MILF: PCCI supports President Aquino’s call for peace in Mindanao

Posted to the MILF Website (Mar 2): PCCI supports President Aquino’s call for peace in Mindanao

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the country’s largest business organization joined with other business groups in supporting President Aquino’s call for peace in Mindanao.

PCCI President Alfredo M. Yao said in a an statement last February 28 that  “the country could best honor the sacrifice and bravery of the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) commandos who died in a clash with Moro rebels in Mamasapano, Maguindanao province, on January 25 by bringing peace and prosperity to Mindanao.”

He also said that, “The best way to promote peace is to expose our brothers and sisters in the affected areas in Mindanao to the prosperity that we enjoy and which they should be sharing”.

“If we are distracted in securing peace in Mindanao, we will isolate our brothers and sisters in the affected areas from benefiting from the gains of the economy,” he further said.

He urged the leadership of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to help in the rebuilding of public trust and confidence in the group.

“Let us give peace a chance. Besides we will never solve the problem of poverty if we do not have peace and order,” Yao said.

Earlier, Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc.; Employers’ Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP); Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (Finex); Makati Business Club (MBC); Management Association of the Philippines (MAP); Mindanao Business Council; and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) jointly signed a statement reaffirming their full support to President Aquino and the peace process in the light of various calls from some sectors for the president’s resignation and launching of all-out-war in Mindanao.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/751-pcci-supports-president-aquino-s-call-for-peace-in-mindanao

CPP: CPP condemns anti-Moro AFP offensives in Maguindanao

Propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Mar 3): CPP condemns anti-Moro AFP offensives in Maguindanao

Communist Party of the Philippines

 

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) joins the Filipino and Moro people in denouncing the all-out military offensives being carried out by the Aquino regime in Maguindanao that have resulted in the displacement of close to 30,000 people from the Bangsamoro areas.

The CPP denounced the AFP for carrying out aerial bombings and using mortars and cannons which are fired at the direction of civilian communities and farms, endangering the lives of people, damaging their crops, forcing them to evacuate and traumatizing residents, especially children and the elderly.

The “all-out offensive” is being carried out by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) in several towns in Maguindanao, including Datu Unsay and Mamasapano.

Several homes in Barangay Maitumaig, Datu Unsay were destroyed a few days ago when the military and police conducted air strikes and ground operations against the community. Residents of Barangay Inaladan in the same town were forced to evacuate in the middle of the night amid heavy shelling by the AFP.

“The AFP is indiscriminately firing artillery into civilian communities which they claim to be part of the areas of operation of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF),” said the CPP. “The Aquino regime is violating wholesale the people’s human rights in its use of aerial bombs, mortars and other weapons that cause indiscriminate and widespread damage.”

“The so-called offensives of the AFP are hurting mostly the Bangsamoro civilian population,” said the CPP. “This is a costly effort by the military and police to draw attention away from Aquino’s culpability over the botched January 25 Mamasapano operations that resulted in the loss of 44 elite police troopers in a gunbattle with Moro armed fighters.”

“The all-out offensives also seek to bolster the Aquino regime’s push for the enactment of the Bangsamoro Basic Law by establishing its armed dominance over the Bangsamoro areas,” said the CPP. “The Aquino regime also seeks to weaken the negotiating position of the ceasefire-bound MILF by making it more passive amid the AFP’s armed offensives or compelling it to join the AFP in anti-BIFF operations which will cause its isolation from Moro communities,” pointed out the CPP
The CPP reechoed its call to the Bangsamoro people to defend their rights and advance their struggle for self-determination through revolutionary armed struggle.

The CPP likewise called on all units of the New People’s Army (NPA), especially those in Mindanao, to carry out more tactical offensives in order to aid the Moro people in their resistance against the armed offensives of the Aquino regime.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20150303_cpp-condemns-anti-moro-afp-offensives-in-maguindanao

'No loyalty check among MILF men'

From the Philippine Star posted to ABS-CBN (Mar 2): 'No loyalty check among MILF men'

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was not conducting a loyalty check when many of its members converged in several villages in South Cotabato, raising worries among some officials, the rebel group’s chairman Ghadzali Jaafar said yesterday.

“We don’t need to subject our men to loyalty check because we are sure of their loyalty. They are all willing to die for the front,” Jaafar said in an interview.

The presence of a large number of MILF guerrillas in the villages of Datal Bob and Salome in T’boli town last week had alarmed security forces and provincial officials.

The alleged MILF members, who were not carrying firearms, reportedly belonged to the 107th Base Command under the leadership of Commander Kato Mastura.

Jaafar stressed that what the officials saw in the villages of T’boli were not “warriors” but “civilian” members of the MILF.

Asked why they were there, Jaafar said it was “to conduct briefings about the flow (or progress) of the peace talk between the MILF and the government.”

Jaafar said their civilian members have had the authority to do such briefings. “It is their obligation to inform other Moro people about it,” Jaafar said.

In a radio interview, South Cotabato Rep. Ferdinand Hernandez reminded the MILF that the province is “peace-loving,” where Muslims and Christians coexist in harmony.

“Muslims and Christians in South Cotabato are both enjoying the benefits of living with harmony and understanding,” Hernandez said.

He said any Bangsamoro Basic Law “should be fair and acceptable to everyone.”

 http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/03/03/15/no-loyalty-check-among-milf-men

9 more BIFF rebels die in Maguindanao clash

From the Manila Standard Today (Mar 3): 9 more BIFF rebels die in Maguindanao clash

THE Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters suffered nine more dead fighters on Monday even as the military seized a factory for making improvised explosive devices, officials said.

The number of displaced residents also mounted as the fighting between government troops and BIFF fighters in the remote communities in Maguindanao entered its seventh day.

The military said the body of nine BIFF rebels were recovered by Army troopers in Datu Unsay, the site of bloody fighting between the military and BIFF rebels last Friday.

The military offensive against the BIFF also resulted in the seizure of a factory for making improvised bombs following the capture of a BIFF camp owned by Mohammad Ali Tambako in Dasikil village.

Colonel Melquiades Feliciano, commander of the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade, spearheaded the assault that led to the discovery of the bomb factory.

“Our troops successfully seized a bomb-making facility after assaulting the enemy positions yesterday,” Feliciano said.

“The enemy was able to escape but the equipment and materials that are used to fabricate home-made bombs were left behind.” 

Feliciano made his statement even as Senen Bacani, a member of the government negotiating panel for the peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, said President Benigno Aquino III will issue an executive order this month creating a task force that will disarm private armed groups in the areas that will form part of the proposed Bangsamoro political entity as well as other areas in Mindanao.

Bacani said that would be in keeping with the commitments made under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

“The MILF will undergo a decommissioning process, and the government will disarm all other private armed groups in the area who are potential threats to the Bangsamoro,” Bacani said.

In the House, Rep. Terry Sidon on Monday slammed the military’s “all-out offensive” against the BIFF, which he said had led to the displacement of over 20,000 people in Maguindanao and North Cotabato.

“The Aquino administration is calling it an ‘all-out offensive’ but that’s a big understatement. What’s happening in Mindanao right now is an all-out war, and no amount of euphemism can hide that,” Ridon said.

 “Since the offensive began last week, there have already been multiple reports of government troops indiscriminately firing upon fleeing civilians and bombing communities in both Maguindanao and North Cotabato.”

Meanwhile, Rep. Rodolfo Albano III welcomed the plan of the House leadership to resume the hearings on the Mamasapano bloodbath that resulted in the killing of 44 police commandos on Jan. 25.

He proposed the conduct of marathon hearings.

Feliciano said the terrorist Abdul Basit Usman, who escaped from his hideout somewhere in Mamasapano and who was now being hunted down by government troops, was being coddled by bandits from two BIFF groups.

He said the new BIFF leader Mahammad Ali Tambako, who had initiated violent activities against the civilians in Maguindanao and North Cotabato, was one of Usman’s top protectors.

He said the other BIFF leader protecting Usman was Kagi Karialan who had at least 100 fighters under his command.

Feliciano said Karialan was responsible for the attack on the MILF and the civilian communities at the Boliok Complex and in Bolol, both in Pikit in North Cotabato, that displaced 25,000 people.

He said five foreign nationals believed to be members of an international terrorist organization were seen moving with Usman to evade the troops pursuing them.

As more civilians fled their homes due to the fighting, Major General Edmundo Pangilinan met with local government officials to explain the ongoing all-out offensive against the BIFF.

He said the fighting was aimed at getting Usman and his group.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/03/03/9-more-biff-rebels-die-in-maguindanao-clash/

US Concludes Special Operations Task Force in the Philippines

From The Diplomat (Mar 3): US Concludes Special Operations Task Force in the Philippines

After 13 years, the U.S. Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) will leave the Philippines.

After 13 years of providing operational advice and support, the U.S. special operations mission in the Philippines, which was set up to help the Philippine military fight an Islamic militancy in the country’s south, is officially coming to a close. U.S. advisers were in the Philippines to primarily assist in Philippine commandos in fighting Abu Sayyaf militants in the country’s southern islands as past of the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P). JSOTF-P advised the Philippines’ Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command.

According to local reports, U.S. JSOTF-P personnel joined their Philippines counterparts in a flag-raising ceremony in Zamboanga City to symbolize the conclusion of the U.S. mission. Zamboanga is the sixth largest city in the Philippines and hosted U.S. JSOTF-P advisers over the course of their 13 year mission in the Philippines. Though the JSOTF-P mission is scheduled to end this year, some members of the current mission will stay on as part of a U.S. special operations liaison to assist in the Philippines’ ongoing counter-terrorism efforts according to a statement made by U.S. Special Operations Command, Pacific spokesperson Army Maj. Kari McEwen to the US Naval Institute. “This represents a shift in focus for U.S. Special Operations Forces from advising and assisting at the small unit level to providing operational advice and assistance at higher levels of command within the Philippine Security Forces for continued counterterrorism progress, humanitarian assistance and civil military cooperation,” she added in the statement.

As per the terms of the Visiting Forces Agreement which governs the United States’ military presence in the Philippines, U.S. troops are not permitted to engage in direct combat operations in the Philippines. JSOTF-P thus focus solely on advising and assisting Philippines security forces “at the tactical, operational and strategic levels.” JSOTF-P comprised personnel from every branch of the U.S. armed forces, including specialized advisers with backgrounds in Army, Air Force, and Navy operations. U.S. Pacific Command will monitor the situation in the southern Philippines, with some remaining JSOTF-P personnel, to “ensure that violent extremist organizations don’t regain a foothold” in the region.

Abu Sayyaf, the main Islamic fundamentalist insurgency targeted by JSOTF-P, has been active since the early 1990s and is one of several radical insurgent Moro groups seeking an independent province in the southern regions of the Philippines, in and around Sulu and Basilan provinces. The group has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United Nations, and became a target for the United States following Operation Enduring Freedom and the Global War on Terror under the administration of U.S. President George W. Bush. About 600 U.S. personnel were sent to the Philippines originally as part of Operation Enduring Freedom – Philippines (OEF-P). The historic Balikatan U.S.-Philippines military exercises evolved to include counter-terror operations following OEF-P.

http://thediplomat.com/2015/03/us-concludes-special-operations-task-force-in-the-philippines/

BIFF: We didn’t burn Marwan’s hut

From Rappler (Mar 3): BIFF: We didn’t burn Marwan’s hut

Police also arrest 3 suspected members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters


Photo courtesy of Mayor Benzar Ampatuan



The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters on Tuesday, March 3, denied they burned the hut of slain Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir (Marwan) in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, on February 24.

“We don't burn houses or anything that destroys civilian properties,” said Abu Misri Mama, spokesman of the BIFF.

 

Marwan was the target of a police Special Action Force (SAF) operation on January 25 that caused a crisis in the Aquino government with 44 SAF commandos, 18 Moro rebels and 3 civilians killed.

 

The incident triggered a massive military attack against the BIFF, suspected of coddling terrorists such as Marwan. It's a breakaway group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which signed a peace deal with the Aquino government.

 

On Sunday night, March 1, police arrested 3 suspected members of the BIFF in Shariff Aguak town in Maguindanao. 

 

The suspects, identified as Omar Sawal, Rashid Ayungan and John Yunaw, did not resist arrest when they were cornered at a checkpoint along the national highway in the town proper of Shariff Aguak.

 

Chief Inspector Harris Lino, town police commander, said 3 hand grenades were seized from them.

 

The military has launched simultaneous attacks against the BIFF in Maguindanao and the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu in the last few days, including artillery and air strikes.

 

The offensive has displaced thousands of civilians from Maguindanao's 7 towns.

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/85572-biff-marwan-police-arrest

Moro rebel camp, bomb factory fall

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 3): Moro rebel camp, bomb factory fall

Government forces captured a camp reportedly occupied by Moro rebels, and a bomb factory in Mamasapano, Maguindanao province, a military official said.

Capt. Jo-Ann Petinglay, spokesperson of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said soldiers on a clearing operation in Barangay Dasikil on Sunday discovered the camp inside a 3-hectare complex with 18 huts.

The place was reportedly occupied by followers of Mohammad Ali Tambako, former vice chair for political affairs of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement. Calling his group the United Justice Movement, Tambako is providing support to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and terror groups, the military claimed.

“Assorted war materiel were recovered from the encampment,” Petinglay said. These included components for making “improvised explosive devices” (IEDs) or homemade bombs, which, she said, “clearly connote that the group is involved in IED making, training and manufacturing.”

The officer said the discovery “manifests that the armed lawless group, who calls themselves BIFF, and the group of Tambako are coddling terrorists and are involved in terroristic activities.”

“This only supports earlier reports that there are foreign terrorists hiding and living with the BIFF leaders and members, and who are providing them training on IED making,” Petinglay said.

“The need to go after this group is of utmost priority not only for the government forces but also for other stakeholders and the community in order to finally put a stop to their terroristic acts,” she said.

Abu Misri Mama, spokesperson of the BIFF, denied the accusations, saying his group had already expelled Tambako for excesses in leadership and “dishonoring the due process of law.”

Mama acknowledged that Tambako was once a member of the BIFF Central Committee and was found guilty of ordering the beheading of one of two farmer hostages near a rice field in Midsayap, North Cotabato province, in September 2013. The BIFF claimed that both men died in an encounter.

A military source said Tambako is a foreign-educated rebel leader who took his masters and doctoral studies in Saudi Arabia. “We do not know what his courses were, but he was not able to finish his doctorate,” the source said.

This opportunity to study abroad paved way to build his network on foreign armed groups which offered him seed money for his activities in Mindanao.

The same source said Tambako also irked the leadership of the BIFF after he bypassed the procedures of the rebel group to expand his network in Basilan and Jolo using BIFF rebels.

The move is purportedly aimed at conducting attacks against government and civilian targets which are not sanctioned by the BIFF, Mama said.

“What he did was too much and has disrespected our Islamic principles that is why he was expelled,” the BIFF leader said.

On Saturday night, the reported rebel camp was subjected to artillery fire, Petinglay said. Citing intelligence reports, she said Tambako was “monitored to be there before the artillery offensives.”

“Obviously, they fled overnight Saturday,” she said.

Among those recovered by Army soldiers were 60-mm and 81-mm mortar fuse, bomb making materials and fatigue uniforms with BIFF markings.

On Monday, government forces foiled a bombing attempt by the BIFF in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao province, after a civilian reported what he believed was an improvised bomb along the highway in Sitio Panang, Barangay Kabingi.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/676397/moro-rebel-camp-bomb-factory-fall

Maguindanao cops arrest 3 heavily armed suspected members of BIFF

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 2): Maguindanao cops arrest 3 heavily armed suspected members of BIFF

Three suspected members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were arrested by police authorities here on Sunday night.

Inspector Harris Lino, Shariff Aguak police chief, said the trio were on board a motorbike speeding in Barangay Poblacion Mother when lawmen intercepted them.

One of the three suspects tried to pull a hand gun but was subdued by lawmen at 10 p.m.

A body inspection resulted in the confiscation of three hand grenades, three cal. 45 pistol, several magazines for M-16 Armalite rifle and unregistered motorcycle.

"We are determining if they are members of the BIFF which is on the run due to military operation," Insp. Lino said.

He identified the suspects as Omar Sawal, Rashid Ayungan and John Yunaw, all residents of Shariff Aguak.

"They could not explain why they carry high powered guns while a military operation against BIFF was on-going," he said. "We can only surmise they were BIFF members."

"They will be charged for illegal possession of firearms and explosives," Lino said of the suspects who are now detained at PNP-Shariff Aguak lock up cell.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=740304

Army commander assures rebel-free region

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 2): Army commander assures rebel-free region

Newly-installed 2nd Infantry Division Commander Brigadier General Romeo Gan has assured the people of Southern Tagalog that he will continue to lead in clearing the villages (barangays) of the influence of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Gan said this is to enable Local Government Units (LGUs) to implement their programs and be able to provide basic services for the people.

Recently, elements of 2nd Infantry Division’s CADRE Battalion recovered one high powered firearm in Cabibihan Village, Calauag, Quezon.

Acting on a tip on the presence of armed group, a squad of Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) Active Auxiliary of Madlangdungan Patrol Base, Bravo Company of the 59th Infantry Battalion while conducting security patrol along the Cabibihan River and scouring the area, recovered an M16 Rifle.

The team was grateful to a concerned resident of Cabibihan Village who voluntarily informed them on the presence of suspected NPA rebels in their village (barangay).

The said high-powered firearm was possibly kept by NPA rebels operating in Quezon.

“We would like to thank the people of Cabibihan, Calauag, Quezon for their continuing support in giving information". Gan said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=740367

AFP awards medals to wounded MBLT-6 troopers

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 2): AFP awards medals to wounded MBLT-6 troopers
 

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has awarded medals to three Marine soldiers for gallantry in action in a recent clash against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao, a military official announced here Monday.

Capt. Ma. Rowena Muyuela, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, identified the recipients of the Wounded Personnel Medal (WPM) as Staff Sergeant (SSgt.) Henry Blas, Sgt. Anthony Fuentes, and Corporal (Cpl.) Menjamin Hailid of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-6 (MBLT-6).

Muyuela said Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, Joint Task Force Central commander, personally awarded to the three Marine soldiers in a ceremony Monday held at Camp Siongco Station Hospital in Maguindanao.

Muyuela said the three MBLT-6 troops were wounded during a firefight with more or less 50 BIFF members last Friday in Barangay Iginagampong, Datu Unsay, Maguindanao.

She said the soldiers were conducting law enforcement operation when they clashed with the BIFF members.

She said the law enforcement operation is part of the all-out offensive against the BIFF in selected areas in Maguindanao.

The offensive is jointly being carried out by the AFP and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=740478

Update: Army captures BIFF camp, foils bombing attempt in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 2): Update: Army captures BIFF camp, foils bombing attempt in Maguindanao

A major encampment of the lawless Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) was captured by government forces after an overnight artillery offensives in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, the Army Monday said.

The military also foiled an attempt by BIFF bandits to set off an improvised explosive device along a road used by the military in Barangay Pinang, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao Monday morning.

The camp was found in Barangay Dasikil, Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

Capt. Joann Petinglay, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, said elements of Army-Marines-Police Joint Task Force Central found the camp on Sunday but BIFF bandits were no longer around.

The camp, composed of 18 shanties and semi-concrete houses were found in a three-hectare area near the marshland.

“Government forces seize an enemy encampment and an improvised explosive devices factory in the area which is said to be of Mohammad Ali Tambako’s group, a former BIFF leader who was monitored recently seen with the BIFF,” Petinglay said in a statement.

The area was subjected to artillery offensive on Saturday night, Petinglay said.

“Assorted war materials were recovered from the encampment including IED making components which clearly connotes that the group has been involved in IED making, training and manufacturing,” she said.

Petinglay, citing intelligence reports, said Mohammad Ali Tambako, deputy of BIFF founding chair Uztads Ameril Umbra Kato, bolted from Kato’s group and formed his own but later rejoined his companions.

“Tambako was monitored to be there before the artillery offensives,” Petinglay said. “Obviously, they fled overnight Saturday.”

Among those recovered by joint government forces were 60 mm and 81 mm mortar fuse and bomb making materials and fatigue uniforms with BIFF markings.

Early Monday morning, government forces foiled bombing attempt by BIFF in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao after a civilian reported what he believed was an improvised bomb along a highway in Sitio Panang, Barangay Kabingi, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

"A civilian informed authorities at 6:45 a.m. today about a bag at a roadside which he suspected to be a bomb," Petinglay said.

“We believed the suspect was targeting military vehicles passing by the village,” Petinglay said of the IED which was detonated by Army bomb experts.

Also on Sunday, Major General Edmundo Pangilinan, 6th Infantry Division chief, awarded Wounded Personnel Medal to three members of the Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT-6) who were wounded during the government forces offensives against BIFF in Barangay Maitumaig, Datu Unsay, Maguindanao.

Awarded were S/Sgt. Henry B. Blas, Sgt. Anthony M. Fuentes and Cpl. Menjamin H. Hailid who were confined at the Camp Siongco Hospital here.

The Army, Marines and Maguindanao police have launched Friday an all out offensive against BIFF in Maguindanao with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which is talking peace with the national government, giving way to military operation.

At least six BIFF were killed and three soldiers wounded in the military action against the lawless groups since Friday.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=740493

MILF disowns three arrested unlicensed guns, explosive holders

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 2): MILF disowns three arrested unlicensed guns, explosive holders

The armed-wing of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Monday denied the three persons arrested by Maguindanao police on Sunday night belonged to the MILF's Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF).

Von Al Haq, MILF vice chair for military affairs and head of MILF-BIAF, said the three - identified as Omar Sawal, Rashid Ayungan and John Yunaw - were not in the roster of MILF fighters.

"We have no members of that name, maybe they belonged to another group," Al Haq told reporters.

Inspector Harris Lino, Shariff Aguak police chief, said that police were conducting checkpoints along the national highway as part of security of civilians while the Army and Marines were hunting down BIFF in nearby municipalities when the three were arrested.

Lino said police seized three hand guns, bandollier of bullets and three hand grenades from the suspects.

He said the trio were on board a motorbike and flagged down for inspection by police manning checkpoints in Barangay Poblacion Mother at 10 p.m.

“We are still checking if they belonged to BIFF but, as of now, they will be charged for carrying unlicensed guns and explosives,” Senior Supt. Rodelio Jocso, Maguindanao police chief.

Citing intelligence reports, Jocson said the three were monitored to have plotted to bomb Army deployment by setting off improvised explosive device in Datu Unsay, Maguindanao.

Police said the trio have other companions also traveling from the remote villages of Mamasapano to Datu Unsay but backed off when they noticed policemen conducting checkpoints along the highway.

But relatives of the trio denied they were BIFF members but they were under 108th MILF base commander leader Wahid Tundok.

Al haw did not buy their claim and insisted they were not legitimate MILF fighters.

Police in Shariff Aguak and six other towns are on heightened alert for diversionary attacks by suspected BIFF bandits in the face of massive Army offensives.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=740544

NPA tax collector gunned down by fellow rebels for non-remittance of revenue

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 2): NPA tax collector gunned down by fellow rebels for non-remittance of revenue
 

A 44-year-old active member of the New People's Army (NPA), who collected revolutionary tax for the movement, was gunned down by his companions at about 12 noon Monday at Barangay Lourdes, Pilar, Sorsogon.

A police report identified the victim as Juan Arena Jr., farmer and resident of the area.

Chief Supt. Victor P. Deona, Bicol police regional director, said the killing happened at about 12:00 noon after Arena received a message from an unknown texter asking him to meet the latter in a place in their village.

With his wife Eva accompanying him, Arena went to the place of rendezvous where four young-looking men armed with .45-caliber pistol and .9mm-caliber pistol waiting and told his wife to leave the place but she did not heed them.

The rebels shot Arena in front of his wife.

The police learned that Arena was an active member of rebel movement who was collecting revolutionary tax from their co-villagers but did not remit it to the organization, resulting in his execution.

The suspects casually walked away from the area while the victim's wife was speechless and was assisted by her fellow villagers.

Arena's dead body was brought to a funeral home for autopsy while police recovered empty shells from the crime scene.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=740580

Army supports “Lakbay-Aral”

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 2): Army supports “Lakbay-Aral”

Soldiers of the 79th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army based in Siaton, Negros Oriental put into realization another “Lakbay-Aral” for grade school students from a remote hinterland village that was once seriously affected by the insurgency problem.

Sixty-seven Grades 4, 5 and 6 pupils of Banlas Elementary School in Sitio Banlas, Barangay Milagrosa in Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental, accompanied by seven of their teachers, four barangay officials, two PTA officers and one lay minister were given the chance to visit various places in Dumaguete as part of the “Lakbay-Aral”.

The activity is regularly undertaken to “widen their horizon and help them create a positive outlook towards life by exposing them to other people, places and events/activities outside their confined and isolated community”, a media release from the battalion on Monday said.

During the “Lakbay-Aral”, the pupils had breakfast with Colleen Teves, the wife of Board Member Arnie Teves, and later got the opportunity to play at the Quezon Park with a mascot of a fastfood chain.

They also had a city tour wherein they visited historical landmarks and major institutions in Dumaguete, the capital city of Negros Oriental.

Col. Allan F. Martin, 302nd Infantry (Achiever) Brigade commander, Lt. Col. Harold Anthony Pascua, 79th Infantry (Masaligan) Battalion commander, and the owners of Eco-Kalan joined the pupils at lunch at a family-owned resort in Mangnao, Dumaguete City.

In the afternoon, they went to Robinson’s Place mall where they had the chance to play electronic games and later danced with another mascot.

Before going home, they were given souvenir bags with toys, bible, manah packs, tooth paste, tooth brush, a pair of slippers, books and packed meals.

The Army said it is also a project that “enlists the active participation and collaboration of various stakeholders like local government units, local government agencies, non-government organizations and various people’s organizations and civil society organizations”.

Foremost of these agencies are the Department of Education, the Oriental Negros Children’s Advocacy Network (ONCAN) and the Visayan Forum, Incorporated which are partners of the unit under the Bayanihan Para sa Kabataan (BPK) Program.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=740595

(New Feature) First 2 F/A-50s to be mission ready upon arrival

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 2): (New Feature) First 2 F/A-50s to be mission ready upon arrival
 

Come December this year, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) will be flying and using two South Korean-made F/A-50 "Fighting Eagle" to defend the country's airspace.

The fighter jets would be part of the 12 F/A-50 bought for Php 18.9 billion by the Philippines under a purchase deal with Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI), signed in March 2013.

The two jet fighters are expected to be delivered by December while the rest of the 10 F/A-50s by 2016.

"We are looking at the early delivery of two F/A-50s. They will be combat and mission ready upon their arrival this December," Department of National Defense (DND) undersecretary for finance, modernization and materiel Fernando Manalo said on Monday in an interview with the PNA.

Mission ready means that the aircraft can fly immediately and do patrol and interception missions if needed.

Earlier, Philippine Air Force spokesperson Lt. Col. Enrico Canaya said that the soon-to-be commissioned F/A-50s, with relatively updated radar systems onboard, would do autonomous air patrols without relying too much on ground based surveillance systems.

"(The F/A-50s) has its own onboard radar systems so it can detect (any hostile air threats) while on patrol," he said.

Canaya declined to give the specifics of the F/A-50's radar systems for security reasons but stressed that it is quite adequate for air patrol work.

This feature of the South Korean made jet fighter has greatly boosted the air defense capabilities of the PAF which was greatly reduced with the decommissioning of its Northrop F-5 "Tiger" jet fighter squadrons and Vought F-8 "Crusader" fleet, in 2005 and 1988, respectively.

This was done due to air frame aging and lack of spare parts to keep the two planes on operational status.

WIth the deactivation of its two premier supersonic jet fighters, the PAF was forced to convert the SIAI-Marchetti S-211 jet trainers for an air defense role.

However, the S-211s are ill-suited for air defense work due to their slow speeds.

The DND earlier said that the radar systems onboard the F/A-50s was one of the many pluses why the Philippines opted to acquire 12 units of the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) made jet fighter over its many competitors.

The F/A-50 has a top speed of Mach 1.5 or one and a half times the speed of sound and is capable of being fitted air-to-air missiles, including the AIM-9 "Sidewinder" air-to-air and heat-seeking missiles aside from light automatic cannons.

The F/A-50 will act as the country's interim fighter until the Philippines get enough experience of operating fast jet assets and money to fund the acquisition of more capable fighter aircraft.

The F/A-50 design is largely derived from the F-16 "Fighting Falcon", and they have many similarities: use of a single engine, speed, size, cost, and the range of weapons.

KAI's previous engineering experience in license-producing the KF-16 was a starting point for the development of the F/A-50.

The aircraft can carry two pilots in tandem seating. The high-mounted canopy developed by Hankuk Fiber is applied with stretched acrylic, providing the pilots with good visibility, and has been tested to offer the canopy with ballistic protection against four-pound objects impacting at 400 knots.

The altitude limit is 14,600 meters (48,000 feet), and airframe is designed to last 8,000 hours of service.

There are seven internal fuel tanks with capacity of 2,655 liters (701 US gallons), five in the fuselage and two in the wings.

An additional 1,710 liters (452 US gallons) of fuel can be carried in the three external fuel tanks.

Trainer variants have a paint scheme of white and red, and aerobatic variants white, black, and yellow.

The F/A-50 uses a single General Electric F404-102 turbofan engine license-produced by Samsung Techwin, upgraded with a full authority digital engine control system jointly developed by General Electric and Korean Aerospace Industries.

The engine consists of three-staged fans, seven axial stage arrangement, and an afterburner.

Its engine produces a maximum of 78.7 kilonewton (17,700 pound force) of thrust with afterburner.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=740378

NPAs in Alabel, Sarangani on the verge of extinction - Baladad

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 2): NPAs in Alabel, Sarangani on the verge of extinction - Baladad

Due to focused military and development efforts, the New People's Army (NPA) forces in Alabel town in Sarangani province is now on the brink of extinction.

This was disclosed by Eastern Mindanao Command head Lt. Gen. Aurelio Baladad Monday.

He made this statement after another NPA fighter, identified as Juvani Angos alias "Juvan," a member of Guerilla Front 75, voluntarily surrendered to the 73rd Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Felix Ronnie B. Babac last Feb. 26 in Barangay Datu Danwata, Malita, Davao Occidental.

This was followed by the recovery of an M-16 automatic rifle in a nearby Barangay Manuel Peralta on the same date.

Baladad said the 18-year-old Juvani is the 11th surrenderee after 73rd Infantry Battalion troopers routed the NPAs during an encounter last Feb. 16 in Sitio Tugal, Barangay Datal Anggas, Alabel town.

This resulted in the death of seven rebels and the capture of nine high powered firearms.

"The group suffered an even greater setback because five of the seven who were killed are NPA leaders. Moreover, according to reports from civilians in the area, the actual numbers of killed NPAs have reached 13, following the subsequent encounters that occurred during the pursuit operations," Baladad stressed.

"If we add this 13 who were killed to the 11 who surrendered, that's already 24, which is the big reduction in the number of NPA bandits from GF 75. We are also expecting more surrenderees after receiving several surrender feelers,” Eastern Mindanao Command spokesperson Col. Romeo Brawner Jr. said.

He added that the surrenderees are now being processed for their eventual enrolment in the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) of Sarangani Province. Moreover, other surrenderees from Davao del Sur will also avail of the same program by the CLIP of Province of Davao Del Sur.

Earlier, in the afternoon of Feb. 25, two NPA members from Jose Abad Santos, Davao Del Sur and identified as Fernan Gapa Miguel alias "Diego" and Jimbert Gapa Miguel alias "Jeter" surrendered to the 73rd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Carahayan.

The surrender was made possible through the intervention of barangay and local officials and government troops.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=740326

Bomb-making factory captured in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 2): Bomb-making factory captured in Maguindanao

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday announced that ground units have successfully captured a Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) improvised bomb-making factory during operations in Mamasapano town, Maguindanao Sunday.

Col. Melquiades Feliciano, 601st Infantry Brigade commander, said the troopers successfully captured the encampment owned by Mohammad Tambako in Barangay Dasikil.

"Our troops successfully seized a bomb-making facility after assaulting the enemy positions (Sunday). The enemy was able to escape but the equipment and materials that are used to fabricate home-made bombs were left behind," he added.

Recovered were improvised explosive components which include mortar fuses, ammonium nitrate, blasting caps and tie wires.

Feliciano said that Basit Usman is currently coddled by small bands of notorious bandits from two different BIFF groups.

Mohammad Ali Tambako of Mamasapano town is one of Usman's current protector.

He is a BIFF leader who had carried out violent atrocities against civilians both in Maguindanao and North Cotabato.

Another one is BIFF leader named Kagi Karialan with at least 100 followers.

He led the attack on MILF communities and civilian communities nearby in Kabasalan and Bulol, both in Pikit, North Cotabato in two separate occasions, displacing at least 25,000 people.

Several tipsters have spotted Usman in the bailiwicks of these cohorts.

Five foreign nationals who are believed to be members of an international terrorist organization, were seen moving with Usman as they evaded their pursuers.

Last March 1, the Army's 6th Infantry Division led by Major Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan facilitated a meeting with different local government officials in order to shed light on the ongoing 'all-out offensive' actions against the BIFF.

Held inside the 6th Infantry Division's Maguindanao headquarters, the meeting participants tackled different issues including the purpose of the ongoing law enforcement operations against the BIFF.

During the meeting, the military officials explained that the government forces are hunting down Basit Usman's group who were sighted in the hinterland villages Shariff Saydona and Mamasapano municipalities.

Government officials also agreed to collaborate on how to protect the civilian population and in providing humanitarian assistance to at least 5,700 affected families who were displaced from their homes.

As of Monday, the AFP has accounted nine members of the BIFF who were killed in the recent law enforcement operations in Maguindanao.

Three soldiers were also wounded in the fighting.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=740412

3 troopers wounded in ongoing offensive against BIFF awarded

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 2): 3 troopers wounded in ongoing offensive against BIFF awarded

Three soldiers, wounded in the ongoing offensive against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in North Cotabato and Maguindanao, were decorated with the Wounded Personnel Medal during simple ceremonies at Camp Siongco Station Hospital Monday.

The medals were personally awarded by 6th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Edmundo R. Pangilinan who is also Joint Task Force Central head.

These men were identified as Staff Sgt. Henry B. Blas, Sgt. Anthony M. Fuentes and Cpl. Menjamin H. Hailid, all members of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-6.

The three were hurt during an encounter with more or less 50 members of the outlawed BIFF at Barangay Iginagampong, Datu Unsay, Maguindanao last Feb. 27.

The law enforcement operation was part of the joint all-out offensive conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police last Friday at selected areas in Maguindanao specifically in the Salbu-Pagatin-Mamasapano-Shariff Aguak box against the BIFF.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=740417

7th Infantry reinforces Davao Region-based battalions

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 2): 7th Infantry reinforces Davao Region-based battalions
 

The Nueva Ecija-based 7th Infantry Division has deployed 120 soldiers to its three battalions operating in the Davao Region.

Capt. Mark Anthony Ruelos, 7th Infantry Division spokesperson, said that the newly trained privates will augment their 69th, 71st and 84th Infantry Battalions, which is currently operating at the Davao Region.

A battalion has an active strength of 500 to 700 soldiers and officers.

These units are currently helping the Compostela Valley-based 10th Infantry Division in its internal and external security missions.

Ruelos said send-off ceremonies for the 120 soldiers took place last week.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=740429

PHL hopes China remains committed to resolve territorial issues

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 2): PHL hopes China remains committed to resolve territorial issues

The Philippines hopes that China is still committed to a peaceful settlement of regional territorial issues even as reports said the world’s second largest economy will double its military budget for 2015.

Reports said China will have about USD 238.2 billion military financing this year, higher than the USD 232.5 billion military budget of governments in the Asia Pacific.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, quoting a statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), said “the Philippines takes note of the increase of China’s military budget.”

”While every country has the right to determine the level of its defense expenditures, we hope that China, as a responsible member of the community of nations, also remains committed to the peaceful settlement of issues in the region,” the DFA statement said.

The Philippines is among the Asian countries that China has territorial dispute.

In May 2014, the Philippines filed an arbitration case against China before the United Nations (UN) tribunal.

The Philippines said China’s claim over some islands at the West Philippine Sea is illegal vis-à-vis the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=740533

Military presses manhunt for wounded terrorist leader Radullan Sahiron in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 2): Military presses manhunt for wounded terrorist leader Radullan Sahiron in Sulu

Government troops in Sulu pressed their manhunt for Abu Sayyaf Group leader Radullan Sahiron on Monday after receiving intelligence information from a concerned citizen that the country’s most wanted terrorist leader was wounded and hiding in the jungle of Patikul, according to a military report.

At the same time, the military said the Red Cross chapter in Jolo also reported hearing that Radullan is nurturing a bullet wound, although it is not that serious.

Radullan is also wanted by the United States government which has placed a tag price of USD 5 million for his capture dead or alive.

He was reportedly wounded during a gun battle with pursuing Army troops in Barangay Buhanginan, Patikul, Sulu last Friday.

In that fighting, at least 25 Abu Sayyaf fighters were killed and 27 others wounded.

The report also said that aside from Radullan, four of his nine henchmen were also wounded.

Although the Abu Sayyaf terrorist leader’s wound was not serious, it has lessened his mobility, the report added.

The civilians in Sulu have expressed their full support to the ongoing military operation against the terrorist group.

Involved in the operation are the 32nd and 35th Infantry Battalions of the Philippine Army and a unit of the Philippine Marines.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=740488

BBL does not guarantee peace in Mindanao -- Ferrer

From the Philippine New Agency (Mar 2): BBL does not guarantee peace in Mindanao -- Ferrer

Enacting the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) into law even in the form desired by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will not guarantee peace in Mindanao, the head of the government peace panel admitted in an interview with the Philippines News Agency at the sidelines of a journalism seminar in Anilao, Batangas, on Sunday.

Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said passing the draft BBL into a law will not totally solve the conflict in Mindanao as there are still other armed groups that are sowing chaos in the region.

“BBL is not equal to peace, it’s too narrow a view,” she stressed.

Ferrer said there are still a lot of reforms that must be introduced and more armed groups that must be dealt with before peace can even have hope in Mindanao.

But, the government panel head said, enacting the BBL would at least eliminate the MILF among the government’s concerns in Mindanao, and “it’s a big thing, because you know how difficult it is if they (armed groups) unite.”

Ferrer also said they are open to discussing the changes in the draft BBL that the Congress wants to introduce but they are waiting for the Office of the President to initiate the talk with the legislators.

“Maybe it’s just a matter of explaining the provisions being objected to by the legislators or changing some of the words in the BBL if they are causing confusion,” she said.

The chief negotiator also clarified the misconception on the provisions on the Shari'ah Court, saying the Supreme Court (SC) will still have jurisdiction over it.

Section 7 of Article X of the BBL states that “The decision of the Shari’ah Court shall be final and executory.”

Ferrer said it is just similar to the quasi-judicial power of the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) whose decisions are also final and executory but did not mean that the SC has lost jurisdiction over it.

She said they are doing everything to ensure that the draft law, once enacted by Congress, will pass the constitutionality test so it can be smoothly implemented.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=740527

First of 3 brand-new C-295 medium lift aircraft to arrive this March

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 3): First of 3 brand-new C-295 medium lift aircraft to arrive this March
 

The cargo and transportation capability of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) will be getting a much needed boost with the arrival of the first C-295 medium lift aircraft from Spanish manufacturer EADS/CASA-Airbus Military this March.

This was confirmed by Department of National Defense (DND) undersecretary for finance, modernization and materiel Fernando Manalo in an interview with the PNA.

"Our first C-295 will be arriving this March," he said.

The March delivery date of the first C-295 is five months earlier than its scheduled August arrival, Manalo said.

He did not give the specific date for security reasons.

With the early arrival of the first aircraft, the DND undersecretary expects the two other aircraft to follow in short order.

EADS/CASA-Airbus Military won the DND's medium lift aircraft program by tendering a bid for Php5.29-billion for three aircraft last year.

This is considerably lower than the Php5.3-billion stipulated in the contract.

The PAF's medium lift capability is presently being fulfilled by its three F-27 "Friendship" aircraft.

"These aircraft will help in troop and limited equipment movement," DND secretary Voltaire Gazmin earlier said.

The C-295 is described as "a capable and versatile transport and surveillance aircraft.”

EADS/CASA stated that the C-295 can carry up to nine tons of cargo or 71 people.

It also has a maximum cruising speed of 260 knots and operate in short and rough airfields.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=740631

WMC-FLE activated to replace Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 3): WMC-FLE activated to replace Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines

The Western Mindanao Command has activated its WMC-Forward Liaison Elements (FLE) to replace Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOFT-P) which was officially deactivated last Feb. 24.

This was disclosed by WMC spokesperson Capt. Rowena Muyuela in a statement forwarded Tuesday.

“The activation was made purposely to draw down forces as part of the realignment made by the Pacific Assessment Team wherein Western Mindanao Command Forward Liaison Elements (WMC-FLE) will serve as its replacement,” said JSOTF-P liaison officer Capt. Noni Balboa.

The WMC-FLE is composed of special operations personnel from the US Army, Navy, and Marines whose primary function focuses on the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

“It is our pleasure to assist the Philippine Government, especially on national development projects and other major supports being extended since our existence in year 2002, such as the construction of the circumferential road and schools in Basilan, the renovation of Zamboanga City International Airport, and the ongoing construction of the Camp Navarro General Hospital’s pavilion for the soldiers who are wounded in action,” said Balboa.

JSOFT-P was established in January 2002.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=740640

Bomb factory captured in Mamasapano – military

From Rappler (Mar 2): Bomb factory captured in Mamasapano – military

A certain BIFF leader Mohammad Tambako, the owner of the encampment where bomb materials were discovered, is one of Basit Usman's protectors


BREAKAWAY GROUP: Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters members, some of them minors, are seen inside their camp in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town Maguindanao in this picture taken on September 2012

The military said it captured a factory of improvised explosives operated by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Mamasapano town in Maguindanao, in the continuing all out offensive against the breakaway group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Bomb components – such as mortar fuses, ammonium nitrate, blasting caps, and tie wires – were reportedly discovered in an encampment in Barangay Dasikil, located near the site of deadly clashes that killed on January 25 Jemaah Islamiyah top terrorist Zulkifli bin hir or "Marwan" but also 44 Special Action Force (SAF) commandos.

"Our troops successfully seized a bomb-making facility after assaulting the enemy positions. The enemy was able to escape, but the equipment and materials that are used to fabricate home-made bombs were left behind," Colonel Melquiades Feliciano, commander of the Army 601st Infantry Brigade that is leading the military offensive, said on Monday, March 2.

Marwan is an expert bombmaker who trained terrorists in Mindanao. In the wake of his death, calls were made to hunt down his trainees as well.

Senator Juan Edgardo Angara is among those raising the alarm. "Because Marwan, after being driven out of Malaysia, sought refuge in camps run by the alphabet soup of rebel groups in Mindanao, then we have to assume that he trained many people. The graduates of his workshops must not be allowed to put what they learned from him to use," Angara said on Monday.

Aquino's promise

The military has intensified offensives against the BIFF following President Benigno Aquino III's promise in a televised address that the government will hunt down BIFF bombmaker Basit Usman.

The military said a certain BIFF leader Mohammad Tambako, the owner of the encampment where bomb materials were discovered, is one of Usman's protectors. BIFF leader Kagi Karialan, who has at least 100 men with him, is the other.

"Several tipsters have spotted Usman in the bailiwicks of these cohorts," the military said.

Both Tambako and Karialan are blamed for violent attacks in Maguindanao and nearby provinces that have displaces tens of thousands.

As of latest count, at least 5,700 families or nearly 30,000 individuals have been displaced by the fighting. The military claims 9 BIFF members were killed in the continuing offensive in Maguindanao alone, while 3 soldiers were wounded.

Usman was the target secondary to Marwan in the January 25 operations. He was wounded but was able to escape, according to the military.

It was Usman who coddled Marwan in Mamasapano, an area believed to be controlled by the MILF but where their former comrades who set up BIFF also reside. The BIFF is composed mostly of former MILF members who oppose the peace process. (READ: MILF: We didn't coddle Marwan, Usman)

The MILF is cooperating with the military in the offensive against their former comrades, many of them also relatives.

5 more international terrorists?

Usman is now believed to be in the run along with at least 5 foreign nationals believed to be members of international terrorist groups.

They are coddled by "small bands of notorious bandits from two different BIFF groups" in the remote villages of Shariff Saydona and Mamasapano towns, according to Armed Forces public affairs officer Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc.

"Five foreign nationals, who are believed to be members of an international terrorist organization, were seen moving with Usman as they evaded their pursuers," Cabunoc said.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/85516-bomb-factory-captured-mamasapano

Abu Sayyaf leader pleads 'not guilty' to kidnapping

From Rappler (Mar 2): Abu Sayyaf leader pleads 'not guilty' to kidnapping

Khair Mundos, a 'key leader and financier' of the Abu Sayyaf Group, also has cases involving murder, frustrated murder, and money laundering


CAUGHT. Philippine police arrest Khair Mundos, who was previously arrested for facilitating the transfer of funds from the al-Qaida to Abu Sayyaf Group leader Khadaffy Janjalani. Photo courtesy of the PNP PIO



Khair Mundos, considered a “leader” of the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf, pleaded “not guilty” to kidnapping charges filed against him.

On Monday, March 2, Mundos entered his not guilty plea before Judge Gregorio dela Peña III of the Regional Trial Court Branch 12 in Zamboanga city.

A pre-trial was ordered by Dela Peña following Mundos’ plea. The trial, specifically the presentation of evidence, is scheduled on Tuesday, March 3, at 2 pm.

Mundos, tagged a “key leader and financier” of the Abu Sayyaf was nabbed by Philippine police in June 2014 after an almost 7-year manhunt. Mundos, at the time of his arrest, had standing warrants of arrest for multiple murder, multiple frustrated, and multiple attempted murder.

The US State Department had offered $500,000 for information leading to his arrest, under its “Rewards for Justice” program.

Mundos had been jailed before in 2004 for money laundering. He was, however, able to escape the Kidapawan provincial jail in February 2007. Prior to his escape, Mundos admitted he facilitated the transfer of funds from the al-Qaeda to Abu Sayyaf Group leader Khadaffy Janjalani.

The money, the US State Department said, was used in “bombings and other criminals acts” in Mindanao.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/85534-khair-mundos-abu-sayyaf