Ceasefire to bring development projects to countryside much faster

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 29): Ceasefire to bring development projects to countryside much faster

With an indefinite ceasefire now in effect between the military and rebels, Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) head Lt. Gen. Leonardo Guerrero said peace and development projects of the government in the countryside will be able to proceed much faster.

"Now that a ceasefire with the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front) is in effect, we expect the implementation of the government's peace and development prrograms in the countryside to proceed much faster," he said.

Guerrero stressed these projects will bring much needed services to remote barangays and will act as catalyst for further growth and development.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has earlier lauded the decision of the NDF for extending indefinitely its week-long ceasefire in view of the ongoing peace talks.

"The AFP have noted with elation and optimism this breakthrough in the peace negotiations," said AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo.

The rebel ceasefire took effect 12:01 a.m. of Aug. 21 and was supposed to end 11:59 p.m. of Aug. 27.

It was declared following the release of its high-ranking leaders Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, who were named consultants to the Oslo, Norway peacetalks scheduled Aug. 22 to 26.

During the past week, both parties agreed on six, instead of five, major contentious issues that would propel the negotiations.

Aside from the NDF's decision for an indefinite ceasefire, the panels also re-affirmed previously signed agreements, among them The Hague Joint Declaration in 1992, Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) in 1996, and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) in 1998.

The Philippine government (GPH) and NDF panels also agreed to reconstitute the JASIG list, which will be on an encrypted file and will contain photos and identities of NDF consultants who are still in hiding but will be immune to arrest as the negotiations are underway.

The JASIG list will contain the names and photos of 54 NDF "publicly known" consultants and 87 guerilla leaders who are known by their "assumed names".

Also given a thumbs up during the meeting were the revitalization of the joint monitoring committee, the submission of a recommendation to President Rodrigo Duterte on the issuance of an Amnesty Proclamation, subject to concurrence with Congress, for the arrested, imprisoned and charged NDF members.

"It is a laudable move on the part of the CPP-NPA-NDF to respond positively to President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of reimposition of the ceasefire 'for as a long as necessary' to attain lasting peace in the land," he added.

"The AFP under the leadership of Gen. Ricardo Visaya will continue to uphold the letter and spirit of the ceasefire declaration of the Commander-in-Chief. The nation can rely on every soldier, sailor, marines and airmen to help provide an environment conducive to peace so that negotiators from both panels can work under the climate of trust and prospect of reconciliation," Arevalo stressed.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=918009

President Duterte releases PHP4.7-B TAD arrears for widows of WW veterans, AFP retirees

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 29): President Duterte releases PHP4.7-B TAD arrears for widows of WW veterans, AFP retirees

President Rodrigo Duterte announced Monday the release of PHP4.7 billion in unpaid total administrative disability (TAD) for widows of World War II veterans and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) retirees.

”It will be released as soon as possible,” President Duterte announced in his speech during the National Heroes Day celebration at the Libingan ng nga Bayani in Taguig City.

Reading from the notes handed to him by Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno, the President said the spouses of deceased WWII veterans aged 80 and above will get a total of PHP3.5 billion.

On the other hand, the President said, AFP retirees will receive PHP1.2 billion.

The amount was appropriated in the 2016 national budget but was not released by the past administration of President Benigno Aquino III.

The joint implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the unpaid TAD arrears has already been signed by Diokno and National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, according to the President.

The country has more than 83,000 WWII and post-war veterans and their spouses.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=918051

Duterte to lead Heroes Day rites at Libingan

From The Standard (Aug 28): Duterte to lead Heroes Day rites at Libingan

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will lead annual rites commemorating the heroes who started the Philippine Revolution with the Cry of Pugad Lawin 119 years ago and all the others who sacrificed their lives for the republic.

Duterte will lead flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Monday morning along with  the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and other agencies, local government units and non-government organizations.

Armed Forces of the Philippines Gen. Tirso A. Dolina will lead the invocation; followed by Taguig Mayor Maria Laarni Cayetano who will deliver the welcome remarks. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana will introduce Duterte as guest of honor.


The NHCP is the national government agency mandated to promote Philippine history through its museums, research and publication, and preserve the nation’s historical heritage through conservation and the marking of historic sites and structures.

Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment reminded private sector employers to observe proper pay rules for National Heroes Day which is a regular holiday.

“Proper observance of the pay rules on regular holidays and special non-working days will lead to more productive and competent employees,” Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said.

The department said an employee shall be paid 200 percent of his or her regular salary if he is required to work on National Heroes Day for the first eight hours. If work is done in excess of eight hours, workers shall be paid an additional 30 percent of the hourly rate on said day.

For work done during a regular holiday that also falls on the worker’s rest day, they shall be paid an additional 30 percent of the rate of 200 percent.

For work done in excess of eight hours (overtime work) during a holiday that also falls on the workers’ rest day, they shall be paid an additional 30 percent of their hourly rate on said day.

http://thestandard.com.ph/news/-main-stories/top-stories/214560/duterte-to-lead-heroes-day-rites-at-libingan.html

PNP releases list of Marawi Jail escapees

From GMA News (Aug 28): PNP releases list of Marawi Jail escapees

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday released the names of the prisoners who escaped from a provincial jail in Lanao del Sur on Saturday afternoon after the facility was forcibly entered by men armed with rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs).

According to the memorandum issued by the local police of Lanao del Sur, the jailbreak happened 5:30 p.m. on August 23 when some 20 armed men with four RPGS stormed into the provincial jail in Barangay Tampilong, Marawi City.

The PNP identified the escapees as:

•     Aiawiya Mimbisa
•     Daud Basin
•     Saidamiin Matna
•     Muamar Mocsir
•     Asnawi M. Manabilang
•     Danny Abdul Wahab Tarusan
•     PFC Hassy Gamelo
•     Cardawi Batugan
•     Aradan E. Manabilang
•     Rafsan Macaumbos H. Salic
•     Alinor Macaundas
•     Akil Binong
•     Rayafir Dipatuan Alug

The escapees were supposedly in jail for various crimes such as murder, robbery, and theft.

"The suspects carted away one marked vehicle of Provincial Jail color white with plate number SJJ 671 and took with them one jail guard identified as Modasir Manwang," the memorandum read.

"The escapees and perpetrators fled to unknown direction after their incident. PNP personnel conducted hot pursuit operation in coordination with the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) counterparts in the area," it added.

Earlier reports linked the breakout to the ISIS-inspired Maute Group.

The PNP has since put up checkpoint operations in the area, while the AFP is currently on full alert.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/579262/news/regions/pnp-releases-list-of-marawi-jail-escapees

Norwegian kidnap victim still missing after military rescue operation kills 11 Abu Sayyaf in Sulu

From the Gulf News (Aug 27): Norwegian kidnap victim still missing after military rescue operation kills 11 Abu Sayyaf in Sulu

Seventeen soldiers were injured in the firefight that lasted for 45-minutes

A Norwegian kidnap-victim remained missing after government soldiers killed 11 Filipino-Muslim Islamists in a rescue operation in the southern Philippines, a spokesman said.

The government troops did not see Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad who was believed to be with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) that lost 11 men during a clash with government soldiers in Makaita, Patikul, Sulu last Friday, Western Mindanao Command spokesman Maj. Filemon Tan Jr. said in a report that reached a military headquarters in suburban Quezon City. Seventeen soldiers were injured in the firefight that lasted for 45-minutes, said Tan.“We believe that Sekkingstad could be with this big group whose sub-leader Mohammad Saeed, also known as Ama Maas, was reportedly killed,” said Tan, adding, “We have no basis yet as to his fate. The Abu Sayyaf has not also declared they have executed him.”Said was one of the abductors of Sekkingstad, Canadians John Ridsdel and Robert Hall, and Filipina Maritess Flor in a high-end resort on Samal Island off Davao City in September 2015.

The ASG beheaded Hall and Ridsdel last April and June respectively, and released Flor in late June.“The military’s Joint Task Force Sulu (JTFS) has continued a pursuit operation,” said Tan, adding slightly wounded members of the task force “went back to the frontlines”.President Rodrigo Duterte has warned that the ASG would be a very big security threat in the next decade.The ASG has been blamed for high-profile kidnap-for ransom activities, beheadings, bombings, and other terror acts in the south and in Metro Manila since early 1990s. It has pledged allegiance to Daesh.

http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/philippines/norwegian-kidnap-victim-still-missing-after-military-rescue-operation-kills-11-abu-sayyaf-in-sulu-1.1886060

CPP/NPA: NPA turns over POWs to Sen. Pacquiao in Davao Oriental

New People's Army propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Aug 27): NPA turns over POWs to Sen. Pacquiao in Davao Oriental

Press Statement | New People’s Army, Southern Mindanao Region
(Photo by Kilab Multimedia)

August 27, 2016

The New People’s Army in Southern Mindanao Regional Operations Command yesterday released from its custody Prisoners of War Arnold S. Ongachen and Michael B. Grande and turned them over to Sen. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao and other peace advocates in Brgy. Kalapagan, Lupon, Davao Oriental. Pursuant to the Release Order issued by the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, Red fighters under the ComVal – Davao Gulf Sub-Regional Command undertook the orderly release with more than a thousand masses in attendance.

POW Ongachen was arrested during the successful raid of the Gov. Generoso Municipal Police Station on May 29 while POW Grande was taken into custody on June 19 in Lupon, Davao Oriental. Both prisoners underwent investigation of their possible crimes against the people and the revolutionary movement.

During the release, POWs Ongachen and Grande thanked their respective NPA custodial units for the latter’s lenient treatment and ensuring their safety. The two PNP officers were held in secure custody by Red fighters despite relentless AFP combat operations.

In his speech, Sen. Pacquiao vowed to engage in issues that affect the Filipino people and work with revolutionary forces in order to address such problems. We urge him to make good on his commitment by actively deliberating in the Philippine Senate issues on genuine agrarian reform and national industrialization. He can also aid in the immediate and unconditional release of the remaining political prisoners still in jails across the country.

Moreover, as one who has roots in the toiling class from Southern Philippines, Sen. Pacquiao knows all too well the struggles beleaguering the Lumad and peasant and the exacerbating effect of continuing militarization by the AFP and its paramilitaries. Less than 24 hours after the release of the 2 POWs, AFP troops are already conducting combat operation and terrorizing civilians in Brgy. Kalapagan.

The NPA in Southern Mindanao welcomes all friendly overtures by politicians of the Philippine government on the basis of advancing people’s issues and national unity.

Sgd. RIGOBERTO F. SANCHEZ
Spokesperson
NPA-SMR

http://www.cpp.ph/npa-turns-pows-sen-pacquiao-davao-oriental/

AFP compliments PNP campaign

From the Visayan Daily Star (Aug 27): AFP compliments PNP campaign

The fight against illegal drugs of the Philippine National Police is now being complimented by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Police Director General Ronald Dela Rosa said Thursday that the firepower of the AFP will compliment police power.

On Wednesday, the PNP and AFP signed the Joint Letter of Instruction to strengthen the fight of the government against illegal drugs.

Dela Rosa, in a press conference in Bacolod City Thursday, said drug lords and some mayors who are engaged in the illegal drug trade, are maintaining private armed groups, especially in Mindanao.

We need the firepower of AFP, he added.

Dela Rosa said he expects the continued war against illegal drugs to be bloody.

The PNP recorded a total of 1,160 individuals who were killed in drug-related operations, including two policemen, eight military personnel, and 1,111 civilians.

Col. Francisco Delfin, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said they are more than willing to help the Police Regional Office 18 in the conduct of anti-drug operations, especially in the hinterlands.

Delfin supervises the operations of the two remaining Army infantry battalions in the Negros Island Region.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2016/August/27/topstory4.htm

US warships begin Asian deployment

From Update.Ph (Aug 28): 2 US warships begin Asian deployment

Two United States Navy warships, the guided-missile cruiser USS Port Royal (CG 73) and guided-missile destroyer USS Hopper (DDG 70), have departed their homeport in Pearl Harbor August 25 for Asian deployment which will cover US 7th and 5th Fleet areas of operation.

“The warriors aboard USS Port Royal and USS Hopper have been working together diligently to prepare for this deployment to the 7th Fleet and 5th Fleet AOR,” said Rear Admiral John Fuller, commander, Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific.

Port Royal and Hopper will transit through the western Pacific to enter the 5th Fleet area of operations supporting maritime security operations and theater cooperation efforts, US Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific said.

“Port Royal and Hopper help provide deterrence, promote peace and security, preserve freedom of the seas and humanitarian/disaster response as well as supporting the Navy’s Maritime Strategy when forward deployed,” Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific said.

US 5th Fleet is responsible for US naval forces in the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and parts of the Indian Ocean.

While 7th Fleet area of operations includes 36 maritime countries and the world’s five largest foreign armed forces, People’s Republic of China, Russia, India, North Korea and Republic of Korea. Moreover, five of the seven US Mutual Defense Treaties are with countries in the area, Republic of the Philippines, Australia and New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Japan, and Thailand.

http://www.update.ph/2016/08/2-us-warships-begin-asian-deployment/8840

Japan-build coast guard vessel arrives

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 28): Japan-build coast guard vessel arrives

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur P. Tugade underscores that the 44-meter Multi-Role Response Vessel (MRRV) that arrived from Japan is part of a project contracted and secured by the previous administration. 

“We are receiving it in behalf of the Government.”  It is a project of the past administration.  We just want to say that, “Ayaw namin ng nagnanakaw ng kalabaw”, said Tugade during the turnover ceremony at the Philippine Coast Guard Headquarters where he and Rear Admiral Melad received the vessel along with 2 PCG officers and 10 non-officers including Japanese crew who sailed through rough waters to deliver the ship on its agreed date yesterday.
Rear Admiral Melad lauded the Japanese government for the continuous and unwavering support to the PCG’s capability development programs. 

Over the past 18 years, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has extended numerous assistance to the PCG in terms of human resource development, providing additional equipment for the communications, diving and rescue, personal protective equipment for oil spill combat operations, and donating small boats and rubber boats.

Nine (9) more MRRVs will be built by the Japan Marine United Corporation (JMUC) Yokohama Shipyard for the PCG and will also be named after the primary lighthouses in the country to denote the important role of lighthouse as an aid to navigation to mariners.

The project is being implemented as an Official Development Assistance (ODA) via a tied loan extended by the JICA.  The loan facility covers P 7,373,700,000 out of the total project of P 8,807,700,000.  The balance will be sourced from the Philippine counterpart of P 1,434,000,000.

JMU will provide the supply of standard spare parts and tools, crew training, ocean transportation and marine insurance.  The vessels will have a cruising speed of 25 knots and a range of 1,500 nautical miles.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1141472292498/japan-build-coast-guard-vessel-arrives

PMA alumni to Dela Rosa: Sound the call, we will be there

From Rappler (Aug 28): PMA alumni to Dela Rosa: Sound the call, we will be there

Alumni of the PMA 'pledge' to help another alumnus, PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa, in the country's campaign against illegal drugs   



Amid mounting criticism on the country's "war on drugs," alumni of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) are rallying behind the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Director General Ronald dela Rosa.

On Facebook, alumni of the prestigious military academy are affixing their names to an open letter declaring their support for Dela Rosa.

"The people who matter, the people who feel the changes brought about by the relentless war against drugs, the people who are victims, whose loved ones are victims and are now being rendered justice and the people who once lost hope but are now looking at a drug-free and peaceful Philippines want you and the whole Philippine National Police to know that they appreciate your efforts, your sacrifices, your lack of sleep, your fatigue and the extraordinary risks you take," reads the statement.

Dela Rosa is among the top personalities in President Rodrigo Duterte's so-called "war on drugs," among the latter's key promises during the 2016 campaign. Since Dela Rosa officially assumed the post of top cop on July 1, the PNP has arrested over 11,000 drug suspects in operations around the country.

"Oplan TokHang," a literal knock and plead operation by cops, have led to the surrender of more than 600,000 drug users and pushers.

But the same police operations have let to the death of over 700 drug suspects. Police are investigating more than 1,000 "vigilante-style" deaths they suspect to have been drug-related as well.

It's the rising death toll that's alarmed critics, who have also hit the government and the police for what they say is a campaign that targets only the poor.

Some PMA alumni apparently did not share the same view.

"Do not worry about the senseless mumbling of the 'righteous' nor the indignation of the now irrelevant civil society nor the vain attempt of 'human rights' activists to distort the truth and to give primary consideration to the drug peddlers and lords rather than the unfortunate victims."

"Despair not at the words of grandstanding politicians, the demagogues of falsehoods, the whores of ultimate power. They have been unmasked and stripped. Now the people know their ugliness, their evil, their real intent."

"We, who share with you the Philippine Military Academy as the depository of what is noble, what is true, what is gallant and what is a worthy life, pledge our unequivocal support to you in the eradication of the drug menace, the peddlers, the cuddlers (sic), the protectors and the lords. We pledge that in whatever capacity we can, we will help. That, yes, in this gargantuan endeavor, you have us to count on. Sound the call, we will be there," reads one of the last paragraphs of the statement.

The manifesto of support was seen posted on the walls of several active and retired alumni of the PMA.

Former PNP chief Arturo Lumibao and retired police general turned legislator Leopoldo Bataoil were among the "signatories" to the message of support.

The same message was posted in the Facebook group "TheLongGrayLine," which Dela Rosa is part of.

***************************************************************

app-facebook

Dado G Enrique

on Wednesday

 


Dela Rosa is a member of the PMA Class of 1986. A native of Santa Cruz town in Davao del Sur, Dela Rosa spent most of his years in the service in the Davao region, where he met then-vice mayor Duterte.

He was city police director of Davao City during the terms of Duterte and Duterte's daughter, Sara.

Dela Rosa has had to defend the PNP from allegations of abuse of authority and irregularities in police operations. The PMA alumnus himself has had his share of controversy over statements made in relation to the war on drugs.

Recently, Dela Rosa told surrendered drug users and pushers to "kill" or "burn the houses" of known drug lords because the latter put the former's lives in danger just for money.

The police general would later apologize for making the remark, explaining that he was simply overcome with emotion after seeing the emaciated faces of the drug users and pushers.

Read the message from PMA alumni in full here:

Dear Bato, our man:

The people who matter, the people who feel the changes brought about by the relentless war against drugs, the people who are victims, whose loved ones are victims and are now being rendered justice and the people who once lost hope but are now looking at a drug-free and peaceful Philippines want you and the whole Philippine National Police to know that they appreciate your efforts, your sacrifices, your lack of sleep, your fatigue and the extra ordinary risks you take. They can not thank you enough. They can not completely express the gratitude they feel.

 

Do not worry about the senseless mumbling of the "righteous" nor the indignation of the now irrelevant civil society nor the vain attempt of "human rights" activists to distort the truth and to give primary consideration to the drug peddlers and lords rather than the unfortunate victims.

 

Despair not at the words of grandstanding politicians, the demagogues of falsehoods, the whores of ultimate power. They have been unmasked and stripped. Now the people know their ugliness, their evil, their real intent.

 

Believe in your people. Those you have sworn to serve and die for if need be. Hear their collective voices, their prayers to the heavens for your safety and deliverance. They are your neighbors, the kids you grew up with, the teachers who honed you, your true friends through the years.

Remember your brave ancestors, the heroism they bequeathed, the ultimate sacrifice they made. Be inspired by their love of country, by their love of their people, by their being true Filipinos. Live by their code and be immortal!

 

We, who share with you the Philippine Military Academy as the depository of what is noble, what is true, what is gallant and what is a worthy life, pledge our unequivocal support to you in the eradication of the drug menace, the peddlers, the cuddlers, the protectors and the lords. We pledge that in whatever capacity we can, we will help. That, yes, in this gargantuan endeavor, you have us to count on. Sound the call, we will be there.

 

COURAGE. INTEGRITY. LOYALTY.
They are not just words written in stone. They live within as should be.
Our snappy salute!

http://www.rappler.com/nation/144432-pma-alumni-support-dela-rosa

3 Abu Sayyaf killed in Patikul encounter

From Rappler (Aug 28): 3 Abu Sayyaf killed in Patikul encounter

Over a span of 2 weeks, the AFP’s Joint Task Force Sulu has captured 2 and killed 19 members of the ASG



At least 3 members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) were killed on Saturday, August 27, during an encounter with government troops in Latih, Patikul, Sulu.

According to a press release from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), personnel from the Army’s 10th Infantry Battalion encountered around around 30 ASG fighters at around 10:15 am on Saturday.

The Army did not report any casualties and were able to recover two M-16 rifles and an M203 grenade launcher. The AFP said the 3 ASG members’ bodies were brought away from the encounter sit.

The incident comes a day after the ASG and the military also had an encounter Friday, August 26, where 6 members of the bandit group were killed.

Over a span of 2 weeks, the AFP’s Joint Task Force Sulu has captured 2 and killed 19 members of the ASG. High-powered firearms and Improvised Explosive Devices were also seized during these operations.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/144439-afp-abu-sayyaf-patikul-sulu

Chopper on rescue mission itself becomes disaster victim: CAAP confirms 2 deaths

From InterAksyon (Aug 28): Chopper on rescue mission itself becomes disaster victim: CAAP confirms 2 deaths



Arrow shows the helicopter's tail wreckage at the crash site, in photo taken by PAF pilot.

(UPDATE, 2:37PM) Five days of habagat-hindered search for a missing helicopter turned up a grim find Saturday morning: a single-engine light helicopter used in the Quezon province tunnel collapse, with bodies of two fatalities still strapped to the crashed chopper.

Retrieval and recovery operations by the 505th search and rescue group at Villamor Airbase were scheduled Sunday morning for the chopper, which had itself been on a rescue mission when it crashed at the height of bad weather on August 22.

However, bad weather again foiled efforts to retrieve bodies of the helicopter pilot and his assistant, with rescue teams prevented by zero visibility, strong winds and heavy rains from reaching the crash site Sunday over the mountains of Gen. Nakar town in Quezon Province.

Rescuers from the PAF 505th SAR Group (search and rescue) will try to attempt to reach the area again early Sunday morning, if good weather prevails'

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) confirmed late Saturday that the helicopter AS350B2 type operated by Macroasia Air Taxi Services, with registry number RP-C2688, was located at 3:30 pm at the crash site by a search and rescue team.

The ill-fated chopper, on a mission to pick up and rescue stranded construction and engineering personnel working at the Sumag diversion tunnel in Quezon, crashed last August 22 but its location could not be found. Relentless heavy rains induced by the southwest monsoon had made the search difficult.

CAAP Operations and Rescue Coordinating Center (ORCC) identified the fatalities as Capt. Miguel C. Logronio and his Aircraft Mechanic Eng. Jay Gregorio.

Efforts to locate the missing chopper took several days, but on Saturday morning, a helicopter piloted by Capt. Jojo Consunji was able to penetrate the crash site and dropped two rescuers to the ground.

The chopper crash site was first sighted by the 505th search and rescue group of the Philippine Air Force last Tuesday (August 23) but bad weather made penetration impossible.

Civilian and military volunteers from 505 Rescue Bustos group, Pureforce Rescue group, Conrad Tomeldan, Jude Estrada, Capt. Boy Garucho, Alex Limjuoco, Cavdeal, MWSS, Transcare and the local Dumagats in the area also helped search for the missing chopper.

Last May 5, 2016, a single-engine light HelicopterAS350B with registration number RP-C6828 piloted by Filipino pilot Capt. Rudolph Rex Raagas together with five passengers crash-landed in Sarawak, Malaysia killing all occupants.

http://interaksyon.com/article/131875/chopper-on-rescue-mission-itself-becomes-disaster-victim-caap-confirms-2-deaths

IS-linked Maute Group extremists spring 23 comrades from Marawi jail

From InterAksyon (Aug 28): IS-linked Maute Group extremists spring 23 comrades from Marawi jail



(UPDATE, 5:52PM) Muslim extremists who support the Islamic State group staged a daring jailbreak in the southern Philippines, freeing 23 detainees in the latest in a series of mass escapes, officials said Sunday.

About 50 heavily armed members of the Maute group raided the local jail in the southern city of Marawi on Mindanao island on Saturday and freed eight comrades who were arrested barely a week ago, police said.

Fifteen other detainees, held for other serious offenses, also escaped in the raid, said provincial jail warden Acmad Tabao.

Police earlier said that 28 inmates escaped but Tabao clarified the figure.

In a report Tabao said two women came to the prison gate, asking the guard to take delivery of some food for the detainees. When the guard opened the gate, hooded men forced their way into the compound.

They overwhelmed the guards, forcing them to their knees and taking two rifles before freeing the inmates.

The hooded men shouted "Allahu Akbar" (God is great) before fleeing in a prison vehicle to a nearby lake. The Maute gang members then fled by boat while the other inmates scattered, Tabao said.

At the jail, two bullet holes and a shattered television set were the only evidence of the attack.

The eight Maute group members were arrested on August 22 after soldiers manning a checkpoint found improvised bombs and pistols in the van they were driving.

The Maute group is one of several Muslim gangs in Mindanao, the ancestral homeland of the Muslim minority in the largely Catholic Philippines.

The group has carried out kidnappings and bombings and is believed to have led an attack on an army outpost in the Mindanao town of Butig in February.

The fighting there lasted a week, leaving numerous fatalities and forcing thousands to flee their homes as helicopter gunships fought off the attackers.

IS flags in Butig fighting

During the Butig fighting the group's members were seen carrying black flags of the Islamic State group, and bandanas bearing the jihadists' insignia were found in their base, the military said.

Authorities said they were investigating the jailbreak and the reason why security had not been increased after high-risk suspects were brought in.

It was the latest of several mass escapes from poorly secured Philippine jails, with the incidents often involving Muslim extremists.

In 2009 more than 100 armed men raided a jail in the strife-torn southern island of Basilan, freeing 31 prisoners including several Muslim guerrillas.

The southern Philippines has been plagued by Muslim separatist insurgencies for over four decades, with the conflict leaving more than 120,000 dead.

President Rodrigo Duterte is pursuing peace talks with the largest Muslim insurgent groups, the Moro National Liberation Front and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front which have ceasefires with the government.

Smaller bands like the Maute group and the Abu Sayyaf group are not covered by the ceasefires and are not part of the peace process.

http://interaksyon.com/article/131880/is-linked-maute-group-extremists-spring-23-comrades-from-marawi-jail