WATCH | Hapilon-Maute Marawi plans triggered AFP raid that led to clashes

From InterAksyon (Jun 8): WATCH | Hapilon-Maute Marawi plans triggered AFP raid that led to clashes



Senior Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon planning with militants the attack on Marawi City. Photo from News5 video screenshot
The planned occupation of Marawi by Abu Sayyaf senior leader Isnilon Hapilon and the Maute Group that was later found to have been captured on a cellphone camera triggered the May 23 military raid against the rebels in the Lanao del Sur capital, resulting in President Rodrigo Duterte’s martial law proclamation in Mindanao and the ensuing clashes between government troops and the Islamist militants.

In a media interview late last month, Philippine Army 1st Infantry Division Commanding General Rolando Bautista said that two to three weeks before May 23, the military received reports that “local terrorist groups will seize” the Lanao del Sur capital.

Thus on May 23, Bautista ordered the raid in Barangay Basak Malutlut, which started with conducting a zoning in the village, separating residents from outsiders and checking on who were bearing firearms.

He said the military was expecting to find Maute rebels during the zoning but was surprised when it was Hapilon who showed up, causing the operation to change its focus towards capturing the high-value target, reportedly the designated ISIS emir in Southeast Asia.

The military said the May 23 raid had nipped the planned occupation of Marawi in the bud.

“Nagawa nila ‘yong ibang part ng plano nila. Naposisyon nila ‘yong mga tao nila sa ilang lugar. Pero ‘yong grand plan nila, di nila na-execute dahil 10 percent lang ng Marawi ang kontrolado nila,” said Colonel Jo-Ar Herrera, spokesperson of the Armed Forces First Infantry Division.[They were able to carry out parts of their plan. They were able to position their people in some areas. But they failed to execute their grand plan because they were only able to control 10 percent of Marawi.]

In the undated video, Hapilon and his group are seen discussing how they will seize the Lanao del Sur capital and Iligan City. The recording was discovered by government troops on a cellphone they had seized during the May 23 raid on a Marawi safe house where Hapilon and other rebels were allegedly hiding.

Also in the video with Hapilon and other militants are Maute Group’s top leader Abdullah Maute and his brother Omar Khayyam Maute.

Using a map and a sketch of the areas in Marawi, Hapilon and the group are seen in the video studying how they will attack the places in the city, encircling the areas they will occupy using blue pens.

The insurgents’ discussion becomes somewhat heated as they decide on whether they would let prisoners escape from the Marawi City Jail.

They are also seen in the video talking about where they will place their weapons when they start to occupy Marawi, how to attack military camps, and whether they would plant rocket-propelled grenades on the roads.

A second video, which appeared to have been documented in January 2016 and was also recovered from the May 23 raid of Hapilon’s suspected safe house, shows Abdullah Maute teaching his new recruits on how to use firearms.

WATCH THE VIDEO REPORT BY NEWS5’S KAYE IMSON:  https://www.facebook.com/News5Everywhere/videos/922629904560431/

http://www.interaksyon.com/watch-hapilon-maute-attack-plan-captured-on-cellphone-camera-triggered-afp-raid-in-marawi/

Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia team up in terror fight

Nikkei Asia Review (Jun 8): Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia team up in terror fight

Southeast Asia seeks to stem growing influence of Islamic State extremists



Philippine soldiers advance while watching out for sniper attacks in Marawi, on the island of Mindanao, on May 25. © Getty Images/Kyodo

The Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia will collaborate on air and marine defense in the wake of frequent terrorist attacks by extremists linked to the Islamic State group.

Malaysian Defense Minister Hishammuddin Tun Hussein has said the three Southeast Asian countries will jointly defend the waters off the southern Philippine island of Mindanao starting June 19, and that they will join forces on air defense as well.
In waters off the southern Philippines, the kidnapping of sailors by the IS-linked Abu Sayyaf group has been increasing sharply. Meanwhile, in the western Mindanao city of Marawi, which has been plagued by continuous conflicts, the IS-affiliated Maute group apparently sought to create an independent enclave of its own. IS-linked fighters from Saudi Arabia and elsewhere are known to be entering the country as well. The combined air and marine defense is aimed at preventing the extremists from establishing solid operational bases.






While attending the three-day Asia Security Summit in Singapore, Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu on Sunday invited Singapore, Thailand and others to the joint defense effort, given that developments around Mindanao could spread elsewhere. In response, Singapore's Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen told local media that the city-state would take part in the combined marine defense.

Many Islamic militant groups in Southeast Asia are turning increasingly extremist as a result of strengthened ties with IS. Isnilon Hapilon, the Philippines' most-wanted man and head of the Abu Sayyaf group, is positioned as a local leader of IS. There are at least 31 Southeast Asian terrorist groups linked to IS, according to Singapore's Ng, who stressed the importance of blocking these organizations from taking root in the region.

The IS influence is also rapidly rising in Indonesia, home of the world's largest Muslim population. Three have been arrested for suspected involvement in a suicide bombing in Jakarta last month that the nation has declared an IS-linked act of terrorism.

In Malaysia, the June 2016 bombing of a bar in a suburb of Kuala Lumpur injured eight customers, leading to the arrest of 15 perpetrators. The bombing is believed to have been orchestrated by a Malaysian fighter who took part in IS activities in Syria.

In Mindanao, where the military continues to battle with the Maute group, 134 Maute fighters had been killed as of Tuesday. The Philippine military has stepped up its search-and-destroy operation by deploying highly destructive fighter aircraft, among other actions. President Rodrigo Duterte has repeatedly declared his intent to defeat IS and eradicate its influence.

In addition to its heavily Muslim populations, Southeast Asia is subject to the rising influence of IS because the militant group is losing ground in Iraq and Syria to coalition forces. As security concerns slow their economies and undermine investments from foreign entities, countries in the region are coming together in a shared, urgent fight against the extremists.

http://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy/International-Relations/Philippines-Indonesia-Malaysia-team-up-in-terror-fight

Editorial: EDITORIAL - The Maute money trail

From the Philippine Star (Jun 8): Editorial: EDITORIAL - The Maute money trail



Maybe there are people who feel more comfortable keeping P52 million in cash at home rather than in a bank where it can earn interest. Maybe the owner of the cash, said to be a contractor, needs a lot of cash on hand constantly to pay for various goods and services.

Obviously, tracing the owner is the best way to find out if there is a legitimate reason for P52 million in cold cash to be lying around in a house in Marawi. Marine forces found the cash, neatly packed, in a house reportedly owned by the patriarch of the Maute clan, Cayamora Maute. But he denied owning the cash, which was reportedly guarded by a sniper and a machine gun nest.

As of yesterday, no one engaged in legitimate business had come forward to claim the cash plus checks for P27 million. So the government will have to conduct its own sleuthing. The cash provides a windfall for those trying to find out the sources of funding and other logistics needed by any terrorist organization – especially one that can mount a siege on Marawi City.

–– ADVERTISEMENT ––

The cash and checks bear serial numbers that authorities should be able to trace in the banking system. President Duterte had previously expressed suspicion that certain local politicians and clans were supporting the Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups in Mindanao. The seizure of that pile of cash and checks should help prove his suspicion. 

The Mautes and Abu Sayyaf need an enormous amount of funds for guns and ammunition alone. “Crushing” the terrorists, as ordered by the President, must include dismantling its support network. Following the money trail should be as relentless as the military offensive against the terrorists. The cash offers an opportunity to uncover terrorist financing. The opportunity must not go to waste.

http://www.philstar.com/opinion/2017/06/08/1707807/editorial-maute-money-trail

Members of Indonesia - based JAD Join ISIS Fighters in Marawi

From Tempo.Co (Jun 8): Members of Indonesia - based JAD Join ISIS Fighters in Marawi

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) confirmed that Indonesians who have joined Maute militia and Abu Sayyaf group in the attack on Marawi City, Philippines, are members of Jamaah Ansharud Daulah (JAD). The BPNT chairman Comr. Gen. Suhardi Alius said that JAD shares the same values and objectives with the south Philippine radical groups: establishing and pledging allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

The formerly named Jamaah Ansharut Khilafah Daulah Nusantara is led by terror convict Aman Abdurrahman alias Oman, who is currently serving time in Nusakambangan prison, Central Java. The terror ring was born in March 2015 comprising several groups, such as Jamaah Islamiyah, Al-Muhajirun, East Indonesia Mujahidin (MIT) and West Indonesia Mujahidin (MIB), who have pledged allegiance to ISIS.

Read also: Indonesian ISIS Fighters Enter Philippines

BNPT reports that over 40 Indonesians allegedly join and were involved in terror attacks in the Philippines. The latter has released the names of seven individuals allegedly joined the Marawi attack on May 23.

Former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) member Ali Fauzi has corroborated Suhardi statements. He said that most ISIS sympathizers who have departed for Marawi are JAD members based in Java. “Most hail from West Java, followed by Central Java, East Java and South Sulawesi,” Ali said in Lamongan yesterday. Ali is the younger brother convicted Bali bombers Amrozi and Ali Imron.

Read also: Indonesian Borders Guarded, Marawi-Maratu Only 3.5 Hours Apart

The National Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Setyo Wasisto said that the police have launched an investigation into the identity and terror ring assisting the departure of Indonesian foreign fighters to Marawi. According to the Philippine police release, the names of seven Indonesians joining ISIS in the country are Anggara Suprayogi, Yayat Hidayat Tarli, Al-Ikhwan Yushel, Yoki Pratama Windyarto, Mochamad Jaelani Firdaus, Muhammad Gufron and Muhammad Ilham Syahputra.

Setyo said that the police have arrested an individual in Wonosari, Yogyakarta, for allegedly financing Anggara, Yoki, Yayat and Al-Ikhwan to depart for the Philippines. The police could yet confirm the source of US$7,500 which was transferred in two installments.

https://en.tempo.co/read/news/2017/06/08/055882494/Members-of-Indonesia-based-JAD-Join-ISIS-Fighters-in-Marawi

Marawi militants had planned to set up an Islamist enclave

From The Asahi Shimbun (Jun 7): Marawi militants had planned to set up an Islamist enclave

Islamist militants locked in an urban battle with troops in the southern Philippines had planned to carve out an enclave of their own, officials said on Wednesday after the emergence of a video showing their leaders in a secret strategy meeting.

The footage, found on a mobile phone as government forces closed in on the fighters in Marawi City, showed a group of men in a room discussing how they would take hostages from a school, seal off roads and capture a highway into the lakeside town.

"There was indeed a bigger plan and it was supposed to wreak more havoc," military spokesman Restituto Padilla told a news conference after the video became public.

The battle for Marawi has raised concern that Islamic State, on a back foot in Syria and Iraq, is building a regional base on the Philippine island of Mindanao that could pose a threat to neighboring Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, too.

Officials have said that, among the several hundred militants who seized the town on May 23, there were about 40 foreigners from Indonesia and Malaysia but also fighters from India, Saudi Arabia, Morocco and Chechnya.

The strike on Marawi City suggested to many that pro-Islamic State outfits wanted to establish the town as a Southeast Asian "wilayat"--or governorate--for the radical group, a view reinforced by the video footage.

The military has said that the fighters are increasingly penned in around a built-up area of the town, and troops have been clearing houses that the militants had defended with snipers for the past two weeks.

Philippine senators said members of the Upper House were last week shown the video of the militants making their plans, a copy of which was obtained by Reuters from the Philippines military.

The men pored over a map and one, identified by a subtitle as "Abdullah," pointed to three locations and discussed options for attack.

"We can jailbreak ... we can go inside schools ... we can take hostages," he said in a mix of regional languages and English. "But we need to seize a highway so people will be scared."

Seated at a table among them was Isnilon Hapilon, leader of the Abu Sayyaf group who was proclaimed by Islamic State last year as its "emir" of Southeast Asia. The U.S. State Department has offered a bounty of up to $5 million (550 million yen) for his arrest.

Hapilon has formed an alliance with the Maute group, a tactically smart, social-media savvy outfit, and at least two other factions that have lined up behind the ultra-radical Islamic State.

"It was clear that these terrorists, the Maute group, their end goal is to make Marawi ... independent, or to separate from the republic," Senator JV Ejercito said.

"With a plan like this, this is already rebellion and a threat to national security, so declaration of martial law is justified," he said, referring to the martial law declared by President Rodrigo Duterte across Mindanao when the siege began.

The Associated Press first reported on the video on Tuesday. Armed forces Chief of Staff General Eduaro Ao told the agency that the images showed an intention to dismember "a portion of the Philippine territory by occupying the whole of Marawi City and establishing their own Islamic state or government."

‘NOT A RELIGIOUS WAR’

The fighters prepared for a long siege, stockpiling arms and food in tunnels, basements, mosques and madrasas, or Islamic religious schools, military officials say. The Philippines is largely Christian, but Marawi City is overwhelmingly Muslim.

Progress in the military campaign has been slow because hundreds of civilians are still trapped or being held hostage, some as human shields, the military said.

A Catholic priest and about a dozen of his parishioners were taken on the first day of the battle by militants who burst into the town's cathedral and set it alight.

Military spokesman Padilla appealed to social media users not to circulate material--such as video images of the militants destroying religious statues and pulling down a cross inside a church--that may fan religious tension.

"Let us not buy into the plan of these terror groups to inflame the feelings of our other religions," he said. "This is not a religious war."

A four-hour cease-fire to evacuate residents trapped in the town was interrupted by gunfire on Sunday, leaving some 500 to 600 inside with dwindling supplies of food and water.

Officials say that 1,545 civilians have been rescued.

The latest numbers for militants killed in the battle is 134, along with 39 security personnel. The authorities have put the civilian death toll at between 20 and 38.

http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201706080023.html

PNP to Maute brothers: Take care of hostages, we'll take care of your father

From Rappler (Jun 7): PNP to Maute brothers: Take care of hostages, we'll take care of your father

Cayamora, the patriarch of the Maute clan, was inside a van along with 3 relatives and a driver, as he was arrested on June 6

PATRIARCH. Cayamora Maute after his arrest on June 6, 2017 in Davao City.

The regional police chief of the Davao Region on Tuesday, June 6, called on the Maute brothers – founders of a local terror group – to "take care" of their hostages, especially now that their father is in police custody.

Chief Superintendent Manuel Gaerlan made the statement in a press conference in Davao City on Thursday, June 6, hours after cops and soldiers arrested Cayamora Maute, father of Abdullah and Omar Maute, at a checkpoint in Toril, Davao City.

"They now see their patriarch and they are holding hostages. I want to tell them, alagaan ninyo ang mga (take care of your) hostages and we will also take care of [your patriarch]," said Gaerlan.

Cayamora, the patriarch of the Maute clan, was inside a van along with 3 relatives and a driver, when officials apprehended them. Police and military officials in Davao City said the van caught the attention of those manning the checkpoint because Cayamora had apparently tried to cover his face when they drove nearer.

The Maute clan head is part of wanted posters prepared by police in connection with an ongoing operation against local terror groups – one of them the Maute Group – that attempted to take control of Marawi City. Both the Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups are said to have pledged loyalty to the international terror group Islamic State (ISIS).

Also arrested was Norjannah Balawag Maute, identified as Cayamora's daughter, and her husband, Benzarali Tingao. Kongan Alfonso Balawag, whom police said is Cayamora's wife, was also apprehended and is in the custody of Davao City Police.

The 5 were apparently trying to seek medical treatment for Cayamora, a claim police will have to validate. Gaerlan said they will also be checking if Maute relatives were living in Davao City.

The Philippine government considers Cayamora Maute's arrest as a blow to the Maute Group.

As a result of the Marawi City siege, President Rodrigo Duterte placed the entire Mindanao island under martial law. He also suspended the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, allowing police and military to conduct warrantless arrests.

The Marawi crisis and martial law also prompted security measures in Davao City, hometown of the President, to heighten even more.

Although police are still validating Cayamora's identity, the old man himself admitted as much. Initially, however, he tried to present a fake ID.

Cayamora and his companions aren't the first persons found to have ties to the Maute Group to be detained in the city. Also detained are suspects in the September 2016 Davao blast.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/172223-pnp-maute-brothers-care-hostages

Maute patriarch moved to Camp Bagong Diwa

From Rappler (Jun 8): Maute patriarch moved to Camp Bagong Diwa

Cayamora Maute, whose sons lead a local terror group, is moved to Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig past midnight   

ARRESTED. Cayamora Maute is interviewed by media following a press conference about his arrest in Davao City. Photo by Manman Dejeto/Rappler

Cayamora Maute, father of the founders of a local terror group, was transferred to Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City on Thursday, June 8, over a day after he was arrested in Davao City.

Cayamora, father of Maute Group founders Abdullah and Omar, flew in from Davao City and arrived inside the police camp at around 12:45 am, sources privy to his transfer told Rappler.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Brigadier General Restituto Padilla confirmed Maute's transfer in a dZMM interview on June 8, Thursday.

Maute was arrested at a checkpoint in Davao City on June 6, along with 4 people – 3 of whom were family members. They were taken to the Davao City Police Office.

The Maute Group, alongside the Abu Sayyaf Group, attempted to take over Marawi City on May 23 after government troops launched an operation against Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon. The two local terror groups have pledged loyalty to the international terror group ISIS.

Cayamora is included in wanted posters released by police following the attack on the city. (READ: PNP to Maute brothers: Take care of hostages, we'll take care of your father)

The situation in Marawi led to the declaration of martial law in the entire Mindanao island. President Rodrigo Duterte also suspended the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, giving more buffer for warrantless arrests by authorities.

Clearing operations in Marawi City continue.

Duterte on June 7 said the Maute brothers’ mother, Farhana, had tried to speak to him. The President, however, refused.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/172297-cayamora-maute-transfer-bagong-diwa

PRRD thanks troops who neutralised ASG in Bohol

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 7): PRRD thanks troops who neutralised ASG in Bohol

Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte recently dined in a boodle fight with 500 military and police personnel in Central Visayas.

Dubbed as "Boodle fight with the Peacemakers", this was the President's way of showing his gratitude to men in uniform for their efforts in maintaining peace and order especially in neutralising the Abu Sayaff troops in the province of Bohol last April.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa inyo that you stayed true to your mandate,” Duterte said.

He also gave them the same assurance he made in his several rounds in military camps nationwide that he is on their side as long as they remain committed to serve the country.

"I am not asking personal loyalty, just remain true to the flag," the President said.

He also highlighted in his speech, recent developments in strengthening the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) with more troops and new fighting equipment.

Duterte mentioned his willingness to take in the armed rebel members in Mindanao to compose the additional 10,000 troops for the AFP during his term.

These include the men of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari who recently expressed willingness to help in the ongoing Marawi seige.

"Brother Nur, if you still have able bodied soldiers of yours, I am ready to integrate them into the Republic of the Philippines AFP," he said.

The invite extends even to regular members of the New People's Army (NPA).

"Lahat ng NPA I can also take you in, just bring the guns, papalitan ko yan ng bago and you'll be enlisted in the AFP,' Duterte said.

After his speech, the President digged into the Boodle fight with lechon, bam.i and fried tangigue.

It is the third official visit of Duterte in Cebu this year.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2441496737541/prrd-thanks-troops-who-neutralised-asg-in-bohol-

Gov’t troops grateful for relief efforts of civic organizations in Marawi

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 8): Gov’t troops grateful for relief efforts of civic organizations in Marawi 

“The people gave their overwhelming support to the IDPs and the military. I am lost for words and awed by this gesture of kindness,” said an army officer.

Major Malvin Ligutan, executive officer of the 51st Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army based in Barangay Pawak, Saguiaran, Lanao del Sur is grateful for the outpouring of support from civic organizations and concerned citizens to help alleviate the plight of displaced families in Marawi City, to include government troops.

In spite of the ongoing clashes and clearing operations of the military, Ligutan said Go Negosyo, a non-profit organization in Manila represented by Joseph Andrew Castillo, and One Love, One Nation, a charitable organization based in Davao City led by Lovely Navarro provided food, clothing and other relief assistance to civilians caught in the web of the Marawi crisis.

According to the military officer, Go Negosyo and One Love, One Nation transported two (2) truckloads of relief goods to Marawi City for residents affected by the armed conflict.

“The relief goods were donated by several individuals and organizations in an effort to extend relief assistance to the calamity victims,” Ligutan said quoting Castillo.

He said the Go Negosyo donated one dump truck of food items consisting of canned goods and bottled mineral water for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) temporarily staying in an evacuation center in Saguiaran town, while the One Love, One Nation donated one dump truck of rice, canned goods, coffee, sugar, and noodles for the Philippine Army.

According to Ligutan, the food items donated by the two organizations helped a lot because they could not anymore buy food in the market due to the ongoing clashes between government troops and the Maute group, and their vehicles are being used for clearing operations.

“Despite the hardships that the military have suffered with the Maute group, the strong support of civilians have gone a long way to help boost the Army’s morale, rescuing civilians and protecting their lives,” Ligutan concluded.

The Philippine Army continues to live up to its commitment, that of “Serving the people, securing the land,” at all times.

 http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371496842971/gov-t-troops-grateful-for-relief-efforts-of-civic-organizations-in-marawi-

PRRD slams Maute sympathizers; vows gov’t will win

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 7): PRRD slams Maute sympathizers; vows gov’t will win

President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday slammed sympathizers of the terrorist Maute group and promised soldiers that the government will come out victorious in the war against extremism and terrorism.
 


“Galit talaga ako sa kanila dyan sa Marawi na yan,” Duterte told soldiers at the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade Headquarters at Camp Leono in Barangay Kalandagan, Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat

“Kung bakit yung mga Maranao, pinayagan yung mga tao, pinapapasok doon at manggulo and bringing a corrupt ideology,” he said. “Ang gusto gawin, patayan lang, tapos sirain. 'Yun lang gusto mo sa buhay? That is pure oppression. Eh tayo naman, bakit magpa(pa)lugi? And to think that they are fighting a republic, di naman tayo nagkulang.”

President Duterte vowed that the extremists will never win against the government, adding that these skirmishes would have been brief if not for the rule of law.
 


“Not in a million years, manalo sila (extremists) sa atin. Ang liit nitong gyera na ito. Were it not for the fact na we are bound by rules, I could flatten Marawi in two days. In 24 hours, tapos yan,” he stressed.

“We are governed by rules because we are a republic. A democratic republic, kaya tayo natagalan kasi nauna sila (Maute) doon, sinama naman ng mga Maranao, kaya ako, galit ako,” he noted. 
 


The President also said that even in the midst of war, civilian lives are still the priority of the government.
 


“Kaya natin yan, but may order talaga tayo -- na walang collateral damage, walang inosente na mamatay," he stressed.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/994087

Troops secure teachers in Zambo island barangays

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 7): Troops secure teachers in Zambo island barangays

The Joint Task Force Zamboanga has deployed “substantial” number of troops to secure the teachers assigned in the island barangays of this city.

Some of the teachers commute daily on board motorboats from and to their respective assigned schools. Others travel every Monday and Friday as they stay during weekdays in their teaching stations.

“We provide security escorts to those teachers assigned in the island barangays. Our troops accompany them to cross from the mainland to the islands,” said Col. Leonel Nicolas, commander of the Joint Task Force Zamboanga.

But Nicolas declined to reveal the exact number of troops deployed to secure the teachers in five of the eight island barangays that have schools citing “operational matters”.

He said measures had also been implemented in all schools, including those in the island barangays.

Troops have been deployed to secure the teachers as there were four public school teachers assigned in the island barangays who were kidnapped in previous years.

Meanwhile, Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said classes in this city opened on Monday as scheduled with no major problems recorded despite the long queues in checkpoints.

Dr. Rosalio Conturno Jr., City Schools Division education supervisor for school governance and operations division chief, said school officials had been ordered to provide certification and temporary identification (ID) cards for their students in coordination with the barangay officials.

The city government has imposed the “No ID, No Entry” policy in a bid to shut possible access into this city of terrorists and other lawless elements.

“No issues or incidents have arisen or have been reported during the first day of classes,” Conturno said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/993812

2 bandits linked to ISIS nabbed

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 7): 2 bandits linked to ISIS nabbed

Acting on tips from civilians, police and military authorities arrested two local terrorists claiming alliance with ISIS during law enforcement operations Tuesday afternoon, the Army here said.

Capt. John Arvin Encinas, spokesperson for the 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division, said joint police and Army forces raided a safe house in Barangay Dimapatoy, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao during the 4 p.m. law enforcement operations.

He said the joint operation carried out by 5th Army Special Forces Battalion, 19th Infantry Battalion, Maguindanao police and 6th ID military intelligence unit and resulted in the arrest of Butucan Raguiab and Akmad Acob, both ethnic Maguindanaon.

The target of operation, Eskak Mohammad, managed to elude arrest, according to Senior Supt. Agustin Tello, Maguindanao police chief.

"Our troops backed the police in the law enforcement operation after civilians in the area reported the presence of heavily armed men brandishing high-powered guns and ISIS flag,” Encinas told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

Mohammad sensed the presence of government forces and quickly fled, he added.

Recovered from the two local terrorists were one Barret sniper rifle, 10 long firearms, four improvised explosive devices and a rifle grenade. Also recovered were military paraphernalia and ammunition.

“The successful operation was a result of the focused and intensified military operation against the local terror groups in Central Mindanao following Presidents Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao,” according to 603rd Infantry Brigade chief, Col. Jesus Sarsagat.

Major General Arnel Dela Vega, 6th Infantry Division commander, lauded troops involved in the successful conduct of operation and directed them to continue their efforts against terrorism.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/993934

6 Reds yield in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 7): 6 Reds yield in Maguindanao

Elements of the Army’s 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion on Wednesday welcomed six New Peoples’ Army rebels, including two amazons, who decided to surrender in simple ceremonies in Barangay Kamasi, Ampatuan, Maguindanao.
Capt. John Arvin Encinas, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, identified the rebels as Elsie Absalon, Fatima Sabnol Tubalay, Adog Jan Gonde, Dadok Ebus alias Kohan, Banol Ebus alias Ben, and Dante Sapakas alias Bosing.

Encinas said the surrenderers turned over three long barrel homemade shotguns, one Armalite M-16 rifle, one homemade M-14 rifle, and one 40 mm M-79 grenade launcher with assorted magazines and ammunition.

Their surrender, Encinas said, came after four NPA rebels belonging to the Manobo tribe surrendered to the military on June 1 due to failed promises by communist rebel leaders.

Encinas said the increasing number of rebels returning to the fold of the law is an indication the communist movement has been losing mass base support.

The surrenderers, he said, will get livelihood package from the government in exchange for their surrendered firearms.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/993933

3 NPA members captured in Agusan del Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 7): 3 NPA members captured in Agusan del Sur

Army troopers who were on foot patrol in a remote village of the Municipality of Veruela in Agusan del Sur captured on Tuesday three communist guerrillas who were carrying sacks loaded with firearms and ammunitions.

Soldiers belonging to the 26th Infantry Battalion took advantage of the situation and in no time collared the New People's Army (NPA) known as Bernie S. Perez alias Ariel, Joel S. Perez alias Jo and Nino S. Perez alias Onin.

Local police said Bernie S. Perez has a standing warrant of arrest for murder.

Recovered from the NPA combatants were two improvised explosive devices with blasting caps and wires, an M16 Armalite rifle, an M1 Garand rifle, a caliber 45 pistol, a caliber 38 revolver and several rounds of ammunitions, according to a military report of the incident.

Soldiers said they noticed that the sack being carried by one of the arrested NPA members revealed an outline of a rifle, prompting them to make the arrest, said Lt. Col Rommel Pagayon of the 26th IB in an incident report transmitted to Col Cristobal Zaragoza, commander of the Army’s the 401st Brigade.

Nino S. Perez attempted to flee but was captured in the ensuing pursuit operation, the military report said.

Major Gen. Benjamin Madrigal of the Fourth Infantry Division (4ID) congratulated the troops even as he exhorted them to be more vigilant of NPA activities.

Authorities have already filed criminal charges against the captured guerrillas.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/993946

Gov’t forces neutralize bigtime druglord in Lanao del Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 7): Gov’t forces neutralize bigtime druglord in Lanao del Sur

Joint anti-narcotics operatives, police and military forces killed Wednesday morning one of the most wanted druglord in Lanao del Sur during a law enforcement operation.

Elements of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-ARMM), 6th Infantry Battalion and PNP-ARMM Public Safety Battalion served the six search warrants against Nago Balindong in his house in Sitio Bliss, Barangay Jose Abad Santos, Malabang, Lanao del Sur at around 10 a.m. Wednesday.

But Balindong, who belonged to a Maranao political clan, resisted arrest and traded shots with law enforcers that left him dead.

Capt. John Arvin Encinas, spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division, a unit which has jurisdiction over parts of Lanao del Sur, said the Army backed up the PDEA and the police in law enforcement in line with President Duterte’s directive.

The raiding team also arrested eight other persons found in the house of Balindong. Government forces seized a cal. 45 pistol, two hand grenades, several sachets of suspected shabu and other drug paraphernalia.

The Malabang police office, in a report, said the Balindong group was linked to the Maute terrorist group that turned Marawi City into a battle-zone.

Malabang is about 45 minutes drive from Marawi City which government forces are trying to liberate from the hands of ISIS linked terrorists.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/994040

AFP destroys 6 suspected NPA camps in Kalinga

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 7): AFP destroys 6 suspected NPA camps in Kalinga

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) discovered and destroyed six suspected New People’s Army (NPA) camps in Kalinga province last week which led to the discovery of materials used in making bombs.

Lieutenant Colonel Gulliver Señires, head of the Philippine Army’s 50th Infantry Battalion (50IB), said on Wednesday that the six camps were discovered in Balbalan town in Kalinga last week.

“The camps were discovered in the mountainous and sloping forest in Balbalan,” he said.

Found in the last discovered site were eight fuses believed used in making bombs.

He said the discovery was a result of the continuing activity to protect the areas from rebels. Elements of the 50IB encountered the rebel group about three times last May.

During the operations, he said the 50IB was able to kill NPA leader Humide Miguel, alias “Marcial” and the surrender of a lady rebel.

At present, he said the military continues its operation against the NPAs in the Cordillera.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/994056

Suspected ASG bandits seize 9-year-old boy in Jolo

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 7): Suspected ASG bandits seize 9-year-old boy in Jolo

Government troops were deployed to track down and possibly rescue a nine-year-old boy seized Tuesday night by suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits in Jolo, Sulu.

The Jolo police identified the victim as Deany Rey Tan, a Grade 4 pupil of Mohammad Tulawie Elementary School.

The police said the victim was seized by three unidentified gunmen around 7:45 p.m. Tuesday in Barangay San Raymundo, Jolo, Sulu.

Initial investigation showed the gunmen knocked, immediately barged in, then grabbed the victim and fled on board a waiting motorcycle.

The police said the suspects sped towards Barangay Latih in Patikul, Sulu.

The police said the suspects are believed to be followers of a certain Sajirin, who belongs to the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/994036

Duterte to Misuari on offer to send MNLF fighters to Marawi: Wait, not now

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 7): Duterte to Misuari on offer to send MNLF fighters to Marawi: Wait, not now

President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesdy said here that his administration is not yet ready to allow Moro rebels to join the military in the fight against the Maute and Abu Sayyaf Groups in Marawi City.

Talking to soldiers at the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade headquarters in Barangay Kalandagan here, Duterte said he talked to Misuari who offered to send 2,000 MNLF fighters to Marawi City.

"Teka, huwag muna, huwag muna," Duterte said of Misuari's proposal in the meeting. Earlier, in Cagayan de Oro City, the President said he accepted Misuari's offer.

"Kaya natin yan sila (terrorists) konti lang yan sila, not in a million years they can defeat us," he added.

He also reiterated his offer to the New People's Army (NPA) fighters to surrender. "Surrender kayo, gagawin ko kayong sundalo ng gobyerno," he said.

In the same venue, President Duterte announced that arrested Police Supt. Maria Cristina Nobleza, former PNP Crime Laboratory deputy director for Region 11 (Davao City), was the conduit of ISIS to Abu Sayyaf.

Nobleza, a "Balik Islam" married to an Abu Sayyaf member, was arrested in Bohol trying to rescue beleaguered ASG fighters.

To the soldiers, the President said: "I asked you to never waver the commitment to defend the republic from all threats, especially of terrorism, criminality and illegal drugs and insurgency."

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/994130

Army declares N. Samar town as rebel-free

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 7): Army declares N. Samar town as rebel-free

The Philippine Army 20th Infantry Battalion together with the Northern Samar police provincial office declared on Wednesday the town of Mondragon, Northern Samar of having stable internal peace security.

Mondragon is a third class farming town in Northern Samar province politically subdivided into 24 villages. As of 2015, it has a population of 38,726.  A Memorandum of Agreement was signed by Armed Forces of the Philippines represented by Brig. Gen. Mario G. Lacurom, commander of the 803rd Infantry Brigade, Northern Samar police provincial director Supt. Cezar Zafiro Tannagan, and Mondragon Mayor Mario Madera.  The oath of the pledge of commitment followed the signing at the Mondragon town hall.  

Madera thanked the military and police for the unending support given to them. He likewise emphasized that the solution to the countless problems can never be achieved through the barrel of the gun but through the community being one.  “Let us affirm our commitment to adhere to our common goal of achieving a peaceful and sustainable development in the whole province of Northern Samar,” Lacurom said.

Army troopers who were on foot patrol in a remote village of the Municipality of Veruela in Agusan del Sur captured on Tuesday three communist guerrillas who were carrying sacks loaded with firearms and ammunitions.

Soldiers belonging to the 26th Infantry Battalion took advantage of the situation and in no time collared the New People's Army (NPA) known as Bernie S. Perez alias Ariel, Joel S. Perez alias Jo and Nino S. Perez alias Onin.

Local police said Bernie S. Perez has a standing warrant of arrest for murder.

Recovered from the NPA combatants were two improvised explosive devices with blasting caps and wires, an M16 Armalite rifle, an M1 Garand rifle, a caliber 45 pistol, a caliber 38 revolver and several rounds of ammunitions, according to a military report of the incident.

Soldiers said they noticed that the sack being carried by one of the arrested NPA members revealed an outline of a rifle, prompting them to make the arrest, said Lt. Col Rommel Pagayon of the 26th IB in an incident report transmitted to Col Cristobal Zaragoza, commander of the Army’s the 401st Brigade.

Nino S. Perez attempted to flee but was captured in the ensuing pursuit operation, the military report said. Major Gen. Benjamin Madrigal of the Fourth Infantry Division (4ID) congratulated the troops even as he exhorted them to be more vigilant of NPA activities. Authorities have already filed criminal charges against the captured guerrillas.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/994029

Gov’t forces neutralize bigtime druglord in Lanao del Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 7): Gov’t forces neutralize bigtime druglord in Lanao del Sur

Joint anti-narcotics operatives, police and military forces killed Wednesday morning one of the most wanted druglord in Lanao del Sur during a law enforcement operation.

Elements of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-ARMM), 6th Infantry Battalion and PNP-ARMM Public Safety Battalion served the six search warrants against Nago Balindong in his house in Sitio Bliss, Barangay Jose Abad Santos, Malabang, Lanao del Sur at around 10 a.m. Wednesday.

But Balindong, who belonged to a Maranao political clan, resisted arrest and traded shots with law enforcers that left him dead.

Capt. John Arvin Encinas, spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division, a unit which has jurisdiction over parts of Lanao del Sur, said the Army backed up the PDEA and the police in law enforcement in line with President Duterte’s directive.

The raiding team also arrested eight other persons found in the house of Balindong. Government forces seized a cal. 45 pistol, two hand grenades, several sachets of suspected shabu and other drug paraphernalia.

The Malabang police office, in a report, said the Balindong group was linked to the Maute terrorist group that turned Marawi City into a battle-zone.

Malabang is about 45 minutes drive from Marawi City which government forces are trying to liberate from the hands of ISIS linked terrorists.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/994040

AFP: Claimed 1,200 ISIS members in PHL, sum of all members of local terror groups in country

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6):  AFP: Claimed 1,200 ISIS members in PHL, sum of all members of local terror groups in country

The 1,200 ISIS fighters allegedly operating in the Philippines is the sum of all local terrorist groups in the country, said Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año on Tuesday.

These terror organizations are the Abu Sayyaf, Maute Group, Ansar Al-Khilafah Philippines, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and former members of the Jemaah Islamiyah.

Año made this statement in wake of claims made by Indonesia Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu who said that 40 of the 1,200 ISIS operatives are Indonesians.

He added only cooperation, understanding and consensus can prevent these terrorists from setting up root in Southeast Asia.

"The figures mentioned by the Indonesians are most probably the total sum of all local terrorists known to be operating in the country. Of the 1,200 so far claimed, we have only detected 40 foreign jihadists," he added in Filipino.

The AFP chief stressed they have already determined the affiliations of the foreign jihadists which includes some Indonesians.

The military is tracking down the locations of these foreign terrorists and neutralizing them as proven by a military operation in Piagapo, Lanao Del Sur which neutralized an estimated four or more foreign jihadists during the last week of April.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/993965

President Duterte orders soldiers to crush the enemy

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6): President Duterte orders soldiers to crush the enemy

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday ordered the soldiers to crush the enemy, stressing that the Marawi incident is a type of rebellion.
The President visited the 602nd Infantry (Liberator) Brigade, 6 ID in Carmen, North Cotabato.
According to President Duterte, it was money coming from illegal drugs trade that funded the rebellion in Marawi City.

“Gentlemen, we are fighting a rebellion. Rebellion is a war, it is not anything that you see everyday, not peace and order o law and order. It will… If we allow it to overcome them, then this country will end something like minus the island of Mindanao,” he said.

“So ‘yung mission ninyo itong rebellion pati drugs is connected with rebellion. Ang pera ng rebellion ginamit nila ang shabu. And that is why I am not ordering, ordering you to an ordinary police action,” he added.

“I am ordering you to crush, pulpugin mo ang kalaban natin kasi hindi ito pangkaraniwang pulis. When I say, “crush them”, you have to destroy everything including lives,” the President said.

The President said he has the same orders for the soldiers on crushing the illegal drug trade.

“Ang durugista, same. You have to destroy the apparatus. Ang apparatus ‘yung mismong diyan nag-aano, nagluluto pati ‘yung nagde-deliver. Kasi kung walang nagluluto, wala ‘yung delivery. Pag wala naman delivery, mahirapan,” he said, adding that it is destroying the country.

"So you go after the last person sa drug apparatus. Kasali diyan middleman, taga-luto, taga-deliver,” he noted.

The President, meanwhile, commended the soldiers for a job well done following its efforts that led to the surrender of numerous members of the New People’s Army.
 


“First, I would like to congratulate your officers for a job well done. The briefing itself was a splendid one and at no other time, matagal na kayo sa serbisyo --- that at no other time maraming mga NPA na nag-surrender and a lot of weapons in the hands of government now,” he said.
 


“For that alone and the numerous campaigns that you’ve had, you have made me happy this afternoon to see you. And I would like you to know that I love the Armed Forces,” he added.



The Chief Executive vowed to exercise his utmost effort to end the war. 



"If it would take me 10 years to do it, I will do it, if I am still around. If I will do it until the end of my term, I will do it," he said, as he assured that the Armed Forces will receive modern equipment.
 


“So I hope to repay your services. Pinakamalaking ano ko ngayon ang Armed Forces. Bagong equipment sa inyo, bago lahat. Lahat bago from Jolo to Cagayan,” he said.
 


“Cagayan nag-deliver ako 30 million. Another 28 million to complete it. Para inyo lang ‘yan,” he added.



He also promised the soldiers that he will take care of the education of their children through a trust fund.



“They will have a good education. May trust fund ako running into billions,” he said. “Hindi na mauubos ‘yang tuition sa mga bata.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/993822

AFP calls on netizens to shun attempts by ISIS to induce sectarian war in Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 7): AFP calls on netizens to shun attempts by ISIS to induce sectarian war in Mindanao

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday called on netizens to stop circulating videos that may sow hatred among Christians and Muslims, thus helping prevent attempts by militants to induce a religious war.

“May I appeal to our social media users and our netizens. There are videos circulating around regarding certain armed elements destroying a church. We have requested that this be pulled out because it may fan hatred. It may fan hate and it is intended by these militants to induce other Christian elements to fight against these armed elements or to sow hatred among Christians and Muslim,” AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Resituto Padilla Jr. said at a Palace briefing.
The military official made the appeal after an Islamic State video was posted online that showed armed men going on a rampage inside the St. Mary’s Cathedral in Marawi City.
The militants, who belong to the Maute terror which pledged allegiance to ISIS in 2015, were seen stomping and destroying religious images before setting the church on fire.

“Please do not spread this. Let us not buy in into the plan of these terror groups to inflame the feelings of our other religions. This is not a religious war, this is a terror attack on the city of Marawi and we must be clear about it,” Padilla stressed.

Instead of circulating such materials, the AFP called on social media users and mainstream media to highlight more the compassion shown by both Christians and Muslims to their fellow citizens in this trying times.

Padilla said that the past days have shown how Christian and Muslim residents of Marawi City have helped one another in order to escape the terrors sown by the ISIS-inspired militants.

“Right before us, in the last few days were clear examples of compassion, of help between Christians and Muslims, of assistance coming from all sectors. Many of our Muslim brothers are helping their Christian friends and many Christian friends are now helping their Muslim brothers in the same way that all these help have been coming along,” he said.

“And we are very happy that these are coming out to debunk all these claims and attempts to make this a religious war. These are the good stories and may we request the media to highlight more of these in order to prevent the attempts of this terrorist group to make this a religious war of sort which is not,” Padilla said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/993947

Maute video convinced Lacson on need for martial law in Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 7): Maute video convinced Lacson on need for martial law in Mindanao

The video showing the Maute Group planning the Marawi City attack all the more convinced Sen. Panfilo Lacson that martial law in Mindanao was necessary.

“…This video footage, among other disclosures in the security briefing made by top security officials of the Duterte administration during our executive caucus, is what made me decide to vote in favor of the martial law proclamation in Mindanao,” Lacson said in a statement on Wednesday.

Lacson, former Philippine National Police chief, said that he also thought that lawmakers who opposed the martial law proclamation did not understand the situation of Mindanao island.

“…Our colleagues who still oppose the martial law proclamation either did not understand the gravity of the security threat posed by the rebellion in the south, or they are simply opposed to anything that President Duterte does or acts on,” he added.

Lacson was one of the senators who voted against holding a joint congressional session to deliberate on Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s martial law declaration in Mindanao.

Others who voted against the resolution were Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III, Senators Juan Edgardo Angara, Nancy Binay, Joseph Victor Ejercito, Richard Gordon, Gringo Honasan, Loren Legarda, Manny Pacquiao, Cynthia Villar and Juan Miguel Zubiri.

Last May 29, the Senate and some national security officials met in a close-door meeting to discuss martial law in Mindanao.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and national security adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. were both present during the meeting.

Reports showed that the video offered a peek of the local terrorists' sketching out their plan to attack Marawi City on the back of a paper calendar.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/994014

AFP clears Bangolo of Maute Group terrorists

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 7): AFP clears Bangolo of Maute Group terrorists

Military forces are now starting to clear Marawi City's Bangolo District where the remnants of the Maute Group are now preparing their last stand, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said Wednesday.

"I don't know the exact size of the area but it is concentrated in the area of Bangolo (which is full of tall buildings and houses) which they filled with sniper positions making it difficult for government troops to move," he added.

Military sources placed the size of the area to be cleared in Bangolo to around "three kilometers by three kilometers" and is considered the financial hub of Marawi City.

As of 6 p.m. of June 6, Maute Group members killed in the military action was placed at 134, with government losses at 39, and 20 civilian executed by the terrorists.

The number of firearms captured from the Maute Group is now at 115 while some 1,545 civilians were rescued.

Padilla said current focus of military operations in Marawi City: clearing of Marawi of militants still in the area; continue rescue of trapped residents; continue recovery of civilian casualties, victims; and, assisting the local government units, civil society organizations and non-government organizations on relief operations.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/994004

MILF: Moro Youth Group Calls For Immediate Termination Of Airstrike In Marawi City

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Jun 5): Moro Youth Group Calls For Immediate Termination Of Airstrike In Marawi City



Sittie Janine Gamao of the Coalition for Moro Youth Movement calls for the immediate termination of airstrikes in Marawi City during a martial law forum on June 2, 2017. Photo by Rappler

A youth Moro group called for the immediate termination of airstrikes, Rappler said in its report on June 2.

“We are calling for an end to airstikes because we are seeing that even civilians are being regarded as enemies of the government, we want to remind them that they are hunting down the Maute Group only but because of the continuing airstikes, the civilians feel they're also the enemy”, said Sittie Janine Gamao of the Lanao-based Coalition of Moro Youth Movement.

Gamao and fellow Maranaos, some of them displaced by the Marawi crisis, were in the capital to join several dialogues, including the martial law forum on Friday, June 2, led by civic groups, lawyers groups and representatives from the Commission on Human Rights, the Rappler report also said.

Norkaya Mohammad, an educator at the Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi said that her sibling's home is in the first village hit by the airstrike.

In past days, the AFP repeatedly assured civilians safety from their aistrikes but the recent error was used as an example by former human rights chair Etta Rosales during the forum to bolster calls to end the airstrikes.

“The fact that the military made a mistake is enough reason to stop the airstrikes”, Rosales said.

As of the latest update, there are 2,000 civilians that remain trapped in Marawi City, most of them in areas controlled by terror group Maute.

During the 4-hour humanitarian ceasefire, the GPH-MILF Peace Corridor had rescued more than a hundred civilians trapped in the war zone.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/878/moro_youth_group_calls_for_immediate_termination_of_airstrike_in_marawi_city

MILF: MILF 1st Vice Chairman Jaafar Appeals For Immediate Release Of Fr. Soganob

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Jun 7): MILF 1st Vice Chairman Jaafar Appeals For Immediate Release Of Fr. Soganob



Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) Chair and (MILF) 1st Vice Chairman Ghazali Jaafar

An article posted online by Mindanews on June 5 says that Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) 1st Vice Chairman Ghazali Jaafar appealed for the immediate release of Fr. Teresito “Chito” Soganub, who has been held captive since clashes between goverment forces and terrorists in Marawi began on May 23.

He also urged the hostage-takers to free the youth, women, and seniors still trapped in Marawi.

Jaafar made this appeal during the “Iftar for Peace” Saturday at the Park Inn by Radisson Davao, Mindanews said in the same article

“I just would like to take this opportunity to appeal again (to his captors). We appeal to you to release Fr. Chito. In the name of peace, release and free him. He is a priest, a religious leader, and a person of hope,” Jaafar said during the ‘iftar’.

He said that the followers of Islam revere priests and leaders of other religious groups.

Jaafar said the MILF members continue to give assistance in the field of humanitarian assistance to the residents who are displaced in Marawi.

A joint GPH-MILF Peace Corridor has been set up to undertake and provide humanitarian assistance to Marawi folks still trapped in the rubles of the city.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/879/milf-1st-vice-chairman-jaafar-appeals-for-immediate-release-of-fr--soganob-

DWDD: Troops recover P52M in Marawi

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jun 6): Troops recover P52M in Marawi

 

Camp Ranao, Marawi City – Troops confronting the Daesh-inspired Maute/ASG in house to house battle recovered voluminous cash ammounting to 52,200,000 Pesos in Marawi today.

Marine forces doing house to house clearing against the terrorists recovered the amount and under constant fire, a team extricated the area to surrender the millions to the Hqs of Task Force Marawi.

The recovered money will be for safekeeping of proper authorities until appropriate investigation is conducted and proper identification of owner is estanlished.



Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, commander of Western Mindanao Command lauded the troops for a splendid job and vowed to make every possible step to safeguard the properties of the people of Marawi and take all actions to free remaining trapped civilians inside terrorists’ stronghold.

“I commend and salute our troops for keeping the highest standard of discipline, valor and commitment in safeguarding Marawi and defending the community from terror elements. We will persevere in taking steps to minimize the hardships of our people in Marawi when they come back home” Lt. Gen. Galvez said.

“Our soldiers are committed to make all possible actions to free all trapped civilians in Marawi even at risk of their own lives” Lt. Gen. Galvez assured the public.

Brig. Gen. Joselito Rolando Bautista, commander of Task Force Marawi also commended troops for their act of honesty as he ponted the destruction done by terrorists. “We are proud of our soldiers in the field. Their commendable actions in caring for our people bespeak of the best practices in the AFP” Brig. Gen. Bautista said.

“This is a proof that our soldiers do not engage in looting and the AFP will not tolerate such. This also breaks the propaganda of Maute/ASG and their symphatizers in peddling twisted data and disinformation accusing our soldiers of every conceivable crime. In contrast, the Maute/ASG vandalized, looted and burned school buildings, hospital rooms, houses and destroyed many properties in Marawi” Brig. Gen. Bautista conclude

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/06/06/troops-recover-p52m-in-marawi/

DWDD: 6 NPA rebels surrender to Army unit in Maguindanao

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jun 7): 6 NPA rebels surrender to Army unit in Maguindanao



The 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion, Mechanized Infantry Division, Philippine Army under LTC LAURO G OLIVEROS CAV (GSC) Commanding Officer, welcomed the 6 NPA rebels back into the fold of law this morning, June 06, 2017 in Barangay Kamasi, Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

 The rebel returnees were identified as Elsie Absalon, Fatima Sabnol Tubalay, Adog Jan Gonde, Dadok Ebus alias Kohan, Banol Ebus alias Ben, and Dante Sapakas alias Bosing.

The 6 NPAs handed over their 3 long barrel homemade shot guns, 1 M16 rifle, 1 homemade M14 rifle, and 1 40mm M79 with assorted magazines and ammunitions.

Last Thursday (June 01, 2017), 4 rebel returnees who are members of Manobo tribe from Sultan Kudarat province surrendered to same Army unit after being demoralized by extreme hardships and false promises within revolutionary movement.



The 6 returnees have expressed their frustrations over futility in the mountains and struggles in moving from one place into another.

Major General Arnel B Dela Vega, Commander of 6ID, assured that the rebel returnees will be given financial assistance and livelihood package as part of the program of the government for local integration.

“I strongly urge and call other rebels who are victims of deception of the NPA to lay down their arms and go back to the fold of law,” the Commander added.

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/06/07/6-npa-rebels-surrender-to-army-unit-in-maguindanao/

DWDD: Legal Team augments EastMinCom

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jun 7): Legal Team augments EastMinCom



NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) received legal augmentation team from General Headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on June 6, 2017.

The legal team composed of 10 Military Lawyers made their call with the Commander, EMC and had their integration briefing and meeting with the Command staff. They will form part of the Martial Law Implementation Structure (MILS) which will provide inputs, assessment, recommendations, and assist in capacitating the troops in the conduct of law enforcement and legal procedures of the Martial Law implementation. Their deployment is in accordance with the guidelines of Martial Law Chief Implementor General Eduardo Año, that all actions of the AFP should be in accordance to the rule of law and that no abuse will be committed.

Further, the legal team will be closely coordinating with the Legal Quick Response Teams (QRTs) that will be organized by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, Prosecutors and the Commission on Human Rights.

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/06/07/legal-team-augments-eastmincom/