Everything you need to know about the Abu Sayyaf

From the Philippine Star (Apr 27): Everything you need to know about the Abu Sayyaf



It is the smallest Islamic separatist group in the Philippines, but it is also the most extreme. Let's take a look at how the Abu Sayyaf came to be. Philstar.com

Of the three Islamic separatist groups in the Philippines, the Abu Sayyaf may be the smallest but it is also the most extreme.

 

It has gained notoriety for bombings, assassinations, extortion, and kidnap-for-ransom activities, killing captives if demands are unmet.

 

Behind the formation of this group was Abdurajak Abubakar Janjalani, a charismatic Islam preacher.

 

He was sent to Saudi Arabia and Libya by the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) to learn Arabic and deepen his knowledge of Islam. There he got radicalized and reportedly met and fought alongside Osama bin Laden against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

 

His experiences in the Middles East were influential in his desire of establishing an Islamic state in Mindanao.

 

Abdurajak broke away from the MNLF and created the Abu Sayyaf in 1991, naming it after Afghan resistance leader Professor Abdul Rasul Sayyaf. The name means “father of the swordsman.”

 

He recruited other disaffected MNLF members, exploiting divisions within the group over government negotiations.

 

 

Atrocities

Soon after it was established, the Abu Sayyaf executed major attacks targeting Christians, government troops, and foreigners. It was listed as a terrorist organization by the US Department of State in 1997 and by the Australian National Security in 2002.

 

In 2001, the United Nations Security Council listed it as having associations with the Al-Qaeda, bin Laden or the Taliban.

 

Abu Sayyaf experienced a big blow in 1998 when Abdurajak was killed in a police shootout in Basilan.

 

Two factions were formed after his death. One was headed by Galib Andang alias Commander Robot and the other by Abdurajak’s brother Khadaffy.

 

The subsequent killings in 2005 and 2006 of these two leaders in clashes with government forces along with the deaths of other key figures led to the further fragmentation of the terror group.

 

Estimates by the US show that it has 400 members.

 

RELATED: Abu Sayyaf: Too many leaders

 

Abdul Basir Latip, the key financial officer of Abu Sayyaf, was also captured in 2009. He was in charge of moving funds from Al Qaeda to the Abu Sayyaf.

 

As funding from foreign sources declined in mid-1990s, it turned to kidnap-for-ransom and extortion to make money.

 

Experts say the Abu Sayyaf has evolved into a criminal gang with the rise of profit-driven criminal activities and the decline of ideologically-motivated attacks.

 

 

Where are they

 

The group trains and operates in the Zamboanga Peninsula and in the islands of Basilan, Jolo, and Tawi-Tawi.

 

According to international security analyst Rommel Banlaoi, the Basilan faction of the Abu Sayyaf is more involved in Islamic propagation activities, while the Sulu faction is more involved in kidnap-for-ransom and extortion activities. He said this in an interview over ANC.

 

The Basilan faction led by Isnilon Hapilon also pledged allegiance to ISIS, a rival of Al Qaeda, and is no longer under Radullan Sahiron, the most senior leader of the Abu Sayyaf, according to international terrorism expert Dr. Rohan Gunaratna.

 

But Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said there is no formal ISIS organization in the Philippines.

 

Historical neglect and injustice in Mindanao helped in the emergence of the Abu Sayyaf as an alternative to the MNLF and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

 

Data from Philippine Statistics Authority for the first semester of 2015 showed that 11 of the 20 poorest provinces in the country are in Mindanao. These are Lanao del Sur, Sulu, Sarangani, Bukidnon, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, Zamboanga del Norte, Agusan del Sur, North Cotabato, Lanao del Norte, and Camiguin.

 

 

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/04/27/1577353/everything-you-need-know-about-abu-sayyaf

Sulu Army commander sacked

From the Philippine Star (Apr 28): Sulu Army commander sacked

A senior Army officer leading the military operation against the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu has been relieved following his reported resignation over operational disagreements with his superiors.

Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado was replaced by Col. Jose Faustino Jr. as commander of the Army’s 501st Brigade, a key Army unit directly involved in the operations against the Abu Sayyaf in the island province.

Arrojado’s relief came after last Monday’s beheading of John Ridsdel, one of two Canadians and two others held hostage by the Abu Sayyaf since September last year.

Arrojado was earlier stripped of his command as overall commander of the Joint Task Group-Sulu (JTGS), a move that removed him of operational control over all military units engaged in fighting the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu.

“For the last 18 months, he led the campaign against the Abu Sayyaf in the island of Jolo. Army officers usually serve a minimum of one year and six months in major positions to complete their billet requirements,” military spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said, explaining why Arrojado was replaced.

Padilla, however, belied reports that Arrojado has resigned his position, stressing the military manual prohibits the resignation of an officer from his assignment unless he is being relieved of his post.

In Arrojado’s case, he is being replaced not because of the Ridsdel beheading but as part of a routine movement within the military where officers are reassigned to another position, Padilla said.

“According to the Army manual, no army officer, aside from major position, can resign because it is covered by orders. Everything is covered by orders. It’s written in the order that an officer signed, during an assumption of command, that he will only relinquish his post when properly relieved,” Padilla said.

There were reports that Arrojado was so disappointed that he resigned his position after figuring in a shouting match with his superior officer, Maj. Gen. Gerardo Barrientos, commander of the 1st Infantry Division. Barrientos earlier replaced Arrojado as Joint Task Force Sulu commander.

The shouting match, according to sources, was triggered by disagreements between the two officers over the Samal hostage crisis setback with the execution of Ridsdel.

Three other Samal hostages, aside from 14 Indonesians and four Malaysians being held captive by the Abu Sayyaf, are Canadian Robert Hall, Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstand and Hall’s Filipina girlfriend, Maritess Flor.

The bandits, asking for P300 million ransom for each of the Samal victims, issued a final ultimatum that they would executive one of the captives if their ransom demand was not met earlier this week.

Arrojado reportedly dismissed the Abu Sayyaf ultimatum and took it upon himself to rescue the hostages at all cost despite dissenting opinions of his superiors, who in turn aired a different approach in solving the crisis, including the conduct of discreet negotiations with the bandits.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/04/28/1577634/sulu-army-commander-sacked

Japan warship visits RP as China sea row festers

From the Daily Tribune (Apr 27): Japan warship visits RP as China sea row festers

A Japanese warship sailed into a Philippine port near disputed South China Sea waters yesterday in another sign of deepening security ties between the World War II foes to counter Beijing.

Tensions in the South China Sea — through which one-third of the world’s oil passes — have mounted in recent years since China transformed contested reefs into artificial islands capable of supporting military facilities.

The Japanese destroyer Ise docked in Subic Bay while on a “navigational training” mission, the ship’s captain said.

It marked the second time in just over three weeks that Japanese naval vessels visited Subic, a former major US naval base that lies around 200 kilometers from a Chinese-controlled shoal.

“We want to deepen the relationship with the Philippines,” Ise Capt. Masaki Takada told reporters, who were given a tour of the vessel.

Takada declined to say whether the Ise had been in contact with Chinese naval vessels during its voyage.

The Philippines, a US security ally with a severely under-equipped military has been seeking to strengthen ties with Japan as tensions mount over the disputed waterway, almost all of which is claimed by China.

Aside from the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan also have overlapping claims.

Japan has its own dispute with China in the East China Sea over uninhabited islands that it administers but that are also claimed by Beijing.

In February, Japan agreed to supply the Philippines with military hardware, which officials said may include anti-submarine reconnaissance aircraft and radar technology. Ise visit was the third by Japanese military vessels this year.

“This visit will further strengthen our relationship with them. We have a strong relationship with them already but we want to enhance that,” Filipino Navy Capt. Samuel Felix told reporters.  

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/japan-warship-visits-rp-as-china-sea-row-festers

China blasts US over ‘freedom of navigation’ ops

From the Daily Tribune (Apr 28): China blasts US over ‘freedom of navigation’ ops














China has urged the United States to show respect for other countries’ sovereignty and security as it accused Washington of  attempting to “challenge the new maritime order” with its Freedom of Navigation Program.

“We regard the so-called ‘freedom of navigation’ operations as the violent means by which the US promotes its unilateral claims,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hua Chunying said.

According to the Department of Defense (DoD) Freedom of Navigation Report for the Fiscal Year 2015, the US military conducted “freedom of navigation” operations against 13 countries and regions last year, including China, India, the Philippines and Indonesia.

The DoD said on its Web site that these operations aimed to preserve the rights, freedoms and lawful use of the sea and airspace guaranteed to all nations under international law.

US freedom of navigation operations last year challenged China’s claims of jurisdiction over airspace above the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and restrictions on foreign aircraft flying through an air defense identification zone (Adiz), according to the report.

“We have taken note of the US report,” news agency Xinhua quoted Hua as saying. She added the aim of the DoD freedom of navigation program was, in essence, to advance the US unilateral proposition by force and coercion, by brandishing its naval and air power.

Beijing has been extremely sensitive about US ship voyages and aircraft flights challenging maritime claims in the South China Sea, where Beijing has been conducting island reclamation activity.

In 1979, the United States established the Freedom of Navigation program before the signing of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos), said Hua, adding its aim was to safeguard the US military’s maximum freedom and maneuverability to enter the oceans of the world and challenge the new maritime order as a non-signatory of the 1982 Unclos.

“These moves by the US are an attempt to dominate maritime order and reflect its logic of hegemony and exceptionalism in its treatment of international law, which it uses when convenient and abandons on unfavorable conditions,” Hua stressed.

She called on Washington to do more that is truly conducive to safeguarding global maritime order as well as regional peace and stability.

Media reports said six U.S. Air Force planes performed a flight mission in “international airspace” in the vicinity of Huangyan Island, which the Philippines refers to as Panatag Shoal, in the South China Sea last April 19.

China’s Ministry of National Defense has accused Washington of pushing militarization of the South China Sea in the name of freedom of navigation and overflight.

Hua said the recent patrol flights in the area by the Philippines and the US were “deserving of suspicion,” urging “some countries” active in the region to exercise restraint and “make cooperative efforts with China.”

China is concerned about and opposed to actions that threaten the sovereignty and security of countries around the South China Sea and undermine regional peace and stability, according to the statement.

Meanwhile, the Philippine government has yet to verify China’s reported plans to start reclamation at the Scarborough Shoal but reminded Beijing to avoid actions that will raise tension in the dispute waters.

“The alleged move of establishing an outpost within the EEZ of the Philippines came from a news report, which needs appropriate validation and confirmation,” presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a statement.

“The Philippines abides by the Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and the Unclos. Thus, it is best that claimant-states that are also signatories to those agreements abide by its provisions,” he stressed.

A Hong Kong newspaper recently cited a source close to the People’s Liberation Army as saying China will build an outpost on the Scarborough Shoal. The Philippines claims the shoal as part of its EEZ. http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/china-blasts-us-over-freedom-of-navigation-ops

Remaining foreign hostages of the Abu Sayyaf still alive –DFA

From GMA News (Apr 27): Remaining foreign hostages of the Abu Sayyaf still alive –DFA

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday said all foreign hostages of the Abu Sayyaf are still alive despite the expiration of its deadline for ransom payments on Monday.

A News TV Live report said DFA Secretary Jose Almendras has declined to give further comments on the hostages' possible whereabouts, but maintained that the Philippines continues its high-level communication with the concerned countries.

At present, the Abu Sayyaf is holding captive another Canadian, a Norwegian and a Filipino woman who were kidnapped with Ridsdel last year. It is also holding 14 Indonesian and four Malaysian tugboat crewmembers abducted in three incidents off Tawi-Tawi.

Almendras said he also has no information on the Filipina hostage of the al Qaeda-linked group.

A DFA statement on Tuesday said it "has been playing an active role in the overall government effort since the time of the abductions, particularly in closely engaging the concerned countries."

"Over the past few weeks, we have stepped up our coordination efforts with Canada, Norway, Indonesia, and Malaysia," it added.

Almendras maintained the Philippine government learned of the beheading of John Risdel ahead of the Canadian government.

A headless corpse believed to be that of Ridsdel was found in Talipao, Sulu, on Wednesday morning.

Ridsdel's head was found inside a yellow sack left by unidentified men at the Jolo municipal hall on Monday.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines promised no let-up in the ongoing operations against the Abu Sayyaf.

Meanwhile, President Benigno Aquino III promised to use the full resources of the country against the group to rescue the remaining hostages, and ensure the safety of the civilian population.  

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/564227/news/nation/remaining-foreign-hostages-of-the-abu-sayyaf-still-alive-dfa

Ceasefire is possible with Duterte presidency —Joma Sison

From GMA News (Apr 28): Ceasefire is possible with Duterte presidency —Joma Sison

A ceasefire between the Communist Party of the Philippines and the Philippine government is possible if Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is elected president, said CPP founder Jose Maria “Joma” Sison.

In an interview with GMA News aired on Unang Balita on Thursday, Sison said he had a conversation with Duterte recently and they were able to discuss several issues.

He said the issues include a dialogue between CPP and the national government and the release of political prisoners from past administrations.

Sison added that he may return to the country, after two decades of living in exile in the Netherlands.

The CPP was organized more than 47 years ago while the Philippine government ended formal peace talks with the communist party in April 2013.

Duterte is close to the revolutionary movement and is a former student of Sison at the Lyceum of the Philippines.

If Duterte wins, Sison said he is confident that the Davao politician will be able to fulfill his promises.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/564287/news/nation/ceasefire-is-possible-with-duterte-presidency-joma-sison

Image of NPA police prisoners released to Duterte alarming: Palace

From InterAksyon (Apr 27): Image of NPA police prisoners released to Duterte alarming: Palace



This is the photograph that Malacanang released together with its statement on the release of police prisoners to presidential frontrunner Rodrigo Duterte. Photo came out in Philippine Daily Inquirer, 27 April 2016

The image of police prisoners of the New People’s Army being released to Davao City Mayor and presidential frontrunner Rodrigo Duterte is “cause to be alarmed,” presidential spokesman Herminio Coloma said Wednesday.

In response to a question about Malacanang’s reaction to the release of police prisoners of the rebel group and the prospect of an NPA-friendly president, Coloma said:

“Freedom-loving citizens would find sufficient cause to be alarmed at the picture published in a major broadsheet (PDI, 27 April), where erstwhile captive PNP officers are shown wearing shirts with POW (Prisoner of War) printed thereon and being paraded by heavily armed NPA members in the company of Mayor Duterte, with the CPP, NPA and the NDF flags prominently displayed in the background.

“This picture (PDI 27 April) should lead us to think seriously and be concerned if this is the future for the Philippines which presidential candidate Duterte is offering to our people.”

http://interaksyon.com/article/127001/image-of-npa-police-prisoners-released-to-duterte-alarming-palace

Diwata-1 now in orbit

From Update.Ph (Apr 27):  Diwata-1 now in orbit

      

PHL-Microsat Diwata-1 was finally deployed to orbit Wednesday night. Diwata-1 is the first Filipino-built satellite. Diwata-1 was assembled by nine Filipino engineers who were stationed in Japan to undergo an extensive course about microsatellite. The team had almost a year to finish the assembly and testing of Diwata-1.

“The deployment of the microsatellite combines the only air lock and robot arm in the ISS used in Kibo operations, which in the future, is expected to be one of the important means to meet the launch needs of microsatellites,” Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) said.

It weighs 50 kg and is about the size of a “balikbayan box.” The development of Diwata-1 was made possible through DOST’s flagship project called the PhilMicrosat Program, which was implemented by several departments in University of the Philippines (UP)-Diliman and DOST’s Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI). The agency has also partnered with Tohoku and Hokkaido universities in Japan to develop Diwata-1.

Diwata-1 is expected to be in orbit for about 20 months and will be imaging the country twice daily.

Diwata-1 will be providing photos and images of Philippines that could be used to assess extent of damage during disasters, monitor bodies of water and vegetation, and observe large-scale weather patterns.

The main payload of Diwata-1 consists high precision telescope (HPT) for high resolution imaging, spaceborne multispectral imager (SMI) with LCTF, and wide field camera (WFC).

Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research Division (DOST-PCIEERD) Carlos Primo David earlier said that the pictures taken by Diwata-1 can also be used for tourism, as the agency will pick an image of the day and will share it to the public.

Originally, PCIEERD planned to have a good microsatellite data storage facility in Subic. David said the receiving station, which will be tasked to receive Diwata-1 imagery as well as from selected commercial satellites, will be in UP-Diliman instead. Construction of the receiving station in UP-Diliman will be finished by mid-May according to David.

For the meantime, the images from Diwata-1 will be received by those in Tohoku, Japan. ”They will send the images to us. That will be the scenario for the first two weeks,” David said.

Meanwhile, Diwata-2 is scheduled to be built within the year, and David said the planning stage has already started. He added that the government targets to launch the Diwata-2 in 2018.

http://www.update.ph/2016/04/diwata-1-now-in-orbit/4777

Malacañang says China’s plan to build outpost on Panatag Shoal needs validation

From Update.Ph (Apr 27): Malacañang says China’s plan to build outpost on Panatag Shoal needs validation

Malacañang is seeking to confirm a report that China will establish an outpost on the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, which is 230 kilometers off the coast of the Philippines, a Palace official said on Wednesday.

“The alleged move of establishing an outpost within the EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) of the Philippines came from a news report, which needs appropriate validation and confirmation,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a statement.

“The Philippines abides by the Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and the UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea). Thus, it is best that claimant states that are also signatories to those agreements abide by its provisions,” Secretary Coloma said.

A Hong Kong newspaper recently cited a source close to the People’s Liberation Army as saying that China will build an outpost on the Scarborough Shoal. The Philippines claims the shoal as part of its EEZ.

http://www.update.ph/2016/04/malacanang-says-chinas-plan-to-build-outpost-on-panatag-shoal-needs-validation/4757

President Jokowi initiates joint patrol with Malaysia, Philippines

From Update.Ph (Apr 27): President Jokowi initiates joint patrol with Malaysia, Philippines

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has initiated a joint patrol involving Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines in response to 14 Indonesians held hostage in the Philippine waters.

“This week, we will invite the Malaysian military chief and foreign minister, and the Philippine military chief and foreign minister to discuss the possibility of a joint patrol to ensure that the sea lane is safe,” President Jokowi said at the State Palace here on Tuesday.

The president said the process of releasing the Indonesians held hostage by the armed group since a few weeks ago is not simple thing.

All sides must realize and understand that the hostage crisis is not an easy thing, he pointed out.

“We will find it hard. We must understand that the other cases which have lasted for six and eight months have not been resolved either. In fact, any of them has been executed. It is not that easy to underestimate a difficult thing as Philippine soldiers have cordoned off the area. As we all know that the hostages have been removed to other area. Has the act of removing the hostage caused difficulties to us?” he said.

After all, the president said he will never give up and keep trying to release the Indonesians held hostage.

Operations have been conducted at noon and night to ensure that the hostages will not lose contact with the Philippine government, he said.

“We hope that it can be resolved soon as I have stated,” he said.

http://www.update.ph/2016/04/president-jokowi-initiates-joint-patrol-with-malaysia-philippines/4746

Transition Commissioner: BBL not a guarantee to lasting peace in Mindanao but will eradicate poverty

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 27): Transition Commissioner: BBL not a guarantee to lasting peace in Mindanao but will eradicate poverty

Commisioner Abdullah Camlian, a member of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission in the Government of the Philippines Peace Negotiating Panel, admitted that the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) will not guarantee a lasting peace in Mindanao but will pave the way for the disbandment of armed groups in Southern Philippines.

Camlian, also one of the founders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and among the speakers during the “Usapang Kapayapaan” forum for congressional candidates on Tuesday here, clarified issues concerning the BBL together with Sec. Senen Bacani, also a member of the negotiating pane for the Government of the Republic of the Philippines.

In his opening statement, Camlian clarified that the problem in the Bangsamoro region is not economic or poverty but political.

He said prior to the establishment of the Republic of the Philippines, the Bangsamoro people already had an existing law under the Sultanate of Sulu and now they want to regain their autonomy.

“We want to participate, we want to be like you, we want to vote for those people who we want to govern us”, said Camlian.

He added the Bangsamoro people felt neglected, treated as second class citizens thus the many rebellions that happened for over a century.

“And if this aspiration for self governance is the root of all this evil or this conflict, then why not resolve it”, said Camlian.

“But we can guarantee to arrest rebels and conflict or trouble will be eradicated as well as guarantee the disbandment of all armed groups”, said Camlian.

Meanwhile, with the clarifications made on the misunderstood provisions of the BBL, the four congressional candidates who attended the forum had mixed reactions.

Mario Operaña, a retired Army Master Sergeant who served in Mindanao and now a candidate for congressman in the fourth district of the province, strongly opposes BBL and instead suggested a shift to the federal form of government.

Eric Acuña, former congressman of the third district of the province, said BBL should first undergo thorough study by Congress, insisting that the peace process must be inclusive.

He too suggested federalism as the way to achieve a long lasting peace in the country especially in Mindanao.

On the other hand, outgoing Governor Amado Espino Jr., a candidate for congressman in the fifth district, said peace and order problems must be addressed by the government through socio- economic programs like what they are doing in Pangasinan, an insurgency-free province since 2010.

Rep. Jesus Celeste, reelectionist in the first district, sent a representative in the person of Atty. Artemio Amon.

Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil of the second district was not able to attend as he is sick while Generoso Tulagan Sr. of the third district had an important meeting in Manila

Pangasinan has 15 congressional candidates in all its six districts. However, only three of these candidates attended the forum.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=880135

Negrenses top newly enlisted soldiers of Army’s 3rd ID

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 28): 3 Negrenses top newly enlisted soldiers of Army’s 3rd ID

Three Negrenses were among those who topped the Candidate Soldiers Classes 388 and 389 comprised of 168 newly-enlisted soldiers who will be deployed by the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.

The joint enlistment, entrustment of firearms, and graduation ceremonies led by 3rd ID commander Brig. Gen. Harold Cabreros was held at Camp General Macario Peralta Jr. in Jamindan, Capiz Wednesday.

Ven Gador, an Information Technology graduate from Barangay Suay, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental ranked first in Class 389, with 84 trainees.

Gador was the recipient of Commander, 3rd Infantry Division Award for garnering a general point average of 89.80 percent in all evaluated subjects, both academic and non-academic courses.

Ujem Broce of Cauayan, Negros Occidental received the Chief of Staff, 3rd ID Award for graduating number two in Class 389.

Class 388’s Jonel Merdon of Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental was conferred the Physical Proficiency Award for obtaining the highest rating in Physical Fitness Test.

Meanwhile, Jovel Jovena, a Tourism Management graduate from Sigma, Capiz topped Class 388, with also 84 trainees, while Jonathan Jadol of San Joaquin, Iloilo ranked second.

Ryan John Graciosa of Pototan, Iloilo placed first in physical proficiency for Class 389.

Recipients of the Commandant, 3rd Division Training School Awards were Alan Resureccion of Passi City, Iloilo and Kevin Sumosa of Trinidad, Bohol for graduating number three in Class 388 and Class 389, respectively.

The 168 newly-enlisted members of the Spearhead Troopers Division will be deployed to the different battalions in Western Visayas, Central Visayas, and Negros Island Region.

They underwent six months of Candidate Soldier Course and Scout Ranger Orientation Course held at the Division Training School of Camp Peralta.

The training, which started on October 26, 2015, provided the candidate soldiers with the basic knowledge and skills of soldiery to develop their character worthy to become members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and to prepare them to perform duties as riflemen and automatic riflemen of the infantry squads.

Cabreros urged the new soldiers, who will later implement the 3rd ID’s campaign “Dagyaw Para sa Kalinong,” to strictly observe and respect human rights as well as the International Humanitarian Law, and the Rule of Law.

“Be guided by the Army Transformation Roadmap in exercising your mandate to serve the people and secure the communities,” he added

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=880349

President Aquino to Abu Sayyaf: We will speak to you in language of force

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 27): President Aquino to Abu Sayyaf: We will speak to you in language of force

President Benigno S. Aquino III on Wednesday vowed that the government will not stop until the threat posed by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) is ended.

“The full resources of the State are being brought down on the ASG. Our primary objective is to rescue the hostages and ensure the safety of our civilian population. We will leave no stone unturned and are studying every instrument, both military and legal, to ensure success in our areas of operations and wherever else required,” he said in a statement.

The ASG beheaded Canadian mining executive John Ridsdel after the government failed to pay the PhP300 million ransom demanded by the bandits.

Ridsdel’s severed head, which was inside a plastic bag dropped by two men on a motorcycle, was found by residents in Jolo town, five hours after the expiry of the ransom deadline set at 3 p.m. last Monday (April 25).

Ridsdel was among the four hostages who were abducted by ASG bandits on September 21 last year from a resort in Samal Island, Davao del Norte. Also seized were Canadian Robert Hall, Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, and Filipina Marithes Flor. According to reports, the group is also holding 14 Indonesians, four Malaysians, a Dutch, and a Japanese.

In his statement, the President said he had sent a letter to Ridsdel’s family on Tuesday to express his condolences.

"We are so appalled by this murder… This murder was meant to terrorize our whole population. The Abu Sayyaf thought they could instill fear in us; instead, they have galvanized us even further to ensure justice is meted out. We have always been open to talks with those who desire peace; but those who commit atrocities can expect the full might of the State," he said.

"I am ready to devote all my energies towards ensuring that, at the very least, this will be a very seriously degraded problem that I will pass on to my successor," he added.

President Aquino explained that since its founding in the early 1990s, allegedly as an affiliate of Al-Qaeda, the Abu Sayyaf has committed atrocity upon atrocity.

He cited as examples the sacking of Ipil in 1995, the bombing of the Davao International Airport in 2003, and multiple cases of kidnapping foreign tourists over the past decade and a half.

“Their actions speak for themselves. Even as it poses as a group of Islamic freedom fighters, the Abu Sayyaf has behaved as criminals focused on enriching themselves by taking hostages for ransom," he said.

"ASG and various smaller terrorist groups and factions now want to align themselves with ISIS to gain access to the funds and resources of ISIS. From Day One of my administration, they have had aspirations to conduct bombings in Metro Manila to catch the attention of ISIS. May I emphasize that these have been, and remain, only aspirations,” the Chief Executive said.

He noted that as part of the group’s efforts to gain favor with ISIS, one of its leaders, Isnilon Hapilon, through his cohorts in prison, has tried to convert other prisoners in the New Bilibid Prison to their cause and establish ties with remnants of the Rajah Sulayman Movement, purportedly in an attempt to embark on a bombing campaign in Metro Manila.

They allegedly even hatched plots to kidnap Manny Pacquiao or one of his children, as well as the President’s sister, Kris Aquino, or one of her children, “with the plan to use them in bargaining for the release of their cohorts”, he said.

“Threats against my own life have been investigated," the President added.

He, however, emphasized that no improvised explosive device (IED) attributable to the group of Hapilon has been found.

“We have monitored their activities, unraveled their network, and arrested the key players, while some of the minor players who were already on the run are being hunted down. I credit our security services for putting these threats to bed with both professionalism and discretion. The public may rest assured that they may go about their daily lives without fear or unease," he said.

President Aquino said the government wants "to seriously erode any ability of the ASG to continue to function" by conducting continuing operations in Basilan against Hapilon and his sub-leader, Furuji Indama.

On the current situation in Sulu, he said “our reports tell us that the captives are under the control of Radillon Sajiron, who has consolidated his forces around himself and the captives.”

He explained that this is both a problem and an opportunity -- a problem because of the sizeable force surrounding Sajiron and the captives, but also an opportunity because “smashing these forces is within our grasp."

"This is why intensive operations are ongoing against the ASG forces holding civilians captive in Sulu," he said.

"Casualties are to be expected. But what has to be of utmost importance is neutralizing the criminal activities of the ASG. The men and women in our Armed Forces are well-trained, well-equipped, and resourceful. I have full trust and confidence in them," said the President.

"We have proven before that we will choose all-out justice over all-out war. We have always believed in the power of dialogue, development, and positive engagement over arms. But we will always act from a position of strength. So, to the ASG, and whoever may aid or abet them, you have chosen only the language of force, and we will speak to you only in that language. We will not stop until the threat they pose to our communities is ended," President Aquino said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=880296

Possible body of John Ridsdel recovered in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 27): Possible body of John Ridsdel recovered in Sulu

A headless body, believed to be those of Canadian John Ridsdel, was recovered in Talipao, Sulu early Wednesday morning.

The remains were found at the vicinity of Bud Samin, Barangay Gata, of the above-mentioned locality, said Western Mindanao Command spokesman Major Filemon Tan.

The body was recovered by joint elements of the Talipao Police and Special Action Force (SAF) with the help of Talipao Barangay Police Auxiliary Team.

Another report said that at 10 a.m. Wednesday, one Abejari Sahemari, a municipal councilor, reported to the Talipao police the discovery of a body of a Caucasian-looking man at Sitio Tibangaw in Barangay Gata.

Immediately, a police scene of the crime (SOCO) team accompanied by explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) personnel and two mobile teams were sent to the area.

The policemen reached the area, which is approximately 10 kilometers away from the Talipao Municipal Police Station, around 12 noon.

The body was found sprawled at a dried creek in the mountainous area of Sitio Tibangaw.

"The cadaver was dumped in the creek by... the ASG," the report said.

The troops then secured the area for possible presence of the ASG bandits, while SOCO personnel processed the scene.

"There was no indication that the victim was beheaded in the area due to the absence of blood stains in the scene," according to the report.

After the SOCO examination, the body was turned over to the Marine Battalion Landing Team 11 and was scheduled to the airlifted to Zamboanga City.

The recovery of the body came two days after the ASG beheaded Ridsdel as their ransom demand was not met.

The ASG demanded Php300 million ransom each for Ridsdel and his fellow captives Robert Hall, Hall's Filipino girlfriend Marites Flor, and Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad.

The victims were seized by the ASG last Sept. 21 from Ocean View Resort on the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao Del Norte.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=880290

168 new enlisted troops augment Capiz-based 3rd ID

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 28): 168 new enlisted troops augment Capiz-based 3rd ID

An additional 168 enlisted troopers have formally joined the roster of the Capiz-based 3rd Infantry Division Wednesday.

They are members of Candidate Soldier Class (CSC) 388 and 389, said 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson Lt. Col. Ray Tiongson.

They were also formally entrusted with their weapons during Wednesday's graduation ceremonies after successfully passing the six months CSC and Scout Ranger Orientation Course held at the Division Training School in Camp General Macario Peralta Jr., Jamindan, Capiz.

Tiongson said training of these troopers started last Oct. 26 with the aim of providing them with the basic knowledge and skills of soldiery, to develop their character worthy to become members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and to prepare them to perform duties as riflemen and automatic riflemen of the infantry squads.

Jovel Jovena, a BS Tourism Management graduate from Brgy Uyong, Sigma, Capiz received the Commander, 3rd Infantry Division Award for graduating Number 1, besting 83 others in Class 388 with a general point average of 89.76 percent in all evaluated subjects both academic and non-academic in the said training.

Ven Gador, a BS Information Technology graduate from Brgy. Suay, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental topped the Class 389 besting 83 others. He has a general point average of 89.80 percent in all evaluated subjects both academic and non-academic courses.

He also received the Commander, 3rd Infantry Division Award.

3rd Infantry Division commander Brig. Gen. Harold Cabreros urged the new members of his unit to strictly observe and respect Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law and the Rule of Law and be guided by the Army Transformation Roadmap in exercising their mandate to serve the people and secure the communities.

He also reminded the newly enlisted soldiers that in war fighting, not only modern technology in weaponry, equipment and war machines will dictate who will win the battle. Discipline and determination are also factors in winning.

“To the new members of Team Spearhead, I believe that you have attained the basic knowledge and skills that the soldier must know and do, and developed the character that you must be. Continue to develop those attributes and always focus on your job as we intensify our efforts in sustaining the gains in peace and security in our area of responsibility,” Cabreros said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=880380

President Aquino vows “degraded problem” on ASG

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 27): President Aquino vows “degraded problem” on ASG

President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday vowed the continued fight against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) to prevent the bandits from terrorizing people and get the attention and funding of ISIS.

“I am ready to devote all my energies towards ensuring that, at the very least, this will be a very seriously degraded problem that I will pass on to my successor,” he said in a statement.

The statement was issued nearly two days after the bandits beheaded one of their Canadian hostages, John Ridsdel, who was among the four people the bandits kidnapped from a resort in Samal Island on Sept. 21, 2015.

The President said he had written Ridsdel’s family to express his condolences.

“We are so appalled by this murder. Mr. Ridsdel was a person against whom no one had any grievance—a person who was powerless against his captors. This murder was meant to terrorize our whole population,” he said.

The President said military operations against the bandits continue, particularly in Sulu, to save the hostages who were seized along with Ridsdel.

He said the hostages were reportedly under the control of one Radilon Sajiron, whom Aquino said “has consolidated his forces around himself and the captives.”

He said this situation was “both a problem and an opportunity.”

“It is a problem because of the sizeable force surrounding Sajiron and the captives, but it is also an opportunity because smashing these forces is within our grasp,” he said.

“This is why intensive operations are ongoing against the ASG forces holding civilians captive in Sulu. The full resources of the State are being brought down on the ASG. Our primary objective is to rescue the hostages and ensure the safety of our civilian population,” he said.

President Aquino said the atrocities of the ASG were the main reasons for the continued military operations in Balisan, particularly targeted ASG head Isnilon Hapilon and a deputy, Furuji Indama.

“We will leave no stone unturned and are studying every instrument, both military and legal, to ensure success in our areas of operations and wherever else required,” he said pointing out the government’s target was “to seriously erode any ability of the ASG to continue to function.”

The President said “casualties are expected” but assured the public that what was important was neutralizing ASG’s criminal activities.

“The men and women in our Armed Forces are well-trained, well-equipped, and resourceful. I have full trust and confidence in them,” he said.

President Aquino also said the government had been open to dialogues with the rebels but pointed out that it “will always act from a position of strength.”

“So, to the ASG, and whoever may aid or abet them, you have chosen only the language of force, and we will speak to you only in that language,” he said.

"We will not stop until the threat they pose to our communities is ended,” he said.

This after disclosing that ASG has targeted several personalities, including him, his sister, Kris, and one of her kids; and Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao and one of his kids.

President Aquino said ASG, along with smaller terrorist group, have continued their kidnap-for-ransom activities to get the attention and receive funding from ISIS.

He noted that even at the start of the current Aquino administration the ASG has planned to conduct a series of bombing in Metro Manila “to catch the attention of ISIS.”

”May I emphasize that these have been, and remain, only aspirations,” he said.

The President also said the bandits, through its allies in prison, even tried to convert prisoners in the New Bilibid Prison in line with their plan to conduct bombings in the metropolis.

There were no improvised explosive devices (IEDs) found that can be traced to the ASG but authorities have monitored the bandits’ activities and network and even arrested some key players, he said.

”I credit our security services for putting these threats to bed with both professionalism and discretion. The public may rest assured that they may go about their daily lives without fear or unease,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=880244

Want communism to rise? Choose Duterte – Roxas

From Rappler (Apr 27): Want communism to rise? Choose Duterte – Roxas

 

Mar Roxas is in vote-rich Cebu for the 3rd time, where Duterte is the favored bet    

 

 

 

RELEASED. The NPA releases 5 police officers to Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. File photo by Editha Caduaya/ Rappler

 

The standard-bearer of the ruling Liberal Party (LP) on Wednesday, April 27, sought to differentiate himself even further from the front runner in the 2016 presidential race, by linking Rodrigo Duterte to communists.

 

“Well, napatunayan ‘yung koneksyon ng NPA, ‘yung komyunistang NPA, sa kay Mayor Duterte. Nandiyan sa YouTube. Kayo mismo, mga mamamahayag, marami nang record,” Roxas said in a news conference in Talisay City. (It only goes to show his ties to the New People’s Army, the communist NPA. It’s on YouTube. You yourselves, you’re journalists, you’ve seen records of that.)

 

The LP standard-bearer was asked to react to the NPA’s recent release of 5 abducted cops to Duterte and the Davao mayor’s subsequent declaration that he would “disband” government because it was already weak.

 

“Kung gusto ninyong manaig ang komunismo dito sa ating bansa, kung gusto ninyo na lumakas ang boses ng mga NPA na rebelde sa ating bansa, malinaw kung sino dapat ninyong piliin. Siya mismo ang nagsasabi niyan, si Mayor Duterte mismo,” added Roxas. (If you want communism to prevail in the country, if you want the NPA’s power to be amplified, it’s clear who you should choose. Mayor Duterte himself has said that.)

 

The Davao mayor indeed has not denied his open lines to the NPA. Just last Tuesday, April 26, he revealed in a sortie in Tulunan, North Cotabato, that he and exiled communist leader Jose Maria Sison have agreed to observe a ceasefire between government and NPA rebels forces if Duterte gets elected as president.

 

Roxas, who served as transportation and later, interior chief under the current administration, said the NPA only seeks to “turn upside-down” the current system of government and the country’s way of life. Communism, he pointed out, is a “godless political philosophy.”

 

Roxas and running mate Leni Robredo on Wednesday visited Cebu for the 3rd time since the campaign period began. It’s a critical time for both – Duterte is threatening to pull away farther from the pack while Robredo is inching closer to a solo lead.

 

In Cebu, Roxas and Robredo campaigned in Madridejos town and Talisay City. In Cebu City, the tandem held a political rally with party chairman President Benigno Aquino III.

 

The Visayas vote

 

The Cebu rally caps off 2 days of campaigning in two vote-rich Visayas provinces.

On Tuesday, the LP tandem campaigned in Negros Occidental, a bailiwick and home province of Roxas. (READ: Roxas hits ex-LP provincial chairman, insists on victory in Negros Occidental)

 

Cebu is also considered a bailiwick of the administration bet, but Duterte could spoil that trend.

 

Duterte, the only Bisaya-speaking candidate, is seen as a favorite in the province. He also leads in the Central Visayas region, which Cebu belongs to.

 

The latest Pulse Asia survey also saw Roxas lose dominance in the Visayas region for the first time. Some 32% of those polled said Duterte was their favored candidate. Roxas trailed with 27%.

 

Roxas downplayed the survey, telling reporters he’s confident “the Visayas vote will remain with Daang Matuwid.”

“And we will see on May 9,” he added.

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/elections/2016/130998-roxas-duterte-communism

Headless cadaver found in Sulu

From Rappler (Apr 27): Headless cadaver found in Sulu

It's found two days after the beheading of a Canadian hostage



Locals found a headless cadaver of a Caucasian on Wednesday, April 27, in a village in Talipao, Sulu, the same province where Abu Sayyaf kidnappers beheaded a Canadian two days ago.

Military sources said the cadaver was seen in a dry creek at 10 am Wednesday in the village of Gata, which is about 10 kilometers away from Talipao town.

Police reached the mountainous area in sitio Tibangaw at 12 noon, guided by councilors Hadji Sahemari and Kibar Pala, and other local officials.

The body will be immediately brought to Zamboanga City for identification, the same sources added.

 

On Monday, Abu Sayyaf kidnappers beheaded their Canadian captive John Ridsdel, one of 3 foreign hostages abducted on Samal Island in Davao in September 2015. The murder came after ransom talks – initially pegged at P1 billion for each then reduced to P300 million – bogged down.

 

The military also launched attacks in an attempt to rescue the hostages.

 

On Tuesday night, the commander of the Army troops in Sulu, Brig Gen Alan Arrojado, resigned.

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/130966-headless-cadaver-found-sulu

Soldier freed after 5 days in NPA custody; five more still held captive in Mindanao

From MindaNews (Apr 27): Soldier freed after 5 days in NPA custody; five more still held captive in Mindanao

A soldier seized at an “Army” checkpoint manned by the New People’s Army (NPA) early morning of April 21 in Malasila town was released in an upland village here late afternoon of April 26 to Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte

The release came a day after five police officers were freed in Paquibato district also to the Presidential frontrunner.

But five more captives remain in the hands of the the NPA in the northern part of Mindanao, Efren Aksasato, spokersperson of the National Democratic Front-Far South Mindanao Region (NDF-FSMR), told the crowd of civilians and NPA guerrillas at the barangay plaza.



REUNITED. Army PFC Edgardo Hilaga of the 7th Infantry Battallion reunites with his family in an upland village in Tulunan, North Cotabato on April 26, 2016. Hilaga was arrested by members of the New People’s Army at a checkpoint in Barangay Malasila, Makilala on April 21. MindaNews photo by TOTO LOZANO

Years before he became a Presidential candidate, Duterte as Davao City mayor or as chair of the Regional Peace and Order Council, had been receiving soldiers and policemen freed by the NPA and from the area of release, he would turn them over to their superiors.

Family members rushed to embrace the 24-year old Pfc Edgardo Hilaga of the 7^th Infantry Battalion at 1:47 p.m. as he was about to go up the stage escorted by the NPA’s custodial force. But his parents and sister had to wait a few more hours, as Duterte, who was expected to arrive at 1 p.m., arrived at 4:22 p.m.

Hilaga’s wife waited at home with their two-month old firstborn.

Hilaga said he was rushing to return to his base on a motorcyle at 4:50 a.m. on April 21 when he was stopped at a checkpoint marked “Army” in Sitio Crossing Balawan, Barangay Malasila in Makilala. He immediately identified himself as a soldier thinking those who stopped him were from the Army.

Makilala Mayor Rudy Caoagdan, who attended the turnover rites, told MindaNews he immediately convened the Crisis Management Committee (CMC) and asked the military to hold off operations while they negotiate for Hilaga’s release.

Aksasato said Hilaga was freed after he was cleared of involvement in war crimes and human rights abuses committed by the 7th IB in North Cotabato.

“Salamat sa nagtabang sa akoa. Salamat sa nagtabang sa akoa” (thank you to all who workd for my release), Hilaga said.

Aksasato said the CMC also wrote NDF chief negotiator Luis Jalandoni on April 22 to seek his release.

Hilaga rode with Duterte on board a helicopter bound for the Eastern Mindanao Command in Panacan, Davao City, where he was turned over.

From Paquibato district last Monday, the five freed police officers were also brought by helicopter to the headquarters of the Police Regional Office 11 at Camp Quintin M. Merecido in Davao City at past 4 p.m.

They were days flagged down on their way to a village in Paquibato to attend to a civilian who was injured in a clash between the military and the NPA.

Released after nine days in captivity were Chief Insp. Leonardo V. Tarongoy, the station commander of Paquibato Police Station; PO3 Rosenie L. Cabuenas; PO3 Rudolf Pacete; PO3 Abdul Azis A. Ali Jr.; and PO2 Neil C. Arellano.

Duterte said he asked the leadership of the NPA in Southern Mindanao to release the five as they had nothing to do with the military operations.

“They are just there to investigate. Pano pag may nakawan, ni-rape?,” he told reporters at the PRO 11. He recalled the instances how he appealed for the release of abducted police officers in the past.

Duterte has repeatedly vowed he would resume peace negotiations with the NDF when he becomes President (see other story). “We cannot fight forever. We must talk,” he said.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2016/04/27/soldier-freed-after-5-days-in-npa-custody-five-more-still-held-captive-in-mindanao/