Top Abu leaders lead attacks in Basilan

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 8): Top Abu leaders lead attacks in Basilan



ABU SAYYAF is now using this logo under its other name. INQUIRER MINDANA

At least 200 members of the terror group Abu Sayyaf, led by two of their highest-ranking leaders, attacked an Army headquarters surrounded by civilian communities in Basilan province on Sunday, sending residents fleeing to safety and starting a gun battle that was still going on as of late Thursday afternoon.

Joel Maturan, former mayor of Ungkaya Pukan town in Basilan, said the terrorists, armed with .50 cal. machine guns, had positioned themselves on four hills surrounding the community of Punoh Butigan in the village of Sungkayot where the 18th Infantry Battalion headquarters is located.

The terrorists, said Maturan, “seemed to be determined to get the headquarters.” He said he and his rubber plantation workers had armed themselves and prepared to fight alongside government soldiers.

He said false reports that the town of Tipo-Tipo was the one under attack, not Ungkaya Pukan, sent residents there fleeing in panic.

 

The terrorists launched the attack on Ungkaya Pukan around 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday until 2 a.m. Thursday. They resumed the attack around 7 a.m. Thursday.

 

“It’s on and off,” said Maturan. “I wonder why these bandits are not running out of ammunition and food.”

 

Supt. Oscar Nantes, Basilan provincial police chief, said he sent more policemen to Tipo-Tipo and Ungkaya Pukan to help the military.

 

The terrorists are led by top Abu Sayyaf leaders Puruji Indama and Isnilon Hapilon.

Nantes said at least 2,000 families from Ungkaya Pukan, Tipo-Tipo and Al Barka towns had been displaced.

He said police and military were also bracing for an attack on the municipal hall and police station.

Nantes said he could not provide casualty figures yet.

 

Maturan said the terrorists repositioned themselves in the community of Punog Alibasa, which falls within the jurisdiction of Tipo-Tipo, Ungkaya Pukan and Al Barka.

“But the volley of fire is landing on us,” Maturan said. At least 400 families had already fled, he said.

Tong Isarul, former Tipo-Tipo mayor, said classes in all eight elementary and high schools in his town had been canceled.

“We were all caught by surprise,” said Isarul. “We were winding down our Eid (end of Ramadan) celebration when the attack happened.”

“People are afraid to move around,” Isarul added.

 

The attack took place as a Tausug trader was freed by his Abu Sayyaf captors on Wednesday after almost a year in captivity.

Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., spokesperson of the Western Mindanao Command, said Araji Maani, who is into money-lending, was freed in the village of Wanih Piyanjihan in Parang, Sulu.

Maani was kidnapped on July 27 last year.

 

The terrorists have beheaded two of their captive Canadians after their ransom demands were ignored by the government.

A terrorist spokesperson had said Abu Sayyaf was dedicating the beheadings to then incoming President Duterte.

After the beheadings, Duterte said the time for reckoning for the Abu Sayyaf would surely come.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/794965/top-abu-leaders-lead-attacks-in-basilan

US urges respect for South China Sea ruling

From InterAksyon (Jul 8): US urges respect for South China Sea ruling

The United States on Thursday urged respect for a decision on territorial disputes in the South China Sea set to be handed down by an international arbitration court next week.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Dutch city of The Hague is set to make its final decision on Tuesday in the case between the Philippines and China.

"We urge both parties to comply with the ruling and urge all claimants to avoid provocative actions or statements," Abraham Denmark, the senior Pentagon official responsible for East Asia, told a congressional hearing about the decision, already rejected in advance by Beijing.

China claims almost the entire sea -- strategically important for world maritime trade -- where the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have claims.

Although Washington is not directly part of the territorial disputes, it has urged they be resolved through diplomacy, not Chinese force.

Beijing has artificially enlarged islets and reefs to build runways, ports and other installations to legitimize its claims.

The United States has meanwhile boosted its military presence in the region, addressing neighboring countries' concerns about China's actions. Washington has also strengthened its defense alliances with the Philippines, Vietnam and other countries.
The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan is currently patrolling the sea.

"We will provide critical support for diplomacy by providing a credible deterrent against the use of force," Denmark said.

Chinese media on Tuesday said Beijing is ready for a "military confrontation" with the United States in the region.

Earlier this week, President Rodrigo Duterte proposed dialogue with China following the court's decision next week, offering discussions about issues such as setting up joint ventures for sharing resources in the disputed waterway.

http://interaksyon.com/article/130107/us-urges-respect-for-south-china-sea-ruling

'Strengthen ranks, launch offensives' while working on alliance with Duterte - CPP

From InterAksyon (Jul 8): 'Strengthen ranks, launch offensives' while working on alliance with Duterte - CPP

The New People’s Army has been ordered to strengthen its ranks and continue launching tactical offensives against “enemy units that have committed fascist crimes against the people” amid efforts to forge an alliance with the Duterte administration.

In an editorial in its official publication, Ang Bayan, the Communist Party of the Philippines also urged its armed wing to “disarm and arrest the biggest criminals involved in peddling illegal drugs” and to “launch actions to protect the environment against destructive mining, logging and plantation operations.”

The editorial, written in Filipino, acknowledged that “great potential” of building a “progressive and pro-people alliance between Duterte and the national democratic forces” even as it stressed that its forces are aware of “the limitations of this alliance” and the “dangers of being tied down, sucked up and drowned by this work.”

It recognized that Duterte himself “is working on and pushing this alliance” even as it pointed out that he is also the head of a “reactionary state” that remains dominated by elite and foreign interests.

Nevertheless, it said the current situation “opens a huge political opportunity for the national democratic forces,” with the “people’s agenda” at the center of “national … discourse and debate,” to win the support and cooperation of sectors, organizations, institutions and “even officials of the reactionary government” through a nationwide educational campaign, both in the urban areas and countryside.

It also said the imminent resumption of formal peace negotiations between the Duterte government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines would help “strengthen the progressive aspect of Duterte and the prospects for forging a solid alliance through formal agreements that will serve as the general program of action of such an alliance.”

http://interaksyon.com/article/130114/strengthen-ranks-launch-offensives-while-working-on-alliance-with-duterte---cpp

Eastmincom head orders drug-testing among military personnel

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 8): Eastmincom head orders drug-testing among military personnel

The military's Eastern Mindanao Command head Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero has ordered all his commanders to intensify drug-testing efforts in the EMC.

He said this is part of the effort to cleanse the organization of scalawags, and to enhance security measures being implemented especially in Davao Region, he added.

Guerrero also ordered his subordinate commanders to strengthen their operations against illegal drugs and terror groups and work closely with their Philippine National Police counterparts on the matter.

He cited, as basis for such actions, the provisions of the Joint Action Plan recently signed between the EMC and Directorate for Integrated Police Operations-Eastern Mindanao.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=902235

Intel report on alleged ISIS threats on Davao City not from AFP, PNP

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 8): Intel report on alleged ISIS threats on Davao City not from AFP, PNP
 

Intelligence reports claiming that Davao City is under terror threat from the Islamic State (ISIS) did not come from the military or police, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said.

"Per verification...the info (regarding alleged ISIS threat against Davao City) did not come from the AFP or the Philippine National Police. It could come from another source that we are not aware of," Padilla told PNA.

Acting Davao City Mayor Paolo Duterte earlier said that ISIS militants are threatening to attack the southern city.

The local military and police have been alerted to avert the plot, Duterte said. He did not elaborate on the threat which he said is still being validated by authorities.

Earlier, AFP chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Ricardo Visaya said there are no ISIS groups or cells in the Philippines.

"There are no ISIS here. Only groups like ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group) that publicly declared support to the said group are in Mindanao but they are not ISIS," he said.

“I haven't received any similar report but as always terrorist threats are part of our intelligence units monitoring efforts,” Visaya said.

He asked the public to be vigilant and report individuals who are acting suspiciously.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=902285

China Issues Threat After Philippine Activists Resupply The Sierra Madre In The South China Sea

From Forbes (Jul 6): China Issues Threat After Philippine Activists Resupply The Sierra Madre In The South China Sea (By Anders Corr)



A Philippine Navy marine from the Sierra Madre flashes the peace symbol while wearing a Kalayaan Atin Ito activist t-shirt. Another marine watches as his boat is loaded with goods from the activists, who visited the Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal on June 29, 2016. Photo from a video courtesy of Kalayaan Atin Ito.

A Philippine activist group, Kalayaan Atin Ito (KAI), made their third “patriotic voyage” in the South China Sea in less than a year – this time on a resupply protest to a former U.S. naval vessel, the Sierra Madre. The Sierra Madre is now in active service with the Philippine Navy, and purposefully marooned on Ayungin Shoal (also known as Second Thomas Shoal, Reed Bank, Bãi Cỏ Mây, Jen-ai’ Chiao, Ren’ai Reef, and 仁爱礁). 12 KAI activists skirted Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) ships to arrive at the shoal on June 29. Two days after the protest, China threatened to tow the Sierra Madre in response to the upcoming Philippine legal case against China at the Hague.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in the Hague announced that it will decide the case on July 12. The Sierra Madre could be an important fact on the ground in support of a Philippine claim on the shoal, and to keep the shoal from getting dredged and built upon by China. China dredged and built artificial islands with military air strips on other shoals in the South China Sea starting in 2014.

The Philippines claims a 200-mile exclusive economic zone per the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). China disputes the Philippine claim based on a 1946 map with a 9-dash line. Yet in the 1940s, China only claimed the islands within the 9-dash line, not the high seas.

Chinese vessels, including one large Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) cutter (bow number 3307), and at least two civilian boats, are pressuring the Philippine sailors of the Sierra Madre to abandon ship. The Cutter set its course to intercept the activists on the Alexander, a 25-foot banca boat (wooden fishing vessel with two outriggers and an outboard motor) on their way to resupply the marines. The Chinese cutter blew its horns as it approached, and made a menacingly close pass to about 50 meters.

Kalayaan is the Filipino name for the Spratly Islands. The name of the activist group translates as, “Kalayaan is ours.” They claim that the civilian leadership of the Aquino government did not do enough to maintain the structural integrity of the Sierra Madre, and to resupply the dozen or so marines stationed there. The Philippines purposely sailed the Sierra Madre, built in 1944, aground onto the shoal in 1999, in response to China’s occupation of Mischief Reef in 1994. The lack of resupply and maintenance disadvantages the Philippine marines, according to activists. The marines could be forced to leave the Sierra Madre as it becomes even less safe for habitation. Attempts to reach the current and former press secretaries of the Philippines were unanswered.

The Chinese civilian vessels photographed by activists near Ayungin Shoal do not look like fishing vessels, and activists claim they carry Chinese divers.  Activists say that the rear of the Chinese civilian boats do not contain normal fishing gear, such as large piles of nets prominently visible on normal fishing boats. China has developed, as early as 2004, a strategy of an armed civilian “maritime militia”. As an armed force not strictly under military control, it will likely be highly dangerous to sailors, activists, and non-Chinese fishermen in the region.

According to KAI activists, Chinese fishermen are using cyanide for fishing near Ayungin Shoal, which kills the coral. Activists provided me with video and photographs of the coral, which appears white and lifeless. Additional photographs provided by the activists illustrate that the Sierra Madre continues to rust and deteriorate, with gaping holes clearly visible near the waterline. According to activists, the graffiti-festooned ship only stands because of occasional steel and concrete reinforcement smuggled past the Chinese Coast Guard on small boats by the marines. A former U.S. official confirmed to me that the Chinese have in the past blocked Philippine attempts to resupply the Sierra Madre.

China issued a veiled threat against the Sierra Madre two days after the Sierra Madre protest by KAI. A spokesman from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Wu Qian, spoke to a reporter from the People’s Daily, China’s official party newspaper. The paper linked potential towing of the Sierra Madre by China to the outcome of the PCA case to be decided on July 12. According to the People’s Daily article,

During the conference, Wu was asked by a reporter that [sic] the People’s Daily, official newspaper of the CPC, published a commentary Monday which said that China has the ability to tow away the old warship of the Philippines from the Ren’ai Reef. Will the PLA take the actions after the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) issues the award on July 12 on the South China Sea case?

According to the People’s Daily, Mr. Wu replied “that China has indisputable sovereignty of China’s Nansha Islands and their adjacent waters, which [sic] the Ren’ai Reef [Ayungin Shoal] is included. The PLA has the determination and ability to safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.”


Distressed coral, and a single blue fish, on Ayungin Shoal in the South China Sea, 29 June 2016. Photo from a still video courtesy of Kalayaan Atin Ito.

Ayungin Shoal is only 105 nautical miles from Palawan, Philippines, well-within the Philippines’ 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone. However, it is also within China’s claimed 9-dash line. China has stated that it intends to disregard the PCA ruling on features in the South China Sea. Ayungin is 622 nautical miles from China’s closest point to the shoal, which is located on Hainan Island.

KAI formed Sea Access For International Law (SAIL) in 2016 to help organize international volunteers. Both organizations now boast a combined 10,000 supporters, including about 20 full-time volunteers. Most members are in the Philippines, where Nicanor Faeldon started the group in 2006 by lecturing at universities in all 81 provinces. But SAIL now also includes members in the U.S., U.K., Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Brunei. I’m a SAIL supporter, giving me access to photographs and informal interviews with KAI activists. Both groups support a boycott of Chinese consumer goods that has half-a-dozen organizational sponsors.

KAI activists arrived on Palawan on two flights from Manila on June 23 and June 24. The first attempt to sail to Ayungin on June 26 failed due to high waves. Activists returned to Palawan and waited two days for better weather. While waiting, activists slept on The Alexander about 20 yards from the shore. In an emailed comment from Vera Joy Ban-eg, the leader of KAI, she explained the trip once the weather cleared. “We sailed to Ayungin Shoal [on] June 28 at 2.30pm and reached Ayungin at 9.30am [on] June 29, 2016.” The grueling overnight trip on the small fishing boat took 19 hours.

Activists remained at the shoal for several hours, provided food, drinks, a live goat, activist t-shirts, and other supplies to the marines, took photos and video, swam, sang the national anthem on the Sierra Madre with the marines, and then returned to Palawan. In addition to Ms. Ban-eg, the following Philippine activists took part in the protest: Sigrid Dickerson, Jeremiah Dickerson, Andrei Villato, Loubert Grace Carreon, Joart Marzal, Vivien Leal, Ansgar Niño, Francis de Gracias, Lourd Wyrlou Medina, and Jessa Matugas. The Australian photojournalist Benjamin Bohane joined the voyage on assignment from ABC Australia.

[Anders Corr: I worked in military intelligence for five years, including on nuclear weapons, terrorism, cyber-security, border security, and counter-insurgency. I covered and visited Asia and Europe, and worked in Afghanistan for one and a half years. I have a Ph.D. in Government from Harvard University, and a B.A. and M.A. in international relations from Yale University (Summa cum laude). My company, Corr Analytics, provides political risk analysis to commercial, non-profit, and media clients, and publishes the Journal of Political Risk. I am editing a series on the South China Sea conflict, and have covered and visited Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.
Follow me on Twitter @anderscorr. If you have any additional information related to this article, contact me at corr@canalyt.com.]

http://www.forbes.com/sites/anderscorr/2016/07/06/china-issues-threat-after-philippine-activists-resupply-the-sierra-madre-in-the-south-china-sea/2/#5c42e3356e00

WATCH | Vigilante group shows video of 'salvage' of drug suspects

From InterAksyon (Jul 7): WATCH | Vigilante group shows video of 'salvage' of drug suspects

In answer to President Rodrigo Duterte’s call to fight illegal drugs, a vigilante group calling itself the Socialist Party of the Philippines gave News5 a video showing the execution of five men -  three of whom it said were drug lords and two users in Central Luzon - in an undisclosed location.

The vigilante group claimed that they conducted lengthy surveillance on the suspects before arresting them. It added that it observed due process as the suspects were not immediately punished.

But the Armed Forces of the Philippines said it is investigating the incident.

Col. Restituto Padilla, spokesperson of the AFP, said any group which was not given by the government such mandate under the law is illegal and should not put the law into its own hands because it is not deputized to do so.

The Commission on Human Rights, in an interview on the program Aksyon Sa Tanghali, said it will await the investigation conducted by the Philippine National Police before it could determine whether human rights were violated in the incident.

President Duterte earlier called on the public to help arrest suspects involved in illegal drugs and offered a reward for the killing of drug lords.

Malacanang however stressed that due process should always be observed in all cases.

In another interview, Communist Party of the Philippines founding chairman Jose Maria Sison denied any connection with vigilante group.

Watch a News5 video report by Raffy Tulfo:

[Video report]

 http://interaksyon.com/article/130091/watch--vigilante-group-shows-video-of-salvage-of-drug-suspects

Resumption of talks with Reds pushed back over prisoner release, SONA - report

From InterAksyon (Jul 7): Resumption of talks with Reds pushed back over prisoner release, SONA - report



Government and NDFP negotiators, consultants, observers and representatives of the Norwegian government during the recent informal talks in Oslo.

The resumption of formal peace talks between government and communist rebels will be pushed back slightly because of President Rodrigo Duterte’s first state of the nation address on July 25 as well as to allow more time for the release of an initial 109 political prisoners, independent media outfit Kodao Productions reported Thursday.

In an interview with Kodao, Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Ma. Sison said  the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, which represents the rebels, “has already informed the (Government of the Philippines) side that the resumption of formal talks may be either from July 27 to August 2, or from August 15 to 22, depending on the success of the GPH at effecting the release of 22 (Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees)-protected political prisoners as well as that of most of the 87 political prisoners who are sickly, elderly, overly long in prison and women.”

The NDF, he added, is “willing to give the GPH ample time to effect the releases.”
Government peace panel member Hernani Braganza, sought for a reaction to Sison’s statement on the slight delay in the talks’ resumption, told Kodao: “Yes, dahil sa (because of the) SONA on the 25th.”

Following informal talks in Norway just before the inauguration of Duterte, the peace panels of his then incoming government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines said they had agreed to resume formal negotiations in mid-July.

Both sides had also agreed that the talks would adhere to previously signed agreements and also raised the possibility that more than 500 political prisoners would be released either before or soon after the resumption. They also agreed to work for an interim ceasefire during the talks.

But in a speech at the anniversary of the Philippine Air Force on Tuesday, Duterte said he would agree to releasing the prisoners “only after the success of the talks” when the rebels have laid down their arms. He said he was willing to give safe conduct passes to Sison, NDFP chief negotiator Luis Jalandoni and alleged CPP leaders Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, who are in detention after their capture in Cebu in 2014.

Despite what he called the “apparently self-contradictory impromptu statements” of Duterte, Sison said the NDFP remains willing to enter negotiations “on the assumption that the previous agreements shall be affirmed” and the initial 109 political prisoners released “ahead of more than 400 political prisoners who shall be released by general amnesty in connection with an interim ceasefire.”

http://interaksyon.com/article/130070/resumption-of-talks-with-reds-pushed-back-over-prisoner-release-sona---report

10 killed, 19 wounded in ongoing clash between military, ASG bandits in Sulu

From InterAksyon (Jul 7): 10 killed, 19 wounded in ongoing clash between military, ASG bandits in Sulu



Abu Sayyaf bandits are seen in this still image from a News5 video. TV5 SCREENSHOT

Nine Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits were believed to have been killed while another 13 were wounded in the ongoing "focused military operations" (FMO) in Sulu Thursday afternoon.

In the said operations, a trooper from the 45th Infantry Battalion was killed while six others were injured.

The series of firefights started at 3 p.m. in Barangay Kabuntakas of Patikul town, said Western Mindanao Command spokesperson Major Filemon Tan.

He added that government troops were conducting FMO when they encountered an estimated 130 ASG bandits reportedly headed by Radulan Sahiron.

According to military intelligence reports, nine of the terrorists were reported killed with another 13 wounded in the ensuing gun battles, Tan stressed.

"Firefight is still ongoing, A/8FAB (Alpha Company of the 8th Field Artillery Battalion) provided indirect fire support to the engaged troops while 32nd Infantry Battalion was directed to close in with the enemy and provide reinforcement and was engaged in by the same ASG group," Tan said.

Meanwhile, in Basilan, troops from the Joint Task Group Basilan and an estimated 300 ASG bandits headed by Isnilon Hapilon and Furuji Indama clashed at around 8 p.m. Wednesday.

The firefight lasted for five hours with undetermined losses on the bandit side and no casualties for government forces.

"This 7 a.m., firefight resumed in different sitios in Ungkaya Pukan and Magcawa, Al-barka, Basilan. Continuous indirect fire support and air strikes were being done and additional troops deployed in the area of operations as firefight still ongoing as of this time," Tan added.

http://interaksyon.com/article/130088/10-killed-19-wounded-in-ongoing-clash-between-military-asg-bandits-in-sulu

BY THE NUMBERS | ICRC reports on its work in Mindanao

From InterAksyon (Jul 7): BY THE NUMBERS | ICRC reports on its work in Mindanao



In central Mindanao and in the Sulu archipelago, fighting between government security forces and armed opposition groups led to temporary displacement of thousands of civilians. Meanwhile, sporadic hostilities continued between government security forces and the New People's Army in eastern Mindanao, leading to the protracted displacement of civilians; while pockets of clashes also occurred in parts of southern Luzon and Visayas regions.

"Families who flee from their homes again and again will not have stability in their lives. This remains a constant concern for us, as are the substantial number of people who are wounded by the fighting or by explosions in civilian areas," said Pascal Porchet, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delegation to the Philippines.





Another humanitarian concern for the ICRC is the alarmingly high national jail congestion rate that is adversely affecting the life and dignity of thousands of people awaiting or undergoing their trials. "Despite the multisectoral efforts we've seen to decongest the jails, the impact to the overall jail situation remains limited," Porchet stressed.

Assisting people displaced by conflicts and violence, ICRC reports on the following data regarding its work among the residents caught in armed conflict situations:

• More than 16,000 people displaced by armed clashes in North Cotabato and Maguindanao maintained their food needs through one-month food rations
• More than 22,000 displaced people and residents in Maguindanao had access to potable water and sanitation facilities in evacuation centers
• Some 2,400 displaced people in Tandag, Surigao del Sur, benefited from food and hygiene items
• About 300 people from Bukidnon and Davao del Norte who fled to the Haran compound in Davao improved their living conditions after receiving kitchen sets, while approximately 1,500 displaced people received potable water through ICRC emergency water installation
• Over 460 people from displaced families in Zamboanga City upgraded their employability after attending vocational trainings
• Nearly 3,000 people in conflict-affected areas of Northern Samar improved their agriculture productivity after receiving 14 rice threshers

Providing quality care for weapon-wounded people

• At least 375 people wounded by weapons were treated in ICRC-supported health facilities in Mindanao. Forty-two of them benefited from ICRC financial support while 26 patients benefited from PRC's blood services
• 180 people, 57 of them injured by weapons, received physical rehabilitation services through the ICRCsupported Davao Jubilee Foundation. Six amputees benefited from vocational training while two minors were supported in their education
• Emergency rooms of 7 hospitals in Mindanao received regular support consisting of medicines and medical materials, while 21 hospitals and health services received ad hoc donations to cope with the influx of patients following clashes
• 168 health staff in Basilan and Sulu underwent Basic Life Support trainings conducted by the ICRC and the Department of Health
  
  Helping communities hit by disaster and conflict, with the Philippine Red Cross
• Around 27,700 people affected by drought and living in conflict areas in North Cotabato received food and hygiene items
• Some 41,000 people were given food and vegetable seeds; 13,400 people received unconditional cash grants for livelihood; and nearly 3,800 were paid wages through cash for work projects in upland and coastal communities hit by Typhoon Melor (Nona) in Southern Luzon and Northern Samar
• Nearly 900 volunteers in 16 PRC chapters in conflict- and disaster-prone areas were trained in first aid, dissemination, disaster risk reduction and restoring family links

Working with authorities to address jail congestion and its consequences

• Out of the 550 inmates in Manila City Jail followed by the Supreme Court-led Task Force Katarungan at Kalayaan (Justice and Freedom) since January 2014, only 147 remained in jail by January 2016 awaiting the conclusion of their trials. This shows that once the Task Force reviews a detainee's case, it will be disposed of by the court substantially faster than the average period
• Nearly 9,800 inmates have undergone tuberculosis mass screening in the two pilot sites – New Bilibid Prison and Quezon City Jail – since the beginning of the year, with 474 cases of TB being notified including 43 having multi-drug resistant TB
• Living conditions improved for about 500 inmates of Naga City Jail following renovation or construction projects for the kitchen, water supply system, sanitation facilities and sunning area. The installation of a fuel-efficient rice hull gasifier stove improved kitchen conditions and operations through significant reductions in rice wastage and smoke emission

Visiting people detained in relation to the conflict and facilitating family visits

• Detainees in 50 facilities were visited by ICRC staff, who monitored their treatment and living conditions, paying particular attention to the most vulnerable
• 208 detainees were visited by their relatives through the ICRC family visit program, with support from the Philippine Red Cross

Promoting awareness of and respect for international humanitarian law

• Around 860 military and police officers and 38 members of the Moro National Liberation Front became more familiar with IHL, human rights and/or humanitarian principles in armed conflict
• Two police training institutions – the Philippine National Police Academy and the Philippine Public Safety College – have integrated IHL into their curriculum as part of efforts to enhance the knowledge of police officers on this subject.

http://interaksyon.com/article/130090/by-the-numbers--icrc-reports-on-its-work-in-mindanao

China warns US on sovereignty ahead of South China Sea ruling - Xinhua

From InterAksyon (Jul 7): China warns US on sovereignty ahead of South China Sea ruling - Xinhua



The USS John C. Stennis and USS Ronald Reagan in a joint patrol in the South China Sea

China's foreign minister spoke with US Secretary of State John Kerry by telephone on Wednesday ahead of a key international court ruling on the South China Sea and warned Washington against moves that infringe on China's sovereignty, Beijing's official Xinhua news agency reported.

Xinhua said Wang Yi repeated China's rejection of the jurisdiction of the International Court of Arbitration in a case the Philippines has brought against China's claims to nearly all of the South China Sea, calling it a "farce" that should come to an end.

The court, based in The Hague, is due to give its ruling on Tuesday, raising fears of confrontation in the region.

US officials say the US response should China stick to its vow to ignore the ruling could include stepped up freedom-of-navigation patrols close to Chinese claimed islands in what is one of the world's business trade routes.

In his call with Kerry, Wang "urged the United States to honor its commitment to not to take sides on issues related to sovereign disputes, to be prudent with its actions and words, and not to take any actions that infringe upon the sovereignty and security interests of China," Xinhua said.

Wang said that regardless of the tribunal's ruling, China would "firmly safeguard its own territorial sovereignty and legitimate maritime rights and firmly safeguard the peace and stability," Xinhua said.

Wang also said that relations between China and the United States were generally on a sound track and that the two sides should further focus on cooperation while properly managing their differences.

The US State Department confirmed that Kerry had spoken by phone to Wang, but gave no details.

China has been angered by US patrols in the South China Sea in recent months and on Tuesday launched what the Defense Ministry termed "routine" military drills there.

On Tuesday, Beijing sought to downplay fears of conflict in the South China Sea after an influential state-run newspaper said Beijing should prepare for military confrontation.

US officials say they fear China may respond to the ruling from The Hague by declaring an air defense identification zone in the South China Sea, as it did in the East China Sea in 2013, and by stepping up its building and fortification of artificial islands.

http://interaksyon.com/article/130060/china-warns-us-on-sovereignty-ahead-of-south-china-sea-ruling---xinhua

US destroyers sail close to Chinese-held features in South China Sea as court case looms

From InterAksyon (Jul 7): US destroyers sail close to Chinese-held features in South China Sea as court case looms



A machinegun is mounted on the US destroyer USS Momsen seen in the Indian ocean in this May 2008 file photo. The USS Momsen, together with the destroyers Stethem and Spruance have been patrolling near Chinese-held features in the Spratlys archipelago and the Scarborough Shoal, which is near the Philippines, just days before a UN tribunal is to rule on Manila's case against Beijing's excessive maritime claims. REUTERS FILE

US destroyers have sailed close to Chinese-held reefs and islands in the disputed South China Sea in recent weeks, US naval officials said on Thursday, patrols likely to fuel tension ahead of landmark ruling over Beijing's maritime claims.

The destroyers Stethem, Spruance and Momsen have been patrolling near Chinese-held features in the Spratlys archipelago and the Scarborough Shoal, which is near the Philippines, the officials said. The patrols were first reported by the Washington-based Navy Times newspaper.

Pressure has been rising in the region ahead of a July 12 ruling by an arbitration court hearing the dispute between China and the Philippines over the South China Sea in the Dutch city of The Hague.

China has refused to participate in the case and vowed to ignore the rulings which the United States insists are binding and an important test of Beijing's willingness to adhere to international law.

While not close enough to be within 12 nautical miles - a so-called freedom of navigation operation that would require high level approval - the destroyers operated within 14 to 20 nautical miles of the Chinese-occupied features, the Navy Times reported.

The USS Ronald Reagan and its escort ships have also been patrolling the South China Sea since last week.

Pacific Fleet spokesman Lieutenant Clint Ramsden said he could not go into operational or tactical details but that the patrols were part of a "routine presence".

"All of these patrols are conducted in accordance with international law and all are consistent with routine Pacific Fleet presence throughout the Western Pacific."

U.S. navy officials said Chinese naval ships, and sometimes fishing vessels, frequently track U.S. ships in the South China Sea but it is not yet known if the presence of the destroyers attracted particular attention.

Manila is challenging the legality of Beijing's actions and claims in the South China Sea - the first legal case involving the South China Sea.

With legal experts expecting the ruling to go Manila's way, at least in part, US and other regional naval officials are bracing for tension in the weeks and months after the ruling.

http://interaksyon.com/article/130084/us-destroyers-sail-close-to-chinese-held-features-in-south-china-sea-as-court-case-looms

Davao City police chief on alleged terror threat: no ISIS-affiliated group here

From MindaNews (Jul 7): Davao City police chief on alleged terror threat: no ISIS-affiliated group here

The hometown of President Rodrigo Duterte is reportedly facing threats from a global terrorist group, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), according to his son, acting Mayor Paolo Duterte, but the Davao City Police Office maintained there is no ISIS-affiliated group in the region or Mindanao.

Newly-minted DCPO director Michael John Dubria told a press conference on Thursday that there are no reports from the intelligence community pertaining to the presence of any ISIS-recognized group here.

“(You) remain calm but stay vigilant, there is no truth to the information that there is ISIS group, but it doesn’t mean that we do not have threats directed towards our city,” he said.

Acting Davao City Mayor Paolo Duterte on Thursday told reporters that the city is facing threats from ISIS, that he has ordered the police and military to beef up security and intensify intelligence gathering to avert possible attacks from the international terror group.

He said he already has some information about the whereabouts of the group but refused to give details.

“We are intensifying the gathering of information. We cannot disclose details or confirm anything as of yet,” the acting mayor said.

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon told MindaNews “we will look into this.”

“We will treat this as raw info but will exert big effort in verifying,” Esperon added.

Dubria said he was told by the acting mayor that a person told him of the threat but it remains to be validated and it did not specifically state Davao as the subject of the attack.

“Sinabi nya sa akin there was a person who informed him but it remains to be validated but he said to me that it did not state that the threat is in Davao City. Davao City has remained safe. Why can I say that? The police are spread out. I have directed station commanders to intensify checkpoint operations and to maximize the deployment of their personnel and so to try to gather as much information from informants and intelligence networks so that Davao City will stay safe and secure as it is,” he said.

The Armed Forces’ Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) echoed the police’s statement.

“Yun ang sabi ni Vice Mayor Duterte but this has to be validated, yan ang ginagawa namin ngayon with other security agencies dito sa area ng EastMinCom pati na rin yung WestMinCom. On our part continuous ang monitoring and naka-alert kami, so far wala pa naman but again yung threat naman always nandyan yan kaya ang ating mga units on alert and on our toes,” said Maj. Ezra Balagtey, EastMinCom spokesperson.

He said that they will do all they can to protect the city, this being the “Exhibit A” of the President in his campaign against drugs and criminality.

The Davao City Information Office posted an “additional quote” from Duterte on its Facebook chat group at 3:38 p.m., hours after the interview, that “whether the information is real or not, whether there is an actual threat from ISIS or none, what is important is that the people are now informed. And because of that, all of us are vigilant now. The public and all concerned agencies have been alerted and are doing everything to avert the threat from ISIS. Kailangan nating magbantay. I repeat, we are still verifying this information.”

Dubria acknowledged though that there are “ISIS-like” armed groups and terrorist groups like the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) operating in Mindanao who are trying to sow fear among the people in order to get the support of the ISIS.

“Per intelligence exchange with our units and operatives, there is no ISIS group in PRO 11 area of responsibility… or in Mindanao. These groups like the BIFF are terrorist groups and they are trying to get the support of the ISIS, so we call them ISIS-inspired, but we don’t call them ISIS. I do not believe that we have ISIS-inspired groups in Region 11, it is possible in other places in Mindanao,” he said.

Dubria acknowledged that there are other threats the city is facing, not only against the President who prefers to spend a few days in the city before returning to his official residence in Malacañang at the National Capital Region, but also from lawless armed groups.

“Other regions are experiencing threats from lawless armed group. Davao Region is different because we not only experienced threats from lawless armed group but also from BIFF, ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group)… most especially now that the police have stepped up their campaign against illegal drugs, so it is also possible that drug lords and personalities involved in drugs and those whose businesses were affected in our intensified campaign against illegal drugs na they plan to retaliate.”

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2016/07/07/davao-city-police-chief-on-alleged-terror-threat-no-isis-affiliated-group-here/

Soldier killed, 6 more wounded in Sayyaf clashes in Philippines

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jul 7): Soldier killed, 6 more wounded in Sayyaf clashes in Philippines



Two government soldiers stand guard on a busy street in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines as security forces continue its operations against the Abu Sayyaf group in nearby Basilan and Sulu provinces in the Muslim autonomous region. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)



 

At least 1 soldier was killed and 6 more were wounded in fierce clashes Thursday with the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu province in southern Philippines, the military said.

It said troops clashed with some 130 gunmen under Radulan Sahiron in the village of Kabuntakas in Patikul town.

No other details were provided by the military except that security forces were continuing its operation in Sulu against the radical group blamed for terrorism and ransom kidnappings in the troubled region.

The army is also battling about 200 Abu Sayyaf fighters in nearby Basilan where troops are targeting to kill terrorist leader Isnilon Hapilon and another senior commander Puruji Indama. Fighting was raging between the two groups since Wednesday in Ungkaya Pukan and Tipo-Tipo towns.

The military – quoting intelligence reports – insists many Abu Sayyaf fighters had been killed and wounded in the battle field, but not a single body had been recovered by soldiers in the provinces.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/soldier-killed-6-more-wounded-in-sayyaf-clashes-in-philippines/

(Update) PNP condemns tribal leader’s slay, forms SITG to probe the incident

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 7): (Update) PNP condemns tribal leader’s slay, forms SITG to probe the incident

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has condemned the killing a tribal leader and his companion on Wednesday afternoon in Panabo City and vowed to solve the case.

Regional Director Chief Superintendent Manuel Gaerlan has also ordered the Acting Provincial Director of the Davao del Norte Police Provincial Office Director Sr. Superintendent Ferdinand Sifuentes to create a Special Investigation Task Group to look into the killing and exert maximum effort to solve the case and file appropriate charges against the assailants.

Datu Ruben Labawan, a tribal leader known for his anti-communist stance, was killed while his companion died later in a hospital due to gunshot wounds during an afternoon ambush staged by armed men in Purok Talong, Barangay Gredu in Panabo City, Davao del Norte on Wednesday.

Panabo City Police chief Alvin Saguban reported that six armed men on board three motorcycles staged an ambush killing on the spot the leader of the Ata tribe in Paquibato District while his companion Romeo Escosar, 49, a resident of Purok Mangga in Barangay Gredu was injured but later declared dead on arrival at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City.

Saguban said Labawan came from a meeting called by the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) for tribal leaders from Davao region at the RJ3 Restaurant in Panabo.

The meeting was organized to discuss a priority project for the lumads called the Slope Agriculture Land Technology (SALT) of the Department of Agriculture, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, NCIP, TESDA and the Municipal Agrarian Reform Office.

Labawan has been actively supporting the Peace and Development Outreach Program or Oplan Bayanihan of the Philippine Army that has been opposed by the New People's Army (NPA) and criticized by the progressive humanitarian advocates because it allegedly brings fear among the indigenous peoples in the hinterlands.

In the initial police investigation, it was learned that Labawan and Escosar, who was driving the motorcycle they were riding, were tailed by the armed men earlier seen waiting near the restaurant.

The ambush took place about 800 meters from the restaurant. Witnesses told investigators that they saw the suspects speeding towards Davao City after the shooting. Labawan died from multiple gunshot wounds in the body.

Saguban said they found five empty shells of caliber .45 pistol from the crime scene and two deformed slugs of unknown caliber.

Saguban said they still have not identified the suspects behind the ambush. Asked if those responsible are members of the NPA, Saguban said they just label them as lawless armed groups.

It was learned that Wednesday’s incident was the second attempt on Labawan’s life.

Police authorities assured the public that they will do their best to prevent further similar incidents and to secure peace and order in the community at all times.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=901955

OIC-Mayor urges police, military to intensify security, intel amid terror threat in Davao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 7): OIC-Mayor urges police, military to intensify security, intel amid terror threat in Davao

OIC-Mayor Paolo Duterte urged the military and the police to beef up its security measures and intelligence gathering after he received “unconfirmed” information of terror group targeting Davao City.

In a press statement released by the City Information Office, Duterte had ordered the police and military to beef up security and intensify intelligence gathering to avert possible attacks from an international terror group- the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

According to Paolo, he has information about the whereabouts of the group but refused to give specific details. The information, he said, must be validated first.

“We are intensifying the gathering of information. We cannot disclose details or confirm anything as of yet," he told journalists, although he said he has already coordinated with the city's anti-terrorism group, Task Force Davao, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), and the Eastern Mindanao Command of the military to get more information about the said threat.

In a press conference on Thursday afternoon, DCPO Director Michael John Dubria said he talked to Paolo on the information but he was told the information has yet to be confirmed. The alleged threat was not also specifically targeted for Davao City.

Based from his intelligence exchange with other government and law enforcement agencies, Dubria said the threat is not confirmed although the city would remain a target given its complex situation and being the hometown of President Rodrigo Duterte, who is expected to grace the Hariraya celebration of the Muslims today.

Dubria said there is no ISIS in Mindanao or Davao City in particular. There is not even ISIS-inspired or ISIS affiliated group in the region but there are lawless armed groups existing such as the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and Bangsamoro Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Nevertheless, the city chief of police directed all police commanders to intensify security preparations.

Dubria added that there is possible terror threat in Davao just like other places. He noted that in the past there were bombing incidents that targeted the San pedro Cathedral, the Davao International Airport and the Sasa Port.

It may be recalled that explosions hit Davao Airport on March 4, 2003, that left at least 22 people dead and 143 wounded; the Sasa Wharf on April 2, 2003, that left about 17 people and 56 injured.

Dubria said the VM Paolo does not have the intention to alarm the people when he relayed the information publicly but he wanted the police to be on their toes to keep the people safe and secure.

“This is a challenge for us to do our best…but there is no need to be unnecessarily alarmed,” Dubria stressed.

Dubria urged Davaoeños to just stay calm but it does not mean you should not be vigilant anymore. Just be safe and secure,” Dubria said.

Given this, Dubria said the security level will still remain under normal status but more police personnel will be deployed in strategic areas.

This was not the first time that a Davao leader sounded off terror threat in Davao City. In the past, then mayor and now President Duterte asked the people to stay safe after he was warned by no less former President Benigno Aquino III possible terror threats with Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Koronadal and Kidapawan as target areas.

Duterte then urged the people to be vigilant especially that the information came from the President.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=902079

Indonesian peace monitors arrive in Mindanao to continue peacekeeping mission

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 7): Indonesian peace monitors arrive in Mindanao to continue peacekeeping mission

Indonesian peacekeepers have arrived here Thursday to continue its participation in ceasefire monitoring across Mindanao.

The Indonesian contingent forms part of the International Monitoring Team of the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) ceasefire agreement.

Headed by Col. Gumuroh Winardjatmiko of the Indosian Army, arrived in Manila Thursday morning and proceeded directly to the Malaysian-led International Monitoring Team (IMT) office here.

The IMT, now headed by Malaysian Royal Armed Forces Major Gen. Datuk Wira Zamrose, is composed of peacekeepers from Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and civilian conflict resolution experts from Japan and the European Union.

Two weeks ago, a team of Indonesian peace monitors, headed by Colonel Elphis Rudy, ended its one year tour of duty and returned to Jakarta.

At the IMT office here, Winardjatmiko met with Gen. Alex Macasero of the government coordinating committee on the cessation of hostilities after a brief welcome rites.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=902063

First Pinay Fil-Am Admiral in US Naval Command is a Bicolana

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 7): First Pinay Fil-Am Admiral in US Naval Command is a Bicolana

"There is no goal that is unachievable."

This was the message of US Navy Rear Admiral Bette Bolivar of US Naval Command in an interview with Philippine News Agency during the Gender and Development Seminar as the keynote speaker.

The Gender and Development Seminar at the Bicol Regional Teaching and Training Hospital (BRTTH) is part of the Humanitarian Mission of the ongoing Pacific Partnership in Albay.

In an interview Thursday, asked how does she feels being the first Filipina-American Admiral in the Naval command Bolivar said “I’m Blessed! I did not make it because I’m smart, I’m blessed to have team surrounding me telling me, educating me what to say, how to do things, I’m blessed to have a great team, it’s not just the navy family but the whole department of defense family help me to get where I am now.

Born in Hawaii with Filipino parents wherein her father is from Nabua Camarines and her mother hails from Pangasinan, Bolivar raised in a traditional Filipino household.

My father is from here and defending our country and able to support and defended the constitution is something we oath and I’m very proud to say that I’ll do it until I die.

According to Bolivar, she was the ‘tomboy’ of the family even as a child.

Bolivar entered the Naval Academy with the blessing of her father Teddy and mother Virginia Dolor Bolivar.

"For the young generation now, I would say follow your goal, if there something you want to achieve just keep on going and you’ll get there, don’t give up and you will be blessed, with the people surrounding you and go out of the box, give a kick, my dad was an inspiration," Bolivar emphasized.

"Family supporting you, able to set a goal, stick with it and believe in yourself and you’ll be fine," she added.

Pacific Partnership is an annual deployment of forces from the Pacific Fleet of the United States Navy (USN), in cooperation with regional governments and military forces, along with humanitarian and non-government organizations.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=12&sid=&nid=12&rid=902023

Ata tribe leader, companion killed in Davao del Norte attack

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 7): Ata tribe leader, companion killed in Davao del Norte attack

Suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels shot and killed an Ata tribal leader and his companion in Panabo City, Davao del Norte province Wednesday afternoon.

Capt. Rhyan Batchar, 10th Infantry Division Spokesperson, identified the fatalities as Datu Ruben Labawan, 42, a tribal leader of the Ata in Paquibato District and Romeo Tanio, 49.

He added the two were motoring along the national highway in Panabo City when suspected NPAs, aboard two motorcycles, shot the victims several times, killing them instantly at around 4 p.m.

Prior to the shooting, Labawan and Tanio, together with other leaders of the Ata-Manobo tribe and representatives of the national and local government agencies attended a convergence forum and consultation organized by the National Commission for Indigenous People (NCIP) XI at RJ3 Restaurant in Panabo City.

The meeting discussed the implementation of a pilot project for the lumads called Slope Agriculture Land Technology.

Pursuit operations against the suspects are ongoing, Batchar said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=901839

PA assures due process for 13 soldiers initially found positive for illegal drug use

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 7): PA assures due process for 13 soldiers initially found positive for illegal drug use

Due process will be given to the 13 Philippine Army (PA) personnel who were initially found to have failed the initial screening of the mandatory drug test conducted in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Tuesday.

"If the confirmatory test is positive, it is enough evidence for us to discharge our personnel. But we emphasized that due process is given to all our personnel based on existing laws and regulations about illegal drugs,” PA spokesperson Col. Benjamin Hao said.

He added that the 13 Army personnel are now undergoing investigation and were immediately required to undergo further confirmatory test in a Department of Health-accredited drug testing establishment.

“Everybody was required to undergo the drug test led by our Army commanding general,” he stressed.

The drug test, which was conducted in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, was unannounced.

It was implemented during the conduct of the Army’s morning Taebo exercise on Tuesday.

“The PA is very serious in its anti-drug campaign. Since we started this campaign, 204 soldiers nationwide were already discharged from the service because of cases related to illegal drugs (131 soldiers nationwide were discharged in 2013; 38 in 2014; 30 in 2015; and five so far this year)," Hao added.

Section 36, Article 3 of Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, mandates the conduct of random drug testing to public and private officers for purposes of reducing the risk in the workplace.

It also mandates the conduct of annual mandatory drug test to all members of the military.

These soldiers are now under custody of the Philippine Army for further investigation while waiting for the confirmatory test result.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=901799

EMC troops in alert for possible IS terror attacks

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 7): EMC troops in alert for possible IS terror attacks

While it is still to validate reports that Islamic State (IS) terrorists are threatening Davao City, the Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) on Thursday announced that it has placed all its units in alert to prevent possible attacks.

"We are (still validating) this report but nonetheless, our troops are on alert to prevent terrorism in our (area-of-operations)," EMC spokesperson Major Ezra Balagtey said.

The EMC is tasked to cover and protect Davao Provinces and Compostela Valley.

Earlier, Davao City acting Mayor Paolo Duterte claimed that the city is facing threats from IS militants.

In line with this, Duterte said he has already ordered the police and military to beef up security and intensify intelligence gathering to avert possible attacks from the international terror group.

He said he has already some information about the whereabouts of the group but refused to give specific details. The information, he said, must be validated first.

“We are intensifying the gathering of information. We cannot disclose details or confirm anything as of yet," Duterte said.

He added that he has already coordinated with the city's anti-terrorism group, Task Force Davao, the Davao City Police Office, and the EMC of the military to get more information about the said threat.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=901944

EMC to intensify anti-illegal drugs, anti-terror operations

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 7): EMC to intensify anti-illegal drugs, anti-terror operations

The Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) announced that it will intensify its operations against illegal drugs and strengthen anti-terrorism operations.

This was the directive of EMC head Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero to his subordinate commanders during the semestral command conference at Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City last July 5.

He also instructed his officers to coordinate closely with their Philippine National Police counterparts on how the EMC could best be able to support law enforcement operations, intensify intelligence gathering on illegal drug personalities and other security threats and to conduct anti and counter-terrorism activities in the area.

Guerrero cited, as basis for such actions, the provisions of the Joint Action Plan recently signed between the EMC and Directorate for Integrated Police Operations-Eastern Mindanao.

The directive is in line with the guidelines given by the President and Commander-In-Chief Rodrigo Roa Duterte to eradicate the drug menace in the country and the possible attempt by some lawless groups to sabotage the peace and order in Davao City that is being showcased by the President and with the forthcoming Kadayawan Festival.

He further called on all military commanders in Eastern Mindanao to initiate the conduct of drug testing of all personnel as part of the effort to cleanse the organization of scalawags, and to enhance security measures being implemented especially in Davao Region.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=901993

DND to comply with ITLOS ruling on South China Sea row

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 7): DND to comply with ITLOS ruling on South China Sea row
 

The Philippines will comply with whatever the ruling of the Hague-based United Nations International Tribunal on the Laws of the Seas (ITLOS) will release on July 12 regarding its maritime dispute with China.

This was stressed by Department of National Defense (DND) public affairs service head Arsenio Andolong Thursday.

"Whatever the outcome, the stand of the DND, is of course, we will follow what the international laws says, whatever (ITLOS's) decisions, whether it is in favor of or against us, we will follow and we hope China will do the same," he added.

"(And whatever the ruling), the President announced that he is willing to start to restart bilateral talks so we take our cue from there," Andolong stressed.

The Philippines on 2013 filed charges against China at the ITLOS over its overlapping Nine-Dash-Line claims.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=901996

No ISIS in PHL -- Visaya

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 7): No ISIS in PHL -- Visaya

There are no members of the jihadist terror group Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in the Philippines.

This was stressed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Ricardo Visaya Thursday in a message to the PNA.

"There are no ISIS here. Only groups like ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group) that publicly declared support to the said group are in Mindanao but they are not ISIS," he added.

Visaya made this statement in response to claims made by acting Davao City mayor Paolo Duterte who earlier said that ISIS militants are threatening the city.

“I haven't received any similar report but as always terrorist threats are part of our intelligence units monitoring efforts,” the AFP chief stressed.

The younger Duterte said that he has already alerted the local military and police to avert the plot.

But he did not elaborate on the threat which he said still being validated by authorities.

Nevertheless, he asked the public to be vigilant and report individuals who are acting suspiciously.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=902014

10 killed, 19 wounded as military, ASG bandits clash anew in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 7): 10 killed, 19 wounded as military, ASG bandits clash anew in Sulu

Nine Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) terrorists were believed to have killed while another 13 were wounded in the ongoing "focused military operations" (FMO) in Sulu Thursday afternoon.

In the said operations, a trooper from the 45th Infantry Battalion was killed while six others were injured.

The series of firefights started 3 p.m. at Barangay Kabuntakas, Patikul, of the above-mentioned province, said Western Mindanao Command spokesperson Major Filemon Tan.

He added that government troops were conducting FMO when they encountered an estimated 130 ASG bandits reportedly headed by Radulan Sahiron.

In the ensuring gun battles, nine of the terrorists were reported by intelligence reports with another 13 wounded, Tan stressed.

Government losses were placed at one soldier killed and six wounded.

"Firefight is still ongoing, A/8FAB (Alpha Company of the 8th Field Artillery Battalion) provided indirect fire support to the engaged troops while 32nd Infantry Battalion was directed to close in with the enemy and provide reinforcement and was engaged in by the same ASG group," Tan said.

Meanwhile, in Basilan, a series of clashes between troops from Joint Task Group Basilan and an estimated 300 ASG bandits headed by Isnilon Hapilon and Furuji Indama clashed 8 p.m. Wednesday.

The firefight lasted for five hours with undetermined losses on the bandit side and no casualties for government forces.

"This 7 a.m., firefight resumed in different sitios in Ungkaya Pukan and Magcawa, Al-barka, Basilan. Continuous indirect fire support and air strikes are being done and additional troops deployed in the area of operations as firefight still ongoing as of this time," Tan added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=902147