Family feud leaves 3 MNLF members dead in N. Cotabato

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 2): Family feud leaves 3 MNLF members dead in N. Cotabato

Three members of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) were killed when a long-standing family feud, locally known as “rido,” erupted in the village of Kidama here on Thursday night, police and local officials said.

Senior Inspector Sunny Leoncito, Matalam town police chief, said the firefight involving MNLF and rival Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) occurred at about 7 p.m. on December 31.

Leoncito told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that the clan war involved the MNLF under Kamid Mangadta alias Commander Dragon and MILF 108th base commander leader Kepig Imbong who was a village council member of Barangay Kidama.

Killed were Badrudin Ingkig, 27, Akmad Taya, 60 and a certain Marcial, 35, all MNLF members and residents of Barangay Kidama.

“This is rido (family feud) and not organizational fight of MILF and MNLF,” Mayor Oscar Valdevieso said in a radio interview after he met with the leaders of warring groups.

Quoting police reports, Valdevieso told DXND-AM Radyo Bida that at least six houses were torched by the protagonists.

More than 150 families have fled from Barangay Kidama while about 50 other families from nearby village of Marbel also evacuated.

The displaced families welcomed 2016 in two evacuation sites while the local government have extended relief assistance.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=842745

SOLCOM fends off NPA attack in Camarines Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 2): SOLCOM fends off NPA attack in Camarines Sur

Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) units have successfully fended off a New People's Army (NPA) attack against military forces based in Barangay Scout, Goa town, Camarines Sur Friday (New Year) afternoon.

The unprovoked assault, which is violation of the NPA-declared truce, took place 4 p.m., said SOLCOM spokesperson Major Angelo Guzman.

The rebel ceasefire began Dec. 23 and is expected to end by Jan. 3.

The government declared a similar truce which began midnight of Dec. 23 and will conclude by 11:59 p.m. of Jan. 3.

According to 83rd Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Zacarias Batalla, eight of his men and six CAFGU Active Auxilliaries from the 22nd Infantry Battalion, were fired upon by an estimated 10 rebels.

This resulted in a 20-minute firefight with no government losses and undetermined number of wounded and dead in the NPA side.

"No one is hurt among our troops, however on the side of the rebels, bloodstains were seen scattered on their position," Batalla said.

An M-14 and AK-50 automatic rifles along with two hand grenades, bandoleers with 18 assorted magazines and ammunition were recovered at the encounter site.

The attack seemed to be deliberate as landmines were discovered laid along the soldiers' path going to the barangay, about two kilometers from their patrol base.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=842749

EMC welcomes release of captive trooper, hopes NPA will stop extortion, terror attacks

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 2): EMC welcomes release of captive trooper, hopes NPA will stop extortion, terror attacks

While stating that it strongly appreciates the release of Sgt. Adriano Bingil whom New People's Army (NPA) fighters released on New Year's Eve, the Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) is hoping the rebel group will continue with such gestures and stop their extortion activities and senseless attacks on development projects.

This was stressed by EMC public affairs office chief Capt. Alberto Caber in a message to the PNA Saturday.

It can be recalled that the NPAs kidnapped Bingil, a member of the Bayanihan team of 26th Infantry Battalion deployed in Barangay Mahagsay, San Luis town, Agusan Del Sur last Sept. 19.

He was about to send some money to his family when snatched by the rebels.

"The EMC is open to talk peace and will accept NPA members who would like to return to mainstream society," Caber added.

Bingil's release was made possible through the efforts of Iglesia Filipina Independiente Bishop Felixberto Calang; San Luis Mayor Ronaldo Corvera; and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

He was freed in Barangay Durian, Las Nieves, Agusan Del Norte afternoon of Dec. 31.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=842781

Village chieftain killed in Marawi City

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jan 1): Village chieftain killed in Marawi City

Motorcycle gunmen killed a village chieftain and wounded 2 others in an attack in the restive city of Marawi in the southern Philippine province of Lanao del Sur.

Police said the attack late Thursday killed Aminoden Awar, of East Basak village. His wounded companions, a policeman and a security guard at the Mindanao State University, were rushed to hospital and their condition is unclear.

No individual or group claimed responsibility for the killing, but Chief Inspector Parson Asadil, the local police chief, said they are still investigating the motive of the attack.  The gunmen were armed with automatic rifles and escaped after the killing.

The attack occurred two days after unidentified gunmen also killed two army soldiers – Sergeant John Saballe and Private First Class Sofronio Grame, Jr – both members of the 65^th Infantry Battalion – outside Ranao Broadcasting Corporation near the Masjid Islamic Center in Marawi City. A woman near the scene was also shot and wounded in the shooting.

It was unknown if the latest killing was connected to the cold-blooded murder of the soldiers who were assisting in the probe on the ambush of a television news crew in Marawi City on December 26.

Army Colonel Roseller Murillo, commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade, said the killings of his soldiers were in retaliation by a local group engaged in illegal activities that was hit hard by the army in its anti-criminality campaign in support to peace efforts in Marawi.

Murillo said the soldiers were on an official mission in Marawi City in connection to the ongoing investigation into the attack on the news team of ABS-CBN. He said the soldiers were supposed to meet an informant. It was unknown if the attack was caught on security cameras outside the Ranao Broadcasting Corporation.

Police have filed criminal charges against two men – Nasser Masurong and Yusop Sangcad – tagged as among those behind the December 26 attack on ABS-CBN reporter Ronnie Enderes and his team Emilito Balansag and Gary Montecillo.

Both men have been identified by witnesses. The news crew was travelling on a pick-up truck from Ditsa-an Ramain town when four gunmen on two motorcycles opened fire on their vehicle.

It was unknown whether Masurong and Sangcad were involved in the killings of the two soldiers, but they remain at large. The National Bureau of Investigations said they were sympathizers of radical groups in Marawi supporting ISIS.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/village-chieftain-killed-in-marawi-city/

3 killed as MNLF-MILF clash on New Year's Eve

From GMA News (Jan 2): 3 killed as MNLF-MILF clash on New Year's Eve

Some three Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) gunmen were killed in a fire fight with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters in Matalam, Cotabato on New Years’ Eve, a local police official said.

According to Matalam police chief Senior Inspector Sunny Leoncito,  two groups opened fire on one another when they accidentally crossed paths in Barangay Kidama.

Leoncito identified the fatalities as Dadrodin Ingkig ,27; Taya Akmad, 60; and a certain Marcial, 35.

The police chief also confirmed that at least six houses were set fire to and 152 families were evacuated during the gunfight.

Also, some 50 families from the nearby village of Marbel also took shelter at evacuation sites.

The displaced families stayed at the evacuation centers, where they were provided with food packs, through New Year.

Meanwhile, Matalam Mayor Oscar Valdevieso, accompanied by officials from the security services, tried to intervene and attempted to start a dialogue between the warring groups

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/549757/news/regions/3-killed-as-mnlf-milf-clash-on-new-year-s-eve

China creates three new military units in push to modernise army

From GMA News (Jan 1): China creates three new military units in push to modernise army

China has created three new military units and will update equipment as well as modernising its command structure, state media said on Friday, as part of a major overhaul of the armed forces announced by President Xi Jinping in November.

 

Xi's push to reform the military coincides with China becoming more assertive in its territorial disputes in the East and South China Seas. China's navy is investing in submarines and aircraft carriers and its air force is developing stealth fighters.

 

At a ceremony on Thursday, Xi inaugurated a new general command unit for the army, a missile force and a strategic support force for People's Liberation Army (PLA), state news agency Xinhua said.

 

State television showed Xi handing over a large red flag to Li Zuocheng, the new head of the land command force. Li was previously commander of the key Chengdu military region, which includes restless and strategically vital Tibet.

 

The missile force is taking over from the Second Artillery Corps to control the country's nuclear arsenal but keeping the same commander, Wei Fenghe.

 

Xinhua said Xi urged the new unit to "enhance nuclear deterrence and counter-strike capacity, medium- and long-range precision strike ability, as well as strategic check-and-balance capacity to build a strong and modern Rocket Force".

 

His reforms include establishing a joint operational command structure by 2020 and rejigging existing military regions, as well as cutting troop numbers by 300,000, a surprise announcement he made in September.

 

In a separate report listing the powerful Central Military Commission's recommendations on the reform process, Xinhua said the troop cuts will focus on non-combat personnel.

 

Phasing out old equipment and developing new weaponry as well as reducing the number of models operated will be another big feature of the reforms, Xinhua said.

 

China has been moving rapidly to upgrade its military hardware, but integration of complex systems across a regionalised command structure has been a major challenge.

 

The troop cuts and broader reform programme have proven controversial, though, and the military's newspaper has published a series of commentaries warning of opposition to the reforms and concern about job losses.

 

Xi has also made rooting out deeply entrenched corruption in the military a top priority, and dozens of senior officers have been investigated and jailed.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/549732/news/world/china-creates-three-new-military-units-in-push-to-modernise-army

Troops beat back BIFF assaults on 3 fronts

From The Standard (Jan 2): Troops beat back BIFF assaults on 3 fronts

THE Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters attacked at least three military positions in Mindanao on New Year’s Eve with the fighting lasting well into the first day of the year, the military reported on Friday.

Capt. Jo-Ann Petinglay, spokesperson of the Army’s Sixth Infantry Division, said at least 20 BIFF fighters fired 40mm mortars at a detachment of the 2nd Mechanized Battalion in Maguindanao at 6 p.m.  Thursday.

“They surrounded the area and opened fire with 40mm mortars,” Petinglay said, adding that no government troops were injured or killed in the attack.

About  three hours later, another BIFF group attacked a detachment of the 34th Infantry Battalion in Shariff Aguak, also in Maguindanao, with fighting lasting until after  midnight.



Lt. Col. Edgar delos Reyes, commanding officer of the 34th IB, said their troops were able to push back the bandits with heavy gunfire.

Just few kilometers away in Linantangan, Shariff Saydona, another firefight ensued after around 50 armed BIFF members harassed the detachment of the 40th IB.

The military said no troops were hurt in the attacks.

Aside from the three BIFF attacks on military outposts, feuding units of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front clashed in Sultan Sa Barongis town and the fighting lasted until dawn Jan. 1.

“We are thankful that peacekeepers from the MILF immediately intervened this morning, resulting in the ceasefire”, said Col. Joel Mamon, commanding officer of the 40th Infantry Battalion.

On Dec. 30, Pope Francis condemned the BIFF’s killing of innocent civilians in Mindanao on Christmas Eve but the rebel group vowed to step up its attacks until New Year’s Eve.

Fourteen people died in the Christmas Eve attacks, nine of them villagers who were gunned down by BIFF insurgents. At least four rebels were killed by government forces.

Lt. Col. Ricky Bunayog, 33rd Infantry Battalion Commander, said about 300 men carried out the attacks and are now the subject of a massive manhunt.

Almost simultaneously, a separate band of BIFF fighters attacked Barangay Simsiman, Pigcawayan, North Cotabato on Christmas Eve.

Led by Commander Alamada Abonawas, the BIFF fired a rifle grenade toward the house of Robert Lerado, village councilman of Barangay Simsiman, killing him on the spot, raising the death toll to 13, nine civilians and four BIFF.

After attacking villages in the borders of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat, the BIFF also stormed the village of Malagakit, also in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato, firing at a Catholic chapel where a  midnight  mass was ongoing. Churchgoers scampered to safety but nobody was hurt.

Also on Dec. 24, at  9 p.m.  another group of BIFF stormed a detachment of 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion in Barangay Dapiawan, Datu Saudi Ampatuan in Maguindanao. No casualties were reported.

Bunayog said government forces had difficulty retrieving the remains of slain farmers due to improvised bombs planted by the BIFF before they fled.

http://thestandard.com.ph/news/headlines/195794/troops-beat-back-biff-assaults-on-3-fronts.html

BIFF strikes anew, attacks Mamasapano, Shariff Aguak

From the Manila Bulletin (Jan 1): BIFF strikes anew, attacks Mamasapano, Shariff Aguak

Ampatuan, Maguindanao -- A day after the local military leadership announced here “continuous and cohesive” operations against the remaining elements of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), the bandit group reportedly launched attacks anew in two more towns in this province on New Year’s Eve.

Field reports were still sketchy as of press time, but it was apparent that the BIFF rampaged through Mamasapano and Shariff Aguak towns at around 11 p.m. Thursday, resulting in running gun battles with government forces.

The reports said the bandit group absorbed heavy casualties with eight reportedly killed from the skirmishes.

Responding security forces also suffered casualties, according to a radio report. But the military, particularly the Sixth Infantry Division (6 ID) that operates in Central Mindanao, including Maguindanao, said it was still consolidating field reports on the incidents.

 

Social welfare and human rights agencies said the renewed BIFF attacks triggered the evacuation of hundreds more families from Mamasapano and Shariff Aguak.

The latest BIFF attacks came a day after 6 ID commander Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan made separate announcements here and in M’lang, North Cotabato that military offensive would continue in “more cohesive fashion against the brigand secessionist group.”

Pangilinan made the announcement after BIFF combatants killed nine civilians on Dec. 24 and 25 in villages of Esperanza,  Sultan Kudarat; Pigcawayan. North Cotabato, and this town.

The remains and families of the six of the fatalities, all Christian farmers from barangay Kauran here, were visited by Pangilinan and Maguindanao Governor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu on Wednesday after holding a closed-door meeting where both reportedly agreed on the continuing intensified and cohesive offensives against BIFF combatants.

Mangudadatu also met with the widows and children of the slain farmers –  Mario Estenote, Mark Anthony Templa, Ramoncito Estorque, Ariel Bucais, Bernard Ebagat, and Rudy Roquero – and distributed to them cash assistance of P10,000 each and sacks of rice.

The governor also ordered Provincial Budget Officer Lynette Estandarte to accommodate the high school and college student-children of the slain farmers into the provincial government’s scholarship program to ensure that they would be able to continue their studies

http://www.mb.com.ph/biff-strikes-anew-attacks-mamasapano-shariff-aguak/

Military probing wounding of kids by Marine gunfire

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 2): Military probing wounding of kids by Marine gunfire



ONE of the children wounded allegedly when the Marines opened fire at houses in Maimbung, Sulu province. The children had been brought to the provincial hospital of Sulu. DR. IKBALA’S FACEBOOK PAGE

Three children were injured allegedly when Marines opened fire at houses after being attacked in Sulu before dawn on Friday.

The military said it has started an investigation into the report, which was made by Dr. Raden Ikbala, of the integrated provincial health office in Sulu, in a post on his Facebook page.

Also during New Year revelry in the province, three more persons, two also children, were injured by bullets, according to Ikbala.  http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/751963/military-probing-wounding-of-kids-by-marine-gunfire

Youth group ends Kalayaan islands protest

From ABS-CBN (Jan 1): Youth group ends Kalayaan islands protest

A Filipino youth group that sailed to the Kalayaan islands in the West Philippine Sea has ended its week-long protest against the reclamation activities of China in the disputed area.

The 47 members of the "Kalayaan Atin Ito" on Friday left the area and sailed back to Puerto Princesa. The group will then head to their respective provinces.

Kalayaan Atin ito coordinator Atty. Vera Joy Ban-eg said other activities are set to follow their "patriotic voyage."

"Uuwi tayo sa mga sariling probinsya natin at doon natin ipagpatuloy yung panawagan natin ng pagkakaisa... Tuluy-tuloy pa rin ang activities natin habang tayo ay naghahanda sa susunod na paglayag natin," she told ABS-CBN News.

Kalayaan islands Mayor Eugenio Bito-Onon expects that the group will have a safe voyage back to the mainland. "Siyempre napakahirap na maalon 'pag maliit ang lantsa at overloaded ... Pero in their case, tao na lang. Halos wala namang mabibigat na mga load," he explained.

He added that the group was able to establish positive ties with his constituents.

"Okay naman iyung pag-stay nila. Wala namang naging mga problema na nag-create sa' min yun doon sa community namin," he said. "At batay sa report sa aking adminsitrative staff doon, hindi naman pinag-alala sila. Nag-ienjoy naman sila sa kanilang encampment doon sa isang part ng beach na malapit sa Navy."

Sugar-like sand, thriving seas: Kalayaan island's hidden gems

 

 

Kalayaan ATIN ITO

Community · 32,315 Likes

December 30, 2015 at 9:59pm

 

Our peaceful and legal patriotic voyage will never be dependent on what china will do. Our objective is to bring to the attention of the world the invasion and militarization done by China inside our EEZ and ECS at the Kalayaan Island Group Municipality. If the world will see what we are seeing, surely China will lose all legal battle at the ITLOS and will face world sanctions if it defies the result of the arbitration.

‪#‎KalayaanAtinIto‬
‪#‎angpaglalayag2015‬
‪#‎sulongPilipino‬

615 Likes · 83 Comments · 144 Shares

 

China has been "strongly dissatisfied" by the protest, with Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang claiming that Beijing has "indisputable sovereignty" over the Spratly islands.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has clarified that it tried to discourage the protest.

DFA spokesperson Charles Jose added that the Manila will continue its Hague tribunal case against China over competing claims in the West Philippine Sea. A final ruling could come within the first half of 2016, he said.

China claims almost all of the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), believed to have huge deposits of oil and gas, through which about $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam also have claims.

Manila has been trying to calm tensions heightened by Beijing's rapid expansion in the South China Sea - building seven artificial islands in the disputed waters.

Beijing has not recognized the case before the arbitration court in The Hague. The Philippine government, meanwhile, is confident that international pressure would eventually oblige China to comply with a ruling against it.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/focus/01/01/16/youth-group-ends-kalayaan-islands-protest

MILF: “Best thing about peace process, two parties have not gone back to war”: Ferrer

Posted to the MILF Website (Jan 1): “Best thing about peace process, two parties have not gone back to war”: Ferrer

Describing 2015 as productive but difficult year for the Bangsamoro peace process, GPH Peace panel Chair Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said in a statement posted at OPAPP Website on December 31 that, “The best thing about the peace process is that the two parties have not gone to war.  

The full text of Prof. Ferrer’s statement runs as follows:

“Truly, this is the best thing about the peace process between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The two parties have not gone back to war. We remain steadfast in upholding the ceasefire and are isolating those groups that continue to foment violence. We are gradually transforming the lives of the people on the ground, nurturing their hopes and dreams for a better future.  And we are so close to putting firmly in place the needed institutional reforms to realize meaningful autonomy and democracy in the Bangsamoro”.

However, while the second year of implementing the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) saw important breakthroughs in our Bangsamoro road map to peace, it is evident that it also brought us unprecedented difficulties.

Many will look back at the year 2015 and see the Mamasapano tragedy of January 25 as the monkey wrench that was thrown into the clockwork and set back most of what we have set out to do.

They are right in one sense.  Congressional committee deliberations on the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) gave way to about three months of televised hearings on the Mamasapano tragedy. Subsequently, hearings on the draft law were colored by the incident, leading to misrepresentations on both the content of the pending bills and on the consultative processes that had been undertaken by the peace panels and the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC).  

It cannot be denied that many of those running for high offices in the 2016 election were catapulted to the public limelight in these acrimonious congressional hearings. Such has been Mamasapano and its aftermath’s jolting effect on the public’s sensibilities and the political dynamics it generated, in light of the upcoming national elections.

But to say that we have lost the CAB and the BBL because of Mamasapano would not be quite right.

We have not let Mamasapano define the process nor its outcome. Not that we are wishing away the incident, which saw many Filipino lives lost. In fact we believe that only when all facts are fully unearthed, with those directly responsible for the debacle owning up to their mistakes, the incident put in its bigger context, and the judicial process taking its course to extract individual accountabilities from all directly involved without exception, will we find the public understanding better as to why we have persistently, even stubbornly, pursued the CAB and the BBL for the whole nation’s better interest.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/764-best-thing-about-peace-process-two-parties-have-not-gone-back-to-war-ferrer

3 children injured due to alleged Marine soldiers’ strafe in Sulu

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 1): 3 children injured due to alleged Marine soldiers’ strafe in Sulu



One of the alleged victims of strafing by Marine soldiers in Maimbung, Sulu during a pre-dawn incident Friday. Photo from Dr. Raden Ikbala’s Facebook page

Three children were injured when Marine soldiers allegedly strafed civilian houses in Maimbung, Sulu before dawn on Friday.

The military has not yet commented on the allegation.

Dr. Raden Ikbala of the Integrated Provincial Health Office in Sulu said in a post on his Facebook page that the said incident took place in Barangay (village) Matatal around 12:15 a.m., following an earlier grenade attack on a Marine detachment there. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/751747/3-children-injured-due-to-alleged-soldiers-strafe-in-sulu

NPA turns over captive soldier to Duterte, church leaders (Photos)

MindaNews (Jan 1): NPA turns over captive soldier to Duterte, church leaders

LAS NIEVES, Agusan del Norte – The New People’s Army released an Army soldier they held captive for 104 days to Davao City mayor and Presidential aspirant Rodrigo Duterte and religious leaders on New Year’s eve, December 31.

Ricardo Manili of the NPA guerilla front 4A said the National Democratic Front released Army Corporal Adriano Bingil as “an act of goodwill and humanitarian consideration “ for the resumption of the stalled peace talks between the government and the rebels.

Bingil was captured by the rebels while driving a motorcycle in Barangay Mahagsay, San Luis town in Agusan del Sur last Sept. 19, 2015.



REUNITED. Army Sgt. Adriano Bingil is reunited with wife, Genalyn and their two-year-old daughter, Phoebe, after 104 days in captivity. Bingil was released to Davao City mayor and Presidential aspirant Rodrigo Duterte and the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform in Barangay Durian, Las Nieves, Augsan del Norte on New Year’s eve, December 31, 2015. MindaNews photo by Froilan Gallardo

He was reunited with his mother Myrna, wife Genalyn, and their two daughters, eight-year old Precious and two-year old Phoebe.

“Though I was handcuffed every time, the rebels treated me well during my 104 days of captivity,” Bingil told reporters after he was released.

He said he would like to go back to soldiering and to return to his mother Army unit, the 28^th Infantry Battalion.

Duterte said he was glad the rebels released Bingil, whose family sought his help.



FREED. Davao City mayor and Presidential aspirant Rodrigo Duterte (right) receives Army Sgt. Adriano Bingil (left, in white shirt) from the New Peoples Army in Barangay Durian, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte on New Year’s eve, Dec. 31, 2015. Bingil was released after 104 days in captivity. MindaNews photo by Froilan Gallardo

“His release is timely considering tonight is already New Year. It will be a happy reunion with his family, “ he said.

Duterte reiterated the call of the NDF for a resumption of peace talks adding this would end 47 years of bitter fighting between the government and the rebels.

He said no country will progress if it remains divided by a brutal war in the country sides.

For his part, Bishop Felixberto Calang of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente and convenor of the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform said it was the right gift for the Bingil family.

“The family has suffered for 104 days and this is beautiful ending,” Calang said.

The presence of Duterte, who arrived on a private helicopter, thrilled residents of this hinterland village, 30 kilometers south of Butuan City.

Saturnino Kipkipan, Barangay Durian chair, said he was happy that they were able to see and hear Duterte whom they heard so much about through the radio.

He said only the posters of Liberal Party contenders Mar Roxas and Leni Robredo have reached their village.

“Now we can see and hear from the presidential aspirant himself, Kipkipan said.

Kipkipan said the NPA rebels arrived in their village on Wednesday night and their presence brought fear to the residents.

He said the rebels managed to allay the fears of the villagers who readily consented having their village as venue for Bingil’s release.

“We realized the humanitarian consideration and we are happy to see the reunion of Bingil and his family,” he said.

Duterte brought Bingil back to the Army’s 4^th Infantry advance command post in Bancasi, Butuan City where he presented the soldier to Brig. Gen. Paul Atal, assistant division commander.

Capt. Patrick Martinez, 4ID spokesperson, said Bingil will be returned to his mother unit, the 28^th IB, and his family after a through medical check-up by Army doctors.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2016/01/01/npa-turns-over-captive-soldier-to-duterte-church-leaders/

Lumads air demands

From the Sun Star-Davao (Dec 31): Lumads air demands

LUMAD evacuees at UCCP Haran aired their eight demands to the officials of Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) who visited them at the shelter last Tuesday and had vowed to offer them free legal assistance.

Pasaka secretary general Jong Monzon, who is a lumad, expressed and laid down their concerns to IBP President Rosario Sietas Reyes who was accompanied by Central Luzon IBP Governor lawyer Jose Dela Rama, IBP Eastern Mindanao Governor lawyer Caesar Europa, and lawyer Dinah Fuentes.

Some of their demands involve the arrest and prosecution of all perpetrators of human rights violations whom they identified as members of the military and paramilitary forces, stop military encampments in lumad schools and communities, disband and disarm all paramilitary groups allegedly organized, armed, and maintained by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Pull-out AFP troops in their respective schools and communities, drop trumped-up charges filed against lumad leaders and their support groups, indemnify, rehabilitate, and rebuild Lumad and peasant schools, among others.

They also seek the removal of North Cotabato Representative Nancy Catamco as chairperson of the House Committee on the National Cultural Communities and Indigenous People for allegedly “ordering the July 23 attack of the Haran evacuation and misrepresent[ing] the lumad people.”

Monzon also expressed their desire to stop vilification or red-tagging of their schools and communities.

It was reported on Thursday that there are still over 500 lumad evacuees who are left at the Haran compound after after some 300 lumad evacuees finally left their temporary shelters to welcome the New Year, after they received reports that military troops camping in their communities had left the area.

However, Monzon said that they are still keeping their watch as military troops may return to their communities.

It was also reported that the IBP offered to give free legal assistance to the lumads who are facing trumped up charges for airing their demands for the pull out of the military and paramilitary forces in their communities whose presence they claimed are causing them troubles.

The IBP visit at the Haran evacuation was part of the promise they had given to the lumads who had embarked on a March protest called Manilakbayan last October to air the issues of human rights violations and militarization in their communities.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2015/12/31/lumads-air-demands-449549

Philippine army says 133 Abu Sayyaf killed in 2015

Posted to the Fulton County News (Jan 1): Philippine army says 133 Abu Sayyaf killed in 2015

Officials say verified intelligence shows another 164 militants wounded in operations that left 18 security force members dead

The Philippines’ military has reported that operations against the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf were verified to have killed 133 members of the militant group in southern Sulu province in 2015.

Maj​.​ Filemon Tan, Western Mindanao Command spokesperson, cited Friday the report from the Joint Task Group for the troubled island province as saying that another 164 were recorded to have been injured in security operations.

In a text message, he said that the number of casualties had been verified by military intelligence units​ based ​in Sulu – a known Abu Sayyaf stronghold.

At least 13 members of the group – known for holding hostages and demanding ransoms – were also arrested over the year, alongside the recover​y of more than ​50 firearms.

Meanwhile, the operations also left 18 members of the security forces dead and more than 80 others injured, according to Joint Task Group Sulu’s commander, Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado.

Inquirer.net also reported him as saying that there had been​ a significant drop in the number of Abu Sayyaf members over the year due to “relentless focused military operations.”

Military operations against the group were intensified in late November upon the orders of President Benigno Aquino III.

The directive came after ​Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak called upon authorities to take action after a Malaysian national kidnapped from a seaside town in the country was beheaded in Sulu.

The Abu Sayyaf is still holding several captives, including two Canadians, a Norwegian and a Filipina kidnapped from a resort in September for whose release it has demanded a ransom of more than $60 million.

Since 1991, the group — armed with mostly improvised explosive devices, mortars and automatic rifles — has carried out bombings, kidnappings, assassinations and extortions in a self-determined fight for an independent Islamic province in the Philippines.

It is notorious for beheading victims after ransoms have failed to be paid for their release.

http://www.newsfultoncounty.com/world/news/0123447-philippine-army-says-133-abu-sayyaf-killed-in-2015

133 Abu Sayyaf killed, 164 wounded in Sulu in 2015, says AFP

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 1): 133 Abu Sayyaf killed, 164 wounded in Sulu in 2015, says AFP

A total of 133 Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members were killed and 164 were wounded in government security operations in Sulu in 2015, military data showed.

But the report of Joint Task Group Sulu said that of the 133 slain Abu Sayyaf, only 12 bodies were recovered.

An Army official, who declined to be quoted for his lack of authority to speak to the media, explained that this was because the ASG found it “taboo” to leave a comrade behind.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/751882/133-abu-sayyaf-killed-164-wounded-in-sulu-in-2015-says-afp

Terror alert brings more cops to Boracay

From the Manila Bulletin (Jan 1): Terror alert brings more cops to Boracay

MB FILE – Boracay (Hesvey Martin Barbadillo)

Amidst a terrorism warning, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has beefed up its presence at world-famous Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan.

Police Superintendent Gilbert Gorero, chief information officer of the Police Regional Office (PRO-6), said that the PNP are taking precautionary measures.

This after the U.S. Embassy in Manila included Boracay in the list where Abu Sayyaf Group and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters may possibly attack and may attempt a kidnap-for-ransom. The December 23, 2015 advisory urged U.S. citizens to travel with “extreme caution.”

Chief Superintendent Bernardo Diaz, PRO-6 regional director, has ordered for the implementation of the PNP Integrated Patrol Deployment Plan.

 

Even before the terror alert, Diaz earlier explained that police presence in Boracay Island has always been a priority as it is the country’s premier tourist destination.

Gorero said that aside from the police, there are units from the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard deployed in Boracay.

“Everything is in order, Boracay is still safe,” Gorero assured

http://www.mb.com.ph/terror-alert-brings-more-cops-to-boracay/

BIFF launches New Year attacks on Army detachments

From Rappler (Jan 1): BIFF launches New Year attacks on Army detachments

The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) maintains an offensive as it targets the Philippine Army   



STANDING GUARD. Filipino soldiers man a provincial capital building turned into a military camp in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao, March 31, 2015. File photo by Ritchie B. Tongo/EPA

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) upheld its promise to maintain an offensive until the new year.

Around 6 pm of Thursday, December 31, about 20 BIFF fighters opened fire on the detachment of the Philippine Army's 2nd Mechanized Battalion.

“They surrounded the area and opened fire, 40mm mortars, but could not last the fight,” said 6th Army Infantry Division Captain Jo-Ann Petinglay.
At around 9:20 pm, a detachment of the 34th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Timbangan, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao traded fire with the BIFF.

Lieutenant Colonel Edgar Delos Reyes, the 34th Infantry Battalion’s commanding officer, said they managed to drive away the BIFF due to the sheer volume of fire from their base.

A few kilometers away, another firefight ensued. Around 50 armed BIFF members harassed the detachment of the 40th Infantry Battalion in Linantangan, Shariff Saydona town.

No one was hurt from the military side, though an unknown number of casualties was monitored on the part of the BIFF.

Yet another firefight was held in the area of the 40th Infantry Battalion in Sultan Sa Barongis town when two local commanders from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) 105th base command engaged in armed conflict due to a clan feud.

The firefight lasted until the early morning, and resumed after 6 am following a break in the gunfire.

“We are thankful that peacekeepers from the MILF immediately intervened this morning, resulting in the ceasefire,” said Colonel Joel Mamon, commanding officer of the 40th Infantry Battalion.

The newly installed Brigade Commander of the 601st Brigade, Colonel Lito Sobejana, visited his men stationed in the Maguindanao frontlines on Friday morning, January 1 to check the condition of his troops.

“We are happy all none of them got hurt, We thank the people who prayed for us,” Sobejana said over the phone.

In Matalam, North Cotabato, troops of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) – headed by Kamid Mangadta alias Kumander Dragon – were attacked by fully armed men of Barangay Kagawad Kepig Imbong of the MILF’s 108th base command in Barangay Kidama, Matalam, North Cotabato.

Hundreds of families were forced to flee to evacuation sites.

No casualties have been reported so far, but local peace monitors were sent to the area to settle the conflict.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/117694-biff-attacks-army-detachments

BIFF tries, fails to over-run Army bases in Maguindanao on New Year's Eve

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 1): BIFF tries, fails to over-run Army bases in Maguindanao on New Year's Eve

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao - Government forces on New Year’s Eve repulsed three attempts by outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) to over-run military detachments in Maguindanao, the Army here said today.

Capt. Joann Petinglay, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, said the first attempt to capture Army detachments of the 2nd Mechanized Battalion in Datu Piang, Maguindanao at 6 p.m. Thursday by firing a series of rifle grenades.

Alert soldiers quickly returned fire against about 10 BIFF fighters sighted near the Army detachment, forcing the attackers to retreat toward the marshland.

Three hours later, about 30 BIFF members attacked another detachment, this time the 34th Infantry Battalion outpost in Barangay Timbangan, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao.

Alert infantrymen engaged the attackers in a 20-minute firefight which led to the failure of BIFF’s attempt to get closer. They fled under cover of darkness to the hinterlands.

Petinglay said in a report that at past 10 p.m., another band of 40 BIFF fighters attacked the detachment of 40th Infantry Battalion in Shariff Saydona, Maguindanao.

Like in other Army base subjected to harassment by the BIFF, soldiers immediately returned fire forcing the attacks to retreat.

“No casualty on the government side,” she said in a radio interview. “There were reports from the communities that the BIFF had injured companions but the report is still subject to Army validation,” she added.

Following the December 24 attacks by the BIFF in Kauran, Ampatuan, Maguindanao and nearby areas, soldiers under the 6th ID have been placed on heightened alert.

Abu Misri Mama, BIFF spokesperson, admitted his group carried out the attacks.

Petinglay said all Army units remained on alert.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=842653

BIFF sustains large casualties in unprovoked New Year's Eve attacks

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 1): BIFF sustains large casualties in unprovoked New Year's Eve attacks

An estimated five to six Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were killed while an undetermined number of others were wounded in unprovoked attacks on three military installations in Maguindanao on Thursday, New Year's Eve, Dec. 31.

This was disclosed by 6th Infantry Division public affairs office chief Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay in a message to the Philippines News Agency on Friday.

"Members of the armed lawless group who call themselves Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters harassed three military detachments of 6th ID before the change of the year but were surprised to face the determined defensive posturing of their targets," she said.

The BIFF first harassed one Philippine Army detachment in Datu Piang, Maguindanao using an M-203 grenade launcher, with its rounds landing about 50 meters from the Kaungan Detachment of a Mechanized Infantry Company on Thursday afternoon.

At 9:30 p.m., an estimated 30 BIFF harassed the Timbangan Detachment of 34th Infantry Battalion based in Barangay Timbangan, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao.

About an hour later, the Linantangan Detachment of the 40th Infantry Battalion located in Barangay Linantangan, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, was also attacked.

"The already prepared military forces immediately engaged the harassing lawless elements for an estimated fifteen-minute firefight, prompting the BIFF to withdraw and scamper towards different directions. Members of the communities reported that withdrawing BIFF carried with them about five to six dead bodies and a massive number of wounded," Petinglay added.

“Let the incident be a lesson to the BIFF that there can only be one superior force and that is the Philippine government Armed Forces," 6th Infantry Division commander, Major Gen. Edmundo R. Pangilinan said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=842701