Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events: 09/01/16

Thursday, September 1, 2016

Philippines: 5,000 flee homes after Abu Sayyaf threats

From the Anadolu Agency (Sep 2): Philippines: 5,000 flee homes after Abu Sayyaf threats

More than 1,000 families flee homes in Muslim majority Sulu after Daesh-linked group threatens to launch more attacks

Thousands of residents of a majority Muslim island province in the Philippines south have fled their homes after a Daesh-linked militant group threatened to launch more attacks.

Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan Jr. revealed in a statement that as of 5.00 p.m. (0900GMT) Thursday, the total number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) had risen to 5,045 individuals from 1,102 families.

"Validation of IDPs from the conflict affected barangays [villages] by the local government unit is still going on," said Tan, who also chairs the Sulu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

According to GMA News, some of the civilians living around the camp of the army's 35th Infantry Battalion had evacuated to a temporary shelter put up by the provincial government.

Journalists covering military efforts from the camp were also moved to a larger military camp in the provincial capital Jolo due to Abu Sayyaf warnings.

The militant group had earlier released statements via text messages and social media saying that members would launch attacks starting Sept. 1 and that they were prepared for additional soldiers deployed to Sulu.

The threats come after an Aug. 29 military offensive that reportedly left 15 soldiers and 30 Abu Sayyaf members dead.

President Rodrigo Duterte flew to southern Zamboanga City on Wednesday to attend the wake of 11 of the 15 troops killed in the offensive, launched after the head of state ordered an all out assault on the militants following the group’s beheading of an 18-year-old Filipino hostage.

During his visit, Duterte branded the Abu Sayyaf as "cannibals" who practice beheading and mutilation.

"They are terrorists and they kill... by beheading in front of the world, civilian or soldier... It has deteriorated to some kind of cannibalism,” he said.

"We want to end this war. I do not want to continue even for a day, hopefully. No soldier wants to die, they all have families.”

On Thursday, Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., Western Mindanao Command spokesman, confirmed that that government troops were deployed to Sulu.

"The number is expected to increase in the coming days," Tan told defense reporters during the departure honors given to the fallen soldiers in Zamboanga City.

"We are mourning the death of the brave soldiers but the incident will not dampen our morale, as we vow to finish off the Abu Sayyaf Group," he stressed.

A total of 2,500 troops have been deployed to Sulu to join the five battalions carrying out offensives against the Abu Sayyaf since last week.

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

It is one of two militant groups in the south who have pledged allegiance to Daesh,

prompting fears during the stalling of a peace process between the government and the country’s one-time largest Muslim rebel group that it could make inroads in a region torn by decades of armed conflict.

http://aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/philippines-5-000-flee-homes-after-abu-sayyaf-threats/639421

Abu Sayyaf ready for ‘last war’

From The Star Online (Sep 2): Abu Sayyaf ready for ‘last war’

The number of Philippine troops running after the Abu Sayyaf in the southern island province of Sulu is expected to swell to about 9,000 by next week, the Armed Forces said on Thursday, amid taunts by the ruthless kidnap-for-ransom group that it was prepared for a “jihad.”

The deployment is the largest concentration of troops in a single area in recent memory, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said.

It also comes shortly after 15 soldiers were slain by the Abu Sayyaf in fierce clashes this week in Jolo, where the terrorists are holding a number of foreign hostages, including a Dutch birdwatcher seized in 2012 and a Norwegian abducted last year from a beach resort.

The gunmen earlier this year beheaded two Canadian hostages, while an 18-year-old Filipino captive suffered the same fate recently.

President Duterte called on the public on Wednesday night to be vigilant against retaliatory attacks in the wake of intensified military operations.

“You should be on guard since we’re hitting them hard,” Mr. Duterte said in a speech in Davao City. “I expect some…retribution also from them. That’s their reprisal.”

He said the gunmen “do not live by the laws of civilization. They are really evil.”

Padilla said the troop deployment was the biggest in recent memory and was “indicative of government’s resolve to crush the Abu Sayyaf.”

He said the deployment was equivalent to almost two Army divisions, with 8,000 fighting soldiers in place.

Army Chief Lt. Gen. Eduardo Año said three more infantry battalions consisting of around 1,500 soldiers were on their way to reinforce the troops already in Sulu. They were expected to arrive in the capital Jolo by Saturday.

Blend well

Padilla said the troop buildup was part of President Duterte’s vow to crush the Abu Sayyaf, who are believed to number fewer than 250 fighters but are known to blend in well in Jolo’s rough jungle terrain.

He said troop realignments were also ongoing in nearby Basilan island, where there was also an Abu Sayyaf presence.

“Artillery support is high. The required artillery support or fire support that our operating troops are requesting are provided. We have adequate air and naval support,” Padilla said.

Abu Sayyaf spokesperson Alhabsi Misaya said they were ready for the offensive, as he called on all Tausugs to join in a jihad or holy war.

Misaya, in text messages, said the Abu Sayyaf had anticipated that “by Sept. 1, the Abu Sayyaf and soldiers of Duterte will test each other in a liberation.”

‘To the finish’

Misaya, who is under the command of overall Abu Sayyaf leader Radulan Sahiron, said this would be “the last war of Patikul to the finish.”

“If they are given courage, this war is more fierce than in Zamboanga,” Misaya wrote in one of the text messages to the Inquirer, adding that they would rather “initiate the attack against the soldiers of Duterte.”

“The Abu Sayyaf is ready with its more than 1,000 forces to do a jihad,” he added.

Lt. Gen. Mayoralgo dela Cruz, chief of the Western Mindanao Command based in Zamboanga City, said he received a similar message but minimized the Abu Sayyaf’s real force as being only between 200-250.

Dela Cruz said the military would prefer the Abu Sayyaf staged the attacks as “it’s better to be this way, so that we will no longer be hunting them.” - Philippine Daily Inquirer/Asia News Network

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/regional/2016/09/02/army-pours-troops-into-pursuit-abus-ready-for-last-war/

Abu Sayyaf to Philippine Army: 'We will initiate attacks against soldiers of Duterte'

From the International Business Times (Sep 2): Abu Sayyaf to Philippine Army: 'We will initiate attacks against soldiers of Duterte'

In response, the Philippine Army said that an upfront attack by the militants would spare it the need to hunt them.

Abu Sayyaf has threatened government forces in the Philippines with direct attacks. The militant group said that it will not wait for armed forces to penetrate into their lairs to attack them, but would instead initiate attacks. Earlier, the Islamist group had warned that it was ready to face "soldiers of Duterte", referring to President Rodrigo Duterte, who has ordered complete annihilation of the Islamic State (Isis)-linked outfit.

A military offensive against the terrorists in the southern Philippine province of Sulu began on 26 August and has resulted in the death of more than 30 Abu Sayyaf fighters and 15 soldiers. Government forces have intensified their assault on the militants in the past two days and have deployed more troops in the area

On Thursday (1 September), Abu Sayyaf spokesperson Alhabsi Misaya reportedly said that "by September 1, the Abu Sayyaf and soldiers of (President Rodrigo) Duterte will test each other in a liberation." He added that they will even rally local tribes to support its "jihad".

Misaya termed the ongoing clashes with government troops as "the last war of Patikul to the finish" and added that if the soldiers do not attack them, they would "initiate the attack against soldiers of Duterte", the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported.

"The Abu Sayyaf is ready with its more than 1000 forces, to do a jihad," the spokesman was quoted as saying.

Lieutenant General Mayoralgo dela Cruz, the chief of the Western Mindanao Command, confirmed seeing the text messages and said it would be better if they attacked as that would spare his troops the task of hunting them. "This message is part of their warfare, whether true or not, we have prepared for it," he said in response to the threats.

"I even suggest that they look for a place [where the battle would take place] so it will no longer be difficult for us to locate them," Dela Cruz added. He also doubted Misaya's claim of having 1,000 Abu Sayyaf fighters and said that there are only between 200 and 250 of them.

According to reports, the military has six battalions in Sulu to fight Abu Sayyaf and Dela Cruz said more war logistics have been sent to the island province.

http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/abu-sayyaf-philippine-army-we-will-initiate-attacks-against-soldiers-duterte-1579262#

Reluctant pursuit: The Duterte administration’s defense policy

From the Philippine Star (Sep 2): Reluctant pursuit: The Duterte administration’s defense policy(By Renato Cruz De Castro, Ph.D)

The Rizal day ceremony was highlighted by the fly-by of two FA-50PH and other PAF assets. Philippine Air Force/SSg Amable B Milay Jr., File photo

In 2010, President Benigno Aquino III declared his unequivocal support for the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Yet despite being determined to boost the AFP’s territorial defense capabilities, the Aquino administration had financial constraints.

And so while Aquino recognized the urgency of modernizing the military, especially the Navy and Air Force, he understood the limitations brought about by competing demands, especially funds for education and public infrastructure.

From his perspective, modernization’s goal was to build up a credible defense posture, not to project power long distances or fight wars. Aquino wanted the military to reach the minimum level necessary to defend the country’s territory and interests. Thus, despite its modest goals, the Aquino administration sank its teeth into challenging China’s encroachment into the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

By the end of Aquino’s term, the government had acquired two second-hand U.S. Coast Guard cutters (BRP Gregorio Del Pilar and BRP Alcaraz) and signed a contract for 12 FA-50 multi-purpose fighter planes from South Korea. Though the Navy acquired six Multi-Purpose Attack Crafts (MPACs), the Department of National Defense (DND) postponed the purchase of missile-armed MPACs until after the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) had releases the funds.

Because of a funding shortfall from Congress, the DND could not procure blue-water missile-armed ships, search-and-rescue vessels, naval helicopters, strategic sealift ships, and top-of-the-line interceptors to protect the country’s territorial claims and exclusive economic zone.

Is defense policy turning inward?

During the campaign leading up to the 2016 elections, then Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte was highly critical of the Aquino administration’s handling of the West Philippine Sea disputes. For his part, he declared his willingness to having bilateral talks with China and the possibility of joint exploration of the disputed waters’ natural resources.

Duterte even brought up China building railroads in Mindanao. On the other hand, he disparaged the Philippines-US alliance and said he had little confidence that the United States would honor its treaty commitment to the Philippines.

Before his inauguration, Duterte said he wouldn’t continue the military modernization program started by his predecessor, or at least not with the same vigor. Observers thought that Duterte would follow former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s national security policy of gravitating toward China and downplaying territorial defense to focus on neutralizing domestic security challenges, such terrorism and insurgencies.

Duterte said he wouldn’t continue the military modernization program started by his predecessor, or at least not with the same vigor.

If he links the military’s modernization to Aquino’s agenda of challenging China’s expansive claim, Duterte’s agenda to improve bilateral relations with China may mean decrease in public investments on territorial defense, if not outright termination.

For instance, on the eve of his inauguration, Duterte announced that he would not continue the modernization program, calling the fighter planes (two FA-50s) decorative.

“Fighter jets are good only for ceremonial flybys,” Duterte said. “I am not in favor of building up external defense. I will not go to war with China.”

Military and defense department officials immediately clarified Duterte’s statement. AFP Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Ricardo Visaya said that AFP modernization would continue, although internal security threats, such as the Abu Sayyaf group, will be prioritized, including equipment such as helicopters with night-fighting capabilities and fast craft.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has assured the AFP and the Filipino public that the current administration would pursue the modernization of the Philippine military.
Lorenzana emphasized that territorial defense is one of the priorities of the Duterte government, saying, “It is very important as we need to protect our territories against encroachment by other parties.” He then added that the 15-year AFP modernization program would continue as scheduled.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has assured the AFP and the Filipino public that the current administration would pursue the modernization of the Philippine military.

As with Visaya, however, Lorenzana clarified that there will be some “redirection” as the Duterte administration is determined to deal decisively with criminality, especially the Abu Sayyaf.

No clear defense agenda yet

The confusing statements of the Duterte administration on AFP modernization indicate that it still does not have a clear defense agenda.

Some analysts expected that Duterte would adopt a pragmatic foreign policy agenda for the Philippines, characterized by keeping the country’s security relations with the United States intact while exploring greater economic cooperation with China. Some government officials, however, observed that Duterte, just like other presidential candidates, simply did not have any concrete foreign policy or defense agenda coming into his post. Unfortunately, important foreign policy and defense decisions were some of the first for the president to make.

Some government officials observed that Duterte, just like other presidential candidates, simply did not have any concrete foreign policy or defense agenda coming into his post.

After a three-year wait, the arbitral tribunal rendered its ruling on the maritime dispute between the Philippines and China on 12 July. The five-judge tribunal unanimously ruled in favor of the Philippines on almost all of the claims it made against China.

The tribunal rendered China’s nine-dash line in the South China Sea as contrary to international law. It further determined that none of the Spratlys are legally islands because they cannot sustain a stable human community or independent economic life.
Finally, it found China guilty of damaging the marine environment by building artificial islands and illegally preventing the Philippines from full and sole control of its exclusive economic zone. The tribunal’s decision is final and binding.

Sober response seeks to avoid retaliation

Despite its overwhelming legal victory in the most anticipated decision of any international tribunal on the law of the sea, the Duterte administration met the decision with a cautious and even muted reaction. The president fulfilled his earlier promise that he would not flaunt the decision or taunt China with a favorable ruling.

Although the domestic reaction was overwhelmingly positive, Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay merely said that he welcomed the ruling and called on the Filipinos to exercise restraint and sobriety.

During the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Laos, Yasay withdrew the country’s motion to include the ruling in the ASEAN Joint Communiqué after Cambodia objected to its inclusion.

Assigned to be the country’s special envoy to China, former President Fidel Ramos even suggested that the president should set the award aside as this administration pursues bilateral negotiations with China.

The government’s cautious reaction is the result of this government’s concern that flaunting a legal victory might force China to react adversely against Filipino fishermen and AFP units stationed in the South China Sea.

Because the arbitral tribunal has no enforcement mechanism, it is difficult to imagine China carrying out its activities in accordance with the ruling. Even so, despite the administration’s calm response, the ruling triggered tensions with China and the government cannot easily implement the ruling because of the relative weakness of our Navy and the Coast Guard.

Because the arbitral tribunal has no enforcement mechanism, it is difficult to imagine China carrying out its activities in accordance with the ruling.

Reluctant continuation of previous priorities

To enforce the law, the Philippine government will need a more modern Navy and Coast Guard. Thus, the ruling has put pressure on the Duterte administration to develop these forces, which could then send vessels to escort Filipino fishermen and survey ships.

In certain cases, the Navy will need to deploy its ships to show the flag and join allied navies in conducting free of navigation operations in the disputed waters.
In the aftermath of the award, Lorenzana again highlighted the urgent need for the Philippines to upgrade its armed forces.

Lorenzana underscored that the “15-year modernization program of the AFP will continue as scheduled.” He added that the DND would continue with the AFP modernization program, which jives with the administration’s plan to developing a credible deterrent force to secure Philippine territory.

These developments indicate that despite its pronouncements about reviving bilateral negotiations, pursuing joint developments, and shifting from territorial defense to internal security, the Duterte administration might end up reluctantly continuing its predecessor’s defense agenda out of necessity.

In addition to developing the military for territorial defense purposes, it may yet find itself bolstering closer Philippine-U.S. security relations, seeking from Washington an explicit security guarantee under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) and promoting a strategic partnership with other regional players like Japan.

***

[Renato Cruz De Castro, Ph.D. is a trustee and program convenor for foreign policy and regional security at the Stratbase Albert Del Rosario Institute (ADRi) and a professor at the De La Salle University.]

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/09/02/1619749/reluctant-pursuit-duterte-administrations-defense-policy

Grenade attacks on Cotabato police stations enrage Bato

From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 1): Grenade attacks on Cotabato police stations enrage Bato

Philippine National Police Director General Ronaldo “Bato” Dela Rosa has prodded countryside lawmen, especially in troublesome areas of Central Mindanao to remain in the upper hand against law offenders and crime-prone individuals and groups.

South Cotabato Map (Photo courtesy of Google Map) mb.com.ph

In his inspection visit Tuesday at the regional police headquarters of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao at Camp S. K. Pendatun in Parang, Maguindanao, Dela Rosa underscored the reminder especially for lawmen in this city that has yet to unearth suspects in two recent grenade attacks on police facilities here.

Dela Rosa made another hyperbolic pitch against criminals, saying the Cotabato City police should also bomb the houses of suspects in the grenade attacks.

“Kung makikilala sila (suspects) ay ipa-granada din ang kanilang mga bahay,” he said, short of endorsing lex taliones (law of retaliation), the biblical prescription for “eye-for-an eye” justice system.

According to initial investigations, it was possible that a syndicate was behind the detonation last week of a military-type smoke grenade near the main police precinct at the downtown area here. The explosive prompted policemen and some detainees to get out of the station briefly amid heavy smoke.

The incident was followed by an attempt to bomb last Monday another police station at the Rosary Heights District of this city. A fragmentation grenade was lobbed by still unknown person at the roof of the police station but the blasting contraption of the explosive malfunctioned.

http://www.mb.com.ph/grenade-attacks-on-cotabato-police-stations-enrage-bato/

‘No Abu Sayyaf security threats in Duterte country’

From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 1): ‘No Abu Sayyaf security threats in Duterte country’

Davao City – The Task Force Davao assured that there are no imminent Abu Sayyaf Group–related security threats in the home turf of President Duterte even after he issued orders to decimate the terrorist group during a recent visit to Jolo, Sulu.

Davao City Map (Photo courtesy of Google Map)

In a press briefing yesterday, TF Davao deputy commander Col. George Lalaquil said his group closely coordinates with other military units detailed in neighboring areas of the city for intelligence reports on security threats.

“All relevant information is always shared to an appropriate unit that needs to act on it. If it concerns Davao City, rest assured na nakakarating as amin,” he said.

He added that the TF Davao has increased its random monitoring activities round the clock and set up checkpoints at all entry points of the city to deter the possible attacks, even from the porous coastal areas.

He said that TF Davao has 277 Special Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary members and 80 regular troops who are spread across the city providing security and conducting patrols.

He said another platoon composed 30 troops will beef up TF Davao.

He added that close coordination with other military units not only boosts the security setup in Duterte’s hometown but the entire Davao region as well.

http://www.mb.com.ph/no-abu-sayyaf-security-threats-in-duterte-country/

On Nur, MNLF: Aguirre says DOJ will follow Duterte’s ‘comprehensive’ stance

From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 1): On Nur, MNLF: Aguirre says DOJ will follow Duterte’s ‘comprehensive’ stance

Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre told a congressman opposed to the plea bargaining agreement involving 138 Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels that the agency has no choice but to follow the government’s thrust for “comprehensive” peace.

MB FILE – DOJ Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre
(Photo c/o @PTVph) / mb.com.ph

“There is a policy that we follow, as the alter ego of the president, we have to follow. And he wanted the faction of Nur Misuari, the MNLF, to be part of the overall peace process,” Aguirre told Zamboanga City 1st district Rep. Celso Lobregat in an almost apologetic tone during the DOJ’s budget presentation before the House Appropriations panel Wednesday night.

That tone stemmed from the fact that Zambaonga became the site of a bloody attack 19-day nearly three years ago that was instigated by a faction of MNLF fighters loyal to Misurai.

The 77-year-old Misuari founded the MNLF and is a former Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) governor. He is now a fugitive, having been charged with rebellion in connection with the 2013 siege.

It’s no secret that Lobregat, a former city mayor, wants Misuari and the rebels to face the law. It can be recalled that 220 people died during the siege–183 rebels, 25 soldiers and 12 civilians. Another 70 local residents were wounded.

The clashes between the MNLF and government troops also displaced 100,000 people, causing a huge humanitarian crisis.

http://www.mb.com.ph/on-nur-mnlf-aguirre-says-doj-will-follow-dutertes-comprehensive-stance/

Duterte: No mutilation of bodies, please

From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 1): Duterte: No mutilation of bodies, please

President Duterte has reminded his soldiers to take the higher ground and not mutilate the bodies of the enemies of the state. The President made the statement amid an all-out assault against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Jolo, Sulu.

Speaking as he visited the wake of 11 slain soldiers, Duterte pleaded with the soldiers not to mutilate the corpses of the enemies, even if the ASG were known to be doing the same to its captives.

“Kaya ang order ko sa sundalo, isang bala, kapag natumba na,’wag mong aksayahan ng panahon, wag mong sayangin iyang bala (My order to soldiers is use one bullet if it is enough to put the enemy down. Don’t waste your time or your bullets),” he said.

“I am sorry that this has to happen. I do not want it to happen again. Kung maaari lang, at saka may pakiusap ako, kung hindi naman tayo magkaintindihan, eh huwag mo naman iyang mga ganoon na style na sirain mo ang katawan ng tao (I urge you, and I hope you understand, do not destroy or dismember the human body),” he said.

“Move on to fight another day. Sabi ko sa kanila, wag kayong magtanim ng galit (I told them not to breed contempt),” he added.

Thousands of troops of the AFP have been deployed to Jolo in pursuit of the terrorist group.

Rhyan Batchar, spokesperson of the Eastern Mindanao Command, said that for the 10th Infantry Division alone, around 800 troops from the 69th Infantry Battalion and the 2nd Scout Rangers Battalion have been sent to reinforce the units there.

President Duterte said he was also aware of the psychological effects of any mutilation even if this is done to enemies of the state.

In Manila, former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada said he supports Duterte’s order to crush the ASG after recent clashes that resulted in the deaths of 15 soldiers in Sulu.

“I will stand up for him in seeking the peace that we’ve all been longing for because without peace there can be no progress,” Estrada said. “The Abu Sayyaf has once again shown they are deliberately prepared to stop at nothing in creating human victims. An end must be put to this. They’re recidivists. They deserve no mercy.”

The former commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces also expressed his condolence to the families of 15 Army soldiers killed in a clash with the ASG at Barangay Maligay, Patikul, Sulu last Monday.

http://www.mb.com.ph/duterte-no-mutilation-of-bodies-please/

Sayyaf to Du30: Prepare for war

From Malaya Business Insight (Sep 2): Sayyaf to Du30: Prepare for war

What you can dish out, I can do it 10 times—Rody

THE Abu Sayyaf taunted President Rodrigo Duterte Wednesday night, warning thousands of government troops he sent to hunt them down in Sulu to prepare for a “test of strength.”

“Starting September 1, the so-called soldiers of Duterte should be prepared for a test which will come from ASG forces,” Radullah Sahiron, Abu Sayyaf commander in Sulu, told the ABS-CBN network.

“If soldiers will not be the ones who will attack, the Abu Sayyaf will be the ones to launch tests against these forces to win Sulu by their terms,” he added.

Duterte, who had ordered the military to crush the Abu Sayyaf in three to six months, admitted that the kidnap-for-ransom bandits could seek retribution, but said he was confident of winning the war with the whole military behind him.

A President's thanks. President Rodrigo R. Duterte salutes a soldier slain in an Abu Sayyaf encounter in Sulu during necrological services at the Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City. Malacanang Photo

“We should be aware because we are hitting them hard,” Duterte said in a speech in Davao City, referring to the Abu Sayyaf. “I expect retribution from them. But what you can dish out, I can do it 10 times better. I have the army, and I have airplanes.”

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said they would not take the Abu Sayyaf threats lightly, after the government lost 15 soldiers in a battle in Patikul, Sulu on Monday.

“If threats like that are made, whether true or not, we take them seriously, especially coming from the ASG. They are a formidable opponent and judging from our casualties last Monday—they must not be taken lightly,” Lorenzana told the Manila Standard.

Since operations started last week, the government has already deployed an additional five batallions or more than 2,500 soldiers to augment the forces in Sulu--bringing the total number to 7,500 as of Wednesday.

Troops deployed in the mountains have launched ground attacks while aerial reconnaissance teams search for ASG commandos in known lairs.

Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said the military and police and all other government law enforcement agencies are on heightened alert in the National Capital Region, Davao and Cebu, because of raw information that the ASG might launch diversionary attacks in urban centers.

Duterte recently slammed the terrorist group for killing and mutilating in the name of Allah.

“You think Allah would be happy to see you do that? In the name of Allah, you kill then, unnecessarily, you mutilate the body of the human being?” Duterte said.

Lorenzana said that specific actions to counter the ASG were left to the military.

Journalists who are covering the operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu were moved to a bigger military camp, given threat of attack from the group.

A GMA News report confirmed that the AFP told journalists at the camp of the 35th Infantry Battalion Wednesday night to pack their things so they could move to Camp Teodulfo Bautista.

Some 7,000 civilians have already fled their homes amid fear of renewed hostilities.
Brig. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, who heads Task Force Sulu, said that they will not back down.

“The more that we are hurt, the more that we are motivated to push on with our mandated task,” he said.

Army chief Maj. Gen. Eduardo Año said with conflicts with the communist and Moro rebels silenced by peace talks, the military can now focus on just one mission--to wipe out the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu and Basilan.

“We are conducting focused operations,” Año said Thursday.

The deployment of more troops in Sulu is part of the overall military strategy to put an end to the reign of terror of the ASG, he added.

“The intensity of operations since Aug. 26 has had substantial results already against the enemy. We’re even putting an additional three battalions in Sulu,” Año said.

The ASG has lost 30 fighters since the government offensive began, the military says.
The government, on the other hand, lost 15 soldiers in a single battle Monday.

Año said the incident is being investigated to find out what led to the casualties.

“Many of our troops were hit during the first burst of fire. At the time, it was getting dark and it was difficult for the toops to move,” he said in Filipino.

In Camp Aguinaldo, Padilla confirmed the arrival Wednesday of the 63rd IB in Sulu from Samar.

At present, about 8,000 soldiers or eight battalions have been deployed in Sulu alone to hunt down the terrorists. The strategy is to box in and constrict the terrorists in battle grounds away from civilian communities.

The military has estimated the number of ASG in Sulu to be more or less 200 but acknowledged also that the terror group’s mass base support is huge.

Rep. Rodolfo Biazon, a former military chief, urged the AFP to consider bringing in local government leaders in the all-out war against the ASG.

Biazon said that a successful campaign against the ASG in Sulu and Basilan needs the support of local officials and communities.

The latest offensive was the offshoot of the bandit group’s beheading of 18-year-old Patrick Jhames Almodavar last week.

http://thestandard.com.ph/news/headlines/214994/sayyaf-to-du30-prepare-for-war.html

Military pours troops into Sulu

From Malaya Business Insight (Sep 2): Military pours troops into Sulu

AN Army battalion has been deployed to Sulu while three more battalions will be sent in the coming weeks as part of efforts to destroy the Abu Sayyaf, a kidnap-for-ransom group notorious for beheading hostages who could not pay ransom.

Operations since last week left 30 Abu Sayyaf bandits dead but the military also suffered heavily, with 15 dead and 10 wounded in clashes last Monday.

President Duterte has vowed to end the Abu Sayyaf, which is keeping 20 foreign and Filipino hostages in the island province, during his administration.

Col. Edgard Arevalo, chief of the AFP public affairs office, said some 6,500 to 7,000 soldiers are in Sulu, including members of the 63rd Infantry Battalion which arrived in Jolo last Wednesday.

The Abu Sayyaf has only about 480 members, most of them based in Sulu, according to military estimates.

“Our current ballpark figure is 6,500 to 7,000 (soldiers)... Troops are pouring in, troops are adding in,” said Arevalo adding it is the largest deployment against the Abu Sayyaf in recent history.

“It could be considered the biggest deployment in Sulu in recent years following the directive of the commander-in-chief to eliminate (the) bandit ASG,” Arevalo said.

“We are sufficiently numbered to accomplish the mission given by the President,” said Arevalo.

President Duterte on Wednesday night urged the public to be on alert as he warned of possible “retribution” from the Abu Sayyaf because of the intensified government campaign.

But he assured the public that government can surpass the capabilities of the Abu Sayyaf, including their firepower.

“So bantay kayo because we are hitting them (ASG) hard. I expect some kind of retribution also from them, their reprisal, but just keep your cool... What you can dish out, I can do better, 10 times, may army ako, may eroplano, wala sila (Abu Sayyaf),” he said.

Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, Armed Forces spokesman, said troops have been shelling known Abu Sayyaf positions not only in Sulu but also in Basilan.

“They keep on bombarding the enemy. The morale of the troops is high. The required artillery support or fire support that our operating troops are requesting are provided. We also have adequate air and naval support,” he said.

A military officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said troops are looking forward to another major encounter with the Abu Sayyaf “but the enemy is avoiding us.”

“We are trying to box them in, we are trying to corner them,” the source said.

Arevalo, citing initial information from the field, said operations are also ongoing in the towns of Maimbung and Indanan in Sulu but there are “no significant results yet.”

Army chief Lt. Gen. Eduardo Año said three more Army battalions are to be deployed to Sulu “within a few days.” “We are conducting focused operations (in Sulu),” he said.

A battalion is composed of around 500 men.

“This is part of our planning earlier,” said Año when asked if the deployment was an offshoot of the huge number of fatalities last Monday. “The target is to destroy the Abu Sayyaf the soonest possible time,” he said.

Año also said the military will assess if more troops need to be deployed after the arrival of the three battalions.

Año said the Army’s 1st Infantry Division based in Zamboanga del Sur is investigating how the Monday clashes led to 15 fatalities.

The military traditionally conducts probes on encounters that result in large number of casualties on its personnel.

“What happened there was that many soldiers were hit in the initial burst of fire (from the Abu Sayyaf). At that time, it was nearing night time so our troops had difficulty maneuvering,” said Año.

The encounter involved troops of the 35th and 21st IBs against about 120 Abu Sayyaf men under Abu Sayyaf leader Radullan Sahiron. The 15 slain soldiers are all from the 35th IB.

A military source said the soldiers were on the lower ground, making them vulnerable to gunfire from the enemy who were on the vantage position.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/military-pours-troops-sulu

Misuari relents

From the Mindanao Times (Sep 1): Misuari relents

Founding MNLF chief lays down terms for talks

MORO National Liberation Front founder Nur Misuari has agreed to return to talk under the condition that there would be a third party facilitator and the Office of Islamic Affairs will serve as witness.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte told an audience of overseas Filipino workers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport that Misuari has already given his initial nod to talking peace after being assured of his safety by the head of state.

“I have no intention of detaining you or placing you at the custody of government,” President Duterte said.

Mr. Duterte said that he can order, as commander-in-chief, that the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police should not honor any warrant against Misuari.

The President also offered his own residence at the Malacanang Palace if Misuari decides to accept Mr. Duterte’s invitation of an initial dialogue.

Mr. Duterte said that the meetings with Misuari—whom he called his personal friend many times in the past—could be held either in Manila or Davao.

President Duterte earlier said that the Philippines was in the best position to talk peace, with the government already reaching out to the National Democratic Front and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

An indefinite ceasefire has been bilaterally declared by both the GRP and the NDF.

The GPH-MILF panels, meanwhile, are already working on implementing its agreements signed as part of the push for a law for the Bangsamoro.

The invitation to the MNLF comes amid reports of a meeting among leaders of both MNLF and MILF for a position on future peace talks.

In September 2013, Misuari was accused of masterminding the bloody Zamboanga siege where MNLF forces and government troops clashed for 20 days. Hundreds were displaced and about 170 killed on both sides, along with civilians.

Misuari was charged with rebellion for his role. The MNLF leader was said to be hiding in Sulu.

The MNLF said it merely wanted to assert its rights based on its agreement with the national government.

http://mindanaotimes.net/misuari-relents/

DCPO studies case vs NPA on cop’s abduction

From the Mindanao Times (Sep 1): DCPO studies case vs NPA on cop’s abduction

THE DAVAO Police Regional Office-XI is planning to file a case against the New People’s Army for the abduction of Chief Insp. Arnold Ongachen after accusing him of being involved in illegal drugs.

Speaking in yesterday’s AFP-PNP press conference held at Royal Mandaya hotel, Chief Insp. Andrea Dela Cerna, spokesperson of PRO-XI, said that Ongachen, chief of Governor Generoso Municipal Police Station, and P01 Michael Grande are now undergoing debriefing.

“That’s what we are studying now, what case that we can file because it turned out that what happened to Olgachen was a case of mistaken identity,” she said.

She said that the NPA was really targeting a chief of police but it wasn’t Ongachen.

“We are still trying to establish the facts on the identity of this cop because Ongachen was asked how long he has been assigned to Governor Generoso so they were not sure of their information,” she added.

She also clarified that Grande was not abducted for abusive behavior towards civilians. According to dela Cerna, the police officer was playing a basketball game that turned rough.

Apparently, one of their opponents was a relative of an NPA member.

For now, the two police officers are temporarily assigned to the Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit (RPHAU).

The two police officers were one of the six released by the New People’s Army last Friday.

They were turned over to Senator Manny Pacquiao in Barangay Kalapaga, Lupon in Davao Oriental.

Ongachen was abducted by NPA during an attack in Governor Generoso municipal station on May 29 while Grande was abducted last June 19.

http://mindanaotimes.net/dcpo-studies-case-vs-npa-on-cops-abduction/

AFP focuses on Abu Sayyaf as peace process with Reds, Muslim rebels gives it respite

From InterAksyon (Sep 1): AFP focuses on Abu Sayyaf as peace process with Reds, Muslim rebels gives it respite

The military can now train all its resources and effort on vanquishing once and for all the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), as the cease-fire with the communist rebels and peace process with two big Muslim rebel groups has cut it some slack, officials said Thursday.

Army chief Lieutenant Eduardo Año described the ongoing full-blast assault on the ASG lairs in Sulu and Basilan as “conducting focused operations,” though reports said earlier the military was having difficulty after some of the 400 or so terrorists were blending into civilian communities to avoid detection.

The AFP said at least 30 ASG members have been killed in the past week's operations, but the government side itself suffered a serious blow with the death of 15 soldiers Monday in Patikul, Sulu.

An estimated 120 ASG members under sub-leader Radullan Sahiron launched a classic outflanking assault on a platoon of the 35th Infantry Battalion in Patikul, Sulu.

Año said in a telephone interview Thursday the deployment of more troops in Sulu is part of an overall military plan to end the Abu Sayyaf's attacks--especially the kidnap for ransom operations and the beheading of captives when ransom cannot be paid.

According to Año, “The intensity of operations since August 26 has substantial results already against the enemy. We’re even putting an additional three battalions in Sulu.” This, following President Rodrigo Durterte's earlier order to AFP Chief of Staff General Ricardo Visaya to use the full force of the military against the Abu Sayyaf.

Meanwhile, Monday's killing of 15 soldiers is now the subject of an inquiry by the 1st Infantry Division, as a standard operating procedure (SOP). The “objective is to find the reasons that led to the casualties. That [mounting an inquiry] is automatic,” Año said.

As initial reports put it, the “first burst of fire already felled several soldiers. The fact that it was nearing nighttime also put the government troops at a disadvantage," he added.

In Camp Aguinaldo, military spokesman Brigadier General Resituto Padilla confirmed the arrival Wednesday of the 63rd IB in Sulu from Samar.

Some 8,000 soldiers or 8 battalions have been deployed in Sulu alone to hunt down the ASG, with a strategy to “box in” and “constrict” the terrorists in battle grounds far from civilian areas in order to avoid collateral damage.

The military estimates the ASG strength in Sulu at 200 men, but conceded that its mass base support is huge.

Muntinlupa Representative Rodolfo Biazo has urged the AFP to consider enlisting local government leaders in the all-out war against the ASG.

According to Biazon, himself a former AFP chief, a successful campaign against the ASG in Sulu and Basilan needs the support of LGUs and civilian communities.

http://interaksyon.com/article/132009/afp-focuses-on-abu-sayyaf-as-peace-process-with-reds-muslim-rebels-gives-it-respite

Cebuano news: LGU, Army gihingusgan ang programang Hatud-Serbisyo samtang adunay ‘ceasefire’

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 1): Cebuano news: LGU, Army gihingusgan ang programang Hatud-Serbisyo samtang adunay ‘ceasefire’ (LGU, Army intensifiy programs and referral services, while there is a 'ceasefire')

Kapin sa 300 ka mga residente ang nakabenepisyo sa programang "Hatud Serbisyo" sa Impasugong local government unit (LGU) ug sa kasundalohan sa 8th Infantry "Dependable" Battalion (8IB) diin gihingusgan kini agig pagpahimulos sa kasamtangang gideklara nga ‘unilateral ceasefire.’

Niining miaging Biyernes, ang mga ‘medical team’ sa mipahigayon sa pagpanghatag sa libreng serbisyo ngadto sa hilit nga dapit sa Impasugong nga naglangkob sa libre nga pagpang-ibot sa ngipon, pagtuli, ug libre nga mga serbisyo sa “haircut, pedicure, manicure, massage ug reflexology.”

Si Mayor Anthony A. Uy nga maoy nagdumala sa kalihokan, miingon nga tumong sa programa ang paghatag sa kaayuhan ngadto sa katawhan ilabi na niadtong wala kaayo makatagamtam sa serbisyo sa kagamhanan tungod sa kalayo sa ilang dapit, diin kini usab nahi-uyon sa “peace roadmap” ni President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

"Adunay mga nag-unang panginahanglan dinhi ug naningkamot kita nga ato kining mahatag ngadto kanila,” matud ni mayor Uy.

Ang kasundalohan sa 8IB, ingon man usab, mihatag seguridad aron makadangat ang grupo ngadto sa mga hilit nga dapit sa komunidad—kauban ang 4th Infantry "Diamond" Division ‘medical ug dental team’ nga mitabang sa maong ‘convergence’ nga programa.

Si Lt. Col. Lennon G. Babilonia, ang 8IB Commander, miingon nga kini usa ka naandan nga gimbuhaton sa mga yunit diin aktibo silang mo-apil sa mga programa ug mga kalihokan nga gipasiugdahan sa mga LGUs.

"Ubos sa ‘unilateral ceasefire,’ kini mohatag kanato sa dugang nga mga oportunidad sa pag-alagad sa katawhan pinaagi sa ‘Hatud Serbisyo’. Dili lamang kita taman sa giyera. Kinahanglan motabang kita nga maabot ang layo nga mga komunidad. Isip mga sundalo sa Armed Forces of the Philippines, motabang usab kita sa paghatag sa libreng serbisyo tungod kay kabahin kini sa atong Internal Peace and Security Operations pinaagi sa Bayanihan Team nga kalihokan, "siya miingon.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1501472720579/cebuano-news-lgu-army-gihingusgan-ang-programang-hatud-serbisyo-samtang-adunay-ceasefire-

PNP to deploy additional forces in Zamboanga del Norte town

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 2): PNP to deploy additional forces in Zamboanga del Norte town

SIRAWAI, Zamboanga del Norte –- The Philippine National Police (PNP) through the Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) is deploying additional forces to strengthen the security of this town.

Chief Supt. Billy Beltran, PRO-9 director, made this announcement after Vice Mayor Jaime Felizarta handed over to him on Thursday a Sangguniang Bayan resolution asking for the deployment of additional policemen in this municipality.

Local government officials disclosed that there are only 24 policemen deployed in this town which consists of 34 barangays with 24,583 population as of the 2010 census.

The Sangguniang Bayan adopted the resolution following the series of violent incidents that have recently taken place here, which included the burning of the police station and the killing of two policemen.

The local police headquarters was burned down by unidentified people on Aug. 7 while the two policemen were killed on Aug. 19.

On Tuesday, unidentified person lobbed a grenade at the residence of a policeman. No one was either killed or injured during the incident.

Local police authorities believed the killing of the two policemen and the grenade throwing incident were in retaliation to the death of a suspected drug pusher, who was killed in an anti-drug operation on August 16.

The slain suspect was ranked number six in the drug watch list of the local police authorities.

Beltran said that police outposts will be established in strategic areas to maintain and strengthen the peace and security once additional policemen will be deployed in this municipality.

Beltran visited this municipality on Thursday to personally see the prevailing situation in this town.

Beltran, accompanied by top police officials of this province, inspected the site where the new local police station will be constructed.

He met with police and military officials as well that of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in a closed door meeting and discussed matters on security and the problems on illegal drugs.

He also attended the joint peace and order forum attended by the government officials of this town and that of the nearby municipalities of Sibuco, Siocon and Baliguian.

Representatives of the local commands of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Ad Hoc Joint Action Group of the MILF (AHJAG-MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) have also attended the forum.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=919334

1 hurt in Cotabato City roadside blast

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 2): 1 hurt in Cotabato City roadside blast

A sidewalk vendor was injured when an improvised bomb exploded along Quezon Avenue, this city Friday morning, the fourth blast that hit the city since Saturday.

Police reports said the blast occurred at 7 a.m. in front of the main entrance of Padama Hotel.

Normanan Baliwan, a resident of Barangay Malagapas and a sidewalk vendor, told reporters he was sweeping his stall and put the garbage in a bin when the basket suddenly exploded.

Police post blast investigators are still on the site to gather pieces of evidence.

The victim sustained very minor injuries since the improvised explosive device has no shrapnel.

Three grenade attacks hit the city on Saturday, Monday and Wednesday.

On Wednesday, a grenade was lobbed at the main gate of National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Maguindanao office. Nobody was hurt.

On Monday afternoon, a grenade was lobbed at the roof of Police Station 2 office. It did not explode.

Last Saturday, a smoke grenade was thrown at the office of Traffic Management Unit that police believed was aimed at creating confusion so the detainees could escape.

The TMU office is located beside the Police Station 1 lock up cell.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=919372

3 Army battalions to reinforce Sulu forces in ongoing campaign against Abu Sayyaf

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 1): 3 Army battalions to reinforce Sulu forces in ongoing campaign against Abu Sayyaf

Three more battalions are expected to arrive in Sulu province to help government forces in the ongoing campaign to eliminate the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), Philippine Army commander Lt. Gen. Eduardo Año said Thursday.

Año did not comment on whether the 63rd Infantry Battalion, which arrived in Sulu Wednesday, was among the three battalions that will reinforce military units in Sulu.The 63rd Infantry Battalion is one of the field units of the 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan, Samar.

As of this posting, some 5,000 soldiers were in Sulu and another 2,500 in Basilan.

About 15 troopers were killed and 12 others were wounded after military units clashed heavily with ASG bandits, headed by Radullan Sahiron, in Sitio Kan Jalul, Barangay Maligay, Patikul, Sulu last August 29.

A total of 30 terrorists were reported to have been killed during the focused military operations against the ASG which began last week.

Another 11 brigands were reported wounded in the series of clashes with government forces.

The offensive was the offshoot of the bandit group's beheading of 18-year-old Patrick Jhames Almodavar last week after his family failed to raise a PHP1 million ransom.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=919262

PRRD: I am not comfortable signing procurement of bullets, arms that hurt human being

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 1): PRRD: I am not comfortable signing procurement of bullets, arms that hurt human being

With the declaration of war on drugs, terrorism and crime, President Rodrigo Duterte is walking the extra mile to forge a lasting peace with Moro rebels and the communists to pave the way for a brighter future of Filipinos, but the road to law, order and peace has a price to pay.

For weeks now, President Duterte took time to pay his last respect to policemen and soldiers who have died in line with their duties that include the 15 brave soldiers killed in pursuit of punitive actions against members of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Jolo.

“Everytime I sign something that would have to deal with procurement, bullets and arms and all that could hurt the human being, I’m not comfortable with it.”

The President said this on Wednesday night with the members of the The Annointed Church in Davao City, after visiting the wounded soldiers in Zamboanga, and the body of those who died in the offensive.

“I have to do my duty to be with my soldiers,” President Duterte said.

“I went to Zamboanga to (just) visit the dead and the wounded soldiers. Marami akong nakita na sabog yung na-trauma, tinamaan ng bala. May isa doon, he lost his, altogether ‘yung shoulder niya. May mga tinamaan rin na comatose na.”

The President said “I am also sad to see the other side also suffering and being wounded. Puro Pilipino tayo eh, ‘yan ang mahirap diyan.”

Earlier, President Duterte said “Interesado ako kasi ‘yung bakbakan diyan sa Jolo, hanggang ngayon. Sayang ‘yung pera, sayang ‘yung bala. Ipatay mo rin sa kapwa mo Pilipino.”

The money used to buy bullets, the President repeatedly said whenever he speaks to the public, can be used to help the Filipinos, especially the poor, to improve their lives.

But the government has to do its thing, maintain the peace and stop those who perpetrate crimes. He is looking forward to meet Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Chairman Nur Misuari to discuss peace in Mindanao, Duterte said : Kung mga komunista pumayag na, baka dito sa panahon ko, kung maawa si Allah, eh ‘di meron tayong magandang swerte sa buhay.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=919275

Navy's 3rd Hamilton-class cutter crew gets trained on ship's system for voyage to PHL

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 2): Navy's 3rd Hamilton-class cutter crew gets trained on ship's system for voyage to PHL

Half the crew of the BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17), the third Hamilton-class cutter to be commissioned in Philippine Navy (PN) service, is now familiarizing themselves with the various systems of the ship to ensure a smooth voyage to the Philippines.

The vessel is currently docked in Alameda, California.

"The first half are already in Alameda, California and conducting departmental and practical training on machineries, fire control system, deck landing and training on navigational equipment for the safe operation of the ship," Navy Spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna said in an interview with PNA.

BRP Andres Bonifacio, the ex-USCGC Boutwell, has a crew of 100 officers and enlisted personnel.

"The remaining crew will depart on the third week of September from the Philippines to (join their fellow crew members) in Alameda, California," Lincuna added.

The USCGC Boutwell was retired from US Coast Guard service last March 16 and handed to the PN last July 21.

It will be the third Hamilton class cutter in Philippine Navy service after the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (FF-15) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF-16) were acquired in 2011 and 2013, respectively.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=919397

Bulatlat: Former NPA guerilla turned peasant leader hopes peace talks lead to genuine change

From the pro-Communist Party of the Philippines online propaganda publication Bulatlat (Sep 1): Former NPA guerilla turned peasant leader hopes peace talks lead to genuine change

Antonio Pajalla used to be a trade unionist before he went underground and joined the New People’s Army. He availed of the government’s amnesty program to lead an “ordinary life.” But not quite: he is a peasant leader who was recently arrested then released.

Ka Tony Pajalla (Photo by J. Ellao / Bulatlat.com)

Antonio Pajalla sat placidly in a corner of the Balagtas Hall of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, as peasants and workers, along with students and faculty, gave fiery speeches and chanted slogans, demanding that genuine agrarian reform be tackled in the talks between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.

As one of the speakers called his name, Pajalla, 54, stood up and raised his clenched fist. The speaker then narrated to the audience of nearly a thousand his recent predicament: he was arrested in broad daylight by police forces last Aug. 12, and detained on rebellion charges, for which he has long been granted amnesty.

Pajalla was one of the victims of the series of arrests of peasants and peasant rights advocates within a week. On the same day that Pajalla was freed, Aug. 15, another peasant leader, Jonathan Moica was nabbed in the Bicol region and was released a day later.

Then, on the same day of the gathering in PUP on Aug. 19, peasant rights advocate and missionary worker Amelia Pond was arrested in Cebu City after attending the national congress of the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines. Pond, however, remains behind bars.

“I do not understand why peasants are being arrested under the present administration. This is not good and it must stop. These peasant leaders are only leading the farmers to assert their right to till and, for my case, claim the coco levy funds,” Pajalla told Bulatlat, referring to the taxes collected from small coconut farmers during the martial law years.

Pajalla, who was recently appointed as vice chair of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, is among those leading the fight in the Quezon province in pushing for the return of the multi-million coco levy funds to small coconut farmers, in accordance to the ruling of the Supreme Court in 2014, affirming its previous decision back in 2001 and 2012.

Peasant groups believe that it is Pajalla’s advocacy for farmers’ rights that led to his recent arrest.

A unionist turned revolutionary fighter

Pajalla’s involvement in the progressive movement began when he became a unionist in a textile factory in Sucat, Parañaque City during the martial law days. He was motivated to join the union due to their low salary and poor working conditions in the factory.

But when authorities began the crackdown among labor activists, Pajalla went underground and joined the New People’s Army (NPA) in 1987.

As a breadwinner, his family appealed to him several times to return to the city and work as any other “normal” person. But he could not turn a blind eye to the social inequalities at the time and leave behind the masses he was serving and organizing in the countryside.

It was then that he met and married another revolutionary fighter. When they had children, his wife could not bear being away from them and decided to leave the NPA. A year later, in 1997, Pajalla joined his family and quit being a revolutionary fighter after a decade.

In the same year, he was granted amnesty.

Back in the movement

Back as an “ordinary” person, as he described himself, Pajalla said the same conditions that pushed him to be a revolutionary fighter continue to prevail in the country. Still, it took 15 years before he reconnected with fellow activists and returned to what he loved most – organizing and serving the people through the progressive movement.

He has been leading campaigns of peasants in the Quezon province for some 20 years today. He said his being a former member of the NPA is an “open secret” in their community and even with government officials he has dealt with. But he said he was never discredited in his involvement in the progressive movement.

Pajalla said, “When I was still an NPA member, there were already peace talks. And it has been going on now. I hope that this time it would succeed and result in uplifting the lives of peasants in the countryside.”

http://bulatlat.com/main/2016/09/01/former-npa-guerilla-turned-peasant-leader-hopes-peace-talks-lead-genuine-change/

South Korean shipbuilder awarded contract to build 2 Philippine warships

From Update.Ph (Sep 1): South Korean shipbuilder awarded contract to build 2 Philippine warships

A photo of the Notice of Award for the Frigate Acquisition Program for Philippine Navy was uploaded today in MaxDefense – Philippine and Asian Defense Issues Facebook page. As shown in the photo, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana signed the said Notice of Award.

The Notice of Award shows that the offer of Hyundai Heavy Industries of South Korea for the Frigate Acquisition Program for Philippine Navy worth PhP15,744,571,584.00 was accepted.

The said acquisition program will provide the Philippine Navy with two (2) Frigates with design that the Philippine Navy can have ownership or license to manufacture/build in future.

According to MaxDefense, the signing of contract is happening 2 weeks from now.

The frigates will be at least 95 meters long and have a displacement of at least 2000 tons. The frigates will also able to “survive at Sea State 7” with no degradation of anti-air, anti-surface, and electronic warfare capabilities at Sea State 5 and no degradation of anti-submarine warfare capability at Sea State 4.

http://www.update.ph/2016/09/south-korean-shipbuilder-awarded-contract-to-build-2-philippine-warships/8977

Most wanted criminal in Lanao del Norte surrenders

From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Sep 1): Most wanted criminal in Lanao del Norte surrenders

The most wanted criminal in Lanao del Norte surrendered to authorities in the interior village of Dansalan in Sapad town, Lanao del Norte on Wednesday, August 31, around 11:30 a.m.

Captain Rene Belmonte Jr., Operations Officer of the 15th Infantry Battalion Philippine Army based in Salvador, identified the suspect as Pendatun Alando, the prime suspect of the ambush of former Nunungan town Mayor Adullah Manamparan in the campaign period in Nunungan on May 6, 2013. At least 13 were killed and several others wounded.

Manamparan was among the victims who survived the ambush on board a dump truck.

Belmonte said the joint operation with the Philippine National Police was based on the Warrant of Arrest penned by Judge Alberto Quinto, Acting Presiding Judge of Regional Trial Court 12th Judicial Region, Branch 21, in Kapatagan town.

Belmonte said Alando was turned over to the Police Provincial Headquarters Command in Pigcarangan, Tubod town in Lanao del Norte and later brought to the Provincial Hospital for medical checkup.

Alando is detained at the Lanao del Norte provincial jail while waiting for his arraignment.

Alando together with the other suspects who are still at large were charged with multiple frustrated murder.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2016/09/01/most-wanted-criminal-lanao-del-norte-surrenders-494980

Duterte: I expect retribution from Abu Sayyaf

From Rappler (Sep 1): Duterte: I expect retribution from Abu Sayyaf

But the President warns the terrorist group: 'What you can dish out, I can do better 10 times'

President Rodrigo Duterte knows his order to destroy the Abu Sayyaf will elicit a violent response from the terrorist group.

"Bantay kayo kasi (Be on guard because) we are hitting them hard. I expect retribution from them," Duterte said during a speech in front of a religious group on Wednesday night, August 31, in Davao City.

But the Duterte government will be ready for any retaliation from the Abu Sayyaf, he said.

"What you can dish out, I can do better 10 times. May army ako, may eroplano (I have an army, I have planes)," warned the President.

Upon his orders, 5 battalions composed of 2,500 soldiers are being sent to Jolo, Sulu, the bailiwick of the terror group.

The military has led a series of operations against the group which have supposedly killed at least 14 ASG members.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on August 29 that he too is not discounting the possibility of bolder attacks by the bandit group.

"We know that they might create diversionary tactics dito here in Manila, Cebu Davao. That's what the President is scared of," he said in a mix of English and Filipino.

In his series of military camp visits all over the country, Dutere has promised to purchase good quality equipment for the military and to swell their ranks by 20,000 soldiers in the next two years.

In recent days, he has also been amping up his rhetoric against the Abu Sayyaf.

This comes days after 15 soldiers were killed in an encounter with the terrorist group in Sulu. Duterte flew to Zamboanga City to attend their wake.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/144888-duterte-retribution-abu-sayyaf

Unfazed by army offensive, Abu Sayyaf says ready for Duterte’s soldiers

From the Asian Correspondent (Sep 1): Unfazed by army offensive, Abu Sayyaf says ready for Duterte’s soldiers

Abu Sayyaf militants in Southern Philippines. Image via YouTube.

DESPITE having lost a good number of its members to the Duterte administration’s armed offensive in Sulu, the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) has shown no signs of ceasefire, even telling Philippine troops they are ready for more battles ahead.

According to ABS-CBN, the Philippine Armed Forces is beefing up its numbers in southern Philippines and at last count yesterday, is estimated to have sent some 7,500 soldiers to fight the ASG.

Undeterred, the militant group issued a statement yesterday warning the troops to get prepared for attacks they said would begin today.

The report added that ground battles that have been raging on since last week came to a silent stop yesterday, with no reported clashes between the military and members of the terrorist network.

“Silent guns, however, don’t always mean the war is over,” ABS-CBN wrote.

SEE ALSO: 15 Philippine soldiers killed in bloody standoff with Abu Sayyaf

It quoted Brigadier Gen. Arnel dela Vega, commander of Joint Task Force Sulu, as saying that the fight must go on, although it was not easy for his men to push on after losing 15 brothers-in-arms during recent battles.

Reports on Tuesday said 15 soldiers were killed and five others wounded during fierce fighting on Monday. The clash also reportedly killed at least two militants in the Sulu province’s mountainous Patikul town, where the ASG has detained many of its kidnapped victims.

The Monday battle was said to be the largest single-day combat loss under President Rodrigo Duterte, who ordered government troops to crush the Abu Sayyaf militants last week after they beheaded a kidnapped villager whose family was too poor to pay a ransom.

SEE ALSO: Philippines army kills 11 Abu Sayyaf members on Duterte’s order

Officials said Monday’s battle setback came after troops killed about 21 Abu Sayyaf gunmen, including an influential commander, on Friday and Saturday in assaults that followed the beheading.

According to GMA News, the army’s chief of Public Affairs Office, Marine Col. Edgard Arevalo, said the clash occurred at 4:30 p.m. in which troops from the Philippine Army’s 35th Infantry Battalion and 21st Infantry Battalion faced “more or less 120 heavily armed terrorists”.

The casualty numbers on the militants’ side, he said, had yet to be confirmed.

SEE ALSO: Abu Sayyaf denies commander among 12 killed by Philippine army

According to the Philippine Star, the militants were led by Abu Sayyaf commander Radulan Sahiron, a one-armed fighter on the Philippines and the US’ wanted list for his role in bombings, kidnappings and other acts.

The Abu Sayyaf has been blacklisted as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the Philippines.

https://asiancorrespondent.com/2016/09/abu-sayyaf-says-ready-dutertes-soldiers/