12 boats from US for Sabah security command

From Free Malaysia Today (Feb 28): 12 boats from US for Sabah security command

Contribution being made under agreements during Obama's visit to Malaysia.

SANDAKAN: The Eastern Sabah Security Command is getting 12 boats from the United States of America to boost its asset strength.

Defence Deputy Minister Abdul Rahim Bakri said the contribution followed a number of agreements signed between Malaysia and the US last year.

The agreements was signed during US President Barack Obama’s visit to the country, he told reporters after visiting the Pulau Berhala army camp near here.

He said the boats were currently being modified according to Esscom’s specifications.

Abdul Rahim, who is also Kudat member of parliament, said a proposal to build an army camp in Kudat, under the 11th Malaysia Plan, is also being considered.

“Hopefully, we can secure an allocation for it, and further reinforce Esscom’s defence,” he said.

http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2015/02/28/12-boats-from-us-for-sabah-security-command/

3 Malaysian fighters in Patikul

From the Zamboanga Today Online (Mar 2): 3 Malaysian fighters in Patikul

The AFP engaged again, another recent fight, with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu. What surprised the soldiers is the presence of 3 Malaysian nationals with the group. The suspicion is they could be another experts, like Marwan, that might be training the bandits to make improvised bombs and other tactics not so familiar with the ASG.

The waters that separate the two countries are very accessible to intending persons to cross to our borders. The advent of fundamentalism of the extremist groups is very alarming. Asian terror groups seem to know now to copy with those in the Middle East and in Europe. The car bomb in Guiwan, last month, is an apparent example of their upgrades.

 

Where there money come from, if that is the case? How is their terrorism being financed? The intelligence community disclosed that other foreign networks are secretly sending them millions of money to buy arsenals, and also their kidnap-for-ransom trade. It has been said that ASG regulars do have their own monthly salary.

 

Allegedly, the good salary each regular receives and their high-tech arms do easily allure a good number of youths in the South. Many of them are from poverty, children of farmers and fishermen who hardly could finish their elementary and high school. They, too, have dreams in life, but life’s difficulty denied them. Thus, they joined the ASG.

 

There also, accordingly, is the limitless supply of drugs which fuel their unequalled bravery that even our military are impressed in their encounters in the highlands of Sulu and Basilan. All of these we know as unconfirmed hearsays, these same bandits actually grow marijuana plants in the mountain.

 

The soils of the two provinces are extremely rich. It could really be possible that as part of the routines of other ASG members are growing these illegal plants because there is big money in them. They also harvest them and in turn pass to other stealth members in the lowland as merchants to other buyers in the nearby cities and provinces like Zamboanga.

 

This probability can be supported to previous busts of the military in the hinterlands of Basilan and Sulu. With these concoction, one can easily adjudge that the struggle of the ASG is neither about religion or political in nature but plainly banditry. They are around to simply inflict and harm. It is not about ideology they are giving their lives for but a non-sense and a useless hit and run struggle against our government.

 

Internationally, the ASG is labeled as a terrorist group. The Americans, especially, even gave higher bounties to a number of their leaders. The war on terrorism of the United States is still on, thus, the US government is willing to shell-out millions of dollars against their enemies, both foreign and home grown.

 

The latest sighting of the AFP in the mountains of Patikul must cast a worry to our government. If they indeed are experts, Marwan could be dead already but, the threats of more bombings ain’t over yet. The recent battle of our military in the highlands of Patikul is relentless, yet the force of the ASG who knows the terrain of the place easily can slip from the grip of the government pressures.

 

Many of them also wear talisman, that accordingly, bullets cannot hurt them. Well, stories like these are very subjective. Let’s however continue to pray for the safety of our people every day. May peace come eventually to our Island and to us all, too.

 

http://www.zamboangatoday.ph/index.php/opinions/20263-3-malaysian-fighters-in-patikul.html

MILF: Editorial -- What a diluted BBL brings to us

Editorial posted to the MILF Website (Mar 1): Editorial -- What a diluted BBL brings to us

For better understanding and appreciation of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), there is a need to know the contexts on why the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have reached this far.
  

The phrase which says that text without context is pretext is very relevant to this understanding. It is a pity that many people including many legislators who are ignorant of the facts of these negotiations are discussing the BBL without a good grasp of the facts surrounding the proposed law.

As a background and hopefully as a modest guidance, consider the following context and narrative:

The BBL is the end product of a 17 long and hard negotiations, interspersed with bloody wars in Mindanao, between official representatives of the GPH and MILF.
Both peace panels have their respective official mandates and credentials. These negotiations with the MILF started with President Fidel Ramos in 1997, then President Joseph Estrada, who signed and agreed with the MILF the acknowledgment of the seven major camps of the latter, then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (from 2001 to 2010), and then today under President Benigno Aquino III from 2010. In the course of these negotiations, the GPH has fielded 11 negotiators, whose competences and skills are known far and wide, and the MILF only four.

The Parties agreed that the agenda of the peace talks is: “How to solve the Bangsamoro Problem or Question.” What is this problem? About the massive Moros’ loss of lands, violations of human rights  that led to series of massacres committed by government forces especially during Martial Law, social and cultural discrimination, economic inequities and widespread poverty, etc.?

The truth is that all these issues combined are not the problem itself.  They are mere part of the problem.  The problem is political; it is to restore back to the Moros their right to govern themselves, which they lost when they were made part of the Philippines --- against their will --- in the grant of independence in 1946 and which is pursuant to their right to self-determination. Independence is not a factor in the asymmetrical relationship; it is genuine autonomy that is pursued by the Parties in the BBL. This grant of genuine autonomy is already a compromised solution. It is below independence and above integration as previously pushed by government. It is an improvement of the administrative region arrangement in what is in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) now, which had been rejected by the MILF, at least three times in the past.

In a letter to Cong. Rufus Rodriquez, head of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Bangsamoro, in December last year, MILF Chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim had clarified that the position of the MILF is the BBL itself as crafted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) reviewed by the Parties up to their highest levels. However, he also said that the MILF is amenable to improving or enhancing provisions of the BBL. This is not to gloss over the plenary power of Congress over legislation, but rather it has to be taken in the context of an appeal to the higher sense of statesmanship of legislators --- in the exercise of their collective wisdom --- to pass a good BBL.

There are aspects of the BBL which bear adverse consequence to the success of the whole peace process especially the aspect of normalization. For instance, the issue of the Bangsamoro Police, which is a part of the Philippine National Police, has direct relationship with the decommissioning of MILF weapons and combatants. It would be extremely difficult on the part of the MILF to undergo this decommission if the police in the Bangsamoro government cannot protect through infirmities in the BBL the limbs, properties, and well-being of the people of the Bangsamoro. There has to be safeguard, as proposed in the BBL, that the chief minister shall have operational control and supervision and disciplinary powers over the Bangsamoro Police. The tragic incident on January 25 involving the Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) has made this point very relevant in this discussion of policing in the Bangsamoro. Chief Superintendent Getulio Napenas of the SAF-PNP in their planning of Oplan Wolverine considered the MILF as “enemy”.  The disastrous effect of such “hostile” operation gives credence to the necessity of a police in the Bangsamoro as professional, civilian in character, effective and efficient in law enforcement, fair and impartial, free from partisan political control, and accountable not only under the law of its actions but also to the communities it serves.

The other issues in the BBL which have far- reaching consequences to the success of the peace-making in Mindanao are Shariah and the need for an office to conduct election in the Bangsamoro suited to a ministerial system of government. The Shariah, whose main source is the Qur’an which is deemed the words of Allah, is one of the legitimizing factors of the MILF-led struggle in Mindanao. Diluting the provisions of the Shariah in the BBL is tantamount to suppressing the rights of the Muslims in this country in the exercise of their religion. In Islam, there is no separation of the Church and the State.

The importance of the Bangsamoro electoral office, which shall be part of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), is anchored on the need to conduct of elections suited to a ministerial form of government.  For all practical purposes, the Comelec, whose mandate is to conduct all elections this country, will have to find way for this special arrangement, and in order to give legal personality to this office that it is designed for a ministerial or parliamentary system, a provision in the BBL is very much desired and called for.

There are other equally important provisions of the BBL that cannot be sidelined, such as the need for offices for human rights, civil service, and auditing. The issue is not to create separate and distinct offices, knowing fully well that these are constitutional bodies, but their lack of it in the future Bangsamoro entity would be to deprive it of the chance to account for itself and at par with progressive  and responsible juridical entities around us, here and overseas.

Thus, diluting the BBL is not solving the Bangsamoro Problem or Question at all. The problem will stay and perhaps it will worsen, even if the MILF folds its hands and allow chances to proceed.  The radicals and those who oppose the peace process will be given more legitimacy to pursue their hard agenda.

Do we want this to happen and let the BBL fall on the wayside, because 44 SAF-PNP died in Mamasapano?  Are we sure that giving up the BBL would not produce more deaths and destructions in the future?  Do we want to perpetuate the way of war in Mindanao?

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/editorial/item/749-what-a-diluted-bbl-brings-to-us

MILF: Cotabato City, Maguindanao Peace Advocates issue position Paper on BBL

Posted to the MILF Website (Mar 1): Cotabato City, Maguindanao Peace Advocates issue position Paper on BBL



Peace advocates from Cotabato City and Maguindanao that participated in the Provincial Assembly on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) on February 26, 2015 at El Comedor Restaurant, Cotabato jointly conducted by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and Kalilintad Development Foundation Incorporated (KDFI) issued a position paper on the proposed Bangsamoro Law.

Their position paper states that:

The Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is the biggest “collateral damage” of the Mamasapano incident and is facing an uncertain fate with lawmakers crying for the junking of the proposed law;

Now, therefore, we peace advocates from Cotabato City and Maguindanao believe that the delay in the passage of the BBL will create more harm to the peace process and junking it will complicate more the situation in Mindanao:

We believe that there can be no development without peace and there can only be real peace in Mindanao if the proposed Bangsamoro Law is passed into law by congress;
As such, we manifest our full support to the  Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in their pursuit for lasting peace in Mindanao;

We oppose calls for the resignation of President Benigno Aquino III, express support to his leadership in realizing the long-dreamed peace and progress in Mindanao;

We also manifest our opposition to the call for the resignation of the OPAPP Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles and GPH Chief Negotiator Prof. Miriam Colonel-Ferrer from their respective positions as we believe that they are sincerely performing their respective mandates for the sake of peace and harmony in Mindanao;

We appeal to the detractors of the BBL to open their minds and cease from making negative comments on the government, the president and the peace process as well as the BBL;

We also appeal to our lawmakers to personally see the pitiful conditions of our war-weary displaced families in Mindanao especially the children who were forced to stop from going to school thus depriving them of a brighter future;  and the mothers and elders who have weathered it all for decades due to senseless fighting’s between Filipinos;

Our lawmakers, please visit us, see and hear our sufferings in Mindanao so that you may understand and be one with us in continuing to pursue peace.

Finally, we appeal to all peace-loving citizens of this country to help us realize our dream for lasting peace and progress in our homeland. Help us pray that someday or in the nearest future, our aspiration shall not be in vain.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/748-cotabato-city-maguindanao-peace-advocates-issue-position-paper-on-bbl

CPP/NPA: Peace Development Team ng 50th IBPA natambangan ng New Peoples Army!

NPA propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Mar 1): Peace Development Team ng 50th IBPA natambangan ng New Peoples Army!

NPA Kalinga Provincial Operations Command (Lejo Cawilan Command)

 

February 28, 2015 alas 8 ng umaga inilunsad n gLejo Cawilan Command ang isang ambush sa mga myembro ng 50th Infantry Batallion-Philippine Army sa baryo ng Baay, Pinukpuk, Kalinga. 2 ang patay at 4 naman ang sugatan sa nasabing ambush.
Mahigit isang buwan na nakapakat ang yunit ng 50IB sa Balbalan at Pinukpuk, Kalinga upang habulin ang natitirang panahon ng Oplan Bayanihan sa pamamagitan ng paglulunsad ng Peace Development Team sa dalawang munisipyo ng Kalinga. Mula Enero 23, 2015 hanggang kasalukuyan ay tuluy-tuloy nanakapakat ang pwersang 50 IBPA sa mga baryo ng Gawaan, Balantoy at Poblacion sa Balbalan habang nakapakat naman sa Baay, Limos, Allaguia at Tappo sa munisipyo naman ng Pinukpuk.

 Umiigting ang pagkadisgusto ng mamamayan sa mga baryong pinakatan ng PDT ng 50 IB dahil sa paglabag ng mga pwersang militar sa karapatang-tao katulad ng pagkakampo mismo sa loob ng mga barangay hall at mga eskwelahan ng Balantoy Agro-Industrial High School ngBalbalan at Limos National High School sa Pinukpuk. Nagrereklamo naman ang mamamayan sa Barangay Gawaan dahil sa pagbabanta ng pwersa ng 50IB na sisingilin ng bodong o peace pact ng tribu ang mga mamamayan sa Gawaan kung may mangyaring masama sa mga sundalong nakakampo sa loob mismo ng kabahayan. Samantalang kinukondena naman ng mga kababaihan ng Barangay Balantoy ang pagkakampo ng mga militar sa mismong barangay hall. Asiwa ang mga kababaihan na magtrabaho sa kanilang barangay hall dahil doon nakaistambay, natutulog at nagluluto ang mga pwersa ng 50IB.

Nararapat at napapanahon ang pagparusasa Peace Development Team ng 50IB sa batayang mahaba na ang listahan nito sa paglabag sa karapatang pantao sa buong Ilocos-Cordillera. Marami nang naitalang kaso ng panggagahasa, pagpatay, at pananakota ng 50IBPA. Dahil sa galit ng mamamayan, napaalis sila mula sa Mountain Province, Ilocos, Abra, Benguet at Ifugao at ngayon bago pa man sila makapakat ng tuluyan sa Kalinga aasahang hindi titigil ang mamamayan para palayasin ang pwersang 50IB sa probinsya ng Kalinga.

Nananawagan ang Lejo Cawilan Command sa mga tribu at mamamayan ng Kalinga na labanan ang pasismo at palayasin ang 50IB-Philippine Army na nagsisilbing security forces ng mga kapitalista at naghaharing uri upang agawin ang lupang ninuno ng mga katutubo sa Kordilyera.

Labanan ang rekrutment at pagtatayo ng mga detachment ng AFP-PNP-CAFGU-CPLA sa mga baryo ng Kalinga.
Isulong ang Digmang Bayan!
PATALSIKIN ANG PASISTANG REHIMENG-US AQUINO!

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20150301_peace-development-team-ng-50th-ibpa-natambangan-ng-new-peoples-army

Downsizing of US-Phl TF to affect anti-terror drive

From the Philippine Star (Mar 1): Downsizing of US-Phl TF to affect anti-terror drive

The decision of the United States to downsize and eventually phase out its Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) will have an adverse impact on the anti-terror drive in Mindanao, a senior military official said yesterday.

If the plan pushes through, local troops would have to rely on their own technical skills using available equipment in tracking down and immobilizing terrorists in the country, the officer who declined to be named said.

“Our anti-terror ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) operations will also be downgraded because almost always, we depend on our US counterparts through their hi-tech surveillance equipment that we don’t have for now, for real time information in monitoring movements and activities of local and foreign terrorists in Mindanao,” he said.

The JSOTF-P reportedly played a vital role in the killing of Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Jan. 25 by Special Action Force commandos. An aircraft, believed to be a US surveillance drone, was reportedly hovering over Mamasapano on the day SAF launched its operations targeting Marwan.

The US embassy said no American took part in the operation, which could have been a huge success had the commandos managed to leave without losing 44 men.

Under JSOTF-P, some 500 US soldiers are deployed across the country – mostly in Mindanao – on a rotation basis.  JSOTF was organized in 2002. It is based in the Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) headquarters in Zamboanga City.

“They’re satisfied with what we’ve learned, thus the reduction (in US personnel),” Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin was quoted in media reports as saying, to explain the US decision. The US embassy said that from the beginning, the JSOTF had been intended only as a temporary security arrangement.

But a Camp Aguinaldo insider said the US decision was in response to threats from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in the Middle East.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/03/01/1428824/downsizing-us-phl-tf-affect-anti-terror-drive

Fighter-turned-witness worries gov’t, Moro panels

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 1): Fighter-turned-witness worries gov’t, Moro panels

 

MILF chief peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal: We are verifying this. AP FILE PHOTO
The news that a Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatant during the Mamasapano massacre has become a government witness is deeply unsettling, both to the government and the secessionist group.

The worst implication of the guerrilla-turned-government-witness naming the MILF rebels involved in the Mamasapano massacre would be that it would trigger fighting within the MILF itself, the source said.

“We are verifying this,” MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal said in a phone interview on Saturday.

Iqbal declined to elaborate, saying only that the MILF was “looking at this through the peace process.”

Two government officials privy to the peace process said that an MILF guerrilla claiming to have been a participant in the Jan. 25 bloodbath in which 44 SAF commandos were brutally killed had run to the government for protection had serious implications.

The two officials said they were caught by surprise by the news, which they read in the Inquirer on Saturday.

The Inquirer report said that Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, with justice department prosecutors and National Bureau of Investigation investigators, had interviewed the MILF combatant in an undisclosed place in Mindanao, and that the latter had given a statement in which he named the MILF fighters who participated in the massacre.

Needs validation

The report also said that the MILF-combatant-turned-government-witness had decided to talk to the government because he feared for his life and those of his family.

“Those familiar with the inner workings of the MILF know that the fighters don’t act this way. So this is quite different,” said one of the officials who asked not to be identified.

The identity, background and motives of the MILF guerrilla should be “really validated,” said the second official.

“What he said he would do, naming the MILF fighters involved in Mamasapano, will have great implications. I hope there is a good way of validating him,” the second source said.

For both Inquirer sources, there is more than meets the eye in an MILF fighter running to the government for protection.

He could be a disgruntled fighter, a government asset, a follower of an MILF official who had been expelled from the group, or even an asset of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, a breakaway group of the MILF.

The two officials said they did not know the identity of the MILF fighter and were basing their comments on the Inquirer story.

There are at least eight groups investigating the Mamasapano incident that left 67 people dead: 44 Philippine National Police-SAF commandos; 18 MILF guerrillas; and 5 civilians, including an 8-year-old girl.

No need to consolidate

Aside from the NBI, those investigating the incident are the PNP board of inquiry (BOI), the Senate, the Commission on Human Rights, an MILF’s special investigating body, the International Monitoring Team and the House of Representatives.

But even with several investigating bodies looking into the incident, Malacañang said it did not see the need to have a consolidated government report on Mamasapano.

“At this point, I don’t think the President has expressed any preference but he is expecting first and foremost the report of the BOI. We know for a fact that Secretary Leila de Lima is likewise conducting her own investigation led by the DOJ (Department of Justice) and the NBI, and at this point, we do not see at least a need to consolidate,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said on Saturday over the state-run Radyo ng Bayan.

Valte said it made no difference if the reports of the different government agencies would be consolidated or not.

“What’s important are their findings,” she said.

Valte said it was unlikely that the results of the different investigations would result in confusion rather than finding out the truth.

“The reports will be made available to one another,” she said, referring to the different investigating bodies.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/676035/fighter-turned-witness-worries-govt-moro-panels

‘4 Indonesians, Arab protected by BIFF’

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 1): ‘4 Indonesians, Arab protected by BIFF’



Ameril Umbra Kato, seated, the founding commander of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, is interviewed by the media inside his rebel stronghold in Maguindanao in 2011. At that time, the BIFF was said to be harboring Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, a member of the Southeast Asian terror group Jemaah Islamiyah. AP FILE PHOTO

Four Indonesian terrorists and an Arab are reportedly hiding here and are being provided sanctuary by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), the Army division commander in the area said on Saturday.

Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, 6th Infantry Division commander, said the four Indonesians and the Arab, who was identified as a chemist, have been hiding in the so-called SPMS complex.

Pangilinan was referring to the towns of Shariff Aguak, Pagatin (now Datu Saudi Ampatuan), Mamasapano and Salibo.

After his meeting with Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu, Pangilinan, citing Army intelligence reports, told reporters the foreign nationals were monitored to be moving around the “SPMS box” with BIFF forces and Filipino bomber Basit Usman.

“The Army is relentlessly hunting down these foreign nationals who are in the company of Basit Usman and the BIFF. The MILF will not coddle terrorists, I presume,” Pangilinan told reporters.

Pangilinan said the recent clashes between the BIFF and the military showed that the bandits had been employing “young warriors” under 15.

He also revealed that Usman was recently sighted in a Madrasah school teaching children Islamic radicalism.

“There are no Indonesian or Arabian nationals in our group. We are purely native Maguindanaos and willing to die fighting. We do not need imports like the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) does,” Abu Misri Mama, speaking for the BIFF, said in Filipino.

“The Army is making up stories. They talk more but they cannot get at us,” Mama said in a phone interview.

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/119145/4-indonesians-arab-protected-by-biff/

Up to 7,000 families in ARMM flee fighting of Army, BIFF — local officials

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 1): Up to 7,000 families in ARMM flee fighting of Army, BIFF — local officials

More and more civilians in the adjoining municipalities of Mamasapano, Rajah Buayan, Shariff Saydona, Shariff Aguak and Datu Saudi Ampatuan, all in Maguindanao, have been fleeing to safer areas to avoid getting caught in the fighting between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, local officials said.

Rajah Buayan is adjacent to Mamasapano and areas where the military is pursuing the outlawed BIFF, and have been deemed safer by civilians as of the moment, according to Rajah Buayan Mayor Zamzamin Ampatuan.

Local officials said armed BIFF men have been sighted in the marshland of Datu Piang and Shariff Saydona.

Ampatuan said artillery fire was heard Saturday night in Barangay (the village of) Ganta in Shariff Saydona town.

Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has sent staff of the Humanitarian Emergency Action and Response Team (HEART) to communities to attend to the needs of evacuees.

ARMM’s HEART reported that as of Saturday afternoon, 5,727 families were staying in several evacuation centers.

Fighting has affected at least seven villages in the town of Shariff Saydona Mustapha, displacing at least 1,691 families, ARMM HEART reported.

Four villages were affected in the town of Shariff Aguak and at least 1,273 families have left their homes, while 165 families are in an evacuation center in Mamasapano town and 255 families from the same area have fled to the nearby municipality of Rajah Buayan.

ARMM HEART said 2,119 families were also displaced in Datu Salibo while 49 others evacuated in Datu Hoffer.

Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Toto Mangudadatu told reporters the number of displaced families following the skirmishes in Datu Unsay Friday could reach 7,000 families and “more people are fleeing.”

Mangudadatu said the provincial government has been attending to their needs but he expected the local government units, being the first responders, to act swiftly.

Rajah Buayan Mayor Ampatuan said civilians from nearby Shariff Saydona and Mamasapano fled to his town, including members of the armed Moro Islamic Liberation Front, to give way to the military action against the BIFF.

“In my town, there is no military action, that is why residents from nearby town came over,” he said.

However, Ampatuan fears of water and sanitation problem. “Health concerns will be felt in the next few days,” he said.

Mayor Ampatuan led the distribution of relief goods Sunday to internally displaced persons from Mamasapano and Shariff Saydona.

“They are not my constituents but I am morally obliged to extend a helping hand,” Ampatuan said.

There was no major offensive on Sunday, but the militiary’s 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade remained on heightened alert, securing the Isulan-Cotabato City highway and road networks leading to the towns of Datu Piang, Mamasapano and Shariff Saydona.

“Our operation against the lawless BIFF is continuing,” Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, 6th Infantry Division spokesperson said.

Although no major skirmishes were reported Sunday morning, two MG-520 attack helicopters were seen hovering.

The military’s 6th Infantry Division on Saturday announced that four Indons and an Arab chemist were sighted in the company of the BIFF in the “SPMS box,” an area the Army referred to as adjoining towns of Shariff Aguak, Pagatin (Saudi Ampatuan), Mamasapano and Shariff Saydona. It is the major stronghold of the BIFF.

Meanwhile, people’s organization Suara Bangsamoro cried foul over the alleged indiscriminate firing by government forces that has threatened residents and civilian structures.

“The state forces launched ground and aerial assaults destroying some houses of the residents,” Jerome Aba, Suara Bangsamoro spokesperson, said.

Noria Kamid, a farmer from Sitio Quary, Barangay Maitumaig in Datu Unsay, said government combat helicopters opened fire at their village while residents were still in the area.

“Suara Bangsamoro believes that the encampment of the military in the areas near the civilian community has put in danger the lives of the residents,” Aba said.

“Suara Bangsamoro criticizes the police and military aggression as an overkill, which might escalate the fighting in Maguindanao and make it spill over in neighboring areas,” the group said, adding that the Army has been “deploying several units and composite teams of state forces reportedly in search of (local terrorist Basit) Usman and other terrorists. Suara Bangsamoro fears that government is conditioning the people to accept overkill military actions as a way to catch terrorists,” Aba said.

He added that the recent offensives might be used by the government to cover up the botched operation in Mamasapano that left at least 44 police commandos, 18 Moro rebels and five civilians dead.

Petinglay, however, denied the allegations explaining that troop movements, especially on artillery and air support, were calculated.

“We have not fired artillery or fire support on houses and communities. If we will fire towards the direction of the houses our troops will also be hit because they were positioned there,” Petinglay said.

She explained that it is possible that the houses were hit by a 90mm recoilless rifle fired by the BIFF.

Abu Misri Mama, spokesman of the BIFF, claimed during the first day of the assault, that they hit two armored vehicles using a 90mm recoilless rifle they recovered from the Special Action Force in Mamasapano.

Petinglay confirmed that an explosive hit an armored vehicle, damaging its wheels but the military was still verifying what kind of weapon was used by the rebels.

“The destroyed houses claimed by Suara Bangsamoro could have been caused by the BIFF because they were directing their fire towards the houses where our troops were positioned,” Petinglay said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/676124/up-to-7000-families-in-armm-flee-fighting-of-army-biff-local-officials

Catanduanes governor conferred AFP award

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 28): Catanduanes governor conferred AFP award

As a testament to the strong partnership between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the provincial government of this island, Governor Araceli Wong recently received the award the armed forces can give to its civilian allies who have rendered extraordinary support to its “Bayanihan Program.”

In ceremonies marking the 28th Foundation Anniversary of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Southern Luzon Command, the AFP conferred on Wong the AFP Bayanihan Award.

The award was presented at Camp Guillermo in Lucena City last Feb. 6.

In a message encrypted in the trophy, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said that the official was among the civilian partners of AFP who uplifted and supported the spirit and vision of AFP.

In presenting the award, the AFP cited Wong’s implementation of low cost but high-impact projects in Catanduanes.Such projects, the AFP said, directly address poverty, unemployment and injustice, thus, they were “a great help to end insurgency problems in the province.”

Also cited were her advocacies for protection and rehabilitation of the environment, youth development, empowerment of indigenous people and her efforts to improve response capabilities of the province during disasters.

On the other hand, Wong expressed her gratitude to AFP, saying the Bayanihan Award is one of the most important and significant recognitions that she received during her term as governor of the province.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/841424960358/catanduanes-governor-conferred-afp-award-

Peasant detained in military camp released on bail

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 1): Peasant detained in military camp released on bail

After more than three months of detention, Elpidio Romanca, peasant from Barangay Mabini, Basey, Samar was released on Sunday after posting bail.

Romanca was arrested in November last year after being suspected as a member of the New People's Army (NPA) in Mabini, Basey, Samar.

He sustained gunshot wound on his head and in his right thigh when the military allegedly indiscriminately fired at his home due to an alleged encounter with the NPA in their barangay.

Romanca was accused of illegal possession of firearms and ammunitions before the Basey, Samar Regional Trial Court (RTC).

Public Attorney's Office (PAO) Chief Atty. Persida V. Rueda-Acosta, together with Atty. Zacarias Duquilla, PAO lawyer assigned at Basey, Samar RTC Branch 30, have asserted that the motion for the reduction of bail be granted from Php200,000 to Php 50,000.

Acosta argued that Romanca is an indigent and a poor peasant.

She also cited the guidelines of the Supreme Court (SC) on the rights of accused persons to bail and to speedy trial.

Meanwhile, the public prosecutor did not oppose the reduction of bail.

Armed Force of the Philippines-Judge Advocate General’s Office (AFP-JAGO) lawyer Paul Avila opposed the reduction and he said that the amount of bail be increased to Php100,000.

Karapatan national deputy secretary general Roneo Clamor was asked by the RTC to ensure that Romanca will attend his court hearings.

Clamor also testified during the hearing that Karapatan as a human rights organization was denied of entry by the AFP when Romanca was still detained at the Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City despite their assertion of the rights of the arrested persons, detained and under custodial investigation under the Republic Act No. 7438.

Basey, Samar RTC Branch 30 Presiding Judge Tarcelo A. Sabarre, Jr. granted the motion for the reduction of bail to Php50,000.

Sabarre also immediately ordered the release of Romanca from military detention.

Romanca's wife and his three children also attended the hearing.

In January this year, the military failed to present Romanca before the Basey RTC resulting to temporary denial of his right to bail.

Romanca's next hearing is scheduled in May this year.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=740122

Soldier killed, three hurt in Kalinga encounter

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 1): Soldier killed, three hurt in Kalinga encounter

An Army soldier was killed and three others were wounded when they engaged a 10-member New People’s Army rebels in a firefight in Barangay Limos, Pinukpuk, Kalinga on Saturday morning, the military said.

Killed was Private First Class Vick Pario and wounded were Private First Class Edward Boagkat, Pfc. Ronald Medrano and Pfc. Jun Abok.

Boagkat suffered a bullet-pierced right leg, Medrano had a fractured right shoulder and Abok had a bullet-grazed body.

Army Captain Randy Santamaria, 5th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the three wounded soldiers are now “out of danger.” Two were at the military hospital in Metro Manila while one was at the military hospital here.

The Army soldiers from the 51st Infantry Battalion were having security Bayanihan operations in Sitio Banlao in Barangay Limos, Pinukpuk town when they chanced upon the rebels.

 

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=740144

Army’s 9IB redeployed in Masbate after successful UN peacekeeping stint

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 1): Army’s 9IB redeployed in Masbate after successful UN peacekeeping stint

The 903rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army has redeployed its 9th Infantry Battalion (9IB) in the province of Masbate.

The battalion, headed by Lt. Col. Ericson Rosana, replaced the Task Group Masbate (TGM), which was deactivated on Feb. 25 in a ceremony led by Col. Cesar M. Idio, 903IB commander, in the TGM headquarters in Sitio Baclay, Barangay Bacolod, Milagros town.

Idio’s brigade is based in Old Castilla, Sorsogon.

The TGM headed by Col. Alden Juan C. Masagca served Masbate province from August 2014 to Feb. 25.

Idio said the 9IB will handle counter-insurgency operations in the province.

The battalion has 500 men while the TGM has only about 100 soldiers coming from the headquarters of the 9th Infantry Division in Camp Elias Angeles, Pili, Camarines Sur.

"The 9IB was formerly in charge of Masbate but it was sent abroad as part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force at the outbreak of the Ebola virus. It is now back in Masbate," Idio added.

He believes the province will be safer in the presence of the battalion now that the anniversary of the New People's Army (NPA) is fast approaching.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=740124

Sagay City: 6th LGU in NegOcc to be declared ‘peaceful, ready for further dev’t’

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 1): Sagay City: 6th LGU in NegOcc to be declared ‘peaceful, ready for further dev’t’

Sagay City has become the sixth local government unit (LGU) in Negros Occidental to be declared “peaceful and ready for further development."

The declaration was made during a Peace Congress held this week where the Sangguniang Panlungsod and the City Peace and Order Council signed a joint declaration with other stakeholders.

Before Sagay, Cadiz City, Hinigaran, Pontevedra, San Enrique and Toboso towns had been declared as "peaceful and ready for further development" as well as the whole Fourth District of Negros Occidental.

“If a place is not peaceful it’s growth is slow, there will be no investors, no tourists and no business. We have collectively worked hard to achieve what we have today – a safe and secure environment. May each one of us continue to be peacekeepers and let us not lower our guards in maintaining peace in our city,” Mayor Alfredo Marañon III said.

Provincial Director Ma. Joy Maredith Madayag of the Department of Interior and Local Government said “it is impossible for peace to take place if the community itself does not make an effort.”

“This congress is the best opportunity for us to concretize our peace efforts. The pursuit of peace begins in our homes,” she added.

Lt. Col. Rommel Cordova, commanding officer of the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion, said the local stakeholders have come a long way in terms of peace efforts.

“Let us collectively safeguard and maintain peace. Your Philippine Army will assist you in the continued furtherance of peace,” Cordova said.

Fr. Erwin Magnanao, priest of St. Joseph Parish, prayed for blessings for all stakeholders, and for God to strengthen their efforts to maintain peace.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=740185

Maguindanao residents continue to flee to avoid Army-BIFF skirmishes; 3 aides of Basit Usman killed

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 1): Maguindanao residents continue to flee to avoid Army-BIFF skirmishes; 3 aides of Basit Usman killed

More and more civilians from the adjoining municipalities of Mamasapano, Shariff Saydona, Shariff Aguak and Datu Saudi Ampatuan, all in Maguindanao continue to flee, local officials said.

Rajah Buayan Mayor Zamzamin Ampatuan said since his town is adjacent to Mamasapano and areas where the military is pursuing the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, civilians fled to his town which for them is safe as of the moment.

Local officials said armed BIFF were sighted in the marshland of Datu Piang and Shariff Saydona borders.

Ampatuan said artillery fire were heard Saturday night in the village of Ganta, Shariff Saydona town.

Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has sent staff of the Humanitarian Emergency Action and Response Team (HEART) to communities where there were evacuees to attend to their needs.

“We could not give exact number of displaced families as of yet because we are still assessing and validating data,” Myrna Jo Henry, HEART staff, said.

Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Toto Mangudadatu told reporters the number of displaced families following the skirmishes in Datu Unsay Friday could reach 7,000 families.

"We are still validating the exact number of displaced families but I was told more people are fleeing,” he said.

Mangudadatu said the provincial government is attending to their needs but he expected the local government units to act swiftly as they are the first responders.

Ampatuan said civilians from nearby Shariff Saydona and Mamasapano fled to his town, including armed Moro Islamic Liberation Front, to pave the way for the military action against the BIFF.

“In my town, there is no military action that is why residents from nearby town came over,” he said. However, Ampatuan fear of water and sanitation problem.

"Health concerns will be felt in the next days,” he said.

Mayor Ampatuan led distribution of relief goods Sunday to internally displaced persons from Mamasapano and Shariff Saydona.

“We recognized no boundaries, they are not my constituents but I am morally obliged to extend a helping hand,” Ampatuan said.

No major offensives today but the military’s 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade and members of the Philippine Marines remained on heightened alert, securing the Isulan-Cotabato City highway and road networks leading to the towns of Datu Piang, Mamasapano and Shariff Saydona.

“Our operation against the lawless BIFF is continuing,” Capt. Joann Petinglay, 6th Infantry Division spokesperson said Saturday.

No major skirmishes were reported Sunday morning but two MG-520 attack helicopters were seen hovering the “SPMS complex.”

The military’s 6th Infantry Division on Saturday announced that four Indons and an Arab chemist were sighted in the company of the BIFF in the “SPMS box,” an area the Army referred to as adjoining towns of Shariff Aguak, Pagatin (Saudi Ampatuan), Mamasapano and Shariff Saydona.

It is the major stronghold of the BIFF.

Petinglay said the Army surgical operation was well executed that no civilians were hit.

Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, AFP public affairs chief, said three companions of terrorist bomber Basit Usman have been killed in the military’s operation in Maguindanao on Friday.

He described those slain suspected terrorists as "Tausug cohorts" of Usman who was wounded in the January 25 police commando operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao where Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias "Marwan" was also killed.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=740230

Armed AW-109s to be commissioned during Navy's 117th anniversary

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 1): Armed AW-109s to be commissioned during Navy's 117th anniversary

The Philippine Navy (PN) has announced that its two armed AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" helicopters will be commissioned during its 117th anniversary on May 27.

"We're hoping to commission them by our anniversary this May," Navy spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo said in a message to the PNA on Sunday.

The two armed AW-109 airframes arrived in the country last December as part of the five-helicopter deal, worth PhP1.33 billion, signed by the Philippines with AgustaWestland in early 2013.

Three of the AW-109s were delivered and commissioned on Dec. 22, 2013.

The armed versions of the AW-109s will be armed will have machine guns, 20mm cannons and possibly with air-to-ground rockets.

The AW-109 "Power" helicopter is a three-ton class eight-seat helicopter powered by two Pratt and Whitney PW206C engines.

The spacious cabin is designed to be fitted with a number of modular equipment packages for quick and easy conversion between roles.

The aircraft’s safety features include a fully separated fuel system, dual hydraulic boost system, dual electrical systems and redundant lubrication and cooling systems for the main transmission and engines.

The AW-109 has established itself as the world’s best selling light-twin helicopter for maritime missions.

Its superior speed, capacity and productivity combined with reliability and ease of maintenance make it the most cost effective maritime helicopter in its class.

For shipboard operations, the aircraft has a reinforced-wheeled landing gear and deck mooring points as well as extensive corrosion protection measures.

The ability to operate from small ships in high sea state enables the AW-109 to perform its mission when many others helicopters would be confined to the ship’s hangar.

Over 550 AW-109 "Power" and AW-109 light utility helicopters have been ordered for commercial, parapublic and military applications by customers in almost 50 countries.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=740106

PAF to acquire spares for UH-1H power plants

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 1): PAF to acquire spares for UH-1H power plants

To ensure that all of its UH-1H "Huey" helicopters are combat and mission ready at all times, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) announced that it is setting aside PhP22.6 million for the acquisition of spare parts for the power plants of the aircraft.

Bid opening is slated at 9 a.m. on March 11 at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.

Prospective bidders should have an experience in similar project within the last five years.

The PAF is known to operate 30 to 40 "Huey" units. It is being utilized for air support, transportation and medical evacuation missions.

It also plays a key role in the country's humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts during natural and man-made calamities.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=740113

No let up on offensive vs. ASG, BIFF - Catapang

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 1): No let up on offensive vs. ASG, BIFF - Catapang

With the Abu Sayyaf Group and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters now on the run after a government-initiated offensive, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang ordered all unit commanders involved in the operation to continuously pursue and harry the bandits so that the latter's capability to carry out atrocities will be greatly eliminated.

"I want to significantly lessen the bandits' ability to carry out violent attacks against civilians before I retire in July 2015, he said. 

Catapang, however, stressed that the military must be able to carry out their mandate while ensuring that collateral damage will be minimized.

"We can protect the civilian populace by isolating them from armed groups. We also need accurate information from the people themselves," he added.

The AFP has so far killed 24 ASG bandits in its Sulu campaign against the group, while two soldiers were killed in the series of clashes in Sulu last week.

The Joint Task Group Sulu also received a report that Radulan Sahiron was wounded.

Meanwhile, the AFP had rendered departure honors for the two fallen heroes, Pfc. Roquero,22, and Cpl. Lonell Bautista, 34.

In Maguindanao, the 6th Infantry Division has cleared the Tacurong-Cotabato highway of BIFF bandits after the clashes in Datu Unsay on Friday.

Three soldiers were reported wounded in the three-hour firefight.

Field reports indicated that three Tausug lieutenants of Basit Usman were killed in the assault by the 601st Infantry Brigade troops.

More troops were sent in to scour the hiding places of Usman in the middle of the Liguasan marsh Sunday.

Meanwhile, Catapang has directed the line unit commanders to help in transporting the evacuees back to their respective villages.

"We want the civilians to live peacefully in their communities. This is the reason why we are driving the BIFF away from their homes," he concluded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=740147

Families of fallen 701st Infantry Brigade soldiers given financial assistance

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 1): Families of fallen 701st Infantry Brigade soldiers given financial assistance

Philippine Army (PA) commander Lt. Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri handed over government financial assistance to the families and loved of the three fallen 701st Infantry Brigade soldiers who died while defending the Mati City Police Station, Davao Oriental against New People's Army (NPA) attack last Feb. 15.

This was made possible as Iriberri visited 701st Infantry Brigade headquarters in Sitio Magay, Barangay Don Martin Marundan, Mati City Saturday.

Financial assistance amounted to Php149,000 per family.

The money was handed by Iriberri to the families of the late Cpl. Aden A. Lucunan, Pfc. Daniel T. Damansila, Pfc. Will Christian S. Resuello and Pvt. Ryan M. Amigo.

Aside from this, the PA chief also personally award medals to deserving soldiers for the successful conduct of combat operations against the NPA in a simple but meaningful ceremony.

Iriberri also scored the rebel group for its continued use of landmines against civilian and military, adding that this highlights disrespect of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) which they have agreed and signed.

“If the NPAs cannot abide by the mandates provided for in the CARHRIHL, then it also implies that they disregard the protection of human rights. We condemn to the highest degree the NPA’s continued use of these banned war materials,” Iriberri concluded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=740239

Basit Usman, parang multong naglaho!

From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Mar 1): Basit Usman, parang multong naglaho!



     Basit Usman (Interaksyon)


Mistulang multo ang pagkawala ng teroristang si Basit Usman at hindi masabi ng militar at pulisya ang tumpak na kinaroroonan nito sa Mindanao na kung saan ay nagpapatuloy ang opensiba ng pamahalaan laban sa Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

Ngunit sa ulat naman ng Armed Forces ay sinabi ni Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc na posibleng napatay ang tatlong tauhan o kasamahan ni Usman sa sagupaan nitong Sabado sa Maguindanao.

Walang detalyeng ibinigay si Cabunoc maliban lamang na pawang mga “Tausug” ang nasawi - ang Tausug ay mga natibo ng lalawigan ng Sulu, ngunit hindi naman agad ito makumpirma, subali’t patunay lamang ito na nagsasanib puwersa na ang mga magkakaibang tribu kontra sa pamahalaan.

Pulos mga intelligence report lamang ang basehan ngayon ng mga awtoridad sa kinaroroonan ni Usman, na dating commander ng Moro Islamic Liberation Front at ngayon ay kaalyado ng IS o Islamic State sa bansa.

Sinabi naman sa Mindanao Examiner ni Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, ang spokeswoman ng 6th Infantry Division, ay posibleng nasa lugar lamang ng Salbu-Pagatin-Mamasapano-Shariff Aguak sa Maguindanao si Usman – at intelligence report rin ang basehan nito.

Unang sinabi ng militar at pulisya na kinakanlong ng MILF si Usman at ang napatay na si Malaysian bomber Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, sa kabila ng mariing pagtanaggi naman ng rebeldeng grupo na noon nakaraang taon lamang lumagda ng peace agreement sa pamahalaan Aquino.

Inamin naman ng 6th Infantry Division na bukod kay Usman ay 5 miyembro ng Jemaah Islamiya ang sinasabing nasa proteksyon ng BIFF. Napag-alaman na 4 Indonesian at isang Arabo – na pawang mga kasamahan ni Marwan – ang pinaghahanap rin umano ng mga awtoridad sa central Mindanao.

Paulit-ulit naman ang apela sa publiko si Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, ang hepe ng 6th Infantry Division, na makipagtulungan sa mga awtoridad kung may impormasyon ukol sa mga terrorista at BIFF.

Gumagamit rin umano ng mga “child warriors” ang BIFF, ayon sa militar, ngunit karamihan sa mga ito ay mga anak at kapatid ng mga lider at miyembro ng naturang grupo. Pati mga kapatid at asawang babae ay nagsisilbing “intelligence agents” ng BIFF at hirap rin ang militar at pulisya na makilala ang mga ito dahil nakahalo sa mga sibilyan.

Halos wala rin makuhang suporta ang militar mula sa mga sibilyan dahil sa simpatiya nito sa rebeldeng grupo at ang iba naman ay natatakot sa posibleng ganti ng BIFF kung sila ay magsusumbong o magbigay ng impormasyon sa awtoridad. At wala rin maaasahang sa mga mayors at barangay kapitan dahil sa takot.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2015/03/basit-usman-parang-multong-naglaho.html

2 kampo ng Sayyaf, hawak na ng militar sa Sulu

From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Mar 1): 2 kampo ng Sayyaf, hawak na ng militar sa Sulu

Hawak ngayon ng militar ang dalawang kampo ng Abu Sayyaf sa lalawigan ng Sulu na kung saan ay patuloy rin ang opensiba ng pamahalaan sa rebeldeng grupo.

Naunang inulat ng Western Mindanao Command na umabot sa dalawang dosena ang napatay na Abu Sayyaf sa mga nakalipas na araw sa kabundukan ng Patikul, ngunit wala naman bangkay na nabawi ang mga sundalo sa nasabing lugar.

Ayon pa sa militar, hinila diumano ng Abu Sayyaf ang kanilang mga casualties upang hindi mabawi ng mga sundalo.

Sinabi naman ni Col. Alan Arrojado, ang commander ng Joint Task Group Sulu, na ang nabawing kampo sa Patikul ay may 50 bunkers at maaaring magkasya ang 200 katao. Natagpuan rin sa kampo ang mga basyong dextrose bottle, damit at mga paliguan.

Ang isang kampo naman sa Barangay Buhanginan ay tinatayang nasa 100 square meters lamang at nagsilbing pahingahan ng Abu Sayyaf. Kasya umano doon ang 50 katao. May mga nabawi rin umanong mga kagamitan at damit ng babae sa lugar kung kaya’t posibleng may mga babaeng combatants umano ang Abu Sayyaf.

Ngunit ayon sa ibang sources, pawang mga asawa at kapatid ng mga rebelde ang nagmamay-ari ng mga nabawing kagamitan ng babae sa kampo. May mga armas rin umano ang mga ito upang maipagtanggol ang kanilang sarili kung maabutan ng militar sa lugar.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2015/03/2-kampo-ng-sayyaf-hawak-na-ng-militar.html

Spy plane trip to West PH Sea sign of US 'commitment' to Asian pivot

From Rappler (Mar 1): Spy plane trip to West PH Sea sign of US 'commitment' to Asian pivot

The US 7th Fleet says the new P-8A aircraft is part of the Navy's commitment to the Pacific rebalance, bringing latest technology to US 7th Fleet to ensure the U.S. is best postured to honor its commitment to regional security and stability


BILATERAL PATROL MISSION: Filipino pilots pose with aircrew members of Combat Air Crew Four and a P-8A Poseidon. US Navy photo

One of the United States' most advanced aircraft was in Clark Air Base in February for a temporary rotational detachment that allowed Filipino pilots to join patrol missions in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

The spy plane – a long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft – that is under the operational control of the US Navy Patrol Squadron 45 based in Yokosuka, Japan shows the country's commitment to a strategic pivot to Asia, according to the US 7th Fleet's public affairs office.

"The new P-8A is part of the Navy's commitment to the Pacific rebalance, bringing latest technology to U.S. 7th Fleet to ensure the US is best postured to honor its commitment to regional security and stability," said the US 7th Fleet said in a statement on Wednesday, February 25.

It's a rare statement that officially acknowledged the deployment of the US spy planes that security observers have long known to be patrolling the disputed waters.

The 7th Fleet said: "The flight was a bilateral patrol mission in airspace off of Luzon Island and allowed the U.S. Navy air crew to demonstrate the P-8A's capabilities in both the littoral and open ocean environment and the flight characteristics of the P-8A in both high altitude reconnaissance missions and low altitude patrol regimes. The air crew also explained the operation of the aircraft's multi-mission sensors."

US SPY PLANE: The P-8A is the most advanced long range anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare aircraft in the world. It also provides superior maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability. US Navy photo

Strengthen maritime partnership

The spy plane is meant to support the fleet's mission to "to strengthen maritime partnerships in the Indo-Asia-Pacific."

The bilateral patrol mission between the US and the Philippines comes after the two countries agreed to step up joint military exercises focused on maritime security and maritime domain awareness.

 

BILATERAL PATROL MISSION: Pilots of the Philippine military are shown the electro-optical camera of the P-8A Poseidon. US Navy photo

 

Two Filipino soldiers joined the bilateral patrol mission in airspace off of Clark Airbase in Zambales, a province facing the West Philippine Sea.

The P-8A boasts of its capability to provide "superior maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR)." It is built on the Boeing 737 airframe and is quieter than its P-3 predecessor.

They were shown how the electro-optical camera of the P-8A Poseidon works. A total of 180 flight hours were executed in its 3-week detachment in the Philippines, February 1-21.

"It was a remarkable opportunity to work alongside the members of the Filipino Armed Forces. Sharing this aircraft's capabilities with our allies only strengthens our bonds," said U.S. Navy Lt. Matthew Pool, Combat Air Crew 4 patrol plane commander.

The Philippines filed an international arbitration case against China, which claims almost all of the South China Sea. China has not been deterred, however, and has since aggressively reclaimed reefs and features in the West Philippine Sea to turn them into aritificial islands. (READ: CLOSE-UP PHOTOS: China's artificial islands in the West Philippine Sea)

One of the reclamation projects is believed to become the believed to become the site of a runway for China's air assets to be present in a disputed area already dominated by its ships. (READ: 'China to finish construction of airstrip in West PH Sea this year')

The US supports a peaceful resolution of the maritime conflict amid growing militarization in the region of the South China Sea. The US and Chinese navies have also been practicing the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES) that seeks to avoid confrontations and collission as the routes get busier.

Last week, littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth and the People's Liberation Army-Navy's Jiangkai II conducted routine training and operations also in the South China Sea.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/85392-american-spy-plane-philippines-pivot-asia

PH military hunts 'coddled' most-wanted bombmaker

From Rappler (Mar 2): PH military hunts 'coddled' most-wanted bombmaker

The military believes Abdul Basit Usman is being sheltered by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters which has vowed to support jihadist group ISIS

Photo of Abdul Basit Usman from the US State Department Rewards for Justice website

 

The Philippine military is trying to capture a bombmaker it believes is being "coddled" by Filipino militants who have pledged loyalty to Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), authorities said Sunday, March 1.

 

The capture of Abdul Basit Usman is one of the objectives of a major army offensive on the southern island of Mindanao, said local military commander Major General Edmundo Pangilinan.

 

The US government has Usman on its most-wanted list with a $1 million bounty on his head. Washington and Manila say he has links to Jemaah Islamiyah and Abu Sayyaf, two groups of Southeast Asian militants.

 

Pangilinan said the military believes Usman is being sheltered by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), which has vowed support to jihadist group ISIS that controls swathes of Iraq and Syria.

 

"Basit Usman is still believed to be in the area. We believe the BIFF, this armed, lawless group, are the ones coddling and protecting him. We are still pursuing him," he told Agence France-Presse.

 

"Field reports indicated that 3 (Filipino Muslim) lieutenants of Basit Usman were killed in the assault," a military statement said.

 

"More troops were sent in to scour the hiding places of Usman," it added. Military officials declined to specify how many soldiers were involved.

 

More than 10,000 residents have fled since the fighting began last week between the army and the BIFF in the province of Maguindanao on Mindanao, a government spokesman said, adding that Manila was providing aid to them.

 

Pangilinan said the military was also confirming reports of 4 Indonesians and an Arab who may be with Usman and the BIFF.

 

"Airstrikes and artillery fire were delivered (on Saturday) after information of the location of the targets were identified," a military statement said, without specifying if anyone was hit.

 

Usman was one of the targets of a botched police commando operation in the same area on January 25.

 

Forty-four commandoes were killed in the raid, triggering a wave of outrage which has shaken the administration of President Benigno Aquino.

 

Usman was not captured. But initial DNA tests from another body indicated the raid may have succeeded in killing another target, Zulkifli bin Hir.

 

The FBI, which has offered a $5 million reward for Zulkifli, describes him as a leading member of the Jemaah Islamiyah, which staged the 2002 Bali nightclub bombings that killed 202 people and numerous other attacks.

 

The BIFF is a group of a few hundred gunmen. It broke away from the much larger Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which is engaged in peace talks with the government.

 

The BIFF rejects the peace process and seeks an independent Islamic state in the south of the largely Catholic nation.

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/85459-philippine-military-abdul-basit-usman-biff

7 Maguindanao towns affected by military offensive vs BIFF

From InterAksyon (Mar 1): 7 Maguindanao towns affected by military offensive vs BIFF



Emergency Peace and Order Council meeting in Maguindanao, 28 February 2015. OCD PHOTO

Seven Maguindanao towns are affected by the military offensive against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, according to the Emergency Peace and Order Council meeting between provincial officials and officials of the 6th Infantry Division and the Maguindanao police Saturday afternoon.

The meeting held at the 6th ID Headquarters in Camp Siongco, Datu Odin Sinsuat also discussed the security of the civilians affected by the offensive.

Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu urged local officials to coordinate with authorities for the protection of civilians.

He called on mayors to help with the authorities on information regarding the camps of BIFF leaders.

Mangudadatu has earlier said he is against the military offensive.

According to the ARMM Humanitarian Emergency Action Response Team (HEART), around 5,725 families have already left their communities, among them the towns of Shariff Saydona Mustapha (with 1,691 displaced families), Mamasapano (with 165 families), Datu Unsay (with 175 families), Shariff Aguak (with 1,273 families), Datu Salibo (with 2,119 families), Rajah Buayan (with 255 families), and Datu Hoffer (with 49 families).

ARMM HEART has immediately extended help to the affected families.

In the face of worsening situation for the civilians, BIFF rebels said they will not surrender to the military, said BIFF spokesman Abu Misri Mama.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/106013/7-maguindanao-towns-affected-by-military-offensive-vs-biff

Army, police hunt down 5 foreign terrorists in Maguindanao

From InterAksyon (Mar 1): Army, police hunt down 5 foreign terrorists in Maguindanao



Major Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan at the Senate hearing, 11 February 2015. FILE PHOTO

Police and military authorities here are hunting down an Arab chemist and four Indonesian terrorists who were acquaintances of slain suspected Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias "Marwan" and Filipino bomb-making expert Basit Usman, an Army official said.

Major Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, 6th Infantry Division commander, also appealed to Maguindanao's local executives to help authorities locate the foreigners and members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Citing intelligence information, Pangilinan said the four suspected Indonesian terrorists and an Arab man were seen with the BIFF.

He said the Army are searching and closely monitoring them in the SPMS Box, a military term referring to the towns of Shariff Aguak, Pagatin (Datu Saudi), Mamasapano, and Salibo complex, areas where the BIFF has strong influence.

On Friday, joint Army, Marines, and police operations were conducted against the group of BIFF in Barangay Maitumaig, Datu Saudi Ampatuan Friday, which led to the closure of a major road network for about six hours.

“We will continue hunting them, these foreign nationals are creating headaches in Maguindanao, they are with Basit Usman and in the company of BIFF, because the MILF will not coddle these terrorists, I presume,” Pangilinan told reporters after meeting with Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu and local executives of the province.

“I also have that information about these foreign men in the company of the BIFF, I hope the civilians will report to authorities their presence in their communities,” Mangudadatu also said.

He appealed to local executives, down to the barangay level and Muslim religious leaders, to help locate lawless BIFF leaders "to save the young Maguindanaons from being lured into radicalism."

“I appeal to our local people, down to the communities, we should help prevent these lawless people, these extremists who are making our lives difficult, please join hands with the authorities to locate these people,” Mangudadatu said.

Both Mangudadatu and Pangilinan said the foreigners had been teaching radical Islam in madrasah (Islamic school) in Maguindanao with young Maguindanaons as recruits.
“We have information that Basit Usman was sighted teaching radicalism in Madrasah and were allowed by local officials," Pangilinan said.

Pangilinan said that the well-trained and well-equipped Army troopers were fighting young and ill-trained BIFF fighters aged 10 to 15 years old.

He said the Army pity these children who were lured by extremists into taking up arms to fight the government.

Both the governor and the Army commander lambasted the BIFF for using young warriors and for using civilians as human shields.

The recent Army offensive against the BIFF in Datu Unsay and Datu Saudi Ampatuan left 7,000 families fleeing and the provincial and regional disaster officials are attending to their needs.

Three days ago, the government announced it will launch an all-out operation against the BIFF and asked the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to pave the way for the military offensive. The MILF obeyed as stated in the government-MILF ceasefire agreement.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/105992/army-police-hunt-down-5-foreign-terrorists-in-maguindanao