MILF drawn into fight to finish off Maute

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 12): MILF drawn into fight to finish off Maute



An Army tank enters a school in Butig, Lanao del Sur, that had been occupied by members of the Maute group. —RICHEL V. UMEL

A Moro rebel group currently negotiating for a new autonomous government in Mindanao is helping the military finish off members of the Maute group, a crime gang that had declared its affiliation with the international terror network Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (IS).

Members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which had entered into a peace pact with the government under then President Aquino, clashed with Maute members who are fleeing military operations in Butig, a town in Lanao del Sur that Maute occupied.

During the clash in the borders of Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur, a member of MILF was seriously wounded, said Von Al Haq, MILF military chief.

Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., spokesperson of the Western Mindanao Command, cited a report from MILF saying MILF members, under a certain Jimmu Balitor, intercepted a group of Maute members between the towns of Buldon and Barira in Maguindanao and Butig in Lanao del Sur.

The Maute members were apparently withdrawing from Butig when they were intercepted by MILF forces, according to Tan.

He said the military in the area is coordinating with the group of Balitor. Soldiers had been sent to conduct “complementary combat operations” to help MILF.

Al Haq said at least 50 Maute gunmen had tried to enter the perimeter of the MILF’s Sultan Base when they clashed with MILF members.

He said the clash took place as MILF tried to drive away the “intruders.”

Al Haq could not say whether the Maute group had suffered casualties in the clash but Tan said based on reports, some gang members had been wounded, or even killed.

Maj. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr, head of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said soldiers from the 37th Infantry Battalion had also set up a blocking force against Maute members who are now fleeing MILF fighters.

Galvez said the military has sent combat helicopters to the area to evacuate MILF rebels, who might have been wounded in the clash.

Two weeks ago, soldiers also battled Maute group members in Butig.

The military later said it drove the local terror group out of Butig after days of fighting. Soldiers, the military said, continue to pursue Maute members who are now on the run. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/852689/milf-drawn-into-fight-to-finish-off-maute

Tawi Tawi-based gangs crippled by deaths of two chiefs and with another on the run

From The Star Online (Dec 12): Tawi Tawi-based gangs crippled by deaths of two chiefs and with another on the run

KOTA KINABALU: With two key leaders killed and another on the run, the Tawi Tawi-based cross border kidnapping groups are now rudderless.

The drama took place during Thursday’s well-coordinated operations to eliminate the notorious kidnap-for-ransom groups based in the Tawi-Tawi chain of islands in southern Philippines.

Malaysia’s elite police squad, the Tiger Platoon, killed Abraham Ha­­mid, described as a kidnap kingpin by the Philippine military, on Thurs­day night.

The identity of the captured key player has been withheld.

Two other gunmen, in­­clu­­ding one notorious smug­­gler known as Alba­ris, who was with Abra­ham, and a hostage might have also been killed in the shootout that night.

They have yet to be found.

Abraham: Killed in Semporna. 

There is also a possibility that they might have escaped with the hostage and are trying to make their way to southern Philippines or hiding out in the numerous islands in Semporna.

Another kidnap kingpin, Jul Hassan, who was believed to be in Lahad Datu-Semporna waters on that Thursday night, was also caught in gunbattles early Saturday morning with Philippine Special Action Forces at Baligtan area near Sitangkai island.

Jul, who was in a group of five gunmen, was caught in a skirmish with the Filipino elite squad.

At least one of the gunmen was killed.

Sources said that Jul escaped despite his injuries. Security forces from Malaysia and the Philip­pines are now hunting for the remaining gunmen.

Intelligence sources said Jul and the four men were in a second speedboat that entered Lahad Datu on Thursday night while Abraham and six others were in another vessel.

Abraham’s gang snatched two fishermen and robbed the crew of three trawlers before they came face to face with the elite Tiger Platoon men who were lying in wait on a fishing boat.

Sources said that Abraham, who was once a fisherman, operated in Taganak and Sitangkai close to the border of Tawi Tawi.

Apparently, he turned to kidnapping to settle a loan from an influential politician in Tawi Tawi.
Abraham had taken the loan to buy fishing equipment.

He borrowed a speedboat belonging to the politician and began his life of crime, a source said.

Abraham was believed to have teamed up with several criminals involved in human and drug smuggling to pursue their activities in Lahad Datu and Semporna waters.

The source said Abraham “sold off” some of his kidnapped victims to the Abu Sayyaf group which is holding five Malaysian sailors and four Indonesians snatched from Sabah waters.

Abraham’s side had also teamed up with Jul’s group in several forays into Sabah, the sources said.

The sources said that Jul, who is his 50s, was previously a sub-commander with the Abu Sayyaf but gave it up to become a fishermen.

Later, he got involved in criminal activities before forming his own group to go into the kidnap-for-ransom business.

On Saturday, Philippine military’s Western Mindanao Command spokes­­man Major Filemon Tan said the Malaysian security forces had dealt a blow to the Abu Sayyaf by killing Abraham.

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/12/12/kidnappers-rudderless-without-leaders-tawi-tawibased-gangs-crippled-by-deaths-of-two-chiefs-and-with/

AFP chief inspects brand new military petroleum tankers

From Update.Ph (Dec 12): AFP chief inspects brand new military petroleum tankers



Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief-of-Staff Lieutenant General Eduardo M. Año, during his first flag raising ceremony at General Headquarters, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City December 12 as Philippine military’s top man, inspected brand new petroleum transport tankers.

This initial delivery of petroleum tankers are part of an order to enhance the military’s support capability.

Seven (7) collapsible and twenty-one (21) towable tankers were ordered to boost the Armed Forces’ Petroleum Oil and Lubricant support capabilities.

Lieutenant General Año took over the command of Philippine military December 7, 2016.


Military photo

http://www.update.ph/2016/12/afp-chief-inspects-brand-new-militarypetroleum-tankers/12075

Duterte on CPP talks: I conceded too much, too soon

From Rappler (Dec 11): Duterte on CPP talks: I conceded too much, too soon

'What more do you ask of us? Maubusan ako ng baraha niyan kung release ako ng release,' says President Rodrigo Duterte, referring to the release of political prisoners being sought by the CPP 



WITH THE TROOPS. President Rodrigo Duterte visits Camp Servillano Aquino in Tarlac City on December 11, 2016. Photo by Ace Morandante/Presidential Photo

President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday, December 11, maintained he would not agree to the release of 130 political prisoners until the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) have hammered out a deal.

Duterte spoke about the peace talks with the communists as he continued his tour of military camps on Sunday, visiting Camp Servillano Aquino in Tarlac City.

 

The President delivered a 10-minute speech to soldiers from the Northern Luzon Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

 

"Gusto nila 130 na naman ang i-release ko. Sabi ko, 'No, I cannot.' As a matter of fact, I conceded too much, too soon. Sabi ko, 'Hanggang diyan lang ako.' Ngayon bahala na kung terminate it eh di terminate it... Nandiyan, ipinalabas ko na 'yung mga lider ninyo, lahat na, nandoon na nga sa Norway [for the peace talks] eh. What more do you ask of us? Maubusan ako ng baraha niyan kung release ako ng release," he said. (They want me to release 130 more political prisoners. I told them, "No, I cannot." As a matter of fact, I conceded too much, too soon. I said, "That's my limit." Now, if it the talks are terminated, then whatever... But their leaders have already been released, they even went to Norway [for the peace talks] already. What more do you ask of us? I won't have cards up my sleeve anymore if I keep approving the release of political prisoners.)

 

But Duterte reiterated the need to end the decades-long conflict, and appealed for understanding from the troops.

 

"We have to somehow end this war. This has been going on for 45 years," he said.

 

"'Yung iba na matagal na sa serbisyo, alam ko masakit sa inyo 'yan (Those who have been in service for a long time, I know this process is painful for you). But you have to understand me and the rest of the Filipino people… I am not a communist. I am just a Filipino, period. I am just doing it for the sake of my country."

 

The AFP and the CPP's New People's Army (NPA) had previously declared unilateral ceasefires. The two sides, however, have yet to reach a bilateral ceasefire agreement after they missed an October 26 deadline.

The President, meanwhile, also thanked the soldiers for their service.

 

"I know happy ang [mga] Filipino sa inyo (I know the Filipino people are happy with your performance). I'm more than satisfied with your performance," Duterte said.

 

"I congratulate you for a job well done," he later added.

 

The President has been visiting military camps across the country, promising full support for the AFP. (READ: Why has Duterte been visiting 14 military camps in less than a month?)

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/155219-philippines-president-duterte-cpp-talks-conceded-too-much-too-soon

PH, NDF closer to signing crucial joint ceasefire deal

From Rappler (Dec 12): PH, NDF closer to signing crucial joint ceasefire deal

The National Democratic Front says they are amenable to signing the long delayed joint ceasefire deal but it will only be effective upon the releases of political prisoners



SAVING THE CEASEFIRE. A joint ceasefire deal is crucial in making sure that the ongoing ceasefire between the military and the New People's Army is not broken. Photo courtesy of OPAPP

The Philippine government and the communist National Democratic Front (NDF) is closer to signing a crucial agreement that will preserve the ongoing ceasefire between the military and the New People's Army (NPA).

Government chief negotiator Silvestre Bello III said he is looking forward to the signing of the long delayed bilateral ceasefire deal before the holidays, following the statement of NDF senior adviser Luis Jalandoni that the communist group is now amenable to signing a bilateral ceasefire deal before the release of 400 political prisoners.

 

"I welcome the statement of Mr. Luis Jalandoni on the readiness of the National Democratic Front to sign a bilateral ceasefire agreement with the government even before the release of the political prisoners," Bello said in a statement Monday, December 12.

 

"Forging a bilateral ceasefire agreement is the best gift the government and the NDF can give to the Filipino people this holiday season. May this lead to the permanent end of hostilities for the new year leading to a just and lasting peace," Bello added.

 

Compromise

 

But Jalandoni said the effectivity of the bilateral ceasefire deal will be conditional to the releases of political prisoners. The NDF is holding on to the promise of President Rodrigo Duterte that political prisoners will be released 48 hours after the signing of the joint deal.

 

"We are willing to sign it even ahead, but of course he has to make a commitment and he has to implement it," he told GMA News TV on Saturday, December 10, during the International Human Rights Day protest at the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila.

"The NDFP will insist the release of political prisoners, willing to sign a bilateral ceasefire, but Duterte has to release all political prisoners within 48 hours.... And the agreement becomes binding and effective upon the release of all the political prisoners," Jalandoni added.

Bello committed the release of a "substantial number of political prisoners." A total of 21 prisoners were already released, including tagged Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) chairman and New People's Army (NPA) leader Benito Tiamzon, to allow them to attend the first round of talks in Oslo in August.

Four convicted prisoners were granted pardon recently. Duterte said he will release another 130 prisoners upon the signing of the bilateral ceasefire deal.

What is not clear is if the additional 130 releases would be enough for the NDF to make a signed bilateral ceasefire deal effective or they would wait for the release of all 400 prisoners.

Crucial document

 

The NDF is the political wing of the CPP. Its armed wing, the NPA, has been waging Asia's longest running communist insurgency.

The resumption of peace talks with the communist rebels is one of the campaign promises of President Rodrigo Duterte. Formal talks resumed in Oslo in August and resulted in the historic and unprecedented unilateral ceasefire declarations from both the military and the NPA.

 

It was not easy for the NDF to agree to a ceasefire, afraid that a prolonged silencing of the guns could "amount to capitulation and mere pacification." But it agreed to do so following the releases of its leaders. (READ: Oslo talks: 'The most kind and most warm negotiators')

 

The ceasefire also allowed the military to move its troops from areas where the NPA is present to focus its strength in fighting other threats such as terrorism in Mindanao.

 

The absence of common rules between the military and the NPA has made the situation on the ground difficult, however. Both camps have been complaining about each other's activities. The NDF even floated a scenario where the peace talks will continue without a ceasefire agreement. (READ: Joint ceasefire deal urgent as NPA, military report complaints)

 

A bilateral ceasefire deal is a crucial document that will include, for example, the definition of hostile acts that both the military and the armed NPA will commit to avoid and set the areas that will be considered buffer zones.

It also aims to establish a body that will investigate potential ceasefire violations, similar to the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) that is monitoring the ceasefire between the military and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Duterte stands his ground

The NDF had demanded the releases of the political prisoners from the beginning. Talks hit an impasse when NDF refused to sign the joint ceasefire deal prior to the releases.

 

But Duterte stood his ground, maintaining that he will not allow any more releases until the joint ceasefire deal is signed. (READ: Duterte on CPP talks: I conceded too much, too soon)

 

"Gusto nila 130 na naman ang i-release ko. Sabi ko, 'No, I cannot.' As a matter of fact, I conceded too much, too soon," he said Sunday, December 11, during a visit at Camp Servillano Aquino in Tarlac City. "Sabi ko, 'Hanggang diyan lang ako.' Ngayon bahala na kung terminate it eh di terminate it... Nandiyan, ipinalabas ko na 'yung mga lider ninyo, lahat na, nandoon na nga sa Norway [for the peace talks] eh. What more do you ask of us? Maubusan ako ng baraha niyan kung release ako ng release," he continued. ("They want me to release 130 more political prisoners. I told them, 'No, I cannot.' As a matter of fact, I conceded too much, too soon. I said, 'That's my limit.' Now, if it the talks are terminated, then whatever... But their leaders have already been released, they even went to Norway [for the peace talks] already. What more do you ask of us? I won't have cards up my sleeve anymore if I keep approving the release of political prisoners.")

 

However, Duterte reiterated his commitment to the talks and vowed to release the political prisoners.

His commitment to release the prisoners 48 hours after the signing of the joint ceasefire deal was the necessary element for both camps to reach a compromise.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/155248-philippines-communist-rebels-joint-ceasefire

NDF open to bilateral truce before release of political prisoners

From MindaNews (Dec 12): NDF open to bilateral truce before release of political prisoners

Saying it is the “best gift the government and the NDF can give to the Filipino people this holiday season,” Labor Secretary and government peace panel chair Silvestre Bello III welcomed the statement of Luis Jalandoni indicating the readiness of the National Democratic Front to sign a bilateral ceasefire agreement even before the release of the political prisoners.

Jalandoni served as NDF peace panel chair until his resignation in early October this year. He was replaced by Fidel Agcaoili.

Bello, in a statement released Monday by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, said: “The willingness of the NDF to sign the bilateral ceasefire agreement is indeed a welcome development as this bodes well to a positive atmosphere when we meet again for the third round of talks in January.

“A bilateral ceasefire would not only benefit the combatants but the people who are caught in the crossfire of this armed conflict.”

“The GRP panel further recognizes the NDF’s efforts to work with us to attain peace. Its declaration of an indefinite unilateral ceasefire in response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration in August is unprecedented and historic,” he said.

“Agreeing to a bilateral ceasefire is another milestone in the peace process. Both panels have never set preconditions since the start of the negotiations under this administration,” he added.

The NDF last month demanded that political prisoners must be released first before the signing of the ceasefire agreement.

“The longer the GRP takes to fulfill its obligation to release all political prisoners, the prospects of such an agreement ever being forged become ever dimmer,” said the Communist Party of the Philippines statement dated November 24 but released to the media on November 27.

But last December 6, a statement from OPAPP quoted President Rodrigo Duterte as saying there will be no substantial release of political prisoners, pending the signing of the ceasefire agreement.

“Produce to me a signed bilateral ceasefire agreement and I will release them within 48 hours. You can take my word for it,” Duterte said.

Two days after, the President reiterated his position on the release of political prisoners.

“I have conceded to the communists too much too soon. As yet, I have to see a substantive progress of the talks. They are asking for 130 detainees to be released, all NPAs (all members of the New People’s Army). Sorry, I cannot do that. I cannot do it because uubusin nila ang baraha ko” (I will lose all my cards), Duterte told reporters at the groundbreaking rites for the Bicol International Airport terminal in Legaspi City on Thursday last week.

Despite Duterte’s pronouncements Bello assured the administration remains committed to work for the release of a substantial number of political prisoners.

“Despite the challenges, we continue to struggle to make peace happen for the country and the Filipino people,” he said.

He hopes the truce will end the hostilities and lead to just and lasting peace.

In a statement dated December 4, the CPP said the military had continued to undertake armed actions against the New People’s Army despite the unilateral ceasefire declarations issued by the government and the NDF.

“The CPP is utterly dismayed at the failure of GRP President Rodrigo Duterte to rein in the war dogs of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines. It is quite apparent that the order made by Duterte last August as commander-in-chief to the AFP to ‘be friendly with the revolutionary government’ and with the CPP-NPA is an empty one considering that not a single area command of the AFP respected nor implemented this policy. On the contrary, the AFP continues to regard the CPP-NPA with extreme hostility,” the statement said.

“The AFP deceptively describes their combat and psychological operations as ‘peace and development’, ‘civil-military operations’, ‘medical missions’, ‘visitations’, ‘community outreach’, ‘anti-drug campaign’ and so on. They try to fool the people by claiming their fully-armed combatants are engaged in “non-combat operations,” it said.

It added that if the AFP continued with its deployment in guerrilla zones, the NPA would be forced to take defensive action and the CPP would have to terminate its unilateral ceasefire declaration.

http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2016/12/ndf-open-to-bilateral-truce-before-release-of-political-prisoners/

3 more soldiers die in Sayyaf clash

From the Mindanao Examiner (Dec 12): 3 more soldiers die in Sayyaf clash

Fierce fighting erupted on Monday between government troops and Abu Sayyaf rebels in southern Philippines, leaving at least 2 dozen casualties on the military side, officials said.

Officials said the clashes broke out in Mount Taming in Sulu’s Patikul town that left 3 soldiers dead and 21 others wounded. Troops clashed with about 150 Abu Sayyaf gunmen and the fighting lasted 2 hours.

The clashes occurred in the same area where Abu Sayyaf fighters also killed 3 soldiers and wounded 17 more on December 10.

Officials tagged Abu Sayyaf leader Radulan Sahiron and commanders Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, Yasser Igasan and Mujer Yadah as behind the huge group that engaged soldiers in a running gun battle in Patikul.

Major Filemon Tan, a spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command, insisted that 10 Abu Sayyaf members were killed and 6 others wounded in the fighting, but troops had recovered not a single cadaver. Tan report cannot be independent confirmed.

“Fire support and close air support were provided to the engaging troops. Adjacent units also conducted blocking and pursuit operations as casualties were immediately brought to the hospital. Two soldiers needed additional medical attention were airlifted to Camp Navarro General Hospital in Zamboanga City,” Tan said.

He said security forces were pursuing the Abu Sayyaf in an effort to rescue more than 2 dozen Malaysian and Indonesian sailors kidnapped by the notorious rebel group tied to the Islamic State.

“The Joint Task Force-Sulu continues to conduct pursuit operations and intensify further the conduct of focused military operations to rescue the remaining kidnap victims and neutralize the Abu Sayyaf group in Sulu,” Tan said.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/3-more-soldiers-die-in-sayyaf-clash/

Duterte congratulates AFP for a ‘job well done’

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 12): Duterte congratulates AFP for a ‘job well done’

CAMP SERVILLANO AQUINO, Tarlac City -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte congratulated on Sunday the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for a job well done in the performance of their duty.

“With gratitude ang Filipino people. I know. Happy ang Pilipino sa inyo. And I’m more than satisfied with your performance,” Duterte told about 500 troops of the Northern Luzon Command.

The Commander-In-Chief promised to provide everything the AFP needs because he wants them to be in “tip top condition and high morale.”

Duterte likewise assured that he would take full responsibility for actions taken by AFP and police as long as they are done in the performance of their duty.

Meanwhile, he disclosed that China is now ready to turnover the firearms they promised. This is a grant payable in 25 years.

Moreover, Duterte reiterated to the troops his desire to end the 45-year war with the New People’s Army.

“Alam ko yung mga matagal na sa serbisyo masakit yan (sa loob) but you have to understand me and the rest of the Filipino people. Mas lalo na kalaban natin Pilipino rin. Kailangang hintuin talaga natin ito…Sana magkaroon kayo ng pagtingin sa akin. I am not a communist. I am just a Filipino. Period. I’m just doing it for the sake of my country,” he stressed.

He also hopes that there shall soon be a path towards lasting peace in Mindanao particularly Basilan and Sulu.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/561481474509/duterte-congratulates-afp-for-a-job-well-done-

GRP panel reiterates commitment on amnesty, release of detained communist rebels

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 12): GRP panel reiterates commitment on amnesty, release of detained communist rebels

The government (GRP) panel negotiating with the National Democratic Front (NDF) upheld its commitment in facilitating the issuance of an amnesty proclamation and the release of detained communist rebels on Wednesday, December 7, during the Congressional hearing on the proposed amnesty measure.

Panel members Rene Sarmiento and Angela Librado-Trinidad highlighted the efforts being exerted by the government in fulfilling its obligation to the GRP-NDF peace process to the members of the Special Committee on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity of the House of Representatives.

Librado-Trinidad underscored that both parties agreed in their joint statements last August 26 and October 9 that the GRP panel will recommend to President Rodrigo R. Duterte the release of detainees based on humanitarian grounds and the promulgation of an amnesty proclamation.

“The GRP already made the initiatives after the August 26 talks. We amended the guidelines of the Presidential Committee on Bail, Recognizance, and Pardon (PCBReP), which will be the platform on the release of detainees based on humanitarian grounds. We already drafted the amnesty proclamation and submitted it to the president last September,” Librado-Trinidad explained.

The new rules of the PCBReP will now cover the commission of the crime that took place on or before July 1 this year; while, the amnesty proclamation is already being reviewed by the Office of the President.

Librado-Trinidad also updated the legislators on the status of the prisoners to be released based on humanitarian grounds.

“When we say humanitarian grounds, these are prisoners which are categorized either as sickly, elderly, or those who have been detained for a long period of time, and women,” she clarified.

“The panels have been collating all the information with respect to this effort so that a substantial number of prisoners will be released before we resume our talks in January next year,” Librado-Trinidad added.

Last December 2, President Duterte granted presidential pardon to four communist rebels convicted of murder and kidnapping who have long been recommended for pardon but not acted upon by the previous administration.

“President Duterte never abandons his position that he will grant amnesty and on the release of the detainees,” Librado-Trinidad stated.

House peace panel tackles amnesty bill

Meanwhile, the House Special Committee on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity started its deliberations on the amnesty bill submitted by Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the house resolutions calling for the immediate releases of prisoners.

Arroyo, who is also the House deputy speaker, filed House Bill No. 490 seeks to grant amnesty for the members of the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/NDF and other individuals involved in past political conflicts.

Sarmiento lauded the members of the Lower House for proactively initiating an amnesty proclamation for the rebels.

Under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the granting of amnesty is lodged to the President with the concurrence of both chambers of Congress.

“There is no prohibition in the Constitution that says Congress cannot initiate an amnesty measure,” Sarmiento, who is also one of the framers of the Constitution, underlined.

“There is always reference to Congress in so far as the amnesty is concerned. In other words, we will listen to Congress and seek their recommendations. This is not setting aside the role of Congress when amnesty proclamation is concerned,” he added.

For her part, Tawi-Tawi Representative and committee chairperson Ruby Sahali assured the government panel to hastily work on the proposed amnesty measure.

“I really wanted this masterpiece to be the legacy for the 17th Congress,” Sahali pointed out.(OPAPP)

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1141481331253/grp-panel-reiterates-commitment-on-amnesty-release-of-detained-communist-rebels

2 hurt in grenade attack inside market place in North Cotabato

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 12): 2 hurt in grenade attack inside market place in North Cotabato

PIKIT, North Cotabato -- Two persons were critically injured when a man tossed a hand grenade inside a busy public market here Sunday noon, police said Monday.

Senior Inspector Donald Cabigas, Pikit town police chief, said unidentified men lobbed the hand grenade inside the market place filled with market goers and vendors at about 12 noon, injuring Saguialon Asim, 78 of Barangay Punol and Nasser Pagabangan, 31, of Barangay Kabasalan, all in Pikit, North Cotabato.

"Motive of the attack remained unknown as investigation was going on," Cabigas said.

It was the second grenade attack in Pikit since Saturday.

Unidentified men on board a motorbike lobbed a hand grenade in the house of Jermias Dandan. It exploded in Dandan's compound but nobody was hurt.

Earlier in the day, another grenade was lobbed along the national highway in Barangay Poblacion and exploded in a vacant lot.

In the village of Gli-Gli, a rifle grenade landed in the borders of Barangay Gli-Gli and Poblacion. It was believed to have been fired from afar.

Following the rash of grenade attacks, Cabigas has called on village officials to organize village watchmen groups to help the police in preventing violence, especially grenade attack.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=947669

Gov't peace panel welcomes NDF’s readiness to sign a bilateral ceasefire agreement

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 12): Gov't peace panel welcomes NDF’s readiness to sign a bilateral ceasefire agreement
The Government peace panel on Monday welcomed the National Democratic Front's (NDF) willingness to sign a bilateral ceasefire agreement with the government even before the release of the political prisoners.

Government peace negotiator Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, in a statement, said Luis Jalandoni's statement on the readiness of the NDF to sign a ceasefire agreement even before the release of the political prisoners, is indeed a welcome development as this bodes well to a positive atmosphere when we meet again for the third round of talks in January.

“A bilateral ceasefire would not only benefit the combatants but the people who are caught in the crossfire of this armed conflict,” he said.

He added that the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) panel further recognizes the NDF’s efforts to work with us to attain peace.

“Its declaration of an indefinite unilateral ceasefire in response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration in August is unprecedented and historic. Agreeing to a bilateral ceasefire is another milestone in the peace process,” Bello pointed out.

Both panels have never set preconditions since the start of the negotiations under this administration.

“Despite the challenges, we continue to struggle to make peace happen for the country and the Filipino people,” he noted.

According to the Chief Peace Negotiator, “rest assured that the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte remains committed to the release of a substantial number of political prisoners. The President has already shown time and again that he delivers on his word. “

Bello pointed out that forging a bilateral ceasefire agreement is the best gift the government and the NDF can give to the Filipino people this holiday season.

“May this lead to the permanent end of hostilities for the new year leading to a just and lasting peace,” he concluded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=947692

10 bandits killed, 6 wounded in ongoing anti-ASG operations in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 12): 10 bandits killed, 6 wounded in ongoing anti-ASG operations in Sulu

Ten Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) terrorists have been reported killed and another six wounded in the ongoing focused military operations in Sulu which started in the morning of Dec. 10.

Updates forwarded by the Western Mindanao Command spokesperson Major Filemon Tan on Monday indicated that ongoing pursuit operations against the terror group, backed by artillery and air bombardment have so far killed 10 of the ASG and wounding six.

These figures are based on civilian reports and other intelligence sources.

Tan said that pursuit operations are still ongoing as of this posting.

Fighting at Bud Taming, Barangay Kabbontakas, Patikul erupted 10 a.m. Saturday after patrol elements of the 35th Infantry Battalion encountered around 150 ASG terrorists reportedly headed by Radullan Sahiron, Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, Yasser Igasan and Mujer Yadah, triggering a two-hour firefight which initially killed three troopers and wounded 21 others, 17 of whom were hit by shrapnel.

Wounded government troopers were immediately taken to the Camp Navarro General Hospital in Zamboanga City for treatment.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=947680

BRP Ramon Alcaraz, 300 naval personnel safely home after Vietnam visit

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 12): BRP Ramon Alcaraz, 300 naval personnel safely home after Vietnam visit

The BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF-16) is now safely home after its successful port visit to Camh Ranh Bay where its officers and enlisted personnel interacted successfully with the Vietnam People's Navy (VPN).

Capt. Lued Lincuna, Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson, said the ship arrived 10 a.m. Monday at Pier 13 of the Manila South Harbor.

The visit started Dec. 2 and ended on the 12th.

Aside from the ship's officers and crew, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz also carried members of Naval Task Group 80.5 headed by Capt. Dennis Rommel Quines and members of the AW-109 helicopter detachment.

Also aboard were surface warfare students, a medical team from the Cavite Naval Hospital, Naval Special Operations Team, Submarine Group, Naval Combat Engineering Brigade Combo and representatives from the Support Base Facilities of Naval Installation Command.

All-in-all, 300 Filipino personnel participated in BRP Ramon Alcaraz's port visit, Lincuna said.

"During the port visit, the head of mission, Commodore Albert A Mogol, together with Capt. Dennis Rommel Quines, and the commanding officer of FF16, Cmdr. Jeff Rene Nadugo, paid a courtesy call to the Commander of Naval Region 4, Vietnam People’s Navy and the Leader of Khanh Hoa Province Committee in Nah Trang to engage in a dialogue and establish strategic partnership on maritime security and sustain a mutual respect and cooperation," Lincuna said.

He added the visit also provided training opportunity for 20 students of Surface Warfare Commanders Course to be able to have a friendly exchange of knowledge with VPN officers and to expose themselves on good seamanship.

"The port visit was a bilateral engagement between the PN and the VPN’s to strengthen alliance and commitment towards peace and stability in the maritime region by promoting naval diplomacy, camaraderie and fostering goodwill. During the port visit, series of events were conducted such as combined planning for Passing exercise (PASSEX) to enhance the interoperability between the two navies, goodwill games, city tour and social interaction," Lincuna said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=947744

DND official confirms Chinese firearms offer to PHL

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 12): DND official confirms Chinese firearms offer to PHL

A ranking Department of National Defense (DND) official admitted that the People's Republic of China has indeed made an offer to provide Philippine special forces with firearms but said the types are still to be determine.

This was disclosed Monday by DND undersecretary for finance, munitions, installations and materiel Raymundo Elefante.

He added they are still looking at China's offerings and determine what it is best for the Philippines.

Elefante said they are still planning on what specific time or date to go into China to evaluate the offer of which payment terms are spread in a 25-year period.

Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte said he ordered DND chief Delfin Lorenzana to check on China's offer.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=947767