From the Philippine News Agency (May 30): 'Calculated' ops employed in Marawi to avoid collateral damage - military
The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) on Tuesday said it continues to employ "surgical strikes" in flushing out the remaining members of the Maute group to ensure the safety of civilians who are still trapped in Marawi City.
Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Westmincom chief, said that precise military attack "is vital to complete the mission to free the besieged city from terrorists with minimal if not zero collateral damage."
“Despite numerous attempts to reach out to the Maute, they refused to have a stand down in order to evacuate the trapped civilians thus, the need to be very careful. Calculated actions are very important for your armed forces as of the moment in order to avoid collateral damage and loss of life from among the innocent civilians,” Galvez said.
The Westmincom statement was released following the successful rescue of 163 civilians who were trapped since the armed conflict started a week ago.
“Our focus as of the moment is to clear Marawi (City) of militants, to rescue trapped civilians and to recover civilian casualties and victims in the fastest means possible,” Brig. Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista, commander of the Joint Task Force Marawi, said.
“Yesterday (Monday), we were able to safely extricate 163 civilians from the danger (zone),” Bautista added.
To date, there are about 439 civilians rescued by soldiers and policemen.
Bautista said troops rescued 22 civilians who were trapped in one of the buildings inside the compound of the Lanao Del Sur Electric Company (LASURECO) in Barangay Gadungan, Marawi City.
Inch by inch, the troopers liberated 20 more civilians near LASURECO, he added.
Bautista said soldiers also rescued 121 civilians in the adjacent village of Saber. They were immediately brought to the provincial capitol of Lanao del Sur.
“Clearing operations continue in some parts of the city. Soldiers are searching for terrorist inch by inch, making sure that they are not hiding in houses,” Bautista said.
As of Tuesday, at least 65 Maute members were killed with 42 bodies recovered by the troops. The soldiers also recovered 52 firearms.
Troops also recovered 19 dead bodies of civilians who were “mercilessly killed by the terrorists in the different areas of the city,” he said.
Government forces lost 17 soldiers and three policemen, while 69 soldiers and three policemen were wounded.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/992140
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
PNP, Army: Civilian authority remains supreme during martial law
From the Philippine News Agency (May 30): PNP, Army: Civilian authority remains supreme during martial law
Ranking police and military officials assured a multi-sectoral gathering in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental on Tuesday that civilian authority would remain supreme even during the declaration of martial law in any region, such as in the Visayas.
The assurance was made as mayors, various church leaders, civil society organizations and other stakeholders attended a Peace Symposium to discuss gains and other accomplishments following the declaration of Negros Oriental as conflict-manageable and development ready.
Maj. Gen. Jon G. Aying, commanding officer of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army and Sr. Supt. Henry Biñas, acting Philippine National Police (PNP) provincial director of Negros Oriental, stressed that there were safeguards in the Constitution that would prevent abuses during a martial rule.
Maj. Gen. Aying, whose Army division covers ten provinces in the Visayas, in his security briefing disclosed the likelihood that President Rodrigo Duterte might expand the declaration of martial law outside of Mindanao if necessary based on his earlier pronouncements.
Asked about the possibility of a martial law in the Visayas on a scale of one to ten, Maj. Gen. Aying said “it is all under the discretion of the President”, adding that he supports whatever decision the Chief Executive will make.
“Rating is not so relevant on my part but to see the wisdom of the President. I agree with him if he really declares martial law in the Visayas region," Aying said.
According to him, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is prepared for possible spillovers, incursions and attacks by extremist groups from Mindanao, such as the Abu Sayyaf and the Maute groups.
There are two battalions in Negros Oriental, two more in Negros Island and a total of 2,500 soldiers and CAFGUs, he said.
The national government can also immediately deploy additional security forces if a similar situation like the besieged Marawi City will take place here, Aying added.
Also, Maj. Gen. Aying gave the reassurance that there would be no abuses by military troops in the event of a martial law here because soldiers are now “very much indoctrinated that we have to work within the principles of human rights, the International Humanitarian Law and the rule of law”.
For part, Sr. Supt. Biñas, who is a lawyer, announced that whatever were the instructions from higher authorities regarding martial law, the PNP here would comply and abide by it.
Sr. Supt. Biñas explained that the purpose of martial law is “very noble” and it was “to quell or stop an invasion or rebellion when public safety requires it”.
But that does not mean that the AFP or the PNP will rule over the civilian authority, Biñas stressed.
It is natural that fear will prevail because of the people’s previous experience of martial law, said Sr. Supt. Biñas, referring to the Marcos era.
But there are safety nets laid out in Constitution and that Congress should review the grounds for the declaration of martial law, he pointed out.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/992185
Ranking police and military officials assured a multi-sectoral gathering in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental on Tuesday that civilian authority would remain supreme even during the declaration of martial law in any region, such as in the Visayas.
The assurance was made as mayors, various church leaders, civil society organizations and other stakeholders attended a Peace Symposium to discuss gains and other accomplishments following the declaration of Negros Oriental as conflict-manageable and development ready.
Maj. Gen. Jon G. Aying, commanding officer of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army and Sr. Supt. Henry Biñas, acting Philippine National Police (PNP) provincial director of Negros Oriental, stressed that there were safeguards in the Constitution that would prevent abuses during a martial rule.
Maj. Gen. Aying, whose Army division covers ten provinces in the Visayas, in his security briefing disclosed the likelihood that President Rodrigo Duterte might expand the declaration of martial law outside of Mindanao if necessary based on his earlier pronouncements.
Asked about the possibility of a martial law in the Visayas on a scale of one to ten, Maj. Gen. Aying said “it is all under the discretion of the President”, adding that he supports whatever decision the Chief Executive will make.
“Rating is not so relevant on my part but to see the wisdom of the President. I agree with him if he really declares martial law in the Visayas region," Aying said.
According to him, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is prepared for possible spillovers, incursions and attacks by extremist groups from Mindanao, such as the Abu Sayyaf and the Maute groups.
There are two battalions in Negros Oriental, two more in Negros Island and a total of 2,500 soldiers and CAFGUs, he said.
The national government can also immediately deploy additional security forces if a similar situation like the besieged Marawi City will take place here, Aying added.
Also, Maj. Gen. Aying gave the reassurance that there would be no abuses by military troops in the event of a martial law here because soldiers are now “very much indoctrinated that we have to work within the principles of human rights, the International Humanitarian Law and the rule of law”.
For part, Sr. Supt. Biñas, who is a lawyer, announced that whatever were the instructions from higher authorities regarding martial law, the PNP here would comply and abide by it.
Sr. Supt. Biñas explained that the purpose of martial law is “very noble” and it was “to quell or stop an invasion or rebellion when public safety requires it”.
But that does not mean that the AFP or the PNP will rule over the civilian authority, Biñas stressed.
It is natural that fear will prevail because of the people’s previous experience of martial law, said Sr. Supt. Biñas, referring to the Marcos era.
But there are safety nets laid out in Constitution and that Congress should review the grounds for the declaration of martial law, he pointed out.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/992185
2 more ASG bandits nabbed in Zamboanga City
From the Philippine News Agency (May 31): 2 more ASG bandits nabbed in Zamboanga City
Two more members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) were separately arrested by joint military and police forces amid the implementation of “No ID, No Entry” policy in this city, a top military official announced Wednesday.
The policy is part of the tightened security measure implemented in this city following the Marawi City incident that prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to declare martial law in Mindanao.
Col. Leonel Nicolas, Joint Task Force Zamboanga commander, identified the arrested suspects as Al-Hamed Manalas Abdurahman, 37, and Murasidol Manalas Abdurahman alias Teddung, 32.
Nicolas said the older Abdurahman was arrested in a law enforcement by way of serving search warrant around 6:40 p.m. Tuesday in Cahaya Timor Subdivision, Barangay Maasin.
Confiscated from Abdurahman's residence were five magazines of M-16 Armalite rifle, nine live ammunition of M-16 rifle and one bolt assembly of the same type of rifle.
Nicolas said the younger Abdurahman was arrested also in a law enforcement operation around 7 p.m. Tuesday at Block 4, Country Homes Subdivision, Barangay Ayala.
He said the younger Abdurahman has admitted that he joined the ASG in 2014 and is a follower of Sulu-based bandit sub-leader Idang Susukan.
Seized from his residence were a fragmentation grenade, three blasting caps, and a small bottle of suspected C4 explosive substance.
The Abdurahmans were arrested hours after the troops have arrested a suspected ASG member while trying to sneak into this city by mixing up with passengers of a ferry that docked early Tuesday at the local port.
Kimhar Asusi alias Abu Kimar, 32, was arrested around 6:05 a.m. Tuesday just as he disembarked from a passenger ferry that arrived at the local port coming from Jolo, Sulu.
Asusi was the first ASG member who was arrested since the “No ID, No Entry” policy took effect last May 26.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/992309
Two more members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) were separately arrested by joint military and police forces amid the implementation of “No ID, No Entry” policy in this city, a top military official announced Wednesday.
The policy is part of the tightened security measure implemented in this city following the Marawi City incident that prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to declare martial law in Mindanao.
Col. Leonel Nicolas, Joint Task Force Zamboanga commander, identified the arrested suspects as Al-Hamed Manalas Abdurahman, 37, and Murasidol Manalas Abdurahman alias Teddung, 32.
Nicolas said the older Abdurahman was arrested in a law enforcement by way of serving search warrant around 6:40 p.m. Tuesday in Cahaya Timor Subdivision, Barangay Maasin.
Confiscated from Abdurahman's residence were five magazines of M-16 Armalite rifle, nine live ammunition of M-16 rifle and one bolt assembly of the same type of rifle.
Nicolas said the younger Abdurahman was arrested also in a law enforcement operation around 7 p.m. Tuesday at Block 4, Country Homes Subdivision, Barangay Ayala.
He said the younger Abdurahman has admitted that he joined the ASG in 2014 and is a follower of Sulu-based bandit sub-leader Idang Susukan.
Seized from his residence were a fragmentation grenade, three blasting caps, and a small bottle of suspected C4 explosive substance.
The Abdurahmans were arrested hours after the troops have arrested a suspected ASG member while trying to sneak into this city by mixing up with passengers of a ferry that docked early Tuesday at the local port.
Kimhar Asusi alias Abu Kimar, 32, was arrested around 6:05 a.m. Tuesday just as he disembarked from a passenger ferry that arrived at the local port coming from Jolo, Sulu.
Asusi was the first ASG member who was arrested since the “No ID, No Entry” policy took effect last May 26.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/992309
DND chief expects clearing ops in Marawi City to be completed by June 1
From the Philippine News Agency (May 29): DND chief expects clearing ops in Marawi City to be completed by June 1
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Monday said he expects clearing operations in Marawi City to be completed by June 1.
He added that the timetable started last May 25.
Lorenzana said the operations to clear Marawi City of terrorists is on track and that he regularly gets updates from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Fighting in Marawi City started May 23 when military units conducted an operation after receiving reports that Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, the group's ally and ISIS head in the Philippines, was hiding in the locality.
As this develops, AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said that military forces have full control of Marawi City.
"We are in full control, meaning to say we can control who comes in and who comes out, who moves around and who doesn't. And we're trying to isolate all these pockets of resistance that have remained," he added.
As of this posting, Maute Group members killed in the ongoing operation are placed at 61 with 42 being confirmed through body count and another 19 by eye witness reports.
Government losses as of Sunday night are placed at 15 troopers killed along with three Philippine National Police (PNP) operatives.
Reported wounded as of this posting are 61 soldiers along with three policemen.
Number of civilians executed by the Maute Group are placed at 19, while those rescued are placed at 390, said Padilla.
Captured firearms are placed at 41 with 37 being high-powered ones and four low-powered.
"Clearing of Marawi City of militants and rescue of trapped civilians and recovery of civilian casualties and victims are the current focus of the ongoing operations," he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991920
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Monday said he expects clearing operations in Marawi City to be completed by June 1.
He added that the timetable started last May 25.
Lorenzana said the operations to clear Marawi City of terrorists is on track and that he regularly gets updates from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Fighting in Marawi City started May 23 when military units conducted an operation after receiving reports that Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, the group's ally and ISIS head in the Philippines, was hiding in the locality.
As this develops, AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said that military forces have full control of Marawi City.
"We are in full control, meaning to say we can control who comes in and who comes out, who moves around and who doesn't. And we're trying to isolate all these pockets of resistance that have remained," he added.
As of this posting, Maute Group members killed in the ongoing operation are placed at 61 with 42 being confirmed through body count and another 19 by eye witness reports.
Government losses as of Sunday night are placed at 15 troopers killed along with three Philippine National Police (PNP) operatives.
Reported wounded as of this posting are 61 soldiers along with three policemen.
Number of civilians executed by the Maute Group are placed at 19, while those rescued are placed at 390, said Padilla.
Captured firearms are placed at 41 with 37 being high-powered ones and four low-powered.
"Clearing of Marawi City of militants and rescue of trapped civilians and recovery of civilian casualties and victims are the current focus of the ongoing operations," he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991920
PNP marks Int’l Day of UN peacekeepers
From the Philippine News Agency (May 29): PNP marks Int’l Day of UN peacekeepers
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday celebrated the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers at the Multi-Purpose Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
PNP chief Director General Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa led the annual commemoration together with Acting Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Catalino Cuy as guest of honor and speaker.
For this year, the DILG-PNP hosted the peacekeepers day tasked by the National Council for United Nations Peace Operations (NCUNPO).
This year's celebration has been attended by high-ranking public officials of NCUNPO, members of Diplomatic Corps and other government officials.
The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is an annual commemoration to pay tribute to all the men and women who have served and continue to serve in the UN peacekeeping operations for their high level of professionalism, dedication and courage to honor the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace.
A part of the celebration is to distinguish the dedication, courage and professionalism of some PNP and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel who have served in various operations of UN Peacekeeping.
Likewise, it is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 1755 which declared May 29, of every year as the "International Peacekeepers Day of United Nations Peacekeepers in the Philippines".
"Since 1992, the PNP has been sending its peacekeeping contingents to UN peacekeeping operations and missions, first in Cambodia and subsequently in other countries torn by conflict to provide services and assistance," Dela Rosa said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991878
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday celebrated the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers at the Multi-Purpose Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
PNP chief Director General Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa led the annual commemoration together with Acting Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Catalino Cuy as guest of honor and speaker.
For this year, the DILG-PNP hosted the peacekeepers day tasked by the National Council for United Nations Peace Operations (NCUNPO).
This year's celebration has been attended by high-ranking public officials of NCUNPO, members of Diplomatic Corps and other government officials.
The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is an annual commemoration to pay tribute to all the men and women who have served and continue to serve in the UN peacekeeping operations for their high level of professionalism, dedication and courage to honor the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace.
A part of the celebration is to distinguish the dedication, courage and professionalism of some PNP and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel who have served in various operations of UN Peacekeeping.
Likewise, it is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 1755 which declared May 29, of every year as the "International Peacekeepers Day of United Nations Peacekeepers in the Philippines".
"Since 1992, the PNP has been sending its peacekeeping contingents to UN peacekeeping operations and missions, first in Cambodia and subsequently in other countries torn by conflict to provide services and assistance," Dela Rosa said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/991878
PN to greet 119th anniversary with 4 brand-new ships
From the Philippine News Agency (May 30): PN to greet 119th anniversary with 4 brand-new ships
The Philippine Navy (PN) will be greeting its 119th founding anniversary Wednesday with a brand-new strategic sealift vessel and three multi-purpose assault craft with missile provisions.
This was bared by PN spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna in a message Tuesday who added that this year's anniversary will be held in Sasa Wharf, Davao City with President Rodrigo Duterte as the guest-of-honor and speaker.
Highlighting the event is the commissioning of the country's SSV, the BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602) and capability demonstration of the three MPACs with missile armament provisions.
BRP Davao Del Sur left the PT PAL (Persero) shipyard in Surabaya, Indonesia and arrived in the Philippines last May 8.
She is the sister-ship of the BRP Tarlac (LD-601) which was commissioned in May of last year.
While the Propmech Corporation-built MPACs were transferred and activated by the PN last May 22.
With their arrival, the PN now has a fleet of around nine MPACs.
Lincuna said this year's PN anniversary theme is “Protecting the Seas, Securing Our Future”.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/992031
The Philippine Navy (PN) will be greeting its 119th founding anniversary Wednesday with a brand-new strategic sealift vessel and three multi-purpose assault craft with missile provisions.
This was bared by PN spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna in a message Tuesday who added that this year's anniversary will be held in Sasa Wharf, Davao City with President Rodrigo Duterte as the guest-of-honor and speaker.
Highlighting the event is the commissioning of the country's SSV, the BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602) and capability demonstration of the three MPACs with missile armament provisions.
BRP Davao Del Sur left the PT PAL (Persero) shipyard in Surabaya, Indonesia and arrived in the Philippines last May 8.
She is the sister-ship of the BRP Tarlac (LD-601) which was commissioned in May of last year.
While the Propmech Corporation-built MPACs were transferred and activated by the PN last May 22.
With their arrival, the PN now has a fleet of around nine MPACs.
Lincuna said this year's PN anniversary theme is “Protecting the Seas, Securing Our Future”.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/992031
DND to acquire PGMs for FA-50PHs in Russia
From the Philippine News Agency (May 30): DND to acquire PGMs for FA-50PHs in Russia
The Department of National Defense (DND) is looking at the possibility of acquiring precision-guided munitions (PGMs) from Russia to further develop the FA-50PHs' ground-attack capability which can be used against a variety of threat groups.
DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said PGMs are quite useful as they can be delivered with "pinpoint accuracy" against ground targets by the South Korean-made FA-50PHs "Fighting Eagle" jet aircraft.
"(PGMs) are more expensive than conventional ammo but are economical in the long run as we will use less ammo (target is hit within five meter radius) and collateral damage is minimized if not completely eliminated," Lorenzana told the PNA Monday.
The DND chief did not give specifics on what types of PGMs it is planning to evaluate for possible Philippine acquisition and use.
The Philippine Air Force, by May 31, will complete its 12 FA-50PH order from Korea Aerospace Industries worth PHP18.9 billion.
Lorenzana earlier said the Philippines is planning to acquire weapons, including advanced diesel-electric submarines from Russia.
"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.
Lorenzana was with President Rodrigo Duterte on his official trip to Russia last week. The trip was cut short because of the ongoing clash between security forces and the Maute terror Group in Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur last week.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/992035
The Department of National Defense (DND) is looking at the possibility of acquiring precision-guided munitions (PGMs) from Russia to further develop the FA-50PHs' ground-attack capability which can be used against a variety of threat groups.
DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said PGMs are quite useful as they can be delivered with "pinpoint accuracy" against ground targets by the South Korean-made FA-50PHs "Fighting Eagle" jet aircraft.
"(PGMs) are more expensive than conventional ammo but are economical in the long run as we will use less ammo (target is hit within five meter radius) and collateral damage is minimized if not completely eliminated," Lorenzana told the PNA Monday.
The DND chief did not give specifics on what types of PGMs it is planning to evaluate for possible Philippine acquisition and use.
The Philippine Air Force, by May 31, will complete its 12 FA-50PH order from Korea Aerospace Industries worth PHP18.9 billion.
Lorenzana earlier said the Philippines is planning to acquire weapons, including advanced diesel-electric submarines from Russia.
"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.
Lorenzana was with President Rodrigo Duterte on his official trip to Russia last week. The trip was cut short because of the ongoing clash between security forces and the Maute terror Group in Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur last week.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/992035
Surrender or die, AFP tells remaining Maute Group terrorists
From the Philippine News Agency (May 30): Surrender or die, AFP tells remaining Maute Group terrorists
If they want to preserve their lives, then they must surrender to military authorities at the soonest possible time.
This was the challenge issued by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla adding that failure of the Maute Group terrorists to surrender will mean their sure and certain death in the ongoing Marawi City clearing operations.
"We aired this message in the hope of ending this soon and reducing any more loss of lives and property," he said.
"We will come out victorious! We stand by the people of Marawi whose interests and safety we are protecting. For the terrorists, not surrendering will mean their sure death," Padilla pointed out.
As of 6 p.m. May 29, a total of 65 Maute Group terrorists were killed by military personnel engaged in the now eighth-day clearing operations.
Of the lawless elements killed, around 42 were confirmed by body count and the remaining 23 through eye witness reports.
Government losses are placed at 20 and this can be broken down into 17 soldiers and three police officers.
Wounded are placed at 72 with 69 AFP and three Philippine National Police personnel.
Padilla said number of rescued civilians are now at 560 while recovered firearms are placed at 5
"(The AFP remains focused in) clearing of Marawi of militants still in the area. Rescue of trapped residents and recovery of civilian casualties, victims (are ongoing)," he added.
Fighting started when government security forces tried to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, a known ally of the group and ISIS leader, last May 23.
"Precision airstrikes are judiciously used to prevent collateral damage and employed at specific targets of resistance to protect our troops and hasten clearing of the city of terrorist elements who continue to resist. We call on the remaining terrorist to surrender while there is an opportunity," he pointed out.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/992112
If they want to preserve their lives, then they must surrender to military authorities at the soonest possible time.
This was the challenge issued by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla adding that failure of the Maute Group terrorists to surrender will mean their sure and certain death in the ongoing Marawi City clearing operations.
"We aired this message in the hope of ending this soon and reducing any more loss of lives and property," he said.
"We will come out victorious! We stand by the people of Marawi whose interests and safety we are protecting. For the terrorists, not surrendering will mean their sure death," Padilla pointed out.
As of 6 p.m. May 29, a total of 65 Maute Group terrorists were killed by military personnel engaged in the now eighth-day clearing operations.
Of the lawless elements killed, around 42 were confirmed by body count and the remaining 23 through eye witness reports.
Government losses are placed at 20 and this can be broken down into 17 soldiers and three police officers.
Wounded are placed at 72 with 69 AFP and three Philippine National Police personnel.
Padilla said number of rescued civilians are now at 560 while recovered firearms are placed at 5
"(The AFP remains focused in) clearing of Marawi of militants still in the area. Rescue of trapped residents and recovery of civilian casualties, victims (are ongoing)," he added.
Fighting started when government security forces tried to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, a known ally of the group and ISIS leader, last May 23.
"Precision airstrikes are judiciously used to prevent collateral damage and employed at specific targets of resistance to protect our troops and hasten clearing of the city of terrorist elements who continue to resist. We call on the remaining terrorist to surrender while there is an opportunity," he pointed out.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/992112
Maute Group death toll in Marawi City fighting now at 65
From the Philippine News Agency (May 30): Maute Group death toll in Marawi City fighting now at 65
As government efforts to clear Marawi City of the remaining Maute Group terrorists reached its eighth day, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that a total of 65 lawless elements were killed by military personnel conducting clearing operations.
This was disclosed by AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla in a message to the Philippine News Agency on Tuesday.
Figures are as of 6 p.m. of May 29.
Of the 65 Maute Group terrorists killed, around 42 were confirmed by body count and the remaining 23 through eye witness reports.
Government losses are placed at 20 and this can be broken down into 17 soldiers and three police officers.
Wounded are placed at 72 with 69 AFP and three Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel.
Padilla said number of rescued civilians is now at 560 while recovered firearms are placed at 5.
"(The AFP remains focused in) clearing of Marawi of militants still in the area. Rescue of trapped residents and recovery of civilian casualties, victims (are ongoing)," he added.
Fighting started when government security forces tried to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, a known ally of the group and ISIS leader, last May 23.
"Precision airstrikes are judiciously used to prevent collateral damage and employed at specific targets of resistance to protect our troops and hasten clearing of the city of terrorist elements who continue to resist," said Padilla.
"We call on the remaining terrorist to surrender while there is an opportunity," he pointed out.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/992066
As government efforts to clear Marawi City of the remaining Maute Group terrorists reached its eighth day, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that a total of 65 lawless elements were killed by military personnel conducting clearing operations.
This was disclosed by AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla in a message to the Philippine News Agency on Tuesday.
Figures are as of 6 p.m. of May 29.
Of the 65 Maute Group terrorists killed, around 42 were confirmed by body count and the remaining 23 through eye witness reports.
Government losses are placed at 20 and this can be broken down into 17 soldiers and three police officers.
Wounded are placed at 72 with 69 AFP and three Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel.
Padilla said number of rescued civilians is now at 560 while recovered firearms are placed at 5.
"(The AFP remains focused in) clearing of Marawi of militants still in the area. Rescue of trapped residents and recovery of civilian casualties, victims (are ongoing)," he added.
Fighting started when government security forces tried to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, a known ally of the group and ISIS leader, last May 23.
"Precision airstrikes are judiciously used to prevent collateral damage and employed at specific targets of resistance to protect our troops and hasten clearing of the city of terrorist elements who continue to resist," said Padilla.
"We call on the remaining terrorist to surrender while there is an opportunity," he pointed out.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/992066
Marawi City clashes displace 14,353 families - NDRRMC
From the Philippine News Agency (May 30): Marawi City clashes displace 14,353 families - NDRRMC
Heavy fighting between government security forces and the Maute Group in Marawi City has so far displaced a total of 14, 353 families or around 70, 953 persons in Region 10 and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) as of May 29, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Executive Director Ricardo Jalad reported to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.
Of these, some 2, 318 families or 10,778 individuals are now staying in 20 evacuation centers while the remaining 12, 035 families or 60, 175 persons are with their relatives and friends.
Jalad also reported that eight houses were burned in Marawi City since skirmishes started on May 23.
The series of encounters with the terrorists stemmed from military efforts to apprehend Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, a known ally of the lawless group, in Marawi City.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office Center in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City remains on "Blue Alert" to closely monitor the situation and maintain constant coordination with concerned member-agencies and offices.
Jalad also said the Department of Social Welfare and Development Central Office, Field Officers in Mindanao, National Resource Operation Center, Visayas Disaster Response Center in Region 7 have a total stockpile and stand-by funds amounting to PHP1,354,750,413.82.
Stand-by funds available at the DSWD Central Office and Field Offices amount to PHP1,024,030,820.26, of which PHP1,007,432,193.67 is the Quick Response Fund.
Around 174,673 "Family Food Packs" worth PHP65,452,613.97 and Food and Non-Food Items worth PHP265,266,979.59 are also available.
Four Philippine Coast Guard ships, namely, the BRP Malabrigo, BRP Tubbataha, BRP Batangas and BRP Romblon are deployed for relief and security efforts relating to the ongoing incident in Marawi City.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/992081
Heavy fighting between government security forces and the Maute Group in Marawi City has so far displaced a total of 14, 353 families or around 70, 953 persons in Region 10 and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) as of May 29, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Executive Director Ricardo Jalad reported to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.
Of these, some 2, 318 families or 10,778 individuals are now staying in 20 evacuation centers while the remaining 12, 035 families or 60, 175 persons are with their relatives and friends.
Jalad also reported that eight houses were burned in Marawi City since skirmishes started on May 23.
The series of encounters with the terrorists stemmed from military efforts to apprehend Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, a known ally of the lawless group, in Marawi City.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office Center in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City remains on "Blue Alert" to closely monitor the situation and maintain constant coordination with concerned member-agencies and offices.
Jalad also said the Department of Social Welfare and Development Central Office, Field Officers in Mindanao, National Resource Operation Center, Visayas Disaster Response Center in Region 7 have a total stockpile and stand-by funds amounting to PHP1,354,750,413.82.
Stand-by funds available at the DSWD Central Office and Field Offices amount to PHP1,024,030,820.26, of which PHP1,007,432,193.67 is the Quick Response Fund.
Around 174,673 "Family Food Packs" worth PHP65,452,613.97 and Food and Non-Food Items worth PHP265,266,979.59 are also available.
Four Philippine Coast Guard ships, namely, the BRP Malabrigo, BRP Tubbataha, BRP Batangas and BRP Romblon are deployed for relief and security efforts relating to the ongoing incident in Marawi City.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/992081
Martial law needed as warning to Maute sympathizers
From the Philippine News Agency (May 30): Martial law needed as warning to Maute sympathizers
One of the reasons why martial law was declared in the entire Mindanao was to assure that sympathizers of Maute group would not try to assist them, a senator said Tuesday.
Sen. Cynthia Villar, one of the 15 senators who signed the resolution expressing support for Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao, said that this was to caution sympathizers from providing assistance to the terrorist group.
“…Itong extreme groups na ito may mga sympathizer sa ground. Mga kamag-anak nila, nakikinabang sa kanila, may mga local officials na sympathizer din sila. At least kapag nag-declare ka ng martial law, matatakot sila kasi that means you mean business,” Villar said in a press conference. (“These extreme groups have sympathizers on the ground, their relatives, those who benefit from them, and even some local officials. With martial law declared, they would be scared off because that means you mean business.”)
Villar pointed out that it was worrisome how the Maute group even entered barangay (villages) without the residents knowing it floating the possibility sympathizers tried to provide them with shelter or a place to hide.
Asked if she saw the need for Pres. Duterte to expand the coverage of martial law nationwide, Villar said that to her, it was merely a “warning.”
“Sa tingin ko parang press release lang iyon para kumalat pa. Ibig sabihin, warning iyon. I came from a local constituency maybe I can understand mayors more than the others (I think it’s like a press release so it doesn’t spread elsewhere. It’s a warning),” Villar said.
Villar, meanwhile, insisted that there was no need for the Senate and House of Representatives to conduct a joint session to discuss the martial law declaration unless there was a manifestation to revoke it.
“…If you're not going to revoke it, if majority of the legislators do not want to revoke the order of martial law then there's no need for joint session,” Villar said.
She made this remark after the minority bloc senators, in a separate resolution, insisted that a joint session in the Congress was necessary to deliberate on the martial law declaration.
The senator further said that no one was stopping any member of the Congress from discussing it via privilege speech.
“Di mag-discuss sa Senate, mag-discuss sa House. You are allowed to discuss it. They can deliver privilege speeches, they can ask questions. Pero kapag nagbotohan, majority wins. (Then they can discuss it in the Senate, they can discuss it in the House. You are allowed to discuss it. They can deliver privilege speeches, they can ask questions. But when it comes to voting, majority wins),” she said.
“Walang pumipigil (sa kanila) [No one is stopping them],” she added.
On Monday, the six-member Senate minority bloc filed a separate resolution to convene the Congress in a joint session to deliberate of Pres. Duterte’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao.
The resolution was signed by all members of the minority bloc namely Senate minority leader Franklin Drilon, Senators Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, Leila de Lima, Risa Hontiveros, Francis Pangilinan and Antonio Trillanes IV.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/992172
One of the reasons why martial law was declared in the entire Mindanao was to assure that sympathizers of Maute group would not try to assist them, a senator said Tuesday.
Sen. Cynthia Villar, one of the 15 senators who signed the resolution expressing support for Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao, said that this was to caution sympathizers from providing assistance to the terrorist group.
“…Itong extreme groups na ito may mga sympathizer sa ground. Mga kamag-anak nila, nakikinabang sa kanila, may mga local officials na sympathizer din sila. At least kapag nag-declare ka ng martial law, matatakot sila kasi that means you mean business,” Villar said in a press conference. (“These extreme groups have sympathizers on the ground, their relatives, those who benefit from them, and even some local officials. With martial law declared, they would be scared off because that means you mean business.”)
Villar pointed out that it was worrisome how the Maute group even entered barangay (villages) without the residents knowing it floating the possibility sympathizers tried to provide them with shelter or a place to hide.
Asked if she saw the need for Pres. Duterte to expand the coverage of martial law nationwide, Villar said that to her, it was merely a “warning.”
“Sa tingin ko parang press release lang iyon para kumalat pa. Ibig sabihin, warning iyon. I came from a local constituency maybe I can understand mayors more than the others (I think it’s like a press release so it doesn’t spread elsewhere. It’s a warning),” Villar said.
Villar, meanwhile, insisted that there was no need for the Senate and House of Representatives to conduct a joint session to discuss the martial law declaration unless there was a manifestation to revoke it.
“…If you're not going to revoke it, if majority of the legislators do not want to revoke the order of martial law then there's no need for joint session,” Villar said.
She made this remark after the minority bloc senators, in a separate resolution, insisted that a joint session in the Congress was necessary to deliberate on the martial law declaration.
The senator further said that no one was stopping any member of the Congress from discussing it via privilege speech.
“Di mag-discuss sa Senate, mag-discuss sa House. You are allowed to discuss it. They can deliver privilege speeches, they can ask questions. Pero kapag nagbotohan, majority wins. (Then they can discuss it in the Senate, they can discuss it in the House. You are allowed to discuss it. They can deliver privilege speeches, they can ask questions. But when it comes to voting, majority wins),” she said.
“Walang pumipigil (sa kanila) [No one is stopping them],” she added.
On Monday, the six-member Senate minority bloc filed a separate resolution to convene the Congress in a joint session to deliberate of Pres. Duterte’s declaration of martial law in Mindanao.
The resolution was signed by all members of the minority bloc namely Senate minority leader Franklin Drilon, Senators Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, Leila de Lima, Risa Hontiveros, Francis Pangilinan and Antonio Trillanes IV.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/992172
DOJ helping in ironing out IRR of martial law in Mindanao
From the Philippine News Agency (May 30): DOJ helping in ironing out IRR of martial law in Mindanao
The Department of Justice is helping in the fine-tuning of the implementing rules and regulations as well as the issuance of general orders in relation to President Rodrigo Duterte's martial law proclamation in Mindanao.
Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said they are working on how the DOJ and the courts would function in areas covered by martial law.
“We are just helping kung merong fine-tuning katulad ng proclamation ng martial law, general orders, katulad ng dati rati during the Marcos time merong military tribunals, yun ang aayusin natin how would the DOJ and the courts function when there is martial law, very specific yan hindi nawawala ang functions nila during martial law and even during the declaration of the suspension of the writ of habas corpus,” Aguirre told reporters during a press briefing on Monday.
Earlier, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno directed all courts in Mindanao to remain open amid the President’s decision to place the entire region under martial law.
Sereno also ordered all Mindanao judges to report “their current and continuing status to the Office of the Court Administrator through their executive judges.”
Aguirre assigned Undersecretary Reynante Orceo to coordinate efforts with Mindanao prosecutors who will be handling cases against members of the Maute terror group.
“Nagpadala ako ng isang Undersecretary doon to coordinate with the prosecutors of Mindanao kasi yung isang regional prosecutor natatakot kasi na may ISIS,” Aguirre said adding that Orceo went to Iligan City Monday where he met with the local prosecutors.
He said their immediate concern is the inquest of Maute members arrested by security forces in their ongoing operation in Marawi.
The DOJ chief explained that the military and the police earlier asked for assistance on what to do with Maute members who might be arrested in the ongoing operation since they only have 72 hours within which to act especially if there is detention without any warrant of arrest.
“Hiningi nila na kung pwede mag-assign kami ng kahit dalawang prosecutors kahit dun man lang sa affected areas though mahirap talaga unless sa loob ng military facilities gagawin para sa kaligtasan na din ng mga prosecutors,” Aguirre noted.
He added that the DOJ is now thinking of holding the inquest in areas outside of Mindanao.
President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of martial law in the entire Mindanao to neutralize militants linked to attacks carried out by the Maute terror group in Marawi City.
Aguirre said the Chief Executive is in possession of information and reports that are not known to ordinary citizens which could have been used as basis for the declaration.
“The proclamation is in accordance with the Constitution and necessary to avoid the dismemberment of our nation. The President is entitled to be presumed to be regularly performing the duties of his office, of course those who opposed the decision can go to the SC,” Aguirre said when sought for comment.
Under the 1987 Constitution, the President has the authority to declare martial in any part of the country or the entire country for a period of 60 days but Congress, voting jointly, may revoke or extend the proclamation.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/992168
The Department of Justice is helping in the fine-tuning of the implementing rules and regulations as well as the issuance of general orders in relation to President Rodrigo Duterte's martial law proclamation in Mindanao.
Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said they are working on how the DOJ and the courts would function in areas covered by martial law.
“We are just helping kung merong fine-tuning katulad ng proclamation ng martial law, general orders, katulad ng dati rati during the Marcos time merong military tribunals, yun ang aayusin natin how would the DOJ and the courts function when there is martial law, very specific yan hindi nawawala ang functions nila during martial law and even during the declaration of the suspension of the writ of habas corpus,” Aguirre told reporters during a press briefing on Monday.
Earlier, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno directed all courts in Mindanao to remain open amid the President’s decision to place the entire region under martial law.
Sereno also ordered all Mindanao judges to report “their current and continuing status to the Office of the Court Administrator through their executive judges.”
Aguirre assigned Undersecretary Reynante Orceo to coordinate efforts with Mindanao prosecutors who will be handling cases against members of the Maute terror group.
“Nagpadala ako ng isang Undersecretary doon to coordinate with the prosecutors of Mindanao kasi yung isang regional prosecutor natatakot kasi na may ISIS,” Aguirre said adding that Orceo went to Iligan City Monday where he met with the local prosecutors.
He said their immediate concern is the inquest of Maute members arrested by security forces in their ongoing operation in Marawi.
The DOJ chief explained that the military and the police earlier asked for assistance on what to do with Maute members who might be arrested in the ongoing operation since they only have 72 hours within which to act especially if there is detention without any warrant of arrest.
“Hiningi nila na kung pwede mag-assign kami ng kahit dalawang prosecutors kahit dun man lang sa affected areas though mahirap talaga unless sa loob ng military facilities gagawin para sa kaligtasan na din ng mga prosecutors,” Aguirre noted.
He added that the DOJ is now thinking of holding the inquest in areas outside of Mindanao.
President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of martial law in the entire Mindanao to neutralize militants linked to attacks carried out by the Maute terror group in Marawi City.
Aguirre said the Chief Executive is in possession of information and reports that are not known to ordinary citizens which could have been used as basis for the declaration.
“The proclamation is in accordance with the Constitution and necessary to avoid the dismemberment of our nation. The President is entitled to be presumed to be regularly performing the duties of his office, of course those who opposed the decision can go to the SC,” Aguirre said when sought for comment.
Under the 1987 Constitution, the President has the authority to declare martial in any part of the country or the entire country for a period of 60 days but Congress, voting jointly, may revoke or extend the proclamation.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/992168
AFP still looking for evidence on foreign jihadists fighting in Marawi City
From the Philippine News Agency (May 30): AFP still looking for evidence on foreign jihadists fighting in Marawi City
While not denying the possibility of foreign jihadists fighting alongside with Maute Group terrorists in Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur, the military said it is still looking for proof that will justify reports claiming that around 40 of the former are linked up with the lawless elements.
This was disclosed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla Tuesday.
"We cannot confirm that yet as they (Maute and foreign jihadists) all look alike. Even the bodies we recovered all look the same and without identification, so we are letting our intelligence (units) processed them (to determine their names and nationalities)," he added in Filipino.
But while Padilla is not discounting the possibility of foreign jihadists in Maute Group ranks, he stressed that concrete evidence is needed to ascertain this.
"We cannot be certain how many there are until such time that we are able to fully process all information that we have been able to gather," he said.
With regards to the six foreign terrorists allegedly killed during last week's fighting, Padilla said the names of these men are still being validated.
He added that information claiming that these men are foreign jihadists are coming from the camp of the Maute Group.
Identifying these individuals will take some time as the AFP intelligence units need to process scores of materials for confirmation purposes.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/992201
While not denying the possibility of foreign jihadists fighting alongside with Maute Group terrorists in Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur, the military said it is still looking for proof that will justify reports claiming that around 40 of the former are linked up with the lawless elements.
This was disclosed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla Tuesday.
"We cannot confirm that yet as they (Maute and foreign jihadists) all look alike. Even the bodies we recovered all look the same and without identification, so we are letting our intelligence (units) processed them (to determine their names and nationalities)," he added in Filipino.
But while Padilla is not discounting the possibility of foreign jihadists in Maute Group ranks, he stressed that concrete evidence is needed to ascertain this.
"We cannot be certain how many there are until such time that we are able to fully process all information that we have been able to gather," he said.
With regards to the six foreign terrorists allegedly killed during last week's fighting, Padilla said the names of these men are still being validated.
He added that information claiming that these men are foreign jihadists are coming from the camp of the Maute Group.
Identifying these individuals will take some time as the AFP intelligence units need to process scores of materials for confirmation purposes.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/992201
2 Abu bandits killed in Sulu encounter
From ABS-CBN (May 30): 2 Abu bandits killed in Sulu encounter
Two Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed while one soldier was slightly wounded after a gun battle broke out between the bandits and security forces in Talipao, Sulu Monday evening.
Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of Joint Task Force Sulu, said government troops received information from a civilian that some Abu Sayyaf bandits were seen in the village of Mabahay in the town of Talipao with three Indonesian hostages.
However, government forces were met with heavy gunfire from the bandits led by sub leader Sibih Pisih. The firefight lasted for more than 10 minutes, which left two bandits killed and one soldier wounded.
The military also recovered an M4 rifle left by the bandits in the encounter site.
Sobejana said there has been no letup in their offensives against the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu, amid the rising tension in Marawi City as government forces pursue the Maute group.
Tighter security has been implemented in Sulu following the declaration of martial law by President Rodrigo Duterte last week. Sobejana said curfew is observed in Jolo from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m. the following day.
However, specific exemptions are provided such as attending prayer in mosques during dawn and medical emergency.
The military, police and the provincial government is discussing implementing the ID system, which would require Sulu residents to show their valid identification cards at security checkpoints.
Meanwhile, a suspected member of the Abu Sayyaf was nabbed in Zamboanga City Port area on Tuesday morning.
Colonel Leonen Nicolas, the commander of Task Force Zamboanga, identified the suspected bandit as Kimhar Asusi, 32, and a resident of Parang, Sulu.
Asusi was arrested while disembarking from a Sulu-Zamboanga bound commercial ferry. Nicolas said Asusi was positively identified by their assets as a member of the Abu Sayyaf operating in Sulu.
He said Asusi has a standing arrest warrant for his alleged participation in the 2000 Sipadan kidnapping.
Reports also said that Asusi was among the bandits whom the military encountered in Barangay Buanza, Indanan, Sulu last year, which resulted to the successful rescue of two members of Philippines Coast Guard.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Asusi denied the allegations. He said he never joined the Abu Sayyaf. He also denied being a supporter or sympathizer of the group.
Asusi claimed the authorities mistakenly accused him as a member of the Abu Sayyaf due to his fresh eye injury, which he claimed, he sustained after a freak accident while preparing his fishing gear.
Asusi said he decided to seek further medical attention in Zamboanga City due to the limitations of the hospital equipment and facilities in Jolo.
http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/30/17/2-abu-bandits-killed-in-sulu-encounter
Two Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed while one soldier was slightly wounded after a gun battle broke out between the bandits and security forces in Talipao, Sulu Monday evening.
Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of Joint Task Force Sulu, said government troops received information from a civilian that some Abu Sayyaf bandits were seen in the village of Mabahay in the town of Talipao with three Indonesian hostages.
However, government forces were met with heavy gunfire from the bandits led by sub leader Sibih Pisih. The firefight lasted for more than 10 minutes, which left two bandits killed and one soldier wounded.
The military also recovered an M4 rifle left by the bandits in the encounter site.
Sobejana said there has been no letup in their offensives against the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu, amid the rising tension in Marawi City as government forces pursue the Maute group.
Tighter security has been implemented in Sulu following the declaration of martial law by President Rodrigo Duterte last week. Sobejana said curfew is observed in Jolo from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m. the following day.
However, specific exemptions are provided such as attending prayer in mosques during dawn and medical emergency.
The military, police and the provincial government is discussing implementing the ID system, which would require Sulu residents to show their valid identification cards at security checkpoints.
Meanwhile, a suspected member of the Abu Sayyaf was nabbed in Zamboanga City Port area on Tuesday morning.
Colonel Leonen Nicolas, the commander of Task Force Zamboanga, identified the suspected bandit as Kimhar Asusi, 32, and a resident of Parang, Sulu.
Asusi was arrested while disembarking from a Sulu-Zamboanga bound commercial ferry. Nicolas said Asusi was positively identified by their assets as a member of the Abu Sayyaf operating in Sulu.
He said Asusi has a standing arrest warrant for his alleged participation in the 2000 Sipadan kidnapping.
Reports also said that Asusi was among the bandits whom the military encountered in Barangay Buanza, Indanan, Sulu last year, which resulted to the successful rescue of two members of Philippines Coast Guard.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Asusi denied the allegations. He said he never joined the Abu Sayyaf. He also denied being a supporter or sympathizer of the group.
Asusi claimed the authorities mistakenly accused him as a member of the Abu Sayyaf due to his fresh eye injury, which he claimed, he sustained after a freak accident while preparing his fishing gear.
Asusi said he decided to seek further medical attention in Zamboanga City due to the limitations of the hospital equipment and facilities in Jolo.
http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/30/17/2-abu-bandits-killed-in-sulu-encounter
Philippine army battles to contain Isis attacks from spreading to second city
From The Guardian (May 30): Philippine army battles to contain Isis attacks from spreading to second city
Curfews and heavy military presence in Iligan, a city of 350,000, amid fears Islamist militants may seek to expand conflict
A view of the Maute group stronghold with an Islamic State flag in Marawi City in southern Philippines. Photograph: Erik de Castro/Reuters
Police and security services have imposed a night-time curfew and increased their presence in a second Philippine city following reports that Islamist militants fighting fierce battles in Marawi might pose as civilians to sneak out and open a new front.
More than 90% of Marawi’s 200,000 population have fled a week of street clashes and aerial strikes. Many have relocated to Iligan City, 38km (24 miles) to the north, where authorities have implemented a 10pm to 4am curfew.
Posting on the city’s Facebook page, police had said curfews were not a complete lockdown but “containment action” – using both stationary and mobile checkpoints as well as “police visibility to negate the occurrence of same incident at Marawi City”.
The extended curfew followed comments from Colonel Alex Aduca, chief of the Fourth Mechanised Infantry Battalion, who told local radio that some rebels had been caught trying to get into Iligan.
“We don’t want what’s happening in Marawi to spill over in Iligan,” he said.
A spokesperson for the provincial government of Lanao del Sur also said the army had arrested a suspected militant trying to flee Marawi. The man, who was in his 20s, had fingers smelling “of gunpowder”, Zia Alonto Adiong said.
The spokesperson encouraged residents to help the military by conducting citizen’s arrests of suspected members of the Maute, the Islamic State-linked group that took control of several neighbourhoods of Marawi last Tuesday.
“If anybody thinks that he or she is physically capable of apprehending a member of the Maute, then do so. Bring that criminal to us and we will do the necessary actions,” he said.
Philippine Marines advance their positions as more soldiers reinforce to fight the Maute group in Marawi City in southern Philippines. Photograph: Erik de Castro/Reuters
Security forces have made efforts to contain much of the wider region. Police as well as soldiers, in camouflage and carrying assault rifles, searched trucks and checked ID cards at two checkpoints between Iligan and the provincial international airport.
More than 60 militants, 20 security forces personnel and 19 civilians have been killed since Maute rebels flooded through Marawi, a lakeside city in the centre of Mindanao, a semi-autonomous province home to several insurgent factions.
While on-off fighting is common in the island state of 22 million, the overnight rampage by an Isis-linked group and its ability to hold ground for a week in defiance of military attack helicopters and artillery barrages presents a dramatic turn.
President Rodrigo Duterte has imposed martial law in the area and told troops that he will protect them if they commit abuses during the conflict, including rape, leading to an outcry from rights activists and some lawmakers.
The clashes started after security forces tried to capture Isnilon Hapilon, an Islamist militant leader who is the subject of a $5m FBI reward and endorsed by Isis, which seeks to to establish a presence outside the Middle East. He is believed to be a senior leader in a coalition of Islamist insurgent groups, including the Maute.
Rebels struck back surprisingly swiftly, quickly taking up sniper positions that have since bogged down the military’s efforts to completely retake the city.
Major General Rolando Bautista, the commander who ordered the raid, said insurgents had been planning for several weeks to seize Marawi, and the raid “triggered” their attack early.
“We did not expect the outcome, the reactions,” Bautista told local news outlet Rappler, suggesting the militants had been well-prepared.
The Maute group remained in nine of the city’s 96 subdistricts, according to the military. Thousands of civilians remain stranded in the crossfire and bombardment, with little food or water and no electricity.
The bodies of eight people, said by the army to be civilians executed by the Maute were found in a ravine on Sunday. Most had been shot in the head and some had their hands tied.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/30/philippine-army-battles-to-contain-isis-attacks-from-spreading-to-second-city
Curfews and heavy military presence in Iligan, a city of 350,000, amid fears Islamist militants may seek to expand conflict
A view of the Maute group stronghold with an Islamic State flag in Marawi City in southern Philippines. Photograph: Erik de Castro/Reuters
Police and security services have imposed a night-time curfew and increased their presence in a second Philippine city following reports that Islamist militants fighting fierce battles in Marawi might pose as civilians to sneak out and open a new front.
More than 90% of Marawi’s 200,000 population have fled a week of street clashes and aerial strikes. Many have relocated to Iligan City, 38km (24 miles) to the north, where authorities have implemented a 10pm to 4am curfew.
Posting on the city’s Facebook page, police had said curfews were not a complete lockdown but “containment action” – using both stationary and mobile checkpoints as well as “police visibility to negate the occurrence of same incident at Marawi City”.
The extended curfew followed comments from Colonel Alex Aduca, chief of the Fourth Mechanised Infantry Battalion, who told local radio that some rebels had been caught trying to get into Iligan.
“We don’t want what’s happening in Marawi to spill over in Iligan,” he said.
A spokesperson for the provincial government of Lanao del Sur also said the army had arrested a suspected militant trying to flee Marawi. The man, who was in his 20s, had fingers smelling “of gunpowder”, Zia Alonto Adiong said.
The spokesperson encouraged residents to help the military by conducting citizen’s arrests of suspected members of the Maute, the Islamic State-linked group that took control of several neighbourhoods of Marawi last Tuesday.
“If anybody thinks that he or she is physically capable of apprehending a member of the Maute, then do so. Bring that criminal to us and we will do the necessary actions,” he said.
Philippine Marines advance their positions as more soldiers reinforce to fight the Maute group in Marawi City in southern Philippines. Photograph: Erik de Castro/Reuters
Security forces have made efforts to contain much of the wider region. Police as well as soldiers, in camouflage and carrying assault rifles, searched trucks and checked ID cards at two checkpoints between Iligan and the provincial international airport.
While on-off fighting is common in the island state of 22 million, the overnight rampage by an Isis-linked group and its ability to hold ground for a week in defiance of military attack helicopters and artillery barrages presents a dramatic turn.
President Rodrigo Duterte has imposed martial law in the area and told troops that he will protect them if they commit abuses during the conflict, including rape, leading to an outcry from rights activists and some lawmakers.
The clashes started after security forces tried to capture Isnilon Hapilon, an Islamist militant leader who is the subject of a $5m FBI reward and endorsed by Isis, which seeks to to establish a presence outside the Middle East. He is believed to be a senior leader in a coalition of Islamist insurgent groups, including the Maute.
Rebels struck back surprisingly swiftly, quickly taking up sniper positions that have since bogged down the military’s efforts to completely retake the city.
Major General Rolando Bautista, the commander who ordered the raid, said insurgents had been planning for several weeks to seize Marawi, and the raid “triggered” their attack early.
“We did not expect the outcome, the reactions,” Bautista told local news outlet Rappler, suggesting the militants had been well-prepared.
The Maute group remained in nine of the city’s 96 subdistricts, according to the military. Thousands of civilians remain stranded in the crossfire and bombardment, with little food or water and no electricity.
The bodies of eight people, said by the army to be civilians executed by the Maute were found in a ravine on Sunday. Most had been shot in the head and some had their hands tied.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/30/philippine-army-battles-to-contain-isis-attacks-from-spreading-to-second-city
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