Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Trump Bonds With Duterte Over Their Dislike of Obama, Avoids Human Rights

From Bloomberg (Nov 13): Trump Bonds With Duterte Over Their Dislike of Obama, Avoids Human Rights
                
  • Duterte tells U.S. president: ‘We are an important ally’
  • Philippines says Trump ‘appeared sympathetic’ on drug war
U.S. President Donald Trump bonded with Rodrigo Duterte over a common dislike for Barack Obama, whose criticism of the Philippine leader’s deadly war on drugs last year spurred a rift between the allies.

“The relationship appears to be very warm and very friendly,” Duterte spokesman Harry Roque told reporters after they met in Manila on Monday. “They’ve been very candid in their dealings, and it’s very apparent that both of them have a person who they consider as not their best friend. They have similar feelings toward former U.S. President Barack Obama.”



Trump and Duterte in Manila on Nov. 12.
Photographer: Athit Perawongmetha/AFP via Getty Images


The White House didn’t immediately respond to a question on whether the leaders discussed Obama.

Ahead of the meeting, Trump said he had a “great relationship” with Duterte and called the regional meetings in Manila “very successful.” They both ignored shouted questions about alleged abuses carried out under Duterte’s deadly battle against narcotics.

The bonhomie between the leaders stands in contrast to a year ago, when Duterte cursed out Obama for criticizing his war on drugs that has left thousands dead. Duterte subsequently pivoted toward China, de-escalating tensions with Beijing over their competing South China Sea claims and winning $24 billion worth of Chinese investment and loans.

Trump on Monday also held a three-way meeting with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, both U.S. allies, and separately met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Trump said he made “big progress” on trade during his 11-day Asia trip, and would make a statement on North Korea and trade when he returns to the U.S.

Yet his encounter with Duterte captured the spotlight. Last year, the Philippine leader questioned the U.S. alliance and told Obama he could “go to hell” after the former U.S. president called for his drugs war to be fought “in a way that’s consistent with basic international norms.”

On Monday, Duterte again paid respect to a mutual defense treaty that has underpinned the U.S.’s Asia-Pacific strategy since World War II.

“We are your ally,” Duterte said to Trump. “We are an important ally.”

U.S. Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters that human rights came up briefly in the context of Duterte’s fight against illegal drugs, adding that the conversation also focused on the Islamic State and trade.

But Duterte’s spokesman disputed that account, adding that Trump “appeared sympathetic” when the Philippine president explained about the country’s drug problems during their 40-minute meeting.
Love Song

“There was no mention of human rights,” Roque told reporters. “There was no mention of extrajudicial killings. There was only a rather lengthy discussion about the Philippine war on drugs with President Duterte doing most of the explaining.”

Trump also asked why U.S. cars face higher tariffs than Japanese automobiles, Roque said, and said he would study a potential bilateral trade deal with the Philippines. He added that the U.S. administration seemed most interested in trade.

The tough-talking Duterte, famed for his profanity-riddled outbursts, has spoken warmly of Trump, saying recently that their mouths move “in the same cadence.” At a gala dinner on Sunday night, Duterte sang a Filipino love song “upon the orders of the commander-in-chief of the United States,” according to a video posted on Twitter by a Philippine government official.

While the meeting between Trump and Duterte wouldn’t solve all the problems between the nations, it will “move our relationship forward,” Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano told reporters on Sunday ahead of the meeting.

“There is no doubt that there were some ill feelings, there were some hills and valleys in our relationship with the U.S., especially at the latter end of the Obama administration,” Cayetano said. “But it’s been repaired and strengthened by President Trump.”

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-11-13/trump-to-meet-duterte-as-ties-warm-a-year-after-obama-dust-up

1 slain, 4 hurt in MILF-MNLF ‘rido’

From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 13): 1 slain, 4 hurt in MILF-MNLF ‘rido’

The killing on Saturday of a member of the Moro Islamis Liberation Front (MILF) led to an encounter with another Moro group in Matalam, North Cotabato, the police here reported.

Killed was Tony Polalong, member of the 108th base command of the MILF that is based in Barangay Marbel, Matalam.

Police identified the suspect as Karim Unsil, 38, member of the 15th council of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and a resident of Sitio Kisupit, Barangay Marbel in Matalam.

Chief Inspector Sunny Leoncito, chief of Matalam police, hinted that “rido” or clan feud as the motive behind the killing.

Reports said Unsil shot dead Polalong during a heated argument while they were in the barangay center in Barangay Marbel, on Saturday.

The suspect, according to Leoncito, sought refuge in an MNLF camp in the area.

Polalong’s clan, however, pursued Unsil that led to an encounter between the MILF and the MNLF that resulted in the wounding of four residents.

On the MNLF side, wounded were Jocelyn Tan and 32-year old Anisa Iman, both residents of Barangay Marbel, while on the MILF side, those hurt were Francis Imbong Abas and Russel Naga.

The firefight lasted until 630 p.m., on Saturday.

Police said that on Sunday, both commanders of the two local Moro fronts met and discussed possibilities of ending the armed conflict between the two warring clans to prevent further harm to both parties.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2017/11/13/1-slain-4-hurt-in-milf-mnlf-rido/

Local execs try to sette MILF-MNLF feud after guerilla's death

From the Philippine Star (Nov 13): Local execs try to sette MILF-MNLF feud after guerilla's death



The conflict between local forces of the Moro National Liberation Front and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front erupted Sunday afternoon when an MILF member was shot dead. File photo

NORTH COTABATO, Philippines — Officials are trying to settle amicably two rival groups locked since Sunday in a showdown sparked by the murder of a guerilla in Matalam town.
 
Four people have since been wounded in the skirmishes, now confined in hospitals.

The conflict between local forces of the Moro National Liberation Front and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front erupted Sunday afternoon when an MNLF member shot dead Tony Pulalon of the MILF.

Pulalon is a resident of Barangay Ilian in Matalam, North Cotabato.

Superintendent Bernard Tayong, spokesman of the provincial police, said MILF leaders in Matalam have pointed to MNLF’s Abdulkarim Munsil as Pulalon’s killer.
 
Tayong said relatives of Pulalon and his companions in the MILF vengefully attacked Munsil and his MNLF companions immediately, triggering intermittent exchanges of gunfire that lasted for more than two hours.

“The firefight began even before responding police investigators could reach the scene to investigate on the murder of Pulalon,” Tayong said.

Jocelyn Tan and Anisa Iman, both spouses of MNLF members, were wounded in the ensuing crossfire, according to the Matalam municipal police office.

Chief Inspector Sunny Leoncito of the Matalam municipal police said two from the MILF community, Francis Abas and Razel Naga, were also injured in the ensuing firefight.
 
Leoncito and Tayong both said local officials and members of the Matalam municipal peace and order council are now trying to broker a peaceful solution to the conflict.
 

One soldier killed, two others wounded in two separate clashes vs NPA rebels

From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 13): One soldier killed, two others wounded in two separate clashes vs NPA rebels

One soldier was killed while two others were wounded in two separate encounters against New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Isabela and Abra over the weekend.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines-Northern Luzon Command (AFP-NoLCom), said the first encounter took place at about 12:50 p.m. yesterday.


(MANILA BULLETIN)
It was learned that troops of the 24th Infantry Battalion, 5th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, were conducting combat security operation in Barangay Alangitan, Tubo, Abra, when they were fired upon by 10 NPA rebels under the Kilusang Larangan Gerilya (KLG) Montes operating in the area of Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

A ten-minute firefight ensued resulting in the recovery of NPA personal belongings and wounding of two government soldiers.

The two soldiers, who were slightly wounded, were immediately evacuated to the nearest hospital for proper medication and treatment.

As this developed, another encounter took place at about 2:07 p.m. in So. Minanga, Barangay San Carlos, Echague, Isabela, which resulted in the death of a soldier of the 86th Infantry Battalion.

It was learned that the troops were conducting combat operation when they engaged 30 NPAs from the Komiteng Rehiyon-Hilagang Silangang Luzon (KR-HSL) Central Front.

The military said communist terrorists suffered undetermined number of casualties in both incidents.

As this developed, additional troops were deployed in the area purposely to conduct pursuit operations against the withdrawing dissidents.

All patrol bases were also alerted for possible harassment establishing checkpoints in their respective areas, together with the PNP units.

NoLCom said it would continue to conduct focused military operations (FMO) to address the communist terrorist threats against the people’s right to live peacefully and their hostile activities hampering the development in the area.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2017/11/13/one-soldier-killed-two-others-wounded-in-two-separate-clashes-vs-npa-rebels/

8 ex-rebels get cash help from Negros provincial govt

From the Manila Times (Nov 12): 8 ex-rebels get cash help from Negros provincial govt

Eight former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels received P15,000 cash assistance each from the provincial government after their surrender to the Philippine Army in Negros recently.

Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. said the amount is part of the immediate cash assistance of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP).

“We thank the Philippine Army and the provincial government for their help to us and we will not go hungry and tired anymore in the mountains. I pity our children because they will not have a bright future with the false promises of the NPA leaders,” said Ka Glen, former organizer of the North Negros Front, Kilusang Rehiyon-Negros.

The returnees will undergo a livelihood training prior to the release of another P50,000 each for livelihood assistance that will help them start a normal life.

http://www.manilatimes.net/8-ex-rebels-get-cash-help-negros-provincial-govt/362358/

Soldier killed in NPA encounter in Misamis Oriental

From the often pro-CPP online publication the Davao Today (Nov 12): Soldier killed in NPA encounter in Misamis Oriental



A member of the 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion was killed in an encounter with the New People’s Army (NPA) in a Misamis Oriental town on Sunday, November 12.

Col. Alex Aduca, commander of the said battalion, identified Technical Sergeant Edgar Andal as the casualty. Corporal Raymart Pamplona, who was with Andal during the incident, survived the attack.

The two soldiers were onboard a motorcycle driven by Pamplona, and were on their way to check the road networks in the province following series of heavy rain, said Aduca.

Aduca said there were coming from their patrol base in Sitio Dunggoan to Sitio Kalamalamahan when they saw a checkpoint, apparently not belonging to government troops.

Tey realized that they were already surrounded by men who would later attack them,” said Aduca.

Pamplona, although wounded, was able to drive back to their patrol base, but Andal fell on the ground as he was hit by the firing.

The NPA has yet to release a statement regarding the incident but both the military and the Police Regional Office 10 claimed it was carried out by the rebel group’s North Central Regional Committee.

For sometime now, Aduca said the NPA operates at the boundaries of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon, uncluding Rogongon, a boundary of Iligan City in Lanao del Norte.

The group is now occupying a community called Malagsom in Sitio Libandayan, Rogongon, an area formerly occupied by the workers of a construction firm behind the road projects of the government.

http://davaotoday.com/main/headline/soldier-killed-in-npa-encounter-in-misamis-oriental/

Cop killed, another hurt in Masbate ambush

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 12): Cop killed, another hurt in Masbate ambush

A policeman was killed while another was wounded in an ambush by suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels Sunday morning in San Fernando town in Masbate province, police said.

Police Officer 1 Matthew Baybayon was slain while PO1 Edgarde Demingoy was wounded when a group of NPA rebels waylaid their team in Barangay (village) Buyo at around 9 a.m., Sr. Insp. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Bicol police spokesperson, said.

Calubaquib, quoting a spot report, said the victims, both members of the 5th Regional Public Safety Battalion based in Barangay Canares, Batuan town, were investigating a shooting incident that took place in Barangay Buyo.

While on their way back to their station, they were attacked by the NPA rebels. The rebels also carted away the two service firearms of the victims.

Responding police brought the wounded cop Demingoy to the Sto. Niño Medical Clinic. He was later transferred to the MC Hospital in Masbate City for medical treatment.

Recovered from the ambush area were empty shells for M203, M16, M14 and AK 47 assault rifles.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/944880/cop-killed-another-hurt-in-masbate-ambush

As Trump Visits ASEAN Summit, Philippine Groups Stage Huge Anti-Imperialist Rallies

From Telesur (Nov 12): As Trump Visits ASEAN Summit, Philippine Groups Stage Huge Anti-Imperialist Rallies

IN PICTURES: “The ASEAN Summit translates to unlimited exploitation and unlimited plunder,” said Anakbayan National Chairperson Vencer Crisostomo.

Mass movements from across the Philippines have staged huge protests across Metro Manila to protest the ASEAN summit and the visit of U.S. President Donald Trump, sparking massive repression by Philippine National Police personnel tasked with guarding the summit.

Describing Trump and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte as “fascists with unparalleled disdain for human rights,” movements such as national democratic youth group Anakbayan say Trump's visit will further cement the neocolonial relations between the United States and the Philippines.

Accusing the Philippine president of dependency on the United States, the group also say Trump's visit will provide a green light to Duterte's attacks on the people, bolster a neoliberal economic agenda that will rob the country of its sovereignty, and further militarize the country as the region experiences heightened military tensions.

"Trump is bringing the Asia-Pacific onto the brink of nuclear war with his stepped up provocations against North Korea. But Duterte is all too happy to drag the Philippines into another U.S. war of aggression to please his idol and puppetmaster Donald Trump," said Anakbayan Secretary General Einstein Recedes.
 
Anakbayan National Chairperson Vencer Crisostomo denounced the summit, accusing it of pushing for the removal of constitutional limits to foreign ownership of land, utilities, and other industries.

“The ASEAN Summit translates to unlimited exploitation and unlimited plunder by pushing for the removal of all trade and investment barriers to allow the unlimited plunder and exploitation of Filipino resources and cheap labor,” said Anakbayan National Chairperson Vencer Crisostomo.

Crisostomo was among 20 protesters who were attacked by police Sunday as protesters fought back against police attempts to disperse demonstrators. While the protesters were bloodied, none of them sustained life-threatening injuries. Several paralegal observers from human rights group Karapatan were also detained by police as they attempted to drive their van to the protest, suffering physical abuse and the theft of their personal belongings during the arrest.

"Who do we expect to guard a human rights violator, fascist, and bigot like U.S. President Donald Trump?” asked Karapatan Secretary-General Cristina Palabay. “None other than his fellow fascists, personified by our own police force.

On Monday, Trump and Duterte will hold talks Monday in a widely-anticipated meeting on the outskirts of the ASEAN conference. Among the topics to be discussed is the contentious issue of human rights.

“We expect Trump to talk about human rights with such a record? This is a different level of shamelessness, hypocrisy and pretense,” Palabay said.

“The Trump administration is allocating more for the destruction and plunder of nations, with $US5.7 billion requested by the U.S. Defense Department for foreign military servicing to fund U.S. interventionist wars all over the world, alongside shoving their version of ‘democracy’ down peoples’ throats – no doubt an arrangement where subservience and puppetry to US demands remain the order of the day,” she added.

On Sunday Duterte serenaded the former reality television host with a love song following what he called “the orders of the commander-in-chief of the United States."

“The imperialist chief’s visit will altogether trump Duterte’s claims of upholding an independent foreign policy and prove it to be an empty brag. Duterte has largely proved himself to be subordinate to U.S. policy dictates,” said the Communist Party of the Philippines Information Bureau, which remains banned.

“The Filipino people must confront the Duterte regime’s subservience to U.S. imperialism, particularly, its counterinsurgency doctrine and 'war on terror' which serve as pretext for (the) U.S. military presence, intervention and control of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” the CPP continued. “They should also denounce the regime’s push for all-out economic liberalization in order to comply with U.S and China dictates and attract foreign investments.”


Anti-Trump protesters deface an ASEAN poster as they oppose the planned visit of U.S. President Donald Trump who is attending the ASEAN leaders summit in Manila, Philippines November 7, 2017. Photo:Reuters


 "The 13-foot Trump Effigy has rolled out in Manila. His four arms form a swastika sign, symbolizing fascism, war and plunder. Who's that hiding behind his leg? The arms rotate, a 'fascist spinner' according to artist group Ugat Lahi." - Nato Reyes, BAYAN Photo:Max Santiago


 Protesters from youth group Anakbayan "welcome" the ASEAN leaders' summit. Photo:Anakbayan


 Protesters burn a mock U.S. flag to protest the visit of U.S. President Donald Trump to attend the ASEAN leaders summit in Manila, Philippines, November 7, 2017. Photo:Reuters


 Protesters demand an end to attacks on Indigenous Peoples (IPs) across the Philippines. Photo:IBON International


 Protesters are hit by a water cannon as they try to march towards the U.S. embassy during a rally against U.S. President Donald Trump's visit, in Manila, Philippines November 12, 2017. Photo:Reuters


 Protesters fight back against tactical police officers as they try to march towards the U.S. embassy during a rally against U.S. President Donald Trump's visit, in Manila, Philippines, November 12, 2017. Photo:Reuters


 A protester confronts anti-riot police officers during a protest against U.S. President Donald Trump's visit at the Philippine International Convention Center, venue of the upcoming 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Manila, Philippines, November 11, 2017. Photo:Reuters


 Protesters burn homemade U.S. flags to denounce the visit of U.S. President Donald Trump, who will attend the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders summit, during a protest along a main street in metro Manila, Philippines, November 12, 2017. Photo:Reuters


 Protesters kick barricades towards tactical police officers during a protest to denounce the visit of U.S. President Donald Trump, who will attend the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders summit, in metro Manila, Philippines, November 12, 2017. Photo:Reuters


 Protesters clash with tactical police officers as they try to march towards the U.S. embassy during a rally against U.S. President Donald Trump's visit, in Manila, Philippines, November 12, 2017. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha Photo:Reuters


 Protesters throw red paint to a picture of U.S. President Donald Trump during a rally against his visit in Manila, Philippines, November 11, 2017. Photo:Reuters


 Protesters display a banner during a protest to denounce the visit of U.S. President Donald Trump, who will be attending the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders summit, in metro Manila, Philippines November 12, 2017. Photo:Reuters


 Protesters clash with tactical police officers as they try to march towards the U.S. embassy during a rally against U.S. President Donald Trump's visit, in Manila, Philippines November 10, 2017. Photo:Reuters


 Members of the GABRIELA (Women's Group) shout anti-U.S. government slogans while denouncing the planned visit of U.S. President Donald Trump to attend the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders summit during a protest outside the U.S. embassy in metro Manila, Philippines November 9, 2017. Photo:Reuters


 Tactical policemen blocked members of the GABRIELA (Women's Group) who denounce the planned visit of U.S. President Donald Trump to attend the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders summit during a protest outside the U.S. embassy in metro Manila, Philippines, November 9, 2017. REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco Photo:Reuters


 Tactical police officers block protesters trying to march towards the U.S. embassy during a rally against U.S. President Donald Trump's visit, in Manila, Philippines November 10, 2017. Photo:Reuters


 "Youth groups led by Anakbayan welcome the second day of ASEAN 2017 with a militant protest condemning the continuing imperialist plunder led by the U.S. and its president Donald Trump." Photo:Anakbayan


 "More than 20 injured at Manila protest vs Trump. Police used water cannons on protesters. One activist arrested. Trump arrives today in Manila. We condemn in the strongest terms the state fascism that has been imposed on Filipino protesters. The protests are justified. Trump is an enemy of the people. He is a fascist and a racist who supports other fascist regimes." Photo:BAYAN 

Philippine Army anticipates more militant threats after Marawi

From Arab News (Nov 12): Philippine Army anticipates more militant threats after Marawi



Ambitious individuals will follow in the footsteps of Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Khayam Maute, the top militant leaders in the Philippines who were killed in an army offensive, security officials said.

Hapilon was the Daesh-designated chief for Southeast Asia, and Maute was a leader of the group that laid siege to Marawi City.

 The military continues to monitor parts of Central Mindanao such as Cotabato and Maguindanao, where there are militant groups sympathetic to Daesh. Communities in these areas are reportedly bracing for further battles.

 The military and defense departments say these groups do not have the capability to launch attacks similar to what the Maute Group did in Marawi.

“The elimination of Hapilon and the Maute clan’s leadership dealt Daesh a major blow in the country,” Arsenio Andolong, Department of National Defense (DND) spokesman, told Arab News.

“They still have supporters who are at large, but given the decimation of their leadership structure in the Philippines, we doubt they can muster the same number of forces that they did in Marawi,” he said.

“They’re obsessed with promoting the perception that they’re still an entity to be reckoned with, but they’re now in a state of disarray, and we’re actively pursuing them so as not to allow them to consolidate and achieve any cohesion,” he added, referring to Maute remnants.

 Andolong said among those who have embraced violent extremism, there will always be those who will look at Hapilon and the Mautes as inspirations.

“This is deeply imbedded in the psyche of those who’ve been radicalized,” he added.

“Even if the battle for Marawi hadn’t happened, there will still be those — Muslim or non-Muslim — who will be lured in and driven by the ideas of violent extremism.”

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla said following the government’s success in Marawi, Maute’s capacity to launch another major attack has been adequately degraded, and it will take a while for it to regroup and reorganize.

“It won’t be able to launch Marawi-like attacks now or in the near future,” Padilla told Arab News.

But other groups, such as the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and the Ansarul Khilafah Philippines (AKP) in Central Mindanao, continue to pose a threat, he said.

 However, the AFP and other security agencies have been proactive in addressing such threats, he added.

 The nature and scale of attacks by these groups would not match what was witnessed in Marawi, Padilla said.

 But “the capacity for grenade-throwing incidents, IED (improvised explosive devices) attacks, harassment of military and police areas, and terrorist activities to scare residents of certain communities will continue. The AFP’s focus will be to degrade and neutralize all these groups.”

Padilla said the possibility of lone-wolf attacks cannot be ruled out. “That’s why we’ve constantly called on the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with the authorities.”

Rejecting the claim by security experts that the battle for Marawi might inspire an ambitious new generation of Muslim extremists in Mindanao, he added: “We believe we’ve greatly contributed to facilitating a more stable regional security environment.”

The Marawi crisis has highlighted the need for greater regional cooperation, he said, adding that all foreign fighters in the city had been killed.

 But their exact number is hard to determine as “most of the cadavers that have been recovered are beyond recognition.”

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1192411/world

Troops recover 30 Maute firearms in Lake Lanao

From GMA News Online (Nov 13): Troops recover 30 Maute firearms in Lake Lanao

Government troops on Sunday recovered 30 high-powered firearms left by Maute group members in Lake Lanao in Marawi City.

Colonel Romeo Brawner, Joint Task Force Ranao deputy commander, said joint military forces recovered the firearms during search and clearing operations in Lake Lanao near the Bandaringin Mosque in Barangay Marinaut.

He said one of the members of the search teams saw one weapon visible from the surface and dived down to get it.

He said other groups participated in the search and discovered more firearms.

“It is believed that the terrorist, during the last hours of the firefight when they have smelled defeat and when they were about to make their final escape, threw their weapons into the lake,” said Brawner.

He said troops will continue the search operations in Lake Lanao on Monday hoping to recover more firearms.

 http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/632916/troops-recover-30-maute-firearms-in-lake-lanao/story/

Vandals hit Catholic church in Maguindanao town

From the Philippine Star (Nov 12): Vandals hit Catholic church in Maguindanao town



Shariff Aguak is a short distance away fromMamasapano, Shariff Saidona and Salibo towns. Google Maps
MAGUINDANAO, Philippines — Authorities are investigating the vandalism of an 80-year-old Catholic chapel in Shariff Aguak town and the burning of antique religious icons from there before dawn on Saturday.
 
Shariff Aguak Mayor Marop Ampatuan told The STAR on Sunday that he has requested the municipal police to find out who desecrated the church and prosecute them.
 
"This is something we cannot tolerate. We cannot allow terrorists to wedge the religious solidarity of Muslims, Christians and Lumads in our municipality," said Ampatuan, chairman of the municipal peace and order council.
 
Shariff Aguak is a short distance away fromMamasapano, Shariff Saidona and Salibo towns, where there are members and sympathizers of the three factions of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.
 
Leaders of the three BIFF groups, mostly clerics, have been stoking animosity against non-Muslims using religious differences, poverty and other social disparities as talking points.
 
Catholic priest Eliseo Mercado, Jr. of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate congregation, who had served in Shariff Aguak and nearby towns during the early years of his priesthood, said the government should act on the incident swiftly.
 
The vice mayor of Shariff Aguak, Hadji Akmad Ampatuan, and Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu both offered rewards for information on who vandalized the chapel.
 
“We condemn that incident. That was blasphemy. Islam teaches respect for religions and worship sites. Islam teaches religious tolerance. We have a principle in our religion that says there is no compulsion in religion,” Mangudadatu said.
 
Army and police intelligence officials said they are validating information from villagers that sympathizers of Abu Toraife, the leader of one of three factions in the BIFF, are responsible for the desecration.
 
Toraife, also known as Esmael Abdulmalik, and his men were driven away from their lairs in Maguindanao province last September by forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front following six weeks of hostilities that exacted fatalities on both sides.
 
The MILF’s operation against Toraife and his followers was in keeping with its ceasefire accord with the government.
 
The interim security pact enjoins both sides to cooperate in maintaining law and order in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.
 

Sayyaf member killed, 2 others arrested in Sulu

From the Sun Star-Manila (Nov 12): Sayyaf member killed, 2 others arrested in Sulu
A SUSPECTED Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) rebel was killed while two others were arrested in Parang, Sulu on Friday, a military official said Sunday.

Joint Task Force Sulu Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana said they have not identified the rebel.

The arrested persons were Delson Kansiong, 27, and Nadzfar Abdulla, 19. Kansiong and Abdulla were brought to Sulu provincial police office for proper disposition and legal procedures.

Sobejana said the killing of the bandit and the arrest of Kansiong and Nadzfar was the result of the military operation conducted in Sitio Tubig Gantang, Barangay Lagasan-Higad around 1:30 a.m. on November 10.

He said recovered during the operation were two high-powered firearms and several ammunitions.

Sobejana also announced the surrender of eight ASG members in Sulu. He identified the surrenderees as Rakib Usman Mujakkil, 35; Sadhikal Sabi Asnon, 38; Jarrain Elil, 52; Wahab Buklaw, 47; Anggan Ali Sahaw, 43; Bandi Ahadjula, 56; Adih Manis Juhaini, 25; and Alden Banon, 30 who were remnants of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Alhabsy Misaya.

Sobejana said the rebels voluntarily turned themselves to the members of 2nd Special Forces Battalion in its headquarters in SItio Bayug, Barangay Samak, Talipao, Sulu around 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 11.

The surrenderers also handed over their firearms including two M16 rifles, one M14 rifles and five M1 grand rifles to the authorities.

“This is another significant setback on the part of the ASG,” Sobejana said.

The Western Mindanao command earlier said 85 Abu Sayyaf members have been arrested since January in Sulu, Tawi-tawi and Zamboanga.

 http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2017/11/12/sayyaf-member-killed-2-others-arrested-sulu-574339

3 men suspected of links to Abu Sayyaf nabbed in QC

From Rappler (Nov 11): 3 men suspected of links to Abu Sayyaf nabbed in QC

Police say the suspects were arrested in Barangay Culiat, Quezon City, on November 10 – days before the ASEAN Summit in Manila

Quezon City police on Saturday, November 11, announced the arrest of 3 men with suspected links to the Abu Sayyaf Group just days ahead of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Meetings in Manila.

Police Chief Superintendent Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Director, reported the arrests to National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Chief Director Oscar Albayalde.

Eleazar said the suspects are Abdulgaffar Jikiri alias Abu Bakar Jikiri, 19; Sadam Jhofar, 24; and Alim Sabtalin, 19. All are residents of Salaam Compound in Barangay Culiat, Quezon City.

The police said the suspects were “were simultaneously arrested” in their residence at about 5:15 pm on Friday, November 10.

Authorities confiscated from the suspects assorted guns, rifles, live ammunition, and cellular phones.

The operation was carried out by joint personnel of the QCPD, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Counter Terrorism Division.

The police said the involvement of the suspects to the Abu Sayyaf is still being validated.

The suspects were inquested at the Quezon City’s prosecutor and were charged for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition under of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act in relation to the 15-day gun ban for the ASEAN Summit. They were also charged for illegal possession of explosives.

“Continuous anti-criminality preparations are being conducted to ensure the security and safety of those leaders who will attend the 31st ASEAN Summit,” the QCPD said in a statement.
 

8 Abu Sayyaf members surrender in Sulu

From GMA News Online (Nov 12): 8 Abu Sayyaf members surrender in Sulu

The military on Sunday said eight members of the Abu Sayyaf group have surrendered in Sulu.

Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of Joint Task Force Sulu, said the eight bandits were remnants of the group of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Alhabsy Misaya.

Sobejana said the bandits surrendered to the 2nd Special Forces Battalion at its headquarters in Sitio Bayug, Barangay Samak in Talipao town at around 7:35 a.m. on Saturday.

The bandits were identified as Rakib Usman Mujakkil, 35; Sadhikal Sabi Asnon, 38; Jarrain Elil, 52; Wahab Buklaw, 47; Anggan Ali Sahaw, 43; Bandi Ahadjula, 56; Adih Manis Juhaini, 25; and Alden Banon, 30.

The Abu Sayyaf members also surrendered eight high-powered firearms including two M16 rifles, one M14 rifle, and five M1 Garand rifles.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/632814/8-abu-sayyaf-members-surrender-in-sulu/story/

5 NPA rebels arrested in South Cotabato

From the Manila Timesn (Nov 12): 5 NPA rebels arrested in South Cotabato

FIVE members of the Main Regional Guerilla Unit (MRGU-Front 73) of the New People’s Army (NPA) were arrested in Lake Sebu of South Cotabato, the police said on Friday.

Senior Supt. Franklin Alvero, South Cotabato provincial police director, said the MRGU-Front 73 NPA guerillas had long been reported operating in the outlying villages in Lake Sebu and are believed to be collecting revolutionary taxes from businessmen in South Cotabato.

Joint elements of the Lake Sebu police operatives and the 27th Infantry Battalion arrested the rebels at a checkpoint in Sitio Datal Ligaw in Barangay Tasiman.

They were identified as Ronald Kulaman Joland, alias Karding, 19; Joey Inson Salon, alias Jack and Jordan, 24; Encarnacion Comelio Sangco, 53; Hanna Blasan Adam and Bryan Dialoring Muca, alias Brown, both 21.

Alvero confirmed that the NPA rebels were hardcore members of Platoon Samsung of the MRGU-Front 73 operating in South Cotabato, Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat.

They were led by a certain Kumander Billy and believed to be responsible for burning passenger buses of the Yellow Bus Line company.

Confiscated from them were two hand grenades, a caliber .45 pistol with ammunition, one 9mm pistol and a caliber .357 pistol.

Meanwhile, North Cotabato Gov. Lala Mendoza released P1.1-million checks for livelihood assistance to the 18 former NPAs who surrendered to the 39th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army.

Col. Harold Argamosa, 39th IB commander, said Mendoza and Interior and Local Government provincial officer Ali Abdullah handed the checks to the former guerrillas, most of them women, during the Provincial Peace and Order meeting at the provincial capitol complex on Thursday.

http://www.manilatimes.net/5-npa-rebels-arrested-south-cotabato/362230/

Philippine army targets militant groups after stamping out Maute Group

From Arab News (Nov 12): Philippine army targets militant groups after stamping out Maute Group



Having defeated the Daesh-backed Maute Group in Marawi City, the Philippine armed forces are concentrating on pursuing other militant groups in Mindanao.

This is to primarily avoid a repeat of what transpired in Marawi City, much of which was left in ruins after five months of intense fighting between government troops and the Maute Group.

 AFP spokesperson Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla told Arab News: “We have adequately addressed all the possible threats that could complicate Marawi and true enough, and God willing, we were able to fortunately quell the enemy.

“And now we will refocus our efforts in other areas where potential threats may come from.”

Among those being pursued by the Philippine military is the group of jihadist Esmail Abdulmalik, alias Abu Toraife, leader of a faction of the Bangsamoro Islamic Liberation Front (BIFF). Like the Maute Group, the BIFF has pledged allegiance to Daesh.

 Based on reports from the army, air strikes were launched following information that Abdulmalik’s group was sighted at the forested borders of Barangays Tonganon and Bentangan in the municipality of Carmen in North Cotabato this week.

 However, Padilla noted that the capabilities of Daesh sympathizers such as the BIFF and the Ansar Al-Khilafah are “not at the level of the group that attacked Marawi.”

Sidney Jones, a regional security expert, earlier described Abdulmalik as a possible contender to be the successor of Isnilon Hapilon, the Daesh-designated emir in Southeast Asia. Hapilon was killed by government forces in October during the final push for the liberation of Marawi City.

Jones notes, however, that Abdulmalik “lacks the international ties, language skills and charisma that made the Mautes so potent.”

Nonetheless the military is continuously addressing these threats, said Padilla. “And we’ll continue to do so in other areas like Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi to prevent (the threat) from growing,” said the AFP spokesman.

 He also emphasized that operations against such groups were in progress before the Marawi crisis broke out. Padilla said the BIFF even attempted to make a move during the Marawi siege, but that was thwarted by the military.

 Meanwhile, government forces have arrested three suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group during a raid at a residential unit in Salaam Compound in Culiat, in Metro Manila around 5:15 p.m. on Friday, a day before heads of state started to arrive in the Philippines for the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Related Meetings.

 Chief Superintendent Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eleazar, Quezon City Police District Director, identified the suspects as Abdulgaffar Jikiri, alias Abu Bakar Jikiri, 19; Sadam Jhofar, 24; and Alim Sabtalin, 19.

 The three were arrested in a joint action by the police, military personnel, elements of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, and the National Bureau of Investigation counter-terrorism division.

 The authorities recovered caliber 45 pistols, live magazine round, two M-203 rifle grenades and mobile phones.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1191926/world