mamasapano was the scene of the worst loss of life by the Philippine National Police (PNP), where 44 of its elite Special Action Force (SAF) commandos were killed in separate clashes with the BIFF and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) last weekend.
Over 400 SAF troops swooped down on a remote village in Mamasapano on Jan. 25 to capture Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir and his Filipino cohort, Basit Usman.
Zulkifli is a top suspect in the 2002 Bali bombings and one of the United States’ most wanted militants, with a $5-million bounty for his capture.
But after killing a person they believed to be Zulkifli, the SAF commandos came under separate ambushes from the BIFF and the MILF. Usman, however, was able to escape.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/02/02/1419221/biff-mustering-fighters
Philippines prepares for retaliatory acts after death of terrorist leader
From Xinhua (Feb 1): Philippines prepares for retaliatory acts after death of terrorist leader
The Philippine government forces are ready to address possible retaliatory actions that may be undertaken by sympathizers of an international terrorist who was reportedly killed in a firefight in southern province of Maguindanao, senior official said Sunday.
Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said over a state-run radio station that the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other government forces are " fully prepared."
Government troops in southern Philippines have been alerted following the death allegedly of Zulkipli bin Hir, also known as " Marwan," the southeast Asian leader of Jemaah Islamiyah and on the terror list of the United States.
The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, a splinter group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the largest Muslim rebel group in the country, allegedly coddled Marwan, who was allegedly killed during the operation of the Philippine National Police- Special Action Force on Jan. 25 in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2015-02/01/c_133962695.htm
The Philippine government forces are ready to address possible retaliatory actions that may be undertaken by sympathizers of an international terrorist who was reportedly killed in a firefight in southern province of Maguindanao, senior official said Sunday.
Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said over a state-run radio station that the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other government forces are " fully prepared."
Government troops in southern Philippines have been alerted following the death allegedly of Zulkipli bin Hir, also known as " Marwan," the southeast Asian leader of Jemaah Islamiyah and on the terror list of the United States.
The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, a splinter group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the largest Muslim rebel group in the country, allegedly coddled Marwan, who was allegedly killed during the operation of the Philippine National Police- Special Action Force on Jan. 25 in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2015-02/01/c_133962695.htm
US not involved in SAF operation, only in retrieval of bodies – Palace
From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 2): US not involved in SAF operation, only in retrieval of bodies – Palace
The United States was not involved in the covert government operation against two terror suspects in Maguindanao that left 44 police commandos dead, Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said yesterday.
“Wala pong katotohanan yan (There is no truth to that),” Coloma said in a radio interview when asked if the police operation was aided by the US government.
It was the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) that carried out the mission, Coloma said. The US had a role in the retrieval of the dead and wounded after the bloody clash between government forces and armed rebels in Maguindanao, he said.
“Pero yung mismong operasyon na yun, yung pag-execute nun, wala tayong hiniling na tulong dyan (But in the actual operation, in executing the mission, we did not seek US assistance), the Malacanang official said.
Some lawmakers have called for a swift and transparent inquiry into the bloody clash between government forces and armed rebels in Maguindanao, including the alleged role of the United States in the botched operation.
Reports said the Americans shared intelligence data on the whereabouts of the two terror suspects with multi-million-dollar prices on their heads in Maguindanao. After the Maguindanao clash, US soldiers were also seen responding to the local military’s request to evacuate the dead and wounded.
The SAF troopers clashed with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) forces while pursuing terror suspect Zulkipli Bin Hir of Malaysia, also known as Marwan, and his Filipino protegé, Abdul Basit Usman, in Maguidanao. The mission reportedly succeeded in killing Marwan but ended with the death of 44 policemen.
Last Friday, President Aquino pledged that the government will exert efforts to pursue truth and justice in the Maguindanao incident, saying he feels the pain of the families of the slain cops. Aquino told the grieving families that a better planned operation has been readied to hunt down Usman, who escaped during the clash.
A police board of inquiry has been formed to investigate the Maguindanao incident and determine those responsible, Aquino added.
“We will do our utmost to gain justice for all those who perished and for the loved ones they left behind,” added the President who sported a black armband during the necrological service for the slain SAF troopers at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.
GOV’T IS READY
Coloma also said government forces are ready for possible retaliatory attacks by rogue Muslim rebels following the reported death of a foreign terror suspect during a police operation in Maguindanao, Malacañang assured on Sunday.
Coloma Jr. said security forces would continue to strengthen the country’s defense and protect the people from any security threat.
Zulkipli Bin Hir, also known as Marwan, was reportedly neutralized by the Special Action Force (SAF) troopers in an operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last week. The anti-terror raid however ended tragically when 44 policemen were killed in an ensuing firefight with around 700 armed rebels reportedly coddling Marwan.
“Handa po ang Sandatahang Lakas at lahat ng puwersa ng pamahalaan para labanan po ang ganyang balak at tiyakin ang kaligtasan ng ating mga mamamayan [The Armed Forces and other government forces are ready to thwart such threats and ensure the safety of our people],” Coloma said over government radio.
President Aquino earlier ordered authorities to prepare a more effective plan to apprehend Abdul Basit Usman, the other terror suspect who escaped the Maguindanao encounter last January 25.
“I am a man of my word. Capturing Basit Usman is number one on our list of priorities,” the President said in Filipino during the memorial service for the slain policemen at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City. “We will prove that the law truly prevails in the Philippines. I assure you, we will get Usman,” he added.
http://www.mb.com.ph/us-not-involved-in-saf-operation-only-in-retrieval-of-bodies-palace/
The United States was not involved in the covert government operation against two terror suspects in Maguindanao that left 44 police commandos dead, Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said yesterday.
“Wala pong katotohanan yan (There is no truth to that),” Coloma said in a radio interview when asked if the police operation was aided by the US government.
It was the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) that carried out the mission, Coloma said. The US had a role in the retrieval of the dead and wounded after the bloody clash between government forces and armed rebels in Maguindanao, he said.
“Pero yung mismong operasyon na yun, yung pag-execute nun, wala tayong hiniling na tulong dyan (But in the actual operation, in executing the mission, we did not seek US assistance), the Malacanang official said.
Some lawmakers have called for a swift and transparent inquiry into the bloody clash between government forces and armed rebels in Maguindanao, including the alleged role of the United States in the botched operation.
Reports said the Americans shared intelligence data on the whereabouts of the two terror suspects with multi-million-dollar prices on their heads in Maguindanao. After the Maguindanao clash, US soldiers were also seen responding to the local military’s request to evacuate the dead and wounded.
The SAF troopers clashed with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) forces while pursuing terror suspect Zulkipli Bin Hir of Malaysia, also known as Marwan, and his Filipino protegé, Abdul Basit Usman, in Maguidanao. The mission reportedly succeeded in killing Marwan but ended with the death of 44 policemen.
Last Friday, President Aquino pledged that the government will exert efforts to pursue truth and justice in the Maguindanao incident, saying he feels the pain of the families of the slain cops. Aquino told the grieving families that a better planned operation has been readied to hunt down Usman, who escaped during the clash.
A police board of inquiry has been formed to investigate the Maguindanao incident and determine those responsible, Aquino added.
“We will do our utmost to gain justice for all those who perished and for the loved ones they left behind,” added the President who sported a black armband during the necrological service for the slain SAF troopers at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.
GOV’T IS READY
Coloma also said government forces are ready for possible retaliatory attacks by rogue Muslim rebels following the reported death of a foreign terror suspect during a police operation in Maguindanao, Malacañang assured on Sunday.
Coloma Jr. said security forces would continue to strengthen the country’s defense and protect the people from any security threat.
Zulkipli Bin Hir, also known as Marwan, was reportedly neutralized by the Special Action Force (SAF) troopers in an operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last week. The anti-terror raid however ended tragically when 44 policemen were killed in an ensuing firefight with around 700 armed rebels reportedly coddling Marwan.
“Handa po ang Sandatahang Lakas at lahat ng puwersa ng pamahalaan para labanan po ang ganyang balak at tiyakin ang kaligtasan ng ating mga mamamayan [The Armed Forces and other government forces are ready to thwart such threats and ensure the safety of our people],” Coloma said over government radio.
President Aquino earlier ordered authorities to prepare a more effective plan to apprehend Abdul Basit Usman, the other terror suspect who escaped the Maguindanao encounter last January 25.
“I am a man of my word. Capturing Basit Usman is number one on our list of priorities,” the President said in Filipino during the memorial service for the slain policemen at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City. “We will prove that the law truly prevails in the Philippines. I assure you, we will get Usman,” he added.
http://www.mb.com.ph/us-not-involved-in-saf-operation-only-in-retrieval-of-bodies-palace/
ASG landmine kills 1, wounds 4 others
From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 2): ASG landmine kills 1, wounds 4 others
Suspected Abu Sayyaf Group militants planted an improvised explosive device (IED) in Sumisip, Basilan province Friday that was stepped on by a local cowboy, killing him instantly and wounding four others.
Sumisip Police chief Sr. Insp. Achmad Alibonga said the explosion took place around 8:30 a.m at the village of Limbocandis, Sumisip, Basilan province.
Alibonga identified the lone fatality as Mannah Jallama, 25. Wounded was Sopia Abduhu, 16 while the three other remained unidentified.
Alibonga said the victims were herding cow when Jallama stepped on the improvised landmine.
Alibonga said Jallama died on the spot while Abduhu was rushed to a hospital for treatment.
After an hour, the ASG also ambushed a group of militiamen, conducting security patrol near a government project site in Limbocandis.
During the brief exchange of gunfire, three civilians were hit by stray bullets.
The militiamen recovered an improvised bomb after the clash.
http://www.mb.com.ph/asg-landmine-kills-1-wounds-4-others/
Suspected Abu Sayyaf Group militants planted an improvised explosive device (IED) in Sumisip, Basilan province Friday that was stepped on by a local cowboy, killing him instantly and wounding four others.
Sumisip Police chief Sr. Insp. Achmad Alibonga said the explosion took place around 8:30 a.m at the village of Limbocandis, Sumisip, Basilan province.
Alibonga identified the lone fatality as Mannah Jallama, 25. Wounded was Sopia Abduhu, 16 while the three other remained unidentified.
Alibonga said the victims were herding cow when Jallama stepped on the improvised landmine.
Alibonga said Jallama died on the spot while Abduhu was rushed to a hospital for treatment.
After an hour, the ASG also ambushed a group of militiamen, conducting security patrol near a government project site in Limbocandis.
During the brief exchange of gunfire, three civilians were hit by stray bullets.
The militiamen recovered an improvised bomb after the clash.
http://www.mb.com.ph/asg-landmine-kills-1-wounds-4-others/
NPA eliminates 2 former comrades
From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 2): NPA eliminates 2 former comrades
A reactivated rebel underground command has taken responsibility for the killing of two Army soldiers last Saturday in Barangay, Binahian-C here. Both victims had actually been former rebels before they surrendered and eventually became soldiers.
The Apolonio Mendoza Command (AMC) of the New People’s Army (NPA) identified them as Christopher De Leon and Joel Amares. Both belonged to the 85th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army based in Barangay Villa Principe in Gumaca town.
The victims were reportedly on board a motorcycle when the NPA rebels ambushed them, De Leon died on the spot while Amares was thrown off the bike before he was shot, AMC said in an email to the Manila Bulletin.
Rebels seized a .45 caliber pistol from the victim then fled on-foot.
AMC said that the victims were former NPA rebels who surrendered to the military and became enlisted personnel of the Army.
AMC added that Amares was arrested by the military in an encounter on March 23, 2012 and surrendered three firearms while De Leon surrendered to 76th Infantry Battalion along with two firearms on June 2009.
The victims apparently became instrumental in successful military operations in South Quezon that led to the capture of some of the rebels’ mass base.
AMC added that the victims were top priority target of the rebels’ operation team.
AMC warned that the killing of the two victims should serve as a warning to all ex-rebels, who choose to become military and police assets in counter insurgency plans.
http://www.mb.com.ph/npa-eliminates-2-former-comrades/
A reactivated rebel underground command has taken responsibility for the killing of two Army soldiers last Saturday in Barangay, Binahian-C here. Both victims had actually been former rebels before they surrendered and eventually became soldiers.
The Apolonio Mendoza Command (AMC) of the New People’s Army (NPA) identified them as Christopher De Leon and Joel Amares. Both belonged to the 85th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army based in Barangay Villa Principe in Gumaca town.
The victims were reportedly on board a motorcycle when the NPA rebels ambushed them, De Leon died on the spot while Amares was thrown off the bike before he was shot, AMC said in an email to the Manila Bulletin.
Rebels seized a .45 caliber pistol from the victim then fled on-foot.
AMC said that the victims were former NPA rebels who surrendered to the military and became enlisted personnel of the Army.
AMC added that Amares was arrested by the military in an encounter on March 23, 2012 and surrendered three firearms while De Leon surrendered to 76th Infantry Battalion along with two firearms on June 2009.
The victims apparently became instrumental in successful military operations in South Quezon that led to the capture of some of the rebels’ mass base.
AMC added that the victims were top priority target of the rebels’ operation team.
AMC warned that the killing of the two victims should serve as a warning to all ex-rebels, who choose to become military and police assets in counter insurgency plans.
http://www.mb.com.ph/npa-eliminates-2-former-comrades/
China boosts maritime power, unveils second aircraft carrier
From the Manila Standard Today (Feb 2): China boosts maritime power, unveils second aircraft carrier
A firm has won a contract to supply cabling for a second Chinese aircraft carrier, comments by local authorities suggested in the latest sign that Beijing is boosting its maritime power, although news of the development was swiftly deleted online.
Authorities in Changzhou said on a verified social media account that “in 2015, our city will focus on promoting some major programmes”, including Jiangsu Shangshang Cable Group “winning the contract for China’s second aircraft carrier”.
The Changzhou Evening News carried a similar report at the weekend, although both the newspaper article and the post on Sina Weibo, a Twitter-like microblogging service, were deleted shortly after publication.
Neither report gave details of the ship.
China’s first aircraft carrier was purchased from Ukraine through an intermediary and was commissioned in 2012, while the country’s defence spending has been increasing sharply in recent years.
The deputy chief of staff of China’s navy, Song Xue, said in April 2013 that the country “will have more than one aircraft carrier” but left the timing open.
In a subsequent leak, Wang Min -- the Communist Party secretary of Liaoning province, where China’s first aircraft carrier is based -- said the country was already working on a second ship to be completed around 2020.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/02/02/china-boosts-maritime-power-unveils-second-aircraft-carrier/
A firm has won a contract to supply cabling for a second Chinese aircraft carrier, comments by local authorities suggested in the latest sign that Beijing is boosting its maritime power, although news of the development was swiftly deleted online.
Authorities in Changzhou said on a verified social media account that “in 2015, our city will focus on promoting some major programmes”, including Jiangsu Shangshang Cable Group “winning the contract for China’s second aircraft carrier”.
The Changzhou Evening News carried a similar report at the weekend, although both the newspaper article and the post on Sina Weibo, a Twitter-like microblogging service, were deleted shortly after publication.
Neither report gave details of the ship.
China’s first aircraft carrier was purchased from Ukraine through an intermediary and was commissioned in 2012, while the country’s defence spending has been increasing sharply in recent years.
The deputy chief of staff of China’s navy, Song Xue, said in April 2013 that the country “will have more than one aircraft carrier” but left the timing open.
In a subsequent leak, Wang Min -- the Communist Party secretary of Liaoning province, where China’s first aircraft carrier is based -- said the country was already working on a second ship to be completed around 2020.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/02/02/china-boosts-maritime-power-unveils-second-aircraft-carrier/
MILF commander blames BIFF for Mamasapano atrocities
From GMA News (Feb 2): MILF commander blames BIFF for Mamasapano atrocities
The ill-fated team of PNP-Special Action Force troopers that figured in the Mamasapano clash on Jan. 25 actually faced three armed groups—the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, its breakaway group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and a private armed group, an MILF commander has told GMA News.
In an exclusive report on "24 Oras" on Monday, an unidentified MILF official said it was the BIFF that attacked the SAF in cold blood, even shooting two policemen who already had their hands up in surrender.
The ill-fated team of PNP-Special Action Force troopers that figured in the Mamasapano clash on Jan. 25 actually faced three armed groups—the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, its breakaway group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and a private armed group, an MILF commander has told GMA News.
In an exclusive report on "24 Oras" on Monday, an unidentified MILF official said it was the BIFF that attacked the SAF in cold blood, even shooting two policemen who already had their hands up in surrender.
"Nakita ko mismo sa mata ko. May dalawa pa na buhay... Nakita namin na mag-surrender na talaga 'yung dalawa. Hindi nila pinakinggan. Binaril nila," he said.
The MILF commander said some members of the BIFF went close to some SAF policemen in the cornfield and shot them on the head using an improvised barret, much like a .50 caliber machine gun. Its bullets are twice as big as those of M16 and M14 rifle bullets.
"'Yung ilan doon sa maisan na basag 'yung ulo, 'yun ang binaril pa ng barret. Nilapitan at binaril ng barret, .50 caliber," he added.
After the firefight, some members of the BIFF reportedly started looting from the SAF commandos. The clash left 44 policemen dead and 12 injured.
[Video report]
Security in Mindanao
Now that the authorities are claiming that Malaysian terrorist and bomb maker Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan died during the operation, the military is preparing for retaliation from his wards.
Marwan was the target of the Philippine National Police operation.
Marwan was the target of the Philippine National Police operation.
While the Armed Forces of the Philippines insisted that it did not have any solid intelligence information on future bombings in Mindanao, members of the 6th Infantry Division in Maguindanao continued their training.
The Army also doubled the number of its checkpoints in Maguindanao.
"Everytime na may namamatay sa kanila after an operation, they retaliate. We're on top of the situation. Tuluy-tuloy po ang pagmo-monitor namin," 6th ID spokesperson Capt. Jo-anne Petinglay said.
AFP to cooperate with probe body
Interior Secretary Mar Roxas said the police Board of Inquiry's probe on the Mamasapano clash that killed 44 elite police commandos will be "transparent and truthful."
The BOI has already documented nearly 300 eyewitness accounts from government troops and civilians, Director Benjamin Magalong, the chief of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, said in a statement Monday.
AFP to cooperate with probe body
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday said it will cooperate with the police Board of Inquiry (BOI) investigating the Mamasapano clash, according to a PNP statement on Monday.
"We have nothing to hide, we will be very transparent and provide all necessary document and evidence to support the ongoing investigation by the BOI," AFP chief of staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. was quoted as saying in a PNP press release.
Interior Secretary Mar Roxas said the police Board of Inquiry's probe on the Mamasapano clash that killed 44 elite police commandos will be "transparent and truthful."
The BOI has already documented nearly 300 eyewitness accounts from government troops and civilians, Director Benjamin Magalong, the chief of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, said in a statement Monday.
Malacañang on Monday assured the public that the truth will not be concealed in the probe.
At a press briefing, presidential spokesman Secretary Edwin Lacierda said the government will “do injustice” to the 44 SAF members killed in the incident if the probe will be whitewashed.
All SF260s grounded after fatal plane crash
From the Daily Tribune (Feb 2): All SF260s grounded after fatal plane crash
Delgado immediately ordered the grounding of all the 20 SF260s in the Air Force inventory as he created an investigative panel to probe the crash of one SF260 in Nasugbu, Batangas.
The crash left the two pilots dead. Their bodies were recovered immediately after the crash from the shoreline.
Lt. Col. Enrico Canaya, spokesman of the Air Force, said that the grounding of the single-prop trainer planes will remain until the investigation is completed.
“Grounding means we will be waiting for the results of the investigation to determine what caused (the crash),” said Canaya.
“They (SF260s) will be in their respective hangars until completion of the investigation,” he added.
Reports showed that three SF260s were taking part in activities commemorating the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the province from the Japanese toward the end of World War II when the crash happened.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/all-sf260s-grounded-after-fatal-plane-crash
Air Force
chief Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado grounded all SF260 planes following the
Saturday’s crash of one of the light aircraft that resulted in the death of two
pilots.
Delgado immediately ordered the grounding of all the 20 SF260s in the Air Force inventory as he created an investigative panel to probe the crash of one SF260 in Nasugbu, Batangas.
The crash left the two pilots dead. Their bodies were recovered immediately after the crash from the shoreline.
Lt. Col. Enrico Canaya, spokesman of the Air Force, said that the grounding of the single-prop trainer planes will remain until the investigation is completed.
“Grounding means we will be waiting for the results of the investigation to determine what caused (the crash),” said Canaya.
“They (SF260s) will be in their respective hangars until completion of the investigation,” he added.
Reports showed that three SF260s were taking part in activities commemorating the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the province from the Japanese toward the end of World War II when the crash happened.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/all-sf260s-grounded-after-fatal-plane-crash
Military intensifies security ops amid bomb threats in Mindanao
From the Daily Tribune (Feb 3): Military intensifies security ops amid bomb threats in Mindanao
Bomb threats have been spreading in Eastern Mindanao region during the past days but the military yesterday assured that intensified security operations are continuing to thwart such eventualities.
Maj. Ezra Balagtey, spokesman of the military’s Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom), said that the bomb threats were circulated through text messages in the cities of Davao and Kidapawan and in North Cotabato.
“The text circulating about bomb threats in Mindanao are meant to cause undue panic and scare to the public. There’s no truth that it is being disseminated by the AFP intelligence,” Balagtey said.
One of the text messages stated “sir/madam take all d necessary precautions, 2u all. Paalala lang na wag magkompyansa sa lhat ng highways ng buong Mindanao, anytime mag-block ang mga MILF at mag-harassng detachments or govt facilities, babae o bata, matanda, lalaki na Christian ay papatayin nila kasi wala ng bias ang FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT ng BANGSAMORO, ipasa nyo sa mga kaibigan, kakilala at mga pamilya o relative na Christian FROM AFP HEADQUAR TERS/ INTELLIGENCE REPORT. PLS Pass.”
“Rest assured that the AFP and the PNP are doing their best to prevent any atrocity by lawless elements. Let us all unite to preserve and respect the primacy of the peace process,” he added.
According to Balagtey, text messages containing bomb threats started circulating in the region during the past few days.
He said authorities are not discounting the possibility that the threats were connected to the Maguindanao incident involving the police’s elite Special Action Force (SAF) and combined Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Mamasapano town last Jan. 25.
Forty-four SAF members, including six junior officers, were killed during the day-long clash.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/military-intensifies-security-ops-amid-bomb-threats-in-mindanao
Bomb threats have been spreading in Eastern Mindanao region during the past days but the military yesterday assured that intensified security operations are continuing to thwart such eventualities.
Maj. Ezra Balagtey, spokesman of the military’s Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom), said that the bomb threats were circulated through text messages in the cities of Davao and Kidapawan and in North Cotabato.
“The text circulating about bomb threats in Mindanao are meant to cause undue panic and scare to the public. There’s no truth that it is being disseminated by the AFP intelligence,” Balagtey said.
One of the text messages stated “sir/madam take all d necessary precautions, 2u all. Paalala lang na wag magkompyansa sa lhat ng highways ng buong Mindanao, anytime mag-block ang mga MILF at mag-harassng detachments or govt facilities, babae o bata, matanda, lalaki na Christian ay papatayin nila kasi wala ng bias ang FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT ng BANGSAMORO, ipasa nyo sa mga kaibigan, kakilala at mga pamilya o relative na Christian FROM AFP HEADQUAR TERS/ INTELLIGENCE REPORT. PLS Pass.”
“Rest assured that the AFP and the PNP are doing their best to prevent any atrocity by lawless elements. Let us all unite to preserve and respect the primacy of the peace process,” he added.
According to Balagtey, text messages containing bomb threats started circulating in the region during the past few days.
He said authorities are not discounting the possibility that the threats were connected to the Maguindanao incident involving the police’s elite Special Action Force (SAF) and combined Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Mamasapano town last Jan. 25.
Forty-four SAF members, including six junior officers, were killed during the day-long clash.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/military-intensifies-security-ops-amid-bomb-threats-in-mindanao
Demoralization
From the Daily Tribune (Feb 3): Demoralization
PNP, SAF men question use of 'misencounter'; brass squabble
Demoralization is spreading fast among the ranks of the Philippine National Police (PNP) following the killing of 44 members of the elite Special Action Force (SAF) last Sunday in Maguindanao and the seeming leadership row among the top PNP brass.
Tribune sources at Camp Crame said that the morale of the entire 150,000-strong PNP, not only the SAF, is “very low” following the “massacre” of the 44 SAF members, including six junior officers, during a clash with combined Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.
The debacle, sources said, also brought out publicly the apparent row among top PNP officers –suspended PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima and officer in charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina.
Malacanang, meanwhile, said it is ready to strike at the BIFF amid threats of retaliation over the loss of their comrades while continuing to avoid the mention of the MILF and its accountability in the massacre.
Members of the PNP and SAF also met with Interior Secretary Manuel
Roxas II yesterday at the PNP headquarters in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig where the foremost question asked on Roxas was the failure of the government to coordinate a quick reinforcement on the beleaguered SAF members.
“The Armed Forces and all forces of
the government are ready to fight against such intent and to assure the safety
of the people. The Armed Forces’ is in full readiness,” Presidential
communication secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said on radio.
Coloma also reacted to a question on whether the government is heeding the call of General Edilberto Adan of the Association of Generals and Flag Officers (AGFO) for Aquino to demonstrate more resolve in getting justice for the slain SAF troopers.
Coloma was quick to defend the chief executive, saying President Aquino’s determination is full to achieve justice, as the rest of the government’s units.
“The timing of expressing may had been different from that of the President’s statements. But, I have seen the statement of the AGFO and other groups and I have seen that it is alike in the want that justice be served on this incident,” Coloma said.
Coloma also refrained from answering whether the government will rule out pardon or amnesty for the rebels behind the killing of the 44 SAF troopers in Mindanao.
“What is important is that truth be found out, ensure who is responsible, and there be a process of research, prosecution and litigation when they had been charged before the courts,” he said.
The Palace official said that the filing of cases will follow after evidence had been found for the case to stand in court.
“We lost 44 young, dedicated officers in a mission to capture an international terrorist and a bomber, and we see nothing but finger pointing,” a Camp Crame source told The Tribune, referring to the now called “SAF 44” who were deployed to capture Malaysian Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, and Filipino bomb expert Basit Usman.
The SAF was tapped to implement “Operation Plan Exodus” aimed at capturing Marwan and Usman in Barangay Pidsadawan, Maguindanao last Sunday. However, the special operation triggered a day-long clash between the SAF and MILF and BIFF fighters.
At the end of the firefight, 44 SAF members were recovered dead, some of them bore signs of mutilations, stripped of their uniforms and their firearms stolen.
“Our morale is very low,” he added.
“Who would not be demoralized with this huge casualty? These young men were only following orders. There should really be an honest to goodness investigation…those found liable should be meted with corresponding sanctions,” another police source said.
“This is one of the biggest casualties we suffered in a single battle in recent memory, and we lost 44 young officers. We are mourning,” a third source said.
Director Getulio Napenas, erstwhile SAF chief, was immediately relieved from his post after the operation. SAF deputy commander Chief Supt. Noli Talino was designated as officer in charge.
“We are demoralized. We want justice for our fallen comrades,” a junior SAF officer said.
Worse, the first source said that the operation was kept from Espina and Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II. Both Espina and Roxas publicly admitted that the SAF operation “did not reach the PNP command group.”
“It is now apparent that there is leadership problem in the organization,” the source said, adding “this should be address by higher headquarters immediately.”
There were reports stating that Purisima, who is serving a six-month suspension ordered by the Office of the Ombudsman, was the one who orchestrated the bungled SAF operation. He is yet to issue official statement on the matter.
Purisima is reportedly in Saipan to attend a function of the Grand Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons of thePhilippines
Roxas has already created a Board of Inquiry to dig deeper into the issue.
Earlier, the 4,000-strong PNP Academy Alumni Association Inc. threatened to call for a mass leave among its members to “dramatize” their anger over the killing of the “SAF 44”, six of whom are graduates of PNPA.
Last Friday, more than 1,000 PNPA graduates also held a sympathy march from Fort Bonifacio to Camp Bagong Diwa where necrological services was held in honor of the fallen SAF members.
The 10,000-strong Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association Inc. (PMAAAI) has also expressed sympathy to the fallen SAF members as it called for an investigation of the matter.
The militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), meanwhile, raised the possibility that the Maguindanao operations that resulted in the slaying of the SAF commandos was funded through Aquino’s P300 million intelligence fund.
Bayan said that the Mamasapano operation involving 392 SAF troopers would require funding and logistics. The task of transporting SAF elements from different parts of the country would require a considerable amount.
“If the operation was not run via the DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) and the PNP, then someone else must have authorized the funding. The approval can only come from one other source, Malacanang. The funding could have come from the unaudited P300 million intelligence and confidential funds of the President. It would then be easy for Aquino to deny involvement,” Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes said.
“When the President has control of such unaudited funds, it is very easy for him to bypass other government agencies and embark on covert operations that can have disastrous consequences,” he added.
The group is also demanding accountability from Aquino, Purisima and the US government for the carnage.
“The top three most accountable for the Mamasapano carnage are Aquino, Purisima and the US government. They were the brains of the operations. They were the ones calling the shots. They were the ones who conspired to violate the chain of command and imperil the SAF troopers, the civilians and the peace talks,” Reyes said.
“Aquino is trying to appease public outrage by ordering the filing of charges against some MILF and BIFF commanders. This however does little to uncover the truth behind the Mamasapano operation. The public is demanding accountability from the highest official of the land for authorizing a covert operation, under the direction of a foreign government, undermining the peace process and sacrificing the lives of the SAF and local residents,” he added.
Labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno called on Filipinos to direct their anger over the death of 44 commandos and five civilians at Aquino.
“We are calling on Filipinos to direct our anger over the death of the SAF 44 at Aquino, the comman-death in chief. The PNP-SAF’s operation in Mamasapano was doomed to fail, and the fault lies squarely with Aquino,” said Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU chairman.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also has intensified security operations to thwart possible retaliatory attacks in the aftermath of the killing of Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, last Sunday in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.
This, as the military has received information that the BIFF and other lawless elements have been mobilizing in Central Mindanao.
Col. Restituto Padilla, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman, said that the military is exerting all efforts to bring back normalcy in Central Mindanao following the day-long clash between the police’s elite SAF and combined BIFF and MILF forces in Mamasapano.
The SAF “special operation” resulted in the killing of Marwan, top leader of the Al Qaeda-linked Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and 44 SAF members, including six junior officers.
“Following the developments last Sunday at Mamasapano, the AFP has elevated its alert levels and this has continued up to now especially after information of BIFF and other lawless elements mobilizing has been received,” said Padilla.
“All efforts are now being undertaken to ease tensions and bring normalcy back to the area. In the meantime, checkpoints and security in public places have been increased to ensure public safety,” he added.
Marwan, who have stayed in Mindanao after the 2002 Bali, Indonesia bombings, have established links with various lawless elements in southern Philippines, including the terrorist Abu Sayyaf group and the BIFF.
For his part, Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, AFP-Public Affairs Office chief, said that the 125,000-strong military is ready to face any threat posed by lawless elements.
At the same time, Cabunoc called on the public to assist government authorities in the continuing hunt against Marwan’s henchman , Basit Usman, who reportedly evaded the raid launched by the SAF last Sunday.
“Our troops in the field are ready to confront any armed aggression by lawless elements,” said Cabunoc.
“We have enjoined the people including those who are residing in MILF communities to help the government forces in arresting Basit Usman and his cohorts from the BIFF,” added Cabunoc.
The intensified security operations in Mindanao, particularly in Maguindanao province, also came following reports that the BIFF, which reportedly lost six fighters during the clash with the SAF.
Capt, Joanne Petinglay, spokesperson of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID), said that the command has intensified checkpoint operations along major supply routes (MSRs) in Central Mindanao to thwart any attempt by the BIFF.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/demoralization
PNP, SAF men question use of 'misencounter'; brass squabble
Demoralization is spreading fast among the ranks of the Philippine National Police (PNP) following the killing of 44 members of the elite Special Action Force (SAF) last Sunday in Maguindanao and the seeming leadership row among the top PNP brass.
Tribune sources at Camp Crame said that the morale of the entire 150,000-strong PNP, not only the SAF, is “very low” following the “massacre” of the 44 SAF members, including six junior officers, during a clash with combined Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.
The debacle, sources said, also brought out publicly the apparent row among top PNP officers –suspended PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima and officer in charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina.
Malacanang, meanwhile, said it is ready to strike at the BIFF amid threats of retaliation over the loss of their comrades while continuing to avoid the mention of the MILF and its accountability in the massacre.
Members of the PNP and SAF also met with Interior Secretary Manuel
Roxas II yesterday at the PNP headquarters in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig where the foremost question asked on Roxas was the failure of the government to coordinate a quick reinforcement on the beleaguered SAF members.
Another question that
stood out was about the term “misencounter” that the administration including
President Aquino had used to describe the incident.
“The Armed Forces and all forces of
the government are ready to fight against such intent and to assure the safety
of the people. The Armed Forces’ is in full readiness,” Presidential
communication secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said on radio.Coloma also reacted to a question on whether the government is heeding the call of General Edilberto Adan of the Association of Generals and Flag Officers (AGFO) for Aquino to demonstrate more resolve in getting justice for the slain SAF troopers.
Coloma was quick to defend the chief executive, saying President Aquino’s determination is full to achieve justice, as the rest of the government’s units.
“The timing of expressing may had been different from that of the President’s statements. But, I have seen the statement of the AGFO and other groups and I have seen that it is alike in the want that justice be served on this incident,” Coloma said.
Coloma also refrained from answering whether the government will rule out pardon or amnesty for the rebels behind the killing of the 44 SAF troopers in Mindanao.
“What is important is that truth be found out, ensure who is responsible, and there be a process of research, prosecution and litigation when they had been charged before the courts,” he said.
The Palace official said that the filing of cases will follow after evidence had been found for the case to stand in court.
“We lost 44 young, dedicated officers in a mission to capture an international terrorist and a bomber, and we see nothing but finger pointing,” a Camp Crame source told The Tribune, referring to the now called “SAF 44” who were deployed to capture Malaysian Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, and Filipino bomb expert Basit Usman.
The SAF was tapped to implement “Operation Plan Exodus” aimed at capturing Marwan and Usman in Barangay Pidsadawan, Maguindanao last Sunday. However, the special operation triggered a day-long clash between the SAF and MILF and BIFF fighters.
At the end of the firefight, 44 SAF members were recovered dead, some of them bore signs of mutilations, stripped of their uniforms and their firearms stolen.
“Our morale is very low,” he added.
“Who would not be demoralized with this huge casualty? These young men were only following orders. There should really be an honest to goodness investigation…those found liable should be meted with corresponding sanctions,” another police source said.
“This is one of the biggest casualties we suffered in a single battle in recent memory, and we lost 44 young officers. We are mourning,” a third source said.
Director Getulio Napenas, erstwhile SAF chief, was immediately relieved from his post after the operation. SAF deputy commander Chief Supt. Noli Talino was designated as officer in charge.
“We are demoralized. We want justice for our fallen comrades,” a junior SAF officer said.
Worse, the first source said that the operation was kept from Espina and Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II. Both Espina and Roxas publicly admitted that the SAF operation “did not reach the PNP command group.”
“It is now apparent that there is leadership problem in the organization,” the source said, adding “this should be address by higher headquarters immediately.”
There were reports stating that Purisima, who is serving a six-month suspension ordered by the Office of the Ombudsman, was the one who orchestrated the bungled SAF operation. He is yet to issue official statement on the matter.
Purisima is reportedly in Saipan to attend a function of the Grand Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons of the
Roxas has already created a Board of Inquiry to dig deeper into the issue.
Earlier, the 4,000-strong PNP Academy Alumni Association Inc. threatened to call for a mass leave among its members to “dramatize” their anger over the killing of the “SAF 44”, six of whom are graduates of PNPA.
Last Friday, more than 1,000 PNPA graduates also held a sympathy march from Fort Bonifacio to Camp Bagong Diwa where necrological services was held in honor of the fallen SAF members.
The 10,000-strong Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association Inc. (PMAAAI) has also expressed sympathy to the fallen SAF members as it called for an investigation of the matter.
The militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), meanwhile, raised the possibility that the Maguindanao operations that resulted in the slaying of the SAF commandos was funded through Aquino’s P300 million intelligence fund.
Bayan said that the Mamasapano operation involving 392 SAF troopers would require funding and logistics. The task of transporting SAF elements from different parts of the country would require a considerable amount.
“If the operation was not run via the DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) and the PNP, then someone else must have authorized the funding. The approval can only come from one other source, Malacanang. The funding could have come from the unaudited P300 million intelligence and confidential funds of the President. It would then be easy for Aquino to deny involvement,” Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes said.
“When the President has control of such unaudited funds, it is very easy for him to bypass other government agencies and embark on covert operations that can have disastrous consequences,” he added.
The group is also demanding accountability from Aquino, Purisima and the US government for the carnage.
“The top three most accountable for the Mamasapano carnage are Aquino, Purisima and the US government. They were the brains of the operations. They were the ones calling the shots. They were the ones who conspired to violate the chain of command and imperil the SAF troopers, the civilians and the peace talks,” Reyes said.
“Aquino is trying to appease public outrage by ordering the filing of charges against some MILF and BIFF commanders. This however does little to uncover the truth behind the Mamasapano operation. The public is demanding accountability from the highest official of the land for authorizing a covert operation, under the direction of a foreign government, undermining the peace process and sacrificing the lives of the SAF and local residents,” he added.
Labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno called on Filipinos to direct their anger over the death of 44 commandos and five civilians at Aquino.
“We are calling on Filipinos to direct our anger over the death of the SAF 44 at Aquino, the comman-death in chief. The PNP-SAF’s operation in Mamasapano was doomed to fail, and the fault lies squarely with Aquino,” said Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU chairman.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also has intensified security operations to thwart possible retaliatory attacks in the aftermath of the killing of Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, last Sunday in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.
This, as the military has received information that the BIFF and other lawless elements have been mobilizing in Central Mindanao.
Col. Restituto Padilla, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman, said that the military is exerting all efforts to bring back normalcy in Central Mindanao following the day-long clash between the police’s elite SAF and combined BIFF and MILF forces in Mamasapano.
The SAF “special operation” resulted in the killing of Marwan, top leader of the Al Qaeda-linked Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and 44 SAF members, including six junior officers.
“Following the developments last Sunday at Mamasapano, the AFP has elevated its alert levels and this has continued up to now especially after information of BIFF and other lawless elements mobilizing has been received,” said Padilla.
“All efforts are now being undertaken to ease tensions and bring normalcy back to the area. In the meantime, checkpoints and security in public places have been increased to ensure public safety,” he added.
Marwan, who have stayed in Mindanao after the 2002 Bali, Indonesia bombings, have established links with various lawless elements in southern Philippines, including the terrorist Abu Sayyaf group and the BIFF.
For his part, Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, AFP-Public Affairs Office chief, said that the 125,000-strong military is ready to face any threat posed by lawless elements.
At the same time, Cabunoc called on the public to assist government authorities in the continuing hunt against Marwan’s henchman , Basit Usman, who reportedly evaded the raid launched by the SAF last Sunday.
“Our troops in the field are ready to confront any armed aggression by lawless elements,” said Cabunoc.
“We have enjoined the people including those who are residing in MILF communities to help the government forces in arresting Basit Usman and his cohorts from the BIFF,” added Cabunoc.
The intensified security operations in Mindanao, particularly in Maguindanao province, also came following reports that the BIFF, which reportedly lost six fighters during the clash with the SAF.
Capt, Joanne Petinglay, spokesperson of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID), said that the command has intensified checkpoint operations along major supply routes (MSRs) in Central Mindanao to thwart any attempt by the BIFF.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/demoralization
Marwan killed in Mamasapano, says MILF
From the Philippine Star posted to ABS-CBN (Feb 3): Marwan killed in Mamasapano, says MILF
Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, had indeed been killed in a police operation that led to deadly clashes between police commandos and Muslim rebels in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Jan. 25, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said yesterday.
“Our intelligence community has confirmed that he is dead,” Mohagher Iqbal, chief negotiator of the MILF, said in an interview at the Senate yesterday.
Iqbal’s claim cannot be immediately verified as Marwan’s corpse went missing after the clash that left scores dead, including 44 members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (SAF).
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is matching DNA samples taken from Marwan’s severed right index finger with those of his brother who is detained at the Guantanamo prison.
In a statement, the FBI said it has received DNA samples taken from Marwan and that testing procedures would take time.
SAF commandos who killed Marwan cut off Marwan’s index finger and took photos of his corpse as they were unable to take his body when the rebels were alerted by the shooting.
The other target of the operation, Filipino terrorist Basit Usman, reportedly managed to escape.
Aiding the MILF in the battle were fighters of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
Iqbal debunked the claims of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) spokesman Emmanuel Fontanilla that Marwan, an explosives expert, was still alive.
“That’s an MNLF spokesman under Nur Misuari. He is not in anyway related or connected with MILF. I cannot comment on his remarks,” the MILF leader said.
Fontanilla had challenged the government to get a DNA report from an independent body to prove that the SAF operation had killed Marwan.
Iqbal declined to comment on reports that the United States had provided the Philippines with intelligence information on the whereabouts of the fugitive terrorist.
Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II assured SAF troopers last Sunday that the man their comrades had killed in Mamasapano was Marwan.
“The SAF commandos accomplished their mission,” he said.
A police general who declined to be named said the US hopes to finish its testing on Marwan’s DNA sample in two weeks.
Police officials are also denying rumors that a “fabricated” DNA testing result is being readied to mislead the public that Marwan had really died in Mamasapano.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/02/03/15/marwan-killed-mamasapano-says-milf
Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, had indeed been killed in a police operation that led to deadly clashes between police commandos and Muslim rebels in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Jan. 25, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said yesterday.
“Our intelligence community has confirmed that he is dead,” Mohagher Iqbal, chief negotiator of the MILF, said in an interview at the Senate yesterday.
Iqbal’s claim cannot be immediately verified as Marwan’s corpse went missing after the clash that left scores dead, including 44 members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (SAF).
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is matching DNA samples taken from Marwan’s severed right index finger with those of his brother who is detained at the Guantanamo prison.
In a statement, the FBI said it has received DNA samples taken from Marwan and that testing procedures would take time.
SAF commandos who killed Marwan cut off Marwan’s index finger and took photos of his corpse as they were unable to take his body when the rebels were alerted by the shooting.
The other target of the operation, Filipino terrorist Basit Usman, reportedly managed to escape.
Aiding the MILF in the battle were fighters of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
Iqbal debunked the claims of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) spokesman Emmanuel Fontanilla that Marwan, an explosives expert, was still alive.
“That’s an MNLF spokesman under Nur Misuari. He is not in anyway related or connected with MILF. I cannot comment on his remarks,” the MILF leader said.
Fontanilla had challenged the government to get a DNA report from an independent body to prove that the SAF operation had killed Marwan.
Iqbal declined to comment on reports that the United States had provided the Philippines with intelligence information on the whereabouts of the fugitive terrorist.
Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II assured SAF troopers last Sunday that the man their comrades had killed in Mamasapano was Marwan.
“The SAF commandos accomplished their mission,” he said.
A police general who declined to be named said the US hopes to finish its testing on Marwan’s DNA sample in two weeks.
Police officials are also denying rumors that a “fabricated” DNA testing result is being readied to mislead the public that Marwan had really died in Mamasapano.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/02/03/15/marwan-killed-mamasapano-says-milf
Miriam: Determine command responsibility over Mamasapano
From Rappler (Feb 2): Miriam: Determine command responsibility over Mamasapano
(UPDATED) Senate President Franklin Drilon offers a counter-opinion, says command responsibility is not applicable in this case and President Benigno Aquino III is not liable for violations under international law
On Sunday, January 25, some 392 SAF commandos entered Mamasapano town in Maguindanao, a known bailiwick of the MILF. They were targeting two “high value targets,” one of them alleged Malaysian bomb maker Zulkifli bin Hir, better known as "Marwan.”
The government said the SAF commandos were able to kill Marwan during the operation but combined forces of the MILF unit in the area and breakaway group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) allegedly surrounded them on their way out of Mamasapano. (READ: Dead or alive? Top terrorist was cops' target)
After the incident, it emerged that acting PNP Chief Leonardo Espina and Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas were kept out of the loop during the operations. President Benigno Aquino III admitted knowing about the general details of the matter but refused to answer whether he made specific orders for the January 25 operations.
(UPDATED) Senate President Franklin Drilon offers a counter-opinion, says command responsibility is not applicable in this case and President Benigno Aquino III is not liable for violations under international law
INVESTIGATION. Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago pushes for command responsibility over the Maguindanao clash that killed at least 44 elite cops, 17 Moro rebels and 7 civilians. Photo by Joseph Vidal/Senate PRIB
There should be command responsibility over possible war crimes committed in the Maguindanao clash, and this can be determined through prosecution under international criminal and humanitarian laws, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago said Monday, February 2.
In a press conference, Santiago said there is enough basis to try military commanders and "other superior officials" before the International Criminal Court (ICC) over what she called was the "massacre" of 44 elite cops in Mamamasapano, Maguindanao. At least 17 Moro rebels and 7 civilians also died in the clash.
She said it remains unclear whether President Benigno Aquino III approved the particular operation to arrest wanted terrorists in a rebel-controlled area or if he approved the operations at the beginning but it had its own life.
"Why were so many people sacrificed? What is wrong with our government that it does not know what happened?" she said.
In response to Santiago, Senate President Franklin Drilon defended the President and said he disagrees that Aquino incurred a liability under international laws.
Drilon added that the Mamasapano encounter was a matter of law enforcement, not war.
University of the Philippines (UP) law professor Harry Roque earlier made a similar proposal, but his position was focused on prosecuting erring members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which signed a peace accord with the government in March 2014, before the ICC.
However, Santiago – who was elected judge of the ICC but had to decline her seat due to cancer – said the international court only hears cases against heads of state and top-ranking military commanders and denies legitimacy to armed groups.
The senator said the killing of 44 members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) is considered a "non-international armed conflict" because the matter does not involve two states.
Santiago said the legality of the non-international armed conflict in Mamasapano falls under 3 international rules:
- Common Article 3 to the 1949 Geneva Conventions on the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts
- Geneva Conventions Additional Protocol 2
- the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court
The MILF is a rebel group which had been fighting for secession. They dropped the fight for independence in exchange for full autonomy when it entered into talks and eventually signed a peace framework agreement with the government.
The government said the SAF commandos were able to kill Marwan during the operation but combined forces of the MILF unit in the area and breakaway group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) allegedly surrounded them on their way out of Mamasapano. (READ: Dead or alive? Top terrorist was cops' target)
After the incident, it emerged that acting PNP Chief Leonardo Espina and Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas were kept out of the loop during the operations. President Benigno Aquino III admitted knowing about the general details of the matter but refused to answer whether he made specific orders for the January 25 operations.
Under the ICC's Rome Charter, Santiago said a military commander or a person is criminally liable where two factors are present:
- The commander either knew or should have known that his forces were about to commit such crimes.
- The military commander or person failed to take all necessary and reasonable measures to suppress the commission of the crime.
Depending on the outcome of the investigation on what really transpired in Mamasapano, a distinction should also be made between whether the acts were committed under the context of law enforcement or armed conflict, Santiago said.
Senate President reacts
In a statement, Drilon offered a counter-argument saying that the principle of "command responsibility does not apply in this case.
“I do not agree that President Aquino has incurred any liability on the principle of command responsibility under international law. Under the Rome Statute, command responsibility will apply if the superior, knowing his subordinates will commit a crime, fails to stop the commission of the crime, or knowing that his subordinates committed a crime, fails to punish them,” Drilon told reporters.
Drilon said SAF members trooped to Mamasapano to serve warrants of arrest to terrorists, not to commit a crime.
The Philippine is a signatory of the Rome State of the International Criminal Court.
Internationalized conflict?
Santiago also questioned the possible involvement of other states in the Maguindanao clash following reports that US military forces were sighted in the area after the encounter. (READ: American soldier died with SAF 44? US embassy denies report)
If proven true, Santiago said this could complicate the situation.
“If the Philippine government received help from the CIA, then the rebels under international law would argue that they have a right of counter-intervention from their own friendly state,” she said.
Santiago cited the Nicaragua case decided by the ICC, which ruled that: “Encouraging the organization of armed bands for incursion into the territory of another state and by participating in acts of civil strife in that state, is not only an act of illegal intervention in the internal affairs of a foreign state, but also contrary to the principle of the prohibition of the use of force.”
Although Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr suspended hearings on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) under his committee pending the final report on the Maguindanao clash, Santiago pushed through with her 2nd hearing on the constitutional issues facing the proposed law on Monday.
Proponents and objectors of the law made their own case arguing on whether the proposed law that seeks to create a new automous region in Muslim Mindanao can be passed through mere legislation or if it necessitates charter change.
Santiago has been of the position that the proposed Bangsamoro, which would be parliamentary in form, creates a sub-state and goes beyond the confines of the Constitution.
CIDG chief heads PNP’s Mamasapano probe
From Rappler (Feb 2): CIDG chief heads PNP’s Mamasapano probe
Police Director Benjamin Magalong heads the 6-man Board of Inquiry that will look into the circumstances surrounding the death of 44 SAF troopers
'DECEPTION.' CIDG chief Director Benjamin Magalong says Delfin Lee's lawyers deceived police into certifying that Lee's warrant had been revoked. Photo by Rappler
The chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) will be lead the police organization's probe into a bloody encounter between elite police and rebel forces in Mamasapano town, Maguindanao.
In a text message to reporters, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced the composition of the Board of Inquiry:
Among the PNP’s best-trained personnel, 392 SAF troopers were on a January 25 operation to neutralize bomb makers Zulkifli bin Hir and Abdul Basit Usman, among the most wanted in Southeast Asia.
Top government officials – Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II and PNP acting chief Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina – were supposedly left out of the loop in the planning and execution of the operation.
President Benigno Aquino III admitted he was directly coordinating with PNP SAF commander Police Director Getulio Napeñas leading up to the operation, but refused to categorically answer if he gave the go-signal for the operation or not.
According to Rappler sources and various news reports, it was suspended PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima, a close friend of Aquino’s, who called the shots that day.
Rodriguez is Purisima’s classmate in the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1981, while Po is Purisima’s spokesman. According to a senior police official, however, neither of the senior officers are protegés or known associates of the suspended chief.
Espina, Roxas, and even military forces in the area only found out about the January 25 operation after the troopers had entered the area.
The two groups – from the 84th seaborne battalion and the 5th special action battalion – called for reinforcements as they were trapped in an intense battle with MILF and BIFF fighters.
The military was supposedly unable to enter the area because they were informed too late.
Aside from the PNP's Board of Inquiry, the MILF will be conducting its own probe into the incident. Both houses of Congress are also set to hold separate probes into the encounter.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/82679-cidg-chief-heads-pnp-mamasapano-probe
Police Director Benjamin Magalong heads the 6-man Board of Inquiry that will look into the circumstances surrounding the death of 44 SAF troopers
'DECEPTION.' CIDG chief Director Benjamin Magalong says Delfin Lee's lawyers deceived police into certifying that Lee's warrant had been revoked. Photo by Rappler
The chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) will be lead the police organization's probe into a bloody encounter between elite police and rebel forces in Mamasapano town, Maguindanao.
In a text message to reporters, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced the composition of the Board of Inquiry:
- Head: Police Director Benjamin Magalong, CIDG chief
- Police Director Catalino Rodriguez
- Chief Superintendent John Sosito
- Senior Superintendent Benigno Duraña Jr
- Senior Superintendent Cesar Binay
- Senior Superintendent Robert Po
Among the PNP’s best-trained personnel, 392 SAF troopers were on a January 25 operation to neutralize bomb makers Zulkifli bin Hir and Abdul Basit Usman, among the most wanted in Southeast Asia.
Top government officials – Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II and PNP acting chief Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina – were supposedly left out of the loop in the planning and execution of the operation.
President Benigno Aquino III admitted he was directly coordinating with PNP SAF commander Police Director Getulio Napeñas leading up to the operation, but refused to categorically answer if he gave the go-signal for the operation or not.
According to Rappler sources and various news reports, it was suspended PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima, a close friend of Aquino’s, who called the shots that day.
Rodriguez is Purisima’s classmate in the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1981, while Po is Purisima’s spokesman. According to a senior police official, however, neither of the senior officers are protegés or known associates of the suspended chief.
Espina, Roxas, and even military forces in the area only found out about the January 25 operation after the troopers had entered the area.
The two groups – from the 84th seaborne battalion and the 5th special action battalion – called for reinforcements as they were trapped in an intense battle with MILF and BIFF fighters.
The military was supposedly unable to enter the area because they were informed too late.
Aside from the PNP's Board of Inquiry, the MILF will be conducting its own probe into the incident. Both houses of Congress are also set to hold separate probes into the encounter.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/82679-cidg-chief-heads-pnp-mamasapano-probe
DOJ to file charges vs 13 MILF, BIFF commanders
From Rappler (Feb 2): DOJ to file charges vs 13 MILF, BIFF commanders
The names of the suspects – 5 from the MILF, 8 from BIFF – came out in the testimonies of witnesses residing near the encounter site, says Justice Secretary Leila De Lima
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima told a local radio station here Monday, February 2, that her office is collating reports from concerned agencies and gathering evidence.
Five of those who will be charged are lieutenants of MILF chairman Al Had Haq Ibrahim Murad:
Earlier, President Benigno Aquino III ordered the DOJ to file appropriate charges against the perpetrators in the massacre of 44 policemen.
MILF’s vice chairman for political affairs Ghadzali Jaafar said they are not certain whether to turn over to authorities their commanders allegedly involved in the clash since the organization is also conducting its own probe.
There are proposals to take the case to an international court over possible war crimes. (READ: Miriam: Determine command responsibility over Mamasapano)
The deadly fighting occurred on January 25 while members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force were in Mamasapano town in Maguindanao on a law enforcement operation against Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, also known as Marwan, and JI Commander Basit Usman.
Zulkifli – who has a $6-million bounty by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation for his involvement in the 2002 bombing in Bali, Indonesia, that left 110 foreign nationals dead – was reportedly killed. Usman, a “bomb-making” expert who has a $1-million bounty on his head, escaped.
While police commandos were pulling out from the BIFF site, they encountered a group of MILF rebels under the 105th Base Command, resulting in fierce fighting.
The MILF claimed it was a misencounter and that they also lost 18 colleagues, while 14 others were wounded. Seven civilians were also killed in the incident, according to a Bangsamoro NGO that interviewed residents.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/82668-doj-criminal-charges-milf-biff-commanders
The names of the suspects – 5 from the MILF, 8 from BIFF – came out in the testimonies of witnesses residing near the encounter site, says Justice Secretary Leila De Lima
CHARGES BEING PREPARED. Justice Secretary Leila de Lima says her department is collating reports from agencies and gathering evidence to back the case against rebel commanders. Photo by Jeoffrey Maitem/Rappler
The Department of Justice (DOJ) will file criminal charges against 13 commanders from the ranks of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) over the deaths of 44 elite cops in the Maguindanao clash last week.
Five of those who will be charged are lieutenants of MILF chairman Al Had Haq Ibrahim Murad:
- Sakaria Goma
- Wahid Tundok
- Ustdads Nanan
- Abdurahman Upan
- Sansudin Pakinda
- Abe Sali Usop
- Badrudin Mamad
- Misuari Mamalangkay
- Sukarno Sapal
- Hasan Indal
- Abu Misri
- Toks Akad
- a certain Kadialen
Earlier, President Benigno Aquino III ordered the DOJ to file appropriate charges against the perpetrators in the massacre of 44 policemen.
MILF’s vice chairman for political affairs Ghadzali Jaafar said they are not certain whether to turn over to authorities their commanders allegedly involved in the clash since the organization is also conducting its own probe.
There are proposals to take the case to an international court over possible war crimes. (READ: Miriam: Determine command responsibility over Mamasapano)
The deadly fighting occurred on January 25 while members of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force were in Mamasapano town in Maguindanao on a law enforcement operation against Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, also known as Marwan, and JI Commander Basit Usman.
Zulkifli – who has a $6-million bounty by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation for his involvement in the 2002 bombing in Bali, Indonesia, that left 110 foreign nationals dead – was reportedly killed. Usman, a “bomb-making” expert who has a $1-million bounty on his head, escaped.
While police commandos were pulling out from the BIFF site, they encountered a group of MILF rebels under the 105th Base Command, resulting in fierce fighting.
The MILF claimed it was a misencounter and that they also lost 18 colleagues, while 14 others were wounded. Seven civilians were also killed in the incident, according to a Bangsamoro NGO that interviewed residents.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/82668-doj-criminal-charges-milf-biff-commanders
AFP clears troops of liability in Mamasapano
From Rappler (Feb 2): AFP clears troops of liability in Mamasapano
'The Army was not remiss in its duties to assist and reinforce the beleaguered SAF elements in Mamasapano,' says AFP Public Affairs Office chief Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc
SAF 44: Members of elite Police Special Action Force carry bodies of their comrade who was killed in an encounter in the town ofMamasapano
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has completed its report clearing its troops of possible lapses when they assisted the police Special Action Force (SAF) troopers who were trapped in a firefight with Moro rebels in Mamasapano town in Maguindanao on January 25.
"The Army was not remiss in its duties to assist and reinforce the beleaguered SAF elements in Mamasapano and did all that was possible under the circumstances when they received the request of help after the fact," AFP Public Affairs Office chief Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc said in a statement on Monday, February 2.
The boodbath killed 44 SAF troopers, 17 Moro Islamic Liberation Front combatants, and several civilians. (READ: Zamboanga's heroes are Maguindanao's fallen, too and Region in mourning: 1 in 3 slain SAF sons of Cordillera)
Major General Edmundo Pangilinan, commander of the Maguindanao-based 6th Infantry Division, was among those who appeared at the fact-finding committee that was convened on Sunday, February 1. He presented to the committee the findings of the Board of Inquiry that he launched within his own division.
Major General Benito De Leon, the AFP Inspector General, was in charge of the fact-finding committee.
"In its report to AFP Chief of Staff General Gregorio Catapang Jr. last night, the committee was able to establish that the Army had readily provided support by organizing a quick reaction force composed of troops from different infantry units including Armor assets of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade which were deployed for the extraction of wounded SAF personnel," Cabunoc said.
A Rappler report published last week detailed how the SAF asked the military for artillery support. The military failed to provide it, however, because of poor coordination. The SAF kept the operation secret, preventing the military from preparing contingency plans to assist in the SAF operation. (READ: Inside story: SAF kept the military out of the loop)
Strained ties
Soldiers have been hurting from reports insinuating that they failed to help the SAF troopers.
A PNP official earlier told Rappler that the military did not do enough to help the SAF. An emotional police general said that top officials could have directly communicated with MILF leaders to stop the carnage, provide air assets, or hold "persuasion fights" to intimidate the MILF and BIFF.
Cabunoc said the 6th ID provided support one hour after it received requests from SAF, apparently referring to the tanks of the 1st Mechanized Brigade that were positioned on the road. The troops were able to get inside the combat zone Sunday evening to save a platoon of SAF troopers and to retrieve the casualties.
Cabunoc said the military is ready to submit its findings to the police Board of Inquiry.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/82699-afp-completes-report-mamasapano
'The Army was not remiss in its duties to assist and reinforce the beleaguered SAF elements in Mamasapano,' says AFP Public Affairs Office chief Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc
SAF 44: Members of elite Police Special Action Force carry bodies of their comrade who was killed in an encounter in the town of
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has completed its report clearing its troops of possible lapses when they assisted the police Special Action Force (SAF) troopers who were trapped in a firefight with Moro rebels in Mamasapano town in Maguindanao on January 25.
"The Army was not remiss in its duties to assist and reinforce the beleaguered SAF elements in Mamasapano and did all that was possible under the circumstances when they received the request of help after the fact," AFP Public Affairs Office chief Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc said in a statement on Monday, February 2.
The boodbath killed 44 SAF troopers, 17 Moro Islamic Liberation Front combatants, and several civilians. (READ: Zamboanga's heroes are Maguindanao's fallen, too and Region in mourning: 1 in 3 slain SAF sons of Cordillera)
"The AFP categorically states that everything that could be done was done under the circumstance with due consideration to avoid fratricide and collateral damage," the statement added.
Major General Benito De Leon, the AFP Inspector General, was in charge of the fact-finding committee.
"In its report to AFP Chief of Staff General Gregorio Catapang Jr. last night, the committee was able to establish that the Army had readily provided support by organizing a quick reaction force composed of troops from different infantry units including Armor assets of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade which were deployed for the extraction of wounded SAF personnel," Cabunoc said.
A Rappler report published last week detailed how the SAF asked the military for artillery support. The military failed to provide it, however, because of poor coordination. The SAF kept the operation secret, preventing the military from preparing contingency plans to assist in the SAF operation. (READ: Inside story: SAF kept the military out of the loop)
Strained ties
Soldiers have been hurting from reports insinuating that they failed to help the SAF troopers.
A PNP official earlier told Rappler that the military did not do enough to help the SAF. An emotional police general said that top officials could have directly communicated with MILF leaders to stop the carnage, provide air assets, or hold "persuasion fights" to intimidate the MILF and BIFF.
Cabunoc said the 6th ID provided support one hour after it received requests from SAF, apparently referring to the tanks of the 1st Mechanized Brigade that were positioned on the road. The troops were able to get inside the combat zone Sunday evening to save a platoon of SAF troopers and to retrieve the casualties.
Cabunoc said the military is ready to submit its findings to the police Board of Inquiry.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/82699-afp-completes-report-mamasapano
PH Coast Guard reshuffles key positions
From Rappler (Feb 2): PH Coast Guard reshuffles key positions
The reshuffling includes the designation of Commodores George Ursabia and Joselito Dela Cruz as the new district commanders of PCG Palawan and PCG Southern Mindanao, respectively
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reshuffled a number of key positions on Monday, February 2.
The reshuffling included the designation of Commodores George Ursabia and Joselito Dela Cruz as the new district commanders of PCG Palawan and PCG Southern Mindanao, respectively.
Ursabia replaced Commodore Efren Evangelista, who has been reassigned to the agency's Cebu district.
Captain Oscar Endona, deputy chief of the Coast Guard staff, assumed Dela Cruz' former post as chief of Coast Guard staff. Captain Teotima Borja took over Endona's previous position as deputy chief of the Coast Guard staff.
In other posts, Commodore Joel Garcia took on the position of the new district commander of National Capital Region-Central Luzon. Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Cecil Chen took over command of PCG Fleet from Commodore Dela Cruz.
The PCG Fleet is one of the major units of the agency, and is primarily responsible for the operation of its vessels, aircraft, Special Operations Group, and K-9 Unit.
Commodore Elson Hermogino accepted a new assignment as head of the Maritime Safety Services, taking over following the retirement of Commodore Gilbert Rueras.
Rear Admiral Luis Tuason took over the Marine Environmental Protection Command, while Commodores Aaron Reconquista and Athelo Ybanez became the new heads of PCG’s Education and Training Command and Maritime Law Enforcement Security, respectively.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/82706-ph-coast-guard-reshuffle
The reshuffling includes the designation of Commodores George Ursabia and Joselito Dela Cruz as the new district commanders of PCG Palawan and PCG Southern Mindanao, respectively
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reshuffled a number of key positions on Monday, February 2.
The reshuffling included the designation of Commodores George Ursabia and Joselito Dela Cruz as the new district commanders of PCG Palawan and PCG Southern Mindanao, respectively.
Ursabia replaced Commodore Efren Evangelista, who has been reassigned to the agency's Cebu district.
Captain Oscar Endona, deputy chief of the Coast Guard staff, assumed Dela Cruz' former post as chief of Coast Guard staff. Captain Teotima Borja took over Endona's previous position as deputy chief of the Coast Guard staff.
In other posts, Commodore Joel Garcia took on the position of the new district commander of National Capital Region-Central Luzon. Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Cecil Chen took over command of PCG Fleet from Commodore Dela Cruz.
The PCG Fleet is one of the major units of the agency, and is primarily responsible for the operation of its vessels, aircraft, Special Operations Group, and K-9 Unit.
Commodore Elson Hermogino accepted a new assignment as head of the Maritime Safety Services, taking over following the retirement of Commodore Gilbert Rueras.
Rear Admiral Luis Tuason took over the Marine Environmental Protection Command, while Commodores Aaron Reconquista and Athelo Ybanez became the new heads of PCG’s Education and Training Command and Maritime Law Enforcement Security, respectively.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/82706-ph-coast-guard-reshuffle
US Marine's arraignment for Laude murder set
From Rappler (Feb 3): US Marine's arraignment for Laude murder set
Judge Roline Ginez Jabalde of the Olongapo Regional Trial Court Branch 74 also denies the prosecution's motion for her to inhibit from the case
The court also set a preliminary conference to mark evidence and a pre-trial for stipulation of facts on the same date.
At the resumption of the high profile murder trial on Monday, February 2, Judge Roline Ginez Jabalde of the Olongapo Regional Trial Court Branch 74 also denied the motion to inhibit that the prosecution filed against her.
Jabalde said she was not being influenced by anyone, including the counsel for the accused, US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton.
Pemberton's lawyer, Rowena Garcia Flores, was Judge Jabalde's classmate at the San Beda College of Law.
The motion to allow media coverage and the custody of the accused is still pending.
Pemberton's lawyer told the media this motion will likely be resolved also on February 23 too.
Jabalde on December 23 ordered the suspension of the trial for 60 days after Pemberton filed a petition for review of the case with the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The DOJ last week denied the appeal.
In the resolution denying Pemberton’s appeal and affirming the findings of the city prosecutor, DOJ stated that the accused was "probably guilty for the murder of Jeffrey 'Jennifer' Laude on October 11, 2014."
The prosecution filed the appeal, saying the court should resolve with dispatch the motion to inhibit, saying the case is a special one and should be heard, tried and decided within a period of one year counted from December 15, 2014 in consonance with the provisions of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).
The continuation of the trial was being closely monitored by the business community here who wanted the port calls of US Navy ships continued.
“Many businesses here suffered huge revenue losses when US ships canceled their port calls last year after a US marine was linked to the murder of the transgender,” said a businessman here who requested anonymity.
Reports say some 3,500 US servicemen were barred from leaving their ships while an investigation into the murder was ongoing.
In late January, however, 3 US military ships already made their port calls in Subic.
The USNS Pecos and the USNS John Ericsson docked at the Alava Pier before the cargo ship USNS Carl Brashear made its own port call last January 28.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/82709-us-marine-pemberton-arraignment-laude-murder-set
Judge Roline Ginez Jabalde of the Olongapo Regional Trial Court Branch 74 also denies the prosecution's motion for her to inhibit from the case
MUGSHOT. A handout photo dated 19 December 2014 released on 21 December 2014 by the Olongapo City Police Public Information Office (PIO) shows US Marine Private First Class Joseph Pemberton at the Olongapo police station in Olongapo city, north of Manila, Philippines. Photo from EPA/PNP OLONGAPO-PIO
The arraignment of the United States Marine accused of killing a Filipino transgender woman has been set for February 23, at 9 am.
At the resumption of the high profile murder trial on Monday, February 2, Judge Roline Ginez Jabalde of the Olongapo Regional Trial Court Branch 74 also denied the motion to inhibit that the prosecution filed against her.
Jabalde said she was not being influenced by anyone, including the counsel for the accused, US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton.
Pemberton's lawyer, Rowena Garcia Flores, was Judge Jabalde's classmate at the San Beda College of Law.
The motion to allow media coverage and the custody of the accused is still pending.
Pemberton's lawyer told the media this motion will likely be resolved also on February 23 too.
Jabalde on December 23 ordered the suspension of the trial for 60 days after Pemberton filed a petition for review of the case with the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The DOJ last week denied the appeal.
In the resolution denying Pemberton’s appeal and affirming the findings of the city prosecutor, DOJ stated that the accused was "probably guilty for the murder of Jeffrey 'Jennifer' Laude on October 11, 2014."
The prosecution filed the appeal, saying the court should resolve with dispatch the motion to inhibit, saying the case is a special one and should be heard, tried and decided within a period of one year counted from December 15, 2014 in consonance with the provisions of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).
The continuation of the trial was being closely monitored by the business community here who wanted the port calls of US Navy ships continued.
“Many businesses here suffered huge revenue losses when US ships canceled their port calls last year after a US marine was linked to the murder of the transgender,” said a businessman here who requested anonymity.
Reports say some 3,500 US servicemen were barred from leaving their ships while an investigation into the murder was ongoing.
In late January, however, 3 US military ships already made their port calls in Subic.
The USNS Pecos and the USNS John Ericsson docked at the Alava Pier before the cargo ship USNS Carl Brashear made its own port call last January 28.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/82709-us-marine-pemberton-arraignment-laude-murder-set
EXCLUSIVE: Marwan’s ties that bind – Aljebir Adzhar aka
From Rappler (Feb 3): EXCLUSIVE: Marwan’s ties that bind – Aljebir Adzhar aka Embel (by Maria A. Ressa)
Anyone familiar with special forces operations knows of the often dangerous rivalry between the Philippine military and the police – a rivalry that has killed those caught in the middle and foiled numerous operations
MOST WANTED: Top Jemaah Islamiyah terrorist 'Marwan' is the target of the PNP-SAF operation in Maguindanao
Many are asking how Malaysian Zulkifli bin Hir, one of Southeast Asia’s most wanted terrorists, has evaded arrest in the Philippines since 2003.
Anyone familiar with special forces operations knows of the often dangerous rivalry between the Philippine military and the police – a rivalry that has killed those caught in the middle and foiled numerous operations
MOST WANTED: Top Jemaah Islamiyah terrorist 'Marwan' is the target of the PNP-SAF operation in Maguindanao
Many are asking how Malaysian Zulkifli bin Hir, one of Southeast Asia’s most wanted terrorists, has evaded arrest in the Philippines since 2003.
The answer is simple: he burrowed into the fabric of Philippine society in often lawless areas that one US special forces officer called “impenetrable.”
In this 2-part series, Rappler looks at the man better known as Marwan through the eyes of 2 Filipinos who “became family” and worked closely with him on his terrorist plots: Aljebir Adzhar and Ren-Ren Dongon.
The information comes from classified intelligence documents obtained over a decade of research from nearly half a dozen nations and verified by at least two independent sources.
A US-educated engineer, Marwan comes from a family of jihadists: his brother was arrested in the United States in 2007 while another family member was arrested in Indonesia in 2001.
Marwan is wanted in Malaysia for the killing of a Christian member of Parliament in 2000, the only successful al-Qaeda linked attack in Malaysia. Marwan was also a leader of Kumpulan Mujahidin Malaysia or KMM, which carried out those attacks.
A senior leader of Jemaah Islamiyah, once al-Qaeda’s arm in Southeast Asia, Marwan fled to the Philippines in 2003 to evade a regional crackdown and is one of the last surviving members of his group. One by one, his compatriots were tracked down and neutralized by authorities: Azahari Husin, the expert Malaysian bomb maker who allegedly trained Marwan; Dulmatin, who fled to the Philippines around the same time as Marwan, killed by Indonesian authorities when he returned home; and Umar Patek, who left the Philippines and was captured in Abbottabad, Pakistan (shortly before Osama bin Laden was killed in the same city) before being extradited to prison in Indonesia.
Marwan managed to evade the first-ever US smart bomb attack in the Philippines against him in 2012 in Sulu. That operation did kill his long-time host, Abu Sayyaf leader Umbra Jumdail Gumbahali, better known as Doc Abu.
He also evaded a second secret special operations attempt in July 2012, after he fled to the marshy swamplands in Butig, Lanao del Sur, near the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s Camp Bushra.
Another operation had been planned as early as September 2014 – perhaps the reason why suspended Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Alan Purisima remained on top in the January 25 Mamasapano attack that killed 44 elite cops. Planned under his watch, these operations are extremely sensitive. (Authorities claimed the January 25 operation killed Marwan but they are awaiting confirmation through DNA tests.)
Weaknesses
Many are asking why the Armed Forces of the Philippines or AFP wasn’t notified earlier.
“Anyone who actually has that question fundamentally doesn’t understand the inability of the AFP and the PNP to protect sensitive information,” a former US Special Forces officer told me a day after news of the 44 dead operatives came out. “If they notify anybody, that operation is done. It’ll leak out, and Marwan will be gone,” said the American familiar with the territory.
Anyone familiar with special forces operations knows of the often dangerous rivalry between the Philippine military and the police – a rivalry that has killed those caught in the middle and foiled numerous operations.
This is part of the reason these operations are kept on a tight need-to-know basis.
Multiply that by the organizational rivalries of their US counterparts – the CIA working with Filipino special forces operatives and the FBI working with law enforcement. Then add conflicting vested interests of local and national Filipino politicians, and you begin to get a sense of the complex brew on the side of the authorities.
Now add the societal landscape they need to navigate: an area where law and order is weak at best – full of clan rivalries, private armed groups and overlapping family ties in the middle of a splintering Muslim insurgency, with a significant group pushing for peace and a minority spoiling for war.
Over the last 20 years, numerous Filipino and US officials have told me there is no choice but peace because the reality is that the Philippine military and police cannot win a war.
Now you can begin to appreciate how difficult the situation is.
3 women and an in-law
Marwan’s first weapon wasn’t his ideology nor the bombs he made. It was his women: 3 Filipino wives who cemented him into the landscape.
Although he never admitted it when he was interrogated by authorities in December 2010, his police interrogators suspected Aljebir Adzhar, alias Embel, was one of Marwan’s brothers-in-law.
Embel's father was a trusted aide of Abu Sayyaf leader Doc Abu: he and his men often stayed at Embel’s family home in Parang, Sulu, where Embel said Doc Abu “had mass support.” Over time, Embel and his brother began helping Doc Abu, first by running errands as young boys then graduating to scouting government troop movements to alert the Abu Sayyaf. This is the extended social network that made it so dangerous for the police and military to enter communities unarmed.
Embel talked about how Doc Abu gave him P70,000 to buy a brand new black Honda motorcycle with yellow stripes. That was what he used to do the weekly shopping for Marwan, who gave him P1,500 a week to buy a sack of rice, coffee and bread at Love Life Bakery in Jolo. Embel said Marwan would give him extra money to buy chicken siopao, which Marwan loved.
Embel was also the conduit for Marwan’s conjugal visits, which began with Embel picking up Marwan’s wife from the Jolo market. Then 17 years old, Jaida is a Yakan from Basilan. Embel said she normally wore slacks and a shirt with long, black sleeves and carried two suitcases. She also “covered her face.”
Embel would bring her to the house of the barangay captain, where he stayed behind. Then she would walk another 30 minutes alone to the house of Embel's family, where Marwan would meet her. She would normally stay with Marwan there for about a month unless a military operation happens, in which case she’d go back to the barangay captain’s house.
His family didn’t just support the Abu Sayyaf. Embel’s sister, Kasma, is married to a member of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), which signed a peace agreement with the Philippine government in 1996. Over the years, though, internal fighting has often spilled out into streets in Zamboanga, most recently in 2013. Embel said his sister and her family lived in the MNLF camp in Indanan, Sulu.
At least two of the men trained by Marwan during this time were from Cotabato and “had a strong alliance with the MILF (the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which signed a peace agreement with the Philippine government in 2014) in central Mindanao.”
Collusion
Finally, there is collusion between those who hunt and the hunted.
In 2009, Embel said he became close to Italian Eugenio Vagni, one of 3 members of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf under Albader Parad. Embel told authorities he and his brother helped feed Parad and his men, whom Embel claimed received a ransom of P60 million for the release of their hostages, although ICRC denied it paid ransom.
That ransom, according to Embel, was negotiated and given to the Abu Sayyaf by Parad's relative, then Vice Governor Lady Ann Sahidula, who later ran for – and won – a seat in Congress.
Here's where it turns into quicksand: Embel said the kidnapping was masterminded by a jail guard whose father is a regional police intelligence officer. Part of the ransom, Embel said, was given to members of the police.
Now you begin to see how the lines blur, and why there are often many shades of truth in this land.
In part 2, we’ll take a closer look at the February 2012 US smart bomb attack through the eyes of another of Marwan’s brother-in-law, Ren-Ren Dongon, whose family’s interwoven marriages cemented alliances between the Abu Sayyaf, the Rajah Solaiman Movement and Jemaah Islamiyah.
[Maria A. Ressa is the author of Seeds of Terror: An Eyewitness Account of Al-Qaeda's Newest Center of Operations in Southeast Asia and 10 Days, 10 Years: From Bin Laden to Facebook. ]
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