From Rappler (May 28): 19 civilians killed in Marawi siege – military
The casualties include 3 women and a child who were found dead near a university, says the Armed Forces of the Philippines
Islamist militants locked in street-to-street battles with security forces in Marawi City have killed 19 civilians, the military said on Sunday, May 28, bringing the official death toll from nearly a week of fighting to at least 85.
The violence prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to declare martial law in Mindanao to quell what he said was a fast-growing threat of militants linked to the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist group.
Authorities said the militants had killed 19 civilians in Marawi City, a mostly Muslim-populated city of 200,000 people. These included 3 women and a child who were found dead near a university. (LOOK: Marawi: Images from a ghost town)
"These are civilians, women. These terrorists are anti-people. We found their bodies while conducting rescue operations [on Saturday]," regional military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Jo-ar Herrera told Agence France-Presse.
Another 8 bodies were found by a road in the outskirts of the city on Sunday, with local residents identifying them as employees of a rice mill and a medical college.
Herrera said the military had yet to investigate the reported deaths.
The violence began when dozens of gunmen went on a rampage after security forces attempted to arrest Isnilon Hapilon, a veteran Filipino militant regarded as the local leader of ISIS. (WATCH: In Marawi, the exodus continues)
The gunmen planted black ISIS flags, took a priest and up to 14 other people hostage from a church, and set fire to buildings.
Thirteen soldiers, two policemen and 51 militants have died in the fighting, according to authorities. This brings the combined official death toll to at least 85.
Most of the city's residents have fled because of the fighting, which has seen the military heavily bomb residential areas where the militants were believed to be hiding.
The military announced on Saturday, the start of the Holy month of Ramadan, that it would intensify the bombing campaign.
"In as much as we would like to avoid collateral damage, these rebels are forcing the hand of government by hiding and holding out inside private homes, government buildings and other facilities," military spokesman Brigadier-General Restituto Padilla said.
"Their refusal to surrender is holding the city captive. Hence, it is now increasingly becoming necessary to use more surgical airstrikes to clear the city and to bring this rebellion to a quicker end."
Duterte and military chiefs have said most of the militants belong to the local Maute group, which they estimate has about 260 armed followers and has declared allegiance to ISIS.
But Duterte has said local criminals are backing the Maute group in Marawi.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/171190-maute-group-siege-marawi-death-toll-military
Saturday, May 27, 2017
Cotabato to extend aid to cops hurt in twin roadside blasts
From MindaNews (May 27): Cotabato to extend aid to cops hurt in twin roadside blasts
The Cotabato provincial government will provide financial assistance to policemen who were wounded in two roadside blasts here on Friday.
In a statement, Cotabato Governor Lala Mendoza said she has already ordered fund release for the hospitalization and cash assistance to Police Officer 1 (PO1) Ronald Espanola of the Arakan municipal police station and PO1 Kenneth Enghog, PO1 Jorvel Baliguat, and PO2 Reymiel Sarigumba, all members of the Magpet municipal police office.
Espanola was hurt during the first explosion which took place along Sitio Panabang, Barangay Binoligan, around 9 a.m., Friday. He was aboard a patrol car headed for the provincial police headquarters in Barangay Amas, this city, for security briefing.
The other three policemen from Magpet sustained injuries in their heads and lower extremities during the roadside bombing which took place at Purok Uno, Barangay Marbel, around 2 p.m., also on Friday.
The victims were aboard a mobile unit when an improvised explosive device planted along the Kidapawan-Magpet road went off.
Mendoza has ordered the provincial police director, Senior Supt. Emmanuel Peralta, to conduct thorough investigation of the twin blasts and arrest the perpetrators.
“I condemn these monstrous acts of violence and I will make sure that justice would be served,” she said.
The Kidapawan City police office, citing as basis the reports of the scene of the crime operatives said the two bombs “were of the same make”.
“With this, we can safely say that only one group was behind the blasts,” said city police director, Supt. Leo Ajero.
Earlier, a member of the New Peoples’ Army Guerrilla Front 53 sent text messages to some local reporters owning up to the blasts, saying they did it in retaliation to what the 39th Infantry Battalion did to their group in Barangay Salat, President Roxas town.
1Lt Silver Belvis, 39th IB spokesperson said they used aerial attack or “indirect fires through close air support” against their targets at Barangay Salat.
“We were outnumbered then when we went to the area so we needed aerial support. We were only 24, while our enemies were at 60 plus,” said Belvis.
The mortar and aerial attacks on Thursday led to the death and wounding of civilians, all Moro residents of Salat, said Mary Joy Mirasol, chairperson of Karapatan-North Cotabato.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/05/cotabato-to-extend-aid-to-cops-hurt-in-twin-roadside-blasts/
The Cotabato provincial government will provide financial assistance to policemen who were wounded in two roadside blasts here on Friday.
In a statement, Cotabato Governor Lala Mendoza said she has already ordered fund release for the hospitalization and cash assistance to Police Officer 1 (PO1) Ronald Espanola of the Arakan municipal police station and PO1 Kenneth Enghog, PO1 Jorvel Baliguat, and PO2 Reymiel Sarigumba, all members of the Magpet municipal police office.
Espanola was hurt during the first explosion which took place along Sitio Panabang, Barangay Binoligan, around 9 a.m., Friday. He was aboard a patrol car headed for the provincial police headquarters in Barangay Amas, this city, for security briefing.
The other three policemen from Magpet sustained injuries in their heads and lower extremities during the roadside bombing which took place at Purok Uno, Barangay Marbel, around 2 p.m., also on Friday.
The victims were aboard a mobile unit when an improvised explosive device planted along the Kidapawan-Magpet road went off.
Mendoza has ordered the provincial police director, Senior Supt. Emmanuel Peralta, to conduct thorough investigation of the twin blasts and arrest the perpetrators.
“I condemn these monstrous acts of violence and I will make sure that justice would be served,” she said.
The Kidapawan City police office, citing as basis the reports of the scene of the crime operatives said the two bombs “were of the same make”.
“With this, we can safely say that only one group was behind the blasts,” said city police director, Supt. Leo Ajero.
Earlier, a member of the New Peoples’ Army Guerrilla Front 53 sent text messages to some local reporters owning up to the blasts, saying they did it in retaliation to what the 39th Infantry Battalion did to their group in Barangay Salat, President Roxas town.
1Lt Silver Belvis, 39th IB spokesperson said they used aerial attack or “indirect fires through close air support” against their targets at Barangay Salat.
“We were outnumbered then when we went to the area so we needed aerial support. We were only 24, while our enemies were at 60 plus,” said Belvis.
The mortar and aerial attacks on Thursday led to the death and wounding of civilians, all Moro residents of Salat, said Mary Joy Mirasol, chairperson of Karapatan-North Cotabato.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/05/cotabato-to-extend-aid-to-cops-hurt-in-twin-roadside-blasts/
5th round of GRP-NDF peace talks called off; Duterte says no to talks for now
From MindaNews (May 27): 5th round of GRP-NDF peace talks called off; Duterte says no to talks for now
The 5th round of formal peace talks scheduled May 27 to June 2 in The Netherlands, has been called off, following President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to the government peace panel not to sit across the negotiating table “until such time as there are clear indications that an enabling environment conducive to achieving just and sustainable peace in the land” can be had, the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process said.
“The government panel is now left without any other recourse but to announce, with due respects to our counterparts and to our facilitator, the Royal Norwegian Government that it will not proceed to participate in the scheduled 5th round of peace negotiations,” Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza announced in a press conference in Noordwijk, The Netherlands.
Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process Jesus Dureza announces the decision of the Philippine peace panel not to participate in the 5th rounds of talks in Noordwijk, The Netherlands, OPAPP/Edwin Espejo
Dureza told MindaNews in a text message that the decision to stay away from the negotiating table for now was made during the Cabinet meeting that President Duterte convened Thursday at the Presidential Guest House in Davao City. Also present then were the top officials of the military and police, the Senate President and the House Speaker.
In February, Duterte also ordered the suspension of talks following the announcement by Jorge Madlos, spokesperson of the New People’s Army that they would lift their unilateral ceasefire by February 10. Hours after Madlos’ announcement, however, four soldiers were killed. Informal talks were held in March and the 4th round of formal talks resumed on April 2 to 6.
Dureza and government peace panel chair Silvestre Bello III left for the Netherlands on Friday morning to formally notify the National Democratic Front and the third party facilitator, the Royal Norwegian Government, of the President’s decision. The other members of the panel had earlier arrived in the Netherlands.
Dureza cited seven “challenges” that he said must be addressed as these “now put at great risk our efforts to stay the course of peace.”
Dureza said the declaration of martial law by President Duterte on May 23 was “principally directed at extremists and terrorists who openly and defiantly challenged the government and put to harm the Filipino people” triggered by the still ongoing violence in the Islamic City of Marawi.
“As we always say and we will continue to say so: the road to peace is not a well paved road. It has humps and bumps along the way. But let’s all stay the course in this not- so-easy road to peace in our land,” Dureza concluded his statement.
Dureza, however, told MindaNews that there would be a meeting with the NDF at 5 p.m. (11 p.m. in Manila).
A day after Duterte declared martial law, the CPP denounced him for imposing martial law in Mindanao. It called on the NPA to “plan and carry out more tactical offensives across Mindanao and the entire archipelago.”
The NPA, it added, “must be ready to accelerate the recruitment of new Red fighters as Duterte’s martial law convinces more and more people to take up arms against the rotten system.”
In response, Bello in a statement on May 25, said the CPP’s statement was, at the very least, “an insult to the candor and genuineness displayed by the President and the GRP panel in talking peace” and at worst, “betrays the absence of sincerity in the CPP in the negotiating table.”
Bello called on the CPP to recall its order to the NPA. “Lest it be construed as abetting the criminal and terror acts of the Maute Group and a gang of Moro bandits, we put the CPP to task to correct its error and recall its senseless order.”
http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2017/05/5th-round-of-grp-ndf-peace-talks-called-off-duterte-says-no-to-talks-for-now/
The 5th round of formal peace talks scheduled May 27 to June 2 in The Netherlands, has been called off, following President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to the government peace panel not to sit across the negotiating table “until such time as there are clear indications that an enabling environment conducive to achieving just and sustainable peace in the land” can be had, the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process said.
“The government panel is now left without any other recourse but to announce, with due respects to our counterparts and to our facilitator, the Royal Norwegian Government that it will not proceed to participate in the scheduled 5th round of peace negotiations,” Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza announced in a press conference in Noordwijk, The Netherlands.
Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process Jesus Dureza announces the decision of the Philippine peace panel not to participate in the 5th rounds of talks in Noordwijk, The Netherlands, OPAPP/Edwin Espejo
Dureza told MindaNews in a text message that the decision to stay away from the negotiating table for now was made during the Cabinet meeting that President Duterte convened Thursday at the Presidential Guest House in Davao City. Also present then were the top officials of the military and police, the Senate President and the House Speaker.
In February, Duterte also ordered the suspension of talks following the announcement by Jorge Madlos, spokesperson of the New People’s Army that they would lift their unilateral ceasefire by February 10. Hours after Madlos’ announcement, however, four soldiers were killed. Informal talks were held in March and the 4th round of formal talks resumed on April 2 to 6.
Dureza and government peace panel chair Silvestre Bello III left for the Netherlands on Friday morning to formally notify the National Democratic Front and the third party facilitator, the Royal Norwegian Government, of the President’s decision. The other members of the panel had earlier arrived in the Netherlands.
Dureza cited seven “challenges” that he said must be addressed as these “now put at great risk our efforts to stay the course of peace.”
- The noticeable upscale of incidents of offensive attacks by the NPA (New People’s Army) throughout the country;
- The seeming perception of the bigger public that these NPA operations are in open and public defiance of President Duterte who has consistently accommodated them in unprecedented ways;
- The renewed surfacing of public apprehension questioning the sincerity of the CPP/NPA/NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines New Peoples’ Army / National Democratic Front) in the peace talks;
- The public admissions of some panel members of the CPP/NPA NDF leaders that they have no control over their forces on the ground;
- The sudden and perceptible erosion of public support to the peace talks with strong messages received from the public to altogether stop peace negotiations;
- The clamor now to pursue instead localized peace talks;
- And the latest and recent President’s public statements that he will no longer sign agreements with the CPP/NPA/NDF if all of these will continue and (are) not addressed.
Dureza said the declaration of martial law by President Duterte on May 23 was “principally directed at extremists and terrorists who openly and defiantly challenged the government and put to harm the Filipino people” triggered by the still ongoing violence in the Islamic City of Marawi.
“As we always say and we will continue to say so: the road to peace is not a well paved road. It has humps and bumps along the way. But let’s all stay the course in this not- so-easy road to peace in our land,” Dureza concluded his statement.
Dureza, however, told MindaNews that there would be a meeting with the NDF at 5 p.m. (11 p.m. in Manila).
A day after Duterte declared martial law, the CPP denounced him for imposing martial law in Mindanao. It called on the NPA to “plan and carry out more tactical offensives across Mindanao and the entire archipelago.”
The NPA, it added, “must be ready to accelerate the recruitment of new Red fighters as Duterte’s martial law convinces more and more people to take up arms against the rotten system.”
In response, Bello in a statement on May 25, said the CPP’s statement was, at the very least, “an insult to the candor and genuineness displayed by the President and the GRP panel in talking peace” and at worst, “betrays the absence of sincerity in the CPP in the negotiating table.”
Bello called on the CPP to recall its order to the NPA. “Lest it be construed as abetting the criminal and terror acts of the Maute Group and a gang of Moro bandits, we put the CPP to task to correct its error and recall its senseless order.”
http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2017/05/5th-round-of-grp-ndf-peace-talks-called-off-duterte-says-no-to-talks-for-now/
Photo: Battle in Marawi
From MindaNews (May 27): Photo: Battle in Marawi
Army Scout Rangers take cover behind a military truck after Maute gunmen fired shots at them in Marawi City on May 27, 2017. MindaNews photo by Froilan Gallardo
http://www.mindanews.com/photo-of-the-day/2017/05/battle-in-marawi/
Army Scout Rangers take cover behind a military truck after Maute gunmen fired shots at them in Marawi City on May 27, 2017. MindaNews photo by Froilan Gallardo
http://www.mindanews.com/photo-of-the-day/2017/05/battle-in-marawi/
6 cops wounded in Kidapawan City bombings
From the Mindanao Examiner (May 27): 6 cops wounded in Kidapawan City bombings
Six policemen were injured in twin bombings believed carried out by communist rebels on Friday, May 26, 2017 in Kidapawan City in southern Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner Photo – Rhoderick Beñez)
KIDAPAWAN CITY – At least 6 policemen were injured in separate roadside bombings on Friday believed carried out by communist rebels in North Cotabato province in southern Philippines, officials said.
Officials said the first attack occurred in the morning along the highway in Kidapawan City that wounded 2 policemen. And six hours later, another bomb was detonated in not far away from the highway.
The twin attacks came just a day after the New People’s Army ordered an all-out offensives against the government – despite ongoing peace talks – after President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law in the whole of Southern Philippines to address the breakout of violence in Marawi City in nearby Lanao del Sur province following a deadly raid by the jihadist Maute group.
The military did not issue any statement on the latest communist attacks which broke out a day after government forces killed 2 Abu Sayyaf militants in a firefight in Basilan province that also left 3 pro-government militias injured.
The clash erupted in the village of Guinante in Al-Barka town, according to security officials, who identified the slain militants as Nasirin Awwalin and Hasmin Lajid – who were followers of Abu Sayyaf leader Nurhassan Jamiri.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/6-cops-wounded-in-kidapawan-city-bombings/
Six policemen were injured in twin bombings believed carried out by communist rebels on Friday, May 26, 2017 in Kidapawan City in southern Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner Photo – Rhoderick Beñez)
KIDAPAWAN CITY – At least 6 policemen were injured in separate roadside bombings on Friday believed carried out by communist rebels in North Cotabato province in southern Philippines, officials said.
Officials said the first attack occurred in the morning along the highway in Kidapawan City that wounded 2 policemen. And six hours later, another bomb was detonated in not far away from the highway.
The twin attacks came just a day after the New People’s Army ordered an all-out offensives against the government – despite ongoing peace talks – after President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law in the whole of Southern Philippines to address the breakout of violence in Marawi City in nearby Lanao del Sur province following a deadly raid by the jihadist Maute group.
The military did not issue any statement on the latest communist attacks which broke out a day after government forces killed 2 Abu Sayyaf militants in a firefight in Basilan province that also left 3 pro-government militias injured.
The clash erupted in the village of Guinante in Al-Barka town, according to security officials, who identified the slain militants as Nasirin Awwalin and Hasmin Lajid – who were followers of Abu Sayyaf leader Nurhassan Jamiri.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/6-cops-wounded-in-kidapawan-city-bombings/
Military planes bomb ISIS targets in Philippines
From the Mindanao Examiner (May 27): Military planes bomb ISIS targets in Philippines
Military aircrafts on Saturday continue to bomb enemy targets in Marawi City where jihadists were holed out as security forces battled ISIS-affiliate Maute group and their armed supporters fighting for the establishment of a caliphate in the restive Muslim region of Mindanao.
Several houses, including one owned by a lawmaker, were blasted as television crew members dangerously sneaked in Bangon, one of villages bombed by the air force. One villager, guiding journalists, said the bomb destroyed the house of a lawmaker. A video of the aftermath of the air strike was also uploaded on social media and it showed the house hit by the bomb still burning. “The village is empty. Everybody has evacuated. That house is also empty, but they still bombed it,” the guide said.
The Western Mindanao Command confirmed the air strikes and said it targeted Maute fighters hiding out in different houses and buildings there. “As fighting continues in Marawi, our units are constrained to launch airstrikes to identified specific targets occupied by the Maute/ISIS terrorist group. These terrorist atrocities continue sow terror and confusion even to non-combatant Muslims and Christians.” Said Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, chief of the Western Mindanao Command.
He also sought the help of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and rival Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and apologized to tens of thousands of people affected and displaced by the war. “Nais naming humingi ng paumanhin sa lahat ng mamamayang apektado, sa mga kapatid naming Muslim lalong lalo na sa mga miyembro ng MILF at MNLF, humihingi kami ng pang unawa sa pangyayari ngayon. Nawa’y magtulungan tayo sa mga panahong ito, at ating paigtingin ang samahang nabuo sa mga nakaraang mga pagsubok na ating nalampasan,” Galvez said.
He said troops will also be deployed in different mosques to protect Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan. Since the start of the violence, it was only on Saturday that authorities shut down cell sites in Marawi City and effectively cutting off mobile phones communications among ISIS fighters and their allies.
The military on Friday said security forces had killed nearly three dozen militants, including foreign fighters, in continuing offensives against the Maute group. But 6 soldiers were also slain and 7 more wounded on Friday in street battles in Marawi.
“As of this report, 31 terrorist were already neutralized and 6 high-powered firearms were recovered by the troops. Our troops are doing deliberate operations in areas we believe are still occupied or infested with the terrorist’s presence. I specifically ordered our soldiers to locate and destroy these terrorists as soon as possible,” said Brigadier General Rolando Bautista, commander of military forces fighting the Maute group.
But it was unclear whether the casualties were based on intelligence reports since not a single body of militants had been recovered by troops, except for one fighter who died while being operated at a hospital early on the siege.
However, Malaysian media – quoting unnamed intelligence sources – reported that two Malaysians, Abdulrahman Asmawi from Kelantan and Kamsa Yahya from Kedah; and an Indonesian militant, Shei Ayman Marjuki, and an Arab sheik, Ahmad Balkafi, – were among those killed in Marawi.
Malaysian newspaper The Star also reported that former Universiti Malaya lecturer Dr Mahmud Ahmad, also known as Abu Handzalah, is also in Marawi and helping Abu Sayyaf chieftain and local ISIS leader Isnilon Hapilon in putting up a caliphate in the southern region.
Troops were trying desperately to drive the militants out in the open as security forces cordoned off Marawi to prevent the jihadists from escaping. But there were no signs the militants were backing down, although they earlier threatened to execute over a dozen civilian hostages, including a Catholic priest, should security forces continue with its assaults.
The fighting began on May 23 when militants occupied Marawi, the capital of Lanao del Sur in the Muslim autonomous region. Photos of militants also surfaced in social media with one picture showing 3 heavily-armed jihadists posing on top of a destroyed army tank in Marawi. Other photos showed the militants manning roadblocks in the city.
The militants, who pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, forged an alliance with various jihadist groups, including the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and the notorious Abu Sayyaf group.
Galvez again appealed to citizens to help them fight terrorism by providing intelligence on the militants. Galvez earlier vowed to crush the Maute group in two days. “We once more call on the people in the community to join us fight terrorism. Provide your security forces with information that will contribute to the neutralization of these agents of deaths and destruction. We will exhaust all efforts to crush the remaining Maute members so that the people of Marawi City can go back to their homes the soonest,” he said.
The siege of Marawi by ISIS fighters has forced President Rodrigo Duterte to cut short his four-day visit to Russia and rushed back home to personally address the critical situation. Before heading back to the Philippines, Duterte declared a 60-day martial law in the whole of Southern Philippines in an effort to destroy the Maute group and end the violence in Marawi.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/military-planes-bomb-isis-targets-in-philippines/
Military aircrafts on Saturday continue to bomb enemy targets in Marawi City where jihadists were holed out as security forces battled ISIS-affiliate Maute group and their armed supporters fighting for the establishment of a caliphate in the restive Muslim region of Mindanao.
Several houses, including one owned by a lawmaker, were blasted as television crew members dangerously sneaked in Bangon, one of villages bombed by the air force. One villager, guiding journalists, said the bomb destroyed the house of a lawmaker. A video of the aftermath of the air strike was also uploaded on social media and it showed the house hit by the bomb still burning. “The village is empty. Everybody has evacuated. That house is also empty, but they still bombed it,” the guide said.
The Western Mindanao Command confirmed the air strikes and said it targeted Maute fighters hiding out in different houses and buildings there. “As fighting continues in Marawi, our units are constrained to launch airstrikes to identified specific targets occupied by the Maute/ISIS terrorist group. These terrorist atrocities continue sow terror and confusion even to non-combatant Muslims and Christians.” Said Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, chief of the Western Mindanao Command.
He also sought the help of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and rival Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and apologized to tens of thousands of people affected and displaced by the war. “Nais naming humingi ng paumanhin sa lahat ng mamamayang apektado, sa mga kapatid naming Muslim lalong lalo na sa mga miyembro ng MILF at MNLF, humihingi kami ng pang unawa sa pangyayari ngayon. Nawa’y magtulungan tayo sa mga panahong ito, at ating paigtingin ang samahang nabuo sa mga nakaraang mga pagsubok na ating nalampasan,” Galvez said.
He said troops will also be deployed in different mosques to protect Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan. Since the start of the violence, it was only on Saturday that authorities shut down cell sites in Marawi City and effectively cutting off mobile phones communications among ISIS fighters and their allies.
The military on Friday said security forces had killed nearly three dozen militants, including foreign fighters, in continuing offensives against the Maute group. But 6 soldiers were also slain and 7 more wounded on Friday in street battles in Marawi.
“As of this report, 31 terrorist were already neutralized and 6 high-powered firearms were recovered by the troops. Our troops are doing deliberate operations in areas we believe are still occupied or infested with the terrorist’s presence. I specifically ordered our soldiers to locate and destroy these terrorists as soon as possible,” said Brigadier General Rolando Bautista, commander of military forces fighting the Maute group.
But it was unclear whether the casualties were based on intelligence reports since not a single body of militants had been recovered by troops, except for one fighter who died while being operated at a hospital early on the siege.
However, Malaysian media – quoting unnamed intelligence sources – reported that two Malaysians, Abdulrahman Asmawi from Kelantan and Kamsa Yahya from Kedah; and an Indonesian militant, Shei Ayman Marjuki, and an Arab sheik, Ahmad Balkafi, – were among those killed in Marawi.
Malaysian newspaper The Star also reported that former Universiti Malaya lecturer Dr Mahmud Ahmad, also known as Abu Handzalah, is also in Marawi and helping Abu Sayyaf chieftain and local ISIS leader Isnilon Hapilon in putting up a caliphate in the southern region.
Troops were trying desperately to drive the militants out in the open as security forces cordoned off Marawi to prevent the jihadists from escaping. But there were no signs the militants were backing down, although they earlier threatened to execute over a dozen civilian hostages, including a Catholic priest, should security forces continue with its assaults.
The fighting began on May 23 when militants occupied Marawi, the capital of Lanao del Sur in the Muslim autonomous region. Photos of militants also surfaced in social media with one picture showing 3 heavily-armed jihadists posing on top of a destroyed army tank in Marawi. Other photos showed the militants manning roadblocks in the city.
The militants, who pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, forged an alliance with various jihadist groups, including the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and the notorious Abu Sayyaf group.
Galvez again appealed to citizens to help them fight terrorism by providing intelligence on the militants. Galvez earlier vowed to crush the Maute group in two days. “We once more call on the people in the community to join us fight terrorism. Provide your security forces with information that will contribute to the neutralization of these agents of deaths and destruction. We will exhaust all efforts to crush the remaining Maute members so that the people of Marawi City can go back to their homes the soonest,” he said.
The siege of Marawi by ISIS fighters has forced President Rodrigo Duterte to cut short his four-day visit to Russia and rushed back home to personally address the critical situation. Before heading back to the Philippines, Duterte declared a 60-day martial law in the whole of Southern Philippines in an effort to destroy the Maute group and end the violence in Marawi.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/military-planes-bomb-isis-targets-in-philippines/
Duterte 'offers peaceful dialogue' to terrorists
From CNN Philippines (May 27): Duterte 'offers peaceful dialogue' to terrorists
The Duterte government offers to talk peace with terrorists as it prays for an end to conflict on the first day of Ramadan, Malacañang said Saturday.
"In this spirit of Muslim peace, the President has offered the hand of peaceful dialogue to terrorist groups, to avoid bloodshed in this time of prayer, fasting, and mercy," Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said in a statement.
The administration expressed support as Muslim faithful begin Ramadan, a month-long observance of prayer and fasting.
"Together we pray for an end to terrorism that falsely claims to advance Islam and seeks to subjugate our land to the brutal IS," Abella said.
Foreign terrorists are trying to establish an ISIS (Islamic State) presence in Marawi City to gain a foothold in Mindanao, government officials said on Friday.
Also read: Mindanao invaded by foreign terrorists - gov't
Terrorism expert Rohan Gunaratna told CNN Philippines on Friday that the Maute group is being guided by the ISIS, one of world's most ruthless terrorist organizations. He said President Rodrigo Duterte needs "high-grade, high-quality intelligence" to fight the ISIS.
Duterte on Friday admitted, "You can say that the ISIS is here already."
Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao on May 23, following clashes between government troops and the Maute terror group in Marawi City in Lanao del Sur.
Related: Possible nationwide martial law; could last longer - Duterte
Meanwhile, authorities implement tight security measures in Quiapo, Manila, where Filipino Muslims converge in mosques for the observance of Ramadan.
Many of them condemn terror attacks of Muslim extremists which they say distort the way people view Islam.
http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2017/05/27/Duterte-terrorists-ramadan.html
The Duterte government offers to talk peace with terrorists as it prays for an end to conflict on the first day of Ramadan, Malacañang said Saturday.
"In this spirit of Muslim peace, the President has offered the hand of peaceful dialogue to terrorist groups, to avoid bloodshed in this time of prayer, fasting, and mercy," Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said in a statement.
The administration expressed support as Muslim faithful begin Ramadan, a month-long observance of prayer and fasting.
"Together we pray for an end to terrorism that falsely claims to advance Islam and seeks to subjugate our land to the brutal IS," Abella said.
Foreign terrorists are trying to establish an ISIS (Islamic State) presence in Marawi City to gain a foothold in Mindanao, government officials said on Friday.
Also read: Mindanao invaded by foreign terrorists - gov't
Terrorism expert Rohan Gunaratna told CNN Philippines on Friday that the Maute group is being guided by the ISIS, one of world's most ruthless terrorist organizations. He said President Rodrigo Duterte needs "high-grade, high-quality intelligence" to fight the ISIS.
Duterte on Friday admitted, "You can say that the ISIS is here already."
Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao on May 23, following clashes between government troops and the Maute terror group in Marawi City in Lanao del Sur.
Related: Possible nationwide martial law; could last longer - Duterte
Meanwhile, authorities implement tight security measures in Quiapo, Manila, where Filipino Muslims converge in mosques for the observance of Ramadan.
Many of them condemn terror attacks of Muslim extremists which they say distort the way people view Islam.
http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2017/05/27/Duterte-terrorists-ramadan.html
President Duterte to troops on terror drive: ‘We will win’
From the Philippine News Agency (May 27): President Duterte to troops on terror drive: ‘We will win’
“We will overcome, we will win,” President Rodrigo Duterte told soldiers Friday in Iligan City, referring to the war against local terror groups in the country.
The President issued the pronouncement as sporadic fighting between government troops and local terror groups continued in some parts of Marawi City, 45 kilometers southwest of Iligan City.
Clashes between the government troops and the Maute and Abu Sayyaf terror groups erupted Tuesday afternoon in Marawi. State forces were out to arrest top Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, who was reportedly coddled by the Maute Group.
The military reported that as of midnight Thursday, 31 terrorists and 11 government troops were killed and 55 others were wounded in the clashes that displaced thousands of residents.
Duterte, accompanied by top cabinet officials, arrived in Iligan City at around 4:00 p.m. Friday to visit the wounded government troops and the evacuees who sought refuge in the city.
In his short talk aired live on television, Duterte confirmed before soldiers of the Army's 2nd Mechanized Brigade the presence of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Mindanao.
Obviously to raise the morale of the state forces, Duterte said that there is no reason that “we could not win because the military has modern weapons, air assets and modern medical equipment.”
“There is always a time for everything — a time for peace and a time for war. In the meantime, let us fight for the country. But just be careful,” Duterte said.
He said that if given a chance, he would fight side by side with the government forces, but his body could no longer sustain the physical rigors.
“I am here to say to you to fight, I will pray for you, and answer everything,” Duterte said.
The President disclosed that he asked Russian President Vladimir Putin for a soft loan to acquire modern weapons to fight the terrorists.
Duterte reiterated the government will crush down the terrorists who will not yield peacefully.
“I want them to lay down their firearms. But for the hardliners, let us go to war...My instruction is to kill them,” he said.
Duterte said that the Maute brothers were former policemen in Manila who were drawn to illegal drugs.
From Manila, the Maute brothers went home to Marawi and operated the largest shabu factory in the area, the President said.
Their firearms were locally manufactured, he added.
The Maute Group started from the shabu business until they were recruited by Isnilon Hapilon, an Abu Sayaff leader who professed to be recognized by the ISIS, Duterte said.
Duterte also disclosed that the local ISIS is supported by disgruntled politicians and drug lords.
He said the government would not stop until the conflict in Marawi is resolved.
“Let us pray for the deliverance that our men would not suffer casualties, he said.
On the implementation of martial law, Duterte reiterated his instruction to kill the armed men who fight the government.
“I am here to say to you, ‘fight.’ I will pray for you and would answer everything,” Duterte said.
He said that under the “ramification” of martial law, “I, and I alone would be responsible. Just do your job.”
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991324
“We will overcome, we will win,” President Rodrigo Duterte told soldiers Friday in Iligan City, referring to the war against local terror groups in the country.
The President issued the pronouncement as sporadic fighting between government troops and local terror groups continued in some parts of Marawi City, 45 kilometers southwest of Iligan City.
Clashes between the government troops and the Maute and Abu Sayyaf terror groups erupted Tuesday afternoon in Marawi. State forces were out to arrest top Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, who was reportedly coddled by the Maute Group.
The military reported that as of midnight Thursday, 31 terrorists and 11 government troops were killed and 55 others were wounded in the clashes that displaced thousands of residents.
Duterte, accompanied by top cabinet officials, arrived in Iligan City at around 4:00 p.m. Friday to visit the wounded government troops and the evacuees who sought refuge in the city.
In his short talk aired live on television, Duterte confirmed before soldiers of the Army's 2nd Mechanized Brigade the presence of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Mindanao.
Obviously to raise the morale of the state forces, Duterte said that there is no reason that “we could not win because the military has modern weapons, air assets and modern medical equipment.”
“There is always a time for everything — a time for peace and a time for war. In the meantime, let us fight for the country. But just be careful,” Duterte said.
He said that if given a chance, he would fight side by side with the government forces, but his body could no longer sustain the physical rigors.
“I am here to say to you to fight, I will pray for you, and answer everything,” Duterte said.
The President disclosed that he asked Russian President Vladimir Putin for a soft loan to acquire modern weapons to fight the terrorists.
Duterte reiterated the government will crush down the terrorists who will not yield peacefully.
“I want them to lay down their firearms. But for the hardliners, let us go to war...My instruction is to kill them,” he said.
Duterte said that the Maute brothers were former policemen in Manila who were drawn to illegal drugs.
From Manila, the Maute brothers went home to Marawi and operated the largest shabu factory in the area, the President said.
Their firearms were locally manufactured, he added.
The Maute Group started from the shabu business until they were recruited by Isnilon Hapilon, an Abu Sayaff leader who professed to be recognized by the ISIS, Duterte said.
Duterte also disclosed that the local ISIS is supported by disgruntled politicians and drug lords.
He said the government would not stop until the conflict in Marawi is resolved.
“Let us pray for the deliverance that our men would not suffer casualties, he said.
On the implementation of martial law, Duterte reiterated his instruction to kill the armed men who fight the government.
“I am here to say to you, ‘fight.’ I will pray for you and would answer everything,” Duterte said.
He said that under the “ramification” of martial law, “I, and I alone would be responsible. Just do your job.”
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991324
SolGen assures martial law in Mindanao legal, says rebellion now foreign terrorist invasion
From the Philippine News Agency (May 27): SolGen assures martial law in Mindanao legal, says rebellion now foreign terrorist invasion
Solicitor General Jose Calida said his office is ready to defend the legality of proclaiming martial law in Mindanao as President Rodrigo Duterte's decision was based on overwhelming factual evidence.
Calida made the statement in a press conference announcing the soon-to-be launched “Mindanao Hour”, which will provide daily updates on martial law in Mindanao either through press releases or briefings.
Together with Spokesperson Ernesto Abella and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, the Solicitor General briefed the media on the implementation of martial law and the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus.
Calida said, “The proclamation of martial law and suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao should not be a cause for alarm for our law abiding citizens. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has ample factual basis for such procalamation.”
He went on to explain that when the Maute Group decided to link with the international terror group ISIS or “Daesh” in Arabic, it brought in an element of foreign invasion.
Calida said intelligence reports based from publications and literature of the two groups pointed to a joint plan to attack the Philippine government and establish a stronghold in the country. What is even more disconcerting, the Solicitor General said, was that it included plans to target “infidels” or individuals who do not share the same belief as theirs.
It included both Christians and Muslims, he added.
Calida also pointed out that ISIS has already radicalized young Muslims in the country as evidenced by the recent bombing in Davao City as well as several bombings in Cotabato and other parts of Mindanao. He noted that between the Abu Sayyaf and Maute, the latter poses a greater threat to the country’s security because of ties to ISIS.
“What’s happening in Mindanao is no longer a rebellion of Filipino citizens. It has transmogrified into invasion by foreign terrorists who heeded the clarion call of the ISIS to go to the Philippines if they find difficulty in going to Iraq or Syria,” Calida said.
He added that with the planned establishment of an ISIS caliphate in Mindanao, it is rightful that the president exercised his constitutional power to declare martial rule in the entire island.
He then encouraged all law abiding citizens to remain steadfast in their trust on president Duterte that he will do everything in his powers to get rid of the evil besieging the land.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991416
Solicitor General Jose Calida said his office is ready to defend the legality of proclaiming martial law in Mindanao as President Rodrigo Duterte's decision was based on overwhelming factual evidence.
Calida made the statement in a press conference announcing the soon-to-be launched “Mindanao Hour”, which will provide daily updates on martial law in Mindanao either through press releases or briefings.
Together with Spokesperson Ernesto Abella and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, the Solicitor General briefed the media on the implementation of martial law and the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus.
Calida said, “The proclamation of martial law and suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao should not be a cause for alarm for our law abiding citizens. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has ample factual basis for such procalamation.”
He went on to explain that when the Maute Group decided to link with the international terror group ISIS or “Daesh” in Arabic, it brought in an element of foreign invasion.
Calida said intelligence reports based from publications and literature of the two groups pointed to a joint plan to attack the Philippine government and establish a stronghold in the country. What is even more disconcerting, the Solicitor General said, was that it included plans to target “infidels” or individuals who do not share the same belief as theirs.
It included both Christians and Muslims, he added.
Calida also pointed out that ISIS has already radicalized young Muslims in the country as evidenced by the recent bombing in Davao City as well as several bombings in Cotabato and other parts of Mindanao. He noted that between the Abu Sayyaf and Maute, the latter poses a greater threat to the country’s security because of ties to ISIS.
“What’s happening in Mindanao is no longer a rebellion of Filipino citizens. It has transmogrified into invasion by foreign terrorists who heeded the clarion call of the ISIS to go to the Philippines if they find difficulty in going to Iraq or Syria,” Calida said.
He added that with the planned establishment of an ISIS caliphate in Mindanao, it is rightful that the president exercised his constitutional power to declare martial rule in the entire island.
He then encouraged all law abiding citizens to remain steadfast in their trust on president Duterte that he will do everything in his powers to get rid of the evil besieging the land.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991416
AFP: Foreign terrorists in Marawi clash into illegal drug trade
From the Philippine News Agency (May 27): AFP: Foreign terrorists in Marawi clash into illegal drug trade
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Spokesperson Restituto Padilla on Saturday confirmed that foreign terrorists were among those who aided the Maute Group in the siege of Marawi City.
“There are certain foreign elements here who have been in the country for a long time, aiding these terrorists in skills related to terrorism, primarily of bomb-making,” Gen. Padilla said.
According to Padilla, there have been reports of 12 Maute members neutralized in the on-going clearing operations, half of them were Singaporean, Indonesian and Malaysian nationals.
“Some have been here a long time, some of whom have been here helping, teaching, aiding, connecting them and linking these groups,” said Padilla.
While they have yet to confirm the identities of those foreign terrorists who have only just entered the country, the general said that those who have resided here may have been “trying to escape the long arm of the law in their respective countries.”
He also added that most of the members of the Maute Group have been involved in illegal drugs to generate money and purchase artillery.
“The president is right. They are involved in drugs,” he said. “In many of the instances where their camps have been overtaken by our troops, there is evidence of the presence of drug paraphernalia, particularly with this Maute Group, such that our soldiers have been reporting that they’ve been fighting suicidally, meaning, without any regard for their own safety and like zombies.”
On the other hand, a total number of 11 soldiers and two policemen were killed as of Saturday midnight, one was brutally beheaded.
“Our men and women in the Armed Forces are committed to this mission. Because of this commitment, it is sad that we have to offer lives in order to accomplish that,” said Padilla, adding that it is for the exact reason why it’s important for civilians to cooperate.
He also added that now more than ever, it is important for the country to become a member of nations who are collectively working to fight terrorism and extremism.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991417
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Spokesperson Restituto Padilla on Saturday confirmed that foreign terrorists were among those who aided the Maute Group in the siege of Marawi City.
“There are certain foreign elements here who have been in the country for a long time, aiding these terrorists in skills related to terrorism, primarily of bomb-making,” Gen. Padilla said.
According to Padilla, there have been reports of 12 Maute members neutralized in the on-going clearing operations, half of them were Singaporean, Indonesian and Malaysian nationals.
“Some have been here a long time, some of whom have been here helping, teaching, aiding, connecting them and linking these groups,” said Padilla.
While they have yet to confirm the identities of those foreign terrorists who have only just entered the country, the general said that those who have resided here may have been “trying to escape the long arm of the law in their respective countries.”
He also added that most of the members of the Maute Group have been involved in illegal drugs to generate money and purchase artillery.
“The president is right. They are involved in drugs,” he said. “In many of the instances where their camps have been overtaken by our troops, there is evidence of the presence of drug paraphernalia, particularly with this Maute Group, such that our soldiers have been reporting that they’ve been fighting suicidally, meaning, without any regard for their own safety and like zombies.”
On the other hand, a total number of 11 soldiers and two policemen were killed as of Saturday midnight, one was brutally beheaded.
“Our men and women in the Armed Forces are committed to this mission. Because of this commitment, it is sad that we have to offer lives in order to accomplish that,” said Padilla, adding that it is for the exact reason why it’s important for civilians to cooperate.
He also added that now more than ever, it is important for the country to become a member of nations who are collectively working to fight terrorism and extremism.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991417
Army's 7ID intensifies intel ops vs terror activities
From the Philippine News Agency (May 27): Army's 7ID intensifies intel ops vs terror activities
Major Gen. Angelito de Leon, commander of the Philippine Army’s 7th Infantry Division (7ID) based here, directed all units to step up intelligence gathering "to thwart any terror activities by criminal groups".
De Leon, in his order issued Friday night, especially mentioned the New People’s Army (NPA).
The directive was issued “in view of the recent incidents in Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur which prompted President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of martial law in the whole of Mindanao,” said in a statement released by the 7ID’s public information office headed by 1Lt. Cathrine E. Hapin.
It said that intensified intelligence effort was being conducted through the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center at the various levels of Command to ensure peace in its area of responsibility.
“Commander (De Leon) directed field commanders to enhance information gathering to prevent other criminal groups, the NPA included, to conduct terroristic actions,” the statement said.
It added though that there were no monitored terrorist plans within its area of responsibility similar to “the ones happening in Mindanao.”
The 7ID, in tandem with the Philippine National Police (PNP) will initiate visibility patrols and checkpoints in various areas as needed.
Security operations are likewise being conducted in critical infrastructure and government flagship projects to prevent any possible attacks from the NPA.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991435
Major Gen. Angelito de Leon, commander of the Philippine Army’s 7th Infantry Division (7ID) based here, directed all units to step up intelligence gathering "to thwart any terror activities by criminal groups".
De Leon, in his order issued Friday night, especially mentioned the New People’s Army (NPA).
The directive was issued “in view of the recent incidents in Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur which prompted President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of martial law in the whole of Mindanao,” said in a statement released by the 7ID’s public information office headed by 1Lt. Cathrine E. Hapin.
It said that intensified intelligence effort was being conducted through the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center at the various levels of Command to ensure peace in its area of responsibility.
“Commander (De Leon) directed field commanders to enhance information gathering to prevent other criminal groups, the NPA included, to conduct terroristic actions,” the statement said.
It added though that there were no monitored terrorist plans within its area of responsibility similar to “the ones happening in Mindanao.”
The 7ID, in tandem with the Philippine National Police (PNP) will initiate visibility patrols and checkpoints in various areas as needed.
Security operations are likewise being conducted in critical infrastructure and government flagship projects to prevent any possible attacks from the NPA.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991435
Troops ordered to protect mosques amid terror threats
From the Philippine News Agency (May 27): Troops ordered to protect mosques amid terror threats
Government troops have been ordered to secure mosques and other places of worships amid threat from extremist groups as the observance of the holy month of Ramadhan started on Saturday.
“All our personnel in Western Mindanao [Command] (Westmincom) were ordered to carry out security measures to ensure that the vicinity of mosques (masjids) will be secured and the Islamic faithful are free to go there to exercise their religion,” said Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Westmincom chief.
In his Ramadhan message, Galvez also assured that the military was taking all necessary precautions to prevent collateral damages in its efforts to flush-out remaining members of the Maute group in Marawi City.
Ramadhan is a holy month of fasting, introspection and prayers for the followers of Islam.
“As fighting continues in Marawi, our units are constrained to launch airstrikes to identified specific targets occupied by the Maute/ISIS terrorist group,” Galvez said.
“The terrorists actions prevent their fellow Muslims to peacefully and solemnly observe Ramadhan by continuing to occupy buildings and structures in Marawi City. They serve to impede our troops in restoring peace and order in that city,” he said.
“These terrorists atrocities continue (to) sow terror and confusion even to non-combatant Muslims and Christians. Establishments remain non-operational and government services unavailable causing extreme deprivation and hardships to the people,” he added.
He said normally, a Ramadan break was granted to Muslim soldiers but for now they need to give their share of sacrifices to ensure that Islam believers from Marawi City could return home soon and observe Ramadhan.
He added Muslim soldiers were given time to practice their faith but were ordered to be on assignment.
He vowed they would not allow the Maute group to ruin the lives of the Filipinos and “give Islam a bad name”.
“It is in this light that there is a need to deliberately employ forces and air assets to target with precision selected, identified, and already isolated terrorist locations,” he said.
The fighting in Marawi City started on May 23 when the Maute group members laid siege after the troops raided the hideout of Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, who is being protected by the group.
The fighting escalated as Maute group members have occupied several establishments and took civilians, including a priest, as hostages.
Galvez asked for the understanding of the Muslims, particularly the internally displaced persons, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberation Front affected by the Marawi incident.
President Rodrigo Duterte has placed the entire Mindanao under martial law to prevent the spread of conflict and arrest terrorists and their protectors.
To date, 31 Maute group members and 11 soldiers were been killed since the fighting erupted in Marawi City.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991441
Government troops have been ordered to secure mosques and other places of worships amid threat from extremist groups as the observance of the holy month of Ramadhan started on Saturday.
“All our personnel in Western Mindanao [Command] (Westmincom) were ordered to carry out security measures to ensure that the vicinity of mosques (masjids) will be secured and the Islamic faithful are free to go there to exercise their religion,” said Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Westmincom chief.
In his Ramadhan message, Galvez also assured that the military was taking all necessary precautions to prevent collateral damages in its efforts to flush-out remaining members of the Maute group in Marawi City.
Ramadhan is a holy month of fasting, introspection and prayers for the followers of Islam.
“As fighting continues in Marawi, our units are constrained to launch airstrikes to identified specific targets occupied by the Maute/ISIS terrorist group,” Galvez said.
“The terrorists actions prevent their fellow Muslims to peacefully and solemnly observe Ramadhan by continuing to occupy buildings and structures in Marawi City. They serve to impede our troops in restoring peace and order in that city,” he said.
“These terrorists atrocities continue (to) sow terror and confusion even to non-combatant Muslims and Christians. Establishments remain non-operational and government services unavailable causing extreme deprivation and hardships to the people,” he added.
He said normally, a Ramadan break was granted to Muslim soldiers but for now they need to give their share of sacrifices to ensure that Islam believers from Marawi City could return home soon and observe Ramadhan.
He added Muslim soldiers were given time to practice their faith but were ordered to be on assignment.
He vowed they would not allow the Maute group to ruin the lives of the Filipinos and “give Islam a bad name”.
“It is in this light that there is a need to deliberately employ forces and air assets to target with precision selected, identified, and already isolated terrorist locations,” he said.
The fighting in Marawi City started on May 23 when the Maute group members laid siege after the troops raided the hideout of Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, who is being protected by the group.
The fighting escalated as Maute group members have occupied several establishments and took civilians, including a priest, as hostages.
Galvez asked for the understanding of the Muslims, particularly the internally displaced persons, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberation Front affected by the Marawi incident.
President Rodrigo Duterte has placed the entire Mindanao under martial law to prevent the spread of conflict and arrest terrorists and their protectors.
To date, 31 Maute group members and 11 soldiers were been killed since the fighting erupted in Marawi City.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991441
GRP panel pulls out from 5th round of talks with NDFP
From the Philippine News Agency (May 27): GRP panel pulls out from 5th round of talks with NDFP
The government negotiating panel on Saturday afternoon (Manila time) pulled out from the fifth round-of-talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) citing the "blatant and serious challenge" by the communist group to the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte.
In a statement read by Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza in a press conference in Noordwijk Aan Zee, The Netherlands, the government panel cited several other reasons why it withdrew.
One of major setback was the recent public statement of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) ordering the New People's Army to accelerate and intensify attacks against the government following the declaration of martial law in Mindanao even if this was “principally directed at extremists and terrorists who openly and defiantly challenged the government and put to harm the Filipino people."
"By such defiant, blatant and serious challenge by the CPP-NPA-NDF directed at the government under the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte,” Dureza said referring to the CPP call to its armed unit.
This, despite all these gains in the work for peace and despite the personal show of goodwill and trust by the President, according to Dureza.
Among the other reasons are the upscale of incidents of offensive attacks by the NPA nationwide; the seeming perception of the bigger public that the NPA operations are an open and public defiance of the President who has consistently accommodated them in unprecedented ways; the renewed surfacing of public apprehension questioning the sincerity of the CPP-NPA-NDF in the peace talks; the public admission of some panel members of the CPP-NPA-NDF leaders that they have no control over their forces on the ground.
Dureza also mentioned the sudden and perceptible erosion of public support to the peace talks, with strong messages received from the public to altogether stop peace negotiations and the clamor to pursue localized peace talks.
The panel has left without any recourse but not to proceed in the 5th round-of-talks until such time that “there are clear indications that an enabling environment conducive to achieving a just and sustainable peace," Dureza stressed.
"We thank the Royal Norwegian Government which has so far steadfastly and fully supported our joint work for peace for so long. I trust it will understand why we at the Philippine Government side have arrived at the decision," he added.
The 5th round of negotiations would have tackled the socioeconomic reform agenda. Both sides are also expected to tackle the parameters of the bilateral ceasefire agreement.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991477
The government negotiating panel on Saturday afternoon (Manila time) pulled out from the fifth round-of-talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) citing the "blatant and serious challenge" by the communist group to the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte.
In a statement read by Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza in a press conference in Noordwijk Aan Zee, The Netherlands, the government panel cited several other reasons why it withdrew.
One of major setback was the recent public statement of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) ordering the New People's Army to accelerate and intensify attacks against the government following the declaration of martial law in Mindanao even if this was “principally directed at extremists and terrorists who openly and defiantly challenged the government and put to harm the Filipino people."
"By such defiant, blatant and serious challenge by the CPP-NPA-NDF directed at the government under the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte,” Dureza said referring to the CPP call to its armed unit.
This, despite all these gains in the work for peace and despite the personal show of goodwill and trust by the President, according to Dureza.
Among the other reasons are the upscale of incidents of offensive attacks by the NPA nationwide; the seeming perception of the bigger public that the NPA operations are an open and public defiance of the President who has consistently accommodated them in unprecedented ways; the renewed surfacing of public apprehension questioning the sincerity of the CPP-NPA-NDF in the peace talks; the public admission of some panel members of the CPP-NPA-NDF leaders that they have no control over their forces on the ground.
Dureza also mentioned the sudden and perceptible erosion of public support to the peace talks, with strong messages received from the public to altogether stop peace negotiations and the clamor to pursue localized peace talks.
The panel has left without any recourse but not to proceed in the 5th round-of-talks until such time that “there are clear indications that an enabling environment conducive to achieving a just and sustainable peace," Dureza stressed.
"We thank the Royal Norwegian Government which has so far steadfastly and fully supported our joint work for peace for so long. I trust it will understand why we at the Philippine Government side have arrived at the decision," he added.
The 5th round of negotiations would have tackled the socioeconomic reform agenda. Both sides are also expected to tackle the parameters of the bilateral ceasefire agreement.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991477
'Surgical' air strikes to eliminate Maute terrorists - AFP
From the Philippine News Agency (May 27): 'Surgical' air strikes to eliminate Maute terrorists - AFP
Victory through air power.
This is the ace the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is using in a bid to eliminate Maute terrorists from Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur at the fastest possible time and without causing collateral damage to civilians still in the area.
Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, AFP spokesperson, said on Saturday that surgical air strikes was the best way to do this as the terrorists were hiding and holding out inside private homes, government buildings and other facilities.
"Their refusal to surrender is holding the city captive. Hence, it is now increasingly becoming necessary to use more surgical air strikes to clear the city and to bring this rebellion to a quicker end," he said in a text message to PNA.
And while not giving specific on what type of aircraft are being used for these operations, the AFP is known to operate MG-520 and AW-109 attack helicopters along with OV-10 and SF-260 light bombers in the region for counter-terror and anti-insurgency strikes.
"We desire to free Marawi City of these evil forces and make way for a peaceful Ramadhan for our citizens there who have supported our efforts. We appeal for everyones understanding as we take the necessary steps to accomplish our mission and prevent the lost of more innocent lives and damage to private and public property," Padilla said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991469
Victory through air power.
This is the ace the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is using in a bid to eliminate Maute terrorists from Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur at the fastest possible time and without causing collateral damage to civilians still in the area.
Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, AFP spokesperson, said on Saturday that surgical air strikes was the best way to do this as the terrorists were hiding and holding out inside private homes, government buildings and other facilities.
"Their refusal to surrender is holding the city captive. Hence, it is now increasingly becoming necessary to use more surgical air strikes to clear the city and to bring this rebellion to a quicker end," he said in a text message to PNA.
And while not giving specific on what type of aircraft are being used for these operations, the AFP is known to operate MG-520 and AW-109 attack helicopters along with OV-10 and SF-260 light bombers in the region for counter-terror and anti-insurgency strikes.
"We desire to free Marawi City of these evil forces and make way for a peaceful Ramadhan for our citizens there who have supported our efforts. We appeal for everyones understanding as we take the necessary steps to accomplish our mission and prevent the lost of more innocent lives and damage to private and public property," Padilla said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991469
Urban warfare a challenge for soldiers in Marawi
From the Philippine News Agency (May 27): Urban warfare a challenge for soldiers in Marawi
As the fighting between members of a local terror group and the armed forces in Marawi City reaches its fifth day, a military official has admitted it might take some time before the area could be considered as fully neutralized.
Lieutenant General Eduardo Año, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said government soldiers might have the upper hand but the area had proved to be difficult to penetrate.
“We are in total control of the whole area, but it has not been cleared of the terror group because of the urban terrain,” Año told reporters on the sidelines of the visit of President Rodrigo Duterte to the Philippine Army’s 2nd Mechanized Battalion headquarters in Barangay Maria Cristina late Friday afternoon.
Año has placed the number of the Maute Group occupying some structures and houses within Marawi’s downtown at less than a hundred, but the challenge is the insurgents’ position.
“We have to clear one step at a time, house to house, block by block,” he said, adding that the military operations will not be easy in an urban terrain as compared to the rural area.
He said the soldiers used simple tactic in operating in a rural setting which cannot be applied in a city battle. “Here (Marawi) all it takes is for an armed person to position himself inside a building… it would take time before it could be cleared.
To fast track the clearing operations of the military, Año said they had sent more soldiers to Marawi.
“We have enough troops, but we need additional reinforcement to speed up our clearing,” he said without divulging the actual number of soldiers deployed to Marawi.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the situation in Marawi would be normalized before the expiration of the 60-day martial law declared by Duterte.
As of press time, civilians from Marawi continue to arrive at various evacuation sites in neighboring towns and in Iligan City.
In Saguiaran, Lanao del Sur, for instance, there are about 1,300 families staying in the town gymnasium, according to the information provided by the Provincial Crisis Management Committee.
The municipality of Ditsaan Ramain has some 2,737 households, and around 13,000 individuals seeking shelter in the public gymnasium.
In Iligan, there are about 2,000 evacuees at the temporary shelter in Barangay Buru-un, and more than a thousand in Barangay Maria Cristina.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991451
As the fighting between members of a local terror group and the armed forces in Marawi City reaches its fifth day, a military official has admitted it might take some time before the area could be considered as fully neutralized.
Lieutenant General Eduardo Año, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said government soldiers might have the upper hand but the area had proved to be difficult to penetrate.
“We are in total control of the whole area, but it has not been cleared of the terror group because of the urban terrain,” Año told reporters on the sidelines of the visit of President Rodrigo Duterte to the Philippine Army’s 2nd Mechanized Battalion headquarters in Barangay Maria Cristina late Friday afternoon.
Año has placed the number of the Maute Group occupying some structures and houses within Marawi’s downtown at less than a hundred, but the challenge is the insurgents’ position.
“We have to clear one step at a time, house to house, block by block,” he said, adding that the military operations will not be easy in an urban terrain as compared to the rural area.
He said the soldiers used simple tactic in operating in a rural setting which cannot be applied in a city battle. “Here (Marawi) all it takes is for an armed person to position himself inside a building… it would take time before it could be cleared.
To fast track the clearing operations of the military, Año said they had sent more soldiers to Marawi.
“We have enough troops, but we need additional reinforcement to speed up our clearing,” he said without divulging the actual number of soldiers deployed to Marawi.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the situation in Marawi would be normalized before the expiration of the 60-day martial law declared by Duterte.
As of press time, civilians from Marawi continue to arrive at various evacuation sites in neighboring towns and in Iligan City.
In Saguiaran, Lanao del Sur, for instance, there are about 1,300 families staying in the town gymnasium, according to the information provided by the Provincial Crisis Management Committee.
The municipality of Ditsaan Ramain has some 2,737 households, and around 13,000 individuals seeking shelter in the public gymnasium.
In Iligan, there are about 2,000 evacuees at the temporary shelter in Barangay Buru-un, and more than a thousand in Barangay Maria Cristina.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991451
Gov’t releases ‘Martial Law Fast Facts’
From the Philippine News Agency (May 27): Gov’t releases ‘Martial Law Fast Facts’
To prevent misinformation and allay fears of chaos, the government has released a video explaining the basic facts about President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao.
The video, dubbed as ‘Martial Law Fast Facts’, seeks to disseminate proper information in order for Filipinos to understand the constitutional basis of the President’s move.
Key points featured in the video include the duties to be performed by all three branches of the government in case of the President’s declaration of martial law.
“This (video) will give an assurance to our people, especially ordinary peace-loving citizens that it is being resorted to for the general welfare and not for vested interests of our leaders particularly the President and the military/police, they being the implementers,” Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said.
This will be broadcast on People’s Television, Philippine Broadcasting Service and on the websites and Facebook accounts of the PCOO and its attached agencies such as the Philippine Information Agency and Philippine News Agency starting tonight, May 25.
Article VII, Section 18 of the 1987 Constitution states that the President, sitting as the Commander in Chief of the nation’s armed forces, has the power to declare martial law and suspend the writ of habeas corpus to curb lawless violence, invasion or rebellion for a period of 60 days.
Within 48 hours, the President in person or in writing must submit a report to Congress.
The Congress, voting jointly, may revoke or extend the martial law period through a majority vote.
For its part, the Supreme Court may review and decide on the matter within 30 days.
While in an official visit to Russia, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Proclamation 216 which places the entire Mindanao region under martial law following attacks perpetrated by the Maute terror group in Marawi City in the province of Lanao del Sur.
The President cut short his official visit to Russia and returned to the country on Wednesday to personally oversee the situation in Mindanao.
“I will assure you I am not willing to allow abuses. Government is still running, the Congress is functioning, and the courts are open for citizens to seek grievance,” President Duterte said during his arrival in Manila on May 24 from his brief Moscow trip.
The Department of National Defense has also issued a memorandum directing all military units to adhere to the rule of law and exercise respect for human rights in areas where martial law is in effect.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/990946
To prevent misinformation and allay fears of chaos, the government has released a video explaining the basic facts about President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao.
The video, dubbed as ‘Martial Law Fast Facts’, seeks to disseminate proper information in order for Filipinos to understand the constitutional basis of the President’s move.
Key points featured in the video include the duties to be performed by all three branches of the government in case of the President’s declaration of martial law.
“This (video) will give an assurance to our people, especially ordinary peace-loving citizens that it is being resorted to for the general welfare and not for vested interests of our leaders particularly the President and the military/police, they being the implementers,” Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar said.
This will be broadcast on People’s Television, Philippine Broadcasting Service and on the websites and Facebook accounts of the PCOO and its attached agencies such as the Philippine Information Agency and Philippine News Agency starting tonight, May 25.
Article VII, Section 18 of the 1987 Constitution states that the President, sitting as the Commander in Chief of the nation’s armed forces, has the power to declare martial law and suspend the writ of habeas corpus to curb lawless violence, invasion or rebellion for a period of 60 days.
Within 48 hours, the President in person or in writing must submit a report to Congress.
The Congress, voting jointly, may revoke or extend the martial law period through a majority vote.
For its part, the Supreme Court may review and decide on the matter within 30 days.
While in an official visit to Russia, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Proclamation 216 which places the entire Mindanao region under martial law following attacks perpetrated by the Maute terror group in Marawi City in the province of Lanao del Sur.
The President cut short his official visit to Russia and returned to the country on Wednesday to personally oversee the situation in Mindanao.
“I will assure you I am not willing to allow abuses. Government is still running, the Congress is functioning, and the courts are open for citizens to seek grievance,” President Duterte said during his arrival in Manila on May 24 from his brief Moscow trip.
The Department of National Defense has also issued a memorandum directing all military units to adhere to the rule of law and exercise respect for human rights in areas where martial law is in effect.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/990946
‘Extremism and Martial Law’ forum on PTV 4 slated May 26
From the Philippine News Agency (May 27): ‘Extremism and Martial Law’ forum on PTV 4 slated May 26
The People’s Television (PTV) will hold a special forum on Friday, May 26 to discuss President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of martial law in the entire Mindanao following attack of Maute group in Marawi City on May 23.
The event, dubbed as “Extremism and Martial Law”, will have government officials as panelists led by Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, former President Fidel V. Ramos, former Armed Forces of Philippines (AFP) Spokesman Brigadier General Restituto Padilla, Lanao Governor Bombit Adiong, Marawi Mayor Majul Gandamra, former Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, representatives from the academe and civil society such as Professor Ranjit Rye, Head, Political Science Department, UP Diliman; Ramon Casiple, political analyst; Father Rannie Aquino, Dean college of Law San Beda; Dean Butch Jamon, College of Law of De La Salle University, among others, who will provide information for Filipinos to fully understand the constitutional basis of the President’s move on declaring martial law in Mindanao.
The special forum will also clarify misinformation and allay fears of chaos by explaining the basic facts about martial law.
PTV anchors Aljo Bendijo and Kathy San Gabriel will be the moderators of the forum to be held at PIA building, 2:30 p.m. and to be aired around 8 to 9 p.m. on Friday.
While in an official visit to Russia, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Proclamation No. 216 which places the entire Mindanao region under martial law following attacks perpetrated by the Maute terror group in Marawi City in the province of Lanao del Sur.
The President cut short his official visit to Russia and returned to the country on Wednesday to personally oversee the situation in Mindanao.
“I will assure you I am not willing to allow abuses. Government is still running, the Congress is functioning, and the courts are open for citizens to seek grievance,” President Duterte said upon his arrival in Manila from his brief Moscow trip.
The Department of National Defense has also issued a memorandum directing all military units to adhere to the rule of law and exercise respect for human rights in areas where martial law is in effect.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991022
The People’s Television (PTV) will hold a special forum on Friday, May 26 to discuss President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of martial law in the entire Mindanao following attack of Maute group in Marawi City on May 23.
The event, dubbed as “Extremism and Martial Law”, will have government officials as panelists led by Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, former President Fidel V. Ramos, former Armed Forces of Philippines (AFP) Spokesman Brigadier General Restituto Padilla, Lanao Governor Bombit Adiong, Marawi Mayor Majul Gandamra, former Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, representatives from the academe and civil society such as Professor Ranjit Rye, Head, Political Science Department, UP Diliman; Ramon Casiple, political analyst; Father Rannie Aquino, Dean college of Law San Beda; Dean Butch Jamon, College of Law of De La Salle University, among others, who will provide information for Filipinos to fully understand the constitutional basis of the President’s move on declaring martial law in Mindanao.
The special forum will also clarify misinformation and allay fears of chaos by explaining the basic facts about martial law.
PTV anchors Aljo Bendijo and Kathy San Gabriel will be the moderators of the forum to be held at PIA building, 2:30 p.m. and to be aired around 8 to 9 p.m. on Friday.
While in an official visit to Russia, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Proclamation No. 216 which places the entire Mindanao region under martial law following attacks perpetrated by the Maute terror group in Marawi City in the province of Lanao del Sur.
The President cut short his official visit to Russia and returned to the country on Wednesday to personally oversee the situation in Mindanao.
“I will assure you I am not willing to allow abuses. Government is still running, the Congress is functioning, and the courts are open for citizens to seek grievance,” President Duterte said upon his arrival in Manila from his brief Moscow trip.
The Department of National Defense has also issued a memorandum directing all military units to adhere to the rule of law and exercise respect for human rights in areas where martial law is in effect.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991022
Defense chief says Mindanao martial law not targeting NPAs
From the Philippine News Agency (May 27): Defense chief says Mindanao martial law not targeting NPAs
The declaration of martial law in Mindanao does not target the New People's Army (NPA) operating in the region, said National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Saturday.
Secretary Lorenzana, in a statement, said martial law was declared in order to address radical Islamic terrorism and narco-terrorism in Mindanao brought about by the heavy fighting in Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur where AFP units were conducting operations aimed at dislodging Maute Group terrorists in the locality.
"We would like to make it clear that in the implementation of martial law in Mindanao, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will not specifically target the New People's Army as alleged by NDFP (National Democratic Front Philippines) Chief Consultant Jose Maria Sison," he stressed in the statement.
However, the defense chief warned that NPA members who would engage in criminal and illegal acts such as kidnapping, extortion, murder and the destruction of property will be dealt with or without martial law.
"Gusto ko lang liwanagin ang mensahe ko sa CPP-NPA. Huwag na kayong makigulo pa sa nangyayari ngayon sa Mindanao. Do not force the government's hand. Immediately stop all illegal activities and abide by the true spirit of the peace process. This is the only way we can move forward," he added.
"We will fully comply with the directives of the President that martial law was declared to address radical Islamic terrorism and narco-terrorism in Mindanao. We are conducting our operations in accordance with the rule of law and respect for human life. Law-abiding citizens in Mindanao need not fear the increased military presence and activities in their localities. Government security forces are there to protect the populace, maintain peace and order and go after criminal elements," Lorenzana stressed.
Fighting in Marawi started May 23 when military tried to arrest Abu Sayyay leader Isnilon Hapilon, a known ally of the group and ISIS representative in the Philippines.
As of this posting, fatalities included 31 Maute Group terrorists and 11 soldiers.
The incident forced President Rodrigo Duterte to cut short in his official visit to Russia and declared Martial Law.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991409
The declaration of martial law in Mindanao does not target the New People's Army (NPA) operating in the region, said National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Saturday.
Secretary Lorenzana, in a statement, said martial law was declared in order to address radical Islamic terrorism and narco-terrorism in Mindanao brought about by the heavy fighting in Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur where AFP units were conducting operations aimed at dislodging Maute Group terrorists in the locality.
"We would like to make it clear that in the implementation of martial law in Mindanao, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will not specifically target the New People's Army as alleged by NDFP (National Democratic Front Philippines) Chief Consultant Jose Maria Sison," he stressed in the statement.
However, the defense chief warned that NPA members who would engage in criminal and illegal acts such as kidnapping, extortion, murder and the destruction of property will be dealt with or without martial law.
"Gusto ko lang liwanagin ang mensahe ko sa CPP-NPA. Huwag na kayong makigulo pa sa nangyayari ngayon sa Mindanao. Do not force the government's hand. Immediately stop all illegal activities and abide by the true spirit of the peace process. This is the only way we can move forward," he added.
"We will fully comply with the directives of the President that martial law was declared to address radical Islamic terrorism and narco-terrorism in Mindanao. We are conducting our operations in accordance with the rule of law and respect for human life. Law-abiding citizens in Mindanao need not fear the increased military presence and activities in their localities. Government security forces are there to protect the populace, maintain peace and order and go after criminal elements," Lorenzana stressed.
Fighting in Marawi started May 23 when military tried to arrest Abu Sayyay leader Isnilon Hapilon, a known ally of the group and ISIS representative in the Philippines.
As of this posting, fatalities included 31 Maute Group terrorists and 11 soldiers.
The incident forced President Rodrigo Duterte to cut short in his official visit to Russia and declared Martial Law.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991409
Military beefs up security in Quezon City
From the Philippine News Agency (May 27): Military beefs up security in Quezon City
The military has started to beef-up security in Quezon City over the weekend after Mayor Herbert Bautista, in his capacity as chairman of the Regional Peace and Order Council, has appealed to tighten security and thwart attempts to disrupt peace and order.
Brig. Gen. Jesus Mananquil, commander of the military’s Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (NCRPO), said soldiers and military K-9 units were already sent to augment the Quezon City Police District on Friday.
“We have sent troops to Quezon City Police District. We will fight the intention of those who want to sow terror. We are always in support as far as safety and public order is concerned in Metro Manila,” Mananquil said in a news conference that followed the special meeting of the Metro Manila Council held Friday at the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) office in Makati.
Quezon City –the biggest and most populous city in Metro Manila– hosts several critical installations like La Mesa Dam, the House of Representatives, the Bangko Sentral, major broadcast networks, specialty hospitals and dozens of national government agencies.
Aside from soldiers, the military also deployed bomb-sniffing dogs assigned in bus terminals and commercial centers in Quezon City.
Bautista directed the NCRPO to intensify mobile and foot patrols and set up checkpoints as a precautionary measure following the escalation of hostilities in Marawi City that prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to declare martial law in Mindanao.
He explained that the move to ramp up security measures was not meant to scare people.
“Hindi natin kailangan maging alarmists para doon sa mga mamamayan natin. Everything is ok naman dito. But we have to be prepared,” Bautista said.
“We are saddened by what happened in Marawi. We are praying that it will be solved as soon as possible time. But, we are vigilant na hindi ito mangyari sa Metro Manila,” he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991436
The military has started to beef-up security in Quezon City over the weekend after Mayor Herbert Bautista, in his capacity as chairman of the Regional Peace and Order Council, has appealed to tighten security and thwart attempts to disrupt peace and order.
Brig. Gen. Jesus Mananquil, commander of the military’s Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (NCRPO), said soldiers and military K-9 units were already sent to augment the Quezon City Police District on Friday.
“We have sent troops to Quezon City Police District. We will fight the intention of those who want to sow terror. We are always in support as far as safety and public order is concerned in Metro Manila,” Mananquil said in a news conference that followed the special meeting of the Metro Manila Council held Friday at the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) office in Makati.
Quezon City –the biggest and most populous city in Metro Manila– hosts several critical installations like La Mesa Dam, the House of Representatives, the Bangko Sentral, major broadcast networks, specialty hospitals and dozens of national government agencies.
Aside from soldiers, the military also deployed bomb-sniffing dogs assigned in bus terminals and commercial centers in Quezon City.
Bautista directed the NCRPO to intensify mobile and foot patrols and set up checkpoints as a precautionary measure following the escalation of hostilities in Marawi City that prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to declare martial law in Mindanao.
He explained that the move to ramp up security measures was not meant to scare people.
“Hindi natin kailangan maging alarmists para doon sa mga mamamayan natin. Everything is ok naman dito. But we have to be prepared,” Bautista said.
“We are saddened by what happened in Marawi. We are praying that it will be solved as soon as possible time. But, we are vigilant na hindi ito mangyari sa Metro Manila,” he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991436
Plans afoot to invite Russian weapons manufacturers to invest in PHL
From the Philippine News Agency (May 27): Plans afoot to invite Russian weapons manufacturers to invest in PHL
The government has plans to invite Russian weapons manufacturers to set up shop in Limay, Bataan.
"That’s one of the plans because we are converting the area of the Government Arsenal (GA) in Limay, Bataan which consists of 300 hectares and we are trying to develop that. There is now a bill in Congress, they have already been deliberating it to convert that it into a defense manufacturing complex that will involve other locators from other countries," Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, in an interview with PNA Exclusive in Moscow, Russia around 2 p.m. Tuesday (7 p.m., Manila time), disclosed.
The GA is tasked to manufacture bullets for the M-16, M-14 automatic rifles and .45 caliber pistols still in service with the military.
"If they can see that they can make a little profit there, then maybe, make a stepping stone to go into Southeast Asia to also cater to the nine other ASEAN nations. That’s why they’re very interested to deal with us through military relationship so that they can have this road into the ASEAN," Lorenzana said.
The DND chief earlier said the Philippines has plans of acquiring Russian weaponry.
"Yes, we have plans to purchase weapons from them. They have also very sophisticated and advanced weaponry. We will look into them, we have not decided what equipment but off the bat, we are looking, we would like to develop our submarine force so we will look into their submarines one of these days," he added.
"If we can buy submarines or if they are affordable for us, or if the Philippine Navy would be willing to go there because we will give it to the Navy to decide what kind of submarine they would like to purchase. That is one of the plans that the PN (wants) is to develop some submarine capabilities," the DND chief pointed out.
And when asked on where these vessels will be based, Lorenzana said that they are looking into that detail.
"We will look into that. We don’t have any submarine base yet in the Philippines but if we will purchase already then, we have to develop a submarine base to keep those submarines safe," the DND chief pointed out.
Another Russian-made weapon being looked into by the Philippines is sniper rifles and precision-guided munitions which can be used for the country's brand-new FA-50 "Fighting Eagle" jet aircraft and AW-109 attack helicopters.
"So one of the things that we are considering is the sniper rifles of the Russians, they have very good sniper rifles. They also have very good precision-guided munition that we can use with our FA-50s, and our attack helicopters. Those are the items. But we have to see more because sometime this year, there will be this defense exhibition that they are going to hold here and we will send some people to look into it," the DND chief added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991132
The government has plans to invite Russian weapons manufacturers to set up shop in Limay, Bataan.
"That’s one of the plans because we are converting the area of the Government Arsenal (GA) in Limay, Bataan which consists of 300 hectares and we are trying to develop that. There is now a bill in Congress, they have already been deliberating it to convert that it into a defense manufacturing complex that will involve other locators from other countries," Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, in an interview with PNA Exclusive in Moscow, Russia around 2 p.m. Tuesday (7 p.m., Manila time), disclosed.
The GA is tasked to manufacture bullets for the M-16, M-14 automatic rifles and .45 caliber pistols still in service with the military.
"If they can see that they can make a little profit there, then maybe, make a stepping stone to go into Southeast Asia to also cater to the nine other ASEAN nations. That’s why they’re very interested to deal with us through military relationship so that they can have this road into the ASEAN," Lorenzana said.
The DND chief earlier said the Philippines has plans of acquiring Russian weaponry.
"Yes, we have plans to purchase weapons from them. They have also very sophisticated and advanced weaponry. We will look into them, we have not decided what equipment but off the bat, we are looking, we would like to develop our submarine force so we will look into their submarines one of these days," he added.
"If we can buy submarines or if they are affordable for us, or if the Philippine Navy would be willing to go there because we will give it to the Navy to decide what kind of submarine they would like to purchase. That is one of the plans that the PN (wants) is to develop some submarine capabilities," the DND chief pointed out.
And when asked on where these vessels will be based, Lorenzana said that they are looking into that detail.
"We will look into that. We don’t have any submarine base yet in the Philippines but if we will purchase already then, we have to develop a submarine base to keep those submarines safe," the DND chief pointed out.
Another Russian-made weapon being looked into by the Philippines is sniper rifles and precision-guided munitions which can be used for the country's brand-new FA-50 "Fighting Eagle" jet aircraft and AW-109 attack helicopters.
"So one of the things that we are considering is the sniper rifles of the Russians, they have very good sniper rifles. They also have very good precision-guided munition that we can use with our FA-50s, and our attack helicopters. Those are the items. But we have to see more because sometime this year, there will be this defense exhibition that they are going to hold here and we will send some people to look into it," the DND chief added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991132
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